I first met Brigadier General, retired, Robert Novotny at RAF Lakenheath in 2016. There we focused on the coming of the F-35 to the base after the Brits would deploy the aircraft onboard their new class of carriers. We discussed the broader implications of being able to integrated F-35s throughout…

As the Marines rework how they are going to shape their way ahead with regard to the joint force and full spectrum crisis management, their ability to operate from seabasses to expeditionary bases to the wider littoral operations is a crucial contribution. With their Osprey and F-35B capabilities already providing…

By Robbin Laird During my July 2021 visit to 2nd Marine Air Wing, I had a chance to meet with the leadership of MAG-14. I met with Col. Williams, the MAG-14 Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Harrell, the MAG-14 Executive Officer and Maj. Cunningham, the MAG-14 Operations Officer. Based at Cherry…

By Robbin Laird During my visit to 2nd Marine Air Wing in July 2021, I had a chance to discuss the way ahead for the assault support community with the Commanding Officer of MAG-29, Col. Joyce, and with Maj. Bowing, the Operations Officer for MAG-29. In terms of aircraft, MAG-29…

According to a press release published on July 29, 2021 from NAVAIR, the U.S. Navy has conducted first MQ-4C Triton test flight with multi-intelligence upgrade. The Navy conducted its first test flight of the MQ-4C Triton in its upgraded hardware and software configuration July 29 at NAS Patuxent River, beginning the…

The United States, Australia and Japan are working a modular task force built around what amphibious ships can bring to the fight. Amphibious ships can contribute significantly to sea control and sea denial. Two recent articles, one American and one Australian highlight the current effort. In an August 5, 2021…

By Robbin Laird I first visited Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) in 2007 when they were beginning the MV-22B Osprey transition. Now, the Osprey is the backbone of the Marine Corps combat assault support community. And with both heavy-lift and light-attack helicopter squadrons, the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (2D MAW)…

By Robbin Laird During my July 2021 visit to 2nd Marine Air Wing (2d MAW), I had a chance to visit again with Marine Air Control Group 28, the Marines who provide command and control (C2) and air defense for the distributed force.  I met with the Commanding Officer Col.…