Robbin Laird, Author at Second Line of Defense

Iron Fist 25

Posted on July 16, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/16/2025

Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

JGSDF CAMP AINOURA, NAGASAKI, JAPAN

02.23.2025

Photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, taxi the runway in U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Vice-Camp Takayubaru, Kumamoto, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takeoff in U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Vice-Camp Takayubaru, Kumamoto, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transport in U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, above Kumamoto, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transport in a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, off the coast of Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stage U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Quentin Kennell, a tiltrotor crew chief, MV-22, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, center, briefs Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prior to embark of U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Kennell is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Quentin Kennell, a tiltrotor crew chief, MV-22, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, center, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prepare to embark U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Kennell is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Quentin Kennell, a tiltrotor crew chief, MV-22, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, right, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prepare to embark U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Kennell is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, embark a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, takeoff in a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prepare to land in V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members prepare to land in V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members stage V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prepare to embark V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members observe the takeoff of V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members prepare to land in a V-22 Osprey assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, stage a V-22 Osprey assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members prepare to land in CH-47 Chinook helicopters assigned to 1st Helicopter Brigade, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prepare to embark high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles onto CH-47 Chinook helicopters assigned to 1st Helicopter Brigade, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members stage CH-47 Chinook helicopters assigned to 1st Helicopter Brigade, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, embark a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to 1st Helicopter Brigade, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members takeoff in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to 1st Helicopter Brigade, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, approach a landing zone in U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, prepare to land U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, disembark an U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, post security during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takeoff in U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-262 (Rein.), during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, above Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members prepare to land in V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Vice-Camp Takayubaru, Kumamoto, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Marines Break New Ground in Anti-Submarine Warfare During Atlantic Alliance 2025 Exercise

Posted on July 14, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/14/2025

In a significant demonstration of evolving naval warfare doctrine, U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 successfully integrated into anti-submarine warfare operations during Atlantic Alliance 2025, marking a significant evolution in how the Navy-Marine Corps team approaches undersea threats.

The exercise, conducted at the Surface Combat Systems Center on Wallops Island, Virginia, represents the culmination of experimental efforts that began during Fleet Battle Problem 2024, where Marine Corps units first stepped into the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) fight as part of operational fleet exercises.

Atlantic Alliance 2025 is the premier naval integration exercise on the East Coast, bringing together 8,500 sailors, Marines, and allied personnel in what officials describe as the largest amphibious exercise in the Western Atlantic in over a decade. The exercise, spanning from North Carolina to Maine and running from June 27 to July 15, 2025, featured over 25 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps units operating alongside Dutch naval forces and British Royal Commandos.

The multinational effort included forces from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada, with participation from major naval vessels including USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), USS New York (LPD 21), USS Normandy (CG 60), HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801), HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Ross (DDG 71), and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66).

The most significant development emerging from Atlantic Alliance 2025 was the integration of Marine Corps capabilities into the Theater Undersea Warfare Commander (TUSWC) architecture, supporting Commander, Submarine Group TWO (COMSUBGRU2) in anti-submarine operations.

At the tactical level, Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys from VMM-162 delivered A-size sonobuoys to support undersea capabilities, leveraging the aircraft’s unique speed, range, and lift capacity to complement traditional ASW platforms including the P-8A Poseidon and MH-60R Seahawk.

“The Osprey’s unique capabilities as a tiltrotor aircraft allow it to excel within the framework of distributed aviation operations and expeditionary advanced base operations,” explained Major Sean T. Penczak, executive officer of VMM-162. “Its ability to cover long ranges with a payload comparable to the P-8, while maximizing time on station for time-critical tasking, has made it highly effective in the anti-submarine warfare arena — demonstrating its versatility and value as emerging threats continue to evolve.”

The successful integration represents a fundamental shift in naval thinking about undersea warfare capabilities. Navy Captain Bill Howey, director of maritime operations for COMSUBGRU2, emphasized the significance of this evolution: “We’re past the question of whether the Marine Corps can contribute to ASW. Now we’re refining how they contribute and then integrating that into the fleet playbook.”

