D-Day Squadron Flyover - 25 May 2020

I learned a D-Day Squadron of historic aircraft would be participating in a 'SoCal Strong' Memorial Day Flyover to honor veterans and health care workers. The route would start with Loma Linda Medical Center at noon and ended a hour later at Chino Airport. They would covered 20 key spots including two national cemeteries, four airports, six hospitals, several beaches, the Queen Mary and San Pedro's own Battleship USS Iowa. I was planning on seeing it from Beacon Street where I first saw the USNS Mercy leaving port; but when I got there it seemed too far away, was congested with people, and had too many trees in the way. I went north of the Iowa, parking by the Fanfare Fountains (now under renovations) and walk south half way to the Iowa. When the first set of planes passed over, I realized there were too many trees in the way as they passed directly overhead, not over the Iowa. Adjusting my position, I was able to get a few shots of the next two batches of planes.

The Squadron contained the C-53 D-Day Doll of the Commemorative Air Force's Inland Empire Wing, leading C-47 Flabob Express, C-47 Betsy's Biscuit Bomber and C-53 Spirit of Benovia. There were other WWII-era aircraft including C-47 What's Up Doc from the Palm Springs Air Museum and Condor Squadron's T-6s.

As stated on their website (warbirdsnews.com): "Our mission flying WWII aircraft over parts of Southern California for Memorial Day is to salute our veterans who sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. In addition, we will acknowledge the many medical personnel, first responders, and citizens who have provided unwavering support in caring for the local populace during this pandemic."

Of course the news plane flying alongside, got the best shot.

 Thank you everyone, for your service!

USNS Mercy - 15 May 2020

This morning I took my cup of coffee to the couch and turned on the television, which has been off for weeks as I find pandemic news, too depressing. But at 7:00AM today, the news was all about the USNS Mercy leaving the Port of Los Angeles.

Dress for the Occasion

In normal days, I would have grabbed my brother, our dogs and drive down the street (only two blocks) to catch the action. With my brother now in hospice care, I felt I needed to honor his love of San Pedro and go check out the action.

This 1,000 bed hospital was brought into the port on March 24th, from a Naval Base in San Diego to offer support to local hospitals by taking in overflow patients, not suffering from the coronavirus.

The crew only treated 77 patients and unfortunately experienced their own outbreak when 7 crew members tested positive for COVID-19.

Until I saw the Mercy leaving, I really had no idea just how large and impressive she is.

Images from ABC Eyewitness News

During its short stay, we even had our share of "Crazies" as an engineer tried to crash a train into the ship believing it was part of a government takeover.

I headed over to Warehouse One, for a different view.

There were more people here, during a "stay-at-home" order, than I've ever seen at this picture perfect location (including the sail of Tall Ships).

People were cheering and waving flags to thank the crew for their service.

The police were only turning away anyone without a face mask.

Next, I headed over to the SS Lane Victory for a view with the Angels Gate Lighthouse. Since all public places are still closed (including the parking lot which has the best view of San Pedro Harbor), I had to settle for a quick shot along the pier.

Of course the local paper was out in the water, getting the best shot of all. 

Image from Daily Breeze