Robbin Laird, Author at Second Line of Defense

Summer Fury 21: 3rd Marine Air Wing Works Maritime Strikes

Posted on July 21, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/21/2021

by 1st Lt. Charles Allen

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – (July 7, 2021) Marines with 3rd Marine
Aircraft Wing begin Exercise Summer Fury 21 with a long-range maritime strike off the coast of
Washington. Summer Fury is the largest Marine aviation exercise on the West Coast, and provides 3rd MAW opportunity to improve warfighter readiness in support of a Marine Expeditionary Force maritime campaign.

From July 7 to July 9, 3rd MAW will execute a long-range maritime strike against a simulated enemy naval surface combatant. With the support of the Port of Moses Lake, 3rd MAW will demonstrate its capability to conduct fixed-wing strike operations with F/A-18C Hornets and F-35B Lighting IIs against adversarial naval combatants in a distributed, maritime environment.

“The Summer Fury long-range strike is an opportunity for 3rd MAW to execute a maritime strike against an enemy surface combatant while being supported by an aerial-delivered forward arming and refueling point,” said Lt. Col. Duncan A. French, 3rd MAW lead operations planner. “The concepts and tasks inherent in this mission are critical to the success of a fight against a peer adversary.”

3rd MAW, with a combination of organic aircraft and joint enablers, will conduct Summer Fury from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Kirtland Air Force Base, and surrounding key locations along the western United States.

This exercise will showcase the aviation combat power of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and all its functions,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 3rd MAW commanding general. “You will see expeditionary naval combat power across a wide range of terrain and combat scenarios. From sophisticated communications systems to expeditionary basing to the decisive power of 5th generation platforms, our leading-edge tactics and capabilities are honed to a fine edge. Make no mistake about it, 3rd MAW is ready to fight and win- whenever and wherever that fight takes us.”

Summer Fury 21 will continue until July 30, during which 3rd MAW squadrons will execute additional missions, including support of advanced naval bases and anti-air warfare, culminating in a missile shoot, all while maintaining a variety of distributed command and control centers.

3rd MAW continues to “Fix, Fly and Fight” as the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing, and remains combat-ready, deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action.

This article was published by 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing on July 8, 2021.

An F-35B with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, Marine Air Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury in California, July 8, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

F/A-18C Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Air Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury in California, July 8, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

The flagship aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey's with Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), conduct air to air refueling operations during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

U.S. Marines with3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), disembark a KC-130J Hercules during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

A AH-1Z Viper Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), maneuvers through the air while executing a defense counter air operation during Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed 2 AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), maneuvers through the air while executing a defense counter air operation in support of Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

AH-1Z Viper's with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), maneuver through the air while executing a defense counter air operation in support of Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), deploys a flare while executing a defense counter air operation in support of Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) launches a flare in order to mark a target during defensive counter air operations in support of Summer Fury 21 in Fleta Hot airspace off the coast of California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinder’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi Voss)

AH-1Z Viper’s with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) launch flares in order to mark a target during defensive counter air operations in support of Summer Fury 21 in Fleta Hot airspace off the coast of California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinder’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi Voss)

An Update on the Coming of the CMV-22B to the Fleet: July 2021

Posted on July 20, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/20/2021

By Robbin Laird

Recently, I had a chance to talk with Captain Dewon “Chainsaw” Chaney, the Commander of COMVRMWING (or Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing).

My last conversation was in April of this year, and the first one last year.

With the CMV-22B to be first deployed on the USS Carl Vinson later this year, the pairing of the F-35C with the CMV-22B providing a significant upgrade to the air wing onboard the carrier is close to becoming a reality.

According to Captain Chaney, “operational test requirements for the CMV-22B are almost complete.”

And they are on track for deployment with the Vinson.

We then discussed the challenge for the flight deck personnel in preparing for the CMV-22B.

Unlike the C-2, the new aircraft is not a catapult aircraft, and we discussed how the flight deck personnel are adjusting to the coming of the Osprey to the flight deck.

