Crossing an Ocean for Trident Juncture 18

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on Crossing an Ocean for Trident Juncture 18
12/21/2018

Although questions have been raised about trans-Atlantic solidarity, the Trident Juncture 18 exercise was a demonstration of its reality.  

 The bond between North America and NATO was underscored when the United States and Canada sent thousands of troops to Europe for exercise Trident Juncture 2018.

Since its founding in 1949, NATO has been defined by the bond that joins its North American Allies – Canada and the United States – to Europe. During exercise Trident Juncture 2018, Canadian and US troops crossed the Atlantic to deploy troops to Norway, demonstrating the readiness to do so. 

Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 was the largest NATO exercise in decades, bringing together around 50,000 personnel, 10,000 vehicles, 250 aircraft and 65 ships from 31 NATO Allies and partner nations. 

Held in Norway, the live portion of the exercise took place from 25 October until 7 November. 

NORWAY

11.07.2018

Natochannel     

F-35 Arrival Ceremony at Williamtown Air Base

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on F-35 Arrival Ceremony at Williamtown Air Base

The first two RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters to be based in Australia have been formally welcomed to their home base of RAAF Williamtown December 10, 2018.

The two jets, A35-009 and -010 arrived at Williamtown at 10:20am on December 10 from RAAF Amberley Williamtown. 

The aircraft had arrived at Amberley last week after ferrying from Luke AFB in the US via Hawaii.

The slideshow provides some photo remembrance of the arrival ceremony and the photos are credited to the Australian Department of Defence.

With the decision of the Japanese government to add an additional buy of F-35s becoming the second largest F-35 force after that of the US, it is very likely that the Japanese will work closely with the RAAF in standing up significant coalition capabilities built around the aircraft in the decade ahead.

ADF’s Office of Chief of Joint Capabilities 

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on ADF’s Office of Chief of Joint Capabilities 

The ADF’s newly-created role of the Chief of Joint Capabilities has been upgraded to a three-star officer position to align it with the chiefs of the ADF’s three services and Joint Operations Command.

The position, held by the newly-promoted AIRMSHL Warren McDonald since it was formed in July 2017, is nominated as the capability manager for the so-called ‘fifth domain’ of war, information warfare, as well as Joint Health, Logistics, Education and Training, and Joint Military Police. 

“Established in July 2017, Joint Capabilities Group plays a vital role in managing a number of functions that support the ADF’s joint capability requirements, including education and training, health, logistics and military police,” Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said in a statement.

“JCG works closely with industry and academia to ensure Defence provides the very best support to joint ADF activities,” he added. “AIRMSHL McDonald will continue at the helm of this innovative and rapidly developing Group.”

AIRMSHL McDonald joined the RAAF at the age of 15 as an apprentice motor transport fitter. In 1989 he commissioned and undertook pilot training, and logged 5,000 hours on the P-3 Orion. He has served as Commanding Officer 11SQN, Officer Commanding 92WG, and Commander Air Mobility Group (AMG).

http://adbr.com.au/chief-of-joint-capabilities-upgraded-to-three-star-role/

View from RAF Voyager During Exercise Point Blank 18-3

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on View from RAF Voyager During Exercise Point Blank 18-3

Footage from the cockpit of a RAF Voyager during Exercise Point Blank 18-3, a recurring large force exercise designed and cohosted by the Royal Air Force and the 48th Fighter Wing.

11.27.2018

Video by Staff Sgt. Taylor West 

48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

(Copyright RAF Brize Norton)

Logistical Support for the ADF in Afghanistan

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on Logistical Support for the ADF in Afghanistan
12/19/2018

A small but dedicated team of logisticians has a vital role in the success of Australia’s operations in Afghanistan.

They facilitate movements and provide support to the Australian troops that train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security forces, often in difficult and sometimes dangerous environments.

Operation Highroad is the Australian contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Australia contributes about 300 Defence personnel to the train, advise and assist mission.

Australian Department of Defence

November 26, 2018

70th anniversary of the Royal Australian Regiment 

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on 70th anniversary of the Royal Australian Regiment 
12/17/2018

The 70th anniversary of the Royal Australian Regiment was marked with a parade at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, on 23 November 2018.

The parade was reviewed by former Regiment officer and Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK MC (Retd). 

The parade presented a unique opportunity to see the revered Queen’s and recently updated Regimental Colours, which feature the 17 theatre and battle honours bestowed on the Regiment. 

The Regiment was formed when three ‘regular’ infantry battalions were raised for service in Japan in 1948. 

The Regiment has filled various roles including those of light, parachute, motorised and mechanised infantry and units of the Regiment have deployed on operations including, but not limited to, Japan, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Somalia, Rwanda, Cambodia, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Australian Department of Defence

November 26, 2018

USAF F-22s Flying with Finnish F/A 18s

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on USAF F-22s Flying with Finnish F/A 18s
12/14/2018

A KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall refueled F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Langley-Eustis who were conducting flying operations with Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets to continue strong strategic relationships across Europe.

SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

10.19.2018

Video by Senior Airman Lexie West 

100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

F-35C Flight Ops Onboard USS Carl Vinson

Posted on | by Caroline Teames | Leave a Comment on F-35C Flight Ops Onboard USS Carl Vinson

Lightning II aircraft assigned to the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) are launched with F/A-18 Hornets during integrated flight operations in support of VFA-147 Safe-For Flight Operations Certification aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). 

PACIFIC OCEAN

12.09.2018

 U.S. Navy