USA III 2025
The Beale Air & Space Expo 2025 was the initial goal for this tour and around it we built a nice tour with some of the lesser visited bases by us. We had a great start in Utah, visiting Hill AFB and the beautiful Hill Aeroplane Museum, and then continued our way from Los Angeles to Sacramento, passing a series of bases and locations with beautiful aircraft.
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On Sunday 1 June 2025, nine participants arrived at Schiphol Airport an hour later than expected. The flight was delayed, but fortunately, we knew this a day in advance, so everyone was able to enjoy an extra hour of sleep. The flight was smooth, and in Salt Lake City, luggage was quickly packed and customs formalities went smoothly. The tour guide was waiting for everyone there, and the only remaining wait was for number eleven of the group, whose flight was unfortunately also delayed an hour. We used that time to get acquainted, get some local currency, buy some snacks, and arrange rental cars. When the last participant arrived, it was still far from dark, and we headed for an army barracks half an hour south of the international airport. Besides a beautiful UH-1M, there were also several military vehicles, which we leisurely examined. Then we drove a short distance north to photograph the UH-1 and OH-6 with the Utah Army National Guard at South Valley Regional Airport. At the base, we saw several UH-60Ls, HH-60Ms, and AH-64Es from the local unit, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to take any photos. A short distance from the base, we stopped at a Walmart for some groceries, and the Applebee’s next door was our first stop for an American meal. By then, most of us had run out of juice, and we only had to drive 45 minutes to our hotel for the next two nights. The keys were already waiting, and after a few quick formalities, we could go to our rooms for a wonderful night’s sleep.
Monday 2 June 2025, was Hill AFB’s day, and after breakfast, we left the hotel at 8:00 AM, simultaneously with the distant rumble of F-35s taking off—how perfect can you time it? We first scouted out a spot for the afternoon and then took up position for the morning landing. Around nine, the next six F-35s reported to the runway for a mission, and the first four arrived overhead for landing. We heard “hotpit” on the scanner, which means they refuel immediately after landing, with engines running, and then immediately resume flying. This guarantees a lot of aircraft movements. Despite two squadrons being deployed elsewhere in the world (Japan and Saudi Arabia), there was plenty of flying activity with aircraft from all three based squadrons. An easterly wind is common at Hill AFB, but during our visit, there was a westerly wind, which provides much better photography opportunities. In the late morning, the sun circled the runway, and it was time to head to nearby Ogden Hinckley Airport, where we saw, among other things, two L-39s on the apron and a civilian Blackhawk, in beautiful colours, making a beautiful landing. Back at Hill AFB, the sun had moved far enough, and in the background of the landing aircraft, you get the Wasatch Range in the photo. The remaining snow, in particular, added a nice touch. Besides the 17 F-35s, we also saw a visiting USAF C-130 and a Point Mugu C-130T making a Functional Test Flight after maintenance at the Ogden Air Logistics Center (ALC). Around 5:30 PM, the last Lighting was back on the ground, and we headed to the hotel. After a quick freshen-up, we drove to the Argentine Corner, hoping to devour a tasty piece of Argentine meat, but, aside from the name, there wasn’t much Argentine to be found. We were too lazy to go anywhere else so we ate here with a Dutchman who lives here and helped us prepare for this part of the tour. Thanks, Henk!
On Tuesday 3 June 2025, we still had a good portion of the day to spend in Salt Lake City; just after 5:00 PM, we were scheduled to fly on to Los Angeles. The main destination for today was the Hill Aerospace Museum, but before that, we had a few hours to explore the base. The wind direction was now “normal,” meaning that in the morning you’re mostly looking at the undersides of aircraft, but a few fly straight ahead for a bit longer and are quite photographable. The opportunities are better in the afternoon, as you can photograph them as they turn away from the runway, but unfortunately, we didn’t have time for that. Two F-16s took off from the ALC and had completely lost their sense of direction. After another dozen F-35s, five of which were different from the day before, we drove to the museum, where most of the aircraft looked “as good as new” and photographed well. We spent a few pleasant hours there until it was time to drive to the international airport. Returning the car and checking in went smoothly, and after a good hour and a half, we arrived in Los Angeles. The same process here, but in reverse: picking up suitcases and arranging cars, and then we headed to Bakersfield for our first overnight stay in California. Moreover, the last member of the group joined us there.