Colonel James C. Derrick, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 26, reflected on the rapid doctrinal change: “A few years ago, the idea of Marines flying ASW missions might have raised eyebrows. Now we’re doing it as part of the plan, using the Osprey’s unique capabilities to help enable naval maneuver.”

Marine forces are developing expanded roles in the ASW fight through capabilities in expeditionary command and control, distributed sensing, and sensor employment. This emerging role enhances the reach and resiliency of the TUSWC architecture, which traditionally centered around destroyers, fast-attack submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and rotary-wing platforms, supported by allied contributions.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) contributed to the exercise by supporting automated sonar processing and sensor command and control tools, enabling Marine Corps systems to contribute to real-time undersea warfare.

The exercise leveraged the sophisticated capabilities of the Surface Combat Systems Center at Wallops Island, a facility uniquely positioned on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The center, with its mission to provide live integrated warfare systems in a maritime environment for fleet operations, testing, evaluation, training, research and development, provided an ideal testing ground for these innovative concepts.

First opened in 1985 as a U.S. Navy AEGIS Land-Based Test Site, the facility has grown to include Ship Self Defense and advanced combat system capabilities, making it perfectly suited for complex multi-domain exercises like Atlantic Alliance 2025.

The exercise strengthened interoperability across the Navy-Marine Corps team and allied forces while improving readiness in amphibious operations, expeditionary advanced base operations, and littoral operations in contested environments. Rear Admiral George Pastoor, Commander of the Netherlands Maritime Forces, highlighted the international significance: “AA25 has prepared us for future NATO exercises. Our integration with U.S., U.K. and Canadian forces ensures a stronger maritime response and directly impacts the stability of the entire Atlantic.”

Vice Admiral Doug Perry, Commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the training: “From small tactical unit movements that employed our sailors and marines swimming offshore with UUVs, to composite Naval Maneuver in Anti-Submarine, amphibious and strike warfare, we demonstrated the interoperable warfighting lethality essential to Euro-Atlantic security.”

The successful integration of Marine Corps capabilities into anti-submarine warfare operations during Atlantic Alliance 2025 represents more than tactical innovation. It signals a fundamental reimagining of naval warfare doctrine. As Captain Howey noted, “The Navy-Marine Corps team is no longer splitting the fight above and below the surface. The undersea domain is a naval problem, and it’s being met with a naval solution.”

This exercise demonstrates how emerging threats and evolving operational concepts are driving innovation across the naval services, creating new capabilities that enhance the effectiveness and reach of undersea warfare operations in contested environments.

For an earlier discussion with George Pastoor, see the following:

The Way Ahead After Bold Alligator 2012: A Coalition Perspective

The following sources were used in generating the quotations in the article:

TUSWC Integrates Marine Corps into Undersea Operations During Atlantic Alliance 2025

Atlantic Alliance 2025: largest Western Atlantic amphibious exercise boosts allied maritime integration

USFF AND MARFORCOM WILL CONDUCT ATLANTIC ALLIANCE 2025

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, conduct preflight checks on an MV-22B Osprey at Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island, Virginia, July 2, 2025. II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Second Fleet, along with NATO Allies from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, are conducting Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25). AA25 is the premier East Coast naval integration exercise, taking place along the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to Maine and focusing on the unique amphibious capabilities offered by the Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Richard Ochoa, from Arizona, and a transmissions system operator with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, provides radio communication during a flight near Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island, Virginia, July 2, 2025. II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Second Fleet, along with NATO Allies from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, are conducting Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25). AA25 is the premier East Coast naval integration exercise, taking place along the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to Maine and focusing on the unique amphibious capabilities offered by the Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cael Okeefe, from Minnesota, and a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, drops sono buoys out the back of an MV-22B Osprey during a flight near Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island, Virginia, July 2, 2025. II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Second Fleet, along with NATO Allies from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, are conducting Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25). AA25 is the premier East Coast naval integration exercise, taking place along the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to Maine and focusing on the unique amphibious capabilities offered by the Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Victor Estes, from Alabama, and a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, drops sono buoys out the back of an MV-22B Osprey during a flight near Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island, Virginia, July 2, 2025. II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Second Fleet, along with NATO Allies from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, are conducting Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25). AA25 is the premier East Coast naval integration exercise, taking place along the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to Maine and focusing on the unique amphibious capabilities offered by the Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

Raid Training During Realististic Urban Training (RUT) Exercise

Posted on July 14, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

A U.S. Marine V-22 Osprey with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to land during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025.

RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands.

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

03.19.2025

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin

II Marine Expeditionary Force

A U.S. Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to land during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

A U.S. Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), observes Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by EOTG, is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II MEF units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Marines with Marine Forces Special Operations Command conduct a raid during realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

A U.S. Marine V-22 Osprey with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to land during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), engage simulated combatants during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

A U.S. Marine UH-1Y Venom with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to land during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), evacuate a simulated casualty during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provide security during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU to train as a cohesive Marine Air-Ground Task Force. EOTG trains II Marine Expeditionary Force units in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of geographic combatant commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

VMM-162 in Anti-submarine Warfare Exercise

Posted on July 13, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/13/2025

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 transport Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during Atlantic Alliance 2025 at Pickerel Pond, Maine, July 10, 2025

In a groundbreaking demonstration of evolving naval warfare doctrine, U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 successfully integrated into anti-submarine warfare operations during Atlantic Alliance 2025, marking a significant shift in how the Navy-Marine Corps team approaches undersea threats.

Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25) is the premier East Coast naval integration exercise, featuring over 25 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps units alongside Dutch naval forces and British Royal Commandos. Spanning from North Carolina to Maine,

AA25 showcasde a range of dynamic events including force integration, air assault operations, bilateral reconnaissance, naval strait transits, amphibious assault training, and a simulated war-at-sea exercise.

WALLOPS ISLAND, VIRGINIA

07.02.2025

Video by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Italy Sets to Establish First F-35 Training Center Outside U.S. in Sicily

Posted on July 13, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

By Robbin Laird

Italy is poised to make aviation history by establishing the first F-35 fighter pilot training center outside the United States, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced during a ceremony in Sardinia July 2. The groundbreaking facility will be located in Sicily, further cementing Italy’s position as a key partner in the international F-35 program.

Speaking at the Decimomannu air base alongside President Sergio Mattarella, Crosetto emphasized that this development represents more than just military cooperation. “The future is built not by limiting ourselves to defence, but by making defence a social, economic, and technological innovation engine,” the minister stated during the ceremony honoring 16 pilots who completed their initial training phase.

While the exact location remains officially unconfirmed, military sources indicate that two primary sites are under consideration: the Sigonella air base and the Trapani facility. Sigonella appears to be the frontrunner, given its existing infrastructure and strategic importance. The base currently houses the 41st Anti-Submarine Wing of the Italian Air Force and serves as home to the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Station, making it a natural choice for expanded international cooperation.

Trapani represents an alternative option, hosting the historic 37th Air Force Wing and boasting decades of experience with fighter aircraft operations, from the F-104 to the modern Eurofighter Typhoon. The conversion process for either facility is estimated to take approximately six months.

“Sicily will be the first place outside the United States where F-35 pilots will be trained. Just as we are the only country in the world where F-35s are assembled, in Cameri.” This was announced by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto at the Decimomannu air base. “Because the future is built not by limiting ourselves to defence but by making defense a social, economic and technological innovation engine. And this is an example of that,” the minister added.

This announcement builds on Italy’s already substantial role in the F-35 program. The country operates one of only two final assembly facilities outside the United States, located in Cameri, Piedmont, and managed by aerospace leader Leonardo. This facility produces F-35A conventional takeoff aircraft for the Italian Air Force and F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variants for the Navy, including aircraft destined for the Netherlands.

Italy’s commitment to the F-35 program runs deep, with plans to acquire 115 aircraft at a total cost of €7 billion. Recent procurement documents outline the acquisition of an additional 25 aircraft, along with engines, equipment, and logistical support extending through 2035.

The country already operates the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu, where pilots from Austria, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands receive training. The facility has earned international recognition for its excellence, with the U.S. Air Force planning to send ten of its own pilots for specialized training.

“This represents a choice of great strategic importance,” noted Deputy Nino Minardo, chairman of the Defence Committee at the Chamber of Deputies. “It’s not only recognition of our country’s operational capabilities, but also a concrete opportunity to strengthen Italy’s role in the Euro-Atlantic defense alliance.”

