The UK Establishes a New Space Command and Names its First Commander

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on The UK Establishes a New Space Command and Names its First Commander
02/17/2021

An article published on November 19, 2020 in the UK Defence Journal highlighted the establishment of a new UK Space Command

On 18 November 2020, the UK announced its proposal to establish a new military command dedicated to space, similar to the recent moves taken by allied countries such as France and the US. The proposal of a new Royal Air Force (RAF) space command was part of an announcement by the UK Government of the largest defence budget since the Cold War of £16.5 billion over the next four years.

Boris Johnson announced “a new RAF space command launching British satellites and our first rocket from Scotland in 2022”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“The security and intelligence agencies will continue to protect us around the clock from terrorism and new and evolving threats. We will invest another £1.5 billion in military research and development, designed to master the new technologies of warfare. We will establish a new centre dedicated to artificial intelligence, and a new RAF space command, launching British satellites and our first rocket from Scotland in 2022. 

“I can announce that we have established a National Cyber Force, combining our intelligence agencies and service personnel, which is already operating in cyberspace against terrorism, organised crime and hostile state activity. And the RAF will receive a new fighter system, harnessing artificial intelligence and drone technology to defeat any adversary in air-to-air combat.”

A UK Government spokesman said:

“Spaceports offer an exciting route to enhance the future prosperity of the UK and we welcome the progress being made by the UK Space Agency. Spaceports will provide opportunity for a range of customers, especially in the context of improving global communications and data sharing.”

An earlier article in the same journal highlighted that the establishment of a Shetland spaceport would boost significantly UK space launch capabilities.

Shetland Space Centre anticipates that by 2024, the spaceport site could support a total of 605 jobs in Scotland including 140 locally and 210 across the wider Shetland region. A further 150 jobs will also be created through wider manufacturing and support services.

“Following a thorough process of due diligence, the UK Space Agency has confirmed that Lockheed Martin’s plans to move its UK Pathfinder Launch to the Shetland site at Lamba Ness on Unst would continue to deliver long-term value and help establish a sustainable, commercial launch market as part of the UK’s spaceflight programme – LaunchUK.”

Lockheed Martin say it is in discussions with a preferred partner to provide launch services for its UK Pathfinder Launch, which would take place from Shetland Space Centre.

UK Government Amanda Solloway, Science Minister, said:

“We want the UK to be the best place in Europe to launch satellites, attracting innovative businesses from all over the world and creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs. The potential to have multiple spaceports in Scotland demonstrates the scale of our ambition, and I want to support industry by pressing ahead with our plans during this challenging time. This government is committed to backing our growing space sector, developing a comprehensive space strategy and supporting transformative technologies that will benefit people and businesses across the country.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said:

“The UK Government is committed to cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in the space sector. The creation of the Shetland Space Centre is incredibly exciting news and a real boost for the local economy. Our investment in Scottish spaceports is creating hundreds of secure and skilled jobs for people in Scotland. The Shetland Space Centre a huge step forward for our ambitious UK Spaceflight programme.”

Just as an airport can handle a range of different airlines and aircraft, ‘Space Hub Sutherland’ has been designed to cater for the needs of multiple launch providers.

“This ensures it will be able to continue to compete for a wide range of exciting vertical launch opportunities.”

The UK Space Agency say it will also continue to fully support Space Hub Sutherland through grant funding to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop the spaceport infrastructure and to UK-based launch partner, Orbex, to prepare its innovative Prime rocket to launch from the site in 2022.

And earlier this month, the new commander of the UK Space Force was announced. Air Commodore Paul Godfrey, to become Air Vice-Marshal Godfrey in his new role has a wide range of experience in the evolving capabilities of UK fifth generation warfare as well as significant hands one experience working in Scotland as the base commander at RAF Lossiemouth.

An RAF announcement of the appointment highlighted that “Space Command will be a Joint Command, staffed from all three Services of the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and key members of the commercial sector at RAF High Wycombe.

