131022-F-RP072-1086

by SSgt Jodi Martinez

131022-F-RP072-1086

U.S. Army Paratroopers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, wait  for an air drop aboard a C-17 Globemaster III on Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 22, 2013.  The exercise integrated efforts between the 82nd Airborne Division and its Air Force partners. The exercise also synchronizes the planning and execution of a large-scale forcible entry into a hostile area; securing sufficient freedom of movement while facing the anti-access and area-denial capabilities of our enemy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jodi Martinez/ Released)

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Photographer's Narrative

 

Before this jump, the paratroopers were all doing different things. Some were falling asleep, others staring ahead in a daze, some seemed exhausted. I crawled into the maintenance hatch on the C-17 to get an overall photo. Most of them didn't notice I was up there. The one that did smiled. I guess he thought me hanging over the edge for a photograph was funny. I wanted to wait until he looked away, but it was nice to see him look up. Glad I took the photo it turned out being my favorite of the series.