Saturday, May 30, 2020
Friday, May 29, 2020
Black Sea Patrol: Large Air Drills Show NATO'S Mettle
On 29 May 2020,a Bomber Task Force mission was executed over Europe and the Black Sea Region.It was historic in that, for the first time ever,a BTF mission integrated B-1B Lancer strategic bombers with Ukrainian Su-27 Flankers,MiG-29 Fulcrums and Turkish KC-135 refueling tankers.*The long-range, long duration mission involved interoperability training in the Black Sea Region with theatre Allies and Partners, enhancing resilience and building enduring relationships to confront the broad range of global challenges the Alliance faces today.The mission provided a clear deterrence message to any adversary, according to US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa commander GEN Jeff Harrington:
The integration of our strategic bomber presence across Europe proves that the US, alongside our Ally or Partner,stands ready to deter, and if needed, can employ these capabilities together.*
Also integrating with the Lancers were Polish F-16s and MiG-29s, and Romanian F-16s and MiG-21s, providing bomber escort and combat patrol overwatch in the Black Sea Region,USAFE said.Refueling for the long haul flights by the B-1Bs, which flew all the way from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota,as well as the escort and patrol aircraft, was provided by KC-135s from RAF Mildenhall and Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.Other NATO refueling aircraft also participated.*
Finally, the B-1Bs integrated with Hellenic Air Force F-16s for an air policing mission over Skopje, North Macedonia.North Macedonia is NATO's newest member.*
Summing up, Supreme Allied Commander Europe GEN Tod Wolters,USAF, noted that:
These strategic missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the globe.*
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Air Force Department Celebrating Milestones
With the commissioning of 86 US Air Force Academy cadets into the US Space Force and the impending Launch America mission to the ISS by NASA Astronaut COL Robert Behnken,US Air Force, things have seldom been more exciting at the US Department of the Air Force.The new Space Force 2nd lieutenants include 57 space operators;3 intelligence officers;4 cyber experts;10 engineers; and 12 acquisition professionals.
As well, about 1800 personnel from 23 USAF organisations are to be transferred within 180 days to the USSF.Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, however,expects some of them to be shifted within closer to 60 days, Space Force vice-commander LTG David Thompson told a Space News virtual chat in April 2020.*
The USSF also aspires to recruit from the general public.For now,though, aspirants are being directed to Air Force recruiting.*
On 21 May 2020,SecAF Barrett and USSF chief of space operations GEN John Raymond held a phone conversation with COL Behnken.Ms.Barrett and GEN Raymond both expressed intense pride in Behnken's achievement.On 27 May,Behnken and his NASA colleague COL Doug Hurley,US Marine Corps (retired) are to be launched to the ISS by the SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.The public is barred from the launch because of COVID-19.Nevertheless, Raymond said:
I tell you, we are excited for your upcoming mission.It's going to be great to have an Airman on that first rocket launch (since the Space Shuttle retired in 2011) and an Airman on the ISS.We're cheering for you.*
Both Behnken and Hurley are Space Shuttle veterans.They will spend 1-5 months on the ISS, NASA said, depending on how the mission evolves.It could include up to 5 spacewalks to replace a battery and refurbish other ISS parts.*
COL Behnken noted:
We've had some interesting twists and turns.Our mission was originally a test mission exclusively focused on a week or a week and a half or so to make sure we achieve the test objectives and get this flight certified for the next set of crews so they would do a long duration mission.*
The mission has been upgraded to ensure there isn't a gap in American presence on the ISS until the next launch of NASA astronauts to the space station.*
Thunderstorms may cause a postponement of the launch.*
As well, about 1800 personnel from 23 USAF organisations are to be transferred within 180 days to the USSF.Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, however,expects some of them to be shifted within closer to 60 days, Space Force vice-commander LTG David Thompson told a Space News virtual chat in April 2020.*
The USSF also aspires to recruit from the general public.For now,though, aspirants are being directed to Air Force recruiting.*
On 21 May 2020,SecAF Barrett and USSF chief of space operations GEN John Raymond held a phone conversation with COL Behnken.Ms.Barrett and GEN Raymond both expressed intense pride in Behnken's achievement.On 27 May,Behnken and his NASA colleague COL Doug Hurley,US Marine Corps (retired) are to be launched to the ISS by the SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.The public is barred from the launch because of COVID-19.Nevertheless, Raymond said:
I tell you, we are excited for your upcoming mission.It's going to be great to have an Airman on that first rocket launch (since the Space Shuttle retired in 2011) and an Airman on the ISS.We're cheering for you.*
Both Behnken and Hurley are Space Shuttle veterans.They will spend 1-5 months on the ISS, NASA said, depending on how the mission evolves.It could include up to 5 spacewalks to replace a battery and refurbish other ISS parts.*
COL Behnken noted:
We've had some interesting twists and turns.Our mission was originally a test mission exclusively focused on a week or a week and a half or so to make sure we achieve the test objectives and get this flight certified for the next set of crews so they would do a long duration mission.*
The mission has been upgraded to ensure there isn't a gap in American presence on the ISS until the next launch of NASA astronauts to the space station.*
Thunderstorms may cause a postponement of the launch.*
Monday, May 25, 2020
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
SecAF and CSO: Space Force Update
On 6 May 2020, Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Chief of Space Operations GEN John Raymond gave a status check on the US Space Force during a webinar sponsored by the Space Foundation,an advocacy group of representatives from a broad range of aerospace organisations.Secretary Barrett noted that the USSF recently commissioned 86 US Air Force Academy cadets into the Space Force.For his part,GEN Raymond explained that:
