Vandenberg AFB:April 26 Live Broadcast: Delta IV Heavy NROL-82

NATO Land Forces:DEFENDER-Europe 21

The annual large-scale U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led exercise, DEFENDER-Europe 21, involving 26 NATO and Partner nations, will soon enter its active phase after two months of preparatory activities.The massive effort is intended to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability.This year, more than 28,000 troops will conduct near-simultaneous drills over more than 30 training areas in 12 countries.According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander GEN Christopher Cavoli: No matter what, our nations count on our forces being ready to defend the peace.DEFENDER-Europe 21 provides us the best opportunity to hone our abilities alongside our allies and partners in the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea region so that, collectively, we are ready to respond to any crisis that may arise.* Supported by the US Air Force and Navy while utilising key ground and maritime routes bridging Europe, Asia and Africa,D-E 21 will incorporate new or high-end capabilities in air and missile defence assets,as well as assets from U.S. Army Security Assistance Brigades and the newly reactivated V Corps, which is under the command of LTG John Kol asheski.V Corps will build readiness in their march toward full operational capability and promote interoperability among Allies and Partners,LTG Kolasheski indicated. On 16 October 2020,U.S. Army V Corps reactivated at Fort Knox, Kentucky, reversing its deactivation in 2013.The reactivation at the request of U.S. European Command was meant to posture our forces to meet the obligations of the National Defense Strategy, and to compete in a dynamic battle space with our adversaries, filling a critical gap and thus setting conditions for a safe and prosperous Europe. Explained Army Chief of Staff GEN James McConville: The activation of an additional Corps Headquarters provides the needed level of command and control focused on synchronizing U.S. Army,allied and partner nation tactical formations operating in Europe.* The 2018 NDS emphasises great power competition with near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China over low-intensity conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. On 20 November 2020,U.S. Army V Corps activated its new forward HQ in Poznan, Poland, where it can command and control NATO'S Eastern Flank.The forward HQ has a designated strength of 200 Soldiers, with 435 others stationed at Fort Knox.Full operational capability of the forward HQ is slated for November 2021.Indeed, Polish MG Adam Joks was appointed Deputy Commander of V Corps-the first ever Polish general officer to serve in such a command capacity in the US military. V Corps was founded in 1918 in Europe during World War I.Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014 figured in reactivation of the unit, which facilitates NATO'S enhanced Forward Presence initiative.* Equipment for D-E 21 began its journey from the US in March.This month,participating units have been drawing Army Prepositioned Stock from sites in Germany,Italy and the Netherlands. Airborne operations,live fire training,missile defence and a large-scale medical evacuation will be staged.The Airborne operations will take place in Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania from early to mid-May.D-E 21 concludes in June with the transit of US-based forces and equipment from the homeland to Europe. D-E 21 will showcase the ironclad U.S. commitment to NATO;be a prime example of our collective capabilities; and demonstrate that NATO Allies and Partners stand stronger together,U.S. Army Europe and Africa observed.*

What's Trending in Aerospace - April 25, 2021 - Aviation Today

What's Trending in Aerospace - April 25, 2021 - Aviation Today: Check out the April 25 edition of What's Trending in Aerospace with some of the latest headlines occurring around the global industry.

NATO'S New Juggernaut:US Navy Warship,Marine Corps Aircraft Deploy With UK Aircraft Carrier

On 19 April 2021 the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) left Mayport, Florida on deployment to British Carrier Task Group 21 (HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) Strike Group). Also joining the CTG will be a Royal Netherlands Navy frigate and a detachment of US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike fighters from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VFMA 211). The Royal Navy CTG reportedly consists of two destroyers;two frigates;an attack submarine;Royal Air Force F-35Bs and Merlin helicopters;plus two sustainment ships.* Commander,U.S. 2nd Fleet noted that: The inclusion of U.S. forces in the strike group will improve expeditionary capabilities and interoperability between NATO allies, demonstrating the United States' commitment to the NATO alliance.* Said CDR David Burkett,CO of The Sullivans: It is an honor to sail in this elite multi-national strike group on the frontline demonstrating a fully integrated force that showcases the special relationship that our countries have.* Of late The Sullivans completed a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPUTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.One of the drills was a NATO vignette which provided familiarity training to facilitate Allied maritime interoperability and integration through using NATO procedures, messaging formats and chat capabilities. According to Royal Navy Commodore Tom Guy of Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence: To ensure truly effective deterrence and defence in the North Atlantic,we need to make sure that the navies of NATO can work as one team, and that means interoperability.This NATO vignette has been a great step forward in pursuing allied interoperability.CJOS COE looks forward to continuing to develop this for future deploying Strike Groups.* Additionally, The Sullivans had joined UK-led Exercise Joint Warrior 20-2 last October, increasing her readiness for the international deployment.* The Sunday Times reported that two Royal Navy warships from the CTG 21 will peel off into the Black Sea in response to Russia's precipitation of a crisis by building up its forces in occupied Crimea and along the border with Eastern Ukraine.The Russian forces number about 100,000 troops, which is more than when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. The Type 45 destroyer and Type 23 frigate will peel off from the CTG in the Mediterranean Sea and sail through the Bosphorous Strait into the Black Sea, according to senior naval sources.* It is HMS Queen Elizabeth's first deployment and the CTG is planned to transit the Mediterranean,Suez Canal, Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific,interoperating with allies such as Japan during the mission.*

The Funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 🔴 Live - BBC

NATO Secretary General w/the US Secretary of State and the US Secretary ...

