War On Terror News

Airstrikes Kill 31 Al-Qaeda Terrorists in Yemen

A series of airstrikes have pounded suspected militant locations across Yemen, killing more than 30 terrorists.

Yemeni security officials confirmed the airstrikes, which started late Friday and continued into Saturday.

Officials say at least 25 terrorists linked to al-Qaida were killed late Friday in Bayda, southeast of the capital of Sana'a. At least another 6 terrorists were killed in separate strikes in the southern town of Jaar, seized by Al-Qaeda last year.

Some witnesses and tribal sources in Bayda blamed the attacks directly on the U.S. military. One local resident accused the strikes of killing innocent civilians.

“We don't want war. We don't want killing. We wanted peace.”

Terrorists expanded their base in Yemen during the months of turmoil that eventually resulted in the ouster of president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who formally stepped down last month.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia – Yemen's neighbor – have been concerned about the expansion of al-Qaida in Yemen. VoA.

National treasure: Tuskegee Airman shares history w/aviation Soldiers

By Army National Guard Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (2/22/12) – Not many people are considered a national treasure, and if you mention that William T. Fauntroy Jr. is, he’ll simply smile back at you and continue on with one of his many humorous stories about the time he spent as a Tuskegee Airman.

William T. Fauntroy Jr., a Tuskegee Airman and resident of the District of Columbia, speaks to Soldiers and family members from the Operational Support Airlift Agency during a ceremony to celebrate Black History Month at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Va., Feb. 21, 2012. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Darron Salzer)

Fauntroy’s experience with the Tuskegee Airmen, as he tells it, began in July of 1944 after he qualified and passed a battery of tests that certified him to enter the Army Air Corps as a pre-aviation cadet at Tuskegee Army Air Field.

“It wasn’t until May of 1945,” he said to a crowd of Soldiers and family gathered to hear him speak at an Operational Support Airlift Agency event, “that I went into training to become a pilot, but in the meantime I did a lot of things that made me proud, made me angry, and made me thankful.”

Air Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing “skis” into remote missions

By T.G. Kistler  Air Mobility Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (2/15/12) – This winter has been one of the warmest in history, and in many parts of the country skiers are crying and snowboarders are bummed. But there's an organization in upstate New York that looks for winter and finds it all year long.

An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing takes off on the Greenland ice cap during a mission in September 2008. The 109th AW is the only organization in the U.S. military that flies the ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft. (Courtesy photo)

The 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York, flies the only ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft in the U.S. military. Their mission is to provide open field airlift support to the National Science Foundation scientific research missions in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

SMDC successfully launches short range ballistic target

February 15, 2012 By SMDC Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command successfully completed a test flight of the new Economical Target-1, Feb. 15 at Eglin Air Force Base.

The Economical Target-1, or ET-1, missile was launched from the Santa Rosa Test Site with the support of the 46th Test Wing on Eglin Air Force Base into the ocean area within the test range. The target missile's flight was successfully tracked by several range sensors and preliminary indications are that all data collection objectives were met.

The Economical Tactical Ballistic Missile was successfully launched Feb. 15, off the 25K Transportable Target Launcher from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This launch demonstrated the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command's capability to provide low-cost targets to a variety of customers. Total flight time was approximately four minutes.

"The Army and Department of Defense require threat-representative targets in testing," said Bryon Manley, SMDC/ARSTRAT Technical Center flight test services chief. "The ET-1 provides a cost effective, rail-launched, theater-class tactical ballistic missile target, and the ET-1 is a new low-cost short range ballistic missile designed to supplement aging flight test inventories."

'Pedro' crew member's helmet recovered - a decade after rescue mission

2/15/2012  By Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point 

MERRITT, N.C.— During a routine pre-deployment exercise on February 10, 1999, an AH-1W Super Cobra crashed near the Pamlico Sound, about ten miles from Piney Island, N.C. MERRITT, N.C.  —

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Pamlico County residents Bob and Beverly Fruhling sit in front of the Pamlico River near where former Cobra pilot Dennis DeRienzo's helmet was found after Hurricane Irene.

 (By Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson)

Search and rescue Marines with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point’s Marine Transport Squadron 1, “Pedro,” responded to the accident in less than hour, flying in one of their HH-46E rescue helicopters, reports state.

