AAVs and LCACs conduct landings during Dawn Blitz

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...

“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.

I guess that answers the question on why the Australian Navy needs the F-35B!

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.

More...

Too Sweet.

Thanks Mr. P!!!!

F-35 at sea

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

An Israeli Air Force Apache helicopter lands across from a Greek mountain range during a joint Israel-Greece exercise with the Hellenic Air Force. These types of exercises are a central aspect of the Israel-Greece military cooperation.

Its unique abilities and precision weapons have led the Israel Air Force to use the Cobra helicopter to fight wars and hit targets during military operations. A difficult target for enemy fire, the Cobra is primarily used as an attack helicopter. Manufactured in the US, Israel has used the Cobra since the 1970's.