The economic implications extend beyond job creation. The presence of an advanced military training facility is expected to stimulate innovation in the defence technology sector and establish Sicily as a new industrial hub in the Mediterranean region.

The F-35 training program will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence integration. General Antonio Conserva, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, explained that modern pilot training focuses on human-machine integration, with AI serving as an aid rather than a replacement for human decision-making in complex combat environments.

The training will be particularly sophisticated given the F-35’s dual-capability nature for these aircraft can carry both conventional weapons and nuclear warheads, including the new B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs. While it remains unclear whether nuclear weapons training will be part of the Sicily program, the capability adds another layer of strategic significance to the facility.

The Sicily training center represents a broader trend toward increased international cooperation in military aviation. The success of the existing IFTS program demonstrates the value of shared training resources and standardized procedures among allied nations.

However, the path to this achievement hasn’t been without challenges. A similar European joint training center was proposed in the early 2000s but failed to materialize due to political disagreements among European partners. Italy’s decision to proceed independently, with substantial support from Leonardo, ultimately created the successful model now being replicated in Sicily.

The Sicily F-35 training center is expected to begin operations within the next year, pending final site selection and facility conversion. The program will likely start with a limited number of international participants before expanding to full capacity.

This development positions Italy as an increasingly important player in global defence aviation training, complementing its existing roles in F-35 manufacturing and maintenance. For Sicily, it represents a transformative opportunity to become a hub for high-tech military training while contributing to regional economic development.

As Minister Crosetto emphasized during the Sardinia ceremony, “We need strong defence primarily to ensure peace and security, because there is no democracy without peace and security.” The Sicily training center embodies this philosophy, turning defence capabilities into engines for technological innovation and international cooperation.

Featured image was generated by an AI program.

Sources from which the quotes were taken:

Piloti degli F-35 addestrati in Sicilia. Crosetto: “Primo posto fuori dagli USA”

Dal Piemonte alla Sicilia, ecco dove l’F35 Usa parla (o parlerà) italiano

L’analisi/ La scuola per gli F35, il riconoscimento atteso

In Sicilia la “scuola” per piloti di F-35: Sigonella parte favorita, ma il rebus nucleare è ancora da risolvere

In Sicilia la prima base fuori dagli Usa per addestrare i Top Gun degli F-35: ecco dove potrebbe sorgere la scuola piloti

Crosetto: «I piloti degli F35 saranno addestrati anche in Sicilia»

Crosetto: “In Sicilia addestrati i piloti degli F35, il primo posto fuori dagli Usa”

“In Sicilia addestrati piloti F35, primo posto fuori Usa”

This last citationn is where the photo of the Defence Minister was taken and his quotation about the F-35.

Italy and the F-35: Shaping 21st Century Coalition-Enabled Airpower

My Fifth Generation Journey: Second Edition, 2025

F-35B Ordnance Load

Posted on July 11, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/11/2025

U.S. Marines load air intercept missile ordnance and launch F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, June 3, 2025.

Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain.

The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations which is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet

PHILIPPINE SEA

06.02.2025

Video by Cpl. Alora Finigan

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Carving a Path to a More Sustainable Ready Force: The Next Generation Heavy Lift Helicopter

Posted on July 10, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/10/2025

By Robbin Laird

It may seem a strange candidate to blaze a path towards a more sustainable ready force or a “fight tonight” force but that is exactly the potential contribution of the CH-53K.

You don’t expect the Left Tackle of the offensive line to race down the field.

But this is what in effect the most powerful rotorcraft in the U.S. military inventory is preparing to do.

Lift is crucial for a distributed force operating at distance from its bases.

Sustainable lift is even more important to ensure that support can be delivered at the point of relevance.

The CH-53K King Stallion represents more than just enhanced lifting capacity. It embodies a fundamental transformation in how military sustainment operates in an era of major power competition and distributed operations.

The CH-53K arrives at a crucial juncture marked by three significant developments that create both challenges and opportunities for military sustainment: more than a decade of digital maintenance experience within the military, supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by both the pandemic and the Ukrainian conflict, and the U.S. military’s strategic shift toward distributed operations with their unique logistical challenges.

