National Guard Conducts Carolina Thunder 2014

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/28/2015

01/28/2015: South Carolina National Guard, along with North Carolina and Georgia National Guard units conducted “Carolina Thunder 14”, a drill weekend, joint training exercise Nov. 15, 2014. More than 30 aircraft participated in the mass take-off from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, S.C.

Units conducted air and ground operations at the Savannah River Site in Allendale, S.C.

The S.C. Air National Guard 169th Fighter Wing’s F-16 Fighting Falcons joined AH-64D Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks and more than 100 Infantry Soldiers from the S.C.

Army National Guard to train with Apaches from the N.C. Army National Guard and the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSATRS) and Joint Terminal Training Center (JTAC) from the Georgia Air National Guard in a collective force-on-force, enemy suppression and assault mission.

Credit:169th Fighter Wing:11/15/14

 

AC-130 Hercules in Action

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

01/28/2015: This video shows an AC-130 operating from its home base.

In the A-10 discussion, the AC-130 is part of the obvious answer in various Close Air Support Roles.

 Credit Video: 1st Combat Camera Squadron:1/21/15

According to Tyler Rogoway on the Foxtrot Alpha website:

The AC-130 flying gunship fleet is one of the most fabled and feared assets in the entire USAF inventory. Known for its ability to unleash a broadside of cannon fire in the dead of night, the newest of the AC-130 lot is more about smart bombs than raining lead and howitzer shells down on the enemy.

Before the turn of the decade it became clear that the aging AC-130 fleet was in low supply and exceedingly high demand. As a result the Air Force Special Operations Command decided that it should augment the existing fleet on AC-130H and AC-130Us in the short term, as well as replace a portion of them in the long term.

The outcome of this decision was to outfit a portion of the MC-130W Dragon Speer special operations Hercules aircraft with a semi-modular kit called the Precision Strike Packages (PSP), similar to but more elaborate than the Marine’s Harvest Hawk kit, which would give these Hercules the ability to perform Close Air Support (CAS), ISTAR (Information, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance), armed over-watch and support Special Forces missions without having to buy an entirely new aircraft. In the longer term the AC-130J, based entirely on the newer and much improved Super Hercules platform, would replace older AC-130Hs that had reached the end of their service lives.

It only took about a year and half to take the AC-130W, dubbed the “Stinger II,” concept and turn it into reality.

What resulted from this initiative was more of a flying arsenal and sensor ship than a traditional gunship. The idea was to create a gunship with minimal airframe alterations and to provide an indirect precision attack capability to the AC-130 family.

A single Bushmaster 30mm cannon was fitted to the forward port side of the aircraft’s fuselage, along with a pair of highly capable AN/AAQ-38 FLIR turrets both under the nose and under the port forward fuselage sponson-like structure. Also, a modular Battle Management System (BMS) and advanced communications system, including the latest video and information datalinks, were tied to a series of missionized control stations mounted inside the AC-130W’s spacious cargo hold.

For the rest of the article go to the following link:

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-u-s-air-forces-new-ac-130-gunships-are-really-bomb-1584518199

 

Replenishment at Sea Operations at Night

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

01/28/2015: USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and USS Enterprise (CVN 65) perform a vertical replenishment at night.

 Enterprise is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group in support of Maritime Security Operations and Theater Security Cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Credit: Navy Public Affairs Support Element East: 1/23/15

 

 

The Air Wing at Sea Aboard the USS George Washington

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/25/2015

01/25/2015: Sailors give the signal to raise the integrated catapult control system on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Credit: USS George Washington :11/10/14

 

  • In the second photo, Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Calvin Jackson from Phoenix signals the pilot of an E-2C Hawkeye from the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
  • In the third photo, an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Royal Maces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
  • In the fourth photo, a C-2A Greyhound from the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30. Detachment 5, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
  • In the final photo, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

 

Preparing the USS John C. Stennis Flight Deck

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/20/2015

01/20/2015: Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Recruit Zerick Woodberry, from Los Angeles, clears dirt from a pad eye on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

