Sunday, June 30, 2019
Friday, June 28, 2019
Two US Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan Combat
On 25 June 2019,two US Army troops were killed in action during a combat operation in Uruzgan Province,Afghanistan,the Pentagon announced.They were serving in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel,the US counter-terrorism effort in Afghanistan.The Soldiers were killed by small arms fire in a firefight with Taliban militants.
Those killed were MSGT Michael B. Riley,32,of Heilbronn,Germany,and SGT James G. Johnston,24,of Trumansburg,New York.MSGT Riley was on his sixth deployment to Afghanistan.A communications seargent,he was a member of 2nd Battalion,10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).On his first deployment,SGT Johnston was a member of 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal),71st Ordnance Group.
The battle is being investigated.*
These deaths bring the US combat death toll in the Afghan War so far this year up to nine.Last year's toll was 13.*
MSGT Riley had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal;Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters;Joint Meritorious Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster;and the Army Good Conduct Medal (3).He was also awarded the Military Freefall Parachutist Badge and Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.
SGT Johnston had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal;Purple Heart Medal;Combat Action Badge;and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.*
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,to give unto them beauty for ashes,the oil of joy for mourning,the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;that they may be called trees of righteousness,planting of the Lord,that he might be glorified."
-Isaiah 61:1-3
Those killed were MSGT Michael B. Riley,32,of Heilbronn,Germany,and SGT James G. Johnston,24,of Trumansburg,New York.MSGT Riley was on his sixth deployment to Afghanistan.A communications seargent,he was a member of 2nd Battalion,10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).On his first deployment,SGT Johnston was a member of 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal),71st Ordnance Group.
The battle is being investigated.*
These deaths bring the US combat death toll in the Afghan War so far this year up to nine.Last year's toll was 13.*
MSGT Riley had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal;Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters;Joint Meritorious Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster;and the Army Good Conduct Medal (3).He was also awarded the Military Freefall Parachutist Badge and Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.
SGT Johnston had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal;Purple Heart Medal;Combat Action Badge;and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.*
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,to give unto them beauty for ashes,the oil of joy for mourning,the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;that they may be called trees of righteousness,planting of the Lord,that he might be glorified."
-Isaiah 61:1-3
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Orion/Artemis Programs Update:Major Test Mission Upcoming,Mobile Launch Platform rolls
A major milestone for the Orion Program is slated for 2 July 2019 with the launch of the Ascent Abort-2 flight test.The test will be launched from Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,Florida.*
AA-2 will verify that the Orion spacecraft abort system can pull the crew module away from an emergency during its ascent to space,NASA said.The flight will last about three minutes,with a small booster rocket sending Orion around six miles into the atmosphere.During AA-2,the spacecraft will experience high-stress aerodynamic conditions,and at that point the abort sequence will be triggered to spirit the crew module to safety.*
The Orion Program provides the crew module,European Service Module and Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis lunar exploration missions and missions to other deep space destinations.The first lunar landing mission of the Artemis Program has a preferred launch date of 2024,as stipulated by President Donald Trump.It must be noted,however,that this depends upon the US Congress providing extra funding to NASA to expedite the lunar mission,which will otherwise be put off till 2028.NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said he is confident NASA can get the extra money,but others outside the agency are not so sure.*
Artemis is the ancient Greek goddess of the Moon,so her name was selected for the lunar missions to mirror the Apollo name of the first set of lunar missions.NASA plans for a female astronaut to be the first woman to set foot on the moon on the initial Artemis lunar landing mission.*
A number of companies are developing lunar lander concepts for NASA's consideration for the initial landing mission,including Lockheed Martin and the privately held Blue Origin LLC.*
On 27 June 2019,the Mobile Launch Platform rolled out of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center and slowly progressed to Launch Complex 39B,where it will undergo three months of testing for the Artemis 1 mission scheduled for June 2020.Artemis 1 was formerly called Exploration Mission 1;but its purpose remains to conduct an uncrewed test of the integrated Orion system,including the new Space Launch System rocket,in cislunar space.
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
AA-2 will verify that the Orion spacecraft abort system can pull the crew module away from an emergency during its ascent to space,NASA said.The flight will last about three minutes,with a small booster rocket sending Orion around six miles into the atmosphere.During AA-2,the spacecraft will experience high-stress aerodynamic conditions,and at that point the abort sequence will be triggered to spirit the crew module to safety.*
The Orion Program provides the crew module,European Service Module and Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis lunar exploration missions and missions to other deep space destinations.The first lunar landing mission of the Artemis Program has a preferred launch date of 2024,as stipulated by President Donald Trump.It must be noted,however,that this depends upon the US Congress providing extra funding to NASA to expedite the lunar mission,which will otherwise be put off till 2028.NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said he is confident NASA can get the extra money,but others outside the agency are not so sure.*
Artemis is the ancient Greek goddess of the Moon,so her name was selected for the lunar missions to mirror the Apollo name of the first set of lunar missions.NASA plans for a female astronaut to be the first woman to set foot on the moon on the initial Artemis lunar landing mission.*
A number of companies are developing lunar lander concepts for NASA's consideration for the initial landing mission,including Lockheed Martin and the privately held Blue Origin LLC.*
On 27 June 2019,the Mobile Launch Platform rolled out of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center and slowly progressed to Launch Complex 39B,where it will undergo three months of testing for the Artemis 1 mission scheduled for June 2020.Artemis 1 was formerly called Exploration Mission 1;but its purpose remains to conduct an uncrewed test of the integrated Orion system,including the new Space Launch System rocket,in cislunar space.
