NAF El Centro, CA; 21 Jan 09

After a rather frustrating day at Luke AFB, and a brief visit to a very quiet MCAS Yuma, we decided to spend the second day of our trip at NAF El Centro. This base is just over the state border in California, situated in a sparsely populated area, and has its own extensive range complex.

El Centro has no based aircraft of its own, but is used for deployments by various US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, to take advantage of its favourable climate, large amounts of quiet airspace and ranges, which include area where live weapons can be dropped. The base is also famous as the Winter home of the US Navy aerial demonstration team, The Blue Angels.

The countryside around NAF El Centro is mainly quiet farmland, and provide great opportunities to photograph operations. Photographers are also tolerated by the authorities, within limits, and not subject to hassle from the base security forces. However, the nature of operations at the airfield means that operations are not guaranteed, and subject to aircraft being deployed for training at the time.

At the time of our visit, we were very lucky to find that there were a large number of aircraft in residence, and most of them flew during our visit. There were also several interesting transient visitors, all making for excellent variety, and a very busy day. Most of the days movements were US Navy T-45C Goshawk trainers. There were in the region of 40 Goshawks present, from TW-1 (Training Air Wing 1, composed of VT-7 and VT-9, based at NAS Meridian, MS) and TW-2 (VT-21 and VT-22, based at NAS Kingsville, TX). Also making up a large proportion of movements were F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from VFA-122 at NAS Leemore.

We arrived at the airfield and began the day at the departure end of runway 26, the runway used by the majority of traffic. Most of the aircraft we saw were Goshawks and Super Hornets departing for the ranges, although a C-2 Greyhound also arrived to practice circuits, and a Blue Angels F-18D did a spectacular departure with a passenger on an incentive or media ride.

After a busy hour or so of watching the departures, we headed to the opposite end of the runway, in order to shoot some arrivals and taxying aircraft.

A highlight was the departure of a pair of USMC AV-8B Harriers, each carrying a 500lb JDAM and a 500lb Paveway LGB, along with a LITENING II designator pod. The aircraft returned later, with empty racks.

Further USMC visitors were a quartet of F/A-18D Hornets from VMFA(AW)-225 "Vikings" at MCAS Miramar. To our delight, one of the jets was the CO's aircraft "Death Dealer", with a black fin and spine.

Our next move was slightly further out, to allow us to shoot a different angle of the aircraft as they turned from base leg to finals, with the sun making a belated appearance in the late afternoon.

With the sun slipping low in the sky, and the Blue Angels returning from an afternoon training trip, we switched locations again, to photograph their landing, against the setting sun.

As a final bonus, we also photogrpahed a further 'Vikings' F/A-18D, and a formation of five USMC AH-1W Cobra helicopters.

A superb day at this most interesting and busy base, with thanks to Karl, Shaggy and Glenn for the company during the day.

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