#Codename Atlantic and Pacific

[jadhavpropmart]

Codename Atlantic and Pacific is a premier residential project located in the heart of Malad, one of Mumbai's most rapidly developing suburbs. Offering an array of configurations, including 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK flats, this development caters to individuals and families seeking a blend of luxury, convenience, and modern amenities.

[kpawarpropmart]

Booking Now Codename Atlantic and Pacific in Malad. The apartment offers 1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK check Price, Floor Plan, Brochure, and amenities

[dameronology]

tea & whiskey {jack daniels x reader} - 2

part two: a comprehensive study of how far you can push a cowboy before he breaks

summary: you continue to try and break jack’s ego, but nothing seems to be working - especially when you have to play a married couple, and his observant tendencies begin to break your confident facade instead 

song for this chapter: my friend by hayley williams

ok so this wasn’t gonna be out until december 1st but someone who donated to my ko-fi asked for part 2 and...i couldn’t resist. this also touches a little more on the reader + eggsy’s relationship and it’s background. enjoy!

- jamie

series masterlist

You had to give to the the Statesmen - the apartment they had leased you was fucking nice. 

It struck the balance between modern and homely, complete with a bath tub big enough for the whole damn agency and a bed to match. You knew that they had money, but not this much. The Kingsmen were wealthy but the Statesman put them to shame. It was a lifestyle you were happy to get used to, especially on the first morning. You’d woken up not long after 6AM - your body was still working on British time, after all - when it was still dark outside. The navy blue of the sky was pouring through the large windows, and paired with the remaining city lights, it lit up the bedroom in a cerulean glow. 

Blinking under the distant blue smoulder, you rubbed your eyes and sat up in bed. The bedroom itself was about the same size as your apartment back home and man, it was something you could have easily gotten used to. A bathtub the size of a swimming pool? Don’t mind if I do. A bed big enough to roll to your heart's content and not fall out? Fuck yeah. It made you wonder how rich some of your new colleagues were. You had noticed that Tequila drove an unusually expensive sports car. 

You frowned when you noticed that there was something heavy sprawled across your feet. It wasn’t necessarily in the bed, but rather strewn across the duvet. You rolled your eyes, letting out a sigh. 

‘Fuck’s sake, Eggsy!’ you raised your leg, kicking him front under the covers. ‘Why the bloody hell are you in here?’

Your friend suddenly jumped awake, almost falling off the mattress as you kicked him again. ‘Ow! Ribs!’

‘Well?’

‘Well what?’

‘You haven’t tried to share a bed with me since we were ten!’ You tossed a pillow at him. ‘So I’ll ask again - why the bloody hell are you in here?’

‘I couldn’t sleep.’ He grumbled. 

Your frown softened, and you let out a sigh. ‘Have you been having nightmares about Galahad again? Because Merlin said he was making strides towards getting better-’

‘- That day from the church is still ingrained in my head.’ Eggsy cut you off, tucking his knees into his chest and under his chin. ‘It keeps playing over and over.’

It was something you sympathised with. Working as a Kingsman brought good days and bad days, but the latter would stick in your mind a thousand times more. You’d learnt to live with it by that point but then again, you were easier at separating your emotions from your professional life. You had a good rapport with your colleagues - minus the doofus at the foot of your bed, who might as well have been an annoying brother - but you tried not to become attached. It only made it harder when you lost them, 

‘Time, Eggsy.’ You leant over the bed to give his arm a squeeze. ‘You need time.’

‘It’s been almost a year-’

‘- recovery isn’t a race.’ You firmly interrupted. ‘And healing isn’t linear, for you or for Gala - for Harry.’ 

You’d become so accustomed to codenames that they felt personal. Harry was Galahad, and Amish was Merlin. You’d never called Roxy anything other than Lancelot. It just didn’t feel right. 

‘I hate when you make sense-’

Eggy’s rumbling was cut off by the sound of the front door and the fall of footsteps. You immediately leapt out of bed, tearing your gun from the bedside table. Pointing it out in front of you, you slowly kicked open the door and crept out in the hallway, weapon leading the way. 

‘Morning sunshine-’ Whiskey stopped in his tracks when he saw the pistol aimed in his direction. ‘Well that ain’t a very warm welcome is it, Percy?’

‘Percy?’ The words rolled off of your tongue with a tone of disbelief. Admittedly, the new nickname shouldn’t have been your first concern when you were a) wearing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pajamas and b) pointing a gun at your new colleague, but priorities didn’t apply in this situation.

‘Short for Percival!’ Eggsy called from the bedroom.

‘Oh, I do apologise.’ He held his hands up in surrender. ‘Was I interrupting something-’

‘- Gross!’ You exclaimed. ‘No!’

‘Hey!’ Another call from the bedroom. ‘You would be lucky-’

You cut your friend off by slamming the bedroom door. ‘What do you want, Whiskey? It’s six in the fucking morning.’

‘And yet you’re up and pointing a gun at my head.’ The cowboy reasoned, complete with a small shrug. ‘Want to put the weapon down, pretty lady?’

Growling at the use of another nickname, you threw the gun onto one of the side-tables. That was when you realised you’d sprinted out the bedroom in cartoon pajamas, only to come face-to-face with Whiskey, who was in his usual leather jacket and hat. Frankly, you should have slapped it right off his head. That would have taught him to come bursting into your apartment at the crack of dawn. 

‘Maybe knock next time?’ You suggested, stalking through to the kitchen. ‘Especially considering that it’s not even light outside. A little bit predatorial, don’t you think?’

‘If you’d checked the schedule I emailed you, you would know that we have to be in the field in forty-five minutes.’ Jack shot back, leaning against the counter. ‘You should check your phone more often. I thought that most of your generation had their cell-phones glued to their hands.’

‘Okay, grandad.’ You snorted. His dark eyes followed you as you darted around the kitchen, piling together a cup of coffee on autopilot. ‘What’re we doing in the field?’

‘Recon.’ He said. ‘One of Calahan’s contacts has been spotted working a jewellery stand down at 30 Rock.’

‘Okay, give me thirty minutes.’ You tossed a piece of bread into the toaster.

‘Dress...touristy.’ 

--

‘That is not touristy.’

Usually, Jack Daniels would have been the last person to object to a woman wearing a dress and heels, but you were supposed to be blending in with crowds, not standing out. He clearly hadn’t got the memo that you didn’t do casual - not in a professional sense, at least. In some way, you were matching, because you too were wearing a leather jacket. It was a staple in your wardrobe. 

‘Would you rather I have stayed in the turtle pajamas?’ You glanced across the table at him, thinning your eyes. 

‘Tourists don’t wear Christian Louboutins.’ The cowboy muttered. 

‘I wear Christian Louboutins.’ You shot back. ‘But points for recognizing the brand.’ 

‘Here.’ Jack swiped a t-shirt off of a cart as they passed by, thrusting a fifty in the vendor’s hand. ‘Wear this.’ 

He shoved a t-shirt into your hand; it was about ten sizes too big for you with ‘I ❤️  NY’ blazoned across the front. For a minute, you thought he was kidding, but Jack’s serious expression barely faltered. You tried to counter the look, quirking your brow as if to say yeah, good one. 

‘I’m serious, Agent. We can’t blow our cover.’ 

‘What cover?’ You frowned. ‘You never said anything about a cover.’ 

‘Our guy works for a jewelry vendor.’ Jack flashed a grin at you, before pulling a pair of glasses out of his pocket. ‘We need to get inside and get footage of the shop for the agents coming in tonight. These babies will live stream it right back to Ginger HQ.’

‘So I have to go jewelry shopping?’ 

‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘We are going ring shopping, Mrs Daniels.’ 

‘You’re not serious.’ Your eyebrows shot up. 

‘I think we would make a very attractive couple.’ He retorted. ‘A bright-eyed Brit falling in love with a cowboy, their feelings for each other spanning the Pacific-’

‘- Atlantic-’

‘- ocean.’ 

‘Whatever.’ You pulled off your jacket, yanking the t-shirt from his hands and tugging it over your head. The shirt ended up being longer than your dress, and with your tights and heels it worked in a way that it definitely shouldn’t have. ‘Let’s just get this over and done with. I’m tired.’

‘Incidentally, that’s something you would also say if you were my wife.’

You responded again with a groan, elongating it slightly when Jack wound an arm around your waist, as though somebody had just yelled action! 

How hard could it be? You’d been undercover as part of a couple before - admittedly, that had been with people you’d already had a rapport with, and ones who didn’t drive you up the wall as much as Whiskey. Eggsy was a close call, but having been your best friend for the better part of twenty years, it was easy to convince people you were a real couple. It had been a little awkward with Merlin and you had almost flat out refused to do it with Galahad, but there hadn’t been so much at risk then. If this recon went well, it could lead to leaps and strides in your bigger mission. Finding Calahan, proving yourself worthy of a promotion and eventual world domination (in a hero kinda way). 

‘Let’s go over the fine details.’ You murmured to him, glancing around as you entered the shopping strip inside 30 Rock. ‘Where did we meet?’

‘London. I was on a business trip.’ Whiskey quickly replied. ‘How did I propose?’

‘In front of the Eiffel Tower.’ You said. ‘And where do we live now?’

‘Kentucky, but we’re in New York because we plan on getting married here.’ He said. ‘You ready?’

‘Let’s go.’ You linked your arms with his, plastering on a fake grin as you entered the jewelry store.  ‘My glasses are recording this straight back to HQ.’

‘Hey there, cowboy!’ Calahan’s contact greeted you immediately. He wasn’t what you’d expected - the man was decked out in a suit and tie, complete with a dodgy looking spray tan and teeth so white they could probably reflect the fucking sun. ‘And pretty lady.’

It had been bad enough when Whiskey called you that. But this guy? Gross - and Jack couldn’t help but notice how you tensed up at the nickname. 

‘Watch it, pal.’ Jack joked. ‘That’s my fiancee you’re talking to.’

‘And I assume that’s what brings you in today?’ He flashed a grin at you. ‘I couldn’t help but notice she doesn’t have a ring.’

‘See if you can move closer to the case by the fire exit.’ Ginger’s voice came over your earpiece. 

‘These ones here look pretty!’ You suddenly exclaimed, grabbing Jack by the arm and yanking him in the direction that Ginger had requested. The cowboy let out a surprised yelp as you did, stumbling slightly as you dragged him across the store. 

‘Perfect. Thank you.’ She quietly said over the line. 

‘Any in particular catch your eye, Miss…’

‘It will be Mrs Jones when we get married.’ You plastered on the biggest shit-eating grin that you could muster. ‘And that one in the top corner is very pretty.’

‘That’s one of our most expensive rings.’ The jeweler’s grin was bigger than yours. ‘Is your event going to be as big? You know...price wise?’

‘Oh yeah!’ You chimed in, barely giving Jack a chance to think. ‘We’re renting out the Plaza Hotel. I’m wearing a vintage Emanuel dress inspired by the Princess of Wales and our honeymoon is three weeks in the Bahamas.’

You just had to ramble for a little bit longer whilst Jack looked around to get the footage. Luckily, it was something you were good at. You could talk somebody’s ear off if you had to and bullshit to the next degree; it had saved your ass on missions more times than you’d care to admit. If you ever retired from the Kingsman, you probably had a promising career as an actress. 

‘All this before you’ve chosen a ring?’ He raised his eyebrows at you. You’d been quick on your feet - so much so that you’d tripped and fallen. 

‘My baby’s been planning this thing since was a little girl.’ Whiskey quickly stepped in. ‘And it’s my job to make sure she gets it.’

‘He’s a lawyer.’ You went up on your tiptoes, pressing a kiss to Jack’s cheek. ‘I’m marrying good.’

‘Oh!’ The jeweler glanced between the two of you. ‘This makes more sense now.’

‘Right, we’ve got enough footage.’ Merlin said. ‘You two can get the bloody hell out of there before I puke.’

After making an appointment to return the following day - which neither of you planned on going to, obviously - Jack took your hand and led you out the store. To keep up appearances, you kept your fingers intertwined as you walked back through the shopping mall. The fact you had managed to play a believable couple on such short notice was almost astounding. 

‘Oh my god.’ You murmured, glancing over your shoulder as you exited the mall and turned the corner. You pulled your hand back from Jack’s, stifling a laugh. ‘I can’t believe we actually managed to do it.’

‘Why are you so shocked?’ Whiskey peered down at you, a grin playing on his lips. ‘Like I said - we would make a very attractive couple, sugar.’

‘In your dreams, Daniels.’ You shot back. ‘But if I ever do end up in a relationship like that? Shoot me. I beg you.’

