The IDF Chooses the CH-53K: Building Block for Manned-Unmanned Operational Future

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on The IDF Chooses the CH-53K: Building Block for Manned-Unmanned Operational Future
05/04/2021

By Robbin Laird

The IDF recently selected the CH-53K to replace its legacy heavy lift assets, namely, the CH-53D.  It is clear that the IDF is buying the CH-53K for many of the same reasons which USMC is doing so but the IDF has been especially focused on three key reasons for doing so.

I addressed earlier, two key reasons the IDF is doing so, namely, the benefits of the aircraft for more effective reserve force and the advantages of ongoing modernization of the aircraft to deal with an uncertain strategic environment.

A third reason is the focus of this article. The Israelis have been leaders in unmanned air systems for more than three decades. Their use which predated the conflict in 1982 in Lebanon but became very visible in that campaign. Their efforts in the unmanned area have only grown since then, and any acquisition of new manned piloted aircraft going forward will be bought with a manned-unmanned teaming future in mind.

This is the case with regard to the CH-53K and its fly by wire capabilities built into the aircraft. What the fly-by-wire system allows the pilot to do is to focus on the mission rather than focusing almost exclusively on flying the aircraft. In earlier discussions with CH-53K operators, the key role which the new automated systems onboard the CH-53K provide for the aircraft have been highlighted as transforming how to be able to execute their missions more effectively.

Col. Perrin, Program Manager, PMA-261 CH53 Heavy Lift Helicopters, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Pax River Naval Air Station, focused significantly in his presentation on what the only new heavy lift helicopter for the joint force would bring to that force. “I would tell you the 53K is what I would call the 5th generation or the leading generation of heavy lift helicopters for all helicopters. It is fly by wire it has the power and speed that you really need in a helicopter and really executes its mission extremely well.”

He put a key point very well which pilots of the CH-53K have emphasized: “The pilots can put the aircraft where they need to in the combat environment.” This is about the ability to work in degraded environments and with the fly by wire and other digital systems are able to put that aircraft exactly where the optimal location in the combat environment.

When I met with Lt. Col. Frank of VMX-1, the officer in charge of the CH-53K Operational Test Detachment, he underscored the importance of this capability to the warfighter. “I’ve started in the Ch-53D in 2004, they’re my first love. I’ll always love them. They were much harder to fly. And the ease of flying this, the flight control system is probably the biggest game changer for the CH-53 community. We’re not used to anything like this. It’s very intuitive. It can be as hands off as you know, a brand-new Tesla, you can close your eyes, set the autopilot and fly across country.

“Obviously, you wouldn’t do that in a tactical environment, but it does reduce your workload, reduces your stress. And in precision hover areas, whether it’s night under low light conditions, under NVGs, in the confines of a tight landing zone, we have the ability to hit position hold in the CH-53K and have the aircraft maintain pretty much within one foot of its intended hover point, one foot forward, lateral and AFT, and then one foot of vertical elevation change.

“It will maintain that hover until the end of the time if required. that’s very, very stress relieving for us when landing in degraded visual environments. Our goal at VMX-1 is to create tactics that employ that system effectively.

“Some communities struggle with how they use the automation, do they let the automation do everything? Do they let the pilots do everything? How to work the balance? We’re working on a hybrid where the pilots can most effectively leverage automation.

“If you know you’re coming into a brownout situation or degraded visual environment, you engage the automation at a point right before the dust envelops you. And then in the CH53K, you can continue flying with the automation engaged. You continue flying with the automation engaged, and you can override it, but as soon as you stop moving the controls, it will take your inputs, estimate what you wanted and keep the aircraft in its position.

“It’s a very intuitive flight control system, and it blends very well with the pilot and the computers. It allows you to override the computer. And then the second that you stop overriding it, the computer takes back over without any further pilot input. That’s probably the biggest game changer for our community.”

But what this also means is that the ability to handle the pilot workload more effectively as a manned mission, means that the fly by wire system enables future operations where the CH-53K can work with airborne autonomous systems as well. In an interesting thesis written by Lt. Jinan M. Andres for the Air Force Institute of Technology, the author highlights the importance for managing pilot workload as manned-unmanned teaming becomes part of the pilot’s airborne mission portfolio. This ability rests in part on the manned asset having the capability built in to provide for effective pilot workload management, of the sort that the CH-53K is built to provide going forward.[1]

For the IDF, unmanned systems have been growing parts of their force over the past three decades. It is very clear that new ways to work airborne manned systems with a variety of autonomous systems either airborne or at sea is a key part of the way ahead.[2] For the IDF, buying a fly by wire heavy lift aircraft opens the aperture on an insertion force to build mass and effectiveness by having loyal wingman as part of its future.

