If it's November it must be time for another photocall at NAF El Centro courtesy of Michelle Dee and Fence Check.

On the afternoon drive from San Diego I happened across a Kaman K-Max participating in some lifting work for some new electrical towers.

By the time I arrived at El Centro there was around 10 minutes of useable light left, where I caught a few F/A-18s landing.

As our time on base was due to start at midday the usual ritual is to shoot from the canal at the west end as the sun rises. In this location you'll see departing aircraft and hopefully get a couple of early left turns. The most unusual aircraft seen was a Sharpshooter/Devilfish F/A-18A, which was a transient that day. This would be the only Hornet flight gas-and-go that we would see. Appearing in the pattern was a C-2, which is a usual sight to see each day.

Formalities finished and it was off to the LSO shack for some close-up shooting. Arguably the best seat in the house the action is close, loud and fast. Most shooters come away with very similar shots, but I tried to do some things different this time around. I tried some slow speed panning, which at this distance, you have to pan really fast.

The only visitors while we were on base were a pair of AH-1W in for the hot-fuelling pits.

By the time we left the base the sun has already set so it was a good opportunity to catch up with fellow friends and shooters at a local eatery.

The next morning it back to the canal, and this time I drove further west to catch more of the aircraft in the break. To the north I spied a Hiller UH-12E spraying a field a mile or two away.

Back at the canal another pair of AH-1Ws arrived from the west next to us and one of the Canadian Hornets was carrying live munitions, which we hadn't seen the previous day, before I had to leave for San Diego for my flight home.

Thanks to Michelle Dee and her staff and Kev for the organisation and access.

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