Angel Thunder 2015

[Joe Copalman]

FLOODING THE CORNER POCKET

[Joe Copalman]

BLACKOUT!

Different day, different state, different downpour than in the post above.

[Scott Youmans]

Really cool to see a CH-53 in German markings.

[Joe Copalman]

"NO SERIOUSLY, DON'T TOUCH THE POMEGRANATES."

[Joe Copalman]

ARMY-NAVY GAME

[Joe Copalman]

FISH OUT OF WATER

[Jeff D. Welker]

Joseph - I really like how the Navy personnel hanging out of the various opening adds to the dynamic nature of the image. Through in some rotor blur and you've got action in a still photograph. It sure doesn't hurt having the dark clouds and mountainous backdrop as part of your composition.

[Joe Copalman]

Thanks Jeff.  You really can't tell, but it was raining when I shot this.  Most of the major scenarios during the exercise were hit by pretty significant rainfall.  Not 'ideal' photo conditions, but the weather certainly helped tell the visual story about how combat rescue is a rain-or-shine game.

[Scott Youmans]

Yes, nice shot Joe. Cool to see a Navy bird in that role and environment. Plus I like their paint job better than the Army scheme!

[Joe Copalman]

"GET TO ZE CHOPPA!!!"

[Bjorn van der Flier]

strange as you read it, you automatically apply the Arnold Schwarzenegger accent to it....

[Joe Copalman]

TACTICAL MUSTACHE RIDE

[Joe Copalman]

CABLE GUY

[Tower Guy]

Very cool shot of this crew member Joe. Aviation photography isn't just about airframes, the people that use these machines everyday is what makes them what they are.

[Joe Copalman]

Thanks Harvey.  With this exercise especially, people are at the core of it - the PJs, CROs, and SERE guys, the JTACs, the planners, the pilots, the crew chiefs, the rescue mission commanders, the doctors and medics at the collection points - everybody has to be working together seamlessly for these rescue scenarios to be successful.  Pretty remarkable to see it in action.