Tuesday, October 04, 2011
A 1000 yard stare
 |
A soldier from A Company, 1
Rifles looks on wearily following an engagement with the enemy during a
joint helicopter assault with the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) in
Helmand, Afghanistan.
Photographer: Sergeant Alison Baskerville RLC |
 |
A Rifleman puts down covering fire over a wall as his patrol from A Company 1 Rifles comes under heavy fire during a joint helicopter assault with the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) in Helmand.
Photographer: Sergeant Alison Baskerville RLC |
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.
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