The helicopter that's done it all finally retires.

If you had to pick one maritime helicopter that had been there and done that...

A helicopter that has been a crucial part of Marine Aviation in the 20th century...

A helicopter that was multi-role and multi-mission before it was cool...then you would have to pick the CH-53D.  When first deployed it had speed and agility and lifting power that was unheard of in the Western World.

The Marine Corps has finally retired this war bird.

Via NAVAIR.

The Marine Corps retired the CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter during a “sundown ceremony” Feb. 10 at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The Sea Stallion’s last mission is currently underway with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The helicopter will be flown from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay to its final destination at the Pacific Aviation Museum, where it will be displayed.

Crazy Cool!!!

1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in Operation Highland Thunder

Photos by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Mann, a dog handler with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Arlington, Texas, and Ty, an improvised explosive device detection dog, posts security during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Co., 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement

U.S. Marine Sgt. Guillermo Floresmartines, an assistant squad leader with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and 25-year-old native of Menifee, Calif., wades through a canal during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Co., 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Mann, a dog handler with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Arlington, Texas, helps Sgt. Guillermo Floresmartines, an assistant squad leader with Alpha Co., 1st LAR, and 25-year-old native of Menifee, Calif., out of a canal during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Co., 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Mann, a dog handler with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Arlington, Texas, and Ty, an improvised explosive device detection dog, walk over a dune during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Co., 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Guillermo Floresmartines, an assistant squad leader with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and 25-year-old native of Menifee, Calif., sights in with his M4 assault carbine during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with 1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Co., 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Mario Mendoza, a team leader with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and 25-year-old native of Seguin, Texas, helps Lance Cpl. Marcos Castelan, a light armored vehicle crewman with Alpha Co., 1st LAR and 19-year-old native of Alvin, Texas, out of a canal during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Co., 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Mann, a dog handler with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Arlington, Texas, and Ty, an improvised explosive devise detection dog, post security during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with 1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Company, 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Bayles, a point man with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Plainfield, Ill., sweeps for weapons and drug caches during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Company, 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Mann, a dog handler with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Arlington, Texas, sights in with his infantry automatic rifle while providing security with Ty, an improvised explosive device detection dog, during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Company, 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jared Carlson (left), a squad leader with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and 26-year-old native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Sgt. Mario Mendoza, a team leader with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and 25-year-old native of Seguin, Texas, plot the location of a compound on a map during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Company, 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Bayles, a point man with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Plainfield, Ill., crosses over a canal during a patrol here, Feb. 16. Marines and sailors with 1st LAR and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted clearing and disrupting operations in and around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel during Operation Highland Thunder. Marines with 1st LAR led the operation on foot, sweeping for enemy weapons and drug caches through 324 square kilometers of rough, previously unoccupied desert and marshland terrain. Mobile units with1st LAR set up blocking positions and vehicle check points while India Company, 3/3 conducted helicopter inserts to disrupt insurgent freedom of movement.

First F-35C flight for the United Kingdom

11th MEU training in the 5th Fleet AOR.

Photos by Cpl. Ryan Carpenter and Cpl. Tommy Huynh

A Marine serving with Company L kneels beside an amphibious assault vehicle here Feb. 12 during field training. The company is one of three rifle companies with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Lance Cpl. Josh J. Haish prepares ammunition before live-fire training here Feb. 12. The 19-year-old Royce City, Texas, native serves as a machine gunner for Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Company L Marines move in an amphibious assault vehicle here Feb. 12 during field training. The company is one of three rifle companies with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Weapons Company scout sniper and Lufkin, Texas, native Sgt. Hunter Bernius takes a shooting position here Feb. 12 during field training. The company provides specialized firepower for Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Machine gunner Lance Cpl. Charles B. Childers fires an M240B machine gun here Feb. 12 during field training. The 20-year-old Fort Smith, Ark., native serves with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

A Marine would have received a Big Chicken Dinner.

via Military.com

A former Navy SEAL has received an other-than-honorable discharge and awaits sentencing in a Las Vegas jail for his arms-smuggling conviction.
Nicholas Bickle, who was convicted in October on 13 charges, was supposed to have been sentenced this month but his lawyer, John Arrascada, asked for a delay because he just joined the case, The San Diego Tribune reported Monday. His sentencing is scheduled for April 27.

Bickle faces as much as 20 years in prison for smuggling AK-47 rifles and handguns from Iraq and giving them to co-conspirators to sell on the black market.
Lt. Cmdr. Frank Magallon of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 told the Tribune an other-than-honorable discharge was the most severe discharge Bickle could have received -- dishonorable and bad-conduct charges are only given at military courts-martial.
The discharge means Bickle can't use the GI Bill, get separation pay or wear his uniform at special occasions, the newspaper said.

This guy got off easy.

Real easy. 

Its funny.  Marines got other than honorable discharges for refusing the Anthrax shot.  BCD's were handed out for hazing.  And I'll check but in the Army and Marines this has occurred with people ending up in the brig with unhonorable discharges. 

US Marines train the Republic Of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion.

