Button and Curtiss Support Operations During Exercise Pacific Horizon 2011

Maritime Prepositioning ship USNS Sgt. William R. Button floats three miles off the coast off Camp Pendleton's Red Beach during Pacific Horizon 2011. Button and the Maritime Prepositioning ship SS Curtiss are supporting the 14 day exercise which provides the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Fudge)

A crane offloads a beach landing module from Maritime Prepositioning ship USNS Sgt. William Button anchored three miles off Camp Pendleton's Red Beach, during exercise Pacific Horizon 2011. Button and the Maritime Prepositioning ship SS Curtiss are supporting the 14 day exercise which provides the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Fudge)

An amphibious assault vehicle with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion drives onto a roll on/roll off discharge facility attached to USNS Sgt. William Button near Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Pacific Horizon 2011. Button and the Maritime Prepositioning ship SS Curtiss are supporting the 14 day exercise which provides the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Fudge)

Lee sent me the link to this story on the Military Sealifts Command participation in Exercise Pacific Horizon 2011...thanks guy!!

But the thing thats hitting me  more than almost anything else..especially with this re-emphasis on amphibious operations is the role that the Follow-on echelon and the ships in the MPF play in sustaining combat power ashore after the initial assault.

MEU's and the larger MEB-MEF are able to sustain themselves for at least 30 days ... but high intensity combat will chew up men, vehicles and supplies at a much higher rate so the importance of these ships increases with the level of resistance...in short...I've been concentrating on the sharp end of the stick but the shaft is just as important....

Eurofighter...Worse than we thought???

My buddy Bjørnar sent me an article on the Typhoon Eurofighter.....Read it all here but these are some highlights...

This shows the acquisition cost of the Eurofighter/Typhoon in an even worse light than it had previously appeared, when an RAF fleet of 160 had been expected. It is now acknowledged that the development and production cost to the UK of Eurofighter will be £23bn with planned upgrades.
This means that we UK taxpayers will have shelled out no less than £215m for each of our 107 jets – that's $350m at today's rates, rather more than the US taxpayers have been made to pay for each of their 185 Raptor superfighters², almost all of which will be used operationally. And the Raptor has third-generation Stealth: the Eurofighter has no stealth features at all. The Raptor has thrust vectoring for unbeatable manoeuvrability in a dogfight: the Eurofighter doesn't.

I don't quite know what to make of the article or the source.  I wish I had a better grasp of British Newspapers and how seriously to take them.  One thing is certain though....if even half the claims made are true then the UK's Ministry of Defense has some explaining to do!

Joint Strike Fighter make 100th flight...the official pics...

On March 7, 2011, the first F-35B Joint Strike
Fighter test aircraft (BF-1) completed its 100th flight with BAE test
pilot Peter Wilson at the controls. BF-1 flew in short take-off,
vertical landing (STOVL) mode to continue expansion of the STOVL flight
envelope to demonstrate design durability and in preparation for
shipboard testing scheduled for later this year. The F-35B is the first
JSF variant with two aircraft completing 100 flights and will be the
first stealth fighter for the U.S. Marine Corps and is undergoing test
and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.

On March 7, 2011, the first F-35B Joint Strike
Fighter test aircraft (BF-1) completed its 100th flight with BAE test
pilot Peter Wilson at the controls. BF-1 flew in short take-off,
vertical landing (STOVL) mode to continue expansion of the STOVL flight
envelope to demonstrate design durability and in preparation for
shipboard testing scheduled for later this year. The F-35B is the first
JSF variant with two aircraft completing 100 flights and will be the
first stealth fighter for the U.S. Marine Corps and is undergoing test
and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.

Trimarans as Sea Based Aviation Platforms.

Large Trimaran Concepts Tech Elements

Marines declare AH-1Z Cobra operational

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Cobra, achieved Initial Operating Capability ahead of schedule in February.

"Getting the AH-1Z to IOC has been a huge achievement for the entire team," said Col. Harry Hewson, program manager for U.S. Marine Corps Light and Attack Helicopters. "Now we get to put the Zulu in the hands of the Marines and prove that it is indeed the most capable marinized attack helicopter in the world."

As part of the H-1 Upgrades Program, the AH-1Z replaces the currently fielded AH-1W. The AH-1Z will serve a primary role in assault support, offensive air support and air reconnaissance. Cobras will play a supporting role in anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles.

The new Cobras feature 10,000 flight-hour airframes, a new four-bladed rotor system with semi-automatic blade fold of the new composite rotor blades, new performance matched transmissions, a new four-bladed tail rotor and drive system, upgraded landing gear, and pylon structural modifications. The Cobra also incorporates modernized, fully integrated cockpits/avionics that will reduce operator work load while improving situational awareness and safety.

The AH-1Z is equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-401 series engines and greatly increased lift capability and stores capacity, giving it a significantly greater ordnance payload for future growth potential. The primary weapon system is the Hellfire missile. It is fully shipboard compatible, and capable of operating from prepared or unprepared landing sites, day or night.