“Based at RAF High Wycombe, Space Command will be a Joint Command, staffed from all three Services of the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and key members of the commercial sector. It brings together three functions under a single 2-Star military commander: space operations, space workforce generation and space capability.

“Strategic Command leads on developing joint enabling capabilities across the land, sea, air, cyber and space domains. In the space domain these include Satellite Communications, Position, Navigation and Timing as well as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

“As Defence’s integrator Strategic Command works closely with the Space Directorate in Head Office and Space Command in the RAF to ensure they can collectively deliver the capabilities Defence needs to operate and fight in the Information Age.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, Commander of Strategic Command said: “The benefits we derive from Space are vital to our economy, our way of life and to our national security.  In particular we rely on space for the military command and control systems, cyber capabilities, communications, and surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that Strategic Command provides with our partners to defend the UK and our allies. I look forward to Strategic Command, working very closely with the new Space Command to deliver the integration of these capabilities to our Armed Forces as they operate in the air, on the land, at sea and in cyberspace.”

According to Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth, Director, Space : “Space, and our assured access to it, is fundamental to military operations.

“Loss of, or disruption to, the Space Domain, will impact our ability to undertake the majority of Defence Tasks, and has the potential for significant effect on civilian, commercial and economic activity.

“The threat from adversaries in this rapidly maturing domain is real and it is here now.

“If we fail to understand how to operate successfully in the Space Domain through integrated operations, we lose our battle-winning edge.

“The establishment of a UK Space Command for Defence is a crucial step in our development, and will underpin our ability to understand and operate in Space.”

The announcement then added the following: “Direction from the National Space Council will flow through the Space Directorate in MOD Head Office to Space Command and other relevant elements of Defence. It is envisaged that Space Command will interact with the UK Space Agency, as required, to deliver joint national space capability.”

For some of our earlier interviews with Air Vice-Marshal Godfrey, see the following:

 

Next Steps in Preparing CH-53k for IOC: VMX-1 Marines Solely Maintain and Prepare Aircraft for Flight

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Next Steps in Preparing CH-53k for IOC: VMX-1 Marines Solely Maintain and Prepare Aircraft for Flight
02/16/2021

A CH-53K “King Stallion” prepares to take off at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.14, 2021.

The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight.

The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore.

Last December, there was a chance to visit New River and to talk with VMX-1 about the way ahead for the path to IOC for the CH-53K.

In an interview with Lt. Col. Frank, officer in charge of the CH-53K Operational Test Detachment at VMX-1, the officer underscored:

“It is crucial to have a CH-53 fleet that works effectively as it is a unique capability in the USMC crucial for our way ahead operationally. It is the only aircraft we have that can move an expeditionary brigade off of our amphibious ships.”

He underscored as well that the aircraft is well along the path to IOC.

“We’ve had a lot of time with the aircraft. Our Marines have been working on it for two years now. During logistics demonstration, we took the publications, which were in their infancy, and we went through every work package.

“The bulk of the Marine Corps’ CH-53K personnel, equipment, aircraft, and support will be located at VMX-1 when the Marine Corps declares the CH-53K program is IOC.”

The slideshow highlights a stage towards IOC.

Photo Credit:

NEW RIVER, NC,

01.14.2021

Photo by Lance Cpl. Yuritzy Gomez 

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

See the following:

An Update on the CH-53K from VMX-1: The Perspective of Lt. Col. Frank

Marines with Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) conclude pre-flight checks on a CH-53K “King Stallion” at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.14, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Yuritzy Gomez)
Marines with Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) perform pre-flight checks with a CH-53K “King Stallion” at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.14, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Yuritzy Gomez)
A CH-53K “King Stallion” prepares to take off at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.14, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Yuritzy Gomez)
Marines with Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) conduct pre-flight checks on a CH-53K “King Stallion” at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.15, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher O’Quin)
A CH-53K “King Stallion” prepares to take off at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.14, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher O’Quin)
A CH-53K “King Stallion” takes flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.15, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher O’Quin)
A CH-53K “King Stallion” takes flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan.14, 2021. The historic moment marked the first time the CH-53K was flown after being solely maintained and brought to readiness by Marines prior to flight. The King Stallion will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher O’Quin)