Captain Chaney noted that the major adjustment was to being prepared for the downwash generated by the landing of the Osprey on the flight deck.

“Because of the downwash created by a helicopter, some similar things happen when a V-22 lands.

“That requires canopy disciplines, panel disciplines, in terms not having have open panels, and any loose gear on the deck as the Osprey comes in.

“That’s the biggest mindset shift for the flight deck personnel.”

In the scheme of things, the Navy’s Osprey then is not providing unknown challenges for flight deck operations.

And because the aircraft can land day or night, it comes, and it goes. It is not anticipated to be spending its time on the flight deck in any case.

This reaches into the maintenance side of the equation as well.

The vast majority of maintenance will be done ashore at Navy maintenance facilities.

Indeed, “Chainsaw” had just returned from an overseas trip working with ashore installations and personnel to prepare for the coming of the Navy’s Osprey.

I did suggest that the commonality between the USMC and U.S. Navy’s Ospreys provided some options for how to manage at sea maintenance as well.

For example, I was struck when onboard the LHA-6 class how the Osprey can be maintained below the flight deck. Although the Navy has not yet focused on this idea, it clearly could be done, notably as the focus on wider fleet operations encompassing the amphibious fleet gets worked.

As Captain Chaney noted: “There is much in common between the two Osprey variants.

“Structurally, there are not many parts different between the two variants.

“The biggest difference between the two variants are the fuel cells.

“The fuel cells on the Navy’s version are larger and thus require different parts.”

“Chainsaw” did note that because the preparation for deployment onboard the Vinson was being worked off the coast of Southern California, there were lessons yet to be learned in the challenging waters of the wider Pacific.

“You have to remember that most of the training has happened off of the coast of Southern California.

“There really hasn’t been a lot of bad weather or pitching and rolling decks.

“But I don’t anticipate that with all of the years of Osprey experience under the Marine Corps and Navy’s belt that these challenges are show stoppers.”

Having spent significant time at the Navy’s air warfare center or NAWDC, I asked “Chainsaw” where he thought the Osprey would fit in.

It must be remembered that NAWDC is in transition as the Navy works the broader blue water fleet combat operations.

With the new non-N programs, MISRs and dynamic targeting, how would an Osprey affect fleet operations?

According to “Chainsaw,” the CMV-22B and its impact on the fleet and NAWDC are cleverly works in progress.

He believed that the aircraft would be slotted into the rotary wing segment of NAWDC initially.

But the Osprey is anything but a rotorcraft and here Captain Chaney noted that the coming of the Osprey provided a significant opportunity for innovation for both the fleet and NAWDC.

With the Osprey TTP development at NAWDC, it will significantly impact fixed and rotorcraft thinking about the current force and the future force.

In other words, it is part of what I have referred earlier as the integratable air wing, or as the air wing gets new platforms, it is expanding options, not simply adding replacement aircraft to current wing or carrier ops.

It is part of the template for change for the Navy’s tiltrotor and rotorcraft communities.

Operating in concert with the CMV-22B will help the Navy’s rotorcraft community reshape their template to get better now and to prepare for the future more effectively.

A final issue we discussed was the way ahead for the CMV-22B within the fleet.

Numbers of aircraft are an issue as the Navy has to train their maintainers and to be able to have aircraft involved air wing transformation in places like NAWDC.

I have focused in other articles on ways the CMV-22B could support wider fleet operations, as it does not need to land only on carriers enabled with special launch and recovery systems.

As “Chainsaw” put it: “The Osprey provides flexible options for austere support.

“I think we’re going to need that as we look toward the future and where we’re potentially going to operate, where we may be forced to operate, depending on the evolving combat situation.”

CMV22B Carrier Ops from SldInfo.com on Vimeo.

02.10.2021

Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Josiah Kunkle
USS Carl Vinson

Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing TWO conduct flight operations with the CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30.

