Leveraging the Advantages of the USN-USMC Team

04/27/2011
04/27/2011 - In late March 2011, Second Line of Defense visited San Diego to discuss the evolution of the USN-USMC team as seen by key members of the staff of Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.  At a time when the nation is remembering the 100 years of Naval Aviation,…

Building the LPD-17

04/27/2011
04/27/2011 - In late March 2011, prior to the christening of the LPD-24 at the Ingalls Shipyards in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Second Line of Defense interviewed the LPD 17 program manager, Doug Lounsberry.  Lounsberry provided an overview to the challenges of building this class of ship and the advantages, which the…

The ARG: A Core National Capability

04/20/2011
The Amphibious Ready Group: A Core National Capability An Interview With Colonel "Ozzie" Osborn, Former 15th MEU Commander 04/20/2011 - Second Line of Defense during its interview with Colonel “Ozzie” Osborn discussed the flexibility of the Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit team. Colonel Osborn provided an overview of…

French Ops in Libya

04/20/2011
Preliminary Lessons Learned By General Jean-Patrick Gaviard Photo Credit: Libya: Operation Harmattan, EMA / Armée de l’Air – Marine Nationale, March 2011 04/20/2011 - In the aftermath of several weeks of bombings above Libya, it might be of interest to attempt to decrypt two key events which happened as this…

Shaping a 21st Century USCG: The Key Role for Maritime Patrol Aircraft

04/19/2011
­­­By Dr. Robbin F. Laird 04/19/2011 - The Obama Administration has come to power at a global turning point.  The President has underscored the importance of working with allies and shaping a new global engagement for the United States. At the same time, he has emphasized the need to enhance…

Exercise Iron Fist Amphibious Training

04/02/2011
04/02/2011 - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Alpha Company participate in amphibious training as part of Exercise Iron Fist aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 16. Marines are participating in the bilateral training to advance their amphibious knowledge. Credit: 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2/17/11

Hypersonics and Its Impact on the Future of Warfare (Part Three)

04/01/2011
An Interview With Professor Lewis 04/01/2011 - In January 2011, Second Line of Defense sat down with Professor Lewis to discuss the current status and dynamics of hypersonics.  Mark J. Lewis is chairman of Clark School’s Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, and President of…