Alert 5

Aviation News

Category: Navy

Sailors transitioning to CMV-22B are embedded with VMM-166 in Middle East

Posted on by alert5

A group of U.S. Navy aviators, aircrew, and maintainers selected to transition to the CMV-22B are now embedded with VMM-166 in the Middle East to pick up opearational experience.

U.S. Navy Sailors with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (Reinforced,) assigned to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command 20.2, stand in front of a MV-22B Osprey in Kuwait, Aug. 5, 2020. Sailors, who will eventually transition to the Navy’s CMV-22B Osprey, are currently deployed to the Middle East with the California-based Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Cutler Brice)

Continue reading “Sailors transitioning to CMV-22B are embedded with VMM-166 in Middle East”

E-2C struck CATM-9X during bolter

Posted on by alert5

A E-2C assigned to VAW-116 struck a captive training AIM-9X on the wing of a F/A-18F during a “hook-skip bolter” on Aug. 23.

171006-N-MJ135-437 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 6, 2017) An E-2C Hawkeye, assigned to the Sunkings of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment, Oct. 6, to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Roberts/Released)

Continue reading “E-2C struck CATM-9X during bolter”

RQ-21A could get VTOL kit as part of upgrades

Posted on by alert5

Speaking at the Unmanned Systems Defense, Protection, Security virtual conference on Sept. 9, Rear Adm. Brian Corey, program executive officer – Unmanned and Strike Weapons, told the audience that a series of upgrades to the RQ-21A unmanned air vehicle is being planned.

RQ-21A Blackjack before launch at MCAS Cherry Point in March 2016
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird / Public domain

Continue reading “RQ-21A could get VTOL kit as part of upgrades”

Philippine Navy waiting for British instructors to arrive for AW159 training with Jose Rizal-class frigate

Posted on by alert5

The Philippine Navy’s plan to integrate its AW159 naval helicopter with the Jose Rizal-class frigate is put on hold at the moment due to COVID-19 pandemic.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 21, 2020) Republic of the Philippines Navy ship BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150) steams in a multinational formation during a photo exercise off the coast of Hawaii during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. “Like-minded nations come together in RIMPAC in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific where all nations enjoy unfettered access to the seas and airways in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) upon which all nations’ economies depend,” said Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Ten nations, 22 ships, 1 submarine, and more than 5,300 personnel are participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific from August 17 to 31 at sea around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC is a biennial exercise designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise is a unique training platform designed to enhance interoperability and strategic maritime partnerships. RIMPAC 2020 is the 27th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rawad Madanat)

Continue reading “Philippine Navy waiting for British instructors to arrive for AW159 training with Jose Rizal-class frigate”