Blue Angels Conduct inaugural MAAS test at Camp Grayling for Cherry Festival Airshow

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels successfully tested a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) for the first time at Camp Grayling Army Airfield on Jun. 26th. This test and certification served as a crucial element in their participation in the subsequent National Cherry Festival Air Show held in Traverse City on Jun. 29-30th.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels conducted their inaugural test and certification of the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) at Camp Grayling Army Airfield, Michigan, on June 26, 2024, in preparation for their performance at the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City, which took place on June 29-30, 2024. The MAAS was specifically brought to Camp Grayling to support the Blue Angels for this event.
The MAAS is critical for the safe landing of high-performance aircraft like the Blue Angels’ F/A-18 Hornets. These systems, which include hook cables and barriers, are essential for stopping aircraft within a short distance, ensuring safety in emergency situations. Regular maintenance and testing, such as the exercises conducted at Camp Grayling, are vital to keep the system operational. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Jennifer Caverson)

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RAAF and International Partners light up Mindil Beach with Pitch Black Flying Display

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) successfully hosted the annual Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display at Mindil Beach yesterday, Jul. 18th. The free, non-ticketed event drew crowds eager to witness a spectacular showcase of international military aircraft.

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Greece weighs F-16 transfer to Ukraine amidst modernization efforts

Greece is considering the potential transfer of 32 older F-16 Block 30 fighter jets to Ukraine as the war-torn nation seeks to bolster its air defense capabilities. This decision comes as Greece embarks on a significant modernization of its own air force, upgrading existing F-16s and acquiring new Rafale and potentially F-35 fighter jets.
F16 - RIAT 2015 (23239764043)
Tim Felce [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. Army and NATO Allies demonstrate A400M’s HIRAIN capability

The U.S. Army, in conjunction with NATO allies, has successfully conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN) operation utilizing an Airbus A400M transport aircraft for the first time. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant advancement in the rapid deployment of HIMARS using cargo aircraft.

M142 HIMARS fires a rocket as part of Nordic Strike 22 (2)
Dean Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Australian P-8A Poseidon flexes anti-submarine muscle at RIMPAC

A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 11 Squadron conducted a simulated attack on a US Navy Los Angeles-class attack submarine, USS Topeka (SSN 754), utilizing four Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedoes during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.

Air Force aviators from No. 11 Squadron, CPL Brendan King and CPL Zachary Sellman, fit a Mk54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo to a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. *** Local Caption *** Approximately 320 Australian Defence Force personnel have joined twenty-nine international partners to undertake the world’s largest international maritime exercise.
Held across training areas in and around the Hawaiian Islands from 26 June to 02 August 2024, Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC) is a biennial international military exercise hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The ADF contribution includes the Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class guided missile destroyer (DDG) HMAS Sydney and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
RIMPAC aims to be the premier joint combined maritime exercise and enables Australia to strengthen international partnerships, enhance interoperability and improve readiness for a wide range of potential operations.
This year RIMPAC will feature 30 nations, 40 surface ships, four submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel.

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