In a visit to Pax River last year, I had a chance to discuss such a future with Col. Perrin. “The CH-53K “can operate and fight on the digital battlefield.” And because the flight crew are enabled by the digital systems onboard, they can focus on the mission rather than focusing primarily on the mechanics of flying the aircraft. This will be crucial as the Marines shift to using unmanned systems more broadly than they do now.

“For example, it is clearly a conceivable future that CH-53Ks would be flying a heavy lift operation with unmanned “mules” accompanying them. Such manned-unmanned teaming requires a lot of digital capability and bandwidth, a capability built into the CH-53K.

If one envisages the operational environment in distributed terms, this means that various types of sea bases, ranging from large deck carriers to various types of Maritime Sealift Command ships, along with expeditionary bases, or FARPs or FOBS, will need to be connected into a combined combat force.

“To establish expeditionary bases, it is crucial to be able to set them up, operate and to leave such a base rapidly or in an expeditionary manner (sorry for the pun). This will be virtually impossible to do without heavy lift, and vertical heavy lift, specifically. Put in other terms, the new strategic environment requires new operating concepts; and in those operating concepts, the CH-53K provides significant requisite capabilities.”

Enabling a manned-unmanned teaming capability for the heavy lift force is clearly an important factor in the IDF decision to buy into the future, rather than simply to maintain how they do what they do now.

[1] https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/3225/

[2] https://sldinfo.com/2021/04/next-generation-autonomous-systems-an-australian-perspective/

Also, see the following:

Israel and the CH-53K Decision: Re-Baselining Heavy Lift Helicopters for Strategic Uncertainty

Israel and the CH-53K: The Reserves and Training Dimension for Force Generation

 

II MEF Marines Prepare for the High-End Fight: MEFEX 21.1 and Dynamic Cape 21

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on II MEF Marines Prepare for the High-End Fight: MEFEX 21.1 and Dynamic Cape 21
05/03/2021

By Robbin Laird

During a visit to Camp Lejeune during the last week of April 2021, I had a chance to talk and interview the IIMEF leadership team. They had just concluded a major exercise, Dynamic Cape 21, which I will highlight in some of those in the forthcoming published interviews.

Dynamic Cape 21 was a continuation of an exercise conducted last Fall, MEFEX 21.1. These exercises are part of the shift from the training for the land wars to the high-end fight, and one characterized by greater integration with the U.S. Navy. The logistics side of supporting such operations was highlighted in both exercises, but notably in Dynamic Cape 21.

As a prelude to the forthcoming published interviews, it is helpful to review what IIMEF said in their press releases about the two exercises.

Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21.1

In a story by Sgt. Elizabeth Gerber, II MEF, published on October 9, 2020, this is how the exercise was described as it began:

In the upcoming weeks, II Marine Expeditionary Force will be sending Marines and equipment to A. P. Hill, Virginia and Fort Drum, New York starting Oct. 7 for Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21.1.

MEFEX 21.1 is a command and control exercise conducted in a simulated deployed environment designed to enhance the interoperability and command and control between II MEF command element staff and its higher, adjacent, and subordinate command headquarters.

By conducting exercises of this nature, II MEF maintains its operational readiness, ready to provide the Marine Corps with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allies and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations at a moment’s notice.

According to Major Newman, Future Operations Planner for II MEF, “MEFEX was created to support the Commanding General’s Campaign Plan, aligning with USEUCOM and service planning guidance.”

“The Marines have been preparing for this exercise since Nov. 2019 by taking part in professional military education and other simulated exercises,” explained Newman. Approximately 1,200 Marines and sailors will be participating across the eastern United States.

II MEF is keeping the health and wellness of all participants a top priority throughout the execution of MEFEX 21.1. Leaders at all levels continue to emphasize the importance of social distancing, handwashing, surface sanitation, and proper mask wear in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. II MEF’s staff is constantly monitoring and assessing the situation and are prepared to take measured actions to protect the health of our Marines and sailors.

II MEF will train to fight and win in a command and control contested environment, exercise naval warfighting in a joint and combined environment, and incorporate experimental focus areas.

In a story by  2nd Lt. Eric Bohnenkamp, II Marine Expeditionary Force published on November 18, 2020, this is how the exercise was described as it concluded:

II MEF concluded Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21.1, which took place across the east coast at Fort Drum, New York; Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia; and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, November 13.

The exercise occurred from November 4-13 and included Marines and Sailors with II MEF training alongside NATO allies: Norway’s Brigade North, French Army 6th Light Armoured Brigade, and the United Kingdom’s Royal Marine 3rd Commando, and U.S. Navy partners with Second Fleet.

II Marine Expeditionary Support Battalion provided and coordinated combat service support and administrative, training, and logistical support to the MEF Command Element during MEFEX 21.1. Additionally, II MSB served as the camp commandant for all tenants at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, and provided life support to a nearly 1000-person camp.

“We have a diverse group of talented Marines and Sailors across II MSB,” said Lt. Col. Robert Fairley, commanding officer, II MSB.