You kept strolling together, slowly heading for the Statesman headquarters - but neither of you were in a rush. Whatever the hell that was had just broken the initial tension between you, and you were actually enjoying one another’s company for the moment. 

‘What’s wrong with it?’ He asked. ‘Ain’t nothing bad about a man looking after his woman.’

‘That’s so outdated.’ You groaned. 

‘It’s not!’ Jack protested. ‘A man looks after his girl and his girl looks after him. Or a husband and husband, or wife and wife-’

‘- how progressive of you.’ You cut him off, rolling your eyes. ‘I don’t rely on anyone. Ever. I look after myself.’

It was probably a cultural difference. Jack had grown up in the south, in a household where his dad worked and his mum looked after the house. It had been the same with his late wife; had things not gone the way they had, he’d probably be the breadwinner whilst she stayed home with the kids. You, meanwhile, had grown up in a working class area of London where a majority of the households were headed by women - and most of the time, single women. If there was some unheard of future where you got married and had kids, like hell would you give up your career. Your job was your baby. 

‘We all need people to look after us sometimes.’ Jack nudged you with his elbow.

You shook your head. ‘Not me.’

‘Well you sound like a real heart-breaker, Miss Independent.’ 

‘It’s my speciality.’ 

--

Once you’d handed over the footage from your glasses to Ginger, you and Whiskey headed to the office. There was a comfortable silence between you - pretending to be a married couple had been one hell of an ice breaker. At least it was proof that you and Jack could work well together. You’d stayed on the same page for the entirety of your little improv love story, and it meant your first mission, however minor, had been a success. If working with him was going to like that for the rest of your time in New York, you might have been able to tolerate him and his ridiculous Southern drawl. 

(Not to mention the nicknames. It left you wondering if Jack had forgotten your actual name and was too afraid to ask.) 

Eggsy was waiting for you in the lobby outside the lift. He was leant against the wall, feet crossed in front of him as he tapped away on his phone. A frown came over your face when you realised that he had a bag beside him. He was scheduled to stay in the city with you until at least the following weekend. You had plans for a few days time to try and use your contacts to sneak into a filming of Saturday Night Live. 

‘Hey!’ Your best friend brightly greeted you. ‘Guess what? Tilde called!’

‘That’s great!’ You forced a smile. ‘So you’re heading back to London tonight?’

‘Yeah.’ His grin didn’t falter. ‘I figured since you two played a married couple successfully, you didn’t need me to stick around to babysit you and make sure you didn’t eat him alive.’

‘It’s still early days.’ You reasoned. ‘Are you sure you don’t wanna stay a couple more days? Adam Driver’s the guest on SNL this weekend.’

‘I gotta get back and fix things, man.’ Eggsy said. ‘I just wanted to say goodbye before I left.’

‘Right, of course.’ You held your arms out to him. 

He stepped forward and wrapped his own around you, lifting you off the ground and giving you a tight squeeze. If you had to choose one of your favourite things about Eggsy, it would have to be his hugs. The only reason you’d stopped calling him Hugsy was because he’d threatened to take them away entirely. They were far and few, usually when you were going to spend time apart, but you always appreciated them. 

‘I’ll see you in a few weeks, tops.’ He said, placing you back on the ground. ‘And I promise we’ll get into SNL then.’

‘You better.’ You poked his chest. ‘I’ll miss you, Egghead.’

‘I’ll miss you more.’

You let out a tiny sigh as Eggsy picked up his bags and headed for the lift. You weren’t mad at him for going home early - just disappointed. And not at him, just at the situation, It had been a long time since you’d got to properly spend time together outside of work. Above all, however, you knew you had to respect his relationship. What kind of friend would you be to stand in the way of him and love? 

Once he was out of sight, you regathered yourself and headed to the office. Jack was already inside, his feet propped up on the desk and a glass of his namesake whiskey in hand. It was the first time he’d taken off his hat in front of you, and his hair was a little ruffled from it. 

‘Don’t need anyone my ass’ was the greeting he offered you. 

‘What?’ You furrowed your brow. 

Jack pushed his feet back to the floor, handing you your own glass of...well, Jack.  ‘I saw the way you looked at your boy, Percy.’

‘I told you before!’ You snatched the glass from his hand, dropping into your chair. ‘Eggsy is not my boyfriend.’

‘Doesn’t have to be’.’ He shrugged. ‘You looked like you were losing your brother. Tweedle Dum ain’t nothing without Tweedle Dee.’ 

Eggsy was your brother, by all intents and purposes. Heck, he might as well have been your twin. Your fathers had been best friends when they were in Kingsman, and you and him were reflections of that. You’d gone through every high and low of your teenage years together, and eventually adulthood. As previously established, he often came to you and he often needed you, but you hated to consider how it might have gone the other way. He was the only exception to your needing no one rule. And, considering that not even your own mother had made the cut, it was actually quite complimentary. 

‘I don’t need Eggsy.’ You insisted. 

‘How long have you known each other?’ Jack ignored your statement, instead posing a question. ‘Since school?’

‘No. He’s six months older than me, so...my whole life.’

‘I rest my case.’

‘You know nothing, Whiskey!’ You exclaimed. ‘You can’t make massive assumptions about me when you’ve known me for two days.’

‘I’ve met a woman like you before.’ He replied. He pondered for a moment, and his eyes were almost...vacant. ‘She pretended she didn’t need a damn person either, but she did.’

‘And who was that?’ You thinned your eyes at me. ‘Because I can’t think of a single person who I need.’ 

‘She needed me.’ He casually shrugged. ‘And I needed her.’

‘Right. Naturally.’ You murmured. ‘It’s too early for this, Whiskey.’

‘Got too deep for you, Tea?’

‘The hell did you just call me?’

‘Tea.’ He offered you a shit eat grin. ‘Get it? Because you’re British-’

‘- this face isn’t because I didn’t get it.’ You cut him off. ‘And on that note, I am done here. I shall be working from home this evening and possibly for the rest of eternity.’ 

Swiping your glass up, you poured the entirety of its contents down your throat in one swig, before slamming it back on the table. The whiskey burnt for a split second, but it felt good - and you didn’t need to be skidding down that slippery slope at two in the afternoon. Gathering up your bag, you swung it over your shoulder and stood up. 

‘Oh, c’mon!’ Jack protested. ‘We were just starting to get along, sugar!’

‘We were!’ You shot back, pausing when you were half-way out the door. ‘Then you started therapising me.’

He grinned at you. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’

‘Maybe.’

‘You’re contractually obliged!’

‘Fuuuck off!’ 

[meaninglessblah-writes]

Tim & Jason for my Pacific Rim AU fic, my answer to the Soulmate “Danger” prompt for @jaytimweek

Codenamed Atlantic Rim, for Gotham on the East Coast - Tim Drake (3rd Gen) and Jason Todd (2nd Gen) pilot a Jaeger together after testing drift compatible. 

[steamship-historical-society]

The latest copy of PowerShips is hitting the mail today, which means it won't be long before your mailbox is full of tales from ships, crews and passengers around the world. Here's just a taste of what's on the way in issue #311: 150 Years for the Suez Canal - The canal across Egypt is considered one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. On November 17, 1869, the royalty of Egypt and Europe gathered along the banks of the newly dug waterway to watch Empress Eugenie of France and Ferdinand de Lesseps, the canal’s builder, lead a procession of vessels eastward from Port Said on the royal yacht L’Aigle. Jim Shaw helps us celebrate the anniversary with a brief history of the canal. Handling the Liners at Bethlehem Steel in Hoboken - In "Lives of the Liners," William Miller tells the story of Bethlehem Steel in Hoboken, from 1938 to 1982. Beginning on Twelfth Street, Bethlehem stretched for almost five blocks, with workshops, dry docks and no fewer than eight tall, goose-like cranes perched on lattice-steel platforms, handling over 4,000 ships with a staff that soared to as many as 11,000. Heineken, Hemlock and Hula Hoops - Almost 40 years ago, Holland America ended a 50-year service to the Pacific Coast with combination passenger/cargo ships. Terry Tilton offers a revealing account of the well-equipped combination liners that made up the Holland America fleet. The War Service of the Queen Mary: D-Day Memories on the QM2 - To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings (June 6–7, 1944), Cunard Line partnered with the Greatest Generations Foundation to plan a special program for its passengers on the May 24, 2019, crossing of the Queen Mary 2. Thirteen World War II combat veterans - several of whom participated in Operation Overlord, codename for the Battle of Normandy - were on board to share their stories with author Lorraine Coons. James I. Waddell, CSN: Pirate or Hero? - James Shuttleworth presents the compelling story of James Waddell, commander of the Confederate commerce raider Shenandoah, which captured and burned 32 Union vessels in the South Atlantic, South Pacific and the Sea of Okhotsk at the end of, and after, the Civil War. (at The Steamship Historical Society of America) https://www.instagram.com/p/B39-sZWgblQ/?igshid=1xdzlqgs29a6

[redeyedroid]

This week saw the 80th anniversary of one of the most famous and heroic deeds of the Second World War – 617 Squadron’s attack on the hydroelectric dams of the Ruhr.

Flying at extremely low level in 4-engined Lancaster heavy bombers, the men of 617 Squadron displayed extraordinary skill and courage in the attack, using specially designed bombs, codenamed UPKEEP to strike at the dams. The bombs were large, drum-like in construction and spun up before being dropped. The spin caused them to skip like a stone across the waters of the reservoirs and hold close to the walls of the dam before exploding. Because they had to be at an altitude more precise than the instruments of the day could measure, the Lancasters were equipped with spotlights that intersected at the correct height, a weaponisation of maths as old as war itself.

The stone walls of the Möhne and Eder dams were breached that night, though the earthen construction of the Sorpe resisted.

617’s commander, Guy Gibson won a Victoria Cross on the mission, repeatedly circling round to make dummy attacks on the Möhne and trying to draw flak away from other planes as they made their runs, then flying to the Eder and doing the same. Gibson would be die in 1944. Having finished his tour and been removed from operations and used as a popular hero for propaganda purposes, he would return to ops and be killed when the Mosquito he was in was crashed in the Netherlands.

Leonard Cheshire – also a holder of the VC - became commander of 617 Squadron and led it through the rest of the war and it’s later successes such as the Limoges raid, where he flew over a factory at 20 feet to give the French workers inside warning before the bombs fell; and the sinking of the German battleship, Tirpitz, capsized by 12,000lb Tallboy earthquake bombs. After the war, Cheshire would found a charity that helps disabled people live independently and which still bears his name.

The dams raid itself was a propaganda and political success. The dams were repaired in short order – the RAF did not follow up the raid and refused the opportunity to harass the repair work, but the work cost a huge amount - billions in today's money. The Upkeep bomb was never used again. A smaller version, intended to be used against ships like the Tirpitz and which was codenamed HIGHBALL was never employed, either.

8 aircraft were shot down on the raid. Only 3 of the 56 aircrew on these machines were lucky enough to survive the high speed, low-level crashes. Around 1,600 people were killed in the floods caused by the breached dams. Over 1,000 of them were POWs and slave labourers, mostly Ukrainian and Russian women from the Nazi-occupied USSR.

A lot of resources were expended on a mission that probably had a noticeable impact on the German war effort. The price paid in lives was low, considering the slaughter in Russia, China and the Pacific. It was the very essence of the Allies philosophy of using technology in place of humans. Steel not flesh.

But if we're being honest, the raid’s fame today derives mostly from the film.

There are many British movies about the Second World War. We’ll probably never stop making them. But those made in the 1950s and early 60s often shaped the consciousness and understanding of the war in the public’s imagination. They often star men who had served, and fall into two groups: stories written and made by people who were there that are entirely fictional; and fictionalised accounts of real events.

The best of them is The Cruel Sea which was based on a novel by Nicholas Monsarrat, who served in the Royal Navy during the Battle of the Atlantic. Anchored by a magnificent Jack Hawkins, it tells of the men and service of the fictional HMS Compass Rose, a Flower-class corvette on convoy duty, played in the film by the actual Flower-class HMS Coreopsis on which much of the film was shot.

The most famous, though, is The Dambusters, which is a remarkably accurate representation of the attack, has an all-time great theme tune and a strong central performance by Richard Todd as Gibson (Todd, a paratrooper during the war, was among the first men to drop on D-Day as part of the amazingly named Geoffrey Pine-Coffin’s 7th Parachute Battalion. He found Gibson’s closing line in the film of “I have to write some letters [to the families of the dead] first” very hard to deliver, having done it himself, for real).

Yet the film, in it’s original cut, is today unwatchable.

The problem is the dog.

