Alert 5

VMFT-402 begins standup at MCAS Beaufort

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has taken a significant step in enhancing its training capabilities with the arrival of the first F-5N Tiger II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina back in May. These aircraft will form the foundation of Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 402, the service’s second adversary squadron.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-5N Tiger II with Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 402, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, May 30, 2024. VMFT-402 will be the Marine Corps’ second adversary squadron and will officially be redesignated in Sept. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

RAF 14 Squadron drops historic nickname following complaint

Posted on July 30, 2024 by alert5

A longstanding tradition at the Royal Air Force’s 14 Squadron has come to an end following a formal complaint. The squadron, formed in 1915 and nicknamed the ‘Crusaders’ after its involvement in operations over Gaza and Palestine during World War I, has been ordered to remove all references to the name.

Jerry Gunner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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VMFA-311 nears IOC milestone with F-35C

Posted on July 29, 2024 by alert5

U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311) is on the cusp of declaring Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, marking a significant milestone for the squadron and the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cassandra Touchstone, left, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35C Lightning II aircraft before a basic fighter maneuver training flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 12, 2024. During the flight, Maj. Timothy Potter, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with VMFA-311 and a graduate of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, commonly known as TOPGUN, instructed Touchstone to increase her proficiency in fighter maneuvers, or dogfighting. Touchstone is pursuing the air combat maneuvering qualification which enables pilots to conduct air-to-air combat training without an instructor present. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

NORAD tracks Chinese H-6K bombers within Alaska ADIZ for the first time

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 by alert5

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) conducted a series of intercepts involving Russian and Chinese military aircraft operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Jul. 24.

Two CF-18 Hornets, two F-35 Lighting II, and two F-16 Fighting Falcons fighter aircraft from NORAD positively identified and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024. NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft in seamless interoperability to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America. (Department of Defense Photo)

Royal Thai Air Force Gripens excel at Pitch Black 2024 with 100% mission capable rate

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 by alert5

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has showcased its capabilities during Exercise Pitch Black 2024, operating a contingent of Gripen fighter aircraft from RAAF Darwin, Australia. The exercise provided a platform for the RTAF to train in a complex, high-intensity environment alongside international partners.

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