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Year Review 2024

Latest update: December 2024

Below you will find an overview of photographs made in 2024.

January

German Air Force C-130J.30 about to enter taxiway Romeo 7 for a runway 03 departure at Eindhoven.	An AWACS departing in the snow.	Former Hungarian Air Force Mig-21UM now preserved in Maasbracht along highway A2.
An AT-16D Harward in RNLAF markings.	Former Polish Air Force Mig-21M	Former RAF Jet Provost T.5A
Skeeter AOP.12 preserved on a rooftop.	RNLAF CH-47F Chinook approaching its landing zone at GLV-V.	An unsual visitor for the Netherlands, A US Marines UC-35D (Cititation).

Alike 2023 the first visit was made to Eindhoven Air Base. This time on January 10 (last year 15.01). A German Air Force C-130J.30 made a short visit during the afternoon. With sunny weather and runway 03 in use I decided to visit Eindhoven to capture its arrival and departure. The German Air Force at the time of the visit three C-130J.30 Super Hercules were operational with another three KC-130Js to be delivered by Lockheed Martin. The German Hercules are operated in a joint pool with their French Air and Space Force colleagues. Based at Base Aérienne 105 Evreux the C-130J.30's / KC-130J's are assigned to Binational Air Transport C-130J Squadron (BATS) within the D/F LTS Rhein/Rhin (Deutsch-Französische Lufttransportstaffel Rhein/Rhin). On January 19 a visit was made to Geilenkirchen Air Base. It marked the end of the second week of TDY by the 141st ARW, WA ANG. Most deployments end after two weeks but nog this one. The KC-135Rs left a week later, on January 26. A bit unfortunate for all photographer as it did snow and it would have been nice to capture the tankers in the snow. Something which is not too common anymore. We didn't travel for nothing as one of the resident AWACS departed. On the way home we visited Maasbracht where several former Hungarian, Netherlands, Polish and United Kingdom aircraft are preserved. The next stop was made at Eindhoven. In the morning a Chinook was seen active at GLV-V Oirschotse heide and the same one returned in the afternoon. So we decided to visit GLV-V which was still covered with snow but the crew did not make any white oud landing. Most likely due to other training requirements. A week later Rotterdam - The Hague airport was visited. A US Marine Corps UC-35D arrived on Wednesday January 24 and departed on Friday the 26th. The Citation did not carry the MCAS Cherry Point tail code, which it was reported to be stationed, nor any titles referring to its home base.

February

No visits were made in February.

March

RCAF CC-130J turning of runway 21 at Eindhoven.	A MMU KC-30M / A330MRTT departing Eindhoven.	An E-3A AWACS backtracking to runway 09 for its departure.
Followed by a 'regular' KC-135R assigned to the 117th ARS	and the 190th ARW 'commander jet'
One of the four F-35A on final approach runway 06R at Volkel.	F-037 received the 313 squadron batch and ACC titles.	Arriving from Woensdrecht J-003 arrives at her home base.
First visit to The Netherlands by a C-146A Wolfhound	Operated by the 492nd SOW (active duty) and 919th SOW (AFRC).