CH-53K Sea Trials: 2020

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on CH-53K Sea Trials: 2020

Last August, the CH-53K King Stallion completed two weeks of sea trials, completing 364 landings and takeoffs, day and night, from all nine deck spots and in various wind conditions to demonstrate its versatility and ability to operate from a ship on deployment.

The CH-53K sea trials integrated test team consisted of nearly 100 people including Sikorsky, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Marine Corps’ operational test squadron.

“Overall, the aircraft performed great at every stage, in all flight control modes we tested,” Sikorsky Test Pilot Sean Maloney said. “The CH-53K was very stable day and night, at all spots on the deck and at different wind and speed directions. Consistently across the board, the aircraft did very well.“

The CH-53K design integrated the latest technologies to meet U.S. Marine Corps requirements while still maintaining the size and footprint to remain compatible with today’s ships and air transport capabilities. The aircraft is fully marinized for shipboard operations, including automatic blade fold and design robustness to meet new and extreme requirements for salt-fog and corrosion.

Ship compatibility testing on the Wasp included towing the aircraft around the deck and in the hangar, performing maintenance while aboard the ship, ensuring the aircraft fits in all the locations it needs to around the ship deck and hangar, and evaluating chain/tie-down procedures.

To validate that capability, the team also completed multiple blade-fold and spread operations. The main rotor and tail pylon of the King Stallion are designed to automatically fold and unfold to fit in the deck parking spots and hangar locations of Navy ships.

“The CH-53K demonstrated exceptional performance throughout its initial sea trials continuing the team’s progress toward initial operational test and evaluation in 2021 and deployment in 2023-2024,” said Bill Falk, program director. “ The aircraft is right at home aboard a large deck amphibious ship and is one step closer to deployment.”

The ability of the CH-53K to work from the sea-base, given it is built from the ground up to operate at sea, comes at a time when the USMC is working its integratability with the U.S. Navy for the amphibious fleet to be able to contribute significantly to sea control and sea denial.

The CH-53K is part of the arsenal which will allow the Marines to play that role more effectively.

For a look at how the Marines are reshaping their way ahead in the way ahead with regard to naval integration, see the discussions in our latest book, Training for the High-End Fight.

 

Cavour Arrives at Naval Station Norfolk

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According to a US Navy press release issued on February 13, 2021, the Italian Navy Aircraft Carrier ITS Cavour has arrived at Naval Station Norfolk.

NORFOLK, Va. – The Italian Navy flagship, the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550), arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Feb 13 for a series of operations alongside U.S. military assets to attain the Italian Navy’s “Ready for Operations” certification to safely land and launch F-35B aircraft.

 While in the Western Atlantic, Cavour will be embarked by an F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) test team to conduct sea trials, a series of tests and functional activities to create a safe flight operating envelope for the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the 5th generation aircraft aboard the recently upgraded ship.

This carrier-based flight test and other actions with U.S. 2nd Fleet ships and aircraft improve interoperability and strengthen the relationship between two NATO Allies.

“Operating in the Western Atlantic with our NATO allies presents a mutually beneficial opportunity to enhance both of our Navies’ capabilities,” said Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, Commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Supporting our Italian allies in certification of their aircraft carrier increases our collective experience in safety and combat abilities. We are stronger together.”

While crossing the Atlantic from Italy, ITS Cavour was met by the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) and conducted a three-day interoperability exercise with support from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 11. Specific events included integrated ship maneuvering, low-slow-flyer detect-to-engage, anti-surface warfare serials with P-8 participation, air defense/air intercept control event with F/A-18 participation, and C5I interoperability events in the Western Atlantic 10-12 Feb.