Pedro immediately provided aid to the two stranded Cobra pilots, who were estimated to have been floating in the ice cold water for almost 30 minutes. Reports state the rocket’s aft retainer ring separated from the rocket launcher and struck the rear stabilizer of the helicopter, causing it to lose control.

The two pilots were recovered safely but most of their gear was not, including one of their helmets.

Captain Wales and fellow trainees complete Apache training

A Training and Adventure news article

9 Feb 12

His Royal Highness Prince Harry, or Captain Wales as he is known in the Army, has been named best co-pilot gunner in his Apache training course.

Captain Wales prepares his Apache for a mission during Exercise Crimson Eagle
[Picture: Sergeant Russ Nolan RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Captain Wales and his fellow trainees have now completed the Conversion to Role (CTR) course which involves 18 months of rigorous training on the Apache attack helicopter.

During a dinner to mark the end of the course on Tuesday 7 February 2012, Captain Wales and his fellow students were congratulated by the Apache Force Commander, Colonel Neale Moss, who said they were now up to the challenge of operating one of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world.

MoD to buy extra C-17 aircraft

An Equipment and Logistics news article

8 Feb 12

Prime Minister David Cameron has today announced that the MOD is to order an additional C-17 Globemaster, taking the number of aircraft in the RAF's fleet to eight.

A Royal Air Force C-17 transport aircraft at an air base in the Middle East (stock image)
[Picture: Sergeant Ross Tilly RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Cameron said:

"Because the Ministry of Defence's finances are better run and better managed, and because we have found savings, we will be able to purchase an additional C-17 for the RAF.

"This aircraft is becoming an absolutely brilliant workhorse for the RAF in terms of bringing men and material into a war zone like Afghanistan, but also evacuating civilians in times of need.

"It's an important investment for the country and I'm glad to announce we can make it today."

NATO Meeting: "Shared Defense" Means US to pay for NATO UAV's/Afghan Army

Senior Official Sums Up NATO Defense Meetings

By Karen Parrish, American Forces Press Service, ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Feb. 3, 2012 - The NATO defense meetings that concluded this morning in Brussels were "very productive" on alliance issues ranging from Afghanistan to Kosovo to smart defense, a senior defense official told reporters traveling with Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.

The ministers' discussions about Afghanistan were positive, and laid the groundwork for the NATO summit set for Chicago in May, the official said, speaking on background. Ministers from International Security Assistance Force troop-contributing nations are in general agreement about the steps needed to transition Afghanistan's security to Afghan forces by 2014, and are in "total unity" on the transition framework agreed upon in Lisbon, Portugal, in November 2010, the official added.

French leaders have debated continued participation in ISAF since the Jan. 20 death of four French soldiers and the wounding of 15 others at the hands of an Afghan soldier. But the French delegation to this week's meeting "had to have been impressed by the fact that everyone else was speaking with one voice" on commitment to the Lisbon framework, the official said.

Somali Islamists Confirm Explosive Death of British Al-Qaeda Member

Insurgents in Somalia say a drone aircraft strike has killed an al-Qaida operative fighting alongside the al-Shabab rebels.

An al-Shabab spokesman identified the fighter as British passport holder Bilal al-Berjawi. He said drone-fired missiles hit Berjawi's car south of Mogadishu on Saturday.

There has been no independent confirmation.

The United States has authorized covert missions against insurgents in the Horn of Africa, but does not comment officially on drone attacks.

People in the nearby town of Elasha reported hearing at least two explosions.

Berjawi's reported killing came a day after Somalia's transitional government announced a major push to rid Mogadishu of al-Shabab militants.

RIP Capt Bartle, Capt McHone, MSgt Riddick, Cpl Stites, Cpl Reinhard, Cpl Logan

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of six Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Killed were:

Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, of Ferndale, Wash.

Capt. Nathan R. McHone, 29, of Crystal Lake, Ill.

MSgt. Travis W. Riddick, 40, of Centerville, Iowa.

Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, 23, of North Beach, Md.

Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard, 25, of Colonia, N.J.

Cpl. Joseph D. Logan, 22, of Willis, Texas.

These Marines died January 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned toMarine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

War In Afghanistan News - 21 Jan 2012

ISAF joins President Karzai in condmenation of attack on French Troops.  France is considering an early withdrawal unless the Security Situation is improved.  France has suspended ANSF training operations.

 A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Achin district, Nangarhar province, Friday.