The first visit in March was made to Eindhoven Air Base. A CC-130J Super Hercules assigned to the Air Task Force Prestwick made a visit in the beginning of the evening. After a quick stop it departed back to Prestwick airport, Scotland where ATFP is based. In Canada the CC-130Js are assigned to 436 Transport Squadron, 8 Wing and based at CFB Trenton, OT. In 2023 ATFP started (with another name) with two Hercules aircraft but this was increased to three. Also a CC-177 is based at Prestwick to support all (daily) airlift mission in support of Ukraine. In between the arrival and departure of the Canadian Hercules a KC-30M / A330MRTT assigned to the NATO Multinational MRTT Unit departed for her mission. On Friday 8 March the next visit to Geilenkircken was made. This time to capture the departure of the Kansas ANG tankers During the past three weeks the 117th ARS, 190th ARW “Kansas Coyotes” supported their NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) colleagues air refueling missions. The 190th ARW brought their 'commander jet' 61-0266 adorned with the American flag and a howling coyote. While at Geilenkirch the OCU newly special marked F-16BM FB-24 departed Kleine-Brogel air base. We headed there to capture its arrival. From resident photographers we understood it was scheduled to go to Skrydstrup with the pilot bringing back another dual seat F-16. At Skrydstrup the Danish Air Force trains Ukrain pilots on the Fighting Falcon. For that purpose also a Norwegian F-16BM (already wihdrawn from service in Norway) and the Belgian Air Component provide dual seat F-16s. We made the choice to go to Volkel for the afternoon mission. Four F-35A's assigned to 313 squadron and three F-16AM's assigned to 312 squadron arrived at the base. On Sunday 17 March an US Air Force Special Operations Command C-146A Wolfhound departed Rotterdam - The Hague airport. It marked, to my knowledge, the first visit of a C-146A to The Netherlands. Both active duty 524th SOS / 492nd SOW and Air Force Reserve Command 859th SOS / 919th SOW are assigned the total of 20 aircraft (as listed on the AFSOC website with date March 2021). The 919th SOW which is part of the 10th Air Force changes command to AFSOC during wartime and contingencies. The next day a trip to Ramstein Air Base was made. On the way we made a stop at Eindhoven were we captured the arrival of a CC-130J. This one was also part of the Air Task Force Prestwick. Ramstein Air Base hosted the Ukrainian conference which sees several VIP aircraft arrive. Also the normal flight operations by the resident 86th AW took place as well as the Air Mobility Command traffic. The temporarily Hercules detachment was manned by the Nevada Air National Guard 195th AS, 152nd AW "Highrollers". Arriving from Canada was an Air Force Reserve Command C-130H wearing the MFFS stickers. Based in Colorado the 731st AS, 302nd AW is one of four wings assigned MFFS role. Back in The Netherlands 298 squadron was engaged in Fire Bucket Operations training. Annually in March a week of bambi bucket training is done as the squadron is on standby for forest fires from April until September. This year the Eem river just outside the city of Soest was chosen to pick up water. It was dropped a few miles to the north at military training area De Vlasakkers. The final visit was made to Geilenkirchen to capture the departure of the KC-135s assigned to the 191st ARS, 151st WG, Utah ANG.

April

A400M assigned to LTG 62 over the drop zone	and another run dropping the CDS	Arrival of the king of Spain, Felipe VI
The Spanish Air Force Falcon 900 had already arrived and was parked at East.	Two Egyptian Air Force C-130H Hercules visited Eindhoven. The first camouflaged	and its colleagie in a white color scheme.
After Eindhoven to Geilenkirchen to wait for the return of my last Turkish Air Force E-7T.	Two Nigerian Air Force aircraft visted Rotterdam - The Hague Airport. The CL.605 departed first	followed by the G550 wearing Nigerian Air Force titles

April started with 11 Air Mobile Brigade exercise BEVOSEAL 2024. Two German Air Force A400Ms visited Eindhoven and then relocated to Gilze-Rijen. From here they flew two missions of which the first day was cancelled because of the weather conditions. Both aircraft returned to the base after holding south of the Ginkelse heide. The next day in Nijmegen a platoon of 11 Supply Company was planned to cross the Waal river by rowing boats. This was cancelled. The planned Chinook flight (B/1-214 "Big Windy), who participated with two CH-47Fs from Gilze-Rijen was postponed. Instead of waiting I dediced to travel to the Ginkelse heide to check for the action there. Which turned out to be the air drop by both A400Ms. On Tuesday April 16, the king of Spain, Felipe VI, arrived at Schiphol international airport to start his two-day state visit to The Netherlands. The official visit started on April 17. In support of the kings visit one of the five Falcon 900s arrived earlier on Tuesday. King Felipe VI arrived with the A310 of which two are operated by the Spanish Air Force. Both aircraft types are assigned to Grupo 45 (Group) and 451 Esc (squadron). A week later an invasion of Army Air Corps should have taken place at Gilze-Rijen. On their way to northern Europe nine AH-64E, three Chinook and four Wildcats would refuel at the base. Due to bad weather at Wattisham they helicopters did not depart. Seen at Gilze-Rijen were three recently delivered AH-64Es of 301 squadron. I did not stay to see them fly as at Eindhoven Air Base two C-130H from the Egyptian Air Force were planned to visit. They indeed arrived, first one in the desert camouflage, the second in a white color scheme. After arrival of the second Hercules a car change was made and the trip continued to Geilenkirchen. The two detached Illinois ANG (180th ARS, 126th ARW) were parked on the apron. But the main goal was on its way back from its exercise mission. Once again the Turkish Air Force supported a NATO exercise. 131 Filo, 3 AJU (Main Jet Base) deployed one of its four E-7As. In 2023 the squadron deployed for the first time and since then they supported several exercises. Just when you think the fun as ended two other visitors showed up. A working visit by the Nigerian president was made. At the same time his foreign minister visited too. The president used the Presidential Air Fleet G550 and his minister the Cl.605 assigned to the same unit.

