The timeframe for these photos are from March through September 2002.
Please take a second to use the link on the bottom of each gallery/photo to vote and/or leave a comment.
Here is a link to my first Iraq combat deployment ::Iraq::
Here is a link to my second Iraq combat deployment ::Iraq II::
Wonderful photos and gallery, achingly beautiful. Big vote.
stts
27-Nov-2006 19:38
The pics are incredible!! And so is the job you guys are doing.
Guest
21-Oct-2006 09:52
Rob,
I tend to focus on the photographic element here - not the political, there are other sites for that..
Your pix rock, and being able to shoot images like this after loooong nights in the air
tells us somethin' about your love for photography. So everybody, let's focus on Rob's qualifications as a photographer, not as a soldier..
I'll add you to my favs !
Lars Molin - Copenhagen - Denmark
www.larsmolin.com
Guest
18-Apr-2006 17:27
man, you really captured some awesome moments. I am currently in Iraq and have been from the South to up North and back down south, but nobody Ive served with has taken pictures like yours. You're lucky to have such a spectacular view of the world; looking from a simply grunts point-of-view just isnt quite the same. Take care and glad you made it back home.
Guest
22-Nov-2005 16:23
Some stunning images here Rob (particularly the 'Mountain Mists' shot). Maybe one day you'll be able to photograph from the ground some of the beautiful people and places you've been flying over...that's if there's anything left of these places and people once the American and British 'Freedom' Alliance has finished with them!
eugene gershman
18-Oct-2005 07:19
i am an american enlisted in the israeli army and i want to thank you boys for fighting for the freedom and peace that all of us on this planet deserve,im glad you came home safe, god bless america
chrissie
13-Oct-2005 13:37
words cant describe how i feel looking at this gallery.it has brought tears to my eyes.
Ida LaValley
17-Aug-2005 14:19
Rob,
Just found the pictures through my link with the Boeing Company. I work for an aerospace company that makes the basic castings for some of the planes. Thank you for fighting for our country. God bless you.
Daughter of retired Marine and sister of current Marine - Ida LaValley, New Hampshire
tami
03-Aug-2005 19:37
Thank you for your time, your effort and your service. Because of folks like you we are truely the land of the free. Your picture gallery really is amazing.
MaTT
30-Jun-2005 16:19
As a young pilot wanna be myself, these photoes are just outstanding. Maybe if they showed this type of stuff to people in America, then they woudl appreciate the effort you guys put into it all. I wish to be in the SAME position as you guys when I'm older...thanks for the pictures.
Stefi
26-Feb-2005 05:24
These photos are very beautiful, well framed, and very professional.
Ellen
21-Jan-2005 18:57
WOW! you would never expect it to look that beautiful. My boyfriend is going over there in about 7 months and that makes me not so worried. i know that you men and women struggle not seeing your family and friends. I cant begin to imagine how hard it is for you. Thats really cool that you got pictures like that. I'm glad that i can atleast see the peaceful side of what they put you through.
Kevin Spier
12-Dec-2004 00:22
Wow. Thank you very much for sharing. We don't see enough (any) of this type of stuff from the media.
Dave F
10-Dec-2004 19:22
These are breathtaking images. Mountain Mists, in particular, outdoes in reality the ethereal quality of Japanese landscape painting. Have you any plans to sell them if given permission? And your eye for a shot is uncanny. Is this a gift fighter pilots tend to have?
PatA
10-Dec-2004 18:39
Surreal photos, just as you guys in service to our country are surreal. We love you all!!
You guys are absolutely right. It is a KC-10. Maybe I should remove my goggles...
BOO
15-Nov-2004 12:08
Rash- If that's not a KC-10, then my ass is a banjo! Ha! Great pics brother- need to get a bunch of these in hi-res printable format.
SF
BOO
Dane
30-Oct-2004 21:38
I don't quite understand the title "French Tanking". Isn't that a USAF KC-10?
peggy rodgers
18-Oct-2004 18:43
I am in awe of these shots. Thank you for showing the world how brave our troops are and the scracifices they and their families have made. May God bless each and every one of you and bring you a safe return home!
