The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the U.S. Navy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Dec. 6 aimed at bolstering cooperation between their electronic attack squadrons. The agreement, inked at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, marks a new chapter for the JMSDF’s VQ-81, which for decades has trained closely with the U.S. Navy’s VQ-1, a squadron now in the midst of retiring its venerable EP-3E Aries II aircraft.
NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI (Dec. 6, 2024) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Vice Adm. Koji Kaneshima, Commander, Fleet Air Force (CFAF), right, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, pose for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to increase bilateral operations between the forces’ electronic attack squadrons, at the CFAF headquarters aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Dec. 6. The MOU represented a pledge between the two commanders to increase bilateral operations and training between the JMSDF Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 and CTF 70 electronic attack assets. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Caroline H. Lui) Continue reading “JMSDF, U.S. Navy sign new electronic attack pact as EP-3 era ends”
Saab has snagged a noteworthy contract, worth $48 million, to supply its cutting-edge Giraffe 4A radar systems to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Deliveries of these mobile, multi-function radar systems are expected to commence in 2027 with BAE Systems Technical Solutions & Services Inc. serving as the prime contractor for this award.
The U.S. Navy is grappling with a hidden enemy that could be as dangerous as any adversary on the battlefield: brain injuries, according to a report by The New York Times. The paper’s investigation focuses on the elite fighter pilots trained at TOPGUN, where the constant exposure to high-G forces may be taking a devastating toll on their brains.
170215-N-GD109-029 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 15, 2017) Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zackary Alan Landers takes a selfie while flying with two F/A-18E Super Hornets assigned to the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 over the Philippine Sea during operations with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers/Released) Continue reading “Are elite U.S. Navy pilots suffering brain injuries?”
Sixty-six years after the last U.S. Air Force warrant officer retired, a new generation donned the distinctive rank insignia, signifying a return to a tradition rooted in technical mastery. On Dec. 6, 30 individuals graduated from the Warrant Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, ready to embark on careers as technical experts and advisors in specialized fields like cyber, intelligence, and space. Their graduation marks the culmination of a strategic initiative led by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin to address the service’s growing need for highly skilled technical professionals.
Warrant Officer Training School class 25-01 meets with Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Dec. 6, 2024. The Warrant Officer Candidates endured an 8-week training intended to make the candidates professional warfighters, technical integrators and credible advisors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evan Lichtenhan) Continue reading “Warrant Officers return to the U.S. Air Force”
The first Lockheed Martin F-35A for the Belgian Air Component touched down at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on Dec. 3. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Belgian Air Component as they transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The arrival represents a significant leap forward for the Belgian Air Component, equipping them with fifth-generation fighter capabilities.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Wall, 312th Fighter Squadron commander, taxis the first Belgian Air Component F-35A Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marked the beginning of Belgium’s transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson) Continue reading “Belgian F-35 arrive at Luke to begin training”
