By Robbin Laird In recent visits to both II MEF and 2nd Marine Air Wing (2nd MAW), it is clear that the coming of the CH-53K to the North Carolina-based Marines is crucial. As the Marines work enhanced naval integration and expanded force mobility in dealing with the evolving strategic…
By Robbin Laird Recently, I had a chance to talk with VADM Lewis, Commander of Second Fleet and of Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk. We spoke one day after the full operational capability ceremony held on the USS Kearsarge for Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk. Together, the two commands represent…
By Robbin Laird Recently, I had a chance to talk with Captain Dewon “Chainsaw” Chaney, the Commander of COMVRMWING (or Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing). My last conversation was in April of this year, and the first one last year. With the CMV-22B to be first deployed on the USS Carl…
By Robbin Laird During my lifetime, the USMC has been the initial crisis management for the nation. It continues to do so, but after a long interlude of becoming land centric due to the demands of the nation’s leaders. With the return of direct defense in Europe and with the…
By Robbin Laird During my most recent visit to Camp Lejeune, I had a chance to talk with the CG of the II MEF Information Group and his team. The meeting was suggested by the CG of II MEF, Lt. General Beaudreault, who underscored: “I think it would be hugely…
By Robbin Laird The strategic shift from the Middle Eastern land wars to the high-end fight revolves around effective crisis management. With the 21st century authoritarian powers working hard to make the world safe for authoritarianism, the liberal democracies need to focus on protecting and expanding their abilities to defend…
By Robbin Laird The coming of the CH-53KTM to the USMC could not come at a more appropriate time. As the Marines are focused on mobile basing as a key aspect of how they contribute to crisis management, the capabilities of the new aircraft will be in immediate demand. It…
By Robbin Laird BALTOPS 50 was begun on the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 2021. It was first held in 1972 and is an annual military exercise, held and sponsored by the Commander, US Naval Forces Europe and operates in the Baltic Sea and the regions surrounding it. One can…
