Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
Happy 247th Birthday, USA!
A very happy 247th…
A very happy 247th birthday to the United States of America!
I wouldn't call us a perfect union just yet, but we are still pretty decent all things considered. Can't detract from our aviation scene, that's for sure!
Here are some of my favorite flag related aircraft/photos over the years.
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth
A brief look into the history behind Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, also known as Carswell Field, is a military installation located in Fort Worth, Texas. The base was established in 1942 as a Consolidated Aircraft Corporation manufacturing plant, with the primary mission of producing B-24 Liberator bombers for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
After the war, the base was transferred to the Strategic Air Command and became home to the 7th Bombardment Wing, where it continued to be used for production of aircraft. During the Cold War, the base played a critical role in deterring Soviet aggression as a key storage site for nuclear weapons.
In 1994, the base was renamed Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth and now serves as a joint reserve base for multiple military units across different branches. Some of the units that are currently stationed at the base include the 301st Fighter Wing (F-16s), the 136th Airlift Wing (C-130Js), Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (F/A-18 legacy Hornets), Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (KC-130J), Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 59 (C-40 Clipper), and multiple other units. As you'll see in the photos, we'll occasionally also see transient traffic generally tech stopping for fuel on their way across the US.
One of the base’s biggest highlights for locals and visiting enthusiasts is the massive presence of Lockheed Martin, particularly the F-35 Lightning II program. Lockheed Martin takes up the entire west side of the base and uses it as a key location for the production of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions. The F-35 program is one of the largest military aircraft contracts in history and provides jobs for thousands of people in the area. In addition to the F-35, you'll also see foreign F-16s which are used to test and modernize the platform.
We are definitely spoiled to have such a variety of aviation to choose from in North Texas and it's easy to take the history that surrounds us at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth for granted. From manufacturing bombers during World War II to playing a key role in deterring Soviet aggression during the Cold War, this base has seen it all. Today, it serves as a vital base for multiple units, ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
Makos: Flare For The Dramatic
The Florida Makos of the 93rd Fighter Squadron put on a stunning demo at their home show and flares were not in short supply!
Nestled between Miami and the Florida Keys is the Homestead Air Reserve Base. The former Strategic Air Command base has multiple tenants including the Florida Makos of the 93rd Fighter Squadron. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Wings Over Homestead air show, the first since the COVID pandemic.
This year's headliner was the USAF Thunderbirds demonstration team, but the highlight for me was none other than the home team, as the Makos put on an absolutely incredible fast paced Close Air Support demonstration each day involving four of their F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters, more affectionately known as the Viper. The demo included a rare sight of flares being dispensed throughout the demo from all four jets and plenty of afterburner!
I will post more from the air show in due time, but for now, enjoy the shots of the 93rd FS!
