B-2s in the UK

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
06/08/2015

06/08/2015:B-2 Spirits land June 7, 2015 at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, with both active duty and Air National Guard Airmen from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings participating in hot-pit refueling and an engine-running crew change.  

These skills tests validate the vital importance RAF Fairford plays in projecting the Department of Defense’s strategic bomber force to other areas of responsibility.

The tests took place alongside the recent deployment of three B-52 Stratofortresses from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

Both aircraft and personnel deployments are part of regularly planned U.S. Strategic Command deployments of forces, meant to enhance vital crew skills and build partnerships with allies and partner nations.

Credit:2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs:6/7/15

 

 

KC-135s Arriving for BALTOPS

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

06/08/2015: KC-135R’s from the 100th Aerial Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England arrive in Powidz, Poland during BALTOPS 2015.

BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region.

Credit:65th Air Base Wing:6/5/15

 

EMALS Testing Begins Aboard CVN-78

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

06/08/2015: U.S. Navy Sailors, civilian employees and contractors observed a “dead-load” test of the new electromagnetic aircraft launching system (EMALS) aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

The weighted sled was launched into the James River where it was recovered for additional test launches.

Credit:U.S. Navy video/Released:6/4/15

For a look at the new landing and take-off launch system aboard CVN-78, see the following:

http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/the-uss-gerald-r-ford-and-the-landing-and-take-off-launch-system/

Visiting VMU-2 at Cherry Point

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
06/07/2015

06/07/2015: On May 18, 2015, the Second Line of Defense team visited the Marine Corps UAV squadron at Cherry Point. This was a return visit. In the earlier interview conducted in the summer of 2014. The importance of shaping a more flexible UAS for USMC operations was highlighted,

With regard to the RQ-21A, the squadron was working with industry to shape ways to enhance capability.

We are looking at size, weight, power tradeoffs to enhance overall platform capability. 

Currently, we are at 135 pounds with the platform and we could go as high as 165 which would give us more payload to carry onboard.

Lt. Col. Faught emphasized throughout the discussion the need to evolve the payloads along with other key aviation capabilities being shaped for the MAGTF.  He especially felt that EW payloads will be increasingly of interest going forward.

And he felt as the F-35B joins the force along with the Ospreys, the opportunity to rework evolving UAVs to operate with these more expensive combat systems would be significant.

http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/visiting-a-usmc-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-squadron-the-vmu-2-discusses-the-future/

During this visit, which was with Murielle Delaporte, we discussed the way ahead with John Nelson, the Operations Officer, Captain John Putney, the Assistant Operations Officer, and Captain Palpachek, the Intel Officer.

The members of the squadron provided a very clear perspective on the challenges and potential ways ahead.

 In these photos, the two key UAVs that the squadron operates are seen as the squadron works with them in their hanger area. 

The first photos show the Shadow and its supporting elements. 

The final photos show the RQ-21A which will be deployed aboard ship soon by the Marines.

 

Credit Photos: Second Line of Defense

 

 

 

Visiting MAG-31: An Update on the Warlords

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

06/07/2015: On May 19, 2015, a week before visiting the USS WASP and meeting with the crew and pilots doing the operational trials aboard the ship, the Second Line of Defense team went to MCAS Beaufort to discuss the progress made with the Warlords after moving from Eglin.

We had a chance to talk with Squadron Leader Nichols as well about the UK engagement with the squadron and the program in preparation for flying the squadron to the UK in 2018 for marrying up with the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Credit Photos: Second Line of Defense

  • The first few shots show some of the F-35s at the squadron that day, including one with Wasp markings that was prepared to join OT-1.
  • The sixth photo shows Squadron Leader Nichols in front of a UK F-35.  Even though he is standing in front of the plane, within the squadron any squadron member might fly this plane, as will the Brits fly USMC jets.  This is the same as at Luke where the Aussies and the USAF pilots fly each other’s planes.  This is part of the F-35 global enterprise already being stood up.
  • The seventh and eighth photos show Murielle Delaporte with Squadron Leader Nichols and Major Brian Bann.
  • The final photos show Lt. Col. Bachmann and Major Bann with Murielle Delaporte and Robbin Laird in front of the Warlords squadron building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Jericho Demonstration

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

06/07/2015: Senior Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel today toured an Air Force C-17A Globemaster in Canberra fitted with a new advanced satellite communication and imagery display system for its crew and passengers – an outcome of Air Force’s Plan Jericho.

The newly-installed system was used to stream full motion video on large screens in the aircraft from a Heron remotely piloted Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operating 2000km away over Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

The demonstration was an opportunity to highlight an outcome of Plan Jericho, which is the plan to transform Air Force and the wider ADF into a fighting force that capitalizes on the high technology systems that are being introduced over the next few years.

Plan Jericho will look at all aspects of ADF operations and support – systems, command and control, training, simulation, organizational structure and trade groups to ensure Air Force.

Credit:Australian Ministry of Defence:May 21, 2015

For a broader look at Plan Jericho see the following:

http://www.airforce.gov.au/plan-jericho/?RAAF-CrI57877JHUU/bo9YoJ64qWYIO7G/14Q

http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/the-australian-path-to-defense-innovation-the-perspective-of-the-incoming-chief-of-the-royal-australian-air-force/

http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/the-launch-of-plan-jericho-the-raaf-lays-down-its-transformation-strategy/

http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/plan-jericho-john-blackburn-explains-the-raaf-approach-at-the-copenhagen-airpower-symposium/

USS Forrest Sherman Daily Operations

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
06/05/2015

06/05/2015: ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 18, 2015) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) conducts a 5-inch missile live fire event, flight quarters and a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training evolution.

Forrest Sherman, home-ported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

Credit:Navy Media Content Services:3/18/15

Air Load Team Support to RAAF Operations in the Middle East

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
06/02/2015

06/02/2015: Combat Support Unit (CSU) at Australia’s primary logistics base in the Middle East Region (MER) is responsible for logistics and ground support for aircraft assigned in support of all ADF operations throughout the MER.

This includes life support functions including air load logistics, accommodation, meals, vehicles, fire services, and the maintenance of ground equipment such as generators.

The Air Load Team supports air operations through the provision of appropriately loaded cargo for air transport to all locations supported in the Middle East Region.

The team of fifteen Royal Australian Air Force personnel work around the clock supporting air operations. 

Credit: Australian Ministry of Defence: May 27, 2015