Stennis is seen completing a Docking Planned Incremental Availability maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

Credit: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74):11/7/14

  • In photo 2, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Elizabeth Barbieri, from Kansas City, Mo., cleans out a Aqueous Film Forming Foam sprinkler on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
  • In photo 3, Sailors clean out pad eyes on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
  • In photos 4-6, Sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) test catapult one on the flight deck
  • In the final photo, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Joe Marc Vallanueva, signals to launch catapult one for testing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

 

24th MEU Training For Deployment

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/15/2015

01/15/2015: The Marines are seen participating in their final exercise in October 2014 as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise before their deployment at the end of 2014.

Credit Photos :INSERT HERE

  • In the first photo, a Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descends a rope from an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 22, 2014. Marines spent two days fast-roping from a tower and an MV-22B Osprey in preparation for their scheduled deployment at the end of 2014.
  • In the second photo, Seaman Robert Carpenter, a hospitalman with Security Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, waits to board a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 22, 2014. Marines and Sailors from the MRF conducted a precision raid in southern Georgia during Composite Training Unit Exercise.
  • In the third photo, Marines with Security Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perform practice drills with an M240B machine gun in the hangar bay aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 25, 2014.
  • In the fourth photo, an aviation boatswain’s mate (fuel handler) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, signals to another fuel handler before refueling an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 25, 2014. The aircraft, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, participated in flight operations with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise.
  • In the fifth photo, an MH-60S air crewman with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, gazes out of the gunner’s door of a Seahawk helicopter while participating in flight operations over the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 25, 2014. Flight operations are in support of a simulated strait transit during Composite Training Unit Exercise with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
  • In a sixth photo, a Marine with the Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security during a training exercise in southern Georgia, Oct. 22, 2014. The MRF participated in a precision raid to capture a notional high value individual as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise.
  • In the seventh photo, Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cut through a fence during a precision raid training event in southern Georgia, Oct. 22, 2014.
  • In the eighth photo, A Marine with Security Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, guards a simulated detainee during a training exercise in southern Georgia, Oct. 22, 2014.
  • In the final photo, a Navy hospital corpsman, right, with the Maritime Raid Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, documents the injuries of a simulated casualty during a training exercise in southern Georgia, Oct. 22, 2014.

In an article Sgt. Devin Nichols published in September 2014, the fast rope part of the training was discussed.

Marines and Sailors with Lima and Weapons Companies, both from Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Ground Combat Element, received fast-rope qualifications by fast-roping from a 60-foot tower and an MV-22B tilt-rotor aircraft, August 20-21, 2014, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System, commonly known as fast-roping, is a method to insert Marines into a location where a helicopter or tiltrotor aircraft cannot land, using a specialized rope that Marines slide down with gloved hands while using their feet to manipulate speed.

The MEU is compelled by its Mission Essential Tasks List, or METL. This is what is used to analyze, develop, and evaluate the integrated capabilities of the Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group. Some of those require Marines with fast-rope qualifications to conduct amphibious assaults and raids, maritime interdiction, noncombatant evacuation operations, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, to name a few.

“This training is important for Marines. It gives us the capability to land in multiple zones and positions and if we did not have this capability, there would be instances where we would not be able to insert,” said 1st Lt. Mason Graham, the platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Lima Co., BLT 3/6.

“For example, on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure missions, when landing on a ship, we have to be able to fast-rope in and if there is a small landing zone… we can fast rope to have more boots on the deck without actually landing,” added Graham, a Brentwood, Tennessee, native.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Lee, the platoon sergeant for the MEU’s Maritime Raid Force’s security platoon, and Bottineau, North Dakota, native, demonstrated the proper techniques with confidence. He was very persistent about safety and the proper way to move on the tower and approach the rope.

The Marines and Sailors were divided into teams of 20 as they approached, climbed and subsequently fast-roped down the 60-foot high rise. A Sailor yelled, “can you believe we get paid to do this?” after completing his first of six total jumps from the tower.