“Exercises such as MEFEX 21.1 provide our battalion with unique opportunities to come together and position ourselves to best support the MEF Command Element in a deployed environment.” Lt. Col. Robert Fairley, II MSB commanding officer

MEFEX 21.1 enhanced command and control and interoperability with allies and partners, focused upon facing a near-peer threat in the European theater and synchronized II MEF with its subordinate commands from 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

“This peer level exercise is focused upon a peer-level adversary where II MEF is dependent upon working with our allies and fleet partners,” said Lt. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, commanding general, II MEF. “This is very much a joint-combined exercise against a near-peer threat.”

The training objectives reached in the scenario were also matched by real-world accomplishments. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 27 drove 916 miles from Fort Drum, New York, to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in only two-and-a-half days. CLR 27 is awaiting word from the USMC Historical Division concerning whether it was the longest the vehicle convoy in recent Marine Corps history.

 The key objective of MEFEX was to find ways to tighten our integration with the allies and partners. “That was woven into this exercise in addition to tightening up the relationship with key allies and really subset of our NATO allies who are most likely matched with the capability with the Marine Corps,” said Beaudreault.

Dynamic Cape 21

It started with a major logistics effort within the exercise.

As as II MEF story highlighted the focus of the exercise in a piece published on April 15, 2021:

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force began Dynamic Cape 21.1, a live maritime prepositioning exercise that includes an Operational Logistics Exercise with a subsequent final exercise event, taking place from Apr. 7-28, 2021.

As a part of DC 21.1, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, II MEF, and Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, are participating in an OPLOGEX taking place across the eastern United States.

Locations hosting the exercise include Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, Wilmington, North Carolina; and Blount Island, Florida.

During the OPLOGEX, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces will transport materiel and equipment on rail and ship and conduct pier-side offload of the USNS Williams at Blount Island Command, Florida. II MEF will also maintain an element in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to command and control the offload while rehearsing the command’s ability to deploy, employ, and redeploy a forward element.

This exercise facilitates the rapid deploy-ability of scalable naval expeditionary forces in support of major combat operations. Marines and sailors train to increase critical expeditionary capabilities and facilitate bridging the seam between operations on land and sea.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. David R. Everly, the commanding officer of 2d MEB, said units are prepared to coordinate and respond to any situation when it comes to logistics.

“They’re ready to respond to any crisis,” he said. “An exercise like this is just another opportunity for us to show that we have a focus on all different spectrum of challenges that are hitting us, and we’re ready to respond.”

The OPLOGEX provides an opportunity for II MEF to develop, refine, and test portions of theater opening and force deployment processes to gain MEF-level warfighting proficiency and readiness.

And as the exercise concluded, Sgt. Elizabeth Gerber, II MEF, provided this assessment in an article published on April 30, 2021:

II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) executed Exercise Dynamic Cape (DC) 21.1, a live maritime prepositioning exercise that included an Operational Logistics Exercise (OPLOGEX) with a subsequent final exercise event, from April 7-28, 2021.

DC 21.1 was a MEF level exercise which supported the development of command and control and logistics capabilities across different areas of operations. The scenario-based training incorporated movement of military equipment, personnel, transportation, and cross communication between II MEF, its allies, and partners.

U.S. Marines assigned to II MEF, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), and 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) participated in DC 21.1 with external support from the Norwegian Army’s Brigade North.

During DC 21.1, the OPLOGEX took place across the Eastern United States including Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, and Blount Island, Florida. The logistical exercise showcased the Marines’ ability to transport military equipment by rail, motor transport, and ship.

The OPLOGEX component of DC 21.1 was conducted by the recently activated 2nd Landing Support Battalion (LSB), 2nd MLG.

“This is our first major exercise since the activation of 2nd Landing Support Battalion,” said Lt. Col. Randall Nickel, commanding officer of 2nd LSB, “Marines of 2nd LSB were supporting the reconstitution of the equipment that was assigned to the MAGTF during exercise Dynamic Cape. The realistic quality of the exercise was apparent when put to the test.”

DC 21.1 has served as a crucial exercise for many components of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) in refining and instilling combat readiness across many occupational fields.

“The processes that we established for Dynamic Cape 21 are exactly the same processes that we would use in a combat operation,” said Marine Corps Maj. William Hemme, the Arrival and Assemble Operations Group Supply Officer, “…as part of Dynamic Cape and the Operation Logistics Exercise, we have downloaded and we are reconstituting a single ship, the USNS D. T. Williams.”

Hemme stresses the importance of a realistic simulation for those who are responsible for the embarkation and disembarkation of equipment from one location to another.

“For this particular exercise, we intentionally set up so that we would have the most realistic training we could have with the supply processes implemented,” said Hemme.

Throughout DC 21.1, II MEF showcased command and control capabilities and achieved a major movement of personnel and equipment in a realistic training environment. 

Without doubt, the exercises reflect testing out the transformation efforts from the intersection of the North Carolina-based Marines with 2nd and 6th Fleet with whom they work.