Featured Photo: A Navy CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 fuels a MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, stationed in San Diego. The CMV-22B is the U.S. Navy version of the Osprey, a multi-engine, dual-piloted, self-deployable, medium lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor aircraft. The Air Delivered Ground Refueling (ADGR) evolution was a first for HSC 4, en route to Naval Air Station Fallon. Air Wing Fallon is part of the predeployment training cycle for Navy’s carrier air wings. HSC-4, along with VFA-2, VFA-192, VFA-113, VFA-147, VAQ-136, VAW-113, and HSM-78 comprise CVW-2 and are detached to NAS Fallon in order to sharpen their warfighting readiness through a rigorous 5-week curriculum. The training conducted during Air Wing Fallon drives air wing integration and ensures that all CVW-2 squadrons are ready to conduct the full range of military operations when they deploy later this year. HSC 4 provides vertical lift search and rescue, logistics, anti-surface warfare, special operations forces support, and combat search and rescue capabilities.

EL CENTRO, CA, UNITED STATES

03.27.2021

Photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Also, see the following:

The Way Ahead for the CMV-22B: The Integratable Air Wing and the USS Carl Vinson

The CMV-22B Comes to the Large Deck Carrier

The Coming of CMV-22B to the Fleet: Next Steps

First Patriot Missile Launch in Australia

Posted on July 20, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

US military personnel completed the first ever Patriot surface-to-air missile firing on Australian soil at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021(TS21).

Held every two-years. TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, and is aimed at testing Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios.

In addition to the United States, this year’s exercise involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The exercise includes a Field Training Exercise incorporating force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.

Activities will peak from 18 – 31 July across Queensland.

Sea Breeze Insert 2

Posted on July 19, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/19/2021

Bulgarian Special Operators prepare to repel from a U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing during a fast-rope insertion and extraction exercise during operation Sea Breeze 21 at Ochakiv, Ukraine, June 29, 2021.

This is the 21st iteration of the exercise which is an annual Ukraine and U.S. co-hosted multinational maritime exercise held in the Black Sea region and is designed to enhance interoperability of participating nations, strengthening maritime security in support of stability within the region. (U.S. Air Force video by Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Nelson)

2nd MAW Marines Train with Finnish Air Force at Exercise ILVES

Posted on July 18, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

07/18/2021

By Robbin Laird

Since 2018, the Marines have ramped up their efforts to train in the Nordic region and to operate in Cold Weather.

With the Nordics ramping up their defense capabilities, and working greater integration with each other and with their North Atlantic partners, there are enhanced opportunities for Marines to work in the region as well.

As VADM Lewis made clear last week in his speech at the FOC ceremony on July 15, 2021 aboard USS Kearsarge for Joint Allied Command Norfolk, the expertise of the Nordics is certainly a valued part of reworking North Atlantic defense. And for the North Carolina-based Marines, this means expanded opportunities to learn from our Nordic partners.

During my visit to 2nd MAW last week, I had a chance to talk with VMFA 115 about their time in Finland and will report on that later this month.

But for now I would simply highlight that what I learned during my 2018 visit to Finland about how the Finnish Air Force operates was reconfirmed as a core defense capability in the defense of Europe.

I will focus in the interview piece on the cross-fertilization between Marine Corps and Finnish approaches going forward for regional and North Atlantic defense.

In this article, I simply wished to highlight some of the photos from VMFA 115s visit to Finland.

In the featured photo, U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 are seen with Airmen from Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 17, 2021.

Marines with VMFA-115 deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”).

According to 2nd MAW: “The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES was to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.”

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

Finnish Air Force Col. Aki Puustinen talks to U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, May 31, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

U.S. Marines clean and conduct maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet to prepare for Exercise ILVES at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland May 31, 2021. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

U.S. Marines clean and conduct maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet to prepare for Exercise ILVES at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland May 31, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The Purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy Miller, commander of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, meets Finnish Air Force Maj. Gen. Pasi Jokinen, commander of the Finnish Air Force, at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 8, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet with Fighter Squadron 31 refuels from a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452 during aerial refueling operations over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 8, 2021. Marines with VMGR-452 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)

A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet with Fighter Squadron 31 refuels from a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452 during aerial refueling operations over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 16, 2021. Marines with VMGR-452 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Samuel Kackman)

Marine Rotational Force Darwin, 2021

Posted on July 18, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Banning, commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, gives an interview at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, Darwin, NT, Australia, July 13, 2021.