The weather conditions changed as the humidity and insect population started to take its toll on the service members. As the heat became more intense, the situation didn’t get easier, especially once they had to wear their Kevlar helmets and Improved Modular Tactical Vests and repeat the training evolution. The humidity, even at night, brought a constant sweat and made it difficult to maintain a good grip on the rope. After everyone completed their required fast-rope descents, it was time to get some rest.

The Marines and Sailors woke up the following morning with the daunting task of performing their new found fast-roping techniques aboard an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced). As the Osprey approached the landing zone, the BLT Marines and Sailors gathered their gear to board and confidently execute fundamental insertion techniques.

The downwash of the Osprey increased the intensity and tension of the service members when they were told they would be conducting 60-foot descents for the remainder of the training. 

Full of adrenaline, the Marines and Sailors walked away from the Osprey with new motivation.

Graham added, “This definitely was a change of pace from the average field operation. It’s something new and it’s something exciting, and going down the fast-rope is definitely a rush.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/141157/24th-meu-fast-ropes-toward-deployment#.VEzQCJPF9OE

 

 

 

Resuming Atlantic Resolve Training in Eastern Europe

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
01/13/2015

01/13/2015: Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment arrive in Latvia for Operation Atlantic Resolve to live and train with NATO partners and allies.

Credit:2nd Cavalry Regiment:1/12/15

According to an article by Cheryl Pellerin published January 12, 2015 on the DoD website:

U.S. Army troops resumed Operation Atlantic Resolve land-forces training of allied and partner forces this week as 75 Stryker combat vehicles arrived in Eastern Europe, Pentagon Press spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.

The training will take place in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, Warren added, and continues to demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO allies.

The Stryker combat vehicles are from U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, elements of which will conduct training in Eastern Europe alongside soldiers from allied and partner nations, Warren said, adding that much of the training will focus on individual and team tasks.

Defense Department spokeswoman Air Force Lt. Col. Vanessa Hillman said the training also will include combined, multinational platoon-level exercises and live fires involving a combination of vehicle and foot-soldier maneuvers.

Enhanced Multinational Training

According to Warren, “Since April 2014 the U.S. Army has conducted continuous, enhanced multinational training and security cooperation activities with allies and partners in the region due to increased regional tensions following Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine.”

The Stryker combat vehicle is an eight-wheeled, air- and ground-transportable light-armored vehicle built for the Army by General Dynamics Land Systems. It has a Caterpillar engine, a 310-mile operational range, a 60-mile-an-hour top speed, and armor. Its primary armament is a Protector M-151 remote weapon station with one of two machine guns or an automatic grenade launcher.

Atlantic Resolve training involves about 550 European-based American personnel and 75 Stryker vehicles. The Stryker group is based in Germany.

Warren said elements from the Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment are replacing elements from the Army 173rd Airborne Brigade that were involved in Atlantic Resolve training before the holiday break. 2nd Cavalry elements will conduct training in the four countries until March 31, he said.

“There will be approximately one cavalry troop each in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia,” Warren said, explaining that one cavalry troop has about 20 Stryker vehicles.

Training Regional Allies and Partners

Hillman said that while elements of 2nd Cavalry Regiment participate in Atlantic Resolve, the unit also will conduct a decisive-action, training-environment exercise called Saber Junction.

 That exercise will take place, she said, in the German Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr training areas and in the Black Sea region, with U.S. soldiers working alongside those from more than a dozen other NATO and partner nations.

 The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division — the Army’s regionally aligned force for Europe — is expected to be the next rotational Atlantic Resolve unit when the 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s rotation ends.

 The Army’s ongoing, enhanced training is supported by about $1 billion in funding from the European Reassurance Initiative, Hillman said.

 This allocation is designed to enable DoD to continue efforts to reassure NATO allies, she added, and bolster the security and capacity of allies and partners in the region.

For a web page, which highlights activities associated with Operation Atlantic Resolve, see the following:

http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/0514_atlanticresolve/