2015-06-15 Introduction by Ed Timperlake There is a often used phrase in media-"If it Bleeds it Leads" sadly this can easily distort the real truth. Fortunately one of the most distinguished group of experts ever assembled reviewed the combat engagements by Israel in defending all their citizens against an onslaught…
2015-06-10 By Robbin Laird and Murielle Delaporte During a visit to the 31st Marine Air Group, we visited VFMAT-501, the Warlords and met with the CO of the Squadron “OD” Bachman, Major Brian Bann and Squadron Leader Hugh Nichols from the Royal Air Force. In separate pieces, we are publishing…
2015-06-12 By Robbin Laird and Murielle Delaporte Marine Air Group 31 is located at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. It is the home of six F-18 squadrons and one F-35 squadron. The F-35 Squadron – VMFAT-501 – is training coalition and USMC F-35B pilots to operate the F-35B. When Second Line…
06/15/2015: by Sgt. Tatum Vayavananda BALTIC SEA – Marines from four NATO nations come together during BALTOPS from June 7-17. U.K. Royal Marine Commandos, Finnish Coastal Jaegers, Swedish and U.S. Marines integrate to practice expeditionary, ship-to-shore assaults to enhance their capability to work together as a combined amphibious force. “The U.K. [Commandos]…
06/15/2015:Australia now has the most advanced air battle space management capability in the world, with the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail aircraft achieving Final Operational Capability. The fleet of six Wedgetail aircraft reached the milestone this month with the entire capability, from physical aircraft to logistics, management, sustainment, facilities…
06/15/2015: The Arctic challenge exercise is now completed as of June 5 2015. According to the SCAN Post: Arctic Challenge Exercise 2015 (ACE 2015), one of Europe’s largest fighter jet exercises in the Nordic countries with more than 4000 persons participating started on May 25. Lead nation this time is Norway as…
2015-06-14 By Robbin Laird When visiting the USS Wasp and both seeing part of the operational tests as well as discussing those tests with the US and British personnel involved in the testing, one of the highlights was the demonstration of being able to fly the largest module of the…
2015-06-14 By Robbin Laird In September 2007, the Osprey was deployed for the first time to Iraq. USMC Commandant Conway and Deputy Commandant of Aviation Castellaw announced and made the decision to deploy the Osprey into combat although virtually all public commentators thought this was too early for an “untested”…