CV90

"Gun Bunnies" ---correction...The King of Battle gettin' some...

I got wore out just watching this....

Pacific Partnership Missions. Missed opportunities on the homefront.

The US Navy just released an article touting its Pacific Partnership Missions.  Read the whole thing but here's a blurb...

After 13 days of working with local medical, dental and engineering professionals in Papua New Guinea, serving close to 11,000 people, Pacific Partnership 2011 concluded its mission May 31 and got underway aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7).

and this...

Since the first mission in 2006, Pacific Partnership has visited 15 countries, treated more than 230,000 patients and built over 150 engineering projects in 15 countries. During this year's mission, the Pacific Partnership team has treated more than 21,000 patients, participated in thousands of contact hours of formal SMEEs, and built classrooms and water catchment systems in all three of its mission ports.

I have no problem in helping others...but if the Chief of Naval Operations wants to 'get the Navy story out' then perhaps he should start at home.

Imagine if this same effort...the medical and engineering assistance was turned toward our own crumbling schools and poor.  Imagine how the citizens of this country would look at its Navy!

Quite simply.  The US Military should not be globe trotting providing medical services overseas and doing building projects when we have severe needs here at home.

UPDATE:
Check out this press release.  Seems like Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team is having to call in a civilian company to provide services that the US Navy is doing for free in other countries.  If you disagree fine.  But this is shameful.  How this can go unnoticed at the highest levels of our military...talking to you Admiral---or have you already packed up for the Vice Chair position?--is beyond me.

RB-Portraits...A website you have to check out.

LANCE CORPORAL ANDREW P. CARPENTER. September 28, 1983 - February 19, 2011

The service had lasted 2 hours, and upon conclusion, the Marines were afforded the opportunity to pay their respects and meet the family of LCpl. Carpenter. His widowed wife, Crissie, and her infant son Landon were present. The parents, Kevin & Cindy, along with Andrew's sister, Kate, were also in attendance.

I can't even describe how impressed I am with this guys art work.  Go to his website here...and his facebook page here...to check it out for yourself.

Marine Special Operations Battalion conducts HALO Training.

All Photos by LCpl K McNally...

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, untangles his parachute after conducting a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, board the plane they will jump out of for a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally/Released)

A jumpmaster with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, dives out of a plane during a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A jumpmaster with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a freefall jump during a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, gives a "thumbs up" to indicate his oxygen mask is working during a class for a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, check each others' gear before conducting a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a High Altitude, High Opening jump at dusk as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Fly Navy Book...Chasing the Blue Rhino video...

African Lion 2011.

A Marine with Company F, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, covers up to protect himself from the dust May 24 as he rides in the top hatch of a Light Armored Vehicle during the unit’s final field training exercise as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan armed forces. Photo by Pfc. Ariel Solomon

Marines from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, maneuver their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

A Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle kicks up a cloud of dust May 24 as it speeds towards the firing range during Company F, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s final field training exercise as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan armed forces.  Photo by Pfc. Ariel Solomon

Marines from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, maneuver their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, fires a round down range from its 120mm main gun during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

Team Timberwolf...the video!

Team Timberwolf website. Force Protection definitely keeps their cards close to the vest when it comes to their vehicles.

Force Protection's Timberwolf!

This is Force Protection's Timber Wolf that they're going to debut at CANSEC.  When I get more so will you!

UPDATE:

Force Protection put out this press release...seems like we have their candidate for the Canadian TAPV contest.

Force Protection to Debut Team Timberwolf at CANSEC Exhibition~Team Includes CAE, Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin Canada~ LADSON, S.C., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Force Protection Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ: FRPT),announced today the formation of Team Timberwolf on the eve of CANSEC, Canada's foremost defence and security technology showcase. Team Timberwolf is comprised of Force Protection Survivability Solutions Canada, CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to compete for the Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) project.
Team Timberwolf will offer a complete vehicle system and comprehensive in-service support solution. The vehicle is based on the battle proven Cougar vehicle with independent suspension, integrated C4ISR and dual remote weapons systems. Team Timberwolf will debut at CANSEC 2011 to be held June 1-2 at the Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. Visitors can see video of Timberwolf in action at CAE's booth (#3201) during the CANSEC exhibition, and also visit the Team Timberwolf outdoor display (#315).
Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer of Force Protection, said, "Team Timberwolf was formed to give Canadian Forces the best and most complete system offering available on the market today in terms of survivability, situational awareness, fighting capability and reparability. We are pleased that CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada are part of the team offering Canada the best solution for the TAPV project. The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) developed through the growing Canadian team will be a direct benefit to Canadian companies in the regions responsible for delivering components for Team Timberwolf."
Force Protection Industries, Inc. previously announced that it has been selected by the Canadian Government as one of the competitor companies qualified to provide up to 600 wheeled combat vehicles and related long term support services. The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) expects to award a contract to the final selected bidder by early 2012. Force Protection also previously announced that it has entered into teaming agreements with CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada for the TAPV project.
About Team Timberwolf
Team Timberwolf is a collaboration between Force Protection Industries, Inc., CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to provide the Canadian Forces a complete vehicle combat system for the TAPV project. CAE would have overall responsibility for the comprehensive in-service support (ISS) solution. Elbit Systems will be the exclusive provider of the Dual Remote Weapons System (DRWS) while Lockheed Martin Canada would provide the integrated C4ISR system. For more information on Team Timberwolf visit www.teamtimberwolf.ca
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company's specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed and mobility. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net

