Alert 5

33rd RQS bids farewell to the workhorse HH-60G Pave Hawk with formation flight

Posted on May 7, 2024 by alert5

The 33rd Rescue Squadron (RQS) of the U.S. Air Force commemorated the storied legacy of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with a formation flight, marking the imminent transition to the newer HH-60W “Whiskey” model for the unit based in Japan.

U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawks assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron fly in formation over Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 16, 2024. The HH-60G has served the 33rd RQS in fulfilling the motto, “that others may live,” for over 30 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessi Roth)

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Dick Rutan, pioneering aviator and Voyager pilot, dies at 85

Posted on May 6, 2024 by alert5

Dick Rutan, a decorated Vietnam War pilot who co-piloted the history-making Voyager aircraft on the first non-stop, refuel-free circumnavigation of the globe, passed away on May 3 at the age of 85.

By Government of the United States – <a rel=”nofollow” class=”external free” href=”http://www.hill.af.mil/museum/history/rutan.htm”>http://www.hill.af.mil/museum/history/rutan.htm</a>], Public Domain, Link

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FRCE restores A-4M

Posted on May 5, 2024May 4, 2024 by alert5

The Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, recently completed a unique project: restoring a retired Douglas A-4M Skyhawk to its former glory for static display.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently restored a retired Douglas A-4M Skyhawk. The aircraft will be a historical display onboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to honor local Marine Attack Squadron 223, who are known for being the last operational A-4 squadron on the East Coast. For many FRCE artisans, this was their first time working on an A-4, which made for a unique experience.

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South Korean KA-1 shot down unidentified balloon in March

Posted on May 4, 2024 by alert5

In an incident raising questions about potential airspace incursions, the South Korean military shot down an unidentified balloon over the Yellow Sea in March 2024. The balloon, measuring approximately two meters in diameter, was detected by the Marine Corps stationed on Baengnyeong Island near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) – the de facto inter-Korean maritime border.

대한민국 국군 Republic of Korea Armed Forces, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Four rare Mitsubishi F1M floatplanes are for sale

Posted on May 4, 2024May 4, 2024 by alert5

Four Mitsubishi F1M2 “Pete” floatplanes, relics of World War II, are currently for sale in Blenheim, New Zealand. The airframes, offered by Controller.com, are described as complete fuselages but lacking wings and engines based on photos provided.

By Imperial Japanese Navy – <a rel=”nofollow” class=”external free” href=”https://www.tracesofwar.com/upload/articles/f1m_00637_2g.jpg”>https://www.tracesofwar.com/upload/articles/f1m_00637_2g.jpg</a>, Public Domain, Link

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