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Army Astronaut to Return Following 204-Day Space Mission - combat veteran reflects on what the US Army can contribute to NASA
Army Astronaut to Return Following 204-Day Space Mission: U.S. Army astronaut Lt. Col. Anne McClain is returning to earth with plenty to show for her time in space.
Monday, June 24, 2019
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
US Marine Corps News:2nd MEB Marines Return to Europe to Support BALTOPS 19
2nd MEB Marines Return to Europe to Support BALTOPS 19: U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade return to Europe for the third time in just over half a year to support another combined exercise with 17 NATO allies and European partners.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Brink of War:Constellation of US Forces Gathers in the Middle East
A number of US troops,ships and aircraft have been deployed to the Middle East in the past month to ensure the protection of US forces already in the region,at the request of US combatant commanders.This is in light of Iran's threats and/or aggression against maritime traffic and US troops in the US Central Command AOR.*
On 24 May 2019,former US Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said an initial bolstering force:
will include approximately 1500 military personnel and consist of
-a Patriot battalion to defend against missile threats,
-additional intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft,
-an engineer element to provide force protection improvements throughout the region
-and a fighter aircraft squadron to provide additional deterrence and depth to our aviation response options.*
On 17 June 2014,Mr.Shanhan said:
I have authorized approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes to address air,naval,and ground-based threats in the Middle East.The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable,credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten US personnel and interests across the region.*
Besides these assets deployed to undisclosed bases,it is known that the US Navy's Carrier Strike Group 13,led by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72),is underway in the Middle East to deal with the Iran crisis.Carrier Air Wing 7,with its 9 squadrons and detachments,is aboard the Lincoln.
The Carrier Strike Group includes Destroyer Squadron 2:
-USS Bainbridge (DDG 96),
-USS Mason (DDG 87),
-USS Nitze (DDG 94);
as well as guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).A submarine may also be assigned to a CSG,but would not be disclosed.*
Mr.Shanahan has resigned from his position for personal reasons.President Donald Trump has appointed Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper as Acting Secretary of Defense.Mr.Esper is a graduate of the US Military Academy (West Point) and a combat veteran of the Gulf War 1990-91,having served with distinction as a US Army Infantry officer with the 101st Airborne Division.
On 24 May 2019,former US Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said an initial bolstering force:
will include approximately 1500 military personnel and consist of
-a Patriot battalion to defend against missile threats,
-additional intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft,
-an engineer element to provide force protection improvements throughout the region
-and a fighter aircraft squadron to provide additional deterrence and depth to our aviation response options.*
On 17 June 2014,Mr.Shanhan said:
I have authorized approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes to address air,naval,and ground-based threats in the Middle East.The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable,credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten US personnel and interests across the region.*
Besides these assets deployed to undisclosed bases,it is known that the US Navy's Carrier Strike Group 13,led by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72),is underway in the Middle East to deal with the Iran crisis.Carrier Air Wing 7,with its 9 squadrons and detachments,is aboard the Lincoln.
The Carrier Strike Group includes Destroyer Squadron 2:
-USS Bainbridge (DDG 96),
-USS Mason (DDG 87),
-USS Nitze (DDG 94);
as well as guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).A submarine may also be assigned to a CSG,but would not be disclosed.*
Mr.Shanahan has resigned from his position for personal reasons.President Donald Trump has appointed Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper as Acting Secretary of Defense.Mr.Esper is a graduate of the US Military Academy (West Point) and a combat veteran of the Gulf War 1990-91,having served with distinction as a US Army Infantry officer with the 101st Airborne Division.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Anti-Access/Area Denial Brings New Roles for the B-1B Lancer
Some new roles have been assigned to the B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber.The plane,capable of low altitude strike to evade enemy air defences,originated in the 1980s under the Reagan administration,when it was seen as part of the nuclear deterrent.Its nuclear capability was removed in the 1990s in accordance with an arms control agreement with Russia,replaced by racks for conventional weapons.
