2017-10-14 Many years ago, Second Line of Defense visited Eglin AFB prior to standing up of the F-35 training facility. Now that training facility has not only matured but is part of a global training network. Recently, Eglin saw a milestone achieved with the 500th F-35 pilot taking to the…
2017-10-14 As the first Queen Elizabeth class carrier has begun its two year period of sea trials earlier this year. Part of the preparation for operations is ski jump training for F-35B pilots. This training is being initially at Pax River where a ski jump test and training facility has…
2017-10-14 According to a UK MoD article published on September 26, 2017, the Welsh based RAF Valley Air Station has been modernized to play its role in the introduction of the F-35 and the evolution of the Typhoon-F-35 core to the RAF strike force. The station is primarily used for…
2017-10-06 By Robbin Laird and Murielle Delaporte Canada has placed a priority on anti-submarine warfare in its NATO contribution. According to the Royal Canadian Air Force Chief of Staff, Lt. General Hood, “I am exceptionally proud of our ASW capability and when I couple it with the new advanced capability…
2017-10-07 By Robbin Laird With the significant operational tempo on the US tanker fleet and with the inability to replace the older KC-135s expeditiously, the KC-10s have become a workhorse of the USAF tanker fleet. Earlier some questioned the value of a larger tanker in doing the wide variety of…
10/12/2017: A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepares to land after a Tactical Intercept/Air Combat Maneuvering exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) near Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2017. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre,…
10/12/2017: One of the largest ships in the Royal Australian Navy has arrived in Vanuatu to help with Operation Vanuatu Assist. Loaded with an Army MRH90 helicopter as well as troops from Australia and Tonga, HMAS Choules is alongside the Island of Espiritu Santo. [maxgallery id="101305"] RAAF C17 Globemasters have also…
10/10/2017: In September 2017, Sweden hosted Exercise Aurora, its largest military exercise in nearly 25 years. The exercise involved nearly 30 per cent of the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as troop contributions from NATO Allied and partner countries - which joined on a bilateral basis. The goal of the exercise…