May

The final time the F-16's flew the mission man formation at Soesterberg on May 4.	Liberation Day, May 5. First stop Den Bosch for 860 squadron NH90-NFH "N-234".	Liberation Day, May 5. Second stop. Wageningen for 300 squadron Cougar "S-453".
Liberation Day, May 5. The third and last stop of the day, Utrecht for 300 squadron Cougar "S-447".	First visit by a German Air Force KC-130J Super Hercules at Eindhoven AB on May 11.	Arriving back at her (former) home base Soesterberg, D-663 "Blizzard". On her way to the depot and then to the Nationaal Militair Museum for display.
RCAF CC-144 (Bombardier CL.650 model) of which two were purchased.	The French Xingu operated by of the Air Force and the Navy. With "67" operated by the Navy.	A C-40B from the 1st AS, 89th AW (although no titles are worn) made up for the three military visitors.

Traditionally, the month of May began at former Soesterberg Air Base. Every year on May 4, the Royal Air Force commemorates its deceased personnel here. A squadron of the Air Combat Command performed the missing man formation. This year for the last time with the Lockheed Martin (General Dynamics) F-16 Fighting Falcon. At the end of September, the F-16 will also be retired from service at 312 squadron. On Liberation Day, two squadrons of the Defense Helicopter Command fly artist to the liberation festivals in the 12 provinces. This year, four artists performed and were transported by four helicopters. Both 300 squadron (AS532.U2 Cougar) and 860 squadron (NH90-NFH) flew with two helicopters each. Since NH90-NFH N-234 had been delivered a few months ago after a lengthy combined maintenance and update program, it was highest on the list for photography. This one turned out to go to Den Bosch ('s-Hertogenbosch) first. So I adjusted the schedule and went there first. Unfortunately it was not possible to wait for its departure. In short, on to Wageningen because I had never been there before. It is always fun to discover a new place and see how to photograph there. Here arrived one of the two Cougars. At about the same time his colleague landed in Utrecht. So after the artist left with accompaniment and crew, we moved on to the third and final stop. Here we waited for them to leave before we went home. Eindhoven was visited on Saturday 11 May. The German Air Force made a first visit with their KC-130J Super Hercules. In March they received their first tanker/transport aircraft with the last delivered in April. In February, June and August 2022 the Luftwaffe had already taken delivery of the C-130J.30 transport version of the Hercules. On 13 May Royal Netherlands Air Force 298 squadron CH-47D D-663 "Blizzard" arrived back at her (former) home base Soesterberg. When the Chinook fleet was purchased (seven former Royal Canadian Air Force CH-147 (CH-47C) upgrade to the D-model. RNLAF: D-661 - D667, RCAF: 147003 / 147009) and six new CH-47Ds (D-101 - D-106) these were delivered to Soesterberg. When the base was closed 298 squadrons and here Chinooks relocated to Gilze-Rijen Air Base. All D-models (two were lost in Afghanistan) and the six CH-47Fs weere replaced by 20 new CH-47Fs (CAAS II). D-666 will be preserved at Gilze-Rijen, the other Ds are sold to Billings Flying Services which will use them for Fire Bucket Operations. The six old Fs were in the remanufacturing process. A meeting took place in The Netherlands which saw a French Navy Xingu (EMB-121), Royal Canadian Air Force CC-144 (CL.650) and United States Air Force C-40B (based upon the commercial Boeing 737-700 business jet) visiting Schiphol. During my visit the sun peeked through the clouds which unfortunately led to heat haze on the RCAF jet. Nevertheless as it was a first visit of this serial of the new CC-144 variant to the Netherlands a photo is included above. It's colleague visited earlier but arrived and departed in the dark.  To be complete a RAF Dassault 900LX aircraft, known as Envoy IV CC Mk1 was also present on the last line (K row). It will receive a military serial in due course.

