My new photo book “Mission Ready” is focused on the 493rd Fighter Squadron “Grim Reapers”. They are the last to fly the F-15C Eagle in Europe. The squadron has been awarded the coveted Raytheon Trophy for “Best Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force” no less than six times. A unique accomplishment.
From 2016 to 2021, I documented the operations of the squadron across Europe and experienced firsthand what it takes to be a fighter pilot during a training mission in an F-15 jet.
When my project idea was approved by the U.S. Air Force, I knew it was going to be quite a ride. But it was so much more than I had anticipated. It was an amazing experience to be amongst these highly trained professionals and document their daily lives on base, unseen by the general public.
The book takes its audience to the start of a mission, through maintenance, life on the flight line and eventually getting airborne.
Communication Arts 2023 | Award of Excellence
IPA 2022 | Documentary Books | Honorable Mention
IPA 2022 | Self-published Books | Honorable Mention
IPA 2022 | People/Portraits | Honorable Mention
IPA 2022 | People/Portraits | Jury Top 5 Selection
Featured in Volkskrant Magazine - August 2022
Featured in De Telegraaf newspaper - November 2022
Featured in Nieuwe Revu magazine - December 2023
Featured on www.key.aero (Combat Aircraft Journal / Airforces Monthly) - December 2022
Featured on www.theaviationgeekclub.com - September 2022
MISSION READY
Inside the Best Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force
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Photography Patrick van Dam
Design Patrick van Dam, Sybren Kuiper
Clothbound
232 pages
23 cm x 30 cm
110 photographs
Published 2022
ISBN 978-94-64373-88-2
Edition 1,000 copies
For more info www.missionready-thebook.com
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Product photography © The Book Photographer