Canadians prepare for NEO's.

They're alot less 'dynamic' in this type of training than the Marine Corps...having your air-ground components being able to train together is something that can't be overlooked.

A question for Northern Command.

Question.

How can the US military respond to crisis in other countries...From Haiti, to Japan, to the Tsunami's  in God knows where...to the flooding in Pakistan and have no forces available to assist overwhelmed local authorities in Alabama, Oklahoma and other states hit by natural disasters?

It makes no sense for the US Government to have established a Northern Command to respond to disasters here in the states and to not have that Command forward leaning when such situations strike.

But wanna know what the Commander of Northern Command got for what I consider a lack of leadership?

Promotion to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

On May 16th they (Northern Command) were bragging about an exercise in which all major players in the disaster relief community assembled and drilled for contingencies.  The next day Tornadoes devastated the heartland.

On the 25th after the President was in the middle of his trip to Europe and just days before his arrival in the zone of destruction, Northern Command got off its collective ass and made this announcement.

May 25, 2011
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Northern Command activated the Defense Coordinating Officer and Defense Coordinating Element for FEMA Region VII and extended the DCO and DCE for FEMA Region VI today in support of response efforts to the severe weather in the Midwest.

U.S. Army North DCO and DCE for FEMA Region VI was initially activated to support flood relief in the south and have been extended with the activation of FEMA Region VII to provide assessment and coordinate DoD assets as required in the Midwest. DCOs and DCEs work very closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine what unique DOD capabilities can be brought to assist in mitigating the effects of severe weather.

Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Air Forces Northern and Marine Forces North will deploy to FEMA Region VII to assist the DCO assess and plan Department of Defense support of civil authorities.

The Department of Defense has capabilities that can be used to save lives as well as many other unique support capabilities such as air lift, medical, communications, and catastrophic planning.

USNORTHCOM is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

U.S. Army North provides defense support of civil authorities as the Army component of USNORTHCOM, the combatant command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., that is responsible for homeland defense and civil support.

Sorry Admiral but that just won't do.  Not only is it too little but its too damn late.  But even accounting for a bloated bureaucracy, why are you sending Liaison Officers instead of activating Medical Personnel to help out?  Why are you not sending an Engineer Battalion or two to help with clean up?

The point is this.

We sent ships at flank speed to help the Japanese and Haitians.  We extended an MEU to help Pakistan.

But when it comes to our military helping our own citizens its just too big a burden?

Say it out loud Admiral and see if it makes sense.


NOTE:  Since the beginning of this year the US has been hit with savage storms, tornadoes, flooding of the nations largest river and we're not even halfway thru yet.  Want to see the list?  Go here.

Fleet Week...a good idea gone bad.

Fleet Week had the potential to be nothing but great.

Instead the Marine Corps has shitted on its most fervent supporters and did the "Politically Correct" thing.

If I were to bet money, I would say that most Marine Corps recruits come from the South, Mid West and parts of the West.  Where have we seen Fleet Weeks?  New York City?  Really?  A bastion of liberal politics and anti-military types and thats where you hold a Fleet Week?  Chicago?  Same.  San Fran?  Oh the same on steroids!

St. Louis is an improvement but say it out loud!  Look at the statistics!  Does that even make sense?

The Marine Corps needs to re-orient its focus.  Dallas.  Atlanta.  Phoenix.  Austin.  Denver.  Oklahoma City.  Miami.  Birmingham.  Heck anywhere but the usual urban spots they've picked.

Places in the heartland is where the focus should be.  But don't hold your breath for a change.  Tradition is trumping changing demographics, recruiting reality and common sense.


Want some half baked opinion sprinkled with alot of facts on why the South is the recruiting mecca for the services?  Go here.