The leader, Khetab Gul, was responsible for a recent suicide car bomb attack in Nangarhar province. He also constructed roadside bombs, planned attacks and distributed bomb-making materials to insurgent fighters throughout the province.

During the operation, several armed insurgents barricaded themselves inside a building and fired at the security force. The security force responded to the immediate threat and returned fire, killing Khetab Gul and two additional insurgents.

The security force also confiscated several firearms during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

The FACTS: Army statement on MEDEVAC issue

January 20, 2012 By Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (Jan. 20, 2012) -- "Recent news items about the use of Army medical evacuation, or MEDEVAC, helicopters in Afghanistan contain troubling information. The reporting suggests that putting red crosses on MEDEVACs, and not arming them somehow, is putting injured Soldiers' lives at risk. The facts do not support these assertions for several reasons.

First, there is no evidence, implied or proven, that the enemy deliberately targets MEDEVAC helicopters, but we know from hard experience that the enemy does try to shoot down any and all U.S. and coalition aircraft. Further, all helicopters in Afghanistan fly in pairs as a force protection matter. It's the way we do business and to suggest that arming MEDEVAC aircraft would result in crews launching sooner is a dubious assertion.

U.S. Army Soldiers transport a trauma victim to a U.S. Army medical helicopter in Tarmiyah, Iraq, Sept. 30, 2007. The Soldiers are from Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

Here are the facts: DOD has specifically tasked the Army, not any other service, to provide a standing MEDEVAC capability. The other services, as well as the Army in some cases, fly CASEVAC missions. This is a critical distinction. CASEVAC stands for Casualty Evacuation, which is a technical distinction that means they use whatever helicopters are available at the moment to extract the wounded or downed aircrews. However, DOD has tasked the Army to provide evacuation to the MEDEVAC standard, which means our MEDEVAC crews and helicopters are purpose built, manned, trained and equipped to provide advanced trauma care in flight.

Multinational MEDEVAC Training at Camp Marmal

The story focuses on recent and ongoing multinational MEDEVAC training at Camp Marmal, Regional Command North, Afghanistan.

 

The prime aspects of the evolution concern personnel and gear hoist methods and procedures from a helicopter, Personal Recovery Team members interacting with medical personnel, and working in a multinational environment.

Produced by Regional Command North Public Affairs.

War In Afghanistan News - 15 JAN 2012

Afghan and Coalition forces killed three insurgents and detained 14 suspected individuals in eastern Afghanistan during operations throughout the past 24 hours, Jan. 13.  

Two unmanned aerial vehicles crashed due to engine failure, in Khowst and Logar provinces.

Coalition Forces detained one suspicious individual after he was found video recording their convoy in Maidan Shahr District, Wardak Province. The detainee was safely transported to a nearby base for questioning.

Complete details below the break.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News

 

Kenyan Airstrike Kills 60+ al-Shabab Somali Terrorists

A Kenyan spokesman says jet fighters have killed dozens of al-Qaida-linked terrorists gathered in southern Somalia, as part of an ongoing effort to force them out of the country.

The spokesman told reporters Saturday that at least 60 al-Shabab terrorists were killed in Friday's airstrikes in the town of Garbaharey in Somalia's Gedo area. He said the military was tipped off about the militants' whereabouts, and that he expects the death toll from the attack will rise.

Kenyan forces entered Somalia in October to push back al-Shabab, which controls large sections of southern and central Somalia, and is blamed by Kenya for a series of cross-border kidnappings.

In a related development, Britain said Saturday that London believes there is a heightened terrorist threat in Kenya. A Foreign Office statement says Britain believes terrorists may be “in the final stages of planning attacks.”

On Wednesday, the Kenyan army said the southern Somalia town of Fafadun was seized in an operation that killed three al-Shabab members.

A Kenyan spokesman said the dead include a key al-Shabab leader in the Gedo region, Sheikh Hassan Hussein.

Al-Shabab is known for enforcing a strict brand of Islam in the areas under its rule. The group has also blocked most international aid workers from accessing parts of Somalia suffering from drought and famine.

Marines control air in southwestern Afghanistan

1/5/2012  By Cpl. Justin M. Boling  , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) 

  CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan  —  Fewer than 100 Marines control nearly 100,000 square miles of airspace in southwestern Afghanistan.

