Final push! Thanks for holding overhead
May 12th, 2010 | Photography | Posted by Erik Hildebrandt
Sorry for the long delay since the last update. The book has officially reached critical mass as far as capturing the last remaining communities. Two weeks ago, I spent a week out at NAS Whidbey Island working with the VAQ-141 Shadowhawks, the first EA-18G Growler unit to go operational. We made two dedicated photo flights to capture the images on this posting and we managed to include a EA-6B Prowler from VAQ-137, the Rooks. Look closely at one of the shots where the Growlers deployed their in-flight refueling probes in homage to the Prowler’s distinctive hook-nosed profile. What started out as a humorous suggestion in the brief turned out to be a great idea for an inside joke for a community in transformation. The Electronic Attack universe will never be the same. What was once a world unto their own in the Prowler is now morphing into yet one more expanded role of the multi-mission Super Hornet. When the dust settles, the last single-mission community will have gone the way of the F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder, S-3 Viking… well, you get the idea. Until JSF comes along, it looks like Hornets, Hummers and Helos will be the only way on or off the boat.
As for this blog, get ready for a serious ramp up of eye-watering postings over the summer. While they may not come super frequently, they will be worth the wait I think. Remember, the book will be going to press in September and will hit the streets in January in time for the official kick-off of the Centennial observance in San Diego. You can pre-order the limited leather bound edition now online and you will be among the first to get your hands on this incredible book. http://www.vulturesrow.com
Thanks again for all your interest and support.
Aircrew from the flights:
502
LCDR Eric “Polli” Anderson
LCDR Michael “PKP” Paul
504
LT James “KD” Laird
CO/CDR David “Spud” Bryson
Rook 500 Prowler
LCDR Terrence “Village” Shashaty Pilot
LTJG Steven “Stinky” Fischbach – ECMO1
LTJG Jason “FNG” Sakash – ECMO 2
504
LCDR Eric “Polli” Anderson
LCDR Michael “PKP” Paul
502
LT Jacob “Mouth” Miller
LT William “Spif” Coulter
573
LCDR Chris “Smiley” Hunter
Erok
