FighterControl

Happy New Year everyone!

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 Flickr
2.
KC-130J Hercules by Chris Heal, on Flickr

3.
Working at 12k ft, View from the ramp of a USMC KC-130J Hercules 165738 (BH) by Chris Heal, on Flickr

4.
CAG Bird, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

5.
"Double Trouble", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

6.
"Roomba", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

7.
In-flight Refuelling, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr
8.
"Banking Fuel", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

9.
Marines in Action, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

10.
"Hooking Up", AV-8B Harrier II, 165001, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

11.
Two Black Sheep, AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214 by Chris Heal, on Flickr

12.
"Breaking Off", AV-8B Harrier II, 165001, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

13.
"Plugged In", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

14.
AV-8B Mono by Chris Heal, on Flickr

15.
"Eyes on You", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

16.
"A Good Day to Fly", AV-8B Harrier II, 165577, VMA-214, Black Sheep by Chris Heal, on Flickr

17.
"Ready", Ace of Spades, VMA-231 by Chris Heal, on Flickr

18.
"Ground Crew", AV-8B Harrier II, VMA-231, Ace of Spades by Chris Heal, on Flickr

19.
"Weapons Check", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

20.
"Visual Inspection", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

21.
AV-8B Cockpit by Chris Heal, on Flickr

22.
"Stairway to Heaven", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

23.
"Last Light before Take-off", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

24.
Dusk Raiders, AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

25.
"On the Move", AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

26.
Dusk Departure, AV-8B Harrier II by Chris Heal, on Flickr

Thanks for looking and all the best for 2020!

Cheers,
Chris

Chris - you are one very lucky guy and those are some fantastic shots! Love the thread title and for most of us, such an opportunity will always remain a dream.

What a great post this is, you certainly had one hell of a day out! Fantastic stuff

..sensational, I'll just keep on returning to look at these pics again..and again

Loverly shots but is not a KC-130J ??

Great photos - many thanks for posting them.
I don't quite understand your introductory comment "chance to see how the RAF's former Harrier fleet are being used by the US Marines" as none of the ex-UK military Harriers were in evidence!

Great shots...what a machine!

Absolutely brilliant set,but numbers 8-16 are just sublime.
Thank you very much for sharing

What an absolutely cracking set! All absolute stunners and hard to pick a favourite.

Superb photography - thank you for sharing.

Jaw-dropping, stunning, awesome....I could go on

Superb work, Chris

Thanks for sharing

Paddyboy

Lovely mate.....

Thanks for all the effort put in,great shots.

Superb - nothing else to say

Darren

Fantastic set, what an experience and what memories you will keep. Keep safe out there

Simply brilliant photos, what a great opportunity
Cheers Matt

What an absolute fantastic set of pics. Thank you for posting

Brilliant set, I assume the A2A refueling shots were taken over the Salten Sea?

Superb Chris, What a day that must of been.

What a fantastic opportunity