One of the training missions being worked at MAWTS-1 with the increased focus on maritime operations has been upon the TRAP mission. Already in the Libyan operations, the Osprey demonstrated its unique qualities in performing this mission. Now MAWTS-1 is working to standardize the training for this important mission set.…
By Robbin Laird During my visit to MAWTS-1 during the first week of November 2023, I had a chance to talk with Colonel Eric Purcell, the CO of MAWTS-1 about the coming of the CH-53K to the USMC. This is the third new air system I have seen come to…
By Robbin Laird I wrote a chapter in the 2018 book entitled, One Nation Under Drones, which focused on the experience of the USMC with UAVs to date. I wrote this piece as the Marines were shifting from the primary focus on the land wars and to an enhanced focus…
As we prepare our interviews from the MAWTS-1 visit in November 2023, which includes one with a Marine Corps officer that deployed on the new British carrier, we looked back at her deployment. MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – (December 8, 2021) With the arrival of aircraft from Marine…
By Robbin Laird From my first visit to MAWTS-1 with Ed Timperlake to MAWTS-1 to my most recent visit in November 2023, I have been impressed with how focused the team is upon force integration which can be created with real forces, not power points or by wargames or what…
These photos highlight both the legacy heavy life helicopter -- the CH-53E -- and the new King Stallion, the CH-53K -- supporting training during WTI-1-24. WTI is an advanced, graduate-level course for selected pilots and enlisted aircrew providing standardized advanced tactical training and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons…
By Pierre Tran Paris - The French, German and Spanish air force teams have trimmed down a shortlist of architectures for a European Future Air Combat System to four from five, French air force major general Jean-Luc Moritz said Nov. 9. The air force officers were working in close cooperation on selecting…
By Robbin Laird In November 2023, I sat down with George Galdorisi to discuss the way ahead for maritime autonomous systems. He started by looking at where we are currently with autonomous systems more generally. He noted that we have seen significant progress with air and ground unmanned systems over…