Clearly, this is a work in progress.

But the focus of the effort is clear which is highlighted in this USMC article which highlighted an April 7th meeting among the key commanders:

NORFOLK, Va. —  U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) staff met with U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) and II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) staffs virtually to discuss best practices for maritime effectiveness, Apr. 7.

Opening remarks were led by Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and Lt. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, commander, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

The senior leaders focused on high-end training and employment, and the capability of supporting the employment of forces, whether on the Western side of the Atlantic, the Eastern side of the Atlantic, or in the Arctic. The tri-lateral engagement strengthens security and promotes freedom across critical sea lanes in the Atlantic.

“Synchronization with our counterparts at both II MEF and Sixth Fleet is vital to seamless command and control across the vast Atlantic AOR,” said Lewis. “Whether American ships and Marines are ultimately deploying to the High North, the Eastern Med, or the Arabian Gulf, East Coast ships must first sail across the Atlantic and the relationship between our staffs is critical to success.”

The topics discussed among senior members of the respective fleet staffs included organizational structure, maritime operations center functionality, and naval integration.

“We have demonstrated our ability to operate alongside Second Fleet, integrating II MEF Marines at every step of our planning and operational execution, building our asymmetric advantage to defeat any maritime threat,” said Black. “When we operate together and with our NATO Allies, as one seamless force, we will achieve transatlantic maritime superiority.”

Discussions aimed to improve integration amongst the three commands to ensure a seamless trans-Atlantic bridge. The three commands are prepared to operate together in every domain, at all levels of warfare, from the tactical to the strategic, alongside NATO Allies and partners.

“II MEF is a maritime force inextricably linked to our Navy partners in Second and Sixth Fleets,” said Beaudreault. “Our continued discussions ensures our naval expeditionary team continues to leverage our collective capabilities and increase lethality across all domains.”

C2F exercises operational authorities over assigned ships, aircraft, and landing forces on the East Coast and the Atlantic.

C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

II MEF, headquartered in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, deploys and is employed in support of commandant commander (CCDR) requirements for contingency response or major combat operations. Aligning with the 38th Commandant’s Planning Guidance, II MEF is continuing to grow its naval expeditionary force alongside C2F and C6F.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks at a Rehearsal of Concept meeting to prelude the official start of MEFEX 21.1 at Fort A.P. Hill, VA, Nov. 3, 2020. A Rehearsal of Concept provides participants within the exercise an opportunity to practice combat mission plans and put contingency plans into place. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cheyenne Stillion)
U.S. Marines stage tactical vehicles near railways during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1 Jessy Whittall with Marine Wing Communications Squadron, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, validates a serial number on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force offload a medium tactical vehicle replacement from the well deck of the USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams (T-AK-3009) during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marines with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force reassemble the cabin of a medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Lane Seidl, an automotive maintenance technician, with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conducts a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Lane Seidl, an automotive maintenance technician, with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conducts a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Abraham woods (left) and Cpl. Clayton Burnette (right) with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marines with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force track gear using a radio-frequency identification scanner prior to staging during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other department of defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Lane Seidl, an automotive maintenance technician, with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conducts a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Lane Seidl, an automotive maintenance technician, with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conducts a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Allison Poss, an automotive maintenance technician, with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conducts a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
U.S. Marines with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a joint limited technical inspection during exercise Dynamic Cape (DC 21.1) on April 9, 2021 at the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. DC 21.1 is a command and control exercise simulating a contested environment to enhance operational readiness between II Marine Expeditionary Force partner nations and other Department of Defense entities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adaezia Chavez)
The Tactical Imagery Production System (TIPS) V 3.0 at Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21.1 on Fort Drum, New York, Oct. 30, 2020. The TIPS is a rapidly deployable collapsible shelter for reproduction, graphics design and managing operational imagery and media requirements to support forward operations worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins)
The Tactical Imagery Production System (TIPS) V 3.0 at Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21.1 on Fort Drum, New York, Oct. 30, 2020. The TIPS is a rapidly deployable collapsible shelter for reproduction, graphics design and managing operational imagery and media requirements to support forward operations worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins)

An RAF Update: April 2021

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on An RAF Update: April 2021

In a UK Ministry of Defence story published on April 8, 2021, recent operations in Iraq by the RAF were highlighted.

A Daesh stronghold in northern Iraq has been cleared as part of Operation Shader, the Ministry of Defence has announced today. The RAF has carried out a series of air strikes working in support of the Iraqi Security Forces ground operations. Operation Shader remains essential to dismantling Daesh’s networks and reducing the terrorist group’s global ambitions. 

In an operation lasting 10 days in March this year, the Iraqi Security Forces ground troops cleared Daesh terrorists from the Makhmur Mountain region, south-west from Erbil, while RAF and other coalition aircraft carried out a major air offensive.

