From the F-4 to the F-14 to the F-18 to the F-35C: The Grim Reapers Come to Oceana Naval Air Station

11/02/2014
2014-11-02 Naval aviation is in transition whether one visits MAWTS, Fallon, Eglin or Beaufort. According to a USN story published October 28, 2014: VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The "Grim Reapers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 returned to Naval Air Station Oceana Oct. 28, bringing with them the future…

Training for Air Combat: General Hostage Focuses on the Challenge of Training for the 21st Century Fight

10/30/2014
2014-10-30 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake When we started the website one of the first interviews we did was with the recently retired Air Combat Command Commander, John Corley. Corley provided us with a comprehensive overview on the core foundations of an air combat force, and the challenges facing…

The US, Taiwan and Its Defense: The Missing Arms Exports

10/23/2014
2014-10-23 By Julien Canin With the protests in Hong Kong reminding the world how democracy challenges the leadership of the PRC, Taiwan remains a clear reminder that it is possible to be both Chinese and democratic. But for it to remain democratic, it needs to remain free.And that requires the successful…

Looking Back and Looking Forward for the Future of Airpower: A Discussion with Chuck DeBellevue About the Air War in Vietnam

10/23/2014
2014-10-18 By Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird In considering the future of airpower, the inevitable return of air to air combat faces US and allied pilots. The uncontested skies of Afghanistan are not the definer of the future, but dealing with the dangers and threats from enemy defenses whether launched…

Luke F-35 Training Center Officially Opens

10/16/2014
2014-10-16  Luke AFB in Arizona is a key facility for standing up both US and coalition F-35 forces. According to Paul Giblin of the Arizona Republic in an article published 10/14/14: Select fighter jet pilots will transition from a gleaming new building at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale to…

The 2014 Miramar Air Show: The End of the CH-46 Era and the Beginning of the F-35B Transformation

10/15/2014
10/12/2014: F-35 Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 performing at the 2014 Miramar Air Show aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 4. The show was noteworthy for marking both the end of an era and a beginning. The CH-46 flew at the air show at…