Combat in Libya, the perfect advertisement for the F-35B.

via Marines.mil...

3/21/2011  By Capt. Richard K. Ulsh  , 26th MEU 

 

USS Kearsarge, at sea   — In an effort to safeguard the Libyan populace and infrastructure in and around the city of Ajdabiyah from further attacks by regime forces, 26th MEU, as part of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, launched a second round of strikes by AV-8B Harrier jump jets, March 20. Conditions set forth by the U.N. Security Council towards resolving the unrest in Libya included the removal of Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi’s forces from Ajdubiyah. These latest strikes by the MEU aimed at preserving the sanctity of the city and the safety of the civilians within it.
“Our primary concern was ensuring the people inside Ajdubiyah were safe from Qadhafi’s artillery and tanks,” said Col. Mark J. Desens, commanding officer of 26th MEU. “Everything we are seeing following these strikes indicates that his forces are now less capable of threatening the town than before.”
Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

A couple of points so obvious I missed it (thanks Sferrin!)...

1.  Big carriers won't always be around.
2.  STOVL aircraft operating from LHD's is reaffirmed as a sound tactic.
3.  The Marine neck down strategy (if followed) was sound and cost effective.
4.  Forward deployed units are not to be underestimated.

In short, this conflict and the role of the Harrier is perfect advertisement for the STOVL capable F-35B.  If we were going against a more formidable enemy then its stealth features, ability to operate from LHD's and if the taking of territory were called for, its ability to operate from forward operating bases would prove battle winning.

Combat in Libya.  The perfect advertisement for the F-35B.

The French motive in Libya...

via  France24 (please read the entire article..)

Dismal approval ratings and a series of much-publicised French gaffes in response to the anti-regime movement in Tunisia are thought to be likely factors providing motivation for Sarkozy to appear authoritative and presidential on the international stage. French elections will take place in May 2012, and Sarkozy is thought to be eager to boost his public standing before launching a re-election campaign.

A president seeks to boost his public standing before an election?  Stranger things have happened...

2nd Marine Division takes over fight in Afghanistan

Something is very wrong with this video.

A change of command ceremony?

An M1 Tank used as a prop?

An MRAP used as a prop?

Wow.

Fucking Wow.

I understand operational tempo.  I understand the pulse of war.  I understand the need to maintain morale.  But bullshit stuff like this should remain stateside.  I don't know whats going on but it just feels wrong.  I could be wrong...but say it out loud and see if it makes sense to you...A CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY IN A WAR ZONE. 

An oversight?

Is something wrong with Marine Corps messaging?

If not then explain this to me.  How is the contribution of the USMC to the battle in the skies over Libya being under-reported or more to the point overlooked?

I've been reading ARES blog for the past few days with much intensity, waiting for them to cover the story.

Hasn't happened yet.

I watch Fox News, MSNBC, CNN and the BBC and nary a mention.

What gives?

Is this part of our problem...have we forgotten to get our story out to the American people?  If we have then its time to take HQ's Marine Corps to task...

My personal motto is...Marines are everywhere--at the same time.  Its a shame that the American people don't know it.

Everywhere...at the same time....

Two wars....Afghanistan and Libya...one ongoing disaster relief operation...yet with units forward deployed and training world wide.

The USMC of the 22nd Century.

(March 20, 2011) ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, at sea – A Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s AV-8B Harrier jump jet returns to USS Kearsarge for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 20, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon).

(March 20, 2011) ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, at sea – A Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s AV-8B Harrier jump jet returns to USS Kearsarge for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 20, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon).

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Jesse Walden (right), chief scout with C Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and Lance Cpl. Logan Snow, a gunner with C Company, scan the Bahram Chah Valley for insurgent activity from their light armored vehicle during Operation Rawhide II in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 14. The four-day raid on the key insurgent trafficking hub on the Pakistan border targeted insurgent fighting positions and structures used to produce opium and harbor explosives and other illicit materials., Sgt. Jeremy Ross, 3/14/2011 8:00 PM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Marines with C Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, scan the hills of the Bahram Chah valley for an insurgent mortar spotter during Operation Rawhide II in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 16. Throughout the four-day raid on the key insurgent trafficking hub on the Pakistan border, insurgent spotters attempted to creep over the hill line to call in fire on Marine positions., Sgt. Jeremy Ross, 3/15/2011 8:00 PM

Are we seeing the French version of "Wag the Dog"?

via Drudge Report from France24...

After several polls showed Marine Le Pen more than holding her own against rivals in a hypothetical presidential match-up, FRANCE 24 sat down with the far-right leader for a wide-ranging interview touching on Europe, immigration and nuclear energy.
"France is collapsing because of a French president who is no longer running anything, who is governing on impulse or emotion, depending on the circumstances. And France’s interests and image have suffered for it."