The operation concluded on 22 March when Daesh extremists were confirmed to be based in a network of caves in the Makhmur mountains. Three Typhoon FGR4s were tasked to conduct an attack using Storm Shadow missiles, the remote area having first been checked to ensure that no civilians would be placed at risk.

The strike on the Daesh targets was assessed by subsequent surveillance to have been a success.

The Secretary of State for Defence said:

“The British Armed Forces, alongside our Iraqi and Coalition partners, continue to root out Daesh terrorists from where they hide.

“The UK is committed to defeating Daesh. This operation will prevent the terrorist group and its toxic ideology from regaining a foothold in Iraq and reduce its capability to coordinate attacks around the world.”

Throughout the 10 day operation, the RAF used Paveway IV bombs and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. This was the first operational use of the Storm Shadow cruise missile from a Typhoon FGR4 aircraft.

In a separate operation carried on Sunday 4 April, an RAF Reaper, armed with Hellfire missiles, identified a small group of Daesh terrorists in northern Syria, some fifty miles west of Al Hasakah. Having checked that there were no civilians nearby, the Reaper’s crew attacked the terrorists, striking the target successfully.

From 2019 – 2020, the Ministry of Defence estimates 67 Enemies Killed in Action and four Enemies Wounded in Action in Iraq and Syria under Operation Shader – the UK’s contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh.

The operation carried out in March 2021 builds on the success of targeted air strikes to defeat Daesh in recent years and represents a significant increase in activity from previous months.

Air Commodore Simon Strasdin, Air Officer Commander of 83 Expeditionary Air Group and the UK Air Component Commander in the Middle East, said:

“The Royal Air Force and wider Coalition have supported an operation led by a highly capable unit from the Iraqi Security Forces. Together, we are working towards defeating the remnants of Daesh and ensuring its will is depleted.

“The commitment and dedication from the personnel deployed on operations across the Middle East is simply outstanding. It is even more impressive that the Royal Air Force can adapt and continue to deliver air power against the enemy during a global pandemic.”

Though Daesh has been territorially defeated, it is estimated there are approximately 10,000 Daesh terrorists still at large across Syria and Iraq. The UK, together with 81 partner nations of the Global

Coalition, therefore remains committed to working with Iraq to not only defeat Daesh but to also enhance security in the region.

In addition to air strikes the RAF is also delivering across a wide spectrum of air power including; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; Air to Air Refuelling and Air Transport; and the use of air assets such as Reaper, Voyager, C130 and A400Ms aircraft.

An RAF March 15, 2021 provided details on operations in March 2021. 

Two RAF Typhoons were tasked to conduct a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.

Royal Air Force Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.

The strikes began on the Wednesday 10th March and carried on till Friday 12th March, with a follow on strike on Sunday 14th March. The targets were a caves system south west of the city of Erbil in Northern Iraq.

The strikes followed Iraqi forces identifying a significant number of Daesh terrorists using the cave complex. The series of caves which the terrorists were using were assessed to be a particularly difficult target, and two RAF Typhoons were therefore tasked to conduct an attack in support of the Iraqi forces.

UK Armed Forces are deployed to the Middle East to support counter Daesh operations as part of the 83-member strong Global Coalition.

The strikes on Wednesday saw the use of Storm Shadow missiles, which were selected as the most appropriate weapons for the task. A preceding check of the area confirmed that there were no signs of civilians in the area who might be placed at risk. Following the mission, the Typhoon’s weapons were confirmed to have struck their targets precisely.

Further surveillance efforts confirmed an additional two locations in the same area which were also being used by Daesh. Two Typhoons therefore conducted precision attacks on the extremists at both locations using six Paveway IV guided bombs. The following day, further strikes were carried out when Typhoons struck yet another group of caves used by Daesh, with eight Paveway IV bombs. On Sunday, a further six Paveway IVs were employed against more Daesh-held caves in the same remote, mountainous area. 

Target Launch

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Target Launch

A U.S. Air Force BQM-167A Subscale Aerial Target launches during a Weapons Systems Evaluation Program exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 27, 2021.

Using sub scale drones give pilots the opportunity to fire live munitions and missiles during training to train the way they fight.

01.27.2021

Video by Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez

325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge and Second Fleet

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on The Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge and Second Fleet
05/02/2021

By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake

During our visit to Norfolk in March 2021, we had a chance to meet with CDR Bobby Hanvey, Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge. The US Navy has set up a number of Tech Bridges to foster greater collaboration with the private sector in a way that does not rely on the traditional acquisition process. In addition, the Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge is different from the others in that it is the only Tech Bridge with a formal tie to the operational Navy via its support of Second Fleet.

This is how the Department of the Navy has described the Tech Bridge concept:

“The NavalX Tech Bridges are a connected network that enhances collaboration between Naval Labs, industry, academia, and other military branches.

