Photo By Master Sgt. John McRell | Jacob Warye, a weapons test engineer assigned to the 780th Test Squadron at Eglin Air...... read more read more
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EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Constant travel and a grasp of the unknown is common for military families. Children occasionally struggle with this lifestyle, but it also can be the avenue for them to find something that fills them with a second of wonder.
The art of flight lit a spark in the heart of a boy, and ever since he always had his eyes to the sky.
“I’ve always loved aviation,” said Jacob Wayre. “Growing up as a military brat, I got the chance to get up close and personal with all kinds of military aircraft. I went to every air show I possibly could and I’d bring the family camera and take pictures of everything.”
As Jake grew up, his passion for aviation photography took off. He used his photography as an opportunity to reach out to military units and offer them the chance to come out and have their photos taken at his local airport in Alabama.
“I thought this was sort of a good way to give back to the military for all of those airshows back in the day. Have them show up, take some pictures of them in their planes, and then give it to them.”
Word started to spread among aviators of what Jake was doing. Aircraft from all branches of the military would fly into the Alabama airport just to have their pictures taken by him.
“Apparently my images were posted on a forum by one of the pilots. Pretty soon after I was contacted by Combat Aviation magazine and they published a few of my photos. It was pretty cool being able to get my stuff out to other aviation enthusiasts.”
Soon after having his images published, Jake knew he wanted to continue giving back to the military community. He attended Embry Riddle College and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
“The degree gave me the best opportunity to date. Now I’m a government employee, working with awesome people and even better aircraft.”
Now Jake is a weapons test engineer for the 780th Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where he develops test documentation while interfacing with aircrew, aircraft, and defense contractors.
“It’s crazy to me that I went from just taking pictures of these awesome aircraft, to helping create new weapons and employment methods for them.”
Although being a weapons test engineer keeps him busy, Jake still finds time to take pictures of aircraft.
“I think to date I’ve taken pictures of over 50 different units. Every weekend is something different, and I get to meet so many people. I’m excited to keep taking pictures and it makes it even better being able to work side by side with the greatest military in the world.”
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2021 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 408251 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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