“We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome received by the U.S. Navy 2nd Fleet upon our arrival in the Western Atlantic waters,” said Capt. Giancarlo Ciappina, commanding officer of ITS Cavour. “My officers and the whole crew were impressed for the professionalism and seamanship shown during these three days of training by the crews of USS Stout, CVW 7 and CPRW 11. We consider a real privilege having the opportunity to sail and exercise alongside our closest allies and friends and we are very proud to share with the USN Community such important certification deployment, which will provide ITS Cavour and the Italian Naval Aviation with the 5th generation air combat capability of the Joint Strike Fighter.”

Upon arriving in Norfolk, ITS Cavour was hosted by USS John. C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is coordinating and providing all pier services required by Cavour, to include refueling, diving operations, equipment and personnel on load, security, and contingency medical functions.

“We couldn’t be more excited to host our Italian ally,” said Capt. Cassidy Norman, Stennis’ commanding officer. “The Stennis team fully understands the importance of building trust and cooperation by supporting Cavour’s certification with the newest multi-role combat aircraft, the F-35. We are happy to see our Italian naval aviation counterparts dramatically increase their operational capability, strengthening our collective capability.”

The F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) team from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. (NAS PAX River) comprises almost 200 people with the engineering and test pilot expertise and experience to conduct F-35B envelope expansion flight test, two specially instrumented developmental flight test aircraft, and support equipment.

“Italy is a critically important Cooperative Program Partner in the F-35 enterprise,” said Andrew Maack, F-35 Pax River ITF chief test engineer and site director.

“We are excited to get underway with the sailors of Cavour and honored to contribute to the aircraft carrier achieving the Italian Navy’s strategic goal of it being ‘Ready for Operations,’” Maack said. “We look forward to a phenomenally successful shipboard detachment.”

For decades, the bond between Europe and North America has made NATO the strongest alliance in history. Conducting training and exercises alongside allies and partners increases our collective capacity and capabilities as well as increased interoperability with the U.S. Forces.

U.S. 2nd Fleet exercises operational authority over assigned ships, aircraft, and landing forces on the East Coast and the Atlantic.

For an earlier look at the coming of this capability to the Italian force and the allied fleet, please see the following:

Re-Thinking the Role of the Smaller Deck Carrier: The Case of Cavour

Working with Allies: The View from Second Fleet

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Working with Allies: The View from Second Fleet
02/15/2021

Recently, we posted a recent piece on Vice Admiral Lewis, head of 2nd Fleet and the Joint Force Commander Norfolk.

We highlighted a recent speech by the VADM which underscored that:

“We recognize in the Navy and the Joint Force that we have capability gaps that require our attention – one of which is what we are here to discuss today – C2 networks and the integration into a single structure.

“As we work to create a more networked force, we need to be agile in the way we think and how we operate with one another.

“And I’ll take it one step forward, as a dual-hatted commander of a U.S. and NATO command, if we are going truly operate as a joint force and an alliance, we need to implement processes at the beginning and provide more opportunities to train to the NATO standard – in addition to a standard across the Joint force.

“We put a premium on “local knowledge” and we look to leverage the knowledge and expertise from our Allies in operating under the NATO umbrella as we drive towards a new standard.”

More details were provided on his perspective in an article published on January 26, 2021 by Megan Eckstein where she highlighted the views of the Swedish Navy chief with regard to Russian Gray zone activities.

Her article was based on an American Enterprise Institute online discussion on the Baltic and North seas.

She highlighted comments by VADM Lewis at this event.

In the same event, U.S. 2nd Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis also spoke of the importance of these exercises, saying in a previous exercise with the Swedish Navy he “learned more than I ever thought I would learn about mine countermeasures, about anti-submarine warfare, about operating in a very restricted waterway.”

