Crisis Response Marines Sent To U.S. Embassy In Baghdad - Reinforcement of the Embassy on 31 December 2019

Combat Air:US Responds as Iran-Backed Militia Attacks Coalition Forces

On 30 December 2019,three US State Department officials gave a Special Briefing on background (anonymously) by telephone to the press about 29 December's US air strikes in Iraq and Syria.
Official One:
I think it's essential to understand that the strikes that the President ordered yesterday was a defensive action designed to protect American forces and American citizens in Iraq, but it is also aimed at deterring Iran.*
The strikes were targeting Kitaib Hizballah,an Iranian-organised,trained and equipped militia in Iraq and Syria.KH has attacked 11 Iraqi bases that host Coalition Forces in the last two months.In the most recent attack,KH fired a rocket barrage at a base in Kirkuk,Iraq, killing a US contractor and wounding US and Iraqi troops.*
Official One:
So President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have been making clear for some time now that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour, not tolerate attacks on US citizens, its military or its allies.
Official Three:
I would say that this is obviously a campaign...And if there's any further escalation,it lies directly at the feet of Iran's proxies in Iraq, and not us.
Official One:
We don't preview future military action.We don't discuss our military options.Since May,we have moved an additional 14,000 troops to the region. We have established the International Maritime Security Initiative.We've enhanced our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, which we know has helped to disrupt and deter many of the attacks that Iran had been plotting, either by land,sea or air.KH is very well armed and trained by Iran, and they are responsible for many of these attacks against American troops and Iraqi troops.*
Some or all of the attacks may have been carried out by US Air Force F-35A fighters, which were featured in a photo spread on
social media yesterday by US CENTCOM.The fighters were being refueled by USAF KC-10 tankers out of Al Dhafra Air Base,UAE.

China, Russia and Iran to Hold Joint Naval Drills

China, Russia and Iran to Hold Joint Naval Drills

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Launch of Atlas 5 carrying the Historic Boeing Starliner for the OFT Orb...

Green Beret Killed in Afghan War Identified

The Green Beret killed on 23 December in Afghanistan has been identified by the US Army as SFC Michael James Gobel,33,of Westwood Township, New Jersey.He was killed in Kunduz Province, Northern Afghanistan while supporting combat operations in the province, several districts of which are controlled by the Taliban.*
The Taliban claimed they blew SFC Gobel's
 vehicle up with an IED in Chardara District as the US and Afghan National Defence and Security Forces conducted a joint combat operation in the stategically significant province,a gateway to Northern Afghanistan.*
SFC Gobel was a member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.In his third deployment to Afghanistan, he had completed several courses, including the Special Forces Sniper Course; Military Freefall Advanced Tactical Insertion Course; Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course; Special Operations Force Surveillance Operator; and Advanced Special Operations Techniques-Level III Course.
Among his decorations were the Bronze Star Medal (4) and the Army Commendation Medal with combat "V" device.*
SFC Gobel is survived by his partner and  a young daughter.*
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
- Ephesians 6:10-11

Bulletin:US Service Member Killed

A US service member was killed in action in Afghanistan today,NATO's Resolute Support Mission in the Afghan Capital Kabul announced.
The service member's identify is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of family,in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
It is the twentieth combat death of a US service member in Afghanistan this year.

The US Air Force’s UH-1N Huey replacement helicopter has a new name

The US Air Force’s UH-1N Huey replacement helicopter has a new name: The first helicopter was delivered to the Air Force on Dec. 19.

JAGUAR REINTRODUCTION PROJECT IN IBERÁ: PHASE 3

Final Assault - Iron Sword

Joint Training - Iron Sword

Iron Sword:US, Greek Soldiers Firm Up Alliance

From 18-26 November 2019,US Army and Hellenic Army troops conducted Exercise Iron Sword at the Urban Warfare National Training Center in Kiklis, Central Macedonia, Greece.Participating were Soldiers from the US Army 173rd Airborne Brigade and 17th Cavalry Regiment; and the Hellenic Army 71st Air Mobile Brigade.*
US troops experienced a Greek squad qualification course and explosives training.Rappelling and fast-roping drills sharpened the NATO Allies' airborne assault skills.The Americans attended a Greek class in tactical combat casualty care.*
The aim of Iron Sword was to strengthen the interoperability of the US Army and Hellenic Army.The drills were reinforced by a concluding joint​ force air assault and attack on objective.The joint force traversed a field of buildings, clearing them systematically until the entirety was secured.The attack involved close air support from Hellenic helicopters​; military working dogs; and infantry operations.It served to enhance the Soldiers' squad and fire team tactics,as well as their combat lifesaving capability.*

Combat Air Operations Still Ongoing • Afghanistan 2019

U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Surrounded by 20 Iranian ...

Here's How US Space Force Will Be Built

Here's How US Space Force Will Be Built

Heading Forward:NATO Strategy After the London Leaders Meeting

The North Atlantic Council met in London from 3-4 December 2019 to celebrate NATO's 70th anniversary.
Details of the defence plans agreed may be classified, or not yet completed,but the outlines have been presented in the concluding statement by the North Atlantic Council and the closing press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Here are some interesting points from the statement:
As an Alliance,NATO faces distinct threats and challenges emanating from all strategic directions:
Russia's aggressive actions constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security;
Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a persistent threat to us all;
State and non-state actors challenge the rules-based international order;
Instability beyond our borders is also contributing to irregular migration;
We face cyber and hybrid threats.*
We have taken decisions to respond to any threat,at any time, from any direction.*
We stand firm in our commitment to the fight against terrorism and are taking stronger action to defeat it.We are addressing and will continue to address in a measured and responsible way Russia's deployment of new intermediate-range missiles, which brought about the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and which pose significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security.We are increasing action to protect our freedom at sea and in the air.We are further strengthening our ability to deter and defend with an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities, which we continue to adapt.*
As long as nuclear weapons exist,NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. We remain open to a constructive relationship with Russia when Russia's actions make that possible.*
North Macedonia was represented in London and will soon be our newest and 30th ally, demonstrating NATO's open door policy.*
We will continue to increase the resilience of our societies,as well as of our critical infrastructure and our energy security.*
NATO and Allies, within their respective authority, are committed to ensuring the security of our communications, including 5G, recognising the need to rely on secure and resilient systems.*
We have declared space as a fifth operational domain for NATO, recognising its importance in keeping us safe and tackling security challenges, while upholding International law.*
We are increasing our tools to respond to cyber attacks, and strengthening our ability to prepare for, deter, and defend against hybrid tactics that seek to undermine our security and societies.*
We recognise that China's​ growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges that we need to address as an Alliance.*
We invite the Secretary General to present to Foreign Ministers a Council-agreed proposal for a forward-looking process under his auspices, drawing on relevant expertise, to further strengthen NATO's political dimension, including consultation.*
From the Secretary General's news conference:
 NATO is responding to Russia's deployment of intermediate-range, nuclear-capable missiles in a defensive and coordinated way.And we have tripled the size of the NATO Response Force, so we can quickly reinforce.And then we today launch the new Readiness Initiative, where we add even more forces to act quickly and reinforce if needed.
And today we have agreed to the updated plan for the Baltic countries and Poland.So I welcome that.We have just implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence in a generation.*

U.S. Marines In Norway • Cold Weather Target Shooting 2019 - 27 November

SpaceX 19th Resupply Launch to the International Space Station

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Answers Call of OIR

On 22 November 2019, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG 12) began supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, which seeks the lasting defeat of Islamic State.Air assets of Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7) provided close air support and defensive counter air support operations in the context of broader US CENTCOM counter-terror operations in the region, CENTCOM said.According to US Navy CAPT William R. Reed,Commander,CVW 7:
Today's operations are a testament to how carrier air power can project well beyond the shore.It has tremendous reach.The Carrier Strike Group as a whole provides a robust military capability in the region, and CVW 7 remains ready to deliver that capability at any time if called upon.*
Said USN CAPT Walt Slaughter, Commanding Officer​ of USS Abraham Lincoln:
As we navigate throughout the theatre,we will exercise our vast capabilities and interoperability with international​ partners,as a mobile and lethal force.We are the tip of the spear, and we will continue to work with our coalition allies to ensure regional security.*
The Abraham Lincoln is flagship of the deployed Strike Group assets, including the Sailors, Marines, ships and aircraft of CSG 12, Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2),guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and CVW 7.The CSG was deployed to the Middle East on 5 May 2019.*

F-16 Intercepts Cessna • NORAD Exercise (2019) - Knoxville, Tennessee

Operation Inherent Resolve: Coalition and Partners Conduct Big Sweep Against IS in Syria - updated

On 22 November 2019,OIR Coalition Forces and Partner Forces conducted a large clearance mission in Deir-ez-Zor Province of Northeast Syria, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve said in a press release.Several Islamic State militants were killed and wounded as the Coalition and Partners cleared multiple IS compounds, capturing more than 12 IS militants.
According to SOJTF-OIR:
Terrorist sleeper cells remain a persistent threat in Northeast Syria.Local security forces, with Coalition assistance, are continuing to conduct counter-terrorism operations.
Said US Air Force MG Eric T. Hill, SOJTF-OIR commamder:
SOJTF-OIR remains committed to our relentless pursuit of Daesh (another name for IS).As Daesh presents a threat, we must stay vigilant to prevent it, for the sake of the region and our homelands.*
The mission was a reaction to increasing threats of IS attacks.It was conducted after days of joint planning and preparation.Once the IS compounds had been cleared,a significant amount of small arms,IEDs and ammunition were removed.*
The monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights notes that those involved in the raids included US troops and the Syrian Democratic Forces (Kurds). Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on 23 November, just after the Northeast Syria operation,US Marine Corps GEN Kenneth McKenzie,Jr., Commander,US Central Command,had promised that:
Over the next days and weeks, the pace will pick back up against remnants of ISIS (another word for IS). What we're talking about are the pockets of people who represent the wreckage that followed on the wake of the caliphate.They still have the power to injure, still have the power to cause violence.We don't have an end date.*

Neil DeGrasse Tyson chats with Christina Koch and Jessica Meir on the ISS!

NASA Super Guppy Lands With Orion Space Vehicle {nov-19} - 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio Air National Guard provided Airlift and Ground Support to NASA as the space agency prepares to test an Orion spacecraft

Two US Troops Killed in Afghanistan Mission Identified

Two US Soldiers killed in Afghanistan on 20 November 2019 have been identified as CWO 2 David C. Knadle,33, of Tarrant, Texas and CWO 2 Kirk T. Famiguchi,25,of Keaanu, Hawaii.They were piloting a helicopter during a mission to provide security for troops on the ground in Logar Province, Eastern Afghanistan near the Afghan capital Kabul.This brings the US Combat death toll up to 19 for 2019;in 2018, the US lost 13 service members in Afghan War combat.*
About 13,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan serving in support of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and the counterterrorism Operation Freedom's Sentinel.The incident is being investigated.Although the Taliban Islamist extremists claimed responsibility,they routinely falsely claim to have shot down US aircraft.A Defense Department source said initial reports suggest the Soldier's AH-64 Apache crashed when the rotor blade clipped a mountain peak.*
The Soldiers were members of 1st Battalion,27th Aviation Regiment,1st Air Cavalry Brigade,1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas.They were both posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal.*
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump,as well as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff GEN Mark Milley and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien were on hand for the dignified transfer of the Soldiers' remains at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.*
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me,in this I will be confident.
One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple."
Psalm 27:3-4

2019 U.S. Army Europe Command Video

At the Ready: DEFENDER-Europe 20

Not since the Cold War has such an event transpired.The US Army Europe,its Allies and Partners will stage the largest deployment of US-based forces to Europe in 25 years.According to USAEUR, beginning with preparations in February, the gargantuan exercise will increase strategic readiness and interoperability by exercising
the Pentagon's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force and equipment from the US to Europe; and alongside its Allies and Partners, quickly respond to a potential crisis.*
D-E 20 will run from April-May 2020, with the centerpiece being the deployment of 20,000 US Soldiers from the US to Europe.D-E 20 supports objectives​ defined by NATO to build readiness within the Alliance and deter potential adversaries.Besides US Forces, which will include Marines, Sailors and Airmen as well as Soldiers,about 17,000 Allied and Partner service members will participate in the skills test that spans 10 countries. Said USAEUR Commander LTGEN Christopher Cavoli:
This ability is critical in projecting force at a moment's notice.Our readiness reassures our Allies and deters potential adversaries.*
The scenario involves deploying a Divisional Headquarters;three Armored Brigade Combat Teams;a Fires Brigade; and a Sustainment Brigade.Some of the US-based units will deploy with their gear from the US; while others will deploy to Europe and draw from Europe-based Army Prepositioned Stock vehicles and equipment.Added LTGEN Cavoli:
Conducting tough, realistic training alongside our Allies and Partners in Europe enhances those professional relationships that build trust and confidence in each other and increases our overall interoperability, readiness and the ability to collectively deter potential threats.*
DEFENDER-Europe 20 and linked activities will build US EUCOM strategic readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.*

Grid Security Exercises Leading To Improvements In Security Posture, Officials Say - IIOT Connection

Grid Security Exercises Leading To Improvements In Security Posture, Officials Say - IIOT Connection: Biennial exercises that simulate attacks on portions of the power grid in North America have led to a number of security improvements since the first exercise in 2011, industry and government officials said on Thursday. 'The point of GridEx is to find our vulnerabilities and improve them,' Tom Fanning, CEO of Southern Company [SO], the …

TRIDENT JUPITER 19 - Part 2 will be held in March 2020.

Operation Nighthawk Landing: Skunk Works F-117 Restoration for Reagan Li...

Royal Canadian Navy Plays A Key Role In 2nd Fleet Mission

Royal Canadian Navy Plays A Key Role In 2nd Fleet Mission: U.S. 2nd Fleet welcomes Vice Commander, Rear Adm. Steve Waddell to staff.

Operation Inherent Resolve:US Troops Continue to Pursue IS in Syria

GEN Mark Milley, US Army,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says 500-600 US troops will stay in Syria in a counterterrorism capacity.They will ensure that Islamic State militants do not regroup and take advantage of the chaotic, war-torn environment in much of Syria.
Although President Donald Trump wanted to withdraw completely from Syria, pushback from the Pentagon and Republicans in Congress persuaded him to partially reverse course.GEN Milley said:
There are still ISIS (another name for IS) fighters in the region and unless pressure is maintained...then there is a very real possibility that conditions could be set for a reemergence of ISIS.The footprint will be small, but the objective will remain the same-the enduring defeat of ISIS.*
Another 150 US troops remain in Southern Syria on the border with Jordan.*
A senior OIR Commander,US Air Force MGEN Eric Hill told the Associated Press:
The mission still continues.And Daesh (another name for IS) is trying to resurge wherever they can.We've destroyed many and war remnants, and we continue to do so as we find them.*
Indeed,a newly arrived US Army mechanised infantry unit has been deployed to a remote base in Syria to do just that in their Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles.*

Polish F-16 Fighting Falcons Escort U.S. B-52 Bomber

The Apache in Europe

Inside The B-52H Stratofortress • NATO Bomber Drills 2019

U-2 - Muscat 01 Mission - Dragon86 Arrival - Fairford - 06/11/19

US Navy Calling its 50 Allied Nations to the Arabian Sea to Protect Navi...

Operation Atlantic Resolve: Army Combat Aviation Continues its European Mission

On 1 November 2019, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade,1st Infantry Division transferred its authority to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade,3rd Infantry Division at Storck Barracks in Illesheim, Germany.It is the fifth iteration of the Rotational Air Forces mission for Operation Atlantic Resolve, which was instituted in 2014 in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.The US Army Europe mission is to train and integrate with European counterparts across the continent, while deterring adversarial aggression.
Simaltaneously,1 CAB lowered its colours and 3 CAB raised its colours to symbolise the transfer.Each rotation lasts nine months.
1 CAB participated in nine major exercises in support of 21 different nations,as well as transporting congressional delegations, senior US military leaders and top level officials from NATO Allies.*
According to COL Bryan Chivers,Commander of 1 CAB:
Although the measurable impacts are great, the non-quantifiable impacts are even greater...a lasting peace and stability throughout Europe.I am extremely proud of all they have done for the United States of America, and the NATO Alliance.*
3 CAB,known as the Marne Air, after their World War I forbears, immediately stepped into the breach, said 3 CAB Commander COL Michael McFadden:
The Marne Air team stands ready to assure our Allies,deter aggression, build allied and partnered interoperability, and continue to build the readiness of the 3rd CAB.*
Army CABs fly the AH-64 Apache;UH-60 Blackhawk; and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.*

USAF X-37B space plane Lands back Earth After Record 780-Day Mystery Mis...

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USS West Virginia test-firing Trident II SLBMs

Navy Set to Deploy New Low-Yield Warhead, Enhance Deterrence

In the next few months, the US Navy will likely begin deployment of a new low-yield nuclear warhead on some of its Trident II D5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles.This is in accordance with the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review.The National Nuclear Security Administration has just released a mission logo for the program.It started producing the new W76-2 variant warheads in January 2019.The warhead was designed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory,New Mexico.*
The W76-2 may be detonated either by contact or airburst.The NNSA plans to complete the production run and deliver the warheads to the Navy by late 2019.The Trump Administration perceived a need for additional tailored and flexible capabilities to address the danger of coercive nuclear use by Russia and North Korea.The Nuclear Posture Review said the low-yield warhead would enhance deterrence by denying potential adversaries any mistaken confidence that limited nuclear employment can provide a useful advantage over the United States and its allies.*
The W76-2 will not add to the number of deployed SLBM warheads; but replace some of the high-yield warheads already deployed.Russia has wargamed low-yield nuclear weapon use in a regional conflict.So the W76-2 could bolster deterrence by convincing Russia the US could respond with its own proportional, limited attack.*
Putting low-yield weapons on submarines offers improved survivability and penetration because aircraft delivery is vulnerable to an adversary's​ air defences.*
Russian military doctrine envisions the use of low-yield nuclear weapons in a scenario where Russia is losing a conventional war.*
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Washington) says it is very unlikely Congress will block the program.

This Is the Military Working Dog That Helped Take Out the Leader of ISIS | Military.com

This Is the Military Working Dog That Helped Take Out the Leader of ISIS | Military.com: The very good dog appears to be a female Belgian Malinois.

U.S. Marines Training • Always Move Forward - Twentynine Palms, California

U.S. Marines Warfighting Exercise - Qualification Table 5 for MWX 20-1 on 14 October 2019

US Marines conduct a 20 kilometer hike in preparation for MAGTF Warfighting Exercis...

Enormous Marine Corps and NATO Exercise Underway in SoCal

Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise (MWX) 1-20 is running in the Mojave Desert in Southern California from mid-October through early November.More than 10,000 US Marines and Sailors of the 2nd Marine Division,as well as NATO troops are participating in the drills.They are enacting a scenario involving the conflict between sophisticated and well-equipped peer and near-peer adversaries.It is an unscripted event, unique in the history of the Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, the high desert terrain in San Bernardino County.The base's more than 998 square miles is larger than some small countries.The range provides live fire combined arms training to promote readiness of operating forces.*
The purpose of MWX 20-1 is to increase warfighting readiness in preparation for major combat operations on a Division scale (such as versus China and/or Russia).It is a multi-regimental war game in which 2ndMARDIV will serve as Ground Combat Element for a notional Joint Task Force higher HQ.All elements of the MAGTF will participate, including close-air support; integrated artillery fires; tanks; amphibious assault vehicles;and light infantry vehicles.It will provide the Division with an opportunity to better understand and modulate its signiture, be it physical or across the electromagnetic spectrum: how it looks from an adversary's perspective, and how we can effectively command and control while minimising our footprint.*
Scenario specifics are being withheld for operational security reasons.Overalll,it will enable 2ndMARDIV to hone its skills at regimental-level operations in the defence; transitioning from the defence to the offense; and serving as a Combatant Command blunt force in order to reassure notional Partners and Allies,and deter aggression in a given AOR;and to set conditions for the reestablishment of a partner nation's sovereignty.
NATO participants include the UK's Royal Commandos,who are serving as part of the ADFOR, reinforcing and validating the long-held understanding that when the US goes into a fight,it does not go alone.*
Logisticians across the Division and supporting units crafted a deployment and support plan to transport and sustain the thosands of Marines and and tens thousands of end items in equipment.Managing hundreds of rail cars, tractor trailer loads, and aircraft through six different ports has proven the Division's capability to mobilise.*
According to 2ndMARDIV commander MGEN David J. Furness:
In the Exercise design, we will encounter a free-thinking "adversary force" with tactics and capabilities as good as our own.
2ndMARDIV will conduct complex manoeuvre warfare training on a plethora of disparate and geographically-disbursed ranges in order to challenge and improve our command and control (C2) capabilities.
We will employ and test some technologically advanced equipment...all with an eye on modernising our force.
Success may well be defined by getting the Division, and all the personnel and materiel that entails, the 3,000 miles required to prosecute the battle.*

B-52 Bomber Task Force Mission • RAF Fairford (Oct 2019)

U-2 Fairford 18/09/19

2x B-52 - Fairford 18/09/19

NEWEST VIRGINIA CLASS ATTACK SUBMARINE USS OREGON CHRISTENED || DEFENSE ...

USS Porter transits Bosphorus

4x B-52 Arrive at night in the wind and rain - Raf Fairford

Bomber Task Force Arrives in Europe as Destroyer Enters Black Sea

On the night of 10 October 2019,at least four US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress heavy bombers departed Barksdale AFB, Louisiana on a flight to RAF Fairfield, England.The 2nd Bomb Wing aircraft are set to conduct integration and interoperability training with European Allies and Partners,USAF Global Strike Command said.The BTF will exercise the ability of USAF Global Strike Command to conduct bomber operations from a Forward Operating Base in support of US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and US European Command (EUCOM) mission objectives.*
The training by Airmen in a joint environment will greatly enhance global stability and security while familiarising them with operations in a different region,GSC added. Details of future operations will not be disclosed in the interest of operational security,GSC stated.*
Contributing to our ready and​ postured forces, the deployment will build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges, according to USAFE.*
Meanwhile, the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) has entered the Black Sea and made a port call at Odessa, Ukraine.Five Ukrainian officers will observe sea-and-anchor operations on the Porter.US 6th Fleet said:
These operations enhance regional maritime stability, combined readiness and naval capability with our NATO Allies and Black Sea Partners.*
The ongoing series of robust operations began when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea, Ukraine and backed subversion in Eastern Ukraine in 2014.*
The Porter transited the Bosphorus Strait on 12 October, Turkish ship spotters reported.*
The naval operations also demonstrate the US commitment to freedom of navigation in that Russia considers the Black Sea its sphere of interest.Earlier in the year, Russian forces fired on and seized two Ukrainian Navy vessels and imprisoned 24 Ukrainian Sailors for transiting the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea Region.The Sailors were recently released in a prisoner exchange with Russia.*

[4K] Delta IV Heavy launch fireball + 4K highlight clips, NROL-71 (1/19/19) Vandenberg AFB, Cal.

Launch of Pegasus XL Carrying ICON

ICON: Takeoff of L-1011 Stargazer Aircraft - 10 October 2019 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,the Iconospheric Connection Explorer was launched from the Stargazer Aircraft on a Pegasus XL rocket.It will explore the ionosphere,the uppermost layer of the atmosphere,where it meets outer space.

SUBMARINE SUBMERGING! Rare footage of a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered BALLIS...

Why the U.S Built Only 3 of the Deadliest Submarines Ever, Like The F-22...

Building Undersea Warfare Capacity:Sub Group 2 Re-established

On 30 September 2019,in response to re-emergent great power competition, the US Navy re-established Commander,Sub Group 2 in Norfolk, Virginia.It had been dis-established in August 2014.According to the Navy,SUBGRU 2 is aimed at:
Enhancing the Navy's capacity to command and control its Undersea Warfare forces seamlessly across the entire Atlantic area, from the Eastern Seaboard of the United States to the Barents Sea, and even into the South Atlantic,if the need arises.*
VADM Charles Richard, Commander of Submarine Forces, said that:
The security environment continues to grow more challenging and complex in the North Atlantic.To maintain America's undersea superiority, we must increase naval power and our readiness for high-end blue water warfare.How we're organized to command that employment will be a driving factor in our success-that's why we're re-establishing Sub Group 2 today.*
Commander, SUBGRU 2 RADM James Waters:
We will prepare forces to control the undersea domain through rigorous competitive training, and a thorough understanding of our adversaries and the environment where we both operate.Further, we will innovate and advance the art of theater anti-submarine warfare through complex fleet exercises and war games.*
SUBGRU 2 is capable of operating as an embedded Commander ,Task Force within Commander ,U.S. 2nd Fleet when it is activated as a Maritime Command Element.*
ADM Christopher Grady, Commander,U.S. Fleet Forces Command,told SUBGRU 2 that:
You must understand that winning decisively in a potential "Fourth Battle of the Atlantic" should be your guiding vision.The best way to prevent a fight is to be prepared to win decisively should anyone threaten us.We believe in power for peace.*

Arctic Ops Package - Expeditionary Maritime Operations Center,U.S. 2nd Fleet

IMSO Class 66 witnesses US Naval Academy noon formation - bagpipes

Near Guam while on drills with the Singapore Navy,USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) launches a Naval Strike Missile during e...

NASA's Orion Capsule Will Take Astronauts Back to the Moon in 2024 | Now...

Orion Program Update: NASA Awards Contract for Crew Modules - revised

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin of Littleton, Colorado a contract for at least six, and as many as twelve Orion spacecraft for the Artemis lunar exploration missions.The capsules for Artemis Missions III - V will be produced for 2.7 billion dollars; while those for Missions VI through VIII will be produced for 1.9 billion.The long-term plan is to reuse each crew module at least once.*
As for the Artemis I and​ II Orion capsules, NASA says that work is well underway on them:
Engineers at Kennedy Space Center have completed and attached the crew and service modules for Artemis I and are preparing the spacecraft for environmental testing.Meanwhile, teams at Kennedy are integrating thousands of parts into the crew module for Artemis II in preparation for the first crewed Artemis mission.*
Artemis I is planned for a 2020 launch on a test mission of the integrated Orion capsule, European Service Module and Space Launch System rocket. Artemis II will be the first crewed Orion spacecraft mission, taking astronauts to a high orbit 40,000 miles from the Moon, the farthest humans have gone  from Earth.Artemis III is planned to land the first woman and a male crewmate on the Moon by 2024.These Missions have the ultimate goal of enabling further crewed exploration of the solar system, with the next step being the Mars system.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US Strikes IS in Libya

In a news release,US Africa Command says it carried out an airstrike on Islamic State in Libya on 29 September 2019.The strike targeted IS militants in Southern Libya.According to US Army MG William Gayler,AFRICOM director of operations:
By disrupting the terrorists' planning, training and activities, we also degrade their capacity to threaten US and partner interests in the region.*
AFRICOM said that,at this time, seven IS terrorists were killed as a result of the strike, and that no civilians were killed or injured.*
Islamist extremists have sought influence in Libya since strongman Colonel Muammar Gadaffi was assassinated in 2011 after some fifty years in power.*

Russia is About to Get A Close Look at the F-35 Stealth Fighter

USS New York Conducts Missile Exercise in the Atlantic

US and Poland Bulking Up NATO's Eastern Flank

In light of NATO's need for more parity with Russia's forces along its Eastern Flank, the Presidents Donald Trump and Andzrej Duda signed a bilateral Joint Declaration Advancing Defense Cooperation on 23 September 2019 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.The Declaration is meant to:

Strengthen our strategic and defense relationship, which enhances our mutual security and that of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.*
The current US troop strength of about 4500 rotational personnel:
Is expected to grow by approximately 1,000 additional U.S. military personnel in the near term.*
Locations for the enhanced US military presence include:
Poznan to host the Divisional HQ and the US Army area support group;
Drawsko Pomorskie to host the primary Combat Training Center for both Polish and US forces;
Wroclaw-Strachowice to host the US Air Force debarkation airfield;
Lask to host the USAF remotely-piloted aircraft squadron;
Powidz to host a combat aviation brigade, combat sustainment support battalion, and a Special Operations Forces facility;and
Lubliniec to host another SOF facility.*
What is more, discussions on where to locate an Armored Brigade Combat Team (4743 troops) are ongoing.The two countries are optimistic about finding a location for the ABCT.*

HMS Prince Of Wales: The British Aircraft Carrier Ready For Its First Se...

With Korea Exercises Canceled, Troops Could Spend More Time Training in Alaska

With Korea Exercises Canceled, Troops Could Spend More Time Training in Alaska: Officials are in search of a new location to replace training on the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers train with British F-35 jets for the first time

Belgian Navy | Knowledge Bank - 2 new frigates and 6 new mine hunters are in the works,as well as 4 conversions to naval combat helicopters

Departure for Leopold I frigate of Belgian Navy SNMG1 - 2 August 2019 - Leopold I departed from Belgium to join SNMG1 and participate in Exercise Cutlass Fury 2019

Improving NATO's Atlantic Defence:Cutlass Fury

Exercise Cutlass Fury 2019 is currently underway off the coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada.The biennial naval drills, according to the commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1,US Navy RADM Edward Cashman:
Are a testimonial to NATO's commitment to strengthening relationships between members of the Alliance and increase the flexibility and agility of our maritime forces.Participating nations are talking advantage of the multinational event to learn more strategies and procedures which they can utilize to ensure the security of North America and Europe through the Atlantic Ocean,a bridge which connects our nations and our shared interests.*
Cutlass Fury is designed to be a medium scale exercise with the purpose of unifying Canada's Atlantic Fleet, Allied navies and joint elements in tactical level warfare.Nations contributing surface warfare assets to CF 19 include Belgium,Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the UK and the US.Most of the warships are frigates.The US is represented by the Guided Missle Destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), flagship of SNMG1.
The warfighting drills began on 6 September and conclude on 20 September 2019.

Special Forces Soldier Identified as Latest Combat Death in Afghanistan

Special Forces Soldier Identified as Latest Combat Death in Afghanistan: The soldier killed in Afghanistan on Monday has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Griffin.

2x ���� B-2 Stealth Bombers Takeoff From RAF Fairford, Then Arrive Back at Nig...

US to Ramp Up Fight Against Taliban as Afghanistan War Enters 18th Year

US to Ramp Up Fight Against Taliban as Afghanistan War Enters 18th Year: The head of U.S. Central Command says that war against the Taliban will be stepped up following the collapse of peace talks.

Pentagon Briefing:Afghanistan,Syria,Europe

On 9 September 2019,US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan R. Hoffman gave an off-camera press briefing covering a broad range of concerns.
On Afghanistan:
With regard to potential troop drawdowns or potential numbers,those are some hypotheticals that we'll look at once an agreement is in place.What we've always said,though,is that the number of troops that we will have will always be the appropriate level that we need to provide security there.We're going to focus on the counter-terror mission,and we're going to focus on the reason we got into Afghanistan in the first place,and that is to prevent terrorist operations or individuals from using Afghanistan as a base from which to operate against the homeland.*
When we're looking at what is the enduring presence,the enduring mission of the US is that we're going to focus on having a CT mission,and we're going to be where we need to be anywhere in the world to focus on terrorist actors from having a safe haven from which they could strike the US,whether it's Afghanistan or elsewhere.*
So all of our combatant commanders around the world take the life and safety of the troops under their command seriously.So General (Austin S.) Miller has the authority to take steps and take measures that he believes are  necessary to protect the troops that he has.*
On Europe:
On this current trip to Europe (by Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper),he discussed the need for our allies to contribute more.We need to raise all of our capabilities,both in Europe and the Asia-Pacific,to confront China and Russia.
In certain areas,it may make sense for our allies,if they want to see the increase in funding for facilities in their country on our bases,they might want to consider looking into them (to pay for those facilities themselves).*
On Syria:
I don't have any information on troop numbers in Syria right now,that I can provide you with.What I can tell you is that in Syria,we're working very closely,particularly in the security mechanism that's taking place along the Turkish border,to try to limit the conflict (with the YPG Kurds),work on a way where we're in close coordination with the Turkish allies to help that,so that there's no additional conflict between any side,so that we can focus on the D-ISIS mission.*

Afghan War Bomb Blast:US and Romanian Soldiers Identified

US and Romanian Soldiers​ killed in a Taliban VBIED suicide attack on 5 September 2019 have been identified.SFC Elis A. Barreto Ortiz,34,of Puerto Rico, was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division,3rd Brigade Combat Team, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.His is the 16th US combat death in Afghanistan of 2019.According to COL Arthur Sellers, Commander,3rd BCT: With honor and courage,SFC Barreto answered our nation's call to deploy and serve in Afghanistan.*
SFC Barreto was a Maintenance Control Sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion.He had previously served in Afghanistan for nine months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.His decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Action Badge,and Army Driver and Mechanic Badge.*
The Romanian Soldier was identified as CPL Ciprian Stefan Polschi,38,a married father of two.He was posthumously promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.He is the 26th Romanian service member killed in the Afghan War.*
Twelve people died in the attack.Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said:
Seeking peace with this group who is still killing the innocent is meaningless.*
"Gains achieved at great cost against  our enemy in Afghanistan are reversible."
-Jim Mattis*

NATO:US and Romanian Troops Killed in Action in Kabul,Afghanistan - many distrust Taliban negotiators

NATO's Resolute Support Mission announced that an American and a Romanian service member were killed in action in the Afghan capital Kabul on 5 September 2019:
In accordance with NATO policy,Resolute Support will not disclose additional details.Further information will come from Romania.
The second service member was from the U.S.In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy,the name of the service member killed in action is being withheld until 24 hours after family notification is complete.*
The service members were reportedly on a mixed patrol when a minibus VBIED struck a checkpoint near Camp Resolute Support and the US Embassy in the heavily guarded Green Zone,where Afghan govermnment buildings are also located.At least ten other people died in the blast,and a second Romanian service member was severely wounded,according to official sources.The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the suicide attack "killed 12 foreign invaders".*
The attack came as heavily-criticised negotiations with the distrusted Taliban militants have reached agreement in principle.The negotiations are seen by many as being hastily pushed along by President Donald Trump to impress his supporters in the run-up to the 2020 American presidential elections.*
Camp Resolute Support opened a permanent passenger terminal and control tower for its three helicopter landing zones in July 2018.The project was in response to increasing air traffic as deteriorating security in Kabul made road travel inadvisable.*

Green Berets Original Soundtrack Written By Miklós Rózsa

Afghan War:Pentagon Identifies Green Beret Killed in Combat Operation

The Pentagon has released the identity of a US Soldier killed in action on 29 August 2019 in Zabul Province,Southern Afghanistan,just Northeast of Kandahar.He was SFC Dustin B. Ard,31,of Idaho Falls,Idaho.SFC Ard,a Special Forces Communications Sergeant serving in support of NATO's Resolute Support Mission,was reportedly taking part in an air assault on a Taliban militant-held area.The battle is being investigated.He is the fifteenth US service member to die in combat this year in Afghanistan,the highest death toll since the end of large-scale combat operations in 2014.*
SFC Ard was a member of 2nd Battalion,1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord,Washington State.On his second tour in Afghanistan,he had completed the Special Operations Sensitive Site Exploitation Course and the Special Operations Joint Terminal Attack Controller Course,among many others.*
Among SFC Ard's decorations were the Bronze Star Medal;Purple Heart Medal;NATO Medal;Army Good Conduct Medal (2);Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star;Combat Infantry Badge;and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge.He is survived by his wife,Mary;his daughter,Reagan;and an unborn child.*
President Donald Trump said he plans to reduce the current US troop level in Afghanistan of about 14,000 to 8,600,pending the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Taliban Islamist extremists.*
"But ye are a chosen generation,a royal priesthood,an holy nation,a peculiar people;that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;"
- I Peter 2:9

The US Approves Sale of 66 F-16 Fighters to Taiwan

New Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday's Message to the Fleet

�������� The Awesome Looking B-2 Stealth Bombers Arrive Back at Dusk into RA...

RAF Fairford:B-52H landing plus U-2R AND 3x ���� B-2 Stealth Bombers Depart Fairford, England. ( 28/08/19 )

U.S. Air Force announces deployment B-2 stealth bomber aircraft to Europe

Naval Strategy:U.S. 2nd Fleet One Year On

On 24 August 2019 the U.S. 2nd Fleet marked the 1st anniversary of its Establishment Ceremony,which took place aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) at Norfolk,Virginia.The Fleet was given the following Mission:
To develop and employ maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access,deter aggression,and defend U.S.,allied and partner interests.*
Writing for the Business Insider website,the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk,VADM Andrew Lewis,said that:
The last time 2nd Fleet existed,the world looked very different than it does now:Today maritime superiority,vital to our national security,has been placed at risk by resurgent powers,namely Russia and China,seeking to supplant the US as the partner of choice around the world.The 2nd Fleet of today has redirected its strategic focus from mainly training units to deploy to regional conflicts in the Middle East to operating high-end naval forces and developing tactics to deter potential conflicts,to include near-peer adversaries in the North Atlantic and Arctic.*
We must be present in contested spaces-and virtual presence is not true presence.US 2nd Fleet is focused on the waters from the East Coast to the Arctic,Norway,and approaches of the Baltic and Azores.*
VADM Lewis continued:
Russia considers itself THE great power in the Arctic,and China is certainly interested in the hydrocarbon and fish available in those waters.If we do not get into the Arctic with a measured and deliberate approach,the area is destined for conflict.*
The greatest challenge I have faced is disrupting the sense of normalcy established during years of fighting FROM the sea,rather than fighting UPON the sea.We need to take a close look at the assets we have and ensure we are employing them appropriately and fighting as fleets rather than task groups or units.*
We are building US 2nd Fleet to be the market disrupter that changes the way we fight as a fleet-as a coalition-and in doing so,we will be ready to fight.*

Ballad of the Green Berets - 2013 - Afghan War

Two Green Berets killed in Afghanistan identified

Two Green Berets killed in Afghanistan identified: Both soldiers were assigned to 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Absalon (L16) Royal Danish Navy

USS Gravely deploys after delay - 28 December 2018

US,Danish Warships Exercise in the Arctic - revised

A US Navy and Royal Danish Navy warship have held drills near the Danish possession of Greenland,the largest island in the world.The PASSEX,or passing exercise,was conducted by the USS Gravely (DDG 107),an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer,and HDMS Absalon (L16),an Absalon-class command and support ship.At one point,a Royal Danish Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter touched down aft on the Gravely.*
A PASSEX is a series of drills by two navies that ensures their ability to communicate and cooperate closely during a crisis.These may include close manoeuvres;flag-hoist drills;flashing light drills;and semaphore drills;as well as electronic communications and target acquisition drills.*
The USS Gravely has been conducting Arctic operations during an eight-month deployment.According to CDR Michael O'Reilly,commanding officer:
The exercise was a unique opportunity for Gravely to conduct training with the Danish navy and demonstrate interoperability in strategically important waters.*
Later in the deployment,crew members of the Gravely qualified on a machine gun while plying the Arctic waters.*

U.S. 2nd Fleet Establishment: Dynamic response to a dynamic security env...

Canadian Officer Joins U.S. 2nd Fleet Staff

RADM Steven Waddell,Royal Canadian Navy,has joined the staff of the new U.S. 2nd Fleet as Vice Commander.RADM Waddell was most recently Director of Naval Strategic Readiness for the RCN.VADM Andrew Lewis ,Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk,welcomed RADM Waddell,who is the first foreign national officer on the 2nd Fleet staff, to his new post.*
U.S. 2nd Fleet was legislatively re-established on 1 July 2018 in the wake of Russian aggression in Eastern Europe,including its invasions of Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014,where it illegally annexed Crimea and wages hybrid warfare in Eastern Ukraine.It is also a response to the growing strategic and commercial importance of the Arctic.*
Speaking at a press conference in Norfolk,Virginia,VADM Lewis said that:
the 2nd Fleet has the capability to command and control forces assigned in high end maritime operations as it is expected of any other numbered fleet.*

Annapolis,Maryland:Naval Academy Noon Meal Formation - "No Self But Country"

Norwich Marines - Bulldog PT - ROTC at Norwich University - The Military College of Vermont

Tribute, Marines in Iraq

Operation Inherent Resolve:US Marine Corps SOF Member Killed in Action in Iraq

On 10 August 2019,GYSGT Scott A. Koppenhafer,35,of Mancos,Colorado was killed in action in Iraq when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire,the Pentagon said.The battle is being investigated.
GYSGT Koppenhafer was a member of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion,MARSOC,out of Camp Lejeune,North Carolina.He had pulled four tours in his MARSOC career,including one in Afghanistan,where he was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant,as well as Iraq.*
According to US CENTCOM,Gunny Koppenhafer was killed while on a joint mission with the Iraqi Security Forces in Nineveh Province,Northern Iraq.He was serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces as they attempt to dislodge remnants of the Islamic State in Northern Iraq.
GYSGT Koppenhafer had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2);and the Combat Action Ribbon (2).*
The revered special operator was the third US service member to be killed in action in Operation Inherent Resolve this year.About 5,000 US troops are currently deployed to Iraq with OIR in a train,advise and assist mission.In 2018,Gunny Koppenhafer was named the 2018 Marine Special Operator of the Year for his masterful leadership that directly contributed to the defeat of Islamic State forces in Northern Iraq.He is survived by his wife and two children.*
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee:thou hast holden me by my right hand.
 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,and afterword receive me to glory."
-Psalm 73:23-24

US, Canadian Fighters Intercept Russian Bombers off Alaskan Coast

US, Canadian Fighters Intercept Russian Bombers off Alaskan Coast: American and Canadian jets intercepted a pair of Russian Tu-95s in international airspace off the coast of Alaska.

U.S. F-22 Raptors Over Middle East Territory (AUG 2019)

Atlas V AEHF-5 Live Launch Broadcast - Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite providing secure connectivity for the United States Air Force

Norfolk and the History of NATO

Norfolk NATO Festival 2018

Army Exercise Agile Spirit 2019 In The Country Georgia - 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team,1st Infantry Division

New NATO Command Activated in Virginia

On 26 July 2019,the North Atlantic Council,NATO's executive body in Brussels,Belgium,formally activated Joint Force Command Norfolk in Virginia as a NATO military body.The JFCNF has the following missions and tasks:
1.To deliver multinational and NATO effects;
2.maintain readiness,protect the North Atlantic strategic lines of communication;
3.deter aggression;
4.contribute to NATO responsiveness;
5.secure reinforcements and resupply;
6.and,if necessary,project power to defend its Allies and Partners.*
According to VADM Andrew Lewis,Commander of JFCNF and the US Navy 2nd Fleet:
This is a significant milestone in the short history of this unique NATO command.As we forge ahead,we are continuing to press ahead and look forward to receiving the full complement of international personnel so we can meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by December 2019.*
The JFCNF was created out of concern for NATO's capacity to rapidly reinforce Europe in the event of a crisis.

July 2019:Hellenic Navy Officers Commissioned by President Prokopios Pavlopoulos Τελετή Ορκομωσίας Σημαιοφόρων Τάξεως 2019 Στη ΣΝΔ - Εκπομπή "Με Αρετή κα...

Northern Greece:Orthodox Church of Ukraine Delegation Visits Thessaloniki

An official delegation of the newly independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine visited Thessaloniki,Greece on 25 July 2019.The delegation consisted of His Eminence Archbishop German of Chernivtsi and Chotin;Archpriest Valery Semantso of the Church of the Lifegiving Font in Kiyiv;and Archpriest Vasily Lilo of the Church of St.Nikolai Boyarka.They concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at the fourteenth century Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Vlatadon,Thessaloniki with the igoumenos (abbot),His Grace Bishop Nikiforos of Amorion.Their talks afterword centered on  gaining recognition for the OCU's autocephaly in the context of the Orthodox world.*
After the Divine Liturgy,the delegation met with His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neopolis and Stavroupolis at the Metropolis headquarters;subsequently,they met with His All-Holiness Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki,whose high title reflects the great esteem for Thessaloniki during the Byzantine era.Metropolitan Anthimos confirmed that the Metropolis would continue to support a positive solution to the Ukrainian issue.*
With the blessing of His All-Holiness Metropolitan Anthimos,the delegation went on to the Church of St.Dimitrios the Greatmartyr,where they venerated his relics.
The Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki is one of the New Lands within the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,but which,in light of political and cultural reality,is administered by the Church of Greece under an agreement with the Patriarchate.

NATO Responds to Demise of INF Treaty

On 2 August 2019,NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to the demise of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) on account of Russia's development and deployment of the nuclear-capable SSC-8 missile at multiple locations within minutes of striking Europe.Speaking in a somber tone from NATO headquarters in Brussels,Mr.Stoltenberg said:
We have agreed a package of measures to ensure that NATO's deterrence and defence remains credible and effective;but we will not rush to implementation or make any rash moves.We will consider our options carefully.
We have decided to work on issues such as exercises;intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance;air and missile defences;and conventional capabilities.We will also ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains safe,secure and effective.Some of these measures can be implemented quickly,and others will take time.Everything we do will be balanced,coordinated and defensive.*
The Russian missiles are part of a broader pattern,and NATO has already started to respond to that pattern of Russian behaviour...we have already started to invest in new,modern air and missile defence capabilities;Allies are investing more,spending more for the first time in many,many years-and a big proportion of this spending is actually being invested in new capabilities in air and missile defence.We have increased our presence in the Eastern part of the Alliance.We are buying new,modern fighter jets;we are increasing the readiness of our forces,so it is not as if NATO is not doing anything;but everything we have done is within the borders,the limitations of the INF Treaty.Today the INF Treaty ceased to exist.That's the big difference;but we will make sure that we find the right balance between being strong,providing credible deterrence and defence,but without overreacting or rushing to conclusions.*
Analysis:We can expect developments in each of the areas Mr.Stoltenberg mentioned,but not in a dramatic way.A US official says the Pentagon will,within a matter of weeks,be flight testing a new weapon that would have exceeded the INF limits;but it will not be deployable for years.Perhaps it is a system that can be carried by bombers or even advanced fighter aircraft.Another option that has been mentioned involves special drills or patrols by nuclear-capable aircraft near the Russian borders-more nuclear exercises than have previously been held.

25 July 2019 - WATCH: Trump attends Defense Secretary Mark Esper's welcome ceremony

5 July

US Army Paratroopers Killed in Afghanistan Identified

The Pentagon has identified the US Soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan on 29 July 2019 as SPC Michael I. Nance,24,of Chicago,Illinois and PFC Brandon J. Kreischer,20,of Stryker,Ohio.Members of Company B,1st Battalion,505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,3rd Brigade Combat Team,82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg,North Carolina,they were serving in support of the counter-terror Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
COL Arthur Sellers,commander of the 3rd BCT,said:
These young men were true All-Americans and embodied the qualities of selfless service and courage as they answered our nation's call to deploy to Afghanistan.*
SPC Nance was an automatic rifleman;PFC Kreischer was a rifleman.Among their decorations were the Purple Heart Medal,Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.*
At this time,it appears the paratroopers died at a US forward operating base in Karin Towt,Uruzgan Province,after having been shot by an Afghan soldier in the adjacent Kandahar Province at an Afghan military base,in a green-on-blue attack (insider attack).The shooting was praised by the Taliban militants as having been "sensible".The assailant was wounded and is in custody.The attack is under investigation.
Twelve American service members have been killed in action in the Afghan War so far in 2019.Thirteen US troops were killed in action in the war for all of 2018.*
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord;and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
-Psalm 33:12

CASTLE OF GLASS (Official Video) - Linkin Park

სამხედრო სწავლება Agile Spirit 2019 დღეს საზეიმოდ გაიხსნა - NATO Aspirant Georgia conducts war games with several NATO Allies and Partners

Agile Spirit 19: Opening Ceremony B-roll GA, UNITED STATES 07.27.2019

Republic of Georgia:Agile Spirit 19 kicks off with dual opening ceremonies

Agile Spirit 19 kicks off with dual opening ceremonies: Exercise Agile Spirit 19 began with dual opening ceremonies at Senaki Air Base and Vaziani Training Area in the country of Georgia on July 27, 2019. AGS is a multinational exercise which is cooperatively planned by the Georgia Defense Forces and co-led by the U.S. European Command. It is a culminating training event for European Rotational Forces.

Afghan War Developments:Two US Troops Killed;One Croatian Soldier Killed Near NATO Base

NATO's Resolute Support Mission said two US troops were killed on 29 July 2019.According to the Afghan Army,they were shot dead by an Afghan soldier in a green-on-blue attack (insider attack).The US Army's 82d Airborne Division revealed that the two were its Soldiers.Their identities will be withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin.*
In a separate incident,a Croatian Soldier was killed in action and two others were wounded on 24 July near a NATO base on the outskirts of Kabul,when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle collided with their vehicle.It was the first non-US NATO death in the Afghan War of 2019.*
President Donald Trump has informed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that he wants more US troops withdrawn from Afghanistan before the 2020 American election.Some US troops would remain to continue the counter-terror Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Rapid Forge 2019 • F-35s & F-15s Deploy To East Europe - Seymour Johnson AFB,North Carolina - to Germany,Baltics,Poland

SpaceX CRS-18 Mission live from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

FBI Director Robert Mueller Media Conf. at West Point 10/06/16 - Vietnam veteran (US Marine Corps) and Special Prosecutor

President Trump Participates in the Swearing-In Ceremony for the Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper

SpaceX launch to the International Space Station - live from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - Scrubbed due to weather - another attempt will be made tomorrow

