NAF El Centro Base Visit - Feb 16, 2012

[Greg_NY]

Last week I was on a base visit to NAF El Centro and thought I would share some pics here.

El Centro is the winter training home of the Blue Angels and they were practicing twice a day. After clearing security and a short briefing, we were taken out to watch a practice show. We were situated behind the Blue Angels comm cart and could hear the music and narration etc... The skies were dark and cloudy at times but it made for some interesting photographic opportunities.

After the Blue Angels were done they took us out to the LSO shack on runway 26 and we spent a couple of hours watching some flight ops.

A very enjoyable day!

Taxiing past us
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_8730_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2750_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2619_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2657_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2757_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2784_800.jpg

This C-40 came in for a short while and left right before the BA show
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2578_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2899_800.jpg

Nice CONA bird
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2523_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_3062_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2999_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2856_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_2867_800.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_3292_800.jpg　

Surprised to see two Harriers arrive late in the day
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_3251_800.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/gregatdis/EC2012/IMG_8793_800.jpg

Thanks for looking

Isaac



　

[NIKV69]

Very nice! I drove by there a few times in 2010 but never stopped. Looks like you can get some great stuff even outside the fence there.

[steve1840]

Great work Isaac! Seeing these shots definitely got me even MORE excited about my trip to the El Centro show in two weeks! Thanks for sharing!

[moose135]

Great stuff, Isaac!

[Greg_NY]

Thanks guys - appreciate the kind words!

[emk1219]

How ironic... i just happened to tune in yesterday to AM820 WNYC/NPR which i NEVER do.... and they had a pretty nice report on El Centro... see/listen link http://www.npr.org/2012/02/23/147265461/blue-angels-bring-winter-thrill-to-california-town

[chrisparypa]

Nice! I had invitation to ElCentrobut I couldn't go this year..... Can't wait for new season!

[wunaladreamin]

Hot damn Isaac! I am just drooling over here! Excellent shots!!!

[MarkLawrence]

Awesome shots Isaac!!! What a place to get that kind of access!!!!