Lewis repeatedly spoke about the need to be present in the Atlantic, the Baltic, the Arctic and other High North bodies of water. He made clear the U.S. Navy couldn’t provide enough presence on its own and was reliant on partners to help serve as eyes and ears for a network of allies and partners working together to push back against Russian activities that go against international standards of conduct.

Since 2nd Fleet reached initial operational capability two years ago, many of its most prominent operations have relied heavily on collaborations with allies and partners. Lewis noted that when he commanded the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019 exercise, he had just 50 staff members assigned to 2nd Fleet at the time but a staff of 450 running the exercise from command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) thanks to allies and partners sending their best officers to fill out the staff.

“2nd Fleet would not be where it is as a command now without Sweden and other partners in our command network. Absolutely would not be,” he said during the event.
“And I am extremely grateful for the nations and the organizations that we have partnered with and gotten assistance from, to include the U.S. 6th Fleet as well and the U.S. 4th Fleet down in Mayport, Fla.”

Also see the following:

The Future is Now for Enhanced Integratability: The Perspective of Major General Anders Rex

Joint Forcible Entry 20B

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The 437th Airlift Squadron participated in Joint Forcible Entry 20B.

The JFE is a realistic exercise that simulates air drop and air-land insertion in a hostile environment. The exercise requires integration between AMC and ACC to work together in a multi-domain war-time environment.

A JFE is the capstone for the USAF combat weapons school. AMC also implemented the tactical data link to test its communication capabilities during the JFE.

12.05.2020

Video by Staff Sgt. Lance Valencia

Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

Logs Supply Chain Critical in Fiji Relief Effort

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02/14/2021

By Captain Zoe Griffyn

ADF and Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ logistics teams ensured vital supplies got to the thousands of people who needed them in cyclone-ravaged Fiji.

About 120 tonnes of goods were unloaded from HMAS Adelaide in the disaster-relief effort following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The category five cyclone made landfall at Fiji’s Vanua Levu island on December 17 last year, with winds of 240km/h and gusts up to 345km/h.

Sub-Lieutenant Georgia Chaffey, of HMAS Adelaide said the loading, storage and distribution of additional supplies collected by Adelaide from Fiji’s capital, Suva, on the way to Vanua Levu ran smoothly.

“About 250 pallets of school supplies, food, hygiene kits, mattresses, tents, blankets and rainwater tanks were loaded into Adelaide,” Sub-Lieutenant Chaffey said.

“Once on board, the supplies were separated into groups for different islands and communities.

“They were then dispatched by air or Adelaide’s landing craft for delivery to where they were most required.”

Sapper Thomas Reading, of the 6th Engineer Support Regiment, deployed as a driver on Vanua Levu as part of Adelaide’s embarked forces.

“The scale and complex nature of the tasks means helping has been rewarding,” Sapper Reading said.

“It’s fulfilling to see what we can do for the community and the supplies we can give.”

At the request of the Fijian Government after the cyclone hit, two RAAF C-17A Globemaster flights delivered emergency humanitarian supplies to Fiji, while two RAAF P-8A Poseidons provided an assessment of the damage caused by the cyclone.

More than 600 ADF personnel deployed on HMAS Adelaide to Fiji on December 24.

Published by the Australian Department of Defence

January 18, 2020.

Featured Photo: HMAS Adelaide sails past Tamarama as she returns to her homeport of Fleet Base East, Sydney, New South Wales.

More than 600 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel embarked in HMAS Adelaide, supporting the Fiji Government’s response to Tropical Cyclone Yasa on Operation Fiji Assist, has returned to Fleet Base East, Sydney, on 2 February 2021.

ADF elements worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to provide assistance to thousands of Fijians, including many from remote islands, whose homes, schools and other local infrastructure were damaged or destroyed by the category 5 cyclone.

HMAS Adelaide deployed on Operation Fiji Assist on 24 December 2020.

Credit: Australian Department of Defence