We do not want to get into a conflict that begins or extends into space. We want to deter that. But the way you do that is from a position of strength. What gives us a position of strength is our partnerships. We also need to have systems that are defensible.And we have to continue to train our operatives to have the warfighting skills necessary to accomplish this mission.*
The USSF is aiming for a complement of about 16,000 personnel.It will be small, agile and trailblazing, according to GEN Raymond.The service is intent on protecting the free access to space which fuels both the American way of life and the American way of war.*
Secretary Barrett feels the launch of the X-37B space plane illustrates the necessity of having a Space Force:
The Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office has combined forces with the Air Force Research Laboratory and now the US Space Force to execute a mission that maximizes the X-37B's unique capabilities.*
The USSF now oversees the launch,on-orbiit operations and landing of the space plane.This mission demonstrates the integration of the Air Force,US Space Force and private industry partnerships, the Air Force said.While some of the mission is public,such as the NASA experiments supporting the human exploration of Mars, the military side is strictly classified.*
Most of the Space Force's work is being done by Air Force personnel assigned to the Space Force.Over the next few years, certain Air Force units and bases will transition into the USSF,such as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station becoming Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.*
We do not want to get into a conflict that begins or extends into space. We want to deter that. But the way you do that is from a position of strength. What gives us a position of strength is our partnerships. We also need to have systems that are defensible.And we have to continue to train our operatives to have the warfighting skills necessary to accomplish this mission.*
The USSF is aiming for a complement of about 16,000 personnel.It will be small, agile and trailblazing, according to GEN Raymond.The service is intent on protecting the free access to space which fuels both the American way of life and the American way of war.*
Secretary Barrett feels the launch of the X-37B space plane illustrates the necessity of having a Space Force:
The Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office has combined forces with the Air Force Research Laboratory and now the US Space Force to execute a mission that maximizes the X-37B's unique capabilities.*
The USSF now oversees the launch,on-orbiit operations and landing of the space plane.This mission demonstrates the integration of the Air Force,US Space Force and private industry partnerships, the Air Force said.While some of the mission is public,such as the NASA experiments supporting the human exploration of Mars, the military side is strictly classified.*
Most of the Space Force's work is being done by Air Force personnel assigned to the Space Force.Over the next few years, certain Air Force units and bases will transition into the USSF,such as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station becoming Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.*
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Thursday, May 14, 2020
New York Legion post providing 'selfless service' in feeding thousands
New York Legion post providing 'selfless service' in feeding thousands: American Legion Post 483's food pantry and delivery service among the multitude of ways Legion Family members continue to assist others during the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Marines Ramp Up Readiness in the Indo-Pacific
From 17-24 April 2020,US Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted full mission profile drills, including vertical assault,aerial reconnaissance and simulated close-air support,in the South and East China Seas.They were based on the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6).
At one point, two rifle companies from a Battalion Landing Team mustered their assault force with full combat gear in the ship's cargo bay, ultimately embarking both rifle companies aboard two waves of MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
Said MAJ Jeremy Fisher, company Commander of Bravo Co,BLT 1/5:
This training rehearses our Marines, the ship's crew, and other supporting components of the MAGTF so that if we were to execute a quick reaction mission real world, we've already identified and addressed any friction that might arise.*
In the East China Sea, the MEU conducted a tactical debarkation down cargo nets into an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, ensuring the Marines can surge combat power ashore via multiple methods.
As well, daily flight operations were staged to enhance readiness.In particular F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters flew sorties day and night, including aerial reconnaissance missions throughout the South China Sea, and projecting USMC air power to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region.*
COL Robert Brodie, commanding officer of 31st MEU, noted that:
Whether it's our F-35s conducting an Expeditionary strike, our riflemen raiding an objective,or our combat logistics Marines supporting humanitarian assistance, the MEU stands ready to support our Nation's call-Ready,Partnered, and Lethal.*
The USS America is permanently forward-deployed to Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.*
NATO is in the process of formulating its approach to China.*
At one point, two rifle companies from a Battalion Landing Team mustered their assault force with full combat gear in the ship's cargo bay, ultimately embarking both rifle companies aboard two waves of MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
Said MAJ Jeremy Fisher, company Commander of Bravo Co,BLT 1/5:
This training rehearses our Marines, the ship's crew, and other supporting components of the MAGTF so that if we were to execute a quick reaction mission real world, we've already identified and addressed any friction that might arise.*
In the East China Sea, the MEU conducted a tactical debarkation down cargo nets into an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, ensuring the Marines can surge combat power ashore via multiple methods.
