Aviation

A Day in the Life. VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet.

Yesterday we spoke with LT “Wingnut” Wickware about his experiences while deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, CVN-75.

Today he shares some photos with us, allowing us a glimpse into the six month deployment.

A Day in the Life…

You've reached your daily free article limit.

Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.

Get Full Ad-Free Access For Just $0.50/Week

Enjoy unlimited digital access to our Military Culture, Defense, and Foreign Policy coverage content and support a veteran owned business. Already a subscriber?

Yesterday we spoke with LT “Wingnut” Wickware about his experiences while deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, CVN-75.

Today he shares some photos with us, allowing us a glimpse into the six month deployment.

A Day in the Life…

Before day breaks, the Red Shirts (Ordnancemen) prepare the ordnance loadouts according to the flight plan.

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Launching into the rising sun.

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Rendezvous with wingman and head for the tanker.

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Top off before heading to work.

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Transit ‘In Country’

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

“Fenced In”, all systems Go.

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Coordinating with targeting authority.  Target acquisition.

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

GBU 32 1000LB JDAM separation

Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh

First target…

Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh

Second target…

Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh
IR Maverick launch on ISIS target

Third target…

Photo credit:LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
4 GBU32 JDAM 1000LB precision bombs

Shack!

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

“Fenced Out”, Belly Check

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Transit back to Mother

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
RTB USS Truman

Case I recovery, SHB

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

In the ‘groove’

Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

All in a day’s work.  Chocked and chained.  Time for chow and a ‘Roll ’em”

 

About Paco Chierici View All Posts

Paco Chierici flew A-6E Intruders and F-14A Tomcats during his 10 year active duty career. He flew the F-5 Tiger II for a further 10 years as a Bandit concurrent with his employment as a commercial pilot. Paco is currently a 737 captain. Paco is also the creator and producer of the award winning naval aviation documentary Speed and Angels. Paco has written articles for

COMMENTS

You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.

More from SOFREP

REAL EXPERTS.
REAL NEWS.

Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.

TRY 14 DAYS FREE

Already a subscriber? Log In