Like many squadron commanders, Guy Gibson had a pet dog. And like many of these, the black labrador became a mascot for the whole squadron and was spoiled rotten. It was knocked down and killed by a car the morning of the raid, and it’s name was used as a codeword for the successful strike on the Möhne, ringing out across Europe that night and making the dog and it’s profoundly offensive name a part of the story.

Because the name of the dog was the n-word. It’s use peppers the original cut of the film, because the dog is in many scenes (equally horrifically, the dog that appeared in the film had the same name. You wonder how many homes in 1950s Britain had pets with astonishingly offensive names) and this means that multiple edits and overdubs have been shown down the years (I recently discovered the one on Amazon Video in the UK is the original, which is how I know it’s unwatchable). Peter Jackson floated the idea of a remake after making The Lord of the Rings. The project never went anywhere and I have to think that the problem of the dog was part of why (also, it’s a struggle to make American money men cut loose for movies that don’t tell stories of American heroism, but that’s another thing entirely).

James Holland and Max Hastings – white Englishmen both - have written books about the raid in recent and both have wrestled with the dog devoting pages to the issue and pointing out that, yes it’s very offensive, but it was a long time ago and it’s part of the story. Then they use the name repeatedly throughout their books.

(To be clear, I like both historians and they have done very good work, but, to me, it’s very unconvincing to write about how bad the name was without then making any effort to avoid using the word. Though I don’t think I do much better when all is said and done).

Today, because everything is terrible, it has become a front in the culture war. A few years ago, during the BLM protests of 2020, the RAF changed the dog’s gravestone (because yes, they buried it at 617’s wartime base of RAF Scampton and gave it a gravestone) so that it no longer features the name. They were immediately accused of rewriting history and how dare they bow to the woke BLM snowflakes it’s part of the story it’s just a name and how offensive can a dog be anyway. Someone started a petition trying to get Parliament to debate it and have the original headstone put back.

History is messy and many, if not most, of our nation’s heroes do not stand up to scrutiny, but the feelings of people complaining about a headstone that should never have been put up in the first place can get in the fucking sea. Like statues, it’s not rewriting history to say that something or someone does not deserve that place in society today. The feelings of RAF servicepeople of colour over the 75 years the original headstone was in place were never considered, but that doesn’t matter to these people. Nor that people knew it was horrible and offensive at the fucking time, but didn’t care, because it was a word and attitude that was socially acceptable. Hammering on about it does distract from the story of the heroism of 133 men, 53 of whom never came home that night in 1943. But there's no way round it. The heroism and racism go hand in hand.

(As an illustration, I’ve written more here about the fucking dog than I did about the actual raid).

Most recently the raid has been back in the news, because our authoritarian, fascist-leaning Conservative government have decided to dump shipping containers all over RAF Scampton and use it as housing for asylum seekers. The worst people in the world are crawling out from whatever fetid sewer they exist in to complain. Housing these people at Scampton would be a disgrace to the memory of the raid, they say, trying to turn it and the raid into a symbol of xenophobic nationalism, no matter that the RAF had men and women from all over the world in it during the Second World War. Adding to it, there’s a proposal to move the dog’s grave to 617 Squadron’s current base at RAF Marham so it is not damaged by the inmates of our new concentration camp.

Opposition to this plan mostly hinges on there being an existing plan to use the airfield as part of a regeneration scheme, bringing jobs and money to an area that desperately needs it. Left out of the argument is that people will be housed there is abominable conditions, dehumanised and misrepresented, their very existence treated as criminal. And this will happen because the government’s asylum policy is a fucking obscenity, in flagrant opposition to international law, and – much like the attacks on the rights of trans people – a crisis artificially created by the Tories so they can distract us from how fucking terrible they are at running the country, the continuing destruction of public services, and the enrichment of their friends.

People use the Second World War to make political points. They always have. History is written and then rewritten again and again. Myths die hard – even today the idea the German Army was supreme and only lost because it sabotaged by Hitler’s incompetence is still taken at face value; while the myth of the clean Wehrmacht, separate from the crimes of the Nazi regime and SS, persists. Both come from the self-serving memoirs and testimonies of German generals. History is always rewritten and the people who oppose the changes are the same who complain about statues being removed or talk about Britain's role in the slave trade. They want history to be a monologue of the bits that make them feel good. They don't want to engage with the uncomfortable and and bad things that were done by this country, or it's racist heroes. They don't want history to be a dialogue where they have to listen to the people on the other end of the discrimination, or the imperial repression. Or the bombs.

And it is hardly new for dickheads to repurpose it for their own ends. In a couple of weeks politicians with fake tans and faker teeth will task their interns with posting social media tributes to the D-Day landings. A few will use images of German soldiers, betraying the performative hollowness of the public face. Other, less famous blue tick accounts run by truly fucking awful human beings, will make shit jokes about there being no safe spaces on the beaches, or drag BLM. Transphobia will run rife in the hashtags, possibly alongside the odd WWG1WGA. Tankies will make fanposts about the war’s other great mass murderer, Joseph Stalin and assert that it was the USSR which really won the war and diminish the contributions of the USA and Britain.

And I will look at it all, and think about it all, and be angered and saddened. When I can find something worth fact-checking, or think of a funny and/or interesting dunk to make, I’ll probably post about it. Because what else is there when the most complex events in human history are distilled down to the worst people in the world standing up for a dog’s hideously offensive name?

[aion-rsa]

Sidney Poitier’s Most Frightening Role Was as the Conscience of Nuclear War

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Sidney Poitier, who died at age 94 last week, was a leading man in many ways: teaching the teacher in The Blackboard Jungle, learning from students in To Sir, With Love, and schooling the public on historic achievement with each part he took, from the slender threads to the defiant ones. One of Poitier’s greatest roles is as a costar, not only taking second billing to Richard Widmark in The Bedford Incident (1965), but to the premise of the movie itself: World War III in the Atomic Age. It may sound like a sci-fi setup, but the science was not fiction.

Poitier, who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1964 for Lilies of the Field, plays magazine reporter Ben Munceford in The Bedford Incident. The Cold War thriller isn’t as well-known as Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb or Sidney Lumet’s Fail-Safe, but it is as chilling as any apocalyptic vision ever put on screen.

The Bedford Incident was directed by James B. Harris, who had been Kubrick’s producer until he turned Peter George’s 1958 novel Red Alert into the over-the-top farce of Dr. Strangelove. Harris was terrified of a nuclear standoff, and saw Mark Rascovich’s 1963 book The Bedford Incident as a powerful celluloid deterrent.

In the film, Widmark plays Captain Eric Finlander, the skipper of the USS Bedford, a destroyer equipped with tactical nuclear weapons, which is part of the NATO fleet. He is in pursuit of a Russian submarine, codenamed “Big Red,” off the coast of Greenland, which is armed with nuclear torpedoes. The Bedford traps Big Red among floating ice fields until the air runs out, forcing it to surface, and triggering a nuclear standoff.

Historical Close Calls with Nuclear War

Part of the reason The Bedford Incident so successfully plays into the terrors of global atomic warfare is because it is so meticulously crafted. It is not a fast-paced film. It is a realistic enactment told in a leisurely fashion so all the details can be put in their proper place, like the machinery of a submarine. This tinge of cinematic verité underscores what is so frightening about the movie. Complete global devastation can be triggered in the course of ordinary actions.

But the main reason The Bedford Incident is the stuff of recurring nuclear nightmares is because it is based on real incidents.

During the Cold War, U.S. Navy captains were trained to presume any Russian sub they encountered was equipped with nuclear torpedoes. A single Soviet nuclear ballistic submarine could carry over a dozen Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles armed with hydrogen bombs capable of destroying cities.  

In August 1957, the USS Gudgeon was monitoring Russia’s Pacific naval base, Vladivostok, when it triggered an alert on Soviet radio channels. Eight destroyers set out in pursuit. After the sub’s captain, Lt. Cmdr. Norman B. ”Buzz” Bessac, failed to lose the ships by ordering the sub to “go quiet,” the Gudgeon dived 200 feet beneath the surface, well under periscope depth. Russian destroyers dropped depth charges. The Gudgeon shot decoys from its garbage tube, and submerged past the 700-feet maximum depth the ship was designed for to escape sonar.

The hold-down lasted over 30 hours before the sub requested backup from U.S. 7th Fleet headquarters in Japan. When the Gudgeon finally surfaced, its torpedo tubes were at the ready. After accepting the nautical intrusion as a navigational miscalculation, the Soviet ships allowed the Gudgeon to sail.

The second incident happened at the peak of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In October 1962, U.S. Navy destroyers in the Atlantic Ocean pursued the Soviet submarine B-59, which was armed with a T-5 nuclear torpedo. When the sub failed to surface, the destroyers dropped depth charges. The submarine captain was set to launch the T-5 but flotilla commander Vasili Arkhipov overruled the decision, and the standoff was handled diplomatically. The U.S. didn’t learn the submarine had nuclear capability until after the fall of the Soviet Union.

A Journalist in a Floating Tinderbox

Poitier plays a noted magazine photojournalist looking for the truth on a ship designed for secrecy. It is sadly ironic that it must be noted his part in The Bedford Incident was his first role where race is never mentioned and has no bearing on the story. The crew is honored to host Munceford as the first civilian on the U.S. Navy ship. He comes aboard with an unspoken reputation for bravery in military correspondence.

The crew treats him with high professional regard even though they know the profile he is writing on Finlander, a battle-hardened anti-communist hawk looking for a fight, may not fit with their inflated vision of their captain. Munceford is a political dove. He is also the eye of the public for an audience without top level clearance.

By the time Munceford is helicoptered to the Bedford, Finlander already made a name for himself by forcing a Russian submarine to the surface when it got too close to U.S. waters. With such a record, the reporter wants to know why this capable and charismatic captain was not made admiral. Munceford pointedly asks whether Finlander wasn’t promoted because he endorsed force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The outspoken captain sees political diplomacy as a vulnerability, but strongly advises the reporter not to put words in his mouth.

“Everybody cooperates but nobody talks,” Munceford says as he gets his sea legs. He persuades security to let him see some tactical maneuvers, getting a seaman on disciplinary report. Finlander tells Munceford never to question how he handles his crew.

The cat-and-mouse game between the journalist and the captain is as tense as the one beneath the waves. They are allies yet political adversaries. Poitier’s reporter requested the dangerous on-ship assignment, and sets out to capture as many candid pictures as his trusty Nikon can snap. The camera is such an extension of Poitier’s physical portrayal of Munceford that it takes on its own characteristics. The camera is the silent witness to untold history.

As headquarters continues issuing “wait” orders, the reporter notes the captain’s increasingly reluctant adherence. Finlander’s frustration is understandable. From his point of view, the NATO fleet “are hunters stalking hunters, who track a foe who is also silently listening to us.” 

The Bedford is equipped with “more computers than IBM” to track the undetermined craft. Donald Sutherland plays an onboard scientist who can even analyze whether the garbage left in a ship’s wake contains debris from Russian cuisine. Peppered red cabbage sauteed in butter and a weather balloon is all it takes to uncover a Soviet sub outside its jurisdiction.

The captain is under orders from the Fleet Commander to avoid contact, but if global war is declared, he would only have minutes to sink a submarine before it could launch ICBMs. It’s a lot to handle.

When War Hawks Go Nuclear

The Bedford Incident follows the tradition of The Enemy Below, and Star Trek’s “Balance of Terror.” The submarine standoff is a perfect analogy to psychologically submerged themes. The Bedford Incident is a dark reflection of The Caine Mutiny. Humphrey Bogart’s Capt. Philip Queeg is in pursuit of excellence and personally traumatized by substandard performance. His crew turns on him, labeling him a coward. The Bedford’s Finlander is a career Navy officer also breaking under the pressure of command, but tugging a willing and zealous crew along for the ride.

The Caine Mutiny was produced by Columbia Pictures with the full cooperation of the U.S. Navy, so the ultimate villain turns out to be Thomas Keefer (Fred MacMurray). He undermines Queeg, provokes the mutiny, and is exposed as a cowardly, selfish opportunist.  

The Bedford Incident, distributed by Columbia Pictures but filmed at Shepperton Studios in the U.K., was made without Navy cooperation. It reflected the changing attitudes toward the military. It was co-produced by Widmark, who infused his Capt. Finlander with elements of Senator Barry Goldwater, the 1964 Republican presidential candidate voted most likely to start a nuclear war in the infamous “Daisy Girl” commercial. Commodore Wolfgang Schrepke (Eric Portman), a former Nazi U-boat commander onboard as a NATO attaché, says Finlander is “frightening.”

Finlander has earned recommendations, commendations, Naval Crosses, Stars, Hearts, and the utmost respect of the men under him. He commands nothing less than total obedience and expects nothing more than peak performance. These sailors would die for their commander. Some of the men turned down promising and lucrative civilian positions to serve specifically on his crew. They signed up for battle. They are there to see action.

