Aviation

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

A day in the life of an F/A-18E fighter pilot deployed on USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

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…

image

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
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
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
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 Patrolling "In country"
Photo credit: LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware

Transit ‘In Country’

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

“Fenced In”, all systems Go.

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

Coordinating with targeting authority.  Target acquisition.

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

GBU 32 1000LB JDAM separation

Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh
Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh

First target…

Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh
Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh

Second target…

Photo credit: LCDR P. “Schwarma” Singh IR Maverick launch on ISIS 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
Photo credit:LT C. “Wingnut” Wickware
4 GBU32 JDAM 1000LB precision bombs

Shack!

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

“Fenced Out”, Belly Check

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

Transit back to Mother

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

Case I recovery, SHB

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

In the ‘groove’

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

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

 

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