The theme for the 2023 airshow was simply “America’s Air show”, presented by the United States Marine Corps.
Being an integral part of the San Diego area, the MCAS and
the 3rd Marine aircraft wing (3rd MAW) presents to the
local public the key vehicles, planes and personal that go into making the
Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs).
Over the course of 248 years no less, the Marine Corps has
consistently led the charge and remains ready to answer the nations call.
The Air show pays homage to the people, planes, and power
behind military services and with some of the latest tech on show, the
spectacle was entertaining.
The Marine Corps Air stations has over 10,000 service members
and occupies an area of approximately 23,000 acres.
From Technology buildings, food marts to rows and rows of
service hangers the base is a mini city.
So, plenty of walking required if you attend all 3 days, and
of course plenty of sun as the temperature was a balmy 30c.
Photography conditions
I was based at the "Free" public area so missed a few of the more dynamic shots that would have been presented in front of the paid stand, however I was closer to the hangars therefore later once some of the alternative aircraft were on display, I could focus on some of the static planes as the crowds had diminished somewhat.
The photography conditions did provide a little bit of a challenge. Mainly because of the clear blue skies and the high temperature there was a constant heat haze for some of the distant shots, and the sun did move around into the fly line later which made shooting hard as sun flares and the reflective nature of the jets meant certain shots had to be ignored.
Gear wise, just my trusty Canon R7 with my 28-300mm L Lens.
I would have liked to have had my 600mm + tripod handy but as I was on holiday, I had to
keep my gear bag as light as possible.
Tech on Display
There was a good mix of old and new but the draw cards where
definitely the following.
UH-1Y Venom (Helicopter)
CH-53E Super Stallion (Helicopter)
AH-1Z Viper (Helicopter)
MV-22 Osprey (Helicopter)
F/A-18 Hornet
F/A-18 Super Hornet (Blue Angels, Display Team)
F-35B Lighting II (US Marines)
F35C Lighting (Black Knights RAF)
MQ-9A Reaper (Drone)
P51-D Mustang “Bunny”
P51-D Mustang “Wee Willy II”
C-17
U-2 Dragon Lady (Reconnaissance plane)
F16 Viper
..and a very nice ground attack show by the Marine Air-Ground Task
Force (MAGTF) incorporating a good array of vehicles, Artillery and of course
helicopter support.
Hope you enjoy my photo reel for “America’s Airshow 2023”
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