Sgt. Travis Bryant is one of these Marines. Bryant, a tactical air traffic controller, spends his days in the back of a modified humvee. He spends up to 12 hours every day watching blips on a radar scope each a helicopter or jet flown by a coalition pilots. He speaks through a headset to the pilots advising  them of other traffic and keeping  them out of harm’s way.

The Marines of Marine Air Control Squadron 2, who operate the Tactical Air Operations Center at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, are responsible for assisting hundreds of aircraft in completing their mission every day. The Marines work around the clock manning radar equipment and communicating with pilots to help keep them out of harm’s way in Afghanistan., Cpl. Justin M. Boling, 12/29/2011

 “There is no training evolution that will fully prepare somebody for the job they are going to do out here,” said Gunnery Sgt.  Richard White, a Marine Corps tactical air traffic controller. “Despite the great training we do in the States, it is not nearly as complex with as many aircraft and nations all participating in operations.”

Taliban Commander killed by UK Apache

A Military Operations news article

5 Jan 12

A senior Taliban commander has been killed by an Apache helicopter strike during an operation conducted by British and Afghan soldiers to disrupt activity in an insurgent 'safe haven' in Helmand province

A Hellfire missile from a British Army Apache helicopter strikes an insurgent firing position
[Picture: Sergeant Wes Calder, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Soldiers from D Company, 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES), and their partners from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have been taking the fight to the insurgents in the south of the Nahr-e Saraj district for the last few weeks.

In the past two months, the combined forces have pushed the insurgency out of the Babaji area of the district, helping the Afghan police to build new checkpoints and cut off routes used by insurgents to infiltrate the area, and increase security.

Now the British soldiers and the ANSF have handed over responsibility for security for Babaji to Afghan police and are turning their attention to the Kopak region in the north of their area of operations - an insurgent 'safe haven'.

In Operation KAPCHA SHKAR KAWEL, or 'Cobra Hunt', more than 40 Riflemen and members of the ANSF set out to disrupt the insurgency and gather intelligence on Taliban leaders in the area.

After two hours Taliban fighters began to fire on the troops and were spotted in the act by intelligence assets.

One of the fighters was tracked by a supporting Apache gunship, and when he opened fire on the patrol again the Apache was cleared to engage and fired a Hellfire missile at his position.

The 5 RIFLES soldiers and the Afghan National Army troops were then able to finish their mission and gather crucial intelligence.

It was later discovered that the insurgent killed in the Apache strike was a senior commander in the local area.

Captain Ben Worley is the D Company fire support team commander, who co-ordinates between the infantry on the ground and support assets like the Apache. He said the strike will have damaged the insurgent command structure in the area, adding:

"An insurgent of this calibre is hard to find, and this has been a decisive blow to the insurgency here. It was a great start to the operation and will set the conditions for the future of D Company in the Kopak area."

Bombardier Joe Harris is the tactical air controller for D Company and is responsible for the co-ordination of air assets in the area. He said:

"We had tracked this guy for some time before finally getting into position to strike. It was a relief to finally get him as he had been firing at our lads on the ground and could have caused casualties."

Major Matt Baker, Officer Commanding D Company, said:

"We clearly took them by surprise because after we hit them with the Apache they just didn't want to know anymore, and were in a state of shock for about 30 minutes.

"The Afghan Police are now in a position to take lead responsibility for security in Babaji. I've been genuinely impressed by them and know they are ready to take over."

Major Chris Bisset, Army Air Corps (AAC), Officer Commanding the UK Apache Squadron on Op HERRICK, said:

"This is a good example of why the Apache attack helicopter is deployed to support troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

"The British AAC Apaches are flown by Army pilots who have a very good understanding of what the ground commander is trying to achieve.

"This insurgent had been attempting to shoot at coalition troops over a sustained period. By closely co-ordinating with the ground forces, we were able to engage him in a safe area, which then allowed the troops on the ground to return to their primary job of reassuring and protecting the local population."

(c) MoD

UAE Buys New Missile Defenses

The United States and the United Arab Emirates have signed a deal for a missile defense system in the Persian Gulf nation.

The Pentagon said in a statement Friday that U.S.-based defense contractor Lockheed Martin has been awarded a nearly $2 billion contract to supply the UAE with two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Systems (THAAD).

Defense officials say the deal includes additional equipment, training and support that boosts the total value of the package to approximately $3.48 billion.

