Don't normally post photos, but Hi Viz F-18's and CAG birds in particular are not common on our shores, and occasionally I'm lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time in the right weather with the camera settings in a reasonable position, and I fluke a few shots that others might like. I spent 3 weeks in the USA during Sept/Oct,and spent a couple of days at Oceana and El Centro, and got lucky. Sometimes. So here goes..
1. 165887/AD-206 of VFA-106- The CAG bird for VFA-106, which is the East coast RAG.
2. 165887/AD-206 of VFA-106 - This time leaping into the sky for the demo display at Oceana Air Show.
3. 169647/AB-11 of VFA-11. in the static display at NAS Oceana. Waited for ages for a clear shot, but it was getting busier not quieter, so I gave up..
4. 169641/AB-300 of VFA-34 in the static display at NAS Oceana, The AB wing had returned the previous week from 9 months in the Med, so understandably weren't flying.
5. 166628/AC-100 of VFA-32. in the static display at NAS Oceana. This one flew several times earlier in the week, but a good shot of it eluded me.
6. 166650/AC-200 of VFA-83. Taking part in the Fleet Review Flying display at NAS Oceana
7. 166654/AC-401 of VFA-105. Not a CAG bird, but AC-400 didn't fly whilst I was there, and it has higher viz markings than most non CAG birds.
8. 165787/AJ-100 of VFA-37, on approach to NAS Oceana.
9. 165787/AJ-100 of VFA-37, again in the static display at NAS Oceana later in the week.
10. 166638/AJ-200 of VFA-213, on approach to NAS Oceana. However, this is probably with VFA-106 now because...
11. 166890/AJ-200 of VFA-213, in the static display at NAS Oceana later in the week
12. 168910/AJ-400 of VFA-87, on approach to NAS Oceana. Landed just after lunch, when the light was right up its tailpipe, unfortunatley.
13. 168256/NA-500 of VAQ-139 on approach to NAS El Centro. 7 Aircraft were stationed at NAS North Island over the Mirimar show weekend, and 3 of these did some go-arounds at El Centro the following Tuesday.
The 'AJ' aircraft are now probably on their boat heading across the Atlantic. Anyhow - hope you enjoyed a look at what most USN carrier aircraft used to look like in the '70's before this low viz tosh took over.
Cheers
Malcolm