Richo
30-Sep-2004 12:58
Inspirational Photgraphs. Mountain Mists made me think of the last two lines of High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, one of your brothers from WWII:
'For I have put out my hand
And touched the face of God'
Well done, and thank you from an ally down under.
Jan M Plat
28-Sep-2004 15:49
Hi i'am an weapons loader from the Netherlands airforce and i was in manas from january-april 2003. Love your Photo's, and yes the A/C where a bid noissy
Bill R.
24-Sep-2004 13:38
Thank you for all you're doing for us, and for sharing these great shots with us. God bless America!
Guest
24-Sep-2004 05:02
Awesome pix! We aer proud of all of you, and pray for you all every night!
israelfan
24-Sep-2004 03:55
Really enjoy your photos. Want you to know that all of you are heroes. I have prayed for all of you daily for a long time. Wish I had a way to encourage the badly injured, but I ask God to do it. Thanks for your service. Tell your buddies that we don't forget those serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. Thank you.
R B Young, MD
24-Sep-2004 02:10
WOW! Found these thru a link from Instapundit.com. Terrific images! I skipped past most of the posted comments, but if there are those who think this should only be about artistic expression..... Thank you for what you and your crews do for us, often thanklessly. If you are ever in Oklahoma City, dinner and a cold beer is on me.
I think Walter was a bit rough in his comments, because I believe that the pics were top notch and simply unbeatable quality... My sincere compliments, considering the you've got Sony 707 which is extremely tough to handle in combat jet cockpit, just like elsewhere :-). No, offence, bud, yet just a friendly advise from former SU-31 and KA Werewolf ace, - I think you should get rid off titles like "Afganistan"... No need to disturb the waters and also make "sergeant Colly" club happy :-). This site is for photography, not for "god bless whatever "... cheers and good luck
Rob Unger
18-Jul-2004 23:50
Some of these photos are beautiful... Thanks for sharing them with us.
Also, Thank you (and please tell your buddies thanks, too) and that I (and most of America) really appreciate the sacrifices that you all have made for all of us.
Please do not be discouraged by the liberal wind-bag media that is trying to make us loose the war on terror. I know that what you are doing is great and knoble work.
Thanks again
Rob Unger
Florida
Warren D. Lockaby
18-Jul-2004 18:20
Great photos, Rob! Thanks for sharing them... but mostly, thanks to you and all our troops for keeping our nation free!
Awesome photos. Noble Gesture. Best Job. Thanks to all of you for the SACRIFICE.
Trevor Benedict
India
Guest
29-Jun-2004 16:16
Absolutely Awseome shots there buddy! I love war jets and you have captured them and your job beautifully!
I appreciate everything your doing for our country, my family,yourself and friends.
Thanks buddy
Pete
Guest
11-Jun-2004 18:11
Great pictures of POWER! Thanks for protecting our Nation and the freedom we enjoy.
Guest
21-May-2004 13:27
Some wonderful images, and ones that provide a decided contrast to those most often associated with those actions going on in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I have a friend in the Army who's also kept a diary of such images from on the ground in Tikrit, again again, the capture life in the region much more vividly than anything one might see on television or elsewhere. More than anything, they're just great photographs.
I enjoy your gallery. It tells me a lot about the situation there. I was a soldier before.
I use a 717 and have never tried aerial shot. You have reaffirm my choice of camera :). You are one of the best 717 users in Pbase. Keep on showing us more great pic
Pieter
29-Apr-2004 09:42
I have seen many war photographs ranging from gruesome to interesting, being South African. These however evoke a different emotion due to the quality and artistic beauty. It is almost if one has to stop for a deep thought.
Guest
05-Apr-2004 05:29
Most of all, Thank you for fighting for freedom. Your photos create deep emotion and I hope you find the ones you are looking for over there to help in the peace process.
I really appreciate all of the comments, however, if you can't stand by your comment with your name or a valid reply email, please don't bother to leave any comments. They will be deleted. Pbase members who have active galleries comments are always welcome.
Rob
John Wolfe
31-Mar-2004 09:03
Even though I stumbled upon your site by accident, I'm SOOOOO glad I did. These are some utterly stunning photographs (not merely pichurs). I thank you and your extended family for your service to our country. Keep up the good work.