The missile system upgrade is part of the Obama administration's efforts to build up defenses of its allies in the Middle East to offset Iran's expanding ballistic missile arsenal.

Tensions increased this week when Tehran threatened to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key Persian Gulf oil transport route, if the Obama administration imposed sanctions on Iran's oil exports.

The UAE project follows Thursday's announcement that the U.S. was selling another ally, Saudi Arabia, 84 fighter jets worth $30 billion.

In September 2010, the United States agreed to sell more than 200 Patriot missiles to Kuwait worth $900 million. VoA

Saudi F-15 Inventory to be Doubled

F-15 Sale to Saudi Arabia Part of Broader Effort

By Donna Miles and Karen Parrish, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2011 - The recently announced $29.4 billion sale of F-15SA fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia is just one part of a broader U.S.-Saudi military sales and defense cooperation effort that's central to regional security, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

U.S. officials announced an agreement Dec. 29 to sell 84 new F-15 fighter jets and upgrades for 70 existing aircraft to Saudi Arabia. Little said the same represents less than half of the $60.5 billion in U.S. sales of aviation capabilities agreed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the Royal Saudi Air Force, this broader program includes aviation capabilities for the Saudi Arabian National Guard, Royal Saudi Land Forces and Saudi Royal Guard, he said.

Video: 2011 in Review - NATO

Secretary General Foghs Rasmussen on NATO operations in Libya, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq:

 

EAD NG to track Santa on Dec 24th

Story by: Time Jones - Eastern Air Defense Sector

ROME, NY (12/23/2011)-- New York Air National Guardsmen from the Eastern Air Defense Sector will play a key role Saturday night as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks Santa Claus and his reindeer.
 
 "NORAD has supported Santa Claus’ Christmas Eve operations for more than 50 years and we are always delighted to participate," said Col. John Bartholf, EADS commander. "I can assure everyone that EADS will do everything in its power to assist Santa with his critical mission."

New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Chad Gerrard points out Santa’s radar track to Staff Sgt. Kristen Smith, who prepares to relay the information during Santa tracking operations at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. A New York Air National Guard unit, EADS is a part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and supports NORAD’s Santa tracking mission every Christmas Eve. (Photo by Tim Jones, Eastern Air Defense Sector (Released))

EADS’ Sector Operations Control Center (SOCC) will monitor Santa constantly as he travels across the eastern U.S. delivering toys and gifts. The SOCC will conduct what’s called a special radar monitor mission on Santa’s sleigh, providing them with continuous location updates. In addition, EADS-controlled fighter aircraft also will be prepared to assist, and in case of poor flying weather, EADS will provide the jolly old elf with navigation and guidance.

DOD Takes Southern Border Support to Air

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2011 – Defense Department and National Guard support to southwest U.S. border security will change in the next few months from a ground effort to primarily air, Defense and Homeland Security officials said today.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the lead federal agency charged with defending the southwest U.S border with Mexico, but the Defense Department, specifically the National Guard, works closely in support of the effort, and has since 2010.

But the mission has changed, said Paul Stockton, assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and Americas’ security affairs. Customs, he said, has beefed up its manpower and technical abilities and no longer needs the numbers of National Guard personnel on the ground.

Exercise Kilat Eagle brings US and Malaysian forces together

11th MEU Story by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck 12.14.2011

KUANTAN, Malaysia - Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit began a cooperative exercise with elements of the Malaysian army here Dec. 14, focusing on jungle training, air assault operations, a staff exchange and platoon and company movements.

Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck

A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) departs USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to fly 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit personnel to Kuantan, Malaysia for Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.

“Kilat Eagle reinforces our relationship with the Malaysian forces and provides a unique training opportunity for all parties,” said Col. Michael Hudson, 11th MEU’s commanding officer. “We look forward to sharing all that this agile, forward-deployed Marine air-ground-logistics team has to offer.”

SecState Clinton Doesn't Expect Iran to Comply with Obama Request to Return Stealth Drone

The Obama administration has made a formal request to Iran for the return of a U.S. surveillance aircraft that went down in Iranian territory earlier this month.

President Barack Obama, in a session with reporters Monday, refused to comment on what he termed “intelligence matters that are classified.” But news reports say the aircraft with advanced stealth technology either strayed into Iranian airspace from Afghanistan or was spying on Iran's nuclear program, while other reports indicate the plane went down in Taliban controlled Afghan Province of Nimroz and was sold by them to Iran.  Some rumors suggest Iran has already sold the drone to China.