Read the whole thing...and bear in mind I have no visibility on internal French politics but this is...stunning.

Oh and before you say that I'm being conspiratorial...think about the speed at which this came together.  Think about the idea that China AND Russia would both abstain on this...

There's more to this than meets the eye.

Ballad of the Green Beret.

If you aren't familiar with SSgt Barry Sadler, then take a moment to read his story here. 

Thoughts on the Air War in Libya.

Just some things that have me wondering....

1.  Special Forces is on the  ground identifying targets.  The Coalition forces are beyond worried about collateral damage...they're scared silly.  So how do you de-conflict an area?  You get Special Ops to call the ball.  Additionally many have speculated that the Rebels shot down their own airplane...we can't have that nonsense with Coalition forces so Special Ops being on the ground is a given...they'll never admit it but they're there.

2.  Logistics is where wars are lost and won.  A quick look at the map will show that although Libya is well within the sphere of influence of Southern Europe, you're still flying a long way....over water at that...logistics is the devil in the details of this whole operation.

3.  What is the provision for CSAR?  US Harriers and soon Italian Harriers are/will be flying close air support missions.  F-16's and other airplanes will be joining the effort.  How will a pilot be rescued if they're shot down?  The French have personnel, the 26th MEU can do it but the planning for such an effort would seem to take longer than the actual rush to war would allow.

4.  Are we ready for the info war?  The Arabian states are already raising hackles about civilian casualties.  What happens when MSNBC news gets footage of a 'supposed' bomb going off inside of an orphanage with a 100 kids hurt?  Have we learned from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq?  If we have then the PAO's better be nimble and quick.

5.  The Marines are everywhere.  Fighting in Afghanistan.  Fighting in Libya.  Providing relief in Japan.  Pretty damn good for a redundant force huh?The three block war was originally thought to be something that would occur inside a city (think Fallujah)...It seems that its morphed into a global affair.  On a side note, it will be very difficult for the US Congress to press for defense cuts considering the last few months.

26th MEU planes strike Libya

via the USMC...

3/20/2011  By Capt. Richard K. Ulsh  , 26th MEU 

 

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from any further harm from the Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi regime, now involves 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aircraft, as part of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, Mar. 20. USS Kearsarge, At sea   —  Strikes from 26th MEU’s AV-8B Harriers against Qadhafi 's ground forces and air defenses commenced in the early morning hours joining an international effort to halt an offensive against the Libyan populace.
“Protecting the innocent and conducting combined operations are what we are designed to do,” said Col. Mark J. Desens, commanding officer of 26th MEU. “Our forces are doing both as part of the U.S. commitment to protect Libyan citizens.”
Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

And there you have it America.

Your US Marines are involved in action in the Middle East, North Africa, and participating in relief operations in Japan.

What was someone saying about the USMC being redundant???

WTF! Cracks in the hull of USS Freedom...flooding contained?

via Defense News...

A 6-inch crack in the hull of the littoral combat ship USS Freedom caused the ship to abort sea-keeping trials on Feb. 12 and return to its homeport of San Diego for repairs, the U.S. Navy confirmed March 18.
The crack, about three and a half feet below the waterline in a weld seam between two steel plates in the hull, allowed water to enter a void space in the ship, according to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Flooding was contained, however, and, at a speed of about 8 knots, the vessel sailed about 600 miles to San Diego to begin repairs.

Wow.

No comment on this one till I know more, but this isn't good.

Anti F-35 Talking Points.

Since Bruce Mcquain was kind enough to send me the F-35 talking points (be advised, you're my hero for that!)...I've been thinking that a list of "anti" F-35 talking points should be examined....

Talking Point 1.

The F-35 is too expensive.  A total misnomer.  The F-35 is on a cost curve that will have it being a very cost effective and affordable fighter.  The critics are using historical data but fail to take into account the scale of the buy.  Just the US Navy/Marine Corps buy will be bigger than the Typhoon program. 

Talking Point 2.

The F-35 isn't a real stealth fighter.  This one annoys me to no end.  What are the critics basing this on?  Unless they have the airplane and access to a radar range then they're spitting in the wind.  To compare the F-35 to foreign stealth fighters is equally silly.  Somehow they continue to do so and get away with it.

Talking Point 3.

The F-35 is short ranged.  This one in particular irks me.  The F-35 has a range greater than the legacy Hornet...greater than the Harrier...and all this on internal fuel.  To add insult to injury, these same people tout the F-22 as the solution to future conflicts in the Pacific but fail to acknowledge that the F-35 is longer ranged than the Raptor.

Talking Point 4.
The F-35 is poorly managed.  It has had its difficulties.  But to lambast an airplanes capabilities based on program management is silly.  And to be honest, name one major program that hasn't its issues.

And there are many more I'm sure.  Suffice it to say that the critics of this program are emotional, have ulterior motives/agendas and are not being honest. 

