loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

We were taking this very innocent ferry ride from Dauphin Island, AL, to the Florida coast. The ferry boat captain announced, "Folks, please don't be alarmed by anything you are about to see around you. We have agreed with the Coast Guard to cooperate in a training operation during this short ride. Our boat will be the imaginary target of terrorists/invaders/whatevers; the unmarked boat will pretend to try to board us, and the US Coast Guard will try to prevent them from doing so. You are in absolutely no danger: this is merely a drill.

So while a few people looked somewhat green, I, of course, bolted to my Canon 70-200 L IS lens and D7 camera and stood on the very roughly bouncing deck of our boat--trying to protect my outfit from the spray and adjusting to the rather vigorous bouncing with fast shutter speeds.

Needless to say, most of my shots were a combination of very blurred motion and salt water spray; but this one came through the juggernaut. I liked the action, the menace of the 50mm gun, and the determination on the guy's face. Hope you like it. It was an awesome experience coming out of nowhere.

(Download)

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Great story and a great shot. chase

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Thank you. It was exciting.

Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

What a fantastic experience. At least you were able to get this great shot.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

We had the privilege of being guests on a Coast Guard Cutter at the start of the Port Huron to Mackinaw race one year. There were sailing craft from many nations, including several Amarica's Cup Boats. The Coast Guard buzzed by us in a Zodiac powered by 2 200hp Mercury outboards, upstaged by the US Border Patrol's Zodiac with 4 200hp Mercurys. It was quite a sight! And yes, they were well armed.

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Glad to hear someone else had this very cool experience. It did make me feel safer.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Amazing photo. Liked it and you were great in taking it.

Sarge69

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Thanks for the kind words.

photon56 Loc: North America

I love that shot.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Chase said it best--great story and great shot!

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Thank you.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

While I do love your photograph the gun is not a 50mm which would have a 2 inch bore. This is more than likely an FN SAW,or Squad Automatic Weapon, which should be in 5.56mm, not 50mm. You might be thinking of the Browning M2 50 Caliber machine gun, commonly called the Ma Deuce.

Dennis

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Thanks for the correction. I have no idea what I'm talking about except from WW2 documentaries.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic image!!!!

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

From the looks of the mag IM thinking maybe a 30 cal maybe a .308 NATO ( I can't remember the metric caliber7.62 X something)