June

Special marked F-16C, 555th FS / 31st FW about to touch down at Ramstein.	RNLAF F-35A about to touch down. 322 squadron sent their anniversary Lightning.	Gas-and-go for this Super Hercules assigned to 41st AS "Black Cats", 19th AW, Little Rock AFB, AR.
Another C-130J.30 this time from the GA ANG, 165th AS, 123rd AW.	Based at March AFB, CA one of the C-17As assigned to the 729th AS, 452nd AMW arrived. Completing the active duty, ANG and AFRC transport fleet on 5 June.	The next day was spend at St. Dizier to capture the Rafale B fleet assigned to several squadrons here.
The sole Rafale C based at St. Dizier is the demo aircraft for the 2024 season. It flew a mission in the afternoon.	Two of the three AAC Wildcat AH.s arriving at Eindhoven.	A UH-60L Blackhawk assigned to A/2-1 GSAB departs Eindhoven for its flight to Belgium.
An AH-64E Apache Guardian, 1-6 CAV arrives at Eindhoven.	C/2-1 GSAB three-ship HH-60M on final approach at Eindhoven.	T-061 about to touch down for the first time at Eindhoven.

Ramstein Air Base hosted the first Ramstein 1V1 exercise. It should become an annual exercise with fighter squadrons from several NATO countries flying against each other. We visited the arrival day which except for the Danish Air Force F-16AMs saw all participants arrive. During the day also the normal transport aircraft traffic arrived and/or departed the base. No less than three C-130J.30s assigned to the Kentucky ANG, 165th AS, 123rd AW were active. The wing, stationed at Louisville (Standiford Field ), KY recently transitioned from the C-130H to the C-130J.30 Staying on the Hercules front a Super Hercules assigned to the 41st AS "Black Cats", 19th AW stationed at Little Rock AFB, AR arrived for a gas-and-go. Captured on arrival for the Ramstein 1V1 exercise on Wednesday June 5: Country Wing Squadron Aircraft Number Belgium     F-16AM 3 Finland     F/A-18C 2 France EC 004 EC 01.004 Rafale B 1 France EC 004 ETR 03.004 Rafale B 1 France EC 030 ECE 01.030 Rafale B 1 France EC 030 EC 03.030 Rafale C 1 Germany TLG 71   EF-2000 2 Netherlands   312 squadron F-16AM 2 Netherlands   312 squadron F-35A 1 Netherlands   313 squadron F-35A 1 Netherlands   322 squadron F-35A 3 Norway   132 Skv F-35A 2 United Kingdom   617 squadron F-35B 2 United Kingdom   1 ( F) squadron Typhoon FGR.4 1 United Kingdom   II (AC) squadron Typhoon FGR.4 1 United Kingdom   6 squadron Typhoon FGR.4 2 United States 31st FW 555th FS F-16C 2 United States 48th FW 493rd FS F-35A 2 United States 52nd FW 480th FS F-16C 4 Civil   Top Aces A-4N 1           Total       35 Note: The Royal Netherlands Air Force squadron F-35's are based on their (intended) squadrons. F-039 was the first aircraft delivered for 312 squadron. Its delivery flight went to Leeuwarden Air Base were all mandortory checks were completed. The Lightning flew together with its colleagues from 322 squadron. As we did not need to stay for the exercise day we headed to St. Dizier, France to capture Rafale operations the next day. France has sold several of its Rafale C fighter to borh Croatia and Greece. While it waits on the delivery of new fighters the Rafale C and Rafale M (French Navy) relocated to Mont-de-Marsan Air Base. The only Rafale C which flew was the French Air and Space Force demo. Also of note that EC 02.004 did not fly that day. With 11 Rafales photographed we then went back home. Eindhoven Air Base was the place to be on both June 17 and 19 (Monday and Wednesday). US Army 1st CAB was in the process of heading home after their nine month Atlantic Resolve deployment. This time using Koksijde Air Base and the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. However, several flights used EIndhoven for a quick turn around on their way from the Baltic nations and Poland. Two troops assigned to 1-6 CAV (AH-64E), A/2-1 GSAB (UH-60L) and C/2-1 GSAB (HH-60M) staged through Eindhoven. On the 17th also three Army Air Corps Wildcat AH.1 helicopters arrived. On the 19th the NATO Multinational MRTT Unit (MMU) took delivery of their eight (T-061) of ten ordered A3000MRTTs (KC-30M). Just before its arrival a F-16AM assigned to 312 squadron made an approach.

