Ex JOTAM 2000 - RAF Waddington

[F3]

While searching through my collection of E-3D Sentry pics for a forthcoming post I came across some negs from one of the most interesting exercises ever held @ Waddington - JOTAM 2000 which was for AWACS and attracted Sentries from NATO and the FAF and an E-2C from the French Navy as well as playmates in the shape of half a doz Italian Tornado F3s. As there was also the last NOMAD of the year taking place which involved the Belgians and French plus Leuchars F-3s Waddington was a very busy place and the size of the morning launch was a joy to behold, lasting over 30 mins and taking even longer for the smell of kerosene to disperse. My visit was on a beautiful (if rather crisp) Autumn day perfect for photography and I was very gratified to find that one of the two AWACS out on duty was the French Navy Hawkeye, the type I had most wanted to catch as they very rarely visit our shores. I can't remember seeing a post of this event before so hopefully it will be of interest to you all.

Sentry Tails - JOTAM 2000 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

FAF Boeing E-3F Sentry 702-CB JOTAM 2000 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

French Marine Grumman E-2C Hawkeye JOTAM 2000 (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

French Marine Grumman E-2C Hawkeye JOTAM 2000 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

AMI Tornado F3s JOTAM 2000 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

AMI Tornado F3 36 Stormo JOTAM 2000 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Sentry Duty over - JOTAM 2000 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[capercaillie]

Good to see. I never managed to get to that one, and some great quality stuff there as you mention, Italian F3s were pretty rare, I've still only seen one French E-2 in the UK as I've missed most of the recent Yeoviltons, only one French E-3 in Blighty as well as long ago as 1994, that makes me feel old!

Top post.

[Mustang531]

Nice selection of shots, thanks for sharing these.

[F3]

For those familiar with WAVE the spectators in the last shot are atop that mountain of top dressing which was across the field from the car park.

[paddyboy]

Hi Mick

Well I’ve never seen a French marine Hawkeye, nor an Italian F3

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[roughcutter]

For those familiar with WAVE the spectators in the last shot are atop that mountain of top dressing which was across the field from the car park.

That was a great spot for landing shots (and being took short).