Abandoned E-2c and F/A-18

**Derf** · 10-06-2011, 08:20 PM

I always wanted to go to Fentress Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NFE), Chesapeake, VA to see the E-2 that flung a prop and the F-14 that did a gear up landing. When going to Oceana this year I decided to go after driving all night. I was very tired but also knew I would not have another opportunity to do this anytime soon. I found that the F-14 was broken up and a Bug was now in its place. I was really bummed, but yet I found the strength to still take a few pictures at sunrise. It is an active military installation.

Here is F/A-18A prototype #2 160776

This E-2C formerly of VAW-126 hit a deer while taxiing at night. The deer ran into the prop and was thrown through the fuselage damaging the airframe beyond repair. You can see a shiny aluminum patch just ahead of the wing to repair the skin where the deer entered the fuse. The airframe is now used for fire practice

a few more pictures and some lame interiors are located here at my site (sorry, I was tired)
Linky

**steve1840** · 10-06-2011, 08:30 PM

Wow. So sad seeing that.

How did you manage to get out there being an active military installation? Did you make arrangements ahead of time?

**Gerard** · 10-06-2011, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by steve1840

Wow. So sad seeing that.
How did you manage to get out there being an active military installation? Did you make arrangements ahead of time?

Uh, he's Fred!!

**Derf** · 10-06-2011, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by steve1840

How did you manage to get out there being an active military installation? Did you make arrangements ahead of time?

No arrangements, I had seen the guy opening the gate before sunrise and asked him. He gave me the deer in headlight look so I showed him some of my pictures. He was very nice and had me sign in and told me "Just do not go out on the runway please"... My reply was "You Know Me?" and we both laughed. Really Nice people down there in VA!

Originally Posted by Gerard

Uh, he's Fred!!

lolol very funny

**steve1840** · 10-06-2011, 09:07 PM

Man, I wish they were like that here. I once asked the gate guard at the National Guard installation in Windsor Locks if I could take a picture of the "gate guard" A-10 and I was answered with "I cannot authorize any photographs sir". You'd think I had asked him if I could go snapping pics in the hangar or something.

**gonzalu** · 10-06-2011, 09:07 PM

Fred "opens doors" in ways we can only hope to understand. He is a mythical figure!

Fredster, unreal the codition of these birds... did not know they existed. It is incredible seeing these decaying machines. Always saddens me, but it is still beautiful!

**steve1840** · 10-06-2011, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by Gerard

Uh, he's Fred!!

That thought was in the back of my head.

**Ychocky** · 10-07-2011, 12:18 AM

Great shots and one hell of a story about the deer!

**Derf** · 10-07-2011, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Ychocky

Great shots and one hell of a story about the deer!

I am upset I missed that shot!

**steve1840** · 10-07-2011, 11:49 AM

THat definitely had to be a site to see. I would have hated to be the passenger on the inside of the fuselage when that came through. Hopefully there was no one there.