Induction Day at the U.S. Naval Academy - 27 June 2019

Peek Inside NASA's Orion Spacecraft - Exclusive Tour 2018

Orion/Artemis Programs Update:Orion Capsule and European Service Module for Artemis 1 Mission Completed

The Orion crew module for the uncrewed Artemis 1 Mission slated for 2020 has been completed,Vice President Mike Pence announced on 20 July 2019.Speaking at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center,Florida,Mr. Pence was joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis,NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine,Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin,KSC Director Robert Cabana,Lockheed Martin CEO Marilyn Hewson,and Rick Armstrong,son of the late Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong.*
Looking ahead:
1.Since being shipped in its bare bones pressure vessel form from the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans,the capsule has been integrated with thousands of parts and undergone rigorous testing of its flight systems.The European Service Module for Artemis 1 has also been completed.It will provide power,propulsion,water and oxygen for the Artemis Moon missions.The ESM is a product of Airbus Space and Defence in Bremen,Germany.Engineers have begun the process of joining the crew module to the service module,with teams connecting power and fluid lines to complete hardware attachment.
2.Next,the conjoined modules will be shipped via the cavernous Guppy aircraft to NASA Plum Brook Station in Sandusky,Ohio for testing to verify that the partial stack can survive the challenging conditions of deep spaceflight.
3.Pending successful completeion of the Plum Brook tests,the partial stack will be returned to KSC for final processing and inspection.Then it will be fueled and transported to the monumental Vehicle Assembly Building for integration with the new Space Launch System rocket.Finally,the complete stack will be rolled out on the crawler transporter to Launch Complex 39B to await launch.*
Engineers at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville,Alabama are more than 50% through their evaluation of the SLS for deep space missions.*
The crewed Artemis 2 Mission is scheduled for 2022 and is to set the distance record for crewed spaceflight,reaching a high lunar orbit 40,000 miles from the Moon.*
Lockheed Martin (LMT)

NATO Soldiers Train Ukrainian Paratroopers

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Reenlistment CARENTAN, FRANCE 06.0...

Ukrainian Airborne Soldiers Fire DShK - Yavoriv,Ukriane

101st Airborne Division:Ukrainian Brigade Completes Rotation at CCT-Yavoriv

On 13 July 2019,the Armed Forces of Ukraine's 95th Air Assault Brigade completed its training rotation at Combat Training Center-Yavoriv,Ukraine,the US Army's 101st Airborne Division reported.A ceremony was held to mark the occasion by Task Force Carentan,2nd Brigade Combat Team,101st Airborne Division (Air Assault),which trained the Ukrainian troops.
LTC Michael Starz,CTC mentorship branch commander,spoke at the ceremony:
We offered NATO techniques to enhance combat effectiveness of your forces.Commanders at lower levels are empowered with clear intent of higher commanders.Non-commissioned officers are experts and decisive to all levels of operations,from squad to brigade.This is not theory.This is combat tested and proven.It works and we saw you embrace this as a unit dedicated to learning and improvement.*
Certificates of achievement were presented to the 95th AASLT BDE by TF Carentan Senior Leaders for their dedication to their Soldiers and resilience during their training rotation at CTC-Yavoriv.
In conclusion,LTC Starz expressed the emotion of the day:
We bid you farewell with confidence that we will find each other again in each other's homes,at a future exercise,or in an operation.See you on the high ground.*

US U28 & Herc - PIK 6th Aug 2017 - classified mission as two USAF Special Operations Command U-28A Draco ISR aircraft take off from Prestwick,Scotland with a C-130

F-15 Eagles in a classified location

Pentagon Identifies Green Beret Killed in Afghanistan Combat

On 14 July 2019,the Pentagon released the identity of a US Army Special Operations Forces member who was killed in action on 13 July.SGM James G. Sartor,40,of Teague,Texas was killed by enemy small arms fire in Faryab Province,Northern Afghanistan.He is the tenth US service member to be killed in action in the Afghan War so far this year.Last year's death toll was 13.More than 2400 American troops have died in the war,which began soon after the al-Qaida attacks on the homeland on 9-11-2001.*
SGM Sartor was a member of 2nd Battalion,10th Special Operations Forces Group (Airborne) out of Fort Carson,Colorado.He was serving in support of the counter-terror Operation Freedom's Sentinel.The battle is being investigated.*
Group Commander COL Brian R. Rauen said of him:
He led his Soldiers from the front and his presence will be sorely missed.*
SGM Sartor had previously served five tours in Iraq,and was on his second tour in Afghanistan.His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2);Defense Meritorious Service Medal;Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters;Valorous Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters;Purple Heart Medal;Senior Parachutist Badge;and Special Operations Diver Badge.*
"The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."
- Charles Spurgeon

B-52 Takeoff At Middle East Air Base (MAY 2019) - Al Udeid AB,Qatar

Afghan War:US Service Member Killed in Action - revised

NATO's Resolute Support Mission said a US service member was killed in Afghanistan on 13 July 2019.In accordance with Pentagon policy,the service member's name will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification is complete.*
The Taliban Islamist extremists have claimed responsibility for an attack which reportedly took place in Sayedabad District,Wardak Province,Afghanistan.They said they used an IED to strike a US vehicle.It is now known this is not the enemy action that killed the Soldier mentioned above.*
Wardak Province is in Central Afghanistan,being located just southwest of the Afghan capital Kabul.

Crew members describe life on a Trident submarine

Chief of Naval Operations:More Attention to Deterrence Needed Across the Warfighting Domains

The Chief of Naval Operations,ADM John Richardson,spoke to a breakfast meeting of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on 2 July 2019 in Washington,DC.On nuclear deterrence,ADM Richardson noted:
The nuclear triad remains the foundation of our military strength.It's an incredibly powerful military capability where potentially everybody gets destroyed.We must maintain our ability to be competitive and relevant in this domain...(and to be able to) strike back at anybody who can pose an existential threat to the homeland.
More nations are seeking to join the club.The nuclear element of this mix remains very relevant,very active,and deserves more attention,in my mind.*
ADM Richardson said the US should accelerate the effort to build a cost-effective,credible successor to the Trident II D5 missile.Some nations are developing high tech nuclear weapons,while others are pursuing low tech weapons such as dirty bombs and systems manufactured with 3-D printers.*
On cyber warfare:
We have to have an ability for offensive cyber to truly achieve a sense of deterrence here.*
On space warfare:
The competition is absolutely heating up in space.Of these elements that are going to constitute a tailored strategic deterrent approach,space has got to be one of those.These things operate really fast...and space goes away as an asset.You can see a kind of mutually assured destruction scenario in space pretty easily.Have we thought about that going forward?*
Chemical/biological warfare:
One of the self-deterrent aspects of Chem/Bio is that it's very hard to control.It goes viral,if you will.But with these tailored things,you can get a lot more specific.It becomes a lot more targetable.And so it's something that we have to (keep in) mind.*
Conventional warfare:
We have better sensors,better satellites,better ways to connect that data with our command and control systems,our targeting systems.We had an advantage in terms of precision.The idea of being able to locate things is becoming more ubiquitous.It's less of an advantage.It's really the team that can manage that information better that's going to achieve the advantage.*

The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at Mount Vernon - Continental Army Infantry demonstration

Songs of War - US Army Old Guard

DOD video of HIMARS in Syria DVIDS

US Troops Conduct Rocket Strike on al-Qaida Affiliate in Syria

According to US Central Command,US Forces conducted a strike against al-Qaida in Syria (AQ-S) leaders at a training facility near Aleppo Province on 30 June 2019.The operation targeted AQ-S operatives for plotting external attacks that threaten US citizens,partners and innocent civilians,the CENTCOM statement said.
CENTCOM goes on to explain that Northwest Syria remains a safe haven where AQ-S leaders actively coordinate terrorist activities,including planning attacks throughout the region and the West:
With our allies and partners,we will continue to target Daesh (another name for Islamic State) and al-Qaida to prevent both groups from using Syria as a safe haven.*
The monitor group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the strike as "rocket shelling" that occurred at 4:20 pm and resulted in the killing of two AQ-S commanders,one of whom was Algerian and the other Tunisian;while 14 other fighters and commanders were wounded,with substantial material damage to the compound.*
AQ-S is also known as Hurras Al-Din.

NASA Orion Ascent Abort 2 Flight Test Coverage - Launch Complex 46 - Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

NATO Secretary General with the President of ����Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová,...

NATO Secretary General with ���� US Acting Secretary of Defense Mark T. Es...