From a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer: May you forever have Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Rodger Fetters
30-Mar-2004 04:38
Great photos. Beats the heck out of what I took flying around Vietnam in a CH-47 as gunner. Keep taking them!
Absolutely stunning images! This stuff belongs in a magazine or coffee table book. Thanks so much for your service, and for sharing your obvious talent as a photographer. And thanks especially for taking the time to capture and post these images for all of us.
I thought war was a serious matter,and pilots in charge of tense missions.I discover now that it gives time for taking pictures (nice ones).What kind of world are we living here ? Do you drop bombs or send rockets between two pics ?
Guest
15-Mar-2004 18:48
Amazing photos, Rob. I am fascinated with planes and love taking photos of them myself. These are just very touching, and I would love to see more.
Lori Taylor
15-Mar-2004 05:49
Thank you for your photo gallery. I pray that every mission you fly will be a safe one, and that God will direct your every move. Blessings to you and the rest of our troops, but most of all, thank you for taking the time to keep us safe.
Wonderful photos. Thank you for your effort in making the world a safer place.
Guest
13-Mar-2004 19:37
I can't even describe how jealous I am that you fly fighter jets. Thanks for your work. Check out my 9/11 pics: www.pbase.com/peteburke73 I appreciate the work you and your fellow colleagues do. - Pete Burke, New York, USA
Peggy
09-Mar-2004 17:39
Awesome!!!
Guest
09-Mar-2004 16:09
Awesome and beatyfull.Thanks for your service to the country!
Maverick
08-Mar-2004 03:43
Great pictures guys, I an engineer and dreamed always be in the air than designing what you guys are flying, anyway I may see you one day in the air.
Jack Curtis
02-Mar-2004 02:20
Hey, beautiful photography, I'm curious about the equipment that you are using. All your photos? If so you gotta be a fly boy... Horrido!
I am currently looking into the legal implications of doing this. Those that are interested, please email or check back in a couple of weeks. I sincerely appreciate the interest.
Rob
Rachel
01-Mar-2004 21:30
I second the motion -- sell prints of these! They're breathtaking.
Jane, I have seen this depending on the monitor I was useing at the time. I found that increasing the contrast and the brightness helped considerably. For some pictures however, like the goggles picture, it only helps a bit.
Rob
Jane
01-Mar-2004 19:36
Reckon you pix would be superb. However on my machine they come out very dark. How can they be made lighter? Gather it should be Afghanistan - beautiful country when I was last there - long time ago.
Guest
29-Feb-2004 18:32
thanks for the beautiful photos. They will take in prominent place among my desktop picts. God bless and protect you. David
Guest
29-Feb-2004 18:17
One of the most amazing galleries I have seen!! I loved every picture! I so wish I could get to see what you see! Thanks for sharing.
Christopher
29-Feb-2004 17:33
"Mountain Mists" is phenomenal . . . you really oughtta capitalize on your publicity from instapundit, and sell prints. =)
Bob Lozonne
29-Feb-2004 16:27
Awesome and beautiful images God Bless You all!!
Bill Haverberg
29-Feb-2004 14:22
You just got linked from instapundit.com, so your hit rate is going WAY up. These photos are tremendous ...breathtaking...and show awesome skill. You're a natural.
You should look into some more aggressive digital copyright techniques 'cause I just know you're going to see someone you don't know selling these at airshows for $15 a pop.
Bart Drakulich
29-Feb-2004 09:23
Jeesh! And I got a ticket for driving while talking on a cell phone...keep both hands on the joystick my friend!
Actually, those are magnificent photos. You guys are doing a great job, I'm glad you're on the side of the good guys.
Cheers from Bologna, Italy
Chris Hebert
29-Feb-2004 09:19
Nothing short of exceptional images. Thank you and every last one of your colleagues for your tremendous contributions and sacrifices that keep all of us clear of danger.
RW Jersey City, NJ
29-Feb-2004 08:09
Thank you.
I can't express in words the pride and appreciation I have for every person who takes our national security in as serious a matter as it truly is. You are the heroes we will never know - the champions of our society. Thank you for bringing a piece of your world to those of us who benefit from your valiance.
R Warfield
Robert from Texas
29-Feb-2004 07:07
Absolutely beautiful! God bless you and all those with you. Stay safe.
