The South China Sea is currently witnessing an exciting display of naval power as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG) embark on a combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operation. The NIMCSG is made up of some of the most formidable units in the U.S. Navy, including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, and the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 17. Meanwhile, the MKI ARG comprises units from Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), adding a powerful amphibious capability to the operation.
230211-N-DU622-1588 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 11, 2023) An MV-22 Osprey from the “Ugly Angels” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 flies by the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Group (MKI ARG) with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations in the South China Sea as part of continuing and routine interoperability training operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)
The U.S. Congressional Budget Office has recently released a report comparing the availability and use of the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter with their predecessor, the F/A-18C/D Hornets, as well as other aircraft operated by the Navy and the Air Force. The report measures availability as the percentage of time an aircraft can be flown on training or operational missions and use as the number of hours flown on those missions, expressed as average monthly flying hours per aircraft.
An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric M. Butler/Released)
The U.S. Navy is always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead of the game. With the rapidly changing technology and advancements in military weaponry, it is essential for the Navy to adapt and upgrade its training programs. The latest step in this direction is the implementation of Project Avenger, which is set to revolutionize the way the Navy trains its personnel. The first squadron to integrate the syllabus of Project Avenger will be VT-28 in April.
160621-N-HV841-6029 Milton, Fl. (June 21, 2016) Two T-6B Texan II aircraft fly in formation.
Carrier-borne variants of the LCA and MiG-29 have landed and taken off from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time on Feb. 6.
The U.S. military’s development of hypersonic missiles has been analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and the results are in. Hypersonic weapons, capable of flying at five times the speed of sound, are touted as the future of rapid strike capabilities. However, according to the CBO, there are still hurdles to overcome before these missiles can be fully operational.
