We have recently published several articles which deal with the challenge of the Ukrainian war on global security. One article analyzes the implications of Donald Trump's 2024 presidential election victory on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The articles explore differing perspectives on a potential negotiated settlement, contrasting the approaches of…
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II strike fighter aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly alongside a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, during an aerial refueling exercise in the vicinity of the Miyako Strait,…
Next year, I am publishing a book on the tiltrotor enterprise. I have been interviewing and engaging with Marines using the aircraft since 2007, the first time I flew on the aircraft. There seems to be a cottage industry of folks writing about the difficulty of flying the aircraft and…
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, perform maintenance on an MV-22B Osprey in preparation for Super Garuda Shield 2024 at Juanda International Airport, East Java, Indonesia, Aug. 24, 2024. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in…
By Robbin Laird I had a chance to visit Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40 the “Mighty Bison” on Oct. 29, 2024. Earlier, I visited West Coast squadrons at North Island, San Diego, but this was my first opportunity to visit the squadron at Naval Station Norfolk. This squadron will play…
Red Flag-Alaska 24-3 a Pacific Air Forces directed field training exercise for U.S. and international forces flown under simulated air combat conditions and took place out of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14-30, 2024. It is conducted on the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex with air operations flown primarily…
By Robbin Laird I attended the Euronaval exposition held in Paris the week of November 3, 2024. I had a chance to visit the Finnish booth at the show and watch the launch of their report on Finnish technologies in the Baltic Sea presented to the show. And then I…
U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participate in Exercise Evergreen 2024 on and around Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Aug. 9-29, 2024. Exercise Evergreen 2024 allows VMGR-152 to conduct various training, including joint training with the U.S. Army and Air…