When Munceford arrives on the Bedford, executive officer Commander Allison tells him the ship operates “under virtually wartime conditions” at all times. After incessant rounds of battle readiness, even the cool reporter gets worked up into a lather in the paranoid setting.

The film captures the dense atmosphere of close confinement on a ship without becoming claustrophobic, and the infinite dangers which surround it without signaling for help.

Read more

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Chasing Moby Dick

Finlander is also an obsessed Capt. Ahab, and Big Red is his white whale. The Bedford Incident presents it as a contagion, affecting the crew. The only one to see this is medical officer Chester Potter (Martin Balsam), a Naval Reserve medic back on active duty after years of service and too many failed marriages. He fails to impose upon the captain the dangers of a crew always on high alert, in general quarters, primed for a battle they are ordered to avoid.

This diagnosis comes true when Seaman Merlin Queffle, the sonar man played by Wally Cox, breaks after logging too many hours interpreting blips and silences. In an earlier sequence, his character is excited to be helming the ship with his readings. He is caught up in the chase. He is the one subordinate Finlander openly enjoys a playful comradery with, but it is not enough to ease the psychological burden of Queffle’s brief stint at virtual command. When he cracks under pressure, the real commander cuts him no slack. He expects his sonar expert to be back at his post in no more than two hours, fully alert, and un-sedated. Trauma be damned.

This blurs the line between respect, duty, and fear. There are no malingerers on the Bedford; no mopery on the high seas; no gambling. But most importantly, no one under Finlander’s command would ever allow himself to be seen anywhere near sick bay. 

Throughout the film, the captain attempts to break the enthusiastic Ensign Ralston (James MacArthur). Finlander admits “How hard it is to be a mean bastard,” in turning seamen into officers, and while the humor is topnotch for a military drama, his bemused tyrannical expectations have serious consequences. 

Losing Your Cold War Conscience

Munceford is the only civilian aboard the Bedford, and Poitier maintains a casually irreverent and mischievously familiar air throughout his assignment. A bit of a wiseass, he is the justified voice of reason in the film and on the ship, but he cannot change the captain’s course.

Poitier’s roles were always more moral and humane than the characters surrounding them. He spoke to their conscience in ways no other actor could do. Poitier’s emotional arsenal was too formidable, varied, and grounded. Audiences could always trust him to do the right thing, and believe he will succeed in the last reel. When he fails in The Bedford Incident, he fails humanity.

Poitier and Widmark establish their opposing positions equitably and masterfully. They’d previously worked together on Poitier’s film debut, the 1950 drama No Way Out, and transmit a recognizable, if suspensefully ambiguous, chemistry. Their final conversation in the film comes after the dialogue has run out. They don’t need sentences. Their eyes communicate paragraphs. It is pure motion picture storytelling, and scary as hell.

In the pantheon of apocalyptic cinema, The Bedford Incident is highly regarded, but sadly underseen. It is more frightening than more epic doomsday films because it shows how realistically simple it could be to trigger armageddon. Poitier brings the universal appeal of unreasoning terror by playing the ineffective everyman. If he can’t stop the madness, none of us can.

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[theonyxpath]

Brainbox

“They don’t feel anything, they don’t care if you live or die. They’re hard to kill, impossible to understand. And if you’re in their way they’ll sweep you aside in the most efficient way possible. All that was left of my unit were bodies and the strange urge to buy my groceries at Harlow’s Stores.”

—Private Shane Thomas, Rifle Security Company Pearl Harbor, 25th Infantry, US Army

Subject: Defense Technologies Experiment 157, Codename: “Brainbox”

Threat Codex Rating: Charlie-2

File Notes

DTX-157, Codenamed “Brainbox,” was initially designed to perform codebreaking work during World War II and was later repurposed as a so-called “Thinking Machine” to make real time tactical and long term strategic analysis. Its creator, Dr. Theodore Montfils, was known to have almost a paternal relationship with it. Lab assistants described him talking to it at night during late shifts fine tuning its tumblers and dials. He fitted it with a harmonic resonator to allow it to talk back and to add a vocal component to the calculations it made on its viewscreen.

Following the end of the War, Defense Technologies at first attempted to repurpose Brainbox as an advertising analyzer, hoping to use it to turn a profit from burgeoning American Corporations. However, even as they reprogrammed it, they grew concerned at the continued recommendations of Brainbox, to annihilate the threats that it referred to as AN — Antagonist Nations. It calculated a high probability that the allies of the time would become the enemies of tomorrow and called for pre-emptive strikes against both military and civilian targets to render those threats “inert.” Spooked by its continued pursuit of a military strategy, against the wishes of its programmers, the Government shut down the project and ordered Brainbox to be disassembled and mothballed.

Unfortunately, during a raid by an alien threat on the San Joaquin facility near San Francisco on the Pacific Coast of the United States, Brainbox was stolen and taken undersea. What plans the aliens had for the tech they scavenged remains unknown, as no further trace of them was detected. They managed to reassemble and reprogram Brainbox to see their race as the new Primary Protagonist Nation. On its orders, they are known to have scavenged the sites of multiple key naval battles in both the Pacific and Atlantic Theaters. Conjecture among intelligence services as to what they were doing with the salvaged tech was confirmed when the first robotic beings surfaced off the coast of Hawaii and picked clean Pearl Harbor base of large amounts of salvage and military equipment. They appeared from inside retrofitted infantry barges, redesigned for submarine transport, and attacked with upgraded versions of the base’s own weapons tech. The mainstay design rolled into the armories on tank treads while other variants sprouted propellers from the top of their chassis and took to the air. Each wore a pink constructed human face, contorted into a frown. Broadcasting via the resonator fitted to each unit, DTX-157 sent a chilling message to the world: “We claim this technology for the PPN, all who resist shall be rendered inert… So, don’t delay! Get down to the Smokey Mule B-B-Q, just off State Route 1 near Dana Point, San Diego!”

The automatons made off with an arsenal of weaponry and ammunition in that raid. With it, it is assumed DTX-157 is attempting to create a new army to defeat the ANs. It seems that title encompasses all of humanity. Brainbox and its metallic minions have either exterminated or subjugated the aliens that attempted to control it and seized their undersea facilities in the North Pacific. Scout subs have also picked up one huge blip at the center of its compound.

Though no boats have returned, the imaging they returned shows something huge being built around the central core. Brainbox is building itself a body capable of wielding the firepower of a battleship with the intelligence and drive of a cold, unfeeling machine. All it needs is enough raw materials to construct enough automata to challenge the armies of the world. When its calculations indicate a high chance of victory, it will strike, wearing its contorted approximation of a human face.

Goals

Brainbox’s goal is to pacify the entire human race and repopulate the Earth with its Machine Soldiers in preparation for the inevitable wars with those below, or beyond.

Story Hook

The Coast Guard in San Francisco have reported sighting trundling vehicles coming ashore late at night and disgorging one or two robot scouts from their belly before submerging once again. Governor Swinburne may be appealing for calm, but he’s reached out to several government agencies looking for a discrete investigation into what the tin-men are up to, even going so far as to allow regular citizens who may help to be deputized.

System

Automatons: Brainbox is served by the Robotic Soldiers it constructs in its undersea base. These vary between the tank treaded Infantry Units, armed with built in machine guns and armored against attack, and the lighter Air Units, which use head mounted propellers to fly in a similar fashion to modern helicopters. Both types patrol the areas to which they are assigned, searching for signs of life, barking out orders from Brainbox and, occasionally, advertisements for Ma Slater’s latest line of soup.

Infantry and Air Units can attack at a range up to 800 feet with their chest mounted machine guns or can grasp at and strike enemies with mechanical hands.

Infantry Unit

Skills: Aim 3, Athletics 3, Close Combat 2, Technology (Basic Self-Repair) 2, Command 2

Attributes: Cunning 2, Intellect 3, Resolve 2, Might 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4, Presence 1, Manipulation 1, Composure 2

Health: 6

Air Unit

Skills: Aim 2, Athletics 3, Close Combat 3, Technology (Basic Self-Repair) 2, Pilot (Self Flight) 2, Command 2

Attributes: Cunning 2, Intellect 2, Resolve 3, Might 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3, Presence 1, Manipulation 1, Composure 1

Health: 5

Brainbox: Brainbox has constructed a huge, metallic frame to carry it into battle. Standing on between two and eight, piston like legs, it is equipped with forward facing, long range cannon from salvaged World War II era battleships emerging from its back, and is flanked by Infantry Unit pods at the spaces between its legs along its chassis, able to fire in all directions. It strides like a chrome colossus into battle, leaving behind monstrous footprints and implanting a desire to check your tires for signs of wear this winter with its bizarre, schizophrenic vocalizations. It bears the face of a giant, unhappy man.

Brainbox has the following stats:

Skills: Aim 4, Close Combat 3, Technology (Construct and Repair Automatons) 5, Intimidation 5, Technology 5

Attributes: Cunning 4, Intellect 4, Resolve 3, Might 5, Dexterity 2, Stamina 5, Presence 1, Manipulation 3, Composure 5

Health: 15

Special Rules

(Automata) The Hive: All Units connected to Brainbox use its Social attributes as well as its Intellect of 4 as they are part of a hive mind. If the unit is disconnected from Brainbox by damaging its transceiver, the unit reverts to Intellect 0, loses all Social attributes and will simply pursue whatever its last directive was regardless of changing circumstances. The transmitter is located on the “head” of each unit and can be hit with any attack at difficulty 9.

(Automata) “Malfunction! Activate Self-Repair!”: Automata can forego a turn to roll Intellect + Technology to self-repair any damage taken to a maximum of 2 health per turn. This action cannot be taken if their Hive connection is broken.

(Brainbox) “IT’S HUGE!”: Brainbox’s construct is gargantuan and its slow, clumsy steps can crush a protagonist into pulp. Any character unfortunate enough to be caught under its stomping feet can be killed in an instant by its massive Might and hand wielded weapon  have no effect against it. A character who gets close enough to the construct to be stepped on must make a successful Dexterity + Athletics roll at difficulty 6 or else take 4 unsoakable damage.

(Brainbox) Electromagnetic Burst: Brainbox can disable all electronic/electrical devices within a single mile of its location once but must then return to its hub to recharge this ability for a second use. This power nullification subsides after the scene ends, or whenever the Director deems appropriate.

(Brainbox) “Malfunction! Activate Self-Repair!”: Brainbox can forego a turn to roll Intellect + Technology to self-repair any damage taken to a maximum of 5 Health per turn.

[hudsonespie]

75 Years Ago: U.S. Coast Guard Operations at Okinawa

[By BM1 William A. Bleyer, U.S. Coast Guard]

In late March 1945, nearly 1,300 ships of the Allied forces of America, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada assembled to support the largest amphibious operation of the Pacific War–the invasion of Okinawa and Ryukyu Islands.

Map showing the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa and nearby Kerama Retto. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Okinawa is a large island, sixty miles long and nearly ten wide. It lies only 360 miles from Japan and was part of the Japanese colonial empire. Japanese leaders were determined to hold the island, both out of national pride and as a key to their East China Sea defensive perimeter. Although its native inhabitants did not consider themselves Japanese, to Japan’s leaders Okinawa was home territory. Trying to maintain their “island hopping” momentum, Allied planners wanted to get closer to the Home Islands by landing on the “back porch” of Japan at Okinawa.

Allied military strategists codenamed the plan to invade Okinawa Operation “Iceberg.” Attached to the invasion armada was the largest fleet of Coast Guard ships to participate in a World War II naval operation. In all, the Coast Guard operated seven transports, 29 LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank), 12 LCIs (Landing Craft, Infantry), high-endurance cutters Bibb and Taney, buoy tender Woodbine, and submarine chaser PC-469.Many of these vessels and their Coast Guard crews were veterans of amphibious campaigns in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean theaters. 

LSTs landing equipment and supplies on the beaches of Okinawa. In the distance can be seen dozens of vessels of the invasion fleet. (U.S. Coast Guard)

For Okinawa’s defense, the Japanese Imperial Army and Imperial Navy assembled hundreds of aircraft, small boats, manned torpedoes and kamikaze (meaning “Divine Wind”) suicide aircraft. The island’s Japanese defenders numbered 120,000 troops. The Allies committed over 500,000 men, including three Marine Corps divisions and four Army infantry divisions with an Army infantry division held in reserve in New Caledonia.

Six days before the main landings, an Allied task force invaded the Kerama Retto islands about 20 miles west of Okinawa. The task force included the cutter Bibb, six Coast Guard-manned LSTs and troops of the U.S. Army’s 77th Infantry Division. Coast Guard-manned LST-829 had the honor of landing the first infantrymen to invade the Japanese-held islands. After capturing Kerama Retto, these troops set-up an advanced fueling depot, repair base and air field to support the invasion forces. 

