Culinary sendoff

I enjoy viewing the work of other photographers. In addition to visualizing the rush one receives when placed near the center of action, I evaluate the photograph of the photographer's point of view.

Pictures such as this one allow me to rehearse the camera settings that I'd use to replicate the shot. My mind quickly turns to attributes such as shutter speed, f-stop and ISO setting.

It's crucial that the photographer act quickly in these situations because the scene changes in a flash. The pilot won't wait for the photographer. He must quickly clear the flight deck to allow the next helicopter to deliver its load.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 9, 2011) -- Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Drew Iverson directs an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter to take off from the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during nighttime vertical replenishment flight operations training.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Fidel C. Hart.