July

Five RNLAF F-16's participated in the 50 YEAR F-16 theme. J-616 was brought by truck and headed the western side of the F-16 line-up	A F-15QA on delivery to the air force of Qatar showcased its abilities. Both on the clean and fully armed (pictured) configuration.	The RCAF brought six aircraft to RIAT to celebrate its 100 anniversary. The CC-295 Kingfisher departed back to the Airbus facilities in Seville, Spain.
Turkish Air Force KC-135R supporting both solo Turk (F-16C) and the Phantoms.	German Open Skies A319-133X made its debut at RIAT and took part in the static display.	Another sophisticated Eagle. The Royal Saudi Air Force took part in the static with its F-15SA and support A330MRTT
Saying goodbye to RIAT in style. A German EF-2000 departing back home.	Both Germany and Italy (photo) brought their anniversary Tornado.	Departure of a Turkish F-4E-2020 Phantom. Joining the tanker together with its wingman and F-16s.
The F-16 theme attracted two Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16s.	Last visit by the Dutch F-16s. The anniversary / F-16 Farewell jet heading back home to Volkel.	The Romanian F-16s were also newcommers at RIAT. Operating both former Norwegian and Portuguese F-16s who replaced the Mig-21s.
RC-135V assigned to the 95th RS, 55th WG on final approach at RAF Mildenhall.

On 1 July a visit was made to Soesterberg to visit the annual RNLAF anniversary. Four F-35As flew the mission man formation. With the retirement of the F-16 in September they will continue to do so. RIAT had a very nice line-up and was visited Friday-Monday. The show focused on four themes: 50 YEARS F-16, RCAF100, NATO 75 and PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES. As usual before and after RIAT visits were made to RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and several Royal Air Force bases.

August

Nightshoot organized by the Nationaal Militair Museum at Soesterberg.	Eindhoven 31 August. French Air and Space Force A400M	Shortly after followed by a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J

In August two visits were made to Eindhoven. The first for Army Air Corps Wildcats and the second time for a French Air and Space Force A400M and a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J. In between I went to the Nationaal Militair Museum night shoot event. Several aircraft were towed from the depot to participate in the annual zomeroffensief. Six of these were parked for the night shoot.

September

Around Fort Novosel AH-64E	Around Fort Novosel, UH-72A Lakota	Around Fort Novosel
First TH-73A Trasher seen at FBO Dothan	The first Huey. Approach at Dothan RAP.	A US Army training element is located at Dothan RAP.
CGAS Mobile ar Mobile IAP.	The 57WG A-10C at Nellis AFB. The aircraft did not go to Hawksmoke.	Las Vegas or the LV tailcode assigned to a F-16 of AFRC 926 Wing.
The 926 WG special marked F-16.	Within five minutes after our arrival at Luke AFB, RNLAF F-35A F-004 landed. My last US based Dutch Lightning.	Hawksmoke arrival day. Resident DM and DP A-10Cs flew missions. Last time to capture DM coded Warthogs as the squadrons are deactivated.
161st ARS KC-135R at Tucsonarrived from Phoenix Sky Harbor and departed with resident F-16s.	One of the bonusses of the trip. One of the two ET (Eglin AFB) test A-10C's who also travelled to Davis-Monthan.	Of course we made a flight over the boneyard. Almost all KC-10As had been withdrawn from service with the exception of a few all stored at 309th AMARG.
Pima Air & Space Museum had over 100 aircraft on display. So obviously you choose a Dutch Fokker...... Operated by USAR Golden Knights one is preserved in the USA. The other resides in The Netherlands.	Except many US armed forces types also aircraft from other countries are on display. Including a former RAF Jaguar GR.3 in the desert (pink) Gulf War color scheme.	NAS North Island. Home to many MH-60R/S squadrons, C-40s and the new Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) CMV-22B Osprey (replacing the C-2A Greyhound). Pictured is a CMV-22B assigned to VRM-50.
This year the ANG participated with two C-130 Hecules aircraft. Both from West coast squadrons. 186th AS, 120th AW, Montana ANG sent its C-130H legacy Hercules.	Their California colleagues (130th RQS, 129th RQW (Rescue squadron / Wing) flew to the Netherlands with one of their HC-130J Super Hercules.