SecDef Austin:More US Combat Power Headed to Germany

Some 500 more US troops will be deployed to Germany,US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III declared in Germany, where he met with German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.He also said that planning for implementing former President Donald Trump's order to withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany had been halted, effectively nullifying the order.According to Mr.Austin: This planned increase in US personnel underscores our commitment to Germany and the entire NATO Alliance.* The forces will be stationed in Wiesbaden,site of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, joining the 33,000-36,000 US Soldiers currently in Germany.Secretary Austin noted that: They will augment our existing abilities to prevent conflict and,if necessary, fight and win.* He also added that this move will create more space,cyber and electronic warfare capabilities in Europe, and will enable the US to more easily surge forces at a moment's notice in defence of NATO Allies.* The new US forces will consist of a Multi-Domain Task Force having artillery; composite air and missile defence; intelligence; cyber,space and electronic warfare assets-plus a Theater Fires Command to augment readiness and interoperability with NATO Allies. Both units had been prefigured in a US Army plan as long ago as 2018, which then sought to constitute the equivalent of division-level combat power with a field artillery brigade HQ;two multiple rocket-launch system battalions; and a short-range air defence battalion.The new plan has reduced the troop level increase fnrom 1500 to 500.* COL Joe Scrocca, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa explained that: The Theater Fires Command and Mult-Domain Task Force in Europe will enable U.S. Army Europe and Africa to synchronize joint fires and effects, control future long range fires across all domains, and will create more space, cyber and electronic warfare capabilities in Europe, integrating joint and multi-national fires in exercises and operations in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.* The planned activation dates are 16 September 2021 for the Multi-Domain Task Force and 16 October 2021 for the Theater Fires Command.* Additionally,three infrastructure complexes, including housing,in Mainz-Kastel and Darmstadt, that were to have been returned to Germany,are being retained in light of new strategies and a continually changing operational environment.The complexes are part of 21st Theater Sustainment Command.* The moves come at a time of heightened NATO concern about a large increase in Russian forces- by up to 80,000-in Russian-occupied Crimea and along the border with Eastern Ukraine.Ms.Kramp-Karrenbauer expressed relief at the restoration of close military ties with the US that had been frayed under former President Donald Trump.*

U.S. 2nd Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet, and II Marine Expeditionary Force Collaborate during Joint Staff Discussions

U.S. 2nd Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet, and II Marine Expeditionary Force Collaborate during Joint Staff Discussions: U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) staff met with U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) and II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) staffs virtually to discuss best practices for maritime effectiveness, Apr. 7.

National Security Cutters At Coast Guard Base Alameda,California - National Security Cutters Bertholf,Waesche and Stratton

National Security Cutter Deployed to Europe:Russian Build-Up

For some weeks now,Russia has been bulking up its forces both in occupied Crimea, Ukraine and along the border of Eastern Ukraine.These forces include combat helicopters.Just what Russian President Vladimir I in Putin has in mind remains uncertain; but NATO is gravely concerned about its Partner Ukraine, with The New York Times reporting the U.S. European Command raising its WATCHCON (Watch Condition) from " possible crisis" to "potentially imminent crisis."This alert level was elevated with the approval of US EUCOM Commander/Supreme Allied Commander Europe GEN Tod Wolters.* The US Coast Guard is sending Legend-class National Security Cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) from Puerto Rico to the European theatre.After escorting two Fast Response Cutters across the Atlantic to their new homeport in Bahrain, the Hamilton will conduct a patrol in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet AOR to maintain maritime security alongside NATO Allies and Partners, the Coast Guard said.* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants NATO to expand its naval presence in the Black Sea Region,he told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call: Such a permanent presence should be a powerful deterrent to Russia, which continues the large-scale militarisation of the region and hinders merchant shipping.In recent weeks,we have seen a very dangerous tendency with an increase in the number of ceasefire violations by the Russian occupying forces and the number of Ukrainian defenders killed (8).* Mr.Zelensky also noted Russia's build-up on Ukraine's borders with forces ready for an offensive.A NATO representative told German media outlet WELT: We remain vigilant and continue monitoring the situation very closely...destabilising measures by Russia undermine all efforts to de-escalate tensions within the ceasefire agreement of July 27,2020, concluded with the participation of the OSCE.The Allies share concerns about Russia's large scale military activities in and around Ukraine.* Indeed, it's been observed that, farther afield, three Russian ballistic missile submarines broke through the ice near the North Pole.Responding to a reporter's question during a briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary RADM John Kirby ,US Navy retired, said that: I think we've been very clear about threats that we see from Russia across domains.You mentioned some maritime issues,some air dimensions.There's certainly cyber threats and we're taking them very, very seriously.* As to EUCOM raising its watch level ,Mr.Kirby observed that: I can't speak to specifics in terms of EUCOM'S watch level,but just process-wise,a WATCHCON basically expresses a combatant commander's concern about a potential threat and the ability to provide potential warnings.So by setting a WATCHCON, basically the commander is better able to identify and track a threat and alert decision-makers.It's a way of improving and increasing a leader's visibility, noting that there's something worth watching-and "watching" is the operative word in there: that's what a WATCHCON is.I can't confirm or speak specifically as to what GEN Wolters did or didn't do with respect to his WATCHCON levels.* A National Security Cutter has an electronic warfare system, including chaff and rapid decoy launchers.It is armed with a MK110 57mm gun;1x20mm Block 1B Baseline 2 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System ;4 .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns;2 M240B 7.62 mm machine guns;and is designed for additional weapons and sensors.As well,its communications are NATO-compatible. The NSC embarks an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter. * Fabrinet Nationale,SA of Belgium owns Browning and Winchester.Its stock symbol is FN. Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (HII)

WORLD'S FASTEST Strategic Aircraft Tu-160 Take Off & Landing