During one of the recent Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course at MCAS Yuma, I had an opportunity to work with VMA-214 (Black Sheep) and 231 (Ace of Spades), amongst other units. It was a chance to see how the RAF's former Harrier fleet are being used by the US Marines. MAWTS1 were exceptional hosts throughout my stay in Yuma - so a special thanks to them.
The air op was a first for me from the ramp of an KC-130J. With a cruising and intercept altitude of 12k ft an oxygen mask was required - all part of the experience
We were up for nearly four hours circling the nearby ranges, this allowed time to take in the scenery... 1.
KC-130J Hercules by Chris Heal, on Flickr2.
KC-130J Hercules by Chris Heal, on Flickr3.
Working at 12k ft, View from the ramp of a USMC KC-130J Hercules 165738 (BH) by Chris Heal, on Flickr4.
CAG Bird, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr5.
"Double Trouble", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr6.
"Roomba", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr7.
In-flight Refuelling, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr8.
"Banking Fuel", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr9.
Marines in Action, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr10.
"Hooking Up", AV-8B Harrier II, 165001, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr11.
Two Black Sheep, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214 by Chris Heal, on Flickr12.
"Breaking Off", AV-8B Harrier II, 165001, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr13.
"Plugged In", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr14.
AV-8B Mono by Chris Heal, on Flickr15.
"Eyes on You", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr16.
"A Good Day to Fly", AV-8B Harrier II, 165577, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr17.
"Ready", Ace of Spades, VMA-231 by Chris Heal, on Flickr18.
"Ground Crew", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-231, Ace of Spades by Chris Heal, on Flickr19.
"Weapons Check", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr20.
"Visual Inspection", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr21.
AV-8B Cockpit by Chris Heal, on Flickr22.
"Stairway to Heaven", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr23.
"Last Light before Take-off", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr24.
Dusk Raiders, AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr25.
"On the Move", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr26.
Dusk Departure, AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on FlickrThanks for looking and all the best for 2020!
Cheers,
Chris
