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Through the Lens: Last Flight; A Photographer's Final Encounter with the Texas Raiders B-17

The day began at 4:30 am when I left my home in Montgomery Texas, the darkness enveloping the world as I embarked on a journey to capture history. With my Nikon D850 and Nikkor 70-200 mm lens, I set out for Ellington Airfield located just south east of Houston. The Texas Raiders B-17G-95-DL would be my muse on this cool dark morning.

 

As the sun began its ascent over Ellington Airfield in Houston, Texas, I stood amidst a sea of fellow enthusiasts, my camera and tripod positioned and ready to capture a piece of history. Today, my lens would be trained on the majestic silhouette of the Texas Raiders B-17G-95-DL, a legendary aircraft that had weathered the storms of time.

There was an air of nostalgia mingled with anticipation as the crowd gathered, drawn together by a shared reverence for aviation's golden age. The Texas Raiders, with its proud wingspan and weathered exterior, seemed to beckon us closer, inviting us to witness its true power when it took to the skies

 

As I framed my shot, I couldn't help but reflect on the countless stories this aircraft must have carried within its aluminum skin. Tales of daring missions, brave crew members, and the indomitable spirit of those who served during World War II echoed in the air, reminding us of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

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With each click of my shutter, I sought to capture more than just an image; I aimed to immortalize the essence of the Texas Raiders, to preserve its legacy for generations to come. Every angle, every detail, spoke volumes about the resilience and courage embodied by this iconic aircraft.

As the morning wore on, the Texas Raiders B-17G-95-DL took to the skies one last time over Ellington, its engines roaring in defiance of time's relentless march. Against the backdrop of a Texas sky painted in hues of blue and white, it soared with a grace that belied its age, a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of its creators.

 

As I packed up my gear and made my way home, I carried with me more than just photographs; I carried the spirit of the Texas Raiders, a reminder of the power of perseverance, courage, and the enduring legacy of those who dare to reach for the skies.

Little did any of us know that just a few short months later, tragedy would strike, and the Texas Raiders B-17 and her crew would meet their untimely end in Dallas, Texas during an air show accident. As I reminisce about that poignant day at Ellington Airfield, I am reminded of photography's profound ability to transcend time, preserving the legacy of those who came before us. Though the Texas Raider may have succumbed to fate, her story lives on through the lens of my camera, forever etched in the annals of history.

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