SACEUR Visits RAF Lakenheath With Arrival of USAF F-35s

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
05/01/2017

04/25/2017: General Curtis Scaparrotti, Commander of European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited Airmen at RAF Lakenheath in conjunction with a deployment of F-35A Lightning II’s.

He highlighted the the significance of the arrival of F-35s to the modernization of the joint and coalition force operating in defense of the North Atlantic.

What might be missed is that the arrival of the USAF F-35s is not about the US introducing new capabilities and the allies following some years later with similar capabilities.

It is about the concurrent development of coalition capabilities within the European theater and indeed world wide.  

Indeed, in the UK case, the RAF and Royal Navy are standing up their first F-35 squadron EARLIER than the USAF at Lakenheath.

The Brits are standing up new infrastructure for the F-35 at Marham PRIOR to the US at RAF Lakenheath.

This is about shaping joint 21st century war fighting capabilities at the same time, and can drive fundamental change in the US forces as they interact with and cross-learn from our F-35 allies as well.

As then Colonel Novotny commented when posted as the 48th Wing Commander at RAF Lakenheath and now General Novotny posted to ACC:

“I see there is great potential for two countries to develop in concert, side-by-side, and to set, set the model for joint operations.

“As we get this right, we can bring in the Danes, the Norwegians and Dutch who are close in geography and the Israelis and Italians as well to shape the evolving joint operational culture and approach.

“Before you know it, you’ve got eight countries flying this airplane seamlessly integrated because of the work that Lakenheath and Marham are doing in the 20 nautical miles radius of the two bases.”

https://sldinfo.com/synergy-and-building-out-extended-nato-defense/

And once in the UK, the two forces will clearly operate forward in the broader defense of Euro-Atlantic interests.

This can already be seen during this deployment to RAF Lakenheath.

Two of the US Air Force’s most advanced warplanes, F-35 stealth fighters, landed for the first time in Estonia on Tuesday for exercises in the small NATO state amid tensions with neighbouring Russia.

The move was seen by Estonian defence officials as a gesture underscoring Washington’s commitment to its NATO partners.

Rhetoric by US President Donald Trump, who called NATO “obsolete” shortly before he took office, deeply rattled the alliance’s easternmost members bordering Russia. Trump has since reversed much of his criticism.

“Using the most modern fighter jets of the United States in Europe guarantees the sovereignty of all NATO member states,” Estonian Defence Minister Margus Tsahkna said quoted by the local Baltic News Service.

“We share the same values and are ready to protect the territory of NATO member states from any kind of possible aggression,” he added, speaking at Estonia’s Amari air base where the jets landed.

F-35s, devised to have radar-evasive abilities, are billed as the most advanced warplanes of their kind.

The US Air Force deployed the multi-role fighters to Europe earlier this month for joint exercises NATO partners.

“I think the role of the training deployments being run by the United States Air force is to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the F-35 as they start to integrate into European operations with all the NATO and European partners,” Air Marshal Stuart Evans, deputy commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), told AFP at the Amari base.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-sends-stealth-fighters-russias-backyard-nato-drills-175347073.html

This also says something as well about the maturity of logistics support to the new combat aircraft. 

Former Secretary of the USAF and head of AT and L, Michael Wynne commented on this achievement as follows:

“I am really proud of the integrated logistics system for the F-35 which would allow forward deployment to an austere base. for a dispersed aircraft.

“I am proud of both the USAF and Lockheed to come up with the capability to realize that making places not bases a reality.

“Operations in the future with reduced number of fighters will require that we will have global logistical enterprises which can support austere deployment applications.”

UNITED KINGDOM

04.19.2017

Video by Tech. Sgt. Michael Wykes

AFN United Kingdom

Slideshow above shows the arrival of F-35s at RAF Lakenheath. Credit Photos: USAF

F-35s Arrive at RAF Lakenheath: Process Begins of Standing Up a New NATO Capability

Preparing for the Operation of the Lightning Force: Infrastructure, Operations and the Way Ahead at RAF Marham

VMFA-121 Update

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
04/27/2017

04/28/2017: This video contains footage of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 conducting ordnance reload training on the F-35B’s with the engine running for the first time ever on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conducted aviation delivered ground refueling with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017.

