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Carrier swap creates rare training opportunity for CVW-5

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A strategic hull swap between USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) has opened a unique window for Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) to complete its Air Wing Fallon (AWF) training with full participation. This rare occurrence, stemming from the transition in the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) in the Indo-Pacific region, marks the first time in over nine years that the entire air wing has trained together at the Navy’s premier tactical aviation training facility.

A Naval Aviator enters the cockpit of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 during Air Wing Fallon training for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 on Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Sept. 6, 2024. NAS Fallon hosts the NavyÕs premier integrated training facility, providing live, virtual and constructive training opportunities. For five weeks, CVW-5 mission-planned, rehearsed in a virtual environment, refined tactical plans and executed live-flight missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Gavin Graham)

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Hawgsmoke 2024: A-10 Thunderbolt II’s Swan Song

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In the sun-baked skies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, the distinctive silhouette of the A-10 Thunderbolt II once again dominated the horizon. From Sept. 11-15, the base played host to Hawgsmoke, a competition that has become a revered tradition in the A-10 community. This year’s event, possibly the last of its kind, served as both a testament to the Warthog’s enduring capabilities and a poignant farewell to an aircraft that has defined close air support for over four decades.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II fires its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun at the Barry M. Goldwater Range near Gila Bend, Ariz., as part of the close air support competition during Hawgsmoke 2024 on Sept. 13, 2024. The A-10, known for its iconic role in protecting ground forces, continues to demonstrate its relevance in modern combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken)

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L3Harris initiates production of Viper Shield EW Suite for the F-16

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L3Harris Technologies has commenced production of its cutting-edge Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) suite, marking a significant milestone in F-16 fighter jet capabilities. The all-digital system, officially designated AN/ALQ-254(V)1, is set to equip F-16 fleets across six nations, enhancing their combat readiness against emerging threats.


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VMFA-251 is the first East Coast-based U.S. Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C

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In a pivotal moment for U.S. Marine Corps aviation, the skies over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, witnessed a new era of aerial supremacy. On September 17, 2024, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, better known as the “Thunderbolts,” received their first F-35C Lightning II jet, heralding a new chapter in the squadron’s storied history and marking a significant milestone in the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, from Virginia and commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, taxis an F-35C Lightning Il at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

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