*Note* The USMC and the Republic of Georgia are forming a very tight partnership.  The President of Georgia has two of his countrymen at the Naval Academy to be trained and commissioned as Marine Officers for the Georgian nation.  The Republic of Georgia has determined that it needs a Marine Corps.  OUTSTANDING!

Hohenfels, BY, DE-Two Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24. , Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero, 2/17/2012 2:43 PM

Hohenfels, BY, DE-Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24. , Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero, 2/17/2012 2:46 PM

Hohenfels, BY, DE-Two Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24. , Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero, 2/17/2012 2:46 PM

Hohenfels, BY, DE-A Georgian soldier with Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion, practices first aid on a another soldier who was identified as wounded in action during a firefight with enemy insurgents at a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The Scout Platoon was conducting a reconnaissance mission for Alpha Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion, when they were ambushed by enemy insurgents about three kilometers into its reconnaissance mission., Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero, 2/17/2012 2:50 PM

Sentinel Off Road Patrol Vehicle, the video.

Sentinel Off Road Patrol Vehicle.

I really should have been paying more attention to BAE USA.  They've been quite busy lately.  The Sentinel Off Road Patrol Vehicle is obviously aimed squarely at the Homeland Security and local Police Depts.  As much as US law enforcement likes to play with military equipment, its just not kosher to patrol anywhere in an MRAP.  The Sentinel easily bridges that gap.  I like it.

Team GCV. BAE comes out swinging.

It looks like BAE is coming out hard on the GCV.  Check out there website here. And the product card and vid is below.  To be honest I'm starting to look forward to what kind of upgrades they'll be offering for the AAV.



GCV 0112

BAE's Ground Combat Vehicle.

Massive hat tip to Think Defence.

Oshkosh MMRS

Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV)

Kennedy is the father of Special Forces...Obama is the father of Navy SEALS's?.

Watch this video and cringe like I did.  

From the Ministry of Defence. French Marines and Arctic Training.

A French Marine is pictured on Exercise Boar's Head at the Otterburn Training Camp, Northumberband with a Famas assault rifle.

Exercise Boar's Head was a company level live firing exercise which took place at Otterburn Training Area involving a British Army infantry company from 5 SCOTS, a unit of 16 Air Assault Brigade; and a company from 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment a unit of the French 11th Parachute Brigade.

The exercise was part of the continuing relationship between French and British Army units following the signing of the Defence and Security Co-operation Treaty by Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in November 2010.

The exercise involved a wide range of live firing exercises from platoon to company level involving a range of supporting weapon systems and saw the French company conducting live fire attacks supported by a British fire support team in a demanding environment.

Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their Arctic flying training in Norway.

The training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as “Clockwork” provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable unit’s arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.

USS Freedom porn.

Has anyone noticed that we haven't heard a thing about the Austal version of this ship? 

US Army Aviation innovates. First datalink for UAVs delivered.

 

via Lockheed Martin Press Release

LONGBOW LLC DELIVERS FIRST PRODUCTION BLOCK III APACHE DATA LINK SYSTEM TO THE U.S. ARMY

 

ORLANDO, Fla., February 21, 2012 – The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], recently delivered the first production Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) to the U.S. Army for the Apache Block III helicopter.

 

“The delivery of the first Apache Block III UAS [Unmanned Aircraft Systems] control system, called the UTA, marks the next major capability advancement for the Apache, which continues to be the deciding factor on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Dan Bailey, U.S. Army Apache Block III product manager.  “When fielded, the UTA capability will significantly enhance the game-changing perspective of the Apache.”

 

This delivery follows the successful completion of the LONGBOW UTA system design and development phase.  Low-rate initial production is currently underway to equip the first U.S. Army Apache Block III helicopters with this capability.

 

“The delivery of the first UTA system to the U.S. Army is the successful culmination of a nearly six-year design and development program,” said Mike Taylor, LONGBOW LLC president and director of LONGBOW programs in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business.  “The UTA provides Apache aircrews with increased situational awareness and net-centric interoperability significantly reducing sensor-to-shooter timelines.”

 

LONGBOW UTA is a two-way, high-bandwidth data link for the Apache that enables aircrews to control the sensor and flight path of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.  UTA-equipped Apache aircrews can operate a UAS at long range and receive real-time, high-definition streaming video on their multi-function displays.  The new Block III Radar Electronics Unit enhances the LONGBOW Fire Control Radar system performance while reducing size, weight, maintenance and power requirements.  The UTA will be fielded on the Apache Block III aircraft beginning in 2012.

 Masking behind terrain takes on a whole new meaning now.
 

Black rifles finally going away.

Finally!

It looks like the Marine Corps is finally getting around to painting rifles.  It would be better if they duracoated them or something better but I'll take what I can get.  Fast forward to the 57 second mark to see what I'm talking about.

Scout Snipers train with Thai Special Forces

Old Faithful Holsters.

Old Faithful Holsters.

Remember me saying that Kydex is Kydex?

Well it looks like we've stumbled onto a manufacturer that's really tapped into the thinking of the cutting edge consumer.

Not only do they offer holsters for sale but also kits to complete your own.  I just found this site this morning and will do more research, but to be honest I LOVE what I'm seeing from this company.  Now if someone could tell them to remove the lady talking when you go to the site they'll be cooking with gas.