Unlike its predecessor, the mechanically designed CH-53E, the CH-53K is fundamentally a digital aircraft, manufactured through a digital twin process that creates a continuous feedback loop connecting design, manufacturing, and sustainment in ways previously impossible.

This digital backbone enables what Pierre Garant, a former Marine now working at Sikorsky on the CH-53K program, describes as essential for success: “It is as much about process as about technology. It is about sharing data in a collaborative workspace to achieve the common objective to have higher readiness rates at less cost.”

The transformation from reactive to predictive sustainment represents perhaps the most significant operational advantage of the CH-53K’s digital architecture.

Traditional military aircraft follow fixed maintenance schedules regardless of actual component condition or operational usage. The CH-53K’s digital systems continuously monitor individual components, analyzing real-time data to predict when maintenance will be needed before failures occur.

This predictive capability directly addresses what regional combatant commanders require most: certainty about which systems will be available for operations and when. As Jim Andrews, Chief Engineer Director for Marine Corps Systems at Sikorsky, explains: “With the usage monitoring data that we get off the aircraft to be able to do predictive maintenance, we can effectively change how we sustain the aircraft and enhance significantly readiness rates.”

The practical implications extend far beyond mere maintenance scheduling. Sikorsky’s experience with regionally specific maintenance data for its commercial S-92 fleet provides a template for implementing similar capabilities with the CH-53K, allowing for tailored sustainment approaches based on specific operational environments where aircraft will be deployed.

The strategic shift toward distributed maritime operations places unprecedented demands on sustainment systems.

Traditional logistics models, designed for centralized operations with established supply lines, struggle to support dispersed forces operating across vast distances with uncertain access to rear-area support.

The CH-53K’s digital twin technology creates new possibilities for supporting distributed operations through several key capabilities:

Advanced Parts Positioning: Digital systems enable more precise positioning of parts and supplies closer to operational areas by predicting component needs before failures occur. This reduces the logistical burden on forward-deployed units while maintaining high readiness rates.
Remote Diagnostics: Engineers can remotely diagnose issues using the digital twin, reducing the need for specialized maintenance personnel at every forward location. This capability becomes critical when operating from austere or temporary bases.
Adaptive Manufacturing: The sustainment approach incorporates emerging technologies like 3D printing at forward operating locations, potentially revolutionizing how critical parts reach the tactical edge. When combined with predictive maintenance data, this capability could enable on-demand part production exactly where and when needed.

Performance-based logistics (PBL) has long been the standard approach for military sustainment, but traditional implementations focused primarily on peacetime operations.

The CH-53K’s digital capabilities enable a fundamental evolution of the PBL model to meet the demands of major power competition.

The challenge, as Garant notes, is that “the sustainment model must incorporate surge capabilities to support higher operational tempos during conflicts.” The CH-53K’s digital systems provide the data foundation needed to anticipate and prepare for surge requirements, moving beyond peacetime sustainment metrics to develop models that can rapidly scale during crisis or conflict.

This evolution requires rethinking the relationship between government and industry partners. The traditional PBL approach incentivizes long-term production of supplies, but the new model must balance sustained capability with surge capacity while maintaining cost effectiveness.

When examining the Marine Corps Aviation Plan sustainment goals, the CH-53K’s capabilities align directly with three key objectives: demand-based sustainment responding to squadron, group, and wing needs; distributed operational effectiveness that enables effective distributed aviation operations; and optimizing sustainment efforts to reduce variability in aircraft and equipment readiness.

The CH-53K approach represents a significant advancement that extends beyond these basic goals by leveraging digital technologies to transform the entire sustainment enterprise from production through tactical edge support.

The aircraft’s digital backbone enables collaborative data sharing between industry and military users to predict component behavior and position resources where needed before problems arise.

Perhaps most significantly, the CH-53K represents a shift from traditional heavy-lift missions focused on physical payloads to encompassing digital payloads and autonomous systems integration. The aircraft’s digital backbone supports a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) approach to software upgrades and enables integration with various autonomous systems.

This capability becomes increasingly important as military operations incorporate more unmanned systems, sensor networks, and digital warfare capabilities. The CH-53K can serve not just as a transport platform but as a node in a distributed network of capabilities, extending its operational value far beyond traditional heavy-lift missions.