Mr. Obama said the United States has asked for the drone back and will “see how the Iranians respond.” But Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that given Iran's past behavior, “we do not expect them to comply.”

US Abandons Air Base in Pakistan

Pakistan says the U.S. military has vacated an air base in the country's southwest, meeting a deadline set by the Pakistani government in response to a NATO air strike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last month.

The Pakistani military says it took over the Shamsi base in Baluchistan province on Sunday, as the last flight carrying U.S. personnel and equipment departed. U.S. media say the U.S. military had used the base as part of a years-long drone offensive against al-Qaida and Taliban militants along the Pakistani-Afghan border. There was no immediate confirmation of the base withdrawal from U.S. officials.

The Pakistani government ordered the United States to vacate the base by December 11 as part of several punitive measures reflecting Pakistani anger about the November 26 NATO strikes that killed the soldiers. Islamabad also closed its border crossings to trucks delivering supplies to NATO forces in land-locked Afghanistan and boycotted a December 5 international conference on stabilizing its western neighbor.

Pakis Deploy Air Defense along Afghan Border

VoA: A senior Pakistani military officer says the government has deployed air defense weapons on the country's border with Afghanistan, following the NATO airstrikes last month that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reports Major General Ashfaq Nadeem says the new deployment of the border weapons was aimed at preventing “fresh attacks” as Pakistan re-evaluates its strategy for safeguarding its western borders from air raids.

The newspaper says Nadeem briefed the federal cabinet and the Senate's defense committee about the weapons deployment Thursday.

U.S. and Pakistani officials have offered differing initial accounts of what happened at the Pakistani posts near the border with Afghanistan.

Pakistani military officials have said the attack was unprovoked and deliberate, an accusation U.S. officials have rejected.

NATO helicopter gunships and jet fighters based in Afghanistan are said to have fired on two Pakistani military posts in the Mohmand region near the Afghan border on November 26.

Public anger in Pakistan over the killings is high. Islamabad has ordered the United States to vacate a Pakistan airbase it uses, and has indefinitely closed the two main overland routes NATO uses to send nonlethal supplies to Afghanistan.

The U.S. military and NATO have launched an investigation into the incident.

Terror Mastermind Killed in IAF Air Strike

by Chana Ya'ar

8 December 2011

At least two Palestinian Authority Arab terrorists are dead in Gaza following a targeted, surgical air strike on a vehicle by fighter pilots of the Israeli Air Force. 

One of the two dead was a senior operative who had coordinated numerous attacks against Israeli civilians.

NORAD Gears Up to Track Santa Claus

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 – For the 56th year running, the North American Aerospace Defense Command will add the job of tracking the global flight of Santa on Christmas Eve to its mission of North American aerospace warning and control.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., will again track Santa Claus on his annual Christmas Eve flight to deliver presents to children around the globe. Courtesy graphic 

"NORAD stands the watch protecting the skies of North America 365 days a year, but on Christmas Eve the children of the world look to NORAD and our trusted partners to make sure that Santa is able to complete his mission safely," said Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. Jacoby commands NORAD, as well as U.S. Northern Command, both based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

The NORAD Tracks Santa mission “is a duty to the children of the world,” he added, “and a privilege we've enjoyed for 56 consecutive years.”

Iran Claims Shootdown of US Drone; NATO Missing RQ-170 in Afghanistan

Iranian media report that Iran's armed forces have shot down an unmanned U.S. spy plane after it allegedly violated Iranian air space.

A U.S. official on Sunday disputed reports in the Iranian media that Iran's armed forces shot down an unmanned U.S. reconnaissance drone that violated its airspace.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “there is absolutely no indication up to this point that the drone was shot down.”

Earlier Sunday, Iranian media reported that an RQ-170 drone was downed along the country's eastern (Afghan) border after it made a brief incursion into its airspace.

Pakistan fired first in NATO attack: Afghan officials UPDATE 22 DEC 2011

2 December 2011

As Pakistan gives the US fifteen days to vacate the Shamsi airbase in southwestern Pakistan, where the U.S. sometimes lands unmanned drone aircraft used to attack militants on Pakistani territory, in the aftermath of the deaths of 24 Pakistan military by a NATO air attack, Afghan officials are saying that Pakistan fired first and provoked the attack:

From VOA News:

Afghan officials say NATO and Afghan forces patrolling near the Pakistan border came under fire before they called in the NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on Saturday.