“A NavalX Tech Bridge offers a collaboration space in a commercial business space, rather than on base. An off base location offers a more easily accessible landing spot to foster a collaboration ecosystem to build productive partnerships and accelerate delivery of dual use solutions to the warfighter.

“A NavalX Tech Bridge offers access to State and Local government and academic agencies creating a richer regional innovation ecosystem and further supporting economic development.”

As the US Navy looks to modernize, it can be categorized in three ways;

  • To gain some new capabilities not previously available;
  • To add new components which provide for enhanced or more reliable operation of existing equipment-software upgradeable weapons and platforms;
  • Simply replace worn out equipment that is no longer economical to operate or militarily useful.

Traditional methods to achieve the above have proven slow, and sometimes, unresponsive to existing and emerging threats. To expand the Navy and Marines ability to meet those threats, they have set up a number of Tech Bridges to foster greater collaboration with the private sector in a way that does not rely on the formal acquisition process.

Linking a Tech-Bridge operating philosophy with an operational fleet has tremendous potential for increasing the value of any technology modernization initiative by looking at the final output which is the condition of the operational inventory at a given point in time. This is a very significant change in how innovative technology initiatives can be validated much quicker by the operators who will fight the Fleet.

CDR Bobby Hanvey is a graduate of the Naval Academy. After about 10 years of active duty service, he entered the Navy Reserves and later joined the Reserves in a full time capacity, called Full Time Service, or FTS. Working in this capacity he led substantial efforts to create a learning culture and feedback framework in the Navy Reserves, conceived and launched a feedback portal for sailors to submit ideas to improve the Navy, and introduced design thinking and human centered design as methods to attack complex problems. With his wide experiences he has come to really understand the kind of cultural change which faces a 21st century naval force.

He discussed with us the crucial role Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, (ASN RDA) Jim “Hondo” Geurts, has played in shaping what is now known as the Tech Bridges. Geurts came from SOCOM where he established SOFWERX, which has been a key force for innovation within the Special Forces. It is described as follows on the SOFWERX web page: “SOFWERX is a platform that helps solve challenging Warfighter problems at scale through collaboration, ideation, events, and rapid prototyping.”

Geurts brought that same mentality to the Navy, but recognized the SOFWERX model was not well suited for the Dept. of the Navy, (DON). The DON, unlike the other services, did not divest themselves of their multiple laboratories. These labs, called Warfare Centers, contain rich engineering, science expertise and knowledge, and are valuable assets which are not centralized in nature.

The Navy and Marine Corps have 22 warfare centers and many other laboratories.

According to CDR Hanvey, the problem is that “they aren’t designed to work together. They have what is called a working capital model and need to prove their value to ensure continued funding. In a simplified description, they must earn the work and only get funded for the work program offices and other entities award them to perform. This has positive and negative impacts. The positive impact is they must prove their worth or they don’t earn continued funding, thus ensuring they stay sharp in their field and continue to prove their value to the Navy and Marines. The negative is they have little freedom to explore outside what is funded and assigned.”

With the above, the opportunity to tap into the private sector innovations and the significant investments in that sector, is greatly reduced. Innovation and investment in the commercial markets dwarf what the government is able to do and tapping into those markets is key to increasing, maintaining, or even closing gaps in naval capability as compared to our peer competitors.

With NavalX, the approach is to cross these silos and discover cross-cutting innovations. They started with a key effort to “super-connect across the silos” as there is already substantial innovative solutions and approaches within the Navy and Marines.

Initially, NavalX was established under ASN RDA Geurts and is now largely part of the Office of Naval Research, while still working heavily with the ASN office. A key focus for Secretary Guerts, which he brought from SOCOM, is on ensuring that the Navy can find ways to talk with industry, and in particular, industry that doesn’t normally deal with or talk to the government.

This is how Hanvey characterized the focus: “What about industry? Industry is where stuff’s happening. Startups in the garage, entrepreneurs, small businesses. How do I get them to work with us?”

The process started by Guerts forging the Agility Cell, of which CDR Hanvey was a member. They visited the many “silos of excellence” with the Navy and Marines to understand how best to scale those efforts.  This included visiting other services and their innovation efforts to include SOCOM and SOFWERX to scope out how they did their approach to innovation. From these visits, the cell worked with Guerts to sort through how to adapt a similar approach in the Navy and this evolved into the NavalX effort and spawned the Tech Bridge concept.

With the establishment of the Tech Bridges, CDR Hanvey’s focus has clearly been upon how to establish an effective tech bridge in the very large naval operational world of Norfolk/Hampton Roads. His tech-bridge is different in that they work directly with Second Fleet. And because VADM Lewis and his team have prioritized C2 and distributed C2, the Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge is also focused on those challenges.

For VADM Lewis, the team is working with current systems to deliver mobile command and control capabilities. The role then of the associated tech bridge is to look at evolving technologies which can do this better than current systems.

