On Tuesday 25 June the group headed for the main gate to meet our hospitable hosts for the day. After an uncomplicated check-in we received our badges and boarded the bus to our spot for the morning. We were positioned next to the large Anatolian Eagle ramp and main taxiway, a superb spot with lots of possibilities. The ramp was filled with American F-15Es, Italian AMXs, Jordanian F-16s, Pakistani JF-17s and lots of Turkish F-16s, a great view we could enjoy both days. Mid-morning many fighters started up and taxied past our position to the runway. On the taxitrack most aircraft stopped to give even more opportunities for photography by opening the canopy, speedbrake or parking in a nice angle for the crowds. A job well done by all the fighter jocks!
Take-off was from the farthest runway, a bit too far away for photography, because of the heat haze. Recovery was on the same runway, but all taxied past us again to show us the other side of the aircraft. This was especially nice with the Turkish F-16s as they sport different unit markings on either side of the tail. Lunch was enjoyed in the sun next to the ramp and after that we were relocated next to the runway on the south-western end of the runway, with the sun in our back. The afternoon mission was not related to Anatolian Eagle and it looked like it was especially flown for us. The different participant flew by in different formations and gave an extra show during take off and landing.
After this it was Phantom time, these six aircraft were located on the ramp at the north western side of the base. The specially marked F-4 was towed in a perfect position and was also used as the backdrop for the group picture. The clock showed a little after 19:00 and it was time to leave the base after a long day.