On Wednesday 4 June 2025, after breakfast, we headed to NAS Lemoore, about an hour and a half’s drive away. We quickly found our spot and saw an F/A-18F take off in the distance and give a full display. This must have been practice for the airshow at Beale AFB the following weekend. We saw more F/A-18s and F-35s take off, and after the display, the first aircraft reported for landing at the runway where we were. It was already quite warm early, but by walking back and forth a bit, we found spots where the heat haze wasn’t so pronounced. In the morning, the Super Hornet display took off again, resulting in two F-35s coming in on the other runway. Throughout the day, there was a constant stream of aircraft departing and, thankfully, returning. In the afternoon, we switched locations because of the sun and were now able to photograph several aircraft as they came in beautifully. By 5:30 pm, fighters were still taking off, but with over 40 different aircraft on the books, it was time to cool off at the hotel in Fresno.
On Thursday 5 June 2025, we start at Fresno and spot a beautiful C-130 from CALFire, along with a BAe146 and H-60 from other firefighting companies. These are also great for photos, but we’re parked a bit illegally, and the police come to take a look. We chat briefly with the friendly officer and, after the last photos, leave to find a spot in the approach. During our stop, three F-15s took off, and everything took a bit longer than expected. We find a good spot, but have to walk past a small tent camp of some friendly, somewhat less fortunate fellow citizens. On ADS-B, we see a USCG C-27 nearby and it comes in practicing two touch and goes. Meanwhile, two more Eagles take off, and a little later, all five return simultaneously. After a few go-arounds, they’re all photographed, and we take another lap around the airfield, spotting a few more Blackhawks and a Chinook near the Army maintenance facility, which we’re able to photograph. We then decide to continue on to Merced for the Castle Air Museum. The museum’s layout makes it seem endless, and after almost every aircraft, you see a few more. They’re always busy here too; a significant number of the aircraft have already been beautifully refurbished, while others still need work, but even here, they can’t do everything at once. After a few pleasant hours, we continue towards Stockton, our main target being the Army National Guard Chinooks. However, just before we arrive, the path from which we can see them clearly is closed. We do see them from a different angle, but no photos. There are also several Warbirds and Beech 18s on the airfield, which we are able to photograph well. Then we continue to our final destination for the day, a nice hotel in Sacramento, but not before a quick visit to Mather, where a California Guard unit with Blackhawks is stationed. Several of these appear on our digital cards, as well as a visiting CA ANG F-15, two preserved Hueys, and an F-105, all in the most beautiful evening light. After checking in, we conclude the evening at a bowling alley and enjoy a bit of American culture. Two participants also arrived that evening who would have liked to join the original program, but the timeframe didn’t quite work out. 4Aviation created a completely custom itinerary for them, entirely tailored to their wishes. They would join us for the next few days and then go their separate ways.
It’s already Friday 6 June 2025, and we’re off with 14 people, heading for McClellan, where many cool aircraft call home. The Coast Guard has a beautiful C-27J parked outside, and we’re able to capture it well, but unfortunately, a visit isn’t possible. At CALFire’s neighbours, we see several Hercules, a Chinook, and several B737s from another company. CALFire is the state fire department and has a large fleet of firefighting aircraft. Normally, we first check the situation from outside and then ask if it’s possible to take a look inside; these very friendly people almost always agree. But now, a car with Mike, a friendly aircraft mechanic, pulled up and asked if we’d like to visit. It was really cool, and we spent the next 3.5 hours at the base. First, we went to the hangar, where the new C-130s for CALFire are being converted, and where maintenance was also carried out on S-2s. Then we headed to the apron for the aforementioned aircraft, regularly interrupted by moving aircraft taking off or returning. We had a good view of these aircraft, both on the runway and the taxiways, and saw, among other things, a Beech, S-2, OV-10, several Chinooks, and even a USCG C-27 passing by. Then we went to the large apron, where the S-2s, OV-10s, and helicopters are normally parked, but it was largely empty due to peak season, when most aircraft are dispersed across the state for a quick fire response. Still, there was plenty to savor. At the edge of the apron, the two hangars housing OV-10s and S-70i FireHawks were also worth a visit. After a quick snack, we visited the storage area for the Hercules aircraft that still need to be prepared. All but one of them is already in full livery, but not yet equipped with fire extinguishing systems. And after a nice group photo, a fantastic visit came to an end. We then continued with the a tour fromoutside the fence and saw several cool aircraft on the aprons. After lunch, we went to the aviation museum at the airport, where we also spent a few enjoyable hours. Our other plans for the day couldn’t be fulfilled due to lack of time, but no one minded. A day of taking it easy in the heat isn’t a bad thing at all, and several of us even took a dip in the hotel pool.