Sunday's account by unnamed officials contradicts Islamabad's claims that the attack on two Pakistani army bases was unprovoked.

British Army completes Apache exercise in US

A Training and Adventure news article

1 Dec 11

Army Apache crews are returning to the UK this week having completed a major exercise in the United States as part of the Apache Conversion To Role course.

Army Air Corps Apache helicopter pilots and ground crew during Exercise Crimson Eagle in the United States of America
[Picture: Sergeant Russ Nolan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Exercise Crimson Eagle is a challenging two-month exercise, split between Naval Air Facility El Centro in California and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field in Arizona.

The exercise included aviation environmental training and judgemental training, and then a live firing phase where the students fired all of the aircraft weapons systems within realistic tactical scenarios.

All students had to prove their proficiency in handling the aircraft in mountainous and desert conditions, including dust landings and limited power training during both the day and night as well as safely employing the aircraft weapons.

Prince William Flies to Rescue of Russians

British Royal Air Force helicopter pilot Prince William joined a desperate search and rescue mission Sunday for the Russian crew of a cargo ship that sank in a fierce storm in the Irish Sea.

Two rescued crew members were found clinging to a lifeboat after daybreak and hoisted to the safety of a helicopter co-piloted by William. Five other crew remain missing and another has been confirmed as dead.

Coast Guard officials said the 81-meter, Cook Island-flagged Swanland sent out a distress signal after the vessel was smashed by a huge wave that ruptured the ship's hull off the coast of north Wales.

Authorities said the vessel was carrying thousands of tons of limestone from Wales to the Isle of Wight.

Canada flypast marks end of Libyan Operation MOBILE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 24, 2011 - Flypast of eight CF-18 and one CC-150 Polaris tanker over the Parliament to mark the end of Operation MOBILE.

Government of Canada has announced the termination of Operation MOBILE in Libya and the return of the Canadian Forces members to Canada.  An official welcome home, aircraft flyby, ceremony parade and a formal parliamentary event were held on Parliament Hill to recognize the individuals that deployed in support of this operation.

Operation MOBILE was the Canadian Forces' participation in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, the NATO-led effort to impose on Libya the arms embargo and no-fly zone authorized in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 of 17 March 2011, which called on the international community to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas in Libya.

Photo: MCpl Julie Bélisle Canadian Forces Combat Camera © 2011 DND-MDN Canada

 

 

Afghan pilot candidates accepted to first flight training in country

2011/11/24 by Capt. Jamie Humphries 438^th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Seven Afghan Air Force Lieutenants have been selected to attend the first undergraduate pilot training held exclusively inside Afghanistan in more than 30 years.

Afghan Air Force pilot candidates stand at attention during an official ceremony recognizing their efforts in the Afghan Air Force Conference Center, Kabul, Afghanistan, November 17, 2011. The seven students will leave for Shindand Air Base in western Afghanistan in December where they will begin the first undergraduate pilot training program to be held inside Afghan borders in more than 30 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith)

The seven airmen were honored in a ceremony at the Afghan Conference Center on the AAF compound today and will now leave for Shindand Air Base in western Afghanistan where they will start their journey towards becoming pilots in the AAF.

Aussie AF to Ramp Up for Obama Visit

ADF Support to the US President’s Visit

Up to 12 F/A-18 Hornets will join a range of ADF capabilities that will be in place throughout the lead-up to, and during, the President of the United States' visit to support the Australian Federal Police, NT Police and other Government agencies, to ensure the conduct of a safe and secure visit.

This is an important component of the Australian Government’s security arrangements for the President's visit.

The ADF routinely provides specialised support to augment the Federal, State, and Territory agencies during major national events and ADF aircraft are an integrated part of the overall security arrangements for the President’s visit.

The Commander of the Joint Task Force, Rear Admiral David Johnston said the public can expect to observe aircraft movements transiting to and departing from Williamtown, Tindal, Darwin and Nowra from Monday 14 November as they prepare for the US President’s visit.

“Air Force fighter aircraft will conduct training activities in the Canberra, Nowra and Darwin areas to enhance the capability of the Australian Defence Force in supporting the security operations,” Read Admiral Johnston said.

