Mirage 2000 recovery.

5/26/2011 By Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng

2nd Marine Logistics Group

An M88 Recovery Vehicle hoists the body of a downed French  Mirage 2000 aircraft during a recovery mission May 27, 2011. U.S., French and Italian forces conducted an 81-mile combat logistics patrol from Regional Command Southwest to retrieve the French jet without incident in the Bakwa district of Regional Command West in Afghanistan May 27, 2011. Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) took the lead on the mission. In direct support of the battalion were teams from 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2nd MLG (Fwd.), along with the Army's 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion providing heavy equipment transport capabilities, an Aircraft Recovery Fire Fighting team from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, a French aircraft recovery team and an Italian team escorting the convoy from the RC boundary to the crash site where they continued to provide security for the duration of the operation in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

A successful catch..

I'm posting this just because I thought it was cool.  Notice the spider even using its legs as weapons...I never knew...

MARSOC needs Marine Air?

I've been looking forward to reading and posting this paper for a while.  I read the synopsis and it left me cold.  Having read the paper, I can't say that I'm anymore enthused.  Perhaps I'm in the minority but I just don't see this as a good idea.  Read it for yourself and decide.

Epton-AY06-9816

Quote of the day. May 29, 2011.

Those aircraft will still possess "a lot of capability . . . that is very impressive," he said. Plus, those units will be training and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures, and the logistics infrastructure will be maturing, he said. Depending on the circumstances, "we would, with all the safety considerations, be ready to go," 

Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Air Staff Lead for Operations, Plans, and Requirements-speaking about the USAF F-35A Block 2B.

Marine Corps Martial Arts Humor.

A modest proposal. Time for Army Aviation to get feet wet!

US Army aviation has a tradition of operating in coastal areas dating back to Vietnam.  They shared the skies with the renowned Sea Wolves and were a force to be reckoned with.

Fast forward to the 1980's and 90's and you have US Army aviation operating in the Persian Gulf.

The future for Army Aviation is a partner ship with the Navy.  And they have the perfect tool to make it work...the OH-58F.

Littoral Combat requires the identification of targets in cluttered sea lanes.  In marshes and canals...in green turning to brown water.  The weapons and optical package found on the OH-58F makes it tailor made to this mission.

Its also a win for the US Army in the future.  A rotation between Aviation Brigades would make it a perfect fit with training taking place with both Navy and Marine Units it shouldn't be a particular burden for any of the services.  Additionally the skids on the OH-58F should make it a bit easier to handle on the deck of a pitching ship...a much better option than the AH-64...oh and did I mention that optics package?

Army Aviation is already a frequent visitor to Naval vessels in the form of the 160th...that role should be expanded.

If Sea Basing is about being a joint force then this integration of Army Aviation onboard LCS' and Burke Destroyers should be a no brainer.

NOTE:
This proposal only makes sense if my prediction of future budget cuts come true.  In the environment I foresee, the Marine Corps will cut not to 175,000 but to 150,000 when all is said and done.  The Army will be equally savaged and the services will not be seeking to expand capabilities but simply to maintain competencies.  Putting Army Scout Helicopters on US Navy warships will keep them 'gainfully' employed, will act as a cost effective Fire Scout replacement (which I see getting axed if not this year then next) and will provide aerial observation and guns in an area in which Marine Aviation will already be stretched just to maintain current and projected operating tempos.

Why We Fight By Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta , 2nd Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  — As families across our great country gather this Memorial Day weekend, the men and women serving in Afghanistan will also pause to reflect on those who have gone before them.  They will celebrate our heroes, past and present.  These men and women serving in southwest Afghanistan are reminded daily that freedom and “justice for all” doesn’t exist everywhere, and that it comes at a cost.      Just a few nights ago I was reminded of why we fight today when a young Marine struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in southern Helmand.  Gravely injured, the team’s corpsman on scene stabilized him and called for a medical evacuation helicopter.  Weather was a problem, however, and the evacuation helicopter could not reach the scene, though the pilots refused to stop trying.  An adjacent unit was contacted and, without concern for themselves, a convoy of Light Armored Vehicles rushed to aid the young Marine.  They made it their mission to get to a Marine in trouble.  They pushed through driving wind and blowing sand to link up with fellow Marines.  After link-up, they wound up stuck in the sand, now in desperate need to evacuate the wounded Marine. 
Throughout their efforts the Army helicopter pilots were doing their best to help as well.  Convinced they could get through the weather, they put the most experienced aviators in the cockpit.  As Marines and Navy corpsmen on the ground continued to provide critical care, the helicopters launched again and a break in the weather allowed them to evacuate the wounded to safety.
This scenario encompassed more than five hours.  With each passing moment the urgency to evacuate the wounded increased.  Coordination at every level never stopped and there was never any thought of not being able to help.  Fighting against the odds, these soldiers, sailors and Marines banded together to save one of their own.  They refused to give up, and their efforts kept one of America’s sons alive.
So as we pause to celebrate this Memorial Day, we reflect on those who have gone before us.  We reflect on their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation.  We should also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice.  They are committed to something greater than themselves, and they muster the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats in battle.  They do it for one another and the country they love, asking little in return.
Sincerely,

Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta

Commanding General

Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward)

Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Do Warriors talk like this or managers?

This article on Army.mil is a basic run of the mill "we have a new system" type deal.  Read it all but this part has me scratching my head...

“Our new mission to receive, store and ship THAADs is a great example of how the team here at ADMC can work with our customers to provide outstanding and unique munitions services to ensure ADMC remains a valuable asset to the warfighter,” said ADMC Commander Lt. Col. Randall DeLong.

The quote is from a Lt Colonel...

Is that a style of speech that is applicable to a war fighter?  I mean seriously!  The Lt Col called the warriors (in his language style another word for it would be 'end user') customers!  It almost makes me wonder if he's a Wal Mart manager or a leader.

I really thought this 'customer' talk had gone out the window when Rummy left but it seems some are holding on to the concept.  Thats a shame.

Scale Model New's take on a European Stealth NH-90 Gaddafi Grabber!

Scale Model New's take on a 'Gaddafi Grabber' NH-90.  Go here to read the whole thing.  Overall I think its improbable but an interesting exercise none the less.

Question. Is the Marine Corps an elite force?

A simple question to all.  Is the Marine Corps an elite force?

The question came up when me and some buddies were having a few cold ones talking about this that and the other thing...being that it was a bunch of military guys....2 Marines, a couple of Sailors and a Soldier...that question came up.

My answer was---of course.  Is it Special Ops?  No.  Is it elite?  Yes.

The Soldier chimed in wanting to know the difference....my reply was that the 82nd Airborne is elite...that the 101st is elite....and that before the Stryker conversions the 10th Mountain, 25th Infantry were also elite.

Of course he agreed but added that some Stryker Brigades and even some Heavy Battalions could be considered elite.

Sailors being who they are also decided to add their two cents.  It got to the point where Carrier Air Wings, EOD and Riverine should also be considered elite units.

So on this somber weekend, where we remember our fallen I'm posing this question.  What is elite and who fills the bill?

The Thugs video taped themselves.

Thanks USS Helm! 

These Thugs had the audacity to video tape themselves committing this atrocity.  I still want them to fry....here on earth and later in hell.

Go Wind Pics.

DCNS Go Wind Family of Ships.  Below is the Go Wind OPV L'Adroit which was recently launched.  It appears that the French have taken the Corvette Class (read LCS) in a pretty impressive new direction.