Hawksmoke brtttttttttttttttttt................ The main goal was to visit the United States this year. The last chance to see the A-10C squadrons taking part in their competition. We decided to do a few days at the east coast before moving west. Main goal were the TH-1N Huey helicopters based at Cairns AAF as well as their colleague CH-47F Chinook, UH-60M Blackhawk, AH-64E Apache and UH-72A Lakota based at Fort Novosel. Visits were also made to NAS Pensacola, Pensacola IAP, Mobile and the Eglin AFB armament museum. We then flew to Las Vegas to start the western part of our trip. From Nellis AFB to Luke AFB to Tucson AFB and Davis Monthan AFB. After spending four days in Tucson we departed to Los Angeles by driving to Phoenix, MCAS Yuma, NAF El Centro to finish the avation trip in San Diego. Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach followed by NAS North Island were visited. The last resulting in my first photograph of the CMV-22B Osprey. In the meantime in The Netherlands the annual Falcon Leap exercise was held. On 19 September a visit to Eindhoven was made. Taking part were Germany (A400M), Greece (C-130H), The Netherlands (C-130H), Poland (C-295M), Portugal (C-295), Romania (C-27J), Spain (C-295M),  United Kingdom (Atlas C.1 / A400M), United States, California ANG (HC-130J) and Montana ANG (C-130H). The next day was spend at the Ginkelse heide to capture the para droppings during the three waves made on that day. Note: more photographs of the US trip and exercise Falcon Leap will be added to the year review.

October

The United States Air Force has three C-12D aircraft based at its embassy flights, one each in Hungary, Norway and  Türkiye. Visiting Rotterdam The Hague airport was the C-12 based in Hungary. The aircraft arrived on its way to Scotland and on the way back home it also made a stop in Rotterdam. I captured it when departing back to Hungary.

November

French Air and Space Force KC-130J during its arrival at Eindhoven.	50 Year of the F-4E Phantom anniversary part 1. Two F-4Es making several	runs through the Çalkaya valley by the anniversary and a regular Phantom
50 Year of the F-4E Phantom anniversary part 2. Eskişehir Air Base a morning and	afternoon wave by five (wave 1) and four (wave 2) Phantoms.	Static display of five Phantoms including two with armament display.
The anniversary jet was presented on	the static display between its two flights	Pass over the air base in the afternoon.
The elephant walk concluded the two day anniversary activities	Both 401 (test) Filo Phantoms joined their eight 111 Filo colleagues for the elephant walk.	A CN235 departed Eskişehir while the last Phantoms taxied back to their shelters.

Eindhoven Air Base was visited on 2 November. A French Air and Space Force KC-130J made a quick visit. Two weeks later it was time to visit Türkiye. The Turkish Air Force celebrated 50 years of operating the F-4E Phantom II. Two events were organized. On Saturday two Phantoms (one in an anniversary color scheme, the other in its grey coat) made several passes through the valley of Çalkaya, Eskişehir. On Sunday the base itself was the place for the festivities. In the morning five Phantoms flew a short mission over the Air Base. During the afternoon a static could be visited with two Phantoms displaying the air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. At the end of the afternoon four Phantoms took off for another short flight flying passses over the base. Upon landing they were joined by six colleagues at the end of the runway. These performed the elephant walk concluding the 50th anniversary of the F-4E Phantom in Turkish Air Force service.

December

No photographs were made in December 2024.

Top 3 photos 2024

A-10C assigned to 303rd FS, 442nd FW returning from the range during the Hawksmoke competition.	An USAF TH-1H Huey returns to Cairns AAF, Fort Novosel, Alabama.	Turkish Air Force anniversary of 50 years F-4E Phantom II. Coming in for another pass in front of many photographers.

There were a lot of highlights in 2024. But the choice is relatively easy. Main goal of this year was the Hawksmoke competition at Davis-Monthan AFB. Specially the Warthogs from the 303rd FS, 442nd FW as I did not have these on photo. The same applied to the aircraft from Osan AFB of which two had arrived to be stored in the desert. The bonus were both ET A-10s, assigned to 40 FLTS / det. 1. These are based at Eglin AFB, Florida. Another goal was a TH-1H Huey based at Cairns AAF, Fort Novosel. We managed to photograph six, both the old FR (Fort Rucker) and the new (Fort Novosel) tailcodes. Another hightight of the was celebration of 50 years of F-4E Phantom II in Turkish Air Force service. The first day with two Phantoms making several passes was a unique experience. The next day the elephant walk of 10 F-4Es saw both 401 Filo (test squadron) take part.

Statistics

This year I photographed aircraft from 36 different countries. These are only operational aircraft and military operators only. Continent No. Countries Africa 3 Asia 5 Europe 26 North America 2     Total 36 Hawksmoke produced 53 different A-10C Warthogs. Two Osan based A-10s  were parked on AMARG arrival ramp and photographed during our flight. The Michigan ANG squadron did not sent aircraft as well as both Nellis based squadrons. Several of the last were captured during our visit there. The 50 year F-4E in Turkish AIr Force service resultated in 14 Phantoms captured on photo.