The world famous Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 "Black Sheep". The squadron was originally commissioned on 1 July 1942., became famous in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, participated in contingency Operation Restore Hope and Operation Quick Draw off the coast of Somalia and saw activity in Operation Distant Runner in Burundi and Rwanda. Like most US squadrons, it also saw action during the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. VMA-214 plans to start transitioning to F-35B in 2021.

A Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 "Snipers" adversary F-5N in take-off from Williams-Gateway (AZ). This F-5N was former Swiss Air Force F-5E J-3031 before it was delivered to the Marines.

A Snipers Tiger seen during a short refueling stop at Williams. The F-5E, is normally carrying the LS tailcode of VMFT-401 (based at MCAS Yuma, AZ) but it lacks it this time. The F-5N was once used by the Swiss Air Force as serial J-3051.

Seen hidden in its open hangar at Williams-Gateway, this quite rare Dakota.

Certainly one of the highlights of my recent trip to the States, it was also nice to share an afternoon with the local photographers, see you soon!

This Starfighter is operated by Fuel Fresh and is one of the few still flying in 2006.

Very nice visitor on a Sunday afternoon, the newest camo bird of VFA-125, 'Rough Raiders'.

A Navy aggressor F-5 of VFC-13 "Fighting Saints". Based at NAS Fallon.

Any F-5 is a good one, but this one is a real good one :-) A rarely seen USAF F-5E of the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS) based at Williams AFB (AZ). The camouflaged bird carries LA-tailcode as the squadron was under command of the 405th Tactical Training Wing (TTW) of nearby Luke AFB. But, as that base faced shortage on ramp space, the unit was moved to Williams. The 425th was disbanded in September 1989 and most of their F-5E/Fs were sold to Brazil (this one became FAB 4871 or FAB 4872). Late 1992, the squadron was reactivated and now trains Singapore air force pilots with F-16C/Ds.

This Harrier of VMA-214, 'Black Sheep', is getting ready for departure.

Operated by the Texas ANG.

A line of 6 Tweety-Birds at Williams AFB, now in civil use as Mesa-Gateway Airport.

Flown by the resident 405th TTW at Williams AFB, long before it closed and became a civil airport.

Flown by the resident 82nd FTW at what was then Williams AFB, since closed and turned to civilian use as Phoenix Mesa Gateway.