Pic of the day. July 17, 2011.

11th MEU is either dialing up the training like a bunch of raving madmen (I like that) or else the Public Affairs Office is really hitting on stories that are catching my interest.  Either way, their upcoming deployment will be one worth watching.  I don't know the CO of this unit from Adam but it appears that he's about to put the Special Operations Capable back into the MEU(SOC) concept.  And that my friends is long overdue.

Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force prepare to depart a raid site in a CH-46E Sea Knight during a night training operation here July 15. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element, are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.  Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

Quote of the day. July 17, 2011.

Thanks Phil!   via SLDInfo.

SLD: As a Harrier pilot, could you comment on the potential arrival of
the F-35Bs [Eglin AFB]?

 
Col. Tomassetti: It is ultimately disappointing constantly to see in the
news all of the things that the F-35B hasn’t been able to achieve yet or can’t
do and people completely missing what we’ve already achieved.

The fact is that we have a STOVL airplane that every pilot who has flown it
says that it’s easy to fly. In 60 years of trying to build jet airplanes and
do this, we’ve never ever been there before. We’ve never had a STOVL
airplane that was as full spectrum capable as it’s conventional
counterparts. We’ve never done that before in 60 years of trying.
It’s an amazing engineering achievement; [what] we’ve already accomplished
is completely being missed by some observers.”

That about wraps it up.

To think that you have NOTED, once RESPECTED, and LAUDED aviation writers from a number of publications that have missed this truth is amazing.

I contend that they haven't missed it.  Its been ignored.  Its been ignored as part of a larger agenda.

Hey Thomas! I'm your huckleberry...

Thomas...you're no daisy...you're no daisy at all....

Is this an M27 with 2nd LAR?

AZIRABAD, Helmand Province, Afghanistan-Lance Cpl. Frank M. Garrison III, a Shinnston, W. Va., native and rifleman with Company C, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), provides security as the Afghan Border Police partnered with the Marines and sailors of the company move through the town. Company C accompanied the ABP on a clearing mission through the town in order to deny the insurgency a transit location for smuggling illicit drugs. , Cpl. Jeff Drew, 6/27/2011 5:49 AM

Take a look at this Marine's weapon.

I'm not sure but it doesn't look quite like a M16A4....but it doesn't exactly fit the profile of the M27 either.  Anyone know what it is?

The Dark Lord's Response.

Somewhere in a dimly light room the Dark Lord responds to the news of the USAF starting the Operational Evaluation of the F-35.  Our hidden cameras caught scene.  See the video below.



This is via Defense News.  Go there to read the whole thing but here are the good bits...

"The JPO is currently estimating Ops Test of Block 2B to commence in early 2015 and complete in early 2016, and the [Operational Test] for Block 3C IOC capabilities to commence in mid-2016 and to end in early 2018," said Air Force spokesman Maj. Chad Steffey.
The service's Air Combat Command has not set a new IOC date for the F-35.
Carlisle said that the F-35 could be a valuable combat asset even with the earlier Block 2B software.
"Block 2B has capability that if the combatant commander needed it, we would deploy it. Would it be IOC? No," he said.
"We in the Air Force designated a set of capabilities to include [Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses], [Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses], air-to-ground and some air-to-air capability that we consider the minimum required for initially operational capable," he said.

He noted that the Air Force has deployed many aircraft that had not yet formally entered service, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, MQ-9 Reaper UAV and the E-8 Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) surveillance plane.

The F-35 even outpaces its larger twin-engine cousin, the F-22 Raptor, in certain areas, including electronic countermeasures and electronic counter-counter measures. Carlisle also praised the jet's infrared sensors and air-to-ground radar as "phenomenal."

I'm not going to get into the F-35 vs. F-22 debate.  In hindsight thats always been a false choice.  A choice pushed on us by the F-35's critics.....

What I will get into is the stance that the USAF and USMC are taking when it comes to the F-35.  Both services are prepared to deploy the system in Block 2B configuration and the USMC has taken it a step further and stated that they will declare it IOC with that milestone.

The critics have lost, McCain is senile and this war is over.

The F-35 will be the primary fighter for US forces for the foreseeable future.

Marines make their mark at NASA

First Production F-35 Arrival at Eglin AFB

Analysis of Sweetman's latest post on the F-35.

'Nuff said.

Read his post here.

F-35 production ramps up. First flight of AF-13.

Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Canin flew the eighth production model of the F-35 Lightning II, F-35A AF-13, on its inaugural flight on 14 July 2011 from NAS Fort Worth JRB.

Take that Sweetman...APA...Cox...Trimble....and the merry band!

Fighting for survival is a Marine trait world wide.

via BBC News.

The Royal Marines on board, from 40 Commando, only returned from Afghanistan at the end of last year.
They were involved in some of the fiercest fighting in Sangin.

After this deployment they'll be preparing to go back to Helmand again.

But in the current climate of cuts they're keen to prove why they're still needed.

The amphibious skills they're re-learning - inserting troops from sea onto land - make them stand out from their rivals.

They say it's what makes them more versatile than, say, the Parachute regiment.

The Commanding Officer of 40 Commando, Lt Colonel Matt Jackson, tells me: "This is proving what we still can do, as opposed to what we might not be able to do".

He says that's a key message when the Strategic Defence and Security Review is "biting hard".

His marines put it even more bluntly.

"We're all fighting for our survival," says Corporal Luke Wilson, sweat dripping off his face after taking part in a dawn raid on a remote UAE island in sweltering heat.

Cpl Wilson admits that the Royal Marines are stretched "not beyond our capabilities", he says, "but to the limit of our capabilities".

When they finally return back to the UK, the Royal Navy will find itself even harder pressed.
HMS Albion is due to be mothballed - another casualty of Britain's defence review.

Wow.

Seems like the Royal Marines and the US Marines have much more in common than I could possibly realize.

Fighting for institutional survival seems to be a trait shared by Marines world wide.

Friday Informational. Threat Animals in CONUS.

Totally tongue in cheek...I just thought it was funny.  Have a good Friday.

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force,

All Photos by Cpl. Chad Pulliam

Cpl. Devin P. Tiernan (left) and Sgt. Jeremy D. Lima with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force take cover behind a rock while a UH-1Y lands after an assault on a mock town here July 12. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.

Several Marine CH-46 Sea Knights transport Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force back to base after the MRF conducted a raid on a mock village here July 12. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.

Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force receive a brief before conducting a raid of a mock town at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., July 12. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.

Maj. Anthonol Neely, commander of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force, is dropped off by a UH-1Y helicopter during an assault mission on a mock village here July 12. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Stauber with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force monitors radio traffic during an assault on a mock town here July 12. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers provide air support for convoys

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) in action.

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, POINT, Calif.-A CH-46E Sea Knight lands at Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268's forward arming and refueling point July 12 Camp San Luis Opispo during the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios. The reinforced squadron is the aviation combat element for the unit. , Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter, 7/12/2011 1:05 PM

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, POINT, Calif.-Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) exit a CH-53E Super Stallion at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., July 12. The Marines set up a forward arming and refueling point during the 11th Marine Expeditionary unit's large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios. The squadron is the aviation combat element for the unit., Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter, 7/12/2011 11:10 AM

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, POINT, Calif.-Lance Cpl. Kevin A. Kohl, left, and Cpl. Daniel T. Conroy provide security at Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268's forward arming and refueling point at Camp San Luis Opispo July 12 during the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios. Kohl, 19, is from Buffalo, N.Y. Conroy, 21, is from Boston. Both Marines serve as low-altitude air defense gunners with the reinforced squadron, which is the aviation combat element for the unit., Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter, 7/12/2011 2:09 PM

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, POINT, Calif.-Cpl. James H. Schmall checks a fuel gauge on a CH-46E Sea Knight at Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268's forward arming and refueling point at Camp San Luis Opispo July 12. Schmall, a 23-year-old Jackson, Mich., native, is a CH-46E crew chief with the reinforced squadron, which is the aviation combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. , Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter, 7/12/2011 1:37 PM

Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team...

All Photos by SSgt Ryan Crane. 

 

Sgt. Normand Gagnon, team leader attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, scans the mountainside for enemy activity while on a patrol in Alingar District July 13. Laghman PRT's mission was to meet with the Alingar District leaders then perform a final inspection on two construction projects in the area.

