Tuesday, October 04, 2011
A 1000 yard stare
Monday, October 03, 2011
Former Australin Naval Aviator speaks about cross decking F-35B's...
*Note*
During a conversation with Phil, he hit me with the thought that soon after the F-35B is introduced into USMC service, that we'll see them cross decked on Royal Australian Navy Amphibs. I was so intrigued by the thought that I requested to post his response. It follows...
UPDATE: Shortly after my e-mail exchange with Phil, I ran across this photo of the 11th MEU preparing for its upcoming deployment. Who do we see on deck observing MV-22 ops? Australian service members! I've been so focused on the Aussies acquiring F-35's that we might be missing other bits of gear they might have an interest in. Emphasize might.
During a conversation with Phil, he hit me with the thought that soon after the F-35B is introduced into USMC service, that we'll see them cross decked on Royal Australian Navy Amphibs. I was so intrigued by the thought that I requested to post his response. It follows...
I guess that answers the question on why the Australian Navy needs the F-35B!“BZ F-35B & USS Wasp. Now that the RAN has been out of the carrier business for almost 3 decades the imminent arrival in service 2014-5 of 2 LHDs means the possibility of at least USMC F-35Bs (and AV-8Bs) cross decking during exercises at the very least. The news reports then, if not now, will put the idea back in some Australian minds about 'why does not the RAN/RAAF get a bunch of F-35Bs' for use not only on our RAN LHDs but also as 'far north Australia' as bare base aircraft that can be easily transported via LHD to a Pacific trouble spot (we have a fractious Fiji for example where HMAS Melbourne used to visit at least once a year to remind them about stuff). Today the Fijian PM ‘dictator’ does as he pleases - not concerned by any local/regional response. A few years ago the Fijian Military Dictator “Voreqe Bainimarama, also called Frank 'Barney' Bainimarama” 'PM' of Fiji, threatened Australian/New Zealand citizens there. Australia & New Zealand started to put together a rescue mission that ultimately was not needed. A big flat deck on the horizon always gives 'pause for thought' IMHO.”Phil.
UPDATE: Shortly after my e-mail exchange with Phil, I ran across this photo of the 11th MEU preparing for its upcoming deployment. Who do we see on deck observing MV-22 ops? Australian service members! I've been so focused on the Aussies acquiring F-35's that we might be missing other bits of gear they might have an interest in. Emphasize might.
You can take it huh big man???
Bill (known as Apocalypse for the purposes of the above video) ran head long into Timperlake (aka Superman) in a furball that I somehow missed.
Follow the links for the juicy parts.
Man, you focus in on your workouts for a couple of weeks and the whole world passes right in front of you. Read it here and here...
Israeli helicopters
F-35B confounds its critics again.
Well details are sparse but Marine Corps Times and Aviation Week are both reporting that the F-35B has again confounded its critics and has done what many hoped it wouldn't. It successfully started its sea trials.
Awesome.
Can't wait to read the comments from the haters!
Major league tip of the hat to Bjornar Bolsoy for the heads up.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)