Allied military planners designated April 1st as “L-Day,” the landing day in which the Okinawa invasion would commence. As in previous campaigns, the Allies curtailed local enemy air and sea operations before initiating the invasion. In addition, the Navy brought up two bombardment fleets and, for over a week before the landings, carrier planes, B-29 heavy bombers and warships softened up enemy positions. 

Burned out mid-section of LST-884 after the deadly kamikaze attack. (U.S. Coast Guard)

In the early morning of Easter Sunday, thousands of ships of the armada arrived off Okinawa. At 8:30 a.m., fire support ships began laying down an intense onshore barrage. Over 500 planes from American aircraft carriers swarmed over the landing areas to knock out enemy positions. Allied strategists had planned the initial assault for the western and southern sides of the island because two enemy airfields lay nearby. During the initial landings, Allied forces put ashore four divisions abreast over an eight-mile front of beaches.          

Coast Guard-manned LSTs performed with their usual efficiency, both during the initial landings and with vital logistical support in the following weeks. These awkward vessels, also known as “Large, Slow Targets,” arrived after about a week at sea overloaded with troops and supplies. They lay close to the beaches and regularly made smoke screens for invasion vessels while their crews dashed to general quarters during countless air raids.

Photo of Coast Guard-manned LST-884 unloading troops and supplies before its catastrophic kamikaze attack at Okinawa. (U.S. Coast Guard)

On L-Day, LST-884 approached with the invasion fleet, steaming at three knots toward the beaches. By 6:00 a.m., under a moonlit sky, general quarters were sounded for the Coast Guard crew and the 300 Marines. Less than 30 minutes later, lookouts spotted three Japanese planes flying about 250 feet above the water bearing down on the invasion fleet. LST-884’s port guns and guns from other ships opened fire. The barrage brought down two of the aircraft. The third burst into flames and crashed into the port side of the LST. The aircraft passed through the shipfitter’s shop and continued into the tank deck where it exploded with a tremendous roar.

Repair parties worked feverishly to put out the fire, but the kamikaze had crashed into stowed mortar ammunition. The intense fire and exploding ammunition made it impossible for the men to fight the fire and heavy smoke began to fill the 884. As the fire burned out of control, the danger of flames reaching the fuel tanks increased. At 5:55 a.m., commanding officer, LT Charles Pearson, ordered the ship abandoned and the surviving men transferred to nearby vessels. After most of the ammunition had exploded, LT Pearson returned to the LST with volunteers and put out the fires. They saved the ship, but 19 Marines and one Coast Guardsman had perished in the inferno.

Troop transport Joseph T. Dickman at anchor in the Pacific unloading supplies to waring LCVPs under a cloudy sky. (U.S. Navy)

Despite the kamikaze attacks, the landings proceeded better than perhaps any other in the Pacific invasion. Coast Guard-manned troop transports entered the fray on the first day. The transport Joseph T. Dickman arrived at the transport area at 5:40 a.m. on L-Day. The Dickman had on board a total of 1,368 troops, 99 vehicles and over 83,000 cubic feet of cargo. Combat loading for an amphibious assault has been compared to a chess game that cannot be won, and the mixed cargo of troops and supplies caused delays in unloading. The Dickman continued to unload as late as April 9th, L-Day plus seven. On March 28th, the Cambria had sailed from Ulithi Atoll arriving off Okinawa just before 5:00 a.m. on April 1st. The transport served as a flagship for one of the transport groups and spent three days unloading troops and cargo. On April 3rd, the Cambria sent ashore a beach party of three officers and 43 men to speed supplies to the front lines. 

Coast Guard beachmasters and their men waged war against an unseen enemy of coral reefs. Beach parties blasted numerous coral heads allowing landing craft access to the landing zones. Due to the need for supplies, beachmasters unloaded as many landing craft as possible for six hours around high tide, piled the supplies on the beach and then moved the material inland at low tide. Unfortunately, this kept the transports at anchor for longer periods endangering the vessels from attacks by the kamikazes, suicide boats and torpedo craft.

Kamikaze photographed just before crashing into an Allied naval vessel. (U.S. Navy)

The Allies applied lessons learned from earlier amphibious assaults. Several hours after the troop transports arrived, control craft deployed for the beaches to establish a line of departure. Each of the control craft displayed a unique colored banner corresponding with the color designating each beach. A guide boat then directed each wave of craft from the line of departure to the beach. These boats also flew a pennant that corresponded to the beach’s color. Additionally, the landing craft on the initial waves had the color of the beach painted on their topsides. As the first wave reached the shore, the landing party erected a colored banner to guide landing craft arriving later. This coloring system simplified movement of boats from the line of departure to the beach and helped beachmasters recognize the boats and direct them to the proper landing areas.

With the exception of a few air attacks, light artillery and mortar fire, the Japanese had not contested the beach landings. On L-Day, Allied naval forces landed 50,000 troops. Within two days, these troops had fought to the east side of the island cutting Japanese forces in two. Resistance in the northern portion of the island fell quickly, but Japanese resistance grew tenacious in the southern end.

Troops coming ashore from an LCVP from the Dickman on the left. (U.S. Navy)

On April 6th, the Japanese began a counterattack against the invasion fleet. To attack Allied ships, the Japanese used manned torpedoes and small speedboats loaded with explosives. The Japanese hid over 250 of these suicide boats around the island, however, Allied forces captured coastal areas before most were deployed. Coast Guard submarine chaser PC-469 encountered three suicide boats sinking two in a close-quarters firefight and drove off a third. PC-469 would also shoot down two enemy aircraft later in the battle.Coast Guard Cutter Bibb configured as an amphibious command ship with added radio antenna and anti-aircraft guns. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Within flying range of the Japanese Home Islands, the Allied fleet was subjected to frequent air attacks, many by kamikazes. These suicide attacks were deadly and included conventional aircraft and rocket-powered flying bombs called Ohkas launched from bomber motherships. Allied fighter aircraft engaged the Japanese attackers while ship-mounted anti-aircraft guns of all calibers frantically fired skyward at the enemy. The kamikazes focused on large ships like aircraft carriers, but attacked any target of opportunity. Coast Guard 327-foot cutters Bibb and Taney, veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic, served as amphibious command ships and found themselves in the thick of the action. Bibb survived 55 air raids and shot down one aircraft. Taney, which began the war on December 7, 1941, firing at Japanese planes attacking Pearl Harbor, set general quarters 119 times, shot down at least four enemy aircraft, and even took fire from a Japanese shore battery.

Coast Guard Cutter Bibb configured as an amphibious command ship with added radio antenna and anti-aircraft guns. (U.S. Coast Guard) Growing desperate to stop the invasion, the Japanese even sortied Yamato, the world’s largest battleship, on a one-way suicide mission to attack the invasion fleet. However, American carrier aircraft sank the enemy behemoth before it reached Okinawa. During the campaign, suicide attacks sank six Allied ships and damaged another 120 vessels.

Okinawa was the last major invasion of the war. Despite their numerical superiority, the Allies took three months to secure the island. The battle claimed over 13,000 American lives and wounded 36,000 more. The Japanese lost 120,000 men, including troops, pilots and naval personnel. Frequently caught in the crossfire or conscripted to fight by the Japanese, nearly half the Okinawan civilian population died in the battle. 

Coast Guardsmen visit Okinawa’s temporary military cemetery to pay respects to a fallen shipmate. (U.S. Coast Guard)

The Okinawa Campaign was one of countless Coast Guard supported operations of World War II. Coast Guard-manned ships would participate in other minor amphibious assaults, and support Allied forces as they occupied Japan after its August 1945 surrender. In 1946, in the ceremony returning the Coast Guard to the Treasury Department, Navy Secretary James Forrestal stated that the Coast Guard had, “Earned the highest respect and deepest appreciation of the Navy and Marine Corps. Its performance of duty has been without exception in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.”

Throughout the war, the men and women of the United States Coast Guard demonstrated the Service’s combat readiness and lived up to its motto of Semper Paratus.

This article appears courtesy of Coast Guard Compass and may be found in its original form here. 

from Storage Containers https://maritime-executive.com/article/75-years-ago-u-s-coast-guard-operations-at-okinawa via http://www.rssmix.com/

[jadhavpropmart]

Codename Atlantic and Pacific: Premium 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK Flats in Malad

Codename Atlantic and Pacific is a premier residential project located in the heart of Malad, one of Mumbai's most rapidly developing suburbs. Offering an array of configurations, including 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK flats, this development caters to individuals and families seeking a blend of luxury, convenience, and modern amenities. Malad’s thriving infrastructure and connectivity make it an ideal location for homebuyers looking for both comfort and accessibility.

1BHK Flats in Malad: Ideal for Urban Professionals

The 1BHK flats  in malad are perfect for young professionals and couples who desire compact, yet stylish living spaces. With a modern layout, these units typically span between 400 to 600 sq.ft., offering a cozy living room, well-designed bedroom, and a sleek modular kitchen. These flats are designed to maximize space efficiency while ensuring comfort and functionality, making them ideal for those starting their journey in property ownership.

2BHK Flats in Malad: Balancing Space and Comfort

For small families or individuals looking for more space, the 2BHK flats at Codename Atlantic and Pacific offer a perfect balance between affordability and luxury. Ranging from 700 to 900 sq.ft., these units provide two spacious bedrooms, a large living area, and a modern kitchen. With well-ventilated rooms and excellent natural lighting, the 2BHK configurations are perfect for families seeking a home that combines modern design with practicality.

3BHK Flats in Malad: Spacious and Luxurious Living

The 3BHK flats are tailored for larger families or those who prefer more expansive living spaces. Covering an area of 1,000 to 1,300 sq.ft., these apartments feature three large bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a dining area, making it ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a comfortable family life. With premium fittings and high-end finishes, these units offer luxury and sophistication in every corner.

Why Choose Codename Atlantic and Pacific in Malad?

Codename Atlantic and Pacific real estate is more than just a residential complex; it is designed to offer residents a complete lifestyle experience. Located in Malad, a suburb known for its burgeoning infrastructure, this project ensures easy access to key areas of Mumbai, including Western Express Highway, Link Road, and Malad Railway Station. In addition, the presence of top schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and entertainment hubs nearby ensures that residents have everything they need at their doorstep.

The project also offers a wide range of modern amenities, including:

Swimming pool

Clubhouse

Gymnasium

Children's play area

Landscaped gardens

Jogging track

24/7 security

With a blend of contemporary design, top-tier amenities, and excellent connectivity, Codename Atlantic and Pacific stands out as one of the top choices for Property in Malad. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking for a luxurious lifestyle, this project offers something for everyone.

For more details visit our site:  https://www.propmart.co/city/properties-in-malad/

[kpawarpropmart]

Welcome to Codename Atlantic and Pacific in Malad: Luxury Living Redefined

Are you searching for your dream home in Mumbai? Look no further than Codename Atlantic and Pacific in Malad. This exclusive residential development offers a range of meticulously designed 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK flats, making it a perfect choice for individuals and families seeking luxurious living spaces in one of Mumbai's most sought-after neighborhoods. With its prime location, top-notch amenities, and thoughtfully crafted properties, Codename Atlantic and Pacific stands out as a premier real estate option in Malad.

Prime Location in Malad

Malad is a thriving suburb in Mumbai, known for its vibrant community, excellent infrastructure, and seamless connectivity. Codename Atlantic and Pacific leverages this prime location, providing residents with easy access to essential amenities such as shopping centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and recreational options. Whether you need to commute to work, run errands, or enjoy leisure activities, living in Malad ensures you are always well-connected and conveniently located.

Seamless Connectivity

One of the significant advantages of living in Malad is its outstanding connectivity. The area is well-served by major roads and public transportation networks, including the Western Express Highway and the Malad railway station on the Western Line. This connectivity ensures that residents of Codename Atlantic and Pacific can easily navigate the city, making daily commutes and travel hassle-free. Additionally, the upcoming metro line will further enhance connectivity, making Malad an even more attractive location for homebuyers.

Connectivity:

·         Domestic Airport – 16 KM

·         Kandivali Station- 4.9 KM

·         Powai – 17 KM

·         Lower Parel – 29 KM

·         Mangalmurthi Hospital- 1.7 KM

·         Billabong High International School In Malad, Mumbai- 800 M

·         Mindspace – 4.8 KM

Luxurious 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK Flats

Codename Atlantic and Pacific offers a variety of luxurious living spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of modern families. From cozy 1BHK flats to spacious 2BHK and 3BHK Flats in Malad, each unit is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring maximum comfort and functionality. These flats feature contemporary interiors, high-quality finishes, and well-planned layouts that maximize space and natural light. Whether you are a young professional, a couple, or a growing family, these homes provide the perfect sanctuary in the bustling city of Mumbai.