UH-1N retires at Pendleton...UH-1Y conversion complete.

via NBC San Diego...

A Marine Corps helicopter known as one of the Vietnam Era's most iconic aircraft is officially history.

The Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 (HMLA-469 ) and Marine Light Attack Training Squadron 303 (HMLA-T 303) honored the UH-1N Huey in a farewell ceremony at MCAS Camp Pendleton Friday afternoon.

The old "November" model huey is being replaced by the next generation,  UH-1Y "Yankee" aircraft, which flies faster, lifts more and uses more powerful weapons

Awesome.

The only thing left is to get the new models into service as fast as possible. 

No drawn out manufacturing to keep the lines open. 

Just get it done.

USMC F-35 Talking Points.

I got this forwarded to my by my buddy Bruce (thanks guy...this is just the ticket!)

 But before you read it, lets get a necessary definition out of the way.  What exactly is a 'talking point'?

via Wikipedia...

A talking point in debate or discourse is a succinct statement designed to persuasively support one side taken on an issue.^[1][2][3][4] Such statements can either be free standing or created as retorts to the opposition's talking points and are frequently used in public relations, particularly in areas heavy in debate such as politics...

 I'm thrilled to know that HQ's Marine Corps actually responded to the critics of this program.  'Bout time!

USMC STOVL

LCpl Schmuckatelli---Friday Humor and Terminal Lance.

I absolutely luv Terminal Lance...go to his site to read the story...its worth the time!

What was the movie???

090816-N-4205W-017 JOHN C. STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. (Aug. 16, 2009) Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen (SWCC) from Special Boat Team (SBT) 22 operate a special operations craft-riverine during the filming of a scene in a upcoming major motion picture. The movie is due in theaters in 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger/Released)

090816-N-4205W-033 JOHN C. STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. (Aug. 16, 2009) Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen (SWCC) from Special Boat Team 22 operate a special operations craft-riverine (SOC-R) during the filming of a scene in an upcoming major motion picture. The movie is due in theaters in 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger/Released)

If you read the captions on the above photos they talk about the Riverine's performing for a movie that supposedly came out in 2010...what was the movie???

Why the F-35 scares...

I've pondered long and hard about one thing.

Why does the F-35 scare its critics so much?

I can come up with only one answer.


It will drive fighter production and innovation for the foreseeable future.

Consider this.

With just the Navy/Marine Corps buy of this airplane, it will out number the total production of Eurofighters in service or planned.

With the combined Air Force/Navy/Marine Corps buy, it will out strip the purchase of the Eurofighter, Rafale and Gripen.

It will be---with just US purchases of this airplane...the dominant fighter on the planet.

Add in the allies and you have total dominance in the fighter market.

And thats the real fear.  Another market that the US will dominate...and for some that must not be allowed...even if their industry has a stake in the production.

Defense Talk's Concept Russian LCS Ships.

Its only a matter of time.  While these are concepts that some kid or even a professional artist came up with showing his vision of the future, you can bet that either the Russians or the Chinese are actually taking steps to duplicate and then perfect our designs.

Awesome stuff from my boys at Defense Talk.

MV-22 surpasses 100,000 flight hours during combat mission.

F-35 Flight Test Highlights.

The Mainstream Media Gets It! Build More AMPHIBS!

 

I got this from NRAINSTRUCTOR (thanks buddy!  welcome aboard!)

via The Atlantic...(follow the link and read the whole thing)

Of the 11 commissioned U.S. warships ships en route to Japan, almost half are big Cold War-era amphibious assault vessels purpose-built to land Marines on hostile shores. But while these unglamorous transport ships dispatch helicopters and critical aid to a grateful ally, they're being marginalized by a Navy that tends to fixate on the capabilities to wage a high-tech, blue-water war, while underestimating the importance of mundane disaster-response work in maintaining our global power and influence.

The Navy's amphibious forces have carried out the lion's share of America's disaster-response work, responding to 114 crises and contingencies over the past 20 years. Yet this enviable record means little inside the beltway. With the recent cancellation of the pricey $25-million dollar Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, a specialized floating tank meant to speed Marines from sea to shore, defense leaders are signaling that troop transporters, helicopter carriers, and other old-school "charge the beach" tools of amphibious warfare are obsolete and not worth full funding. The EFV deserved cancellation for a number of reasons, not the least of which was its price tag, but skeptics of amphibious warfare are using the EFV's demise to claim that the amphibious fleet as a whole has lost its reason for being and should be cut.

But even as Washington cuts, more countries are investing in amphibious warfare platforms than ever before.

Not the story big Navy wants out.

Not a story about the glorious aircraft carriers.

Not a story about the exotic and powerful destroyers.

Not a story about a "Global Force for Good".

A story about the busiest ships in the fleet. 

ABOUT DAMN TIME!