Helicopter Combat Squadron 21, the “Blackjacks”, pictured from left to right, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Kevin Watson, Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Ernst and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Gabriel Martin; background, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jack Delbridge.
Back in 2008, Derek Sanchez, a friend and colleague of mine, put together this video of a portrait shoot I organized on the flight deck of USNS Mercy while anchored in the Federated States of Micronesia. I used a single SB-800 with a LumiQuest Mini Softbox attached to light the foreground.
Mercy was the primary platform for Pacific Partnership 2008, a humanitarian and civic assistance mission to the Pacific and Southeast Asia. The ship is a fully functional hospital, one of only two in the United States. When deployed, the vessel becomes fully staffed with military and civilian medical professionals from every branch of service from all over the world.
Special thanks to legendary Chief Photographer's Mate Jon Gesch,