Military Aircraft at Williams-Gateway Airport

[Jan-Arie]

from this week

[JWAir]

A few from the first couple of weeks in March...

1. T-38C 65-10386 14th FTW, 50th FTS - March 2nd
Nice to see these guys coming all of the way from Columbus AFB out here in Arizona! Quite rare to see much of anything from the 14th FTW out this far west. Their flight of 5 was here for nearly a week, and they flew probably 10 sorties for each aircraft while they were here. They said it was a real treat flying in the Arizona mountains when compared to the low, rolling hills back home.

2. T-28C N746SH (ex-US Navy BuNo. 140492) Privately owned - March 6th
Always a treat to see a well restored T-28! This one was even better than most since it was wearing this color scheme. It stayed for about 5 or 6 days flying when the weather was cooperative. The owner liked the airport and loved the service, so he should be back again some day...

3. AV-8B 164148 3rd MAW, MAG-13, VMA-211 - March 12th
On this day, Gateway hosted at least one Harrier from each unit based at Yuma. We had 4 from VMA-211, 2 from VMA-214, 1 from VMA-311, and 3 from VMA-513. In addition to the fleet of Harriers, we also saw 4 T-45s from NAS Kingsville and 8 T-38Cs from Laughlin AFB. Another busy weekend...at least I managed to get this shot of the only Harrier that was parked decent enough for a clear 50mm ramp shot!

[Rob W.]

I like that T-28 shot. 

[maineairphoto]

I like the T28 as well 

[JWAir]

I wish we saw more T-28s out here at Gateway, but this is one of only 2 I have seen since I have been there. Too bad, they are probably my favorite warbird. I always thought they did not look too big when I saw them in photos, but once you are standing next to one, only then do you realize that it really is a huge bird! Heck, I had to get out the 10-foot ladder just to fuel this thing that day!

[Code20Photog]

I got to spend an afternoon out there last week:

VMFAT-101 F/A-18C


VMFAT-101 FA/-18D


VMFA-323 F/A-18C


1st Recon Squadron T-38A

[joe_stremph]

Ken, I'm really digging that first Hornet shot.

Here's a Copperheads -135 on approach for a 30R touch-and-go last night.  Shot from my car on my way home.  Yes, I pulled over.

[phantomphan1974]

Great shot Joe