U.S. Army Capt. Devin Ciminero, company commander, attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, watches his sector while serving as personal security for the civil affairs team speaking with a local school teacher in Alingar District July 13. Laghman PRT's mission was to meet with the Alingar district leaders, then perform a final inspection on two construction projects in the area.

Spc. Adam Supino, rifleman attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, scans a mountain side for enemy activity while on a patrol in Alingar District July 13. Laghman PRT's mission was to meet with the Alingar District leaders then perform a final inspection on two construction projects in the area.

Note*
How are these units farmed out?  Do they fall under a Brigade or do they come under control of a Regional Command?

First F-35A delivered to Eglin AFB, Fla

Awesome news.

Have you noticed that all the bumps that seem to be hitting the F-35 always arrive just before another milestone is reached?

It almost seems calculated doesn't it?

Even the European's are saying it now...

via Defense Management...

The conflict in Libya should act as a "wake-up call" to the European NATO members making a "pathetic" contribution to NATO operations, Defence Secretary Liam Fox has said.

Answering questions after speaking at the Royal United Services Institute, Fox said that too many European nations in NATO were "trying to get a free ride" off the US when it came to their own security.

"It is quite clear that they [the US] cannot continue to shoulder the burden of everyone else's defence,' said Fox.

"When we look at the sometimes pathetic contributions being made by some countries inside NATO, the European elements of NATO cannot expect the US to come to our aid on every occasion.

"Far too many of our European partners are still trying to get a free ride and they should regard Libya as a wake-up call.

"The US will not always be there to bail them out and if they want an insurance policy they should think about paying the premium."

Despite the extra strain caused by the relative lack of support, Fox said that the UK would be involved in Libya for 'as long as it takes' and that it was important not to suggest there was an endpoint to NATO's commitment in the country.

"When we talk about Libya we need to be absolutely unequivocal about the signals that we send to the regime.

"The regime will take nothing but comfort from those who say we may not have the will, may not have the money, may not have the capabilities.

"Those listening in Libya should be absolutely crystal clear. We do not lack political resolve, we do not lack military capabilities and we will see our mission through."

Wow.

But before Fox slams other European countries he might want to look in the mirror.  He's gutted his own forces and his plan for the future appears to have him riding either US or French coat tails.

Twitter battle.

First we had the idiocy with the battle of the Generals with the F-35 engine wars.

Then we had the idiocy, craziness and collusion with regards to Sweetman, APA, Cox and the rest of the merry band of followers when it came to spreading lies about the F-35 and its capabilities.

Now we have the idiocy of a US Senator twitting about the F-35.

Say it out loud.

A US Senator tweets about a weapon system that the Senate Armed Services Committee (of which he is a member and the ranking Republican) has direct oversight over.  This is a piss poor way of handling any issues that he has with the program....I wonder if he's been compromised by the writings of certain "Defense Professionals"?

Read about it here but Senator McCain might seriously consider retirement.  He is out of touch with the people that he represents, had to fake it to make it in the last election and is pushing for perpetual war for the US.  The guy is a loon.

In a post Tuesday on the microblogging site, Sen. McCain sounded off on the management of the stealthy, next-generation fighter: “Congress notified that first F-35 jets have cost overruns of $771M. Outrageous! Pentagon asking for $264M down payment now. Disgraceful.”
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp. took to Twitter Wednesday in defense of the program. “The F-35 team is focused on reducing costs of the jets and is showing significant improvement in key areas,” the company said in a post Wednesday afternoon. The tweet included a link to recent Senate testimony by Tom Burbage, Lockheed’s F-35 program manager.
In reply, Sen. McCain wrote: “To most observers, a $771M cost overrun for 28 F-35s doesn’t qualify as ‘significant improvement.’ Taxpayers deserve better.”

Oh and before you hit me with "McCain is right!" consider this...he has access to all the classified information that we don't....he is well aware of the efforts being made to bring down the cost of airplane and of the work being done to streamline production.

He is simply after publicity.  You know it and I know it.

The Irish Naval Service conducting Fleet exercises.

F-35C Jet Blast Deflector Testing