The Marine Corps will remanufacture 131 AH-1W helicopters into AH-1Z aircraft and build 58 new AH-1Zs. The projected inventory for the AH-1Z is 189 helicopters. Full operational capability, defined as when all AH-1Z maintenance and repair support, test equipment, and spares are in place to support active component force primary aircraft authorization, is expected to be achieved in 2020.

AH-1Z Cobras were first delivered in 2007 by prime contractor Bell Helicopter Textron Incorporated. The Department of Defense authorized the Cobra for full-rate production in November 2010. The first deployment of the AH-1Z is scheduled for later this year with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. This will be the first opportunity for the AH-1Z and UH-1Y to deploy together. The UH-1Y is already on its third rotation to Operation Enduring Freedom.

"The expeditionary agility that the Yankee/Zulu package brings to the Marine Air/Ground Task Force is exactly what the Marine Corps needs as we continue to fight two wars and conduct numerous other engagements in every clime and place," Hewson said. "I am proud to be a part of the team that is making that happen."

Aviation Neck Down Strategy tossed without an after thought.

Proper planning prevents piss poor performance.

The USMC had such a plan.

Aviation was to be an all STOVL force.

The Navy didn't like it but oh well ... eat fish heads and rice and suck it up big boys....

That's what a GRUNT Commandant would have told the big Navy...Congress...and anyone else involved/concerned about Marine Corps procurement.

That's not whats happening now.

Read this ...from Defense Tech.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos confirmed today that the Marines are looking to operate some F-35C carrier variant Joint Strike Fighters. This is a big deal. If the Corps buys C, it will solidify the future of fixed wing tactical jets in the Corps if the troubled B-model gets axed. It also shows that Marine Corps aviators will keep flying long-legged (I mean long-range) strike jets off big deck aircraft carriers.

This sucks on too many levels.

It gives the vociferous critics of the B model new ammo.

It ignores the work of previous commandants that set a roadmap for future Marine Corps procurement.

Its done without explanation.  This makes no sense at all.  If we're not moving to an all STOVL force then why not procure F/A-18EF's now?  It would lower costs, receive Congressional support and serve as a bridge to the JSF.  Is this going to increase the costs of the B model?  It will...so why do it at all?  This is idiotic! 

B's only!

Think Defence on the Ocelot.

Lee sent this article on the now modular Force Protection Ocelot and the story that Think Defence ran on it (thanks Lee...I already subscribe to him but...).

And the 'but' is in regards to the Ocelot concept.  What is it to actually be?  The British forces already have the Panther...they have the Jackal....the have a range of light weight MRAP type vehicles.

How would this vehicle fit into the US structure?  We have the JLTV...we're considering uparmoring and resetting the HUMVEE...where does this vehicle fit?

In my opinion this appears to be a 'rapid fielding initiative' that took too long and is no longer applicable.

LAV-25 A2 as the Marine Personnel Carrier.

Thanks Mike...I never saw this...great find buddy...keep'em coming!

Mike found this brochure of the tech demonstrator model of the LAV A2.  A quick look at this reveals that after removing the turret, making a few modest upgrades/changes and you have your MPC.

The time for lengthy development schedules is over.  We have the blueprint already in service...time to sole source this puppy and get it done.

CH-53A Loops and Rolls.

If anyone knows where I can find the full video of this flight then please shoot me an e-mail.

A couple of points. 

Fastest helicopter in US service.

Most powerful helicopter in US service...I always cringed at the long flight times until I read the stats and heard the stories.  UH-1, CH-46 and AH-1 pilots would tell '53 drivers to slow down---even when they had a cabin full of Marines.

Amazing.

Swapping ships – Marines transfer mid-deployment

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, OKINAWA, Japan-A humvee belonging to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is moved from the USS Denver (LPD 9) to the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), March 4. Elements of the 31st MEU switched ships mid-deployment, allowing the MEU to remain ready to respond. The transition comes midway through the MEU’s scheduled deployment to the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing theater security and conducting bilateral training with multiple nations. The 31st MEU is the U.S.’s only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains a force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region at all times., Capt. Caleb D. Eames, 3/4/2011 6:10 AM

 

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, OKINAWA, Japan-A 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit humvee is moved from the USS Denver (LPD 9) to the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), March 4. Elements of the 31st MEU switched ships mid-deployment allowing the MEU to remain ready to respond. The transition comes midway through the MEU’s scheduled deployment to the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing theater security and conducting bilateral training with multiple nations. The 31st MEU is the U.S.’s only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains a force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region at all times., Capt. Caleb D. Eames, 3/4/2011 6:10 AM

3/5/2011  By Capt. Caleb D. Eames  , 31st MEU 

 

