McDonnell-Douglas AV-8B Harrier II

[Matt Ottosen]

Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) "Tigers"

[Matt Ottosen]

Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) "Tigers"

[Jeff D. Welker]

MONOCHROME AVENGER

[Jeff D. Welker]

Tomcat Makin' "JELLO AIR" - A phrase coined by AzAP's own James O'Rear, Esquire.

[Jeff D. Welker]

Here is a three ship sortie of Harriers on final into 30R at Willie/KIWA. They are part of the VMA-311 Tomcats squadron out of MCAS Yuma. I finally got lucky and caught these rascals as I was leaving to go home. Saw them make a fly over in my mirror and beat cheeks to the Mesa well site on Pecos - I made it just in time  







You will note the left belly tank on the 04 bird is leaking fuel. I think the pilot thought about dropping it on me as he passed over my position. You know, loving the smell of napalm on a summer afternoon in Arizona - or something like that 

[Ned Harris]

Great set of Harrier images Jeff.

[Jeff D. Welker]

Great set of Harrier images Jeff.

As always Ned; you are too kind. You know as well as anyone the level of luck required to catch these planes we like to chase. I was very fortunate to catch these yesterday.

[Joe Copalman]

The shot of WL22 really pops.  Congrats on catching them.

[jslugman]

Very nice series Mr. Welker!

[Joe Copalman]

CAT SCRATCH FEVER

[Jeff D. Welker]

My lucky number is 22. Accordingly, this particular VMA-311 Tomcat is my favorite Harrier.

'Ol Blue Nose...

[Matt Ottosen]

Nice shot, Jeff!

[wingsnstuff]

I can hear the Marine ready room briefings now -

"Good morning Marines.  Today's mission will be conducted in three phases.  Phase 1 will be a zero seven thirty lauch from MCAS Yuma with a short hop into Falcon where you will be photographed by the Arizona Aviation Photographers.  Phase 2 will be a Thirteen Hundred Launch from Falcon to conduct bombing and strafing runs at the Goldwater range with a Fifteen Hundred recovery at Falcon for an additional photo op with the AZAP shooters.  Phase 3 will be a sunset launch (and AZAP photo op) from Falcon with a night recovery at MCAS Yuma. Look sharp Marines.  Dismissed.  "  

I know Joe, Matt, and Dave must be the mission/flight schedulers for MCAS Yuma.  

[wingsnstuff]

BTW - All of these Harrier shots are super.  Nicely done all.

[Joe Copalman]

I know Joe, Matt, and Dave must be the mission/flight schedulers for MCAS Yuma.  

Oh how I wish that were true.  If I had any say, they'd be using 12R/30L again.  Drives me bonkers that they only use the far runways anymore.