The process of examination is not just about new technologies, but also about technologies being used by other organizations which could be adapted to the Second Fleet environment.

According to CDR Hanvey: “Second Fleet is focused on a distributed C2 network, not just a unitary and centralized capability.  We’re going to use DJC2. We’re going to potentially use NETC2 and that’s great. Well, there’s a lot of commercial technology out there that can do this on a smaller and more agile scale. There’s a lot of technology already in the government, the Secret Service and the Special Operations user base, which does exactly what Admiral Lewis wants to be able to do. We can be disaggregated and distributed and work through a coalition network, or a commercial network, and still securely connect, consume and participate. We look to adapt such technologies and bring them to Second Fleet.”

“We are not here to replace existing innovation efforts, or avenues to solve complex problems.  The goal of the Tech Bridge is to enable finding solutions faster, better and which are less expensive. If the Tech Bridge can’t do it faster, better, or for less cost than the existing avenues we have through the Navy or the Marines, then we shouldn’t be doing it. But if I can make it happen faster, give you a much better result, and/or significantly less cost, that is our sweet spot.”

To achieve these goals, they are working ways to partner differently with organizations the Navy and Marines do not normally work with in order to make this work. They are utilizing Partnership Intermediate Agreements (PIA) which allow them to work with non-profits to work the evolving eco-system of technological innovation as well.

During our visit to Norfolk in March 2021, we have had a chance to deal with the two startup commands which are driving change in how to best shape maritime capabilities for the maritime fight – Second Fleet and Allied Joint Forces Command. Along with the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence (CJOS COE), the three organizations clearly understand the central importance of shaping effective C2 mission command capabilities.

The focus is on the fight tonight, which means they need to leverage what exists but to work these capabilities into an enhanced warfighting capability. But they are doing so with an eye to shaping the kind of template which can embrace significant change, the kind of change which their working relationship with the Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge can help shape.

For further tech bridge information, see the following:

TB_2020 Annual Report_LowRes

Also, see the following:

757 Accelerate: Contributing to the Evolving Ecosystem for Innovation

Sherpa Pursues Alleged Corruption Inquiry Into Indian Rafale Acquisition

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Sherpa Pursues Alleged Corruption Inquiry Into Indian Rafale Acquisition
04/30/2021

By Pierre Tran

Paris – Sherpa, a French non-governmental organization, said it filed April 28 a request for a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption on India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets in a deal worth €7.8 billion ($9.4 billion).

“Sherpa, represented by its lawyers William Bourdon and Vincent Brenghart, is filing a complaint and requesting the opening of a judicial investigation for corruption, favouritism and various financial offences likely to have occurred in the context of the sale of 36 combat aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation and sold to India in 2016,” the NGO said in a statement.

The filing was in response to a lack of official action following Sherpa’s Oct. 26 2018 call for a French investigation into the pick of Reliance as the Indian industrial partner for Dassault, the anti-corruption office said. Reliance had little experience in the aeronautics industry,

The French National Financial Prosecutor, in the wake of the 2018 filing, failed to conduct a full enquiry into the selection of Reliance, which was then in financial difficulty and was led by an executive close to the Indian prime minister, Sherpa said.

Before the appointment of Reliance, Dassault had been in talks with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) as local partner on a prospective deal for 126 Rafales. New Delhi in 2015 ditched the talks with Dassault and switched to a government-to-government order for 36 units.

It was part of that €7.8 billion deal for 36 Rafales that India selected Reliance  as local partner to Dassault.

Apart from an informal interview with a Dassault lawyer, the French prosecutor’s office failed to conduct a detailed inquiry, and in June 2019 ruled “absence of an offence,” reported the website Mediapart, Sherpa said.

Sherpa has worked on the case separately from Mediapart, a lawyer for the NGO said.

Sherpa has conducted its own inquiry over the last two years, the NGO said, and the reporting of Mediapart pointed up a “passivity” of the French Anti-Corruption Agency, while there were suspicious payments, “hidden commissions” and the absence of anti-corruption clauses in weapons contracts.

Mediapart reported that Dassault paid €1 million to Sushen Gupta, an Indian “middle man” who helped secure the Rafale contract. The French aircraft builder told the Anti-Corruption Agency the payment covered 50 reduced size models of the fighter, to be presented as gifts to customers in India.

There was concern that the €1 million payment may have  covered illegal commissions, and the excising of anti-corruption clauses from the Indian contracts may be related to that payment, Mediapart reported.

The Indian authorities have conducted investigations on Gupta following  corruption allegations on the 2010 sale of AgustaWestland helicopters.

The Anti-Corruption Agency reported to two ministries — budget and justice —  seen as placing the office under political pressure.

There were flaws in a French anti-corruption system which gave “too much leeway for the implementation of internal procedures in companies to fight corruption,” Sherpa said.

“The present case is an example of the failure of this approach, which relies on a convergence of the private interests of the company and those of the general interest that criminal law is supposed to protect,” Sandra Cossart, executive director of Sherpa, said in the statement.