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, OKINAWA, Japan  — Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit switched naval vessels as they disembarked from the USS Denver (LPD 9) and embarked aboard the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) in port, March 5.  The move was designed to keep the MEU available and ready to respond while still allowing the Navy vessels opportunity to maintain operational and maintenance cycles.
“We will be moving about 500 passengers, 100 pieces of equipment, 30 vehicles and six M777 Lightweight Towed Howitzers to the USS Harpers Ferry in the next 24 hours,” said 1st Lt. Charles Breaux, the team embarkation officer for the move.  “It takes a lot of cooperation between multiple members of the Navy Marine Corps team to get the job done safely and quickly.”
The process of moving people and materials to another ship begins with developing a plan.
“You have to understand the blue (Navy) and green (Marine Corps) sides of the equation to come up with a plan,” said Breaux.  “Then you verify that plan with all the different people on the ships involved and make sure that it will work correctly, and everyone understands it.”
Once the plan was in place, the ships then moored side-by-side at the White Beach Naval Facility, and the transition of Marines, Sailors, and materials began.
“It takes coordination between a lot of people to make this happen,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Schwan, the team embarkation assistant, of Watertown, S.D.  “We work with all the outside agencies, bring everyone together, and try to make the moving parts work like a fine tuned machine.”
The planners also worked with the Navy’s beach landing and landing craft air cushioned crews to ensure mission success.
“If we encounter challenges, well, retreat, hell,” said Schwan, quoting the MEU’s Battalion Landing Team 2d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment’s motto.  “Teamwork is essential to overcoming challenges.  There is no MEU without our Navy brethren, so we work together to get the job done.”
The ship-to-ship move involved several elements of the 31st MEU including portions of BLT 2/5; the BLT’s artillery and amphibious assault vehicle attachments; parts of Combat Logistics Battalion 31 as well as a contingent from the command element.
“It takes the coordinated effort of over 100 people on the Navy side, and just as many on the Marine side, to move passengers and equipment over to our ship,” said Lt. Daniel Tyler, operations officer aboard the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).  “It takes a lot of teamwork, foresight, and planning ahead, to making sure everyone is on the same page from start to finish.”
The ship is loaded with thought toward future missions as well as the ever-necessary consideration for a possible humanitarian assistance disaster relief contingency, said Breaux.  The 31st MEU has participated in four HADR missions in the last two years.
“In the end, the success story is that it all gets on the ship in the right order,” said Tyler.  “Everything gets where it is supposed to go, and the ships can leave on time and carry on with their mission.”
The transition to another ship comes midway through the MEU’s scheduled deployment to the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing theater security and conducting bilateral training with multiple nations.
Once the move is complete, the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) will head back out to sea and continue the remainder of the deployment.
The USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) now joins Amphibious Squadron 11, the group of Navy ships which regularly carry Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU during patrols of the Asia-Pacific region.  The other two ships of PHIBRON 11 are the USS Essex (LHD 2) and the USS Germantown (LSD 42), both underway at sea.
The 31st MEU is the U.S.’s only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains a force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region at all times.

Pacific Horizon 11...the logistics effort.

I'm harping on the Pacific Horizon 11 Exercise because I believe it to be extremely important not only to the Marine Corps but also for the Navy and even the entire Defense establishment.

This Brigade level event is in my opinion the first 'post' War on Terror exercise and is a vivid example of the move away from the second land army thinking/necessity- back to the sea.

An amphibious assault vehicle with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion drives onto a roll on/roll off discharge facility attached to USNS Sgt. William Button near Camp Pendleton, Calif. during Pacific Horizon 11, March 3. Pacific Horizon 11 provides 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability.

An amphibious assault vehicle with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion drives onto an improved Navy ligtherage system attached to a roll on/roll off discharge facility and USNS Sgt. William Button near Camp Pendleton, Calif. during Pacific Horizon 11, March 3. Pacific Horizon 11 provides 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability.

USNS Sgt. William Button floats off the coast near Camp Pendleton, Calif. during Pacific Horizon 11, March 3. Pacific Horizon 11 provides 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability. 

 

An improved Navy ligtherage system prepares to dock to a roll on/roll off discharge facility attached to USNS Sgt. William Button near Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Pacific Horizon 11, March 3. Pacific Horizon 11 provides 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability.

 

U.S. Navy sailors and Marines unload equipment from USNS Sgt. William Button near Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Pacific Horizon 11, March 3. Pacific Horizon 11 provides 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group-3 the opportunity to exercise essential core competencies at the brigade level to rapidly respond to an emerging crisis with a flexible, full spectrum capability. 

It appears that New Wars was right about the Global Combat Ship (Type 26 Frigate).

Mike (we love you guy...where ever you are) over at New Wars was right when he predicted the troubles with the Type 26 Frigate.

Read his article here.

If the planners were to skip the Type 26 altogether and proceed directly to the lower end version of the Future Surface Combatant design, they might possess a vessel more relevant for future threats. Rather than hundreds of millions, vessels costing in the tens of million pounds seem the right answer for today’s threats. Most importantly, you could build a whole squadron of such vessels for the price of a single Type 26.

What brings me to this conclusion?

Read this from Defense Watch.

It looks like the Global Combat Ship is dead in the water, from the Canadian perspective at least. That also seems to go for any UK-Canadian collaboration on future ships.

Without Canadian participation, I can't see how this ship will escape the budget axe thats swinging over at the UK's Ministry of Defense.  I would almost bet that Canadian participation was seen as a shield against the possibility of it being cut.  That doesn't exist anymore.

Seems like the days of smaller, less complex ships is about to dawn.

Mike at New Wars must be smiling, laughing at those like me that doubted him and pouring himself another glass of what ever drink he likes (probably iced tea).