Independence Day 2009 in Los Alamitos
Tanks and Choppers at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base

MASH 4077
Abrams tank
For the 4th of July, we visited the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. They had plenty to see in addition to the usual fireworks show, including this M*A*S*H 4077th jeep.
One of the cooler things they had for visitors was a M1 Abrams tank.
Abrams tank
Abrams tank
We joined the long line for the rare opportunity to inspect the interior.
Here I am in the driver's hole at the front.
Abrams tank
WWII in the Pacific
Shot of the commander's hatch leading to the main body of the tank.
The turret holds three soldiers but it's still a pretty tight fit.
Abrams tank
Abrams tank
Guy on the right is one of the reservists assigned to help visitors in and out of the tank, also presumably to make sure nobody messed with it.
Some of the instruments in the turret area.
Black Hawk
Kiowa
They had a variety of helicopters on display at the airbase, including this UH-60 Black Hawk...
...a OH-58 Kiowa...
Cobra
Cobra
...and an AH-1 Cobra looming menacingly over a visiting family.
Close-up of the Cobra's armaments.
WWII in the Pacific
Also on display were some World War II-vintage vehicles, used in the battle reenactment on the next page.

More at Los Alamitos: WWII battle reenactment



Photos and text by Kendra Harness. All rights reserved.