One of the highlights of this trip, and for many the reason to join the tour, was the open house at the illustrious Beale AFB, home of the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady. The airfield was scheduled to open at 9:00 AM on this Saturday 7 June 2025, and we arrived well in advance. It was a few kilometers from the gate to the parking lot next to the static display. There was a short line at the security checkpoints, and we quickly finished here. Here too, foreigners had to follow a special procedure, complete a form, and have a copy of their passport made. The static display was spacious, not overly large, and almost everything was easy to photograph. It was a shame the orange pylons were in obstructive locations, but that was manageable. The air show began at 12:00 PM and ended at 4:00 PM after the Thunderbirds landed. Just after noon, the sun shifted annoyingly directly in your face, but thanks to the maneuvers of the aircraft, especially the U-2, beautiful light still fell on them regularly. A particularly special event was the U-2’s flyby at 70,000 feet, where all you could see were the contrails from the fuel dumping, and the aircraft itself wasn’t even visible in the photo. Or, what about a formation of another U-2 with two T-38s? The day flew by, and via a small museum with a UH-1 and OH-23, we headed back to the hotel. The show was fantastic and unique, but small in scale, so a significant portion of the group didn’t feel like going to the show for a second day. A brief discussion about this was held, and a plan was quickly made for Sunday.
On Sunday 8 June 2025, the last full day of the tour, three people went to the show again while the rest went looking for Wrecks & Relics in the direction of Oakland/San Francisco. The “Beale” car now entered through a different entrance and came closer to several U-2s parked in a dispersal, but unfortunately, a fence blocked good photo opportunities. We did, however, get closer to the flight line, where there were some great opportunities with the four U-2s, three T-38s, and a KC-135. During the show, the static display featured no fewer than three unique two-seater U-2s and a single-seater, four more on the flight line, and another in an open hangar. On the way to the parking lot, five more, two of which were tailless, were visible in a dispersal and were likely destined for extinction. Of these 14, we were able to capture nine well in photos, and we were very pleased with that. The flight order was slightly different today, which worked out better for the photos. The CALFire delegation left around 3:00 PM both days, and today we also saw the FireHawk arrive in the morning. All in all, a successful second visit.
The “W&R” group visited several locations that day, including Vacaville, the USS Hornet, the Oakland Aviation Museum, and also briefly Travis AFB where a KC-46 was doing circuits. Both groups arrived at the hotel almost simultaneously and concluded the tour with a traditional meal at Denny’s.
On Monday 9 June 2025, at 7:00 AM, the cars were loaded and headed for Sacramento International Airport. We fueled up the cars along the way, arriving at a nearly deserted airport. The formalities were very fast, meaning we had to wait a while for our flight, which was also slightly delayed. This added to our anxiety, as we had very little layover time in Seattle, and being stuck on the taxiway for 20 minutes because the gate isn’t free is not a pleasant experience. Fortunately, it wasn’t far to walk to our gate, and we arrived there on time for our flight to Amsterdam.
During this tour, we experienced a few new things, such as seeing Hill AFB and NAS Lemoore from the outside. We thoroughly enjoyed both and will definitely return.
