The U.S. Marine Corps 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit declared that the air wing on board amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) has air operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from Feb. 13.
210213-M-PQ459-1013 ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 13, 2021) – A U.S. Marine Corps F35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Feb. 13. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Stegall)
The Asahi has disclosed that the two new Aegis warships that Japan plans to build as the alternative to land-base Aegis Ashore sites are only able to be on station to defend the country for up to 126 days a year.
U.S. Air Force and Koku-Jieitai participants of exercise Cope North 21 conduct a hot refuel of F-16 Fighting Falcons while participating in an agile combat employment scenario at Northwest Field, Guam during exercise Cope North 21 Feb. 15, 2021. Engagements incorporating ACE concepts in “less than optimal environments” improve interoperability among our forces and help allies and partners increase their capabilities, creating the greatest possible opportunity for long-term advancement of our combined interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan)