Operation Snowbird 2014
February, 23, 2014
Story and Photos by Steven Valinski
While most of the country is suffering from cold winter temperatures, Arizona enjoys mild winters that can be ideal for flying. In an effort to take advantage of the great weather in Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona hosts: Operation Snowbird. During Operation Snowbird, Davis-Monthan AFB hosts squadrons that are based in locations that can have harsh winter climates. Operation Snowbird gives participating squadrons a chance to fly under the more ideal weather conditions of Arizona while taking advantage of Davis-Monthan AFB’s close proximity to gunnery and bombing ranges. The host unit for this exercise is Arizona Air National Guard’s 162nd Fighter Wing.
Earlier this year, aircraft, pilots, and crew from the 114th Fighter Wing of the South Dakota Air National Guard participated in Operation Snowbird with their F-16 Fighting Falcons. Currently, through March 8, 2014, the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing will be flying their F-16 Fighting Falcons as part of the exercise.
Steven’s interest in photography began when he was 16 years old when he received his first SLR camera, a Minolta XGA. It makes sense that eventually his passion for aviation and photography would merge into a love for aviation photography.
In addition to being the web designer, webmaster and chief editor of Aviation Photography Digest, Steven has been published in numerous magazines worldwide.
Steven has an M.S. from Boston University and uses Nikon photographic equipment.
Steven is a Nikon NPS Titanium member.
Steven can be reached at: [email protected]