Marines with Marine Corps Logistics Command are incorporating 3D metal printers and laser scanning to produce and reverse engineer parts, significantly reducing repair times and quickly returning mission critical equipment back to the Marine Corps.
07.12.2018
Video by Lance Cpl. Paul Ochoa
The Australian Defence Force continues to contribute to the coalition fight against Daesh with the rotation of the E-7A Wedgetail in to the Middle East.
The Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft will help control the tactical movement of coalition aircraft over Iraq and Syria, one of the busiest and most complex airspaces in the world.
It replaces the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, which returns to Australia to take up duties at home.
During its rotation, the KC-30A carried out air-to-air refuelling operations with French, British, American and Italian fighters involved in the fight to defeat Daesh.
It delivered more than three million litres of fuel during almost 100 missions and 800 hours of flying.
The Australian Defence Force deploys the Wedgetail and the KC-30A to the Middle East on a rotational basis as part of Australia’s Air Task Group (ATG) operations.
Australian Department of Defence
October 23, 2018
The featured photo shows the Australian tanker working on a test regime with the F-22 for certification to work with the F-22.
During visits to Australia earlier this year we had a chance to talk with Air Commodore Bill Kourelakos, Commander of the Air Mobility Group who provided a perspective on the KC-30A and the way ahead:
We put the KC-30A into theater in what some would say was an early timeline, but given our effects-based approach, we deployed the aircraft and sorted through the challenges and got significant combat effect from deploying the aircraft prior to achievement of its Final Operating Capability.”
He underscored that the operational experience in the Middle East for the tanker crews has been very significant in shaping the next chapters for the tanker within the ADF.
“They learned how to function effectively in a dynamic area of operations.”
So what are the next chapters in the tanker story, from the perspective of the Commander AMG?
First, what is next in the Middle East?
“We have deployed a single tanker full-time for the past three years in the Middle East and we are shifting to a more periodic engagement and we shall work that operational challenge.
“The impact of continuing this engagement for a long time has yet to be seen or learned.”
Second, the boom operations for the tanker will go up dramatically in anticipation of the F-35 operating in Australia.
This means that they are ramping up their certifications and training with small receivers like the F-16 in order to prepare for extensive support to the Aussie F-35s.
This tanking will be done largely over Australian territory and working through support of the F-35 will be a major effort over the next three years as the fighter comes on line in Australia.
Third, the RAAF is rapidly expanding the number of types of aircraft for which the KC-30A has clearances.
And this is seen by the RAAF as a key part of supporting allies in the region, notably PACAF.
“A key strategic objective of our alliance with the United States is our ability to be interoperable and with regard to tanking this means working the clearance process for tanking fighters and other aircraft.
“If you get into a high-end fight you need to leverage every advantage that you can in order to prevail.”
Fourth, a part of building out that combat advantage is the coming of the robotic boom to the KC-30A. In part it is a safety enhancement, functioning much like an auto-pilot, but it is a work in progress to sort out how the robotic boom will actually operate and be used by the RAAF.
But there is a clear combat advantage which will come with enhanced capability to fuel air assets more rapidly and safely.
“With a robotic boom, you are increasing your combat capability through enhanced efficiency.
“You can also achieve a reduction in maintenance as you work through ways to efficiently operate the the boom.
“What we are talking about is taking force projection to a new level.
“If you can have our fighters on station-longer and delivering combat effects, because you can tank them more rapidly, that will be a significant gain.”
“We are a small Air Force.
“If you look at the history of small air forces, they win or lose on the first day. You want to be ready for the first day.
HMAS Brisbane, the second Australian-built Hobart class guided missile destroyer, was commissioned into Royal Australian Navy service, in Sydney, on 27 October 2018.
The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison, MP; the Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne, MP; and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN; joined Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd); family and friends of ship’s company to welcome the newest ship to the Australian fleet.
HMAS Brisbane will provide a level of flexibility and lethality to the role of protecting Australian and multinational task groups operating in an increasingly complex region and beyond.
October 27, 2018
According to a story published by the RN on October 27, 2018:
The Royal Australian Navy welcomed a new ship into the fleet today, with the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer, HMAS Brisbane (III).
In the ceremony at the Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, the Brisbane officially became one of Her Majesty’s Australian Ships.
Before an audience of dignitaries, family and friends, the Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, AM, RAN, welcomed Brisbane to the fleet.
During the ceremony the Governor-General of Australia, inspected the Brisbane’s crew and HMAS Brisbane received a blessing. The Australian White Ensign was hoisted signifying completion of the commissioning. The crew marched onboard for the first time, where they cheered ship, as a mark of honour.
The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Scott Morrison, MP and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Christopher Pyne, MP attended the ceremony, and noted the importance of the occasion for both Australia’s national security and domestic shipbuilding capability. The commissioning marks a major milestone in the life of the ship, and the Government’s multi-decade commitment to enhance the Navy’s capabilities to protect our maritime interests.
The second of three Hobart class guided missile destroyers, Brisbane is the third ship to carry the name. Her motto, ‘Aim At Higher Things’, encompasses Navy’s core objectives of being a fighting Navy and a thinking Navy.
Brisbane’s Commanding Officer, Commander Josh Wilson, RAN, is proud to lead the ship’s company as she joins the Australian Navy surface fleet.
“My crew and I are honoured to continue the name and proud history of Brisbane in the Royal Australian Navy and excited to be given the opportunity to realise the incredible capability she represents,” CMDR Wilson said.
Brisbane will now undergo her test and evaluation period where she will integrate into the fleet and Navy personnel will train to operate the warship.
Brisbane will provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft.
For our interview with the CO of the HMAS Hobart, see the following:
Visiting HMAS Hobart: A Key Building Block in the Remaking of the Royal Australian Navy
Final preparations for the commissioning of Royal Australian Navy destroyer, HMAS Brisbane, the second of three warships built in Adelaide as part of the most complex defence project in Australia’s history, were full steam ahead leading up to her commissioning into service on 3 November 2018.
Brisbane is the second of three Hobart Class air warfare destroyers being built and integrated by the AWD Alliance, comprised of the Department of Defence, Raytheon Australia and ASC Shipbuilding with support from Navantia Australia.
As the most lethal warships Australia has ever possessed, the destroyers feature an advanced anti-submarine warfare capability, state-of-the-art radar technology and an air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at an extended range.
With the Aegis Combat System, the world’s first complete combat management system, which integrates powerful computers, radars and weapon systems, it can provide simultaneous defence against advanced air, surface and subsurface threats.
Australian Department of Defence
October 19, 2108
In August and September 2018, air-to-air refuelling trials were conducted between a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and United States Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Trials were conducted over the course of eight flights, and with the F-22 in different load configurations, to ensure it could be safely from the KC-30A’s advanced refuelling boom system.
Completion of the trials, and consequent release of instructions on refueling the F-22 from the KC-30A, will allow the Australians and Americans to work closely together on future exercises and operations.
Australian Department of Defence
October 2018
An interview-lead documentary showcasing the training of Marines at Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21.
This is an interview with Capt. Cullen, instructor pilot.
09.27.2018
Video by Sgt. Manuel Serrano
Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force demonstrate the capabilities of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force during the 2018 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES
09.28.2018
Video by Lance Cpl. Israel Chincio
From the quick-tempered Donald Duck to the loveable Dumbo, Walt Disney Productions created some 1,200 designs during World War II.
Such recognizable characters were used for aircraft nose art, flight jacket patches, pins and other memorabilia for American and allied military units.
The Disney brand may be a “cash cow” today, but all of this work was done by the studio free of charge as a donation to the war effort.
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH, UNITED STATES
09.28.2018