Desert Lightning .. March 19-22, 2015

[Jay Beckman]

Images here are from the "Desert Lightning" event organized by Todd McCutchen (he owns the T-34 in RAF-tribute markings) which was held at Deer Valley on March 19-22.
Attendees included myself, Rob Turchick and Chris Kennedy.  Kudos to Chris for being seemingly everywhere on the ground including the flour bombing target zone!

The event syllabus was pretty stout and included Tactical Formations for Overwatch and Engagements (en route and maneuvering), Initial Threat Reaction (what to do if you get bounced by the enemy), Standard Bombing Range Patterns and a final exercise using everything learned up to that point.  Basically, fly the route, fight the bad guys and deliver your ordinance on time, on target.

[Jay Beckman]

Pair O' 'Changs


Storms to the North and Sunlight to the West

[Jay Beckman]

Lake Effect


Full Viewfinder


Being Tor-Mentor-ed

[Jay Beckman]

Ghosts Of The Yangtze


Two Reds And A Blue
The Nanchangs were "Red Air" while the T-34 below was a "Blue Air" sweeper in advance of the B-25 I was on.


And On Our Left Wing...

[Jay Beckman]

Looking For Ivan
(The moment your three-pound camera becomes a 12-pound camera)

[Joe Copalman]

Outstanding set of shots, Jay!

[Jay Beckman]

Thanks!  It was a pretty cool four days and I hope I did justice to the experience.

[Jay Beckman]

Feeling A Little Lonely Back Here...
The Tail Gunner's view on the B-25 "Executive Sweet"
While they did not remove the framing and the guns, they did remove the armored glass which left the center section open.


BOGIES! SIX O'CLOCK!
Even when it's make believe, your heart rate goes up and your palms start to sweat!


Help Is On The Way!
Blue Air rushes in to drive off the bad guy...


Canon Fire
Only one frame remains of footage shot during the Battle Of Lake Pleasant

[Dave S.]

Yup, looks like you executed very well!

[Jay Beckman]

I efforted my best... 

[Jay Beckman]

After three "sorties" by Blue Air, it was time to Knock It Off and look good for the camera...

[yipDog]

Here's a few of my shots...As Jay mentioned...a fantastic event!

[yipDog]

[yipDog]

[Jay Beckman]

In The Company Of Heroes
Col. Bud Anderson was the featured speaker at the Saturday-night dinner, but he stopped by the hangar during the day.