The interview allowed Banning to express his thoughts on MRF-D’s relationships with partners and allies, as well as MRF-D’s contribution to the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The MRF-D 21.2 rotation provides the U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defence Force with an exceptional opportunity to develop relationships, learn about each other’s cultures, strengthen partnerships, and increase shared military capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Colton K. Garrett.

DARWIN, NT, AUSTRALIA

07.13.2021

Night Warrior: CH-53K Night Air Refueling

Posted on July 18, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

The CH-53K King Stallion executing night vision goggle helicopter aerial refueling. It is the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations vertical, long-range, heavy-lift, logistic backbone of the Marine Corps, today and for the next fight.

Day.

Night.

All weather.

Credit: NAVAIR

July 16, 2021

Recently, Col. Perrin from NAVAIR provided an update on the program in an interview which we conducted with him last month and that article follows:

By Robbin Laird

The coming of the CH-53K^TM to the USMC could not come at a more appropriate time.

As the Marines are focused on mobile basing as a key aspect of how they contribute to crisis management, the capabilities of the new aircraft will be in immediate demand.

It was clear from my visit to II MEF that the CH-53K was an important addition to the force as they faced increased demands with reduced force structure.

Although II MEF is not the epicenter for receiving new Marine Corps kit, with the exception of the CH-53K (it does not have F-35Bs as part of its organic fighting force, e.g.), it must find ways to innovate with the kit it has and to find new ways to work with an evolving U.S. Navy to sort through how to deliver combat effects from ashore and at sea in support of the maritime fight.

Clearly, heavy lift is a key part of being able to meet their missions.

When looking at the North Atlantic arc from North Carolina to the Nordics, strategic mobility is delivered by a triad of airlift, sealift and pre-positioning.

Where best to pre-position?

How best to protect those stockpiles?

And how to move critical supplies to the point of need rapidly?

Reworking the Marine Corps force to operate more effectively with the U.S. Navy requires a reset of the logistics enterprise.

But with the Navy in flux, the USMC in flux, and the strategic environment in flux, and our allies in flux, how do you shape effective convergence for effective combat capability?

As LtCol Smith, II MEF logistics lead officer, articulated the challenge: “How do you shape convergence of your technology, your tactics, your techniques and procedures with the assets which are available to an effective combat force?”

The CH-53K is coming into this context and will be one of the answers to these questions.

Recently, I had a chance to talk with Colonel Jack Perrin, Program Manager, PMA-261, H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters, Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, to get an update on the coming of the CH-53K to the combat force.

Question: You are on track this summer to fulfill the Initial Operational Test & valuation (IOT&E) requirements?

Col. Perrin: Yes. VMX-1 at New River have our first fleet aircraft, and they are doing extremely well.

In their Operational Test training, I believe they have trained five aircraft commanders and two co-pilots already.

They also have four crew chiefs and two aero observers, or the air crew in the back of the aircraft.

They started flying in January. And in the month of April, they flew over 50 hours on that single aircraft. Although we are working with early data, early information, the aircraft is doing really well and has tremendous availability.

Though we are in the process of validating maintenance procedures for the first time, it’s been going really well.

It’s an all-hands effort, I have not only the Marines out there doing it, but they’re supported by Sikorsky, and by my engineering and logistics teams to make sure that we’re working through all the processes, and everything is working well.

At the end of March, they received two more aircraft at New River. Those aircraft were complete with their modifications to fit into the proper configuration for IOT&E, and those aircraft have recently started flying, and they’re both also doing very well.

It takes the squadron about a month to go through the process of accepting newly delivered aircraft.

They’re right on track and doing well. I expect IOT&E to start this summer.

Our first big detachment for IOT&E is going to be going out to Twentynine Palms for over a month to do operations in the mountainous and desert environment out there in the training area in California.

