Michelle Dee's Farewell Mini Photocall - June 18, 2014

[Matt Ottosen]

Michelle, thanks for everything!

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators"

[Anna M. Wood]

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106, Gladiators, departing Naval Air Facility El Centro

[Joe Copalman]

ROMAN CANDLE

[Dave S.]

Looks like you guys had a pretty good day out there: shooting from the end of runway 26 along with classic and Super Hornet activity.

Any pics from the dinner?

[azspyder]

Nice shots everyone! It looks like you had some good ops and great light.

[Joe Copalman]

Nice shots everyone! It looks like you had some good ops and great light.

Good ops, but the light was a bit dodgy.  Never had sunlight on the outward-canted side of the tails that were facing us, and really strong shadows on the undersides of the aircraft.  Wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't as good as it is during the spring and the fall.

And yes Dave, I got some shots from the dinner.  Scott did as well.

[Jeff D. Welker]

I expect Joe and Matt to get good images at NAFEC - nice job gentlemen. Their talent and experience works to overcome challenges like the harsh afternoon summer light. However, for a first timer Anna has distinguished herself again. Wonderful work on your images young lady. I really like the classic NAFEC afterburner shot. Especially with the nose gear just starting to lift off the RWY surface.

[Joe Copalman]

I expect Joe and Matt to get good images at NAFEC - nice job gentlemen. Their talent and experience works to overcome challenges like the harsh afternoon summer light. However, for a first timer Anna has distinguished herself again. Wonderful work on your images young lady. I really like the classic NAFEC afterburner shot. Especially with the nose gear just starting to lift off the RWY surface.

Agreed.  Definitely a solid opening salvo from a first-timer.

[Anna M. Wood]

Thank you very much gentleman.....  

The whole experience was sensory overload.


The incredible sound of the jets on launch
The rumble in your bones as they go thundering by
The heat from the afterburners washing across the runway towards us
The wonderful smell of Jet-A
The big launch of 6 to 8 F/A-18's just before we left
Experiencing the shear power and beauty of the aircraft

What a fantastic experience.  Thanks for the opportunity to join you guys in the fun.

[Dave S.]

Good ops, but the light was a bit dodgy.  Never had sunlight on the outward-canted side of the tails that were facing us, and really strong shadows on the undersides of the aircraft.  Wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't as good as it is during the spring and the fall.

And yes Dave, I got some shots from the dinner.  Scott did as well.

Mid-summer sun, directly overhead - a new experience at El Centro.

Looking forward to seeing the shots from the dinner as well.

[Matt Ottosen]

I expect Joe and Matt to get good images at NAFEC - nice job gentlemen. Their talent and experience works to overcome challenges like the harsh afternoon summer light. However, for a first timer Anna has distinguished herself again. Wonderful work on your images young lady. I really like the classic NAFEC afterburner shot. Especially with the nose gear just starting to lift off the RWY surface.

Thanks Jeff!  It sure wasn't the same without you there.

Like many have already said, Anna, really awesome work for your first time, and your description is spot on!

[Matt Ottosen]

Ashlie's first time at The Shack.

• Ashlie with her eye on the prize (ME)!
• Ashlie and the KC-130.
• Ashlie and the F/A-18.

[Joe Copalman]

Michelle being presented with the Navy Region Southwest Meritorious Civilian Service Award.  The CO presented the award while the XO read the accompanying citation.  We all know Michelle has been busy these past nine years, but the length of that citation really drove home everything that she has done as the public face of NAF El Centro. 

[scottcolbath]

First arrival of the day, and just a wee bit close. 



102 degrees not hot enough? Let me turn up the heat.



Touchdown!



Tight shot with a long lens.



It's always great to get out there.



I spent time on this visit trying my 400mm prime for some tight shots, and also used a polarizer much of the time. Not sure if I'm happy with the results or not, but it's always fun to experiment.

S.C.

[Anna M. Wood]

Bill Osmun




Scott Colbath and Joe Copalman




Ashlie Ottosen