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2007 On Task Archive


Welcome to On Task. This is Fighter Control's very own Military Aviation Webzine, with articles and reports created by some of the most dedicated enthusiasts within the United Kingdom.

October
When you mention the name Miramar you think of the film Topgun & US Navy pilots roaring past the tower in F-14's. Those days have long since past and now the Marine Corps have taken over the show since they arrived in october 1997. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is now home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and provides aviation support to Marine ground forces based at Camp Pendleton & Twenty Nine Palms. Upon the 23,000 acre facility more than 10,000 Marines call the 3rd MAW home. [Find out what Mark got up to at Miramar.]
 
August
Tony Osborne visits Master Air Station Ørland for the most northerly Tiger Meet ever. [Arctic Prowlings - NATO Tiger Meet 2007 - MAS Ørland, Norway]
 
Michael Freer reports from this year’s highly successful Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. Additional photography by Stuart Freer. “When I recommended ‘Agile and Adaptable’ as the operational theme for RIAT 2007, I felt confident it would reflect the current strategic thinking of many of my colleagues around the globe. Together, we face an unpredictable and complex security environment that requires flexibility in order for us to react quickly and decisively to new and emerging challenges wherever – and whenever – they arise” These were the words of Air Chief Marshall Sir Glenn Torpy , RAF Chief of the Air Staff. Sir Glenn was one of the guests of honour at this year’s highly successful Royal International Air Tattoo staged over the weekend of July 14th and 15th. [Agile and Adaptable - The Royal International Air Tattoo 2007]
 
Fighter Control’s Lee James visits the home of 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. I was invited to this years families’ day event held at RAF Leeming. This family’s day was a bit special as back in February, 100 Squadron officially celebrated its 90th Anniversary. One of the oldest Squadrons of the RAF, this achievement was marked by two aircraft having special paint schemes applied. The first being the Squadrons own BAe Hawk T1.A, serial XX285, code [CB]. [100 SQN Families Day]
 
June
The Jolly Rogers have always worn some of the most colorful and recognizable squadron markings in the world, their distinctive white skull and crossbones on all-black tails, and black bands (with gold V’s) running down the sides of their aircraft’s forward fuselages, being recognized by enthusiasts around the world. Fighter Control’s Photo Editor Stuart Freer visits the home of VFA-103 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, on the East Coast of the United States. [Pirates of the East Coast - Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Three The Jolly Rogers]
 
May
When you think of the many flying units that currently equip the US Navy, the attack & fighter squadrons will probably be the first that come to mind, but one important squadron that rarely gets a mention in the media is Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero (VRC-40) who play a very important role in the modern US Navy. The squadron provides Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) services to the Navy’s Atlantic and Sixth Fleets. Check out [Carrier Dogs: Rapping with the Rawhides]
 
The air of anticipation grew as the distant growl of Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffon engines became louder. The magnificent sight of an Avro Lancaster leading a formation of two Hawker Hurricanes and five Supermarine Spitfires held those present in awe on this cold and grey day, as the magnificent formation flew low over Duxford airfield. This very special occasion was held at Duxford on Saturday May 5th to celebrate the Golden anniversary of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. [Griffons and Merlins - Fifty Golden Years]