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The Mojave desert is the site of nearly continuous military aircraft operations. The R-2508 Restricted Airspace Complex stretches from Bishop to Edwards Air Force Base and from Tehachapi to the Nevada State line. Approximately 18,000 low level test and training missions are conducted within the R-2508 Complex annually.
Under the R-2508 Complex, the Saline Valley, adjacent to Death Valley, is used by military aircraft to transit between China Lake NAWC, Edwards AFB, and test ranges in Nevada. Aircraft from Fresno ANG Station and Lemoore NAS aircraft use the area for training.
Military jets in the wild
from 1988 to 1997.
Military jets in
the wild from 1999.
Military jets in
the wild from November 2001.
Military jets in
the wild from April 2002.
Military jets in
the wild from March 2003
Military jets in the wild from November 2005.
Military jets in the wild from March 2008.
Saline Valley Birdwatching: Slideshow of Boeing-McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornets from NAS Lemoore and NAWS China Lake and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons from Fresno ANG and Edwards AFB flying at low altitude in the Saline Valley in March 2008.
I camped out in the Saline Valley photographing airplanes in the wild in April 2010. Camp was buzzed by several F/A-18 Hornets including one destined
for delivery to the Australian Air Force. Two Boeing 747 testbeds flew overhead and three Cessnas paid a visit to the Chicken Strip.
I camped out in the Saline Valley photographing airplanes in the wild in November 2014. Camp was buzzed by several Boeing F/A-18 Hornets, McDonnell-Do9uglas F-15s, and Lockheed Martin KC-130Js.
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