Interesting photos of the mechanics of an airforce in action. I may not agree with US policy, but your pictures do show the daily life of pilots in the airforce on missions.
Guest
18-Jan-2004 19:29
Gorgeous photos. Our Troops are the real heros. A heartfelt thank you to you and all who serve our country.
WOW!! Stunning photos and thanks for sharing them for us to see.
Scott H
10-Jan-2004 04:08
Excellent photos!!!
Thanks for sharing them and of course thanks so much for serving our country!!
Scott
Guest
09-Jan-2004 20:48
Semper Fi!
What else needs to be said?
Guest
08-Jan-2004 03:04
Rob, thanks for commenting on my gallery, and I'm so glad that it brought me to yours of some truly awesome images! Wow! Thanks, for your great service as a pilot in our great country's military. We pray for your safety and well being and for the families, too. What an incredible sacrifice you make daily. My husband was in the Air Force (EOD officer) for 8 years.
Your images are superb and you have an incredible eye. Keep up the good work and make photography more than a hobby - you certainly have the talent!
Take care,
Claire Kayser
John
25-Dec-2003 23:40
Thanks so much for your service. With guys like you at work I know we are going to be O.K. Thank you and all who are on watch today, Christmas, so we can eat to much, spend to much, and gripe to much about America.
We pray everyday for our military's safty and success.
From one generation to another-be safe.
27th TFW 1971-1974
Guest
25-Dec-2003 08:47
wow, truely amazing war-time journalistic photos!!! They took me into your seat, looking through the helmet goggles. Views up there are spectacular...and you have some rare photos (air fueling) with rare angles! Keep up the great work and keep posting the photos. I feel like I'm being part of your life just by looking through ur photos. Pray that you'd be safe on every missions, thanks for doing the job out there!! :)
Again, Rob, your skill in bringing together a message through a great variety
of photographs is evident. There are many images here which are truly stunning,
very moving, dramatic. Wow...
Brian
Guest
18-Dec-2003 23:25
Beautiful photos--well taken. Thanks for sharing the experiences as well. God bless!
Guest
16-Dec-2003 15:08
A student of mine is heading into the Air Force come 2006...I sent him your page address as I'm sure he will love it. Thanks for sharing. Jeff Lunt
Amazing images, truly stunning. Thankyou for sharing them. Also, many thanks for helping to make the world a safer place for me and my family. Good job!
Rob - You are doing the right thing in fighting against the most serious threat to world peace since WW2. Don't worry America, Israel is right behind you:-)
May God protect you and return you safe and sound to your family and friends.
Regards from Israel, Abba
Guest
15-Dec-2003 21:46
Beautiful photos. I have the greatest respect for what you all are doing over there. Thank you for sharing your photos.
Guest
15-Dec-2003 04:48
Very great picture. How can you take all the picture...Amazingly??
Guest
09-Dec-2003 15:12
Great gallery of images. You are good at taking advantage of the beautiful golden light. Waynette
mark
26-Nov-2003 23:44
Another Briton would like to back up Damo's comment exactly. Thanks for the service. The shots take me into a special world. That corner (Hindu Kush, i guess) has a mystique for me. You guys are doing the hard and right thing and should be proud. I'm proud that Britain has again done the right thing when the chips are down.
The Sony seems like a fine camera for your kind of work.
Some amazing pics you have, they truely are stunning. Even if I do disagree with the wars I hope you return home from every mission safely. Take care and keep posting these awesome pictures.
Damo
19-Nov-2003 19:03
As David Baker said "Thanks for the service". I appreciate it as do most Brits despite some of the crap U might see on the BBC. Well done lads and keep up the good work.
mike
17-Nov-2003 22:59
Guys, thanks for everything. We are behind you 100% and appreciate your hard work. Keep it up for the U.S.
David Baker
15-Nov-2003 04:02
Thanks for your service! I appreciate it and hopefully my 4 kids will as well.
Will
13-Nov-2003 04:13
A truly awesome series of photos! Thank you very much for your service to our country, and the world at large. Please pass along these thanks to those you serve with as well.
Will
lou
13-Nov-2003 01:38
Absolutely awesome collection of photos. bravo
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