Military Aircraft [Airfest Photography] Part I - Up close and personal at MacDill

Each year the US military gives citizens the opportunity to get up close and personal with the aircraft that is used to protect our country in the past, present and future. MacDill Air Force base puts on one of the best shows in the country, allowing us to see the enormous metal birds, and sometimes go in them, as well as see them in flight.

I've collected numerous photographs through the years that my family and I have been able to go to the annual airshow in Tampa, FL and wanted to share them with all Steemers, although there is nothing like seeing them in person. Some of the aircraft I've identified, and others unfortunately, I am not sure what type they are. If you can identify any of these for me, I would be eternally grateful! Please comment the name and a description of the plane (or which number photo it is) and I will certainly update this post. I strive to provide accurate information to everyone and appreciate any input.

B-25 Mitchell

Unidentified #1

US Coast Guard helicopter
Our nearest Coast Guard base is located in Clearwater, FL - Air Station Clearwater

US Department of Commerce's NOAA official plane

Many of the planes have detailed artwork that have special meaning to the crew

I believe this is a C-130 cargo plane from the front

The USAF permits a walk thru of the C-130 where you can see the captain's cabin and the cargo area where troops, equipment and supplies travel.


Even my girls got in on the fun of Airfest!

Unidentified #2

Id'd as an F4 Phantom. Thanks to @thisdayinanarchy!

A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog"

The Warthog, developed by Fairchild-Republic for the USAF, first flew in May 1972.
More facts

Unidentified #3

Unidentified #4

F-14D Tomcat

Retired in 2006, the F-14D Tomcat's first flight was in September 1944. A healthy 62 feet long and 64 feet wide, the supersonic two-place fighter is considered one of the most important defense interceptors of its time.
More info
F-14 Tomcat Association - An Association of F-14 Tomcat Aircrew, Maintainers, Civil Servants, Contractors, and Enthusiasts

E2-C Hawkeye

The twin turbo prop Hawkeye was manufactured by Northrup Grumman for the US Navy, not as a fighter but as an all-weather airborne early-warning aircraft to the naval task force.
Naval Technology projects
Hawkeye's mission

Unidentified #5

ID'd as an F-16, Swamp Fox Unit. Thanks for the identification @shredlord!

F-15E Strike Eagle


This two-seat all-weather fighter was designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. USAF FAQs

Watch the Strike Eagle in flight

And the final aircraft for this installment.....
F-117 Nighthawk

You'll never hear it coming. This is the US's first true stealth aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed's secretive Skunk Works division. First airborne in 1981, the Nighthawk flew until retirement in 2008, achieving its fame during the 1991 air war against Iraq.
More info

F-117 Nighthawk Filmed At It's Last UK Appearance In 2007 At Fairford
by Airshow World

I have many more photos to share with you from the shows that I've attended so stay tuned (follow me @jessica-miller) for aircraft such as "The Hornet", "The Talon", and "The Sabre".

Hope you enjoyed and I look forward to seeing who can identify the aircraft I couldn't!