AH-64s & UH-60s were spotted on the bow of the ship. Notice the guys working on the CIWS. They test fired the aft inst. while we were on board. Impressive.

Tarawa in the channel that leads out into the ocean, which runs right around NAS North Island, our shore base.

Firefighting duty, Chinook style. 2000 gallon bucket. Thats about 17000 lbs of water per drop.

the CH-47s had the aftmost spots to themselves, due to our rotor wash

Rotors turning, ready to do some deck qualifications, or "bounces", as they are called.

On approach for spot # 9...

Getting ready to take directions from the LSE (Landing Signal, Enlisted).

The CH-46, older, but smaller, brother to the CH-47. One of these was on orbiting the ship during all flight operations.

Passing buy the ship during a low-altitude holding pattern

Orbiting in a hi-altitude holding pattern.

Passing through ships centerline for one more bounce , this time for spot # 8 in the left side.

Loading up infantrymen to go play with the Navy SEALS on San Clemente Island.

Outbound to San Clemente, no dry land in sight.

Me, wishing I had joined the Air Force, not understanding how the lower enlisted (E-1 - E-6) could live like they do on this ship...My helmets off to them...

Scooting down the left side for another bounce.

#1 Bomb bay bulkheads, aft on the left, fwd on the right. Aft was scratchbuilt, fwd has Eduard PE spoiler.

Bottom surface of stabs in Strategic scheme

Upper surface of Strategic scheme on the stabs.

RCS vanes added from sheet styrene

Early Navy models, circa 1985

Edurard B-1 front inst.panel on top, kit on bottom

First class seating for 33, weapons are encouraged to be brought onboard.

I've been a Phantom Phreke for a long time (1985 again)

Main landing gear with some added reinforcement

Seats added

Early Air Force models (1985)

Eduard PE set on left, kit on the right

close up of Eduard rear panel

"Corrected" 48th B-1B wing on top. I filled in the incorrect panel lines.