Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA, KIWA, IWA) "Willie"

[redsox223]

Nice story Joe. I would laugh though as if its a really secret - secret ops plane that someone might be following you now.

[Joe Copalman]

If it were super secret they would not be flying it into a public, general aviation airport.  I'm guessing this is like the Army's ARL-M fleet or the handful of civilian-registered AFSOC PC-12/U-28s, where the goal is more low conspicuity than full-on secrecy.  Judging how well the ruse worked on those Brits, I'm calling mission accomplished on this one.

[Joe Copalman]

Plane Captain at the ready, VMA-311 Tomcats:


Was a real treat to see the 'cats operating at Willie with their ground crews.  They even guided them off the ramp in formation, which is something I'd never seen before, let alone with consecutively-modexed jets:

[Joe Copalman]

Look what I caught flying long, slow, straight approaches today:

[josephea6]

Nice one Joe.

[Joe Copalman]

Thank you, sir.  High clouds made for quirky lighting, but I'm still pleased with what I got under those conditions.

[redsox223]

Those jets ARE loud.

[Joe Copalman]

One of the four TAV-8Bs that transited through Gateway last Saturday.  Thanks to the crew of this ship in particular for their hospitality.

[Matt Ottosen]

Nice surprise out at Willie today, looks similar to something we saw out at NAF El Centro yesterday!

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) "Rough Raiders"
NAS Lemoore

[planephotoman]

One from IWA - Paul

[planephotoman]

Another one.  This time a Phenom - Paul

[phantomphan1974]

N950A

[Joe Copalman]

Aaaah, the Flying Tylenol of Justice.  Nice shots Damon.

[josephea6]

An new E-2 from VAW-120 the "Greyhawks" that stopped at Willie on the 21st...

[Matt Ottosen]

Really nice shot, Joe!  I'm still bummed that I missed two E-2s at Willie that weekend!  Oh well, maybe we'll see some more soon.