Thursday, March 28, 2019
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
NATO Approves USAF General as Next Commander
NATO's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council,has approved the nomination of GEN Tod D. Wolters,US Air Force, for Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the Alliance's top military post, first filled by GEN Dwight D. Eisenhower.*
Upon US Senate approval,GEN Wolters is expected to assume command at a ceremony in Spring 2019 at NATO'S military headquarters in Mons, Belgium,an Alliance press release said.He is currently Commander,US Air Forces Europe and US Air Forces Africa; Commander, Allied Air Command; and Director,Joint Air Power Competence Centre.*
GEN Wolters,a US Air Force Academy graduate, received a Master's degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.He has more than 5,000 hours of flying time in aircraft such as the F-15C and F-22.A combat veteran of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom,GEN Wolters has been decorated with the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster,as well as the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Upon US Senate approval,GEN Wolters is expected to assume command at a ceremony in Spring 2019 at NATO'S military headquarters in Mons, Belgium,an Alliance press release said.He is currently Commander,US Air Forces Europe and US Air Forces Africa; Commander, Allied Air Command; and Director,Joint Air Power Competence Centre.*
GEN Wolters,a US Air Force Academy graduate, received a Master's degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.He has more than 5,000 hours of flying time in aircraft such as the F-15C and F-22.A combat veteran of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom,GEN Wolters has been decorated with the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster,as well as the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Pentagon Identifies US Soldiers Killed in Action
The Pentagon has released the names of two US Army troops NATO said were killed by small arms fire in Afghanistan.They are SFC Will D. Lindsay,33,of Cortez, Colorado and SPC Joseph P. Collette,29, of Lancaster, Ohio.
Pentagon sources said they were on a joint Operation with Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in Kunduz Province, Northern Afghanistan,a site of periodic assaults by Taliban militants.*
An Afghan source reported that Coalition aircraft provided close air support during the battle.*
SFC Lindsay was a member of the 2nd Battalion,10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). SPC Collette was a member of the 71st Explosive Ordnance Group,242nd Ordnance Battalion, and was assigned to a Special Forces unit.
SFC Lindsay had pulled five tours in Iraq, plus tours in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, where he was supporting the counter-terror Operation Freedom's Sentinel.His decorations include the Purple Heart Medal; Bronze Star Medal;and Valorous Unit Award.He was married and the father of four daughters.*
ANDSF members were reportedly also killed during the operation.*
For I am persuaded, that neither death,nor life,nor angels,nor principalities,nor powers,nor things present,nor things to come,
Nor height,nor depth,nor any creature,shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:38-39
Pentagon sources said they were on a joint Operation with Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in Kunduz Province, Northern Afghanistan,a site of periodic assaults by Taliban militants.*
An Afghan source reported that Coalition aircraft provided close air support during the battle.*
SFC Lindsay was a member of the 2nd Battalion,10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). SPC Collette was a member of the 71st Explosive Ordnance Group,242nd Ordnance Battalion, and was assigned to a Special Forces unit.
SFC Lindsay had pulled five tours in Iraq, plus tours in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, where he was supporting the counter-terror Operation Freedom's Sentinel.His decorations include the Purple Heart Medal; Bronze Star Medal;and Valorous Unit Award.He was married and the father of four daughters.*
ANDSF members were reportedly also killed during the operation.*
For I am persuaded, that neither death,nor life,nor angels,nor principalities,nor powers,nor things present,nor things to come,
Nor height,nor depth,nor any creature,shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:38-39
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Statement From the Acting Secretary of Defense on Territory Once Held
Statement From the Acting Secretary of Defense on Territory Once Held: Attributed to Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan:We are inspired by the battlefield success of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Today’s SDF announcement that the liberation of the
Friday, March 22, 2019
Bulletin:Two US Troops Killed in Afghanistan Combat
In a news release, NATO said two US service members were killed while conducting an operation in Afghanistan.They were killed by small arms fire.*
In accordance with Pentagon policy, the names of those killed in action are withheld for 24 hours following the notification of all next of kin.*
The incident brings the total of US service members killed in action this year in Afghanistan up to four.In 2018,13 American troops died in combat in the Afghan War.
In accordance with Pentagon policy, the names of those killed in action are withheld for 24 hours following the notification of all next of kin.*
The incident brings the total of US service members killed in action this year in Afghanistan up to four.In 2018,13 American troops died in combat in the Afghan War.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
NATO Hosts Massive Firepower: Several B-52s Deployed to Europe
The US is making a powerful point by again posting nuclear-capable bombers to Europe.On 14 March 2019,six US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress heavy bombers arrived at the UK's RAF Fairford.The air base has traditionally been a standby base for US strategic bombers in Europe.The bombers ,which are under US Strategic Command,were deployed from Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.Over 450 Airmen accompanied the aircraft to support bomber operations.According to NATO spokesperson Oana Langescu:
This is a routine deployment, but it shows that the US nuclear umbrella protects Europe and demonstrates the unique capabilities the US could bring to Europe in a crisis. The B-52 deployment is yet another sign the US is strongly committed to NATO.*
This is the largest deployment of B-52s to Europe since 2003's Operation Iraqi Freedom.NATO explained:
It will test how the bombers can conduct missions out of Fairford and will familiarise air crews with operations over Europe, including the Norwegian Sea, Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.*
As for US Strategic Command,NATO added:
Forces assigned to the Command are on watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deter strategic attacks against the US and NATO Allies.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Friday, March 15, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
US Air Force Plans to Acquire Advanced Eagle Fighters
In it's fiscal 2020 budget request, the US Air Force seeks 1.05 billion dollars for eight F-15EX Advanced Eagle fighter aircraft.This is to balance readiness and modernisation as it gradually replaces its aging F-15C/D fighter inventory while F-35 acquisition progresses.Doing so allows the Air Force to benefit from foreign partner investment in new variants of the F-15.The F-15EX is considered a generation 4+ fighter.*
Indeed, the Advanced Eagle not only holds the fort; but augments the mission sets as well.This is because it even exceeds the capability of fifth generation fighters in weapons capacity.It can pack more missiles than either the F-22 or F-35, so that, flying in tandem with them,can serve as a flying magazine while the fifth generation aircraft hang back in stealthy mode seeking out targets with their sophisticated sensors for the Advanced Eagle to strike.*
Ultimately, the Air Force plans to acquire 80 Advanced Eagles, which could serve for decades in a wing of 72 aircraft plus 8 spares.There could be even more buys after 2025.*
Besides its formidable armament, the Advanced Eagle features conformal fuel tanks for longer range; digital fly-by-wire;a more powerful APG-372 radar;EPAWSS advanced air defence system; robust "Wild Weasel" capability to detect and suppress enemy air defence systems by means of Electronic Warfare pods and missiles.*
The Boeing Advanced Eagles are said to be able to triple or quadruple the firepower of fifth generation fighters limited by their internal weapons bays.*
Boeing (BA)
Indeed, the Advanced Eagle not only holds the fort; but augments the mission sets as well.This is because it even exceeds the capability of fifth generation fighters in weapons capacity.It can pack more missiles than either the F-22 or F-35, so that, flying in tandem with them,can serve as a flying magazine while the fifth generation aircraft hang back in stealthy mode seeking out targets with their sophisticated sensors for the Advanced Eagle to strike.*
Ultimately, the Air Force plans to acquire 80 Advanced Eagles, which could serve for decades in a wing of 72 aircraft plus 8 spares.There could be even more buys after 2025.*
Besides its formidable armament, the Advanced Eagle features conformal fuel tanks for longer range; digital fly-by-wire;a more powerful APG-372 radar;EPAWSS advanced air defence system; robust "Wild Weasel" capability to detect and suppress enemy air defence systems by means of Electronic Warfare pods and missiles.*
The Boeing Advanced Eagles are said to be able to triple or quadruple the firepower of fifth generation fighters limited by their internal weapons bays.*
Boeing (BA)
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Monday, March 11, 2019
Massive Search Continues for 29 Palms Marine Reported Missing After Ski Trip
Massive Search Continues for 29 Palms Marine Reported Missing After Ski Trip: An infantry officer was reported missing after he failed to show up on his return date from a backcountry skiing trip.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Dynamic Manta 2019:NATO Tests Naval Skillset Off Italian Coastline
On 25 February 2019,NATO began a major naval exercise off the Sicilian coast, Dynamic Manta 2019.Ten Allies have been evaluating and improving their naval warfighting skills: Canada; France; Germany; Greece; Italy;the Netherlands; Spain; Turkey; the UK; and the US.
According to RDM Andrew Lennon, US Navy,Commander, Submarines NATO (COMSUBNATO ):
This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces' warfighting skills in all three dimensions of anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment.*
Nine surface ships,five submarines,six maritime patrol aircraft and two helicopters are participating in the drills.Each surface ship will conduct a variety of ASW operations; while the submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, in close coordination with air and surface assets, said NATO Allied Maritime Command.
In one drill,a helicopter from Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto flew over Spanish submarine ESPS Tramorana at low altitude in an ASW demo.*
The aim of the ten-day exercise in the central Ionian Sea is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in ASW and anti-surface warfare skills,NATO said.*
The drills were supported by host nation Italy from Sigonella Air Base, Navy Helicopter Base Catania,and Augusta Naval Base.*
In the course of the drills,real time and detailed analysis of the individual units' performance has been provided by ASW experts based at Sigonella.This In-Stride Debriefing Team (IDT) will strengthen the coordination of procedures and operations between Allied forces in a context of multiple threats.
According to RDM Andrew Lennon, US Navy,Commander, Submarines NATO (COMSUBNATO ):
This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces' warfighting skills in all three dimensions of anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment.*
Nine surface ships,five submarines,six maritime patrol aircraft and two helicopters are participating in the drills.Each surface ship will conduct a variety of ASW operations; while the submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, in close coordination with air and surface assets, said NATO Allied Maritime Command.
In one drill,a helicopter from Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto flew over Spanish submarine ESPS Tramorana at low altitude in an ASW demo.*
The aim of the ten-day exercise in the central Ionian Sea is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in ASW and anti-surface warfare skills,NATO said.*
The drills were supported by host nation Italy from Sigonella Air Base, Navy Helicopter Base Catania,and Augusta Naval Base.*
In the course of the drills,real time and detailed analysis of the individual units' performance has been provided by ASW experts based at Sigonella.This In-Stride Debriefing Team (IDT) will strengthen the coordination of procedures and operations between Allied forces in a context of multiple threats.
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