The fourth aircraft is going to join them in September. That aircraft is actually going to complete its modifications within the next couple of weeks. We need to validate some modifications we’ve put in that aircraft, specifically for the electromagnetic effects on the aircraft.

We’re getting ready this month to finish our testing for helicopter area refueling. It’s basically just a check in the box for us. We’ve done most of the testing for that. We’re well ahead of the game on that.

I expect us to hit IOT&E running.

It’s going to be really good for the Marine Corps., because as soon as we get through IOT&E, the Marine Corps will have the opportunity to declare IOC, and we’ll be able to start transitioning that first squadron at New River.

Question: The Twentynine Palms engagement starts this summer?

Col. Perrin: In August they’re going to go out to Twentynine Palms.

Question: I visited New River last December and was quite impressed with the progress evident with regard to the aircraft and its maintainability.

How would you characterize the progress at VMX-1 at New River?

Col. Perrin: “We’ve learned tremendous lessons in our log demo that we started back in 2018. And from those we found some deficiencies, so things we wanted to change and improve upon, and we’ve done that. I think you’re really seeing the fruits of that labor in the amount of availability that we’re seeing out of the initial aircraft at New River.

As I mentioned earlier that one aircraft was flown 50 hours in one month.

50 hours in one month for any platform is, especially for a helicopter platform, is a tremendous amount of work.

And, to do that on a single brand-new aircraft in the fleet, that really shows how good the maintenance and the maintenance system is.

Talking to the digital part of the 53K, we are using a really a leading-edge integrated maintenance device. It’s basically a computer, but instead of just having PDFs of the maintenance manuals on it, it provides an interactive maintenance manual designed for and supportive of being able to do that maintenance.

And that system has really driven a lot of efficiencies into executing maintenance, because the maintainer can take it and have that digital environment right there with him.

We also have an onboard mission computer, what we call the integrated vehicle maintenance system.

And that integrated vehicle maintenance allows us to record data on the aircraft, not only the performance data, how the engines are doing, how the gearbox is doing, what the status of the aircraft is, where the pilots put it, what environment it was flying in, but also records the vibrations of the aircraft.

It’s integrated into the maintenance system.

And that system has a data center that takes the data that we’ve gotten off the aircraft and reviews it automatically.

We run algorithms on it that can show you a new predictive maintenance procedure for the aircraft.

I don’t really know of any other platform that’s at that level of integration already.

We’re going to get to a full condition-based maintenance aircraft, because it is digital, because we do collect all the data on it and we’re able to gather that data, store that data, and able to run algorithms and programs on it so that you can manipulate that data and better do predictive analysis of how that aircraft is performing, and where your bad actors are.

It also helps us reduce the Operations and Support costs of this platform, even compared to the CH-53E.

So that’s another big bonus for us and the Marine Corps, as we move forward, trying to make the aircraft not only affordable in production, of which we certainly are doing.

We’re seeing the cost of the aircraft coming down as we’ve just recently got a handshake and within the next month or so, we’ll be awarding lot five with an option for lot six for a total of 18 more aircraft that we’re putting out in the production line to deliver to the fleet.

But we’re also focused on reducing the cost to operate and maintain this aircraft.

To do this we are shaping a fleet common operating environment to manage the fleet.

Question: I would like to return to the digital point for a moment.

The CH-53K is a digital aircraft as you have said and working digital data as part of the operational and sustainment efforts is a key foundation as the force works towards adding autonomous systems – which are completely software driven to the force.

How would you characterize the impact of the manned digital system preparing the way for unmanned systems?

Col. Perrin: The digital character of the aircraft reduces the workload of the pilots and the crew so much that they can have that spare capacity to do those additional tasks that they will see in that digital battlefield, whether it’s communicating or operating with other symbiotic platforms that are going be out there.

Because I agree with you, the future really is about the unmanned world and that force multiplier that they can provide to some of those manned systems, but to get there you have to start by understanding, working with and mastering digital backbone manned systems.

