Civilian photographer shares AF story

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  A world-renowned photographer took to the skies above Seymour Johnson Aug. 26 to capture the F-15E Strike Eagle for an upcoming layout in Air Forces Monthly magazine and a large coffee table book, "Combat Edge."

John Dibbs, a free-lance air-to-air photographer, took his first photo sortie in 1989 and has since flown in more than 120 different aircraft and documented more than 900 airplanes.

"My father grew up in London during the Second World War and lived by an air base," Mr. Dibbs said. "He was always interested in airplanes and he instilled that interest in me. I love photography and the idea that (through photography) people who don't have the opportunity (to experience something) actually get an understanding of what it's like."

Mr. Dibbs married his two passions of airplanes and photography into a career. His photos grace the covers of magazines all around the world, to include Air and Space magazine and the U.S. Air Force Yearbook. They also appear in aviation calendars and books, and are made into wall posters.

Of all the experiences Mr. Dibbs has gone through photographing aircraft, two stand out in his mind.

"Flying with the F-16s up in Eielson (Air Force Base, Alaska)," he said. "They did some low-level flying through the Alaskan mountains; it seemed just like a whole different world."

Mr. Dibbs also said photographing the Concord was one of his top moments, because only a couple of people have been able to do so.

Photographing the F-15E Strike Eagle doesn't only add to Mr. Dibbs' photo collection, it also helps gain support for the 4th Fighter Wing.

"Through this effort, the wing is able to present itself as the Air Force's pre-eminent Strike Eagle wing," said 2nd Lt. Matthew Schroff, 4th FW Public Affairs director. "We are informing the public on how the wing gets the most from this incredible jet, and teaches tomorrow's Strike Eagle pilots and weapon systems officers, which, in turn, increases support for keeping the aircraft well financed and up to date."

Mr. Dibbs found his flight in the F-15E indescribable.

"I don't know quite how you would describe a ride in an F-15E Strike Eagle," Mr. Dibbs said. "But the level of professionalism in the U.S. Air Force is very high. You feel quite secure working in this environment."

Mr. Dibbs, though originally from the United Kingdom, now lives in Seattle with his wife Pam. For more information on Mr. Dibbs or to see some of his work, visit www.planepicture.com.