Grumman E-2 Hawkeye (16-4352)

Just after this Hawkeye departed, the winds increased and became so strong that the visibility from blowing dirt and sand halted departures. It also halted the photo session; camera lens filters were being scoured and scratched by sand being blasted through the spotting location on the edge of runway 31R, and it was almost impossible to see more than a couple hundred feet in any direction. I've photographed in many different types of weather conditions and yesterday's wind-driven debris eventually became one of the worst issues I've ever had to deal with.

5* Gary!

TY, Dave. It was a hectic day: from my home, I drove 35+ miles west to KRNO to catch the first visit of "Tennessee One" to Reno Tahoe International, and then I immediately drove 35 miles right back past my house and continued on another 40 miles east to KNFL to get in an afternoon of spotting there. The winds at RNO were only moderate while I was there and N922WN ("Tennessee One) landed without difficulty, but after I left and headed for NAS Fallon, the winds at RNO caused several inbounds to divert to KSMF. The winds at Fallon were already pretty stiff when I got there and it was the first time in my many, many visits there that I saw aircraft landing from the north, on runway 13L. Later the runway was swapped to 31R, and eventually all air operations were discontinued for a time due to visibility across the runway and the distinct danger of an accident during landings and takeoffs.

Sounds like a great day Gary- wish I was doing the same thing! Thanks for sharing your excellent photography again!

Beautiful shot Gary!

Great shot! Wish I'd been there with you!!!

Eric ... I truly appreciate your comment. And while I'm replying, I'll pass along this offer to you as well as any others of the FA members who are my friends: if you are ever headed out here to Reno, PLEASE let me know you are coming. It IS possible for me to arrange an opportunity for you to be right in the place I was standing here, but it can't be done overnight; I need plenty of advance notice. And I can meet you and show you many great spotting locations at RNO too.
Dave and Mark T ... Of course the above offer is extended to both of you also, my friends. (Thumbs Up) Also, I received the Northrop Grumman Aerospace corporation calendar today. It is a absolutely AWESOME calendar (but then perhaps I am somewhat biased; two of my E-2D Hawkeye pics are featured in it). I am the only non-US Navy, non-Northrop Grumman, non-DoD affiliated photographer whose pics were used in it. I'm told it was distributed at a joint US Congressional/naval top-brass meeting not long ago. I would never, in my wildest thoughts, have imagined my pics would ever be viewable in a congressperson's, or a naval commander's, office. I have always loved the Hawkeye, and now a couple of my Hawkeye snaps are "hanging in the halls" of Washington. lol