Author’s Note: According to the PB22 budget request published this month: “Total aircraft quantities for the CH-53K program are 200 helicopters. Of the 200 aircraft, four are System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and were incrementally funded using RDT&E funds and 196 aircraft are funded with Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN).”

For earlier interviews with Col. Perrin, see the following:

Colonel Perrin Provides an Update on the CH-53K: February 2021

An Update on the CH-53K from Pax River Naval Air Station

And for a look at what the CH-53K brings to the fight:

What if it was called the CH-55? Transformation in the Vertical Heavy Lift Fleet

HMLA-169 Long-Range Self Deployment: H-1s in the Indo-Pacific Region

Posted on July 18, 2021 | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment

By 1st Lt. John Hardin and 1st Lt. Tess LaBossiere

KINAWA, Japan. – Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 executed one of the longest maritime HMLA self-deployment flights in 1st Marine Aircraft Wing history during exercise Tiltrotor/Rotary Wing (TR/RW) 2107. TR/RW 2107 is a unilateral exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan that demonstrates 1st MAW’s capabilities to maintain combat-readiness in a maritime environment.

“The significance of self-deploying HMLA-169 over 1,200 miles demonstrates our ability to execute Distributed Maritime Operations under the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) construct,” said LtCol Eric Fleming, Commanding Officer of HMLA-169.

TR/RW 2107 is part of the Aviation Training Relocation Program designed to integrate air capabilities in unfamiliar environments and further develop and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures within EABO operations. Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 36, to include Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 and HMLA-169 are supporting with MV-22 Ospreys, UH-1Y Venoms, AH-1Z Vipers and 300 Marines and Sailors.

For this iteration of TR/RW, the squadrons are conducting a range of training evolutions from close air support (CAS) to Ground Threat Reaction (GTR). CAS is an offensive air support mission that integrates aviation with ground combat efforts; enabling swift and mobile firepower against enemies near friendly forces. GTR is designed to help Marines develop tactical maneuvering techniques.

“This exercise is an excellent example of the capabilities of the H-1s in the Indo-Pacific. It proves that we can range any adversary in the Pacific theater and conduct missions such as command & control, close air support, deep air support, and aerial reconnaissance with expeditionary and distributed sustainment support,” said Fleming.

EABO’s are not tied to any specific piece of terrain. The forward posture and advanced level of readiness means that 1st MAW can establish expeditionary advanced bases at the time and place of its choosing.

1st MAW trains continuously in challenging and realistic environments and scenarios. The TR/RW events provide an opportunity for 1st MAW to train in different environments and benefit from the advanced training ranges and capabilities in mainland Japan.

This article was published by 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on July 15, 2021.

MISAWA, Japan (July 15, 2021) – Staff Sgt. Gustavo Lopez, a Plane Captain assigned to the “Vipers” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, guides an AH-1Z Cobra as it arrives at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa. HMLA-169 is at NAF Misawa to conduct Tilt Rotor/Rotary Wing (TR-RW) training exercises and reduce the training activity impact on Okinawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Ringers)

MISAWA, Japan (July 15, 2021) – Two UH-1Y Venoms, assigned to the “Vipers” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, prepare to land at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa. HMLA-169 is at NAF Misawa to conduct Tilt Rotor/Rotary Wing (TR-RW) training exercises and reduce the training activity impact on Okinawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Ringers)

MISAWA, Japan (July 15, 2021) – A UH-1Y Venom, assigned to the “Vipers” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, prepares to land at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa. HMLA-169 is at NAF Misawa to conduct Tilt Rotor/Rotary Wing (TR-RW) training exercises and reduce the training activity impact on Okinawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Ringers)

MISAWA, Japan (July 15, 2021) – Staff Sgt. Gustavo Lopez, a Plane Captain assigned to the “Vipers” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, guides an UH-1Y Venom as it arrives at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa. HMLA-169 is at NAF Misawa to conduct Tilt Rotor/Rotary Wing (TR-RW) training exercises and reduce the training activity impact on Okinawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Ringers)