Month: March 2023

RAF to appoint first non-pilot chief in historic move

Posted on March 31, 2023 by alert5

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to appoint an officer who has never served as a pilot as its head for the first time in its history, according to sources. Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, an engineer, is expected to be named as the next Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and replace Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, who is due to step down in the summer. This move is being considered a significant milestone as it will break an important glass ceiling. Several former RAF officers have questioned whether Air Marshal Knighton has enough operational experience, given his background.

Photo: SAC Gemma Nagi/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Bahrain to buy 24 refurbished AH-1Ws

Posted on March 30, 2023 by alert5

Bahrain has been approved by the State Department for a possible Foreign Military Sale of equipment and services to refurbish 24 AH-1W multi-role helicopters. The estimated total cost is $350 million and includes refurbishment of a full-motion Aircraft Procedures Trainer, missile launchers, spare aircraft engines, spare parts, support, training, publications, and logistics program support.

Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Hays, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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173rd FW to host nose art contest for Month of the Military Child

Posted on March 30, 2023 by alert5

Hey there young military dependents of Oregon, are you ready to showcase your artistic skills and celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child? The 173rd Fighter Wing Military and Family Readiness Center is organizing a super fun ‘Nose Art’ contest just for you!

Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar
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South Korea to proceed with purchase of CH-47F helicopters

Posted on March 29, 2023 by alert5

South Korea has approved a plan to purchase new heavy-lift CH-47F Chinook helicopters from the U.S. defense firm Boeing to replace its aging CH-47D fleet. The Defense Project Promotion Committee has endorsed a $1.15 billion plan to acquire the helicopters through 2028, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Georgia Army National Guard’s Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion, conducts multi-ship flight training Wednesday near Savannah Ga. These crewmembers are preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan in the spring of 2014. (Georgia Army National Guard Photo by Maj. Will Cox/Released)

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South Korea and U.S. conduct first THAAD remote launcher drill

Posted on March 29, 2023 by alert5

South Korea and the U.S. have conducted their first joint training on the operation of a remote launcher for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The drill took place as part of the Freedom Shield joint exercise, which aims to enhance combat readiness and joint defense posture against North Korea’s advancing missile threat.

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