The technological capabilities of the CH-53K provide the foundation for transformation, but realizing their full potential requires corresponding organizational and process changes. As Andrews emphasizes, “The challenge is to marry what the technology enables in terms of a digital aircraft with an appropriate supply chain-maintenance organizational approach and effort.”

Success demands more than just implementing new technology. It requires developing new processes, training personnel in digital sustainment approaches, and creating collaborative relationships between military units and industry partners.

The digital twin approach creates opportunities for enhanced domain knowledge about component predictability and performance, but capturing these benefits requires appropriately managed supply chain integration.

The CH-53K ultimately represents more than just a new helicopter. It embodies an opportunity to fundamentally reimagine military sustainment practices for an era of great power competition.

By leveraging digital capabilities in combination with organizational and process changes, the aircraft could enable a sustainment enterprise that is more responsive to warfighter needs, more resilient to supply chain disruptions, and better able to support distributed operations. But organizational and process changes are certainly required to shape new operational capabilities.

As military operations continue to evolve toward distributed models operating at greater distances from traditional support infrastructure, the ability to maintain high readiness rates at the tactical edge becomes increasingly crucial.

The CH-53K’s digital backbone provides the technological foundation for meeting this challenge, transforming the heavy-lift helicopter from a simple transport platform into a catalyst for sustainable military operations.

The Left Tackle is indeed racing down the field, but this time it’s carrying the entire sustainment enterprise on its back. It is digitally enabled, predictively maintained, and ready to support distributed operations wherever the mission demands.

In an era where sustainable readiness determines strategic advantage, the CH-53K offers a path forward that military planners cannot afford to ignore.

Featured photo: U.S. Marines with Logistics Operations School conduct helicopter support team training utilizing a CH-53K King Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2025. The HST training is designed to prepare Marines to manage activities at landing zones and to facilitate the pickup, movement, and landing of helicopter-borne troops, equipment, and supplies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachariah Ferraro).

Also see the following:

Born Digital: The CH-53K is a Next-Generation Aircraft

Helicopter Support Training and the Super Stallion: March 2025

The King Stallion and Helicopter Support Team Training

Justified Accord (JA25)

Posted on July 10, 2025 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

Exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) was U.S. Africa Command’s largest military exercise in East Africa, held from February 10-21, 2025. The exercise was led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania.

Key Details:

Participants: Over 1,500 participants from more than 20 nations.
Purpose: A joint, combined multinational exercise that strengthens interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response.
Training Focus: Designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region.

Training Components: The exercise included diverse training activities such as:

Tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) training.
Multinational live-fire exercises held in Nanyuki at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Center.
Academic courses in Nairobi at their Humanitarian Peace Support School.
Field training exercises that included weapons fundamentals, squad attack drills, improvised explosive device familiarization, and hot and cold load for patient evacuation.

Special Features:

Introduction of new elements including AGI and VETCAP (Veterinary Civic Action Program).
The exercise marked the 10th anniversary of the Massachusetts National Guard’s partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces.
The exercise expanded to include veterinary care through the Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP), where veterinarians jointly treated livestock.

The exercise concluded successfully on February 21, 2025, with Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General John Omenda presiding over the closure ceremony at the Counter Insurgency, Terrorism, and Stability Operations Centre (CITSO) in Nanyuki, Laikipia County

A U.S. Marine Corps aircraft, the VM-22 Osprey, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), arrives in the training area for hot and cold load litter training during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata military training base in Msata, Tanzania. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), board a VM-22 Osprey with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

A Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) service member trains with an M-4 carbine assault rifle at the firing range during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

A U.S. Army Soldier and a Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) service member maintain a tactical hold position for a litter carry during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), prepare a simulated casualty for medical evacuation with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), secure a landing zone with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF HOA), prepare to move a simulated casualty towards a VM-22 Osprey aircraft together with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), transport a casualty with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), approach a VM-22 Osprey to transport a simulated casualty with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

A U.S. Marine Corps VM-22 Osprey, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), departs the training area after completion of hot and cold load litter training during day four of the multinational exercise Justified Accord (JA25) at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 14, 2024. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)