|
 An ex-military photojournalist now based in Juneau, Alaska, Mark Farmer makes a living as a writer and photojournalist covering military, space, and science programs. He is a frequent contributor to Popular Science, Jane’s Defence Weekly, and World Air Power Journal. He also shoots as a stringer for Aviation Week, the Associated Press, and various regional, national, and international publications. (Farmer won first place in Aviation Week’s latest photo competition.) He has provided military consultation services to 60 Minutes, CNN, ABC, NBC, Discovery Channel, and the X-Files. He has experienced nearly every active type of US military aircraft.
“I love aircraft and I live to fly. I want to share my unique and rare experiences along with my passion for flight with as many people as possible. I enjoy illustrating the efforts and sacrifices of the men and women of the US armed forces. I try to show what goes on behind the scenes and put a spotlight on the everyday heroes who serve our country day-in and day-out in the Arctic, on the ocean, in the desert, and in outer space.”
Farmer’s best F-16 flight was with the 414th Combat Training Squadron during Red Flag exercise at Nellis AFB. “I blasted around the Nellis range with the elite Aggressors. I had a big red star on my helmet, and we went by the callsign of MiG 5. The flight was short and hectic with supersonic sprints. We climbed up the tailpipe of a British F3 Tornado. He was ‘dead’ without knowing we were there.”
Being a big guy (over six feet tall and 220 pounds), Farmer has a hard time getting in the seat. “But I like the feeling of being poured into the back cockpit. The F-16 is so quick, nimble, and responsive—it always feels like an extension of my body.”
|
