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USMC Stands Up First MEF Support Battallion

02/12/2018
2/12/18: The first Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion in the Marine Corps was activated during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 9, 2018. The new battalion, part of the II MEF Information Group, is designed to provide and coordinate combat-service support as well as security and administrative services to…

Shaping a Way Ahead for Rapid Evolution of Air Combat Power and Its Impact On the Joint Command Authority

02/11/2018
2018-02-09 By Robbin Laird and Edward Timperlake Late last year, we published an interview with Secretary Wynne where he proposed an innovative way ahead on evolving air combat capability. https://sldinfo.com/redefining-the-next-generation-fighter-aircraft-build-out-air-combat-capability-by-shaping-a-21st-century-version-of-the-century-aircraft/ We want to revisit this discussion to highlight key elements of the proposal, which are important in and of themselves…

The German Heavy Lift Helicopter Competition: Rheinmetall Joins with Sikorsky on the CH-53K Offer

02/11/2018
2018-02-09 Sikorsky is ramping up its engagement to prepare its CH-53K offering to the German military. According to a February 6, 2018, press release fro Rheinmetall, they have signed a new teaming agreement with Sikorsky to support the bid to replace the CH-53 legacy heavy lift aircraft with the new…

USS America Completes First Deployment

02/11/2018
2/11/18: The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepares to transit underneath the Coronado Bridge as during its return to homeport in San Diego from its maiden deployment Feb 2, 2018. [maxgallery id="104143"] The America, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is…

TRAP Mission

02/10/2018
02/10/2018: Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 14, 2017. TRAP is a vital capability for the 31st MEU and allows the Aviation Combat Element to tactfully recover aircraft and put…

UK Chief of Defence Staff Visits Australia

02/10/2018
2018-02-10  The UK Chief of Defence Staff has reinforced a commitment to stronger defence ties with Australia after a series of meetings with senior Australian officials. According to an article on the UK Ministry of Defence website published February 7, 2018: During a visit to the country, Sir Stuart Peach…

UK Enhances Air Mobility: Opens New A400M Hangar

02/10/2018
2018-02-10 Recently, the UK Minister of Defence procurement officially opened a new Atlas hangar which is large enough to contain three of the RAF’s new Atlas transport aircraft at the same time. The hangar is part of a significant infrastructure build by the UK Ministry of Defence to support new…