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JetImagesOnline visited Naval Air Facility El Centro on November 20th as part of a group of photographers.
NAF El Centro is located in Imperial county California about 100 miles east of San Diego and serves as a tactical training facility for visiting squadrons due to it's proximity to the ranges and excellent all year weather. The Blue Angels also perform their winter training there each year.
On this day the VT-9 training squadron from NAS Meridian in Mississippi were visiting with their T-45A jets. Also visiting were the Rhino and Legacy Hornets (F/A-18 C,D,E,F mdoels) from the VFA-106 Gladiators out of NAS Oceana in Virginia.
After a safety briefing and a warm welcome from the CO, Captain WIlliam Doster and the XO, Commander Adam Schlismann, we were bussed to the side of Runway 8. Soon after setting up, an unexpected transient visitor slowly approached overhead - a Harrier from VX-31 at China Lake California. After a quick gas-n-go the Harrier took off towards the east.
For the next few hours we were treated to many launches and recoveries from the training squadrons and the FRS Gladiators. It was inspring to see the skill and commitment of the Naval Aviators in training. The thundering departures of the Hornets and their precise recoveries were certainly impressive.
Later in the day a C-2 Greyhound "COD" from the VRC-30 Providers out of NAS North Island in San Diego arrived. It dropped off some Naval Aviators who headed over to the LSO shack. The COD then took off and performed many touch and gos, stopping periodically to switch pilots and then continued the training. Once again it was great to see the Aviators honing their substantial skills.
As the sun set with the typical colorful desert skies, a few more Hornet approaches and departures took place and then it was time to return to the buses.
All in all it was a very interesting and inspiring day. Much thanks go to Kris Haugh and his team for their hospitality and for providing this opportunity.