As well, daily flight operations were staged to enhance readiness.In particular F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters flew sorties day and night, including aerial reconnaissance missions throughout the South China Sea, and projecting USMC air power to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region.*
COL Robert Brodie, commanding officer of 31st MEU, noted that:
Whether it's our F-35s conducting an Expeditionary strike, our riflemen raiding an objective,or our combat logistics Marines supporting humanitarian assistance, the MEU stands ready to support our Nation's call-Ready,Partnered, and Lethal.*
The USS America is permanently forward-deployed to Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.*
NATO is in the process of formulating its approach to China.*
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Operation Inherent Resolve:RAF Pounds IS in Iraq as Green Berets Patrol Northern Syria
The war on Islamic State continues unabated in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere, despite the global pandemic coalition forces are also dealing with.This has been made clear as Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) conducted various operations in recent days.
On 28 April 2020,two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, flying out of RAF Arotiri, Cyprus,staged a night raid on an IS stronghold in the Hamrin Mountains of Northern Iraq.They acted when military intelligence revealed the militants were hiding in the warren of caves and tunnels they maintain in the rugged mountainous terrain Northeast of Bayji,Iraq.The Typhoons successfully delivered their Pavehawk IV guided munitions on their targets, the British Ministry of Defence announced.Defence Minister Ben Wallace noted that:
The Daesh (another name for IS) threat is relentless and so will we be.*
Also participating in the raid were a Voyager refueling tanker plane and other unidentified OIR aircraft. The Hamrin Mountains are used by IS to smuggle weapons; facilitate senior leader movements; and plot terrorist attacks in the region,CJTF-OIR stated.Daesh senior leaders and their operatives have used the mountains as one of their last operating areas in Iraq.*
Following the raid,Iraqi Security Forces found IS documents; electronic devices; and fragments of weapons and other gear in the caves, some of which were rendered inaccessible.Initial estimates show that 5-10 militants were killed.Follow on searches continue.*
The next day,29 April 2020, the MaT partner forces and US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) conducted a joint patrol in the At Tanf,Syria area to continue the mission to defeat remaining elements of Daesh and set conditions for their lasting defeat, the Global Coalition said, adding that:
While the terrorist group no longer occupies territory in Iraq and Syria,it remains a threat there and elsewhere.
The Global Coalition will continue its comprehensive efforts in Iraq and Syria, and globally, to deny ISIS's (another name for IS) ambitions and the activities of its branches and networks, until the job is done.*
On 16 April, the Political Directors of the Global Coalition Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group had met, agreeing to maintain maximum pressure on Daesh/ISIS despite the several and multifaceted challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.*
On 28 April 2020,two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, flying out of RAF Arotiri, Cyprus,staged a night raid on an IS stronghold in the Hamrin Mountains of Northern Iraq.They acted when military intelligence revealed the militants were hiding in the warren of caves and tunnels they maintain in the rugged mountainous terrain Northeast of Bayji,Iraq.The Typhoons successfully delivered their Pavehawk IV guided munitions on their targets, the British Ministry of Defence announced.Defence Minister Ben Wallace noted that:
The Daesh (another name for IS) threat is relentless and so will we be.*
Also participating in the raid were a Voyager refueling tanker plane and other unidentified OIR aircraft. The Hamrin Mountains are used by IS to smuggle weapons; facilitate senior leader movements; and plot terrorist attacks in the region,CJTF-OIR stated.Daesh senior leaders and their operatives have used the mountains as one of their last operating areas in Iraq.*
Following the raid,Iraqi Security Forces found IS documents; electronic devices; and fragments of weapons and other gear in the caves, some of which were rendered inaccessible.Initial estimates show that 5-10 militants were killed.Follow on searches continue.*
The next day,29 April 2020, the MaT partner forces and US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) conducted a joint patrol in the At Tanf,Syria area to continue the mission to defeat remaining elements of Daesh and set conditions for their lasting defeat, the Global Coalition said, adding that:
While the terrorist group no longer occupies territory in Iraq and Syria,it remains a threat there and elsewhere.
The Global Coalition will continue its comprehensive efforts in Iraq and Syria, and globally, to deny ISIS's (another name for IS) ambitions and the activities of its branches and networks, until the job is done.*
On 16 April, the Political Directors of the Global Coalition Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group had met, agreeing to maintain maximum pressure on Daesh/ISIS despite the several and multifaceted challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.*
Monday, May 4, 2020
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