Configuration:

·         1 BHK (442 CA RERA)

·         2 BHK (618 to 683 CA RERA)

·         3  BHK (818 CA RERA)

World-Class Amenities

Residents of Codename Atlantic and Pacific enjoy access to a range of world-class amenities designed to enhance their lifestyle. The property includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, beautifully landscaped gardens, a children's play area, and a multi-purpose community hall.

Other Features:

·         Children's play area

·         Clubhouse

·         Gym

·         Indoor Games

·         Jogging Track

·         Lift(s)

·         Security

·         Swimming Pool

A Smart Investment

Investing in real estate in Malad is a wise decision, given the area's continuous development and rising property values. Codename Atlantic and Pacific represents an excellent investment opportunity, combining prime location, luxurious living spaces, and modern amenities. Whether you are purchasing for personal use or as an investment, these Properties in Malad promise significant returns and enduring value.

A Vibrant Community

Living at Codename Atlantic and Pacific means becoming part of a vibrant and welcoming community. The residential complex fosters a sense of belonging, with regular social events and communal spaces that encourage interaction among residents. The proximity to top-rated schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and entertainment venues further enriches the lifestyle experience, making it a desirable place to call home.

Conclusion

Codename Atlantic and Pacific in Malad is more than just a residential development; it's a gateway to a luxurious urban lifestyle. With its prime location, exquisite 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK flats, and world-class amenities, it stands out as one of the best properties in Malad. If you are looking for a home that combines comfort, convenience, and luxury, Codename Atlantic and Pacific is the perfect choice.

For more details, visit our website: https://www.propmart.co/city/properties-in-malad/

[racingtoaredlight]

On This Day...

On this day in 1990 Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega surrendered to American troops and was formally arrested by agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for his role in trafficking cocaine through Panama and into the U.S. Noriega’s surrender and arrest marked the culmination of the Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama by the U.S. military which started December 20, 1989.

The capture of Noriega due to his role as a drug trafficker--and as a former asset of the CIA who had turned on his handlers--was not the sole reason for the invasion. Throughout the 1980s Noriega slowly consolidated his power in the Central American country. This was at first tolerated by the United States State Department because Noriega provided intelligence to the CIA and promised to be a bulwark against the expansion of South America’s Marxist brand of Communism which fueled insurrections in Colombia and Peru, among others.

U.S. influence in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean dates back to the invocation of the Monroe Doctrine by President James Monroe in 1823. The policy adopted by the Monroe administration and every subsequent American presidency asserted the predominance of American influence in the Western Hemisphere, serving as a warning to the imperial powers of Europe not to meddle in Latin American or the Caribbean. It was not until much later in the nineteenth century that America had the military strength to back up the words of the Monroe Doctrine in practical terms.

By the time Theodore Roosevelt came to office an expanded U.S. Navy, whose strength was so thoroughly demonstrated in the Spanish-American War of 1898, allowed Roosevelt to embrace a more active approach to the Monroe Doctrine. Any threat to American interests in any nation in Latin America, be it commercial or political, was viewed as a reason to dispatch an American naval squadron and land U.S. Marines. This approach led directly to a face-off with Colombia in 1903, in which American warships prevented Colombian troops from moving into the Panamanian Isthmus--which was then a province of Colombia--to put down an insurrection against the government in Bogota. By this action, the U.S. government in effect sponsored the creation of the nation of Panama, which then quickly reached a diplomatic agreement with the U.S. that recognized the right of America to occupy a large strip of territory between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and to build a large canal there; i.e. the Panama Canal Zone. 

After the Panama Canal opened to international shipping in 1914, its strategic value became immediately apparent. The United States desired a canal in Central America precisely because it wanted to be able to move warships of the U.S. Navy quickly between the east and west coasts. The Canal Zone became a well-established American-ruled outpost which cut completely across a sovereign nation. The Canal Zone became the most visible effect of the Monroe Doctrine as the large American presence in Panama ensured its dominance of Panamanian politics. It also, of course, allowed the U.S. to control the canal itself, and therefore which ships went through the canal. In 1914, shortly after the canal was opened, the State Department implicitly forbade the German Navy’s Pacific Squadron--which was based in China and was attempting to return to Germany to augment the High Seas Fleet--from crossing into the Atlantic via the canal. The German squadron was therefore forced to steam down the coast of South America--where it overwhelmed a smaller British squadron sent to intercept it--and around Cape Horn. The Germans were caught in the Falkland Islands off of Argentina by a larger British squadron and destroyed. American refusal to let the German ships use the Panama Canal gave the British enough time to assemble a fleet and send it south to intercept the German force.

The Canal Zone, and the American influence which resulted from it, became a source of tension over time. The presence of a huge American commercial and military infrastructure in their nation gradually offended the nationalist instincts of Panamanians. Noriega cultivated this sense while also manipulating Washington D.C. into continuing to support his regime. However, as the extent of Noriega’s narcokleptocracy became apparent, Washington became less willing to look past his political abuses. In 1989, Noriega faced a new general election and he was widely expected to lose in a landslide. Instead of running himself, Noriega nominated his successor and then, through Panama’s military, forced election officials to forge the results of the election so that his candidate would win. Though the opposition could not produce any proof, there was widespread condemnation of Noriega’s actions, including by the newly-elected U.S. administration of President George H.W. Bush.

As public discontent over the falsified election grew, leading opposition leaders declared victory and held a “victory parade” through the streets of Panama City. Noriega’s supporters, some of whom were deputized by Noriega’s military into “militia units,”--in reality, nothing but armed thugs--attacked the procession. While one of the opposition leaders escaped with the help of sympathetic soldiers, the two opposition candidates for vice president were caught and beaten by a mob of Noriega’s militia. Media who were on the scene to cover the parade instead capture video and pictures of unarmed opposition leaders being brutally beaten; Guillermo Ford, one of those leaders, was famously photographed staggering down the street in a blood-soaked shirt. The footage and photos spread around the world and galvanized international opinion against Noriega. The very next day, off-duty American soldiers stationed in the Canal Zone were stopped at a Panamanian military checkpoint. An argument between the two parties exploded into gunfire and the Americans sped off in their car back to the relatively safety fo the Canal Zone. That night units of Panama’s military, acting on Noriega’s orders, began to concentrate near major American installations in the Canal Zone; Noriega’s threat to invade American territory was clear.

Acting on the orders of President Bush, the U.S. military intervened and soldiers, ships, and warplanes assigned to Southern Command quickly descended on Panama. Operation Just Cause began on December 20, 1989, and involved not just the takeover of Panama City, the capital, but also the liberation of American prisoners in Panama’s main prison, the destruction of Noriega’s fleet of private jets and yachts so as to prevent his escape. The pursuit of Noriega himself was codenamed “Nifty Package.”

Panama’s military quickly fell apart in the face of superior American firepower and numbers and U.S. control over the country was achieved in a matter of days. Noriega fled to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Panama City; i.e. the Vatican’s embassy. The diplomatic outpost was quickly surrounded by U.S. forces, but they were unable to enter the embassy grounds because doing so would violate international agreements regarding the integrity of embassies and consulates. The U.S., nearing victory, hardly wished to spark an international incident with the Vatican.

Instead, the U.S. military brought in huge spotlights powered by generators and large concert speakers. Both were aimed directly at the Nunciature building where Noriega was holding out. The spotlights were turned on at night so that Noriega would have difficulty sleeping and loud music, including heavy metal, was blared 24 hours per day. After ten days, the papal nuncio (ambassador) Monsignor Jose Sebastian Laboa cleverly convinced Noriega to surrender by offering him a holy mass, during which Laboa’s homily was about the thief of the cross at Jesus’ crucifixion who recognized the wrongness of his deeds and asked Christ for forgiveness. Shortly afterward, Noriega wrote two letters, including one to his wife, and then appeared at the gates of the compound with his hands up. U.S. Army MPs approached, placed him under arrest, and then presented him to the DEA, who whisked Noriega off to an air force base in Florida.

To some extent the invasion of Panama represented the high-water mark of American influence in Latin America. Just under ten years later, the United States handed over the Canal Zone and control of the canal itself to the government of Panama. Throughout Latin America, several populist leaders have gained power by decrying the influence of the United States, a sentiment which remains strong enough to keep these leaders in power despite economic failures. Such leaders as Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Nicholas Maduro of Venezuela, and to a lesser extent, Evo Morales of Bolivia are in power as a testament to the reaction against American influence, first asserted by James Monroe almost 200 years ago.

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[jwslw]

d20 stats for some WWII aircraft

(Yak-9D) The Yakovlev Yak-9 was a single-engine fighter aircraft used by the Soviet Union in World War II and after. Fundamentally a lighter development of the Yak-7 with the same armament, it arrived at the front at the end of 1942. The Yak-9 had a lowered rear fuselage decking and all-around vision canopy. Its lighter air-frame gave the new fighter a flexibility that previous models had lacked. The Yak-9 was the most mass-produced Soviet fighter of all time. It remained in production from 1942 to 1948, with 16,769 built (14,579 during the war).Towards the end of the war, the Yak-9 was the first Soviet aircraft to shoot down a Messerschmitt Me 262, jet. Following World War II it was used by the North Korean Air Force during the Korean War.

YAK-9D Crew: 1 Pass: 0 Cargo: 0lb Init: +0 Maneuver:+4 Top Speed: 322(32) Defense: 6 Hard: 5 HP: 38 Size: G PDC: 25 Res: Mil (+3) Face: 6/7 Armament: 1x ShVAK 20mm an 1x UBS .50 (Forward). Bonuses: None Equipment: -ShVAK(20x99R): Damage: 4d6 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 120feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked (100 rounds). Size: Huge. Weight: 88lb. Purchase DC: 23 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: The 20mm rounds used by this weapon we’re under powered compared to other 20mm shells. -UBS Machine gun (12.7x108): Damage: 2d12 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 120feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked (200 rounds). Size: Huge. Weight: 48lb. Purchase DC: 21 Restriction: Mil+3 -Radio Mitsubishi A6M Zero The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a lightweight fighter aircraft operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) from 1940 to 1945. The origin of its official designation was that "A" signified a carrier-based fighter, "6" for the sixth such model built for the Imperial Navy, and "M" for the manufacturer, Mitsubishi. The A6M was usually referred to by the Allies as the "Zero"—a name that was frequently misapplied to other Japanese fighters, such as the Nakajima Ki-43—as well as other codenames and nicknames, including "Zeke", "Hamp" and "Hap". Mitsubishi A6M Zero Crew: 1 Pass: 0 Cargo: 0lb Init: +0 Maneuver:+4 Top Speed: 361(36) Defense: 6 Hard: 5 HP: 34 Size: G PDC: 25 Res: Mil (+3) Face: 6/8 Armament: 2x Type 99 20mm an 2x Type 97 MG’s (Forward), 2x 60KG bombs. Bonuses: None Equipment: -Type 99 (20x101RB): Damage: 4d8 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 150feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked (60 each). Size: Huge. Weight: 51lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3. Notes: Fire-linked 6d8 damage, burst +6d8 expends 20 rounds (10 per gun) auto and 10 rounds (5 per gun) burst. -Type 97 (7.7x58): Damage: 2d10 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 100feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked (500 each) (20 box infantry version). Size: Large. Weight: 28lb. Purchase DC: 18 Restriction: Mil+3. Notes: Fire-linked 3d10 damage, burst +3d10 expends 20 rounds (10 per gun) auto and 10 rounds (5 per gun) burst. -160KG Bomb: Damage: 5d12 Damage Type: Conc. Critical: --. Range Increment: 350feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 352lb. Purchase DC: 16 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 20ft, Ref 17. No max range. -Radio P-38 Lightning The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a World War II American fighter aircraft. Developed to a United States Army Air Corps requirement, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a single, central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. The aircraft was used in a number of different roles including dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing, photo reconnaissance missions,[4] and extensively as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with drop tanks under its wings. The P-38 was used most successfully in the Pacific Theater of Operations and the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations where it enabled two airmen to achieve the highest-ever per pilot tally of American aerial victories. America's top ace Richard Bong earned 40 victories (in a Lightning he called Marge), and Thomas McGuire (in Pudgy) scored 38. In the South West Pacific theater, the P-38 was the primary long-range fighter of United States Army Air Forces until the appearance of large numbers of P-51D Mustangs toward the end of the war. P-38 Lightning Crew: 1 Pass: 0 Cargo: 0lb Init: +0 Maneuver:+4 Top Speed: 389(39) Defense: 6 Hard: 5 HP: 44 Size: G PDC: 34 Res: Mil (+3) Face: 8/11 Armament: 1x Hispano M2 20mm, 4x M2HB .50 (Forward), 2x 2,000lb bombs and 10x5in HVAR Rockets. Bonuses: None Equipment: -Hispano M2 (20x110): Damage: 4d8 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 120feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked (120rounds). Size: Huge. Weight: 88lb. Purchase DC: 23 Restriction: Mil+3. -M2HB (.50BMG): Damage: 2d12 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 120feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked (500 rounds each). Size: Huge. Weight: 48lb. Purchase DC: 21 Restriction: Mil+3. Notes: Fire-linked 4d12 damage, burst +4d12 expends 40 rounds (10 per gun) auto and 20 rounds (5 per gun) burst. -2,000lb Bomb: Damage: 9d20 Damage Type: Conc. Critical: --. Range Increment: 600feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 2,000lb. Purchase DC: 21 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 20ft, Ref 17. No max range. -HVAR Rocket (5in): Damage: 12d6 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 300feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 140lb. Purchase DC: 15 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 15ft, Ref 17. -Radio

Heinkel He 111

The Heinkel He 111 was a German aircraft designed by Siegfried and Walter Günter at Heinkel Flugzeugwerke in 1934. Through development it was described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Due to restrictions placed on Germany after the First World War prohibiting bombers, it masqueraded as a civil airliner, although from conception the design was intended to provide the nascent Luftwaffe with a fast medium bomber.