“Those latest revelations show to what extent the admissibility of associations to bring judicial actions before the courts is a central component of our democracy.”

A Dassault spokesman declined to comment and referred to an April 8 company statement in response to the Mediapart reporting.

Official organizations, including the French Anti-Corruption Agency, had conducted “numerous controls,” the Dassault statement said, and no violations were reported in the Indian contract for 36 Rafales.

The company acted in strict compliance with the OECD anti-bribery convention and in line with national laws, particularly the French law known as Sapin 2, adopted Dec. 9, 2016, the company said.

“Since the early 2000s, Dassault Aviation has implemented strict internal procedures to prevent corruption, guaranteeing the integrity, ethics and reputation of the company in its industrial and commercial relations,” the company said.

“In the context of the Sapin 2 law, the company has completed and strengthened its system for the prevention and detection of corruption and influence peddling, both at the level of the parent company and its subsidiaries.”

Emerald Warrior 2021

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Emerald Warrior 2021

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operators with the 24th Special Operations Wing, conduct water operations with U.S. Navy aircrew members assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Nine, in a MH-60 Seahawk Helicopter during Emerald Warrior 21.1, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 18, 2021.

Water operations training is part of training for exercise Emerald Warrior that focuses on U.S partner nation relationships while emphasizing joint force interoperability.

HURLBURT FIELD, FL.

02.18.2021

Video by Senior Airman Edward Coddington

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Military Sealift Command Looks to Expand Air Support Options for its Hospital Ships

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Military Sealift Command Looks to Expand Air Support Options for its Hospital Ships
04/28/2021

Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is currently conducting dynamic interface testing operations off the coast of Southern California. The operations are tests for compatibility usage of variants of the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk with the ship’s new flight deck, and the first time a V-22 has landed on an MSC hospital ship. 

The testing takes place following a seven-month maintenance period where the ship’s flight deck was expanded and reinforced to accommodate the size, weight and heat of larger aircraft, allowing the ship to receive patients and supplies through a variety of aviation platforms. 

Over the course of several days, the ship will exercise with the V-22, practicing take-offs and landings from Mercy’s flight deck, followed by operations with the MH-60s. Increased flight operations will allow critical patients a quicker route to the ship for treatment, vice a slower boat ride from one of the ships tender boats. 

Because this is the first time the V-22s have conducted flight operations onboard Mercy, Navy personnel from San Diego, Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 3 and Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 49, are onboard to train and assist the civil service mariner crew. 

“This is a historic event in the storied life of the USNS Mercy, and for MSC,” said Capt. Kendall Bridgewater, commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific. “Improving the capability of the ship to support newer aircraft platforms such as the MV-22, allows greater flexibility and enhances the embarked Medical Treatment team’s ability to continue providing the outstanding care they are known for. This investment in new capability is a great example of MSC’s continued support to the fleet and plays an important role in keeping the U.S. Navy competitive well into the future.” 

The dynamic interface operations are one of several training, testing and inspection periods the Mercy will undergo in preparation for future missions, including the Pacific Partnership humanitarian mission.

This article was published by the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet on April 19, 2021.

Video by Seaman Luke Cunningham 

Military Sealift Command Pacific  

This is a case study of expanding the cross decking options which the Osprey opens up for the Navy as it works its evolving fleet appraoch to blue water expeditionary operations as well. The coming of the CMV-22B to the large deck carriers means that unlike the C2 which it is replacing, this support aircraft can perform fleet functions as well such as this lift for medical purposes, which indeed was exercised in a recent landing onboard the USS Carl Vinson as well 

Medical personnel carry a simulated patient during a medical transport drill on the flight deck of Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The drill was the first-ever medevac by a Navy CMV-22B Osprey aboard an aircraft carrier. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron T. Smith/Released)

Also, read the following with regard to cross-decking,

Reworking the Sea Base and Cross Decking of Air Combat Assets

210414-N-DA693-1061 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) conduct a foreign object debris walk-down on the ship’s flight deck Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1126 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) observe an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., land on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1165 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) A Sailor aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) observes an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., land on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1199 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) tie down an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1219 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) tie down an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1277 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) observe an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1317 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) prepare to fuel an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1349 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) fuel an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., on the ship’s flight deck for the first time Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1385 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., takes off from Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) flight deck Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-DA693-1419 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., takes off from Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) flight deck Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg)
210414-N-LW757-1007 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) lower flight deck safety netting Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)
210414-N-LW757-1078 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) conduct a foreign object debris walk-down on the ship’s flight deck Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)
210414-N-LW757-1109 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., takes off from Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) flight deck Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)
210414-N-LW757-1174 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) Sailors aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) tie down an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md. on the ship’s flight deck Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)
210414-N-LW757-1193 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., flies over Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Apr. 14. Mercy is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Dynamic Interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Seahawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)