U.S. Deploys F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets to Middle East

NATO Special Forces • "Don't Get In My Way" - song by Zack Hemsey

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

PRESIDENT TRUMP GREETS TROOPS: Air Force One stops in Anchorage on way t...

Expedition 59 Crew Lands Safely in Kazakhstan - 25 June 2019 - return of Oleg Kononenko,Anne McClain and David St.Jacques

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)

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.

ACE 19 - Fast Fighters in Sweden May 2019 - Arctic Challenge Exercise with Swedish JAS39s,RAF Typhoons and F-16Cs

NATO News:SACEUR Wolters on Priorities, Disinformation, Baltic intercepts, Troops ...

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.

Onboard USS Abraham Lincoln - BBC News

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.

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) - simulated attack

B-1B Bomber Takeoff and Taxi - Ellsworth Air Force Base

B-1 Bomber Pilot Prep & Takeoff • Inside The Bone

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

US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress arrives European airspace for Astral Kn...

U.S. Navy: Russian destroyer almost collided with cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62)

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.

From the archive:USS MOUNT WHITNEY LCC 20 - 2016 - Piraeus,Greece

From the archive:The President of Lithuania visited USS Mount Whitney - 2018

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.

B-52 Deploys Quickstrike-ER Naval Mines (2019 OP TEST) - 29 May 2019 - Pacific Missile Range Facility

Apollo 11’s ‘third astronaut’ reveals secrets from dark side of the moon...

F-35A Lightning II Pilot Step & Flybys - Aviano Air Base,Italy - 31 May 2019

BALTOPS 2019 Intro Video

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..

A guide to Russian propaganda. Part 1: propaganda prepares Russia for war

F-16 Gets New Look • "Ghost" Paint - 64th Aggressor Squadron - Nellis AFB,Nevada

Team Hill Mission Video (UPDATED)

Team Hill F-35 Video

More Deterrence for Europe:F-35s Deployed to Italy

As part of a Theater Security Package (TSP) funded through the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI),the US Air Force has deployed a squadron of F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters to Aviano Air Base,Italy.In a news release by US Air Force Europe,it was explained that:
the TSP provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater capable of deterring adversaries and assuring partners and U.S. allies of U.S. commitment to regional security.*
Drawn from the 388th (active duty) and 419th (Reserve) Fighter Wings out of Hill Air Force Base,Utah,the deployed aircraft arrived in Italy on 24 May 2019 and will stay for several weeks.Along with their associated Airmen and equipment,the F-35s will participate in training and exercises with other Europe-based aircraft.The 388th is on its second deployment to Europe,the first one having been to RAF Lakenheath,England in 2017;while the 419th,the newest F-35A squadron,is on its maiden deployment.
According to MAJ James Russell,F-35 pilot with the 419th FW:
It's a great honour to be part of another milestone for Hill and the F-35 community.Locally,this effort is a demonstration of our Total Force integration construct hard at work between the 388th and 419th FWs.On a larger scale,it's a great opportunity to showcase our newest fighter platform to our partner nations and assure those nations of our continued support for their safety and security.*
The purpose of the EDI,as stated in the Pentagon's FY 2019 budget request for the programme,is:
1.Continue to enhance our deterrent and defense posture throughout the theater by positioning the right capabilities,in key locations,in order to respond to adversarial threats in a timely manner.
2.Assure our NATO allies and partners of the United States' commitment to Article 5 and the territorial integrity of all 28 (now 29,with Montenegro's accession) NATO nations.
3.Increase the capability and readiness of U.S. Forces,NATO Allies,and regional partners,allowing for a faster response in the event of any aggression by a regional adversary against the sovereign territory of NATO nations.*
The EDI was established as the European Reassurance Initiative in 2014,soon after Russia's annexation of Crimea,Ukraine.

21 May 2019:Building our relationship with the Qatari Emiri Air Force - US B-52H and F- 35As with Qatari Mirages Fly in Formation Over Southwest...

Finnish Military Power 2019

The U.S. Air Force Gives Stealthy F-22 Raptors New Air-to-Air Attack Wea...

Sukhoi - Su-35S Flanker-E Stealth Fighter [480p]

NORAD News:Russian Bombers and Fighters Make Show of Force Near Alaska

According to a press release,on 20 May 2019,NORAD responded to multiple challenges presented by Russian military aircraft.Initially,two Tupolev Tu-95 Bear bombers were intercepted in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by two US Air Force F-22 Raptor fifth generation fighter jets.Oddly,Russia then sent a second wave of aircraft,two more Tu-95s,plus two Su-35 fighter jets as well,into the ADIZ.These were met by two more F-22s,plus an E-3 Sentry AWACS for overall surveillance of the incident.
All the Russian aircraft remained in international air space.
According to NORAD Commander GEN Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy,US Air Force:
NORAD's top priority is defending Canada and the U.S.Our ability to deter and defeat threats to our citizens,vital infrastructure,and national institutions starts with successfully detecting,tracking,and positively identifying aircraft of interest approaching U.S. and Canadian airspace.*
NORAD explains that it:
employs a layered defense network of radars,satellites,and fighter aircraft to identify aircraft and determine the appropriate response.*
On 26 January 2019,NORAD had deployed an E-3 Sentry AWACS;two F-22 fighters;and two Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighters to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers when the Blackjacks entered the Canadian Air Defence Indentification Zone.

US Air Force Just Resurrected a old B-52 Bomber From its Boneyard to Fig...

Armed Forces Day tribute - 18 May 2019 - top gun theme - danger zone kenny loggins (hd) music video i put together

Norway F-35A Fighter Jets | Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Lightning II

Nordic Over-Border Training (eng subs) - partly in English - Finnish Defence Forces video

Shop Talk:Read About the Arctic Challenge Exercise 2019

Please read my post on my Wall Street Workbook blog:
Air Wargames:Arctic Challenge Exercise 2019
It covers an important NORDEFCO/NATO exercise coming up soon.http://wallstreetworkbook.blogspot.com
http://wallstreetworkbook.blogspot.com

7 May 2019:Heading for the Middle East,U.S. B-52s Take off for Bomber Task Force deployment from Barksdale Air ...

U.S. Navy Flag Ship In South China Sea (MARCH 2019)

Flight Demo | USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group - Now headed for Persian Gulf to counter Iranian threats

First Combat:Air Force F-35As Support Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service

On 30 April 2019,two US Air Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters struck a Daesh tunnel network (Daesh is another word for Islamic State) at Wadi Ashai,which is deep within Iraq's Hamrin Mountains,US CENTCOM said in a news release.The aircraft,on the first ever combat sortie for the Air Force version of the F-35,were refueled by a USAF KC-10 Extender tanker,having been launched from al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.Reaching the target,they released a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) to hit the entrenched tunnel network and a weapons cache,which were in a position to attack Global Coalition forces.The mission was in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve,the 74 nation effort to neutralise Daesh and its ideology.*
LTC Yosef Morris,commander,4th Fighter Wing and himself an F-35 pilot,described the fifth generation fighter's capabilities:
We have the ability to gather,fuse and pass so much information,that we make every friendly aircraft more survivable and lethal.That,combined with low-observable technology,allows us to really complement any combined force package be ready to support AOR contingencies.The F-35A has sensors everywhere.It has advanced radar,and it is gathering and fusing all this information from the battlespace in real time.Now it has the ability to take that information and share it with other F-35s or even fourth generation aircraft in the same package that can also see the integrated picture.*
The aircraft were specifically supporting an Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) attack on Daesh sleeper cells and their support base.Daesh is believed to be moving materiel and people into the area in a drive to support a resurgence of operations following their total loss of urban strongholds in Iraq and Syria.In preparation for CTS clearance operations,CJTF-OIR destroyed several tunnel systems;buildings;caves;and command and control positions.The strikes and clearance operations also removed many Daesh fighters from the battlefield,US CENTCOM said.*
In its strike summary for 21 April-4 May 2019,CJTF-OIR said it conducted 10 strikes-all in Iraq-consisting of 40 engagements,engaging four Daesh tactical units,and destroying three tunnels;two buildings;two weapons caches;two supply routes;and one cargo container.The summary contains all strikes conducted by fighter,attack,bomber,rotary-wing,remotely piloted aircraft,rocket propelled artillery and ground-based tactical artillery.*
The versatile McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) KC-10 Extender can also carry 75 passengers and 170,000 pounds of cargo while on refueling missions.*
Boeing (BA)