“Familiarisation with the local area is essential for pilots and crews, and F/A-18 Hornet training activities are scheduled to occur from 14 November.

“Air Force aircraft will conduct airborne patrol operations at Canberra and Darwin throughout the President’s visit. The presence of aircraft does not imply an incident has occurred.”

The Australian Government greatly appreciates the support and understanding of local communities towards the ADF when they undertake vital training activities in support of our country’s security.

(c) Australia Ministry of Defense

Sqdn to put training to the test in Afghanistan

11/10/2011  By Lance Cpl. Andrea C. Dickerson  , Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. October 30, 2011  — 

More than 200 Marines from Marine Attack Squadron 223 left for Kandahar, Afghanistan early Monday morning, in support of combat operations. “Our primary mission is to support Marine Expeditionary Units that are on the ground,” said VMA-223 Sgt. Maj. Steven P. Brunner. “Ultimately we want to provide combat air support for them.” The squadron has spent the last year preparing for the deployment, said Brunner. “We have been through multiple inspections and three deployment-for-training exercises. We have gone to Enhanced Mojave Viper twice, where we supported the infantry units on the ground there at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms.”

Marines from VMA-223 circle up around each other to address last minute questions and concerns they have before they go to the armory to draw weapons Sunday night. "I'm excited and a little nervous because this is my first time deploying, but I'm sure that once I get out there I'll be fine," said Lance Cpl. Javier Fernandez a power plants mechanic with MAG-14. The squadron falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing., Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson, 10/29/2011

Royal Navy's new Wildcat makes first sea landing

 9 Nov 11

The Royal Navy's next-generation helicopter, the Wildcat, has landed on a ship at sea for the first time.

On 7 November, the aircraft touched down on the flight deck of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) aviation trials ship Argus off England's south coast, at the start of four weeks of tough trials for air and ground crew.

A Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter in flight
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Wildcat is the 21st century variant of the Lynx helicopter which has served the Navy since the 1970s.

The landing on RFA Argus heralds four weeks of 'operating limit trials' for the Wildcat, which will lay the foundations for flying the new helicopter when it enters front line service.

A team from AgustaWestland, the Yeovil firm which builds the Lynx, experts from the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre at Boscombe Down, and Navy air engineers and technicians have joined Argus for the trials.

It fell to Lieutenant Commanders Robert Dowdell and Lee Evans to make the historic flight - assisted by a Lynx Mk8 of 815 Naval Air Squadron, which will get its hands on Wildcat in a little over two years' time:

Middle East News - 5 Nov 2011

Israel killed more Islamic Jihad terrorists attempting launch rockets at Israeli Civilians.  It has also said the international community is now closer to considering a military option in detering Iranian Nuclear Weapons programs.

Syria bombarded its protesters as it released previous political prisoners and the Arab League defends it against foreign intervention in the wake of the violence.

2.5 Million Muslims have descended on Mecca as part of their bid to become Haji's.

Details follow:

Timeline of Libyan Bombing Campaign

Feb 20 2011: Qaddaffi begins slaughtering Libyans in the streets.

Feb 23 2011: Obama asks Qaddaffi to stop killing his people.

February 26, 2011: U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions on Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and his family as his government continues a bloody crackdown on rebels. Sanctions come 11 days after anti-government riots in Benghazi, inspired by Arab Spring revolts in Tunisia and Egypt.

Mar 2 2011: SecDef says its too difficult to impose a no fly zone over Libya.

Mar 7 2011: NATO says it has no plans to impose a no fly zone.

Mar 10 2011: While NATO dithers, France recognizes Rebels.

AFG UK operational air update

A Military Operations news article

28 Oct 11

RAF and Royal Navy personnel conducted numerous missions across southern Afghanistan last week, 17 to 23 October 2011. Here follows an operational update

 

A Tornado GR4 at Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan (stock image)[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

Attack

The RAF 31 Squadron's detachment at Kandahar Airfield has undertaken a number of 'shows of force' (SoF) and 'shows of presence' (SoP) in support of ground based troops across Afghanistan.

Two SoP were carried out in support of US troops operating in Regional Command (RC) North.

The following day, the Squadron's Tornados were called upon to provide armed overwatch to an Italian ground patrol in RC West who had come under fire from small arms. Two SoF were undertaken in a 30-minute period which suppressed the fire from the insurgents allowing the Italian troops to successfully complete their mission.