The ADGR marked the first evolution of this form of refueling for VMFA-121’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

The purpose of the training was to establish flow rates of fuel in gallons per minute distributed to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft by KC-130J Hercules, to see how fast the process would be if used in a real-world scenario. 

“It felt great to be a part of today’s refueling, it was surreal,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Keon Willingham, a powerline mechanic with VMFA-121.

“Being able to participate in the first ADGR with the F-35 is something I can look back on and be eager to tell stories about.

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Successfully completing the aviation delivered ground refueling is a landmark that increases the capabilities of the squadron, offering the ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources aren’t available.  

Despite reaching a milestone in aviation, the training offered more than memories.

“I’m going to take away how multi-face this operation was,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Schoon, ordnance technician with VMFA-121. “We had to deal with different components from the pilot in a running F-35, to a running KC-130 and Marines from VMGR 152. There was a lot of communication, and I had to keep my head on a swivel the whole time. That’s something I’ll be able to apply in any situation.”

The Marines with both squadrons faced issues with the climate but didn’t let it stop them from accomplishing their tasks.

“The weather played a big factor in the training today with safety, visibility and communication,” said Schoon. “Training with the engines on the aircraft still running made it very hard to hear so we had to use hand signals. The rain made visibility with eye protection on difficult, so we had to ensure we were being thorough and making safety a priority.”

VMFA-121 used the ADGR on the air station as a stepping stone to prepare for real-time refueling in remote locations. 



“Completing this training is a huge confidence boost for us,” said Willingham.

“Being the first to successfully complete this training and being able to do so safely, gives everyone involved the state of mind that they can accomplish anything. We will continue to train, and we will improve anywhere we can.”

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/230073/vmgr-152-vmfa-121-fuel-capabilities

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

04.10.2017

Video by Lance Cpl. Emma Norris

American Forces Network Iwakuni, Japan

Atlantic Trident 17 Patrouille de France Demo Team

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

04/27/2017: Patrouille de France during Atlantic Trident 20176

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, UNITED STATES

04.21.2017

Video by Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Garcia

192nd Fighter Wing

Earlier, we highlighted the coming of the Patrouille de France to the United States in a piece published on 3/2/17:

The Patrouille Acrobatique de France also known as the Patrouille de France or PAF, is the precision aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air Force.

Originating in 1931, it is the world’s oldest and one of the most skilled demonstration teams.

Pilots currently fly the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet.

According to a press release by the French Air Force and dated February 23, 2017:

31 years since its last tour in North America, the Patrouille de France is coming back to the USA from March 17th to May 6th 2017 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into World War I and to reaffirm the historic ties between France and the United States. 

This operation in North America will mobilize more than 70 airmen, pilots, mechanics, support staff, 10 Alphajet, 1 Airbus A400M Atlas and 25 tons of equipment, demonstrating French Air Force reach capabilities. 

The ferry flight will include 4 refueling stops United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. 

During this month-and-a-half long journey, the Patrouille de France will perform 30 transit flights and 12 demonstration flights during commemorations and air shows, meet the 2 mythical demonstration teams Thunderbirds and Blue Angels and fly over 9 symbolic monuments of the Franco-American relationship, such as the Statue of Liberty in New York. 

Among the highlights of the tour, the Patrouille de France will participate in the centennial commemoration of the US entry into World War I, on April 6th in Kansas City (Kansas).

This symbolizes the enduring friendship and unfailing brotherhood of the two countries.

The operational cooperation between France and the United States, major partners in the fight against terrorism, is now at an unprecedented level. 

On April 21st the Patrouille de France will also join the French Air Force Rafale, presently participating in TEI exercise (Trilateral exercise initiative) at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

This advanced exercise prepares American, British and French Air Forces to engage jointly in highly contested scenarios.

The engagement of the most advanced fighters (F-22, F-35, Rafale, Typhoon) is a testament to the high level of interoperability and mutual trust between the three partners. 

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CP_USTourUS_FR

The Aussies in World War I: Remembrance on ANZAC Day

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

04/27/2017: Able Seaman Luke Menz of Australia’s Federation Guard, will read a WWI soldier’s letter during the Anzac Day Dawn Service ceremony at Villers-Bretonneux, in France.

On Anzac Day, we remember not only the original Anzacs who died on 25 April 1915, but every one of our service men and women who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by all of our past and present service men and women who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country.

The Anzac spirit lives in the heart and minds of all Australians as we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who contributed so much in shaping the identity of this proud nation.

Approximately 2350 ADF members are currently deployed on operation, continuing the Anzac spirit whilst serving Australia’s national interests at home and in many countries around the world.

Australian Ministry of Defense:4/24/17

ASMD Upgrade Program

Posted on | by Caroline Teames
04/26/2017

04/26/2017: HMAS Parramatta undocking after her Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade at BAE Systems Henderson Shipyard, Western Australia.

HMAS Parramatta achieved a significant milestone in the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade program when she undocked from the BAE Systems Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia on 19 April 2016.

The ASMD upgrade program significantly enhances the capability of the ship’s weapons and sensors systems.

The upgrade includes the addition of a ‘cupola’ mast to house the CEA Phased Array Radar, replacement and upgrades and maintenance of combat, propulsion and electrical systems and painting in the new Royal Australian Navy ‘haze grey’.

The undocking was accompanied by a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mrs Jill Green who is the daughter of the late Lieutenant G.W.A. (Bill) Langford who the Executive Officer of HMAS Parramatta II and was lost in 1941 when his ship was torpedoed and sunk between Alexandria and Tobruk .

Parramatta arrived alongside the Henderson Common User Facility to continue the next stage of the ASMD upgrade program which will involve Harbour Acceptance Trials in support of the upgrade and complete Engineering Maintenance Availability.

Credit: Australian Ministry of Defense:4/19/17

Neptune Falcon 2017

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

04/26/2017: According to BG Paul W. Tibbets IV, 509th Bomb Wing, in his weekly commander’s message published April 21, 2017:

This week our Total Force team has been fully engaged supporting Exercise Neptune Falcon.

This multi-day exercise enhances the proficiency of our talented tacticians and planners, Combat Mission Ready aircrews, as well as our maintenance professionals. Simply put, Neptune Falcon is the Rose Bowl of exercises for our operations and maintenance teammates.

For example, one night of the exercise involves half of our nation’s entire B-2 fleet … 10 aircraft … airborne at once!

During these 10 sorties, which average over 16 hours in duration, our aircrews operate over the Nevada Test and Training Range with additional forces to conduct a Joint interoperability exercise.

Most of our jets will refuel in the air twice to increase duration and to train with our tanker partners to support large force B-2 operations.

Ultimately, this is the most realistic training we get, and I appreciate all that our team has been doing to make this exercise a success … keep up the great work!

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B-2s engaged in Neptune Falcon, 2017.

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO, UNITED STATES:04.20.2017

Video by Airman 1st Class Kristin Cerri

509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Whiteman Air Force Base

ADA Assists in Aussie Disaster Relief

Posted on | by Caroline Teames

04/25/2017: HMAS Choules offloading troops and equipment. Amphibious ship HMAS Choules has arrived in the vicinity of the Keppel Islands to commence the offload of troops, vehicles and equipment to Yeppoon, Central Queensland.

More than 850 tonnes of heavy equipment and disaster relief stores are bound for Rockhampton to assist the Queensland government and local authorities in flood relief operations, if and when requested.

HMAS Choules will offload elements of the Australian Army’s 6th Engineer Support Regiment and supporting units including transport, medical and communications via LCM8 Landing craft from 35th Water Transport Squadron.

Credit: Ministry of Defense: April 11, 2017