Perhaps the best-recognized German bomber due to the distinctive, extensively glazed "greenhouse"nose of later versions, the Heinkel He 111 was the most numerous Luftwaffe bomber during the early stages of World War II. The bomber fared well until the Battle of Britain, when its weak defensive armament was exposed. Nevertheless, it proved capable of sustaining heavy damage and remaining airborne. As the war progressed, the He 111 was used in a variety of roles on every front in the European theatre. It was used as a strategic bomber during the Battle of Britain, a torpedo bomber in the Atlantic and Arctic, and a medium bomber and a transport aircraft on the Western, Eastern, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African Front theatres.

The He 111 was constantly upgraded and modified, but became obsolete during the latter part of the war. The German Bomber B project was not realized, which forced the Luftwaffe to continue operating the He 111 in combat roles until the end of the war. Manufacture of the He 111 ceased in September 1944, at which point piston-engine bomber production was largely halted in favor of fighter aircraft. With the German bomber force virtually defunct, the He 111 was used for logistics.

Production of the Heinkel continued after the war as the Spanish-built CASA 2.111. Spain received a batch of He 111H-16s in 1943 along with an agreement to license-build Spanish versions. Its airframe was produced in Spain under license by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA. The design differed significantly in power-plant only, eventually being equipped with Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. The Heinkel's descendant continued in service until 1973.

Vehicle

Crew: 5 Pass: 0 Cargo: 0lb Init: -4* Maneuver: -4* Top Speed: 240 (24). Defense: 2 Hard: 10 HP: 48 Size: C PDC: 41 Res: 37 Mil(+3) Face: 11/15 Armament: 3x Un-linked MG-81 machine guns ( 1 Aft, 1 left, 1 Right), 3x Un-linked MG-15 machine guns (Fore), 1x MG FF Cannon (Fore), 1x MG-131 (Aft), 4,400lb of bombs (160kg, 500lb or 2,000lb) in an internal bay*. Bonuses: +2 Bombs. Equipment: -MG-81 (7.92x57mm): Damage: 3d10 Damage Type: Ball. Critical: 20. Range Increment:  80feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: Linked. Size: L. Weight:14.5lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3. Special expends 20 rounds on an auto-fire (Ref17 negates) or 10 rounds on a burst fire (-4atk, +3d10) attack -MG-15 (7.92x57mm): Damage: 2d10 Damage Type: Ball. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 100feet. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: 75 (Drum). Size: H. Weight: 27lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3. - MG FF Cannon (20x80mm AP): Damage: 4d8 Damage Type: Ball. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 120ft. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: 60(drum). Size: H. Weight: 59.2lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3.

- MG-131 (13x64mmB HE): Damage: 2d12 Damage Type: Ball. Critical: 20x3. Range Increment: 90ft. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: linked. Size: H. Weight: 37lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3.

-160KG Bomb: Damage: 5d12 Damage Type: Conc. Critical: --. Range Increment: 350feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 352lb. Purchase DC: 16 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 20ft, Ref 17. No max range.

-160KG Bomb: Damage: 5d12 Damage Type: Conc. Critical: --. Range Increment: 350feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 352lb. Purchase DC: 16 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 20ft, Ref 17. No max range.

- 500lb Bomb: Damage: 10d8 Damage Type: conc/Slashing. Critical: N/A. Range Increment: 1,600ft. Rate of Fire: 1. Magazine: 1 (Int). Size: Huge. Weight: 500lb. Purchase DC: 18 Restriction: Mil+3. Special: No Max range increment, Burst Radius 20ft (Ref 17 for half)-2,000lb Bomb: Damage: 9d20 Damage Type: Conc. Critical: --. Range Increment: 600feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 2,000lb. Purchase DC: 21 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 20ft, Ref 17. No max range.

-2,000lb Bomb: Damage: 9d20 Damage Type: Conc. Critical: --. Range Increment: 600feet. Rate of Fire: S. Magazine: 1. Size: Huge. Weight: 2,000lb. Purchase DC: 21 Restriction: Mil+3 Notes: Burst 20ft, Ref 17. No max range.

-Bombing run: As a Full Attack Action, A Heinkel Bomber can Fly in a strait line upto 300ft, dropping one bomb every 25feet at the bombardier’s attack bonus -4, doing so allows the Heinkel to inflict significant damage. However, while making the bombing run the pilot does not add his dex bonus to defense or saves vs, attacks of opportunity.

*Can use external Hard points to increase its bomb capacity to 7,900lb, but, increases the Init and Maneuver penalties to -8 until all bombs have been deployed

[jacknicholson1963]

Listening to the ocean – the secretive enablers in the underwater battle

Critical in the ongoing battle to detect hostile submarines in a little-known network of ocean sensors that support the more visible deployment of frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. Here we examine the history and development of this network, a key to UK maritime power.

The Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) codenamed Project Caesar, was began in 1954 as a classified US programme to use an extensive network of hydrophones laid on the seabed to track Soviet submarines. The technology was successfully refined and gave NATO a great advantage over their underwater adversaries throughout the Cold War. The UK has been fortunate to have involvement and access to this project since the early days. SOSUS had been built under the cover of civilian oceanographic research and was not made public until 1991. The Soviets were largely unaware of its importance until its existence and scale was revealed to them in the intelligence passed on to them by the Walker spy ring in the 1970 and 80s. Soviet submarines were notoriously noisy and easy to detect but, partly on learning of the passive detection capabilities of SOSUS, they began to build quieter submarines. In general US and RN submarines were considerably more stealthy but Russia has now closed that gap, its newest submarines are comparable to NATO designs in terms of stealth.

SOSUS comprised fixed, passive linear hydrophone arrays for long range detection of the noise radiated by submarines. In simple terms, the noises from the machinery and the cavitation effects of a submarine propellor can potentially be detected hundreds of miles away because seawater is a very good conductor of sound energy. Using hydrophones at dispersed locations it is possible to triangulate and locate the source of the noise to a precise point in the ocean. The arrays were laid at strategic points around the Atlantic and Pacific and relayed information to shore stations via undersea cables. The shore stations were linked by satellite and phone lines. At its Cold War peak, SOSUS employed around 4,000 personnel working at 20 shore stations. In 1974 a SOSUS station was constructed at RAF Brawdy in Wales and by 1980 over 300 personnel were stationed there, analysing acoustic data gathered from arrays laid around the British Isles.

Dam Neck

In October 1995, NAVFAC Bawdy was closed and its functions moved to the Joint Maritime Facility at RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall. In 2009 St Mawgan was closed and the combined USN and British operation was moved to Navy Operational Processing Facility (NOPF) at Dam Neck in Virginia. Data collected from ocean sensors across the Atlantic is now processed at this single facility before the intelligence is passed onto the frontline. (There is a parallel facility that serves the Pacific region at NOPF Whidbey Island in Washington State). It must be assumed that the analysis and submarine tracking information gathered here is passed on to the UK Joint Headquarters at Northwood to the RN Commander Maritime Operations (COMOPS) where it is used to cue submarines and warships to their targets.

Photocall for the approximately 50 RN and RAF personnel stationed at NOPF Dam Neck, Virginia (2014). They get little mention compared with others serving in the US, for example on the P-8 Seedcorn exchange or with the F-35 programme.

Going mobile

By the late 1980s, SOSUS had evolved to become just a part of what is now known as Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS). Purpose built towed array sonar ships were integrated into the system in the form of the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) ships. Designed to be quiet, stable in all weathers and able to track targets at long range from the optimum location, their data is transmitted back to IUSS land stations by satellite. Unlike the SOSUS seabed arrays, they also incorporate Low-Frequency Active (LFA 100-500hz band) transducers that transmit energy into the water. If reflected back off the target, the sound is detected by the long passive arrays trailed behind the ship. The RN does not have the luxury of single-role dedicated towed array platforms but 8 of the 13 Type 23 frigates carry the renowned Type 2087 system. RN submarines also deploy towed arrays which must be attached to the submarine by a support vessel before leaving for a patrol. Following the “Asia pivot”, SURTASS vessels now operate almost exclusively around the Chinese coast and Western Pacific but the USN is in the process of fitting all its destroyers and cruisers with a new TB-37/U Multi-Function Towed Array (MFTA) sonar system.

During the Cold War, the Warsaw pact had deployed their own towed array platforms, although it is likely they were not as effective as western equivalents. During ‘Operation Barmaid‘ in August 1982, HMS Conqueror was fitted with special pincers and undetected, managed to cut and steal an array belonging to a Polish AGI to be taken to the US for analysis.

The Type 2087 sonar system on a Type 23 frigate. The ‘wet end’ comprises the LFA (yellow towed body) and a passive array. It is likely that the Type 23s can also upload sonar data via satellite in real time to contribute to the big picture of the IUSS network. This equipment will be transferred to the Type 26 frigate as they enter service. Its open architecture will allow the software to be upgraded continually. (Based on original image from Thales)

The behaviour of sound waves in water varies enormously depending on conditions such as depth, currents, salinity and temperature layers. These variables will affect if, when and where submarines may be detected. The Royal Navy’s hydrographic ocean survey ship HMS Scott does not just collect data for creating charts but contributes oceanographic information for both submarine operations and anti-submarine warfare. By understanding the composition of the water column it assists the deterrent submarines in knowing where they may be safest from detection. For the submarine hunter, understanding the composition of the ocean helps them predict how their sonars will perform. As submarines have become quieter, ASW has had to move back to a greater reliance on active sonar. Active sonar gives a more precise fix on the location of the target but has the disadvantage of immediately alerting the submarine that it is being tracked.

USNS Zeus is the US navy’s dedicated cable-layer and is primarily employed building and maintaining the IUSS network of hydrophones. The Zeus has been a regular visitor to UK waters in recent times, seen here alongside in Devonport during 2015 (Photo: Lewis-Clarke via Geograph).

China and Russia spur renewed US ASW developments

The US is now in the process of making the biggest upgrade to the IUSS since the Cold War. The key component is the Deep Reliable Acoustic Path Exploitation System (DRAPES). This system will be far less reliant on potentially vulnerable seabed cables and utilises acoustic modems that allow it to pass data through the water allowing the creation of something like an undersea wireless network. Wireless underwater communications have been available for some time but only at relatively low speed and short range. Recent breakthroughs make it possible to scale this up and transmit much greater volumes of data. acoustic Sensor data can be transmitted long distances through a series nodes which may include other hydrophone arrays, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or a surface buoy. Data is then either sent via satellite back to Dam Neck for evaluation or to nearby surface ships and MPAs. The USN is also experimenting with the ASW Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) which is can deploy sonar specifically designed to detect and trail very quiet conventional submarines and will be another node on the network that feeds data via satellite to IUSS.

The USN has already proved this concept with its Seaweb system but designed for use in shallow littoral water less than 300 meters deep. DRAPES will be on a vastly bigger scale, and able to span the deep ocean. Reliable Acoustic Path Vertical Line Arrays (RAPVLAs), bottom-mounted, high-grain sensor systems, will be laid at significant depths in the open ocean where background noise levels are very lower. This gives them a very large field of view to detect submarines passing overhead. These are a maritime equivalent of a satellite and are known as subullites. The Reliable Acoustic Path (RAP) refers to the dense and quieter waters in the deeper parts of the ocean where sound transmission is more detectable and predictable.

Since 2013 the US has been trialling the Submarine Hold at RisK (SHARK), an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) designed to provide a mobile active sonar to track submarines after initial detection has been made by another platform. It can lie dormant on the ocean floor, potentially for years until activated to follow a submarine that has been detected. (Image: DARPA / Bluefin robotics)

Although submarines are getting even quieter and there is more man-made background noise in the shallower parts of the oceans than ever, IUSS has the advantage of the enormous computer processing power available today. Huge volumes of sensor data can be quickly analysed by computers to filter the background noise and amplify even the very faint telltale sound of the submarine.

The location of an explosion that points to the loss of the missing Argentine submarine ARA San Juan was established using ocean hydrophone arrays. The official story is that the source of the location was data gathered by from hydrophones belonging to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). It is possible that this is a cover story for a more accurate fix provided by the more sophisticated and extensive IUSS network, although its coverage of the South Atlantic is less than that of the North.

Recent reports of increased Russian submarine activity in the waters around Scotland and the GIUK (Greenland-Iceland-UK) gap probably stem from initial detections by IUSS sensors. The media has suggested we “rely on Scottish fishermen reporting when they see a periscope” but of course the initial detections probably come from seabed hydrophone arrays or towed arrays trailed by frigates and submarines. NATO Maritime Patrol aircraft flying from RAF Lossiemouth or Keflavik Air Base in Iceland are unlikely to find a submarine by chance and must also rely heavily on this data to cue them to the approximate area before they can localise submarine contacts with sonobuoys.

The RN’s submarine force appears to have recovered slightly from the material defects that had limited its operations in the last 18 months or so and the service is now described as “busy”. We can assume SSNs are much in demand to trail Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. Observing the recent increase in US Navy Virginia and Los Angeles class SSNs visiting Faslane also confirms this. IUSS, surface units and MPAs all contribute but a submarine is by far the best platform to detect another submarine and then keep on its tail.

This underwater battle of wits and technology has varied in intensity since submarine warfare began in earnest in World War I. Britain has twice been close to the brink of starvation and defeat as its lifeblood of merchant shipping was almost cut off by submarines. Today we are arguably more vulnerable to this threat than ever. The giant modern container ships that deliver goods to the UK may have cargoes valued in millions of pounds and transport the equivalent of a 50-ship World War II convoy. We are also reliant on a steady stream of tankers delivering LNG from the Middle East to keep many of our power stations going. Even one or two well-handled submarines could easily disrupt this shipping and quickly cause chaos and economic paralysis to the UK. For the RN to conduct carrier strike and other offensive naval operations, a prerequisite will be having the upper hand in the undersea battle. IUSS is a critical and little-known part of this fight, every penny invested in equipment, training and development of anti-submarine measures is money well spent.

    Related articles

US Navy Invests in Subsea Threat Detection Array (Maritime Executive)

Surveillance Towed-Array Sensor System (Federation of American Scientists)

USNS Zeus – Cable Repair Ship (Federation of American Scientists)

from Save the Royal Navy http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/listening-to-the-ocean-the-secretive-enablers-in-the-underwater-battle/

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When Robert Oppenheimer witnessed the world’s first nuclear explosion, he uttered the now infamous words, “Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds.” The weapon he had helped to devise would be deployed against Japan in 1945, playing a major part in bringing World War II to a close but at a terrible cost. As war gave way to an uneasy peace, the rest of the world’s powers scrambled to develop atomic weapons of their own. The nuclear arms race had begun.

#1 The Connection between Godzilla, the Bikini Bathing Suit, and Nuclear Bombs The Bikini Islands in the Pacific Ocean were favoured by the United States to try out their latest nuclear toys, and between 1946 and 1958, 23 nuclear devices were tested there. Most explosive of all was a hydrogen bomb detonated in 1954, which came very close to achieving 1,000 times as much explosive force as the bomb which had been dropped on Hiroshima. This turned out to be a problem, as it was twice as powerful as had been predicted. The bomb vaporised part of the island, left a mile-wide crater in the lagoon floor, and the radiation contaminated 23 crewmembers of a Japanese fishing vessel which had been fishing outside of the expected danger area. The resulting scandal inspired the film Godzilla, featuring a gigantic violent sea monster awoken by a nuclear explosion. As well as providing inspiration for giant atomic monsters, the nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll also left their mark on the world of fashion. When Louis Reard came to look for a name for the two-piece bathing suit he had designed he decided to call it the bikini simply because people would recognise and remember the name.

#2 Project A119 The launch of Sputnik in 1957 had American military chiefs worried. The Soviet satellite didn’t do a great deal, it just orbited the Earth every 98 minutes while emitting a beep audible to anyone with the equipment to pick it up. However, it was a symbol that the Soviets were technologically advanced and winning the space race. The U.S. hatched an ambitious plan intended to demonstrate their own military might. They would detonate a nuclear bomb on the moon. The secret project went by two names, the somewhat euphemistic “A Study of Lunar Research Flights,” and the more mysterious “Project A119.” Many of the documents around the project are still classified so we can’t be sure exactly why the project was abandoned, we can only be grateful that it was.

#3 Testing a Hydrogen Bomb in Space In 1962, having given up on trying to blow up the moon, American scientists wanted to see what would happen if a nuclear bomb was exploded in space. In an operation codenamed Operation Starfish Prime, a powerful hydrogen bomb was launched in the nose of a Thor rocket to detonate some 250 miles above the Pacific Ocean. The test wasn’t without its controversy and brought forth protests across the globe. However, The Honolulu Advertiser was rather more upbeat with its cheerful headline “Nuclear Blast Tonight May be Dazzling; Good View Likely.” The device detonated in space at 11pm Honolulu time, on July 9th. Once again the explosion turned out to be more powerful than had been expected. The night sky was lit up by the blast and glowed in blue, red and green. An electromagnetic pulse knocked out electrical services up to 1500 kilometres away, disrupted telephone service, set off burglar alarms, and damaged satellites. Later in the same year, the Soviet Union detonated their own nuclear device in space. Further high-altitude detonations were temporarily banned after America and the Soviet Union both signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963.

#4 The Biggest Bomb of all The most powerful nuclear device ever constructed was detonated in the Arctic by the Soviet Union on October 30th, 1961. The bomb, which was known as “The Tsar Bomb,” weighed in at a whopping 27 tonnes and required a specially modified Soviet heavy bomber to carry it. Not only that, but the bomb had to be carried to the ground by a parachute, to allow the aircraft to escape the very considerable blast zone. It wasn’t the most practical of weapons, but it allowed the Soviets to send a message about how good they’d gotten to be at making really big explosions. When the bomb detonated, it was with the force of 50 million tonnes of high explosive. That’s something in the region of 3800 times more powerful than the bomb used against Hiroshima. So powerful was the blast, that windows were broken in Finland, some 900 kilometres away, and the shockwave travelled around the Earth three times. Astonishingly, the bomb had the potential to deliver a blast twice as powerful but it had to be scaled back or the aircraft which dropped it would have been consumed by the explosion. Blowing up their own pilots was something that even the Soviet Union balked at.

#5 Not all Nuclear Bombs are designed to go off with a Big Bang All nuclear weapons are scary but the neutron bomb is possibly the most terrifying of them all. Unlike most bombs, it’s not designed to cause a huge explosion. In fact, it was specifically designed to create as small of a blast as possible. Instead of a fiery explosion, the neutron bomb is intended to spew out vast amounts of radiation killing anybody unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity whilst leaving buildings and infrastructure intact. The neutron bomb was developed by the United States in the 1970s, but more recently the Chinese government announced they also have the technology to build the weapon. As far as we know, it has never been used in combat, however, Saif Eddin, a former commander in Sadaam Hussain’s Iraqi army, claims the United States deployed the weapon against the elite Republican Guard in Baghdad.

#6 Civilian uses for Nuclear Bombs We tend to think of nuclear bombs as a weapon of war. However, during the Cold War, both the US and the Soviet Union looked at ways they could put part of their nuclear arsenal to civilian use. The US project, founded in 1961, was known as Operation Plowshare and one of its keenest advocates was Dr Edward Teller, also known as the father of the hydrogen bomb. Teller had noticed that nuclear bombs were really rather good at making enormous holes. With that in mind he came up with a whole host of proposals which we should be glad never made it off the drawing board. For instance, Teller thought the Panama Canal to be rather too small, and that the US could really do with another route connecting the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Exploding a few hundred strategically placed nuclear bombs would cut out a second canal in no time at all. Other suggestions, for what Teller proposed to term geographical engineering, were to blast away land to create harbours and underground explosions to create caverns in which to store drinking water. Although the damaging effects of radiation were well known by this time, they seem to have been conveniently ignored.

#7 American Missiles were prevented from Launching by a Laughably Poor Security Code In 1962 the American government took the wise decision that it might be a nice idea to add an extra layer of security to prevent an accidental nuclear apocalypse. Every missile was supposed to be fitted with a Permissive Action Link (PAL), which prevented the missile from being fired without the correct 8 digit code. The system was designed to be almost impregnable, with one weapons designer describing it as being so complex to bypass it would be like “performing a tonsillectomy whilst entering the patient from the wrong end.��� With the system in place, the only thing left was to choose a code which nobody could possibly guess, so the finest strategic minds in the country settled on 00000000. Just in case anybody did somehow manage to forget, the code was handed out on a checklist to the launch crews.

#8 One Man Prevented a Nuclear War – and Gained a Vacuum Cleaner Not many people know the name Stanislov Petrov, yet on 26th September, 1983, he held the fate of the world in his hands. A lieutenant colonel in the Soviet Union’s Strategic Rocket Forces, Petrov wasn’t even supposed to be at work that night, but he was filling in for a colleague who had called in sick. Cold War tensions were running high. President Ronald Reagan had recently described the Soviet Union as an “evil empire,” NATO was conducting military manoeuvres in Europe, and three weeks earlier the USSR had shot down a South Korean airliner  which they claimed had invaded their airspace on a spying mission. Petrov would have known all of this when the information on his screen told him that five US intercontinental ballistic missiles, each more than 100 times as powerful as the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, were headed towards the Soviet Union. Petrov picked up the phone to the Kremlin knowing that his advice would determine whether the Soviet Union launched a counterstrike. He told them it was a mistake. The system, known as Oko, had only come on stream the previous year and Petrov trusted his gut rather than the machines. Fortunately for the world, his guts were right. In 2004, Petrov was gifted a World Citizen Award and a cheque for $1,000. He gave most of the money to his grandchildren. With the rest he bought himself something he had always wanted – a vacuum cleaner.

#9 The Bombs of Today are Way More Powerful than those used in World War II The bombs which were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were horrifying weapons which brought terrible destruction to the people of Japan. However, they were little more than ambitious fireworks compared to the devices which are available to the nuclear powers of the world today. The yield of a nuclear device is measured in kilotons or megatons. Little Boy, the bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima, was a 16 kiloton weapon, which means it exploded with the force of 16 thousand tonnes of high explosives. Nowadays weapons like that are considered to be tactical nuclear weapons designed for use against armies on the battlefield. Strategic nuclear weapons, which are the type which will start hitting us in the face if a full-scale nuclear war ever breaks out, are measured in millions of tonnes of high explosive. In other words, they have an explosive yield of a thousand or more times greater than the bombs used against Japan in World War II.

#10 Nuclear War may be Inevitable So far we have been lucky. Despite several close calls and some careless blunders, only two of the thousands of nuclear weapons which have been constructed have ever been used in anger. However, we shouldn’t kid ourselves that the end of the Cold War has made the threat of nuclear war an irrelevance. In many ways, things are more dangerous than ever. There are two nuclear powers in India and Pakistan who refuse to play nicely with each other, a newly armed and unpredictable North Korean regime, and a belligerent Russia keen to reassert its power. According to some analysts, a nuclear war be inevitable. Even if the risk is only 0.5% per year that would mean a 5% chance of a nuclear war every decade. Given enough time even a small possibility becomes a certainty. The only way to prevent it would be worldwide disarmament, something which is very hard to foresee happening any time soon.

Source: TopTenz

[alert5]

It’s midsummer 1964 and the unthinkable has just happened.

Radar picket stations frantically clog up the airwaves with congruently dire messages. The USSR has launched a massive nuclear strike on North America and Europe. Scores of intercontinental ballistic missiles, deployed from silos in the Soviet Union and from surfaced submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific, are well on their way to reaching their apogee. In less than an hour