The B-1 was a mainstay for NATO forces during the Afghan War at its height and went on to serve brilliantly in Operation Inherent Resolve,destroying hundreds of Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria.*
In June 2018,Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base,South Dakota,conducted the first combat use of the Extended Range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (ERJASSM) against Assad regime chemical weapons facilities in Syria.In July of that year,Ellsworth became the first AFB to train with the new Lockheed Martin AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).The B-1B has achieved Early Operational Capability (EOC) with the missile.Former Ellsworth Commander COL John Edwards told the Rapid City Journal:
We've seen that shift with a little bit more emphasis in what we call the 'standoff strike role',where we fire those really long-distance missiles against an enemy,whether it's a ship,whether it's a mass destruction facility,or whether it's a headquarters building.And we do that because those weapons reduce the risk to our crew.Our air crews don't have to fly as close to a lot of those targets,which are heavily defended at times.*
Ellsworth will be the first AFB to host the new B-21 Raider strategic bomber in the mid-2020s.It was selected on 29 March 2019 as the preferred location for the first operational B-21 and the formal training unit.Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base,Texas will receive B-21s as they become available.With the arrival of B-21s,the B-1B and B-2 Spirit bombers will be phased out incrementally.The B-52s,however,will continue to serve until 2050.
Air Force Chief of Staff GEN Michael Goldfein explained:
The B-21 is a highly survivable aircraft capable of penetrating enemy air space with a mix of weapons.It is a central point of a penetrating joint team.*
BAE Systems produces the multimodal sensor of the LRASM.According to Bruce Koningsberg,Radio Frequency Sensors product area director at BAE:
Our sensor systems provide US warfighters with a strike capability that lets them engage protected,high-value maritime targets from safe distances.The missile provides a critical advantage to US warfighters.*
The BAE long-range targeting technology enables detection and engagement of highly protected ships in all weather conditions and 24/7,without external intelligence and navigation data.Early Operational Capability for the LRASM on the US Navy FA/18E-F Super Hornet is expected in 2019.The US Marine Corps is also interested in a land-based version of a LRASM.*
The B-1B is getting a new targeting system to increase its capability in Non-Traditional Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance (NTISR) as well as precision strike.Tests of a new targeting pod are underway.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT),BAE SYS PLC/S ADR OTC MKTS:BAESY
The B-1 was a mainstay for NATO forces during the Afghan War at its height and went on to serve brilliantly in Operation Inherent Resolve,destroying hundreds of Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria.*
In June 2018,Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base,South Dakota,conducted the first combat use of the Extended Range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (ERJASSM) against Assad regime chemical weapons facilities in Syria.In July of that year,Ellsworth became the first AFB to train with the new Lockheed Martin AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).The B-1B has achieved Early Operational Capability (EOC) with the missile.Former Ellsworth Commander COL John Edwards told the Rapid City Journal:
We've seen that shift with a little bit more emphasis in what we call the 'standoff strike role',where we fire those really long-distance missiles against an enemy,whether it's a ship,whether it's a mass destruction facility,or whether it's a headquarters building.And we do that because those weapons reduce the risk to our crew.Our air crews don't have to fly as close to a lot of those targets,which are heavily defended at times.*
Ellsworth will be the first AFB to host the new B-21 Raider strategic bomber in the mid-2020s.It was selected on 29 March 2019 as the preferred location for the first operational B-21 and the formal training unit.Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base,Texas will receive B-21s as they become available.With the arrival of B-21s,the B-1B and B-2 Spirit bombers will be phased out incrementally.The B-52s,however,will continue to serve until 2050.
Air Force Chief of Staff GEN Michael Goldfein explained:
The B-21 is a highly survivable aircraft capable of penetrating enemy air space with a mix of weapons.It is a central point of a penetrating joint team.*
BAE Systems produces the multimodal sensor of the LRASM.According to Bruce Koningsberg,Radio Frequency Sensors product area director at BAE:
Our sensor systems provide US warfighters with a strike capability that lets them engage protected,high-value maritime targets from safe distances.The missile provides a critical advantage to US warfighters.*
The BAE long-range targeting technology enables detection and engagement of highly protected ships in all weather conditions and 24/7,without external intelligence and navigation data.Early Operational Capability for the LRASM on the US Navy FA/18E-F Super Hornet is expected in 2019.The US Marine Corps is also interested in a land-based version of a LRASM.*
The B-1B is getting a new targeting system to increase its capability in Non-Traditional Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance (NTISR) as well as precision strike.Tests of a new targeting pod are underway.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT),BAE SYS PLC/S ADR OTC MKTS:BAESY
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Friday, June 7, 2019
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Russian Jet Buzzes US Recon Plane Repeatedly in Mediterranean, US Navy Says
Russian Jet Buzzes US Recon Plane Repeatedly in Mediterranean, US Navy Says: The U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft was flying in international airspace at the time of the intercepts, Navy officials said.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
BALTOPS 2019 Participants
Those participating in the upcoming Exercise BALTOPS 2019 are:
Belgium,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Latvia,Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Portugal,Romania,Spain,Sweden,Turkey,the UK and the US.*
The 47th iteration of BALTOPS will be led by Commander,2nd Fleet (C2F) from the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20),a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship.It was docked at Naval Base Kiel-Tirpitzhafen,Germany on 5 June 2019 as crew members prepared for directing and supporting the warfighting drills in the Baltic Sea Region.*
BALTOPS 2019 runs from 9-21 June.It aims to enhance the defence of the Baltic Sea Region by NATO Allies and partners.
Belgium,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Latvia,Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Portugal,Romania,Spain,Sweden,Turkey,the UK and the US.*
The 47th iteration of BALTOPS will be led by Commander,2nd Fleet (C2F) from the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20),a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship.It was docked at Naval Base Kiel-Tirpitzhafen,Germany on 5 June 2019 as crew members prepared for directing and supporting the warfighting drills in the Baltic Sea Region.*
BALTOPS 2019 runs from 9-21 June.It aims to enhance the defence of the Baltic Sea Region by NATO Allies and partners.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Navy's New Atlantic Fleet Begins Full Operations with Critical NATO Exercise
Less than a year after it was re-established,having been drydocked in 2011 by the Obama administration,the US Navy's Atlantic Fleet (Commander 2nd Fleet,or C2F) achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on 29 May 2019.That means it can now lead fleet-wide operations,developing and employing forces at the highest level of warfare,as well as interoperating with allies and partners in the North Atlantic and Arctic.The C2F is based in Norfolk,Virginia.It is under the command of VADM Andrew "Woody" Lewis,a US Naval Academy graduate and distinguished naval aviator.The new fleet is a response to Russia's aggressive activity and China's increasing influence in the North Atlantic and Arctic.Both countries have been steadily developing and deploying advanced weapons systems and maritime assets that challenge the defences of North America and Europe alike. *
C2F's major European debut mission will be leading the annual Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) in the Baltic Sea,leveraging increased lethality,interoperability and integrated warfighting capability with regional allies and partners.VADM Lewis described BALTOPS as being:
an unambiguous display of strength in the Baltic Region.As an Alliance,increasing our capabilities across all domains,as well as building a command-wide network,will give us the ability to deter aggression and project stability.*
C2F will ensure access and defend the US,allied and partner interests.In partnership with the Naval War College and the warfare development centres,C2F will be a hub in the Navy's concept development and implementation,ensuring that when the Navy operates around the world,it is prepared to compete,fight and win in this era of great power competition,the Navy said.The motto of C2F is "Ready to Fight."*
BALTOPS 2019 runs from 9-21 June.With air,maritime and ground assets from 18 nations,BALTOPS participants will exercise air defence;maritime interdiction;anti-subsurface warfare;mine countermeasures;and amphibious operations,in order to strengthen joint leadership and teams across all layers of the battlespace.BALTOPS will demonstrate resolve in defending the Baltic Sea Region by executing a series of combined tactical manoeuvres and scenarios.For example,some of the drills are to be staged off the heavily militarised Russian enclave of Kaliningrad,which is nestled between Poland and Lithuania.BALTOPS must show that establishing and maintaining maritime superiority is uppermost in the minds of the NATO and partner forces charged with securing the Baltics..
C2F's major European debut mission will be leading the annual Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) in the Baltic Sea,leveraging increased lethality,interoperability and integrated warfighting capability with regional allies and partners.VADM Lewis described BALTOPS as being:
an unambiguous display of strength in the Baltic Region.As an Alliance,increasing our capabilities across all domains,as well as building a command-wide network,will give us the ability to deter aggression and project stability.*
C2F will ensure access and defend the US,allied and partner interests.In partnership with the Naval War College and the warfare development centres,C2F will be a hub in the Navy's concept development and implementation,ensuring that when the Navy operates around the world,it is prepared to compete,fight and win in this era of great power competition,the Navy said.The motto of C2F is "Ready to Fight."*
BALTOPS 2019 runs from 9-21 June.With air,maritime and ground assets from 18 nations,BALTOPS participants will exercise air defence;maritime interdiction;anti-subsurface warfare;mine countermeasures;and amphibious operations,in order to strengthen joint leadership and teams across all layers of the battlespace.BALTOPS will demonstrate resolve in defending the Baltic Sea Region by executing a series of combined tactical manoeuvres and scenarios.For example,some of the drills are to be staged off the heavily militarised Russian enclave of Kaliningrad,which is nestled between Poland and Lithuania.BALTOPS must show that establishing and maintaining maritime superiority is uppermost in the minds of the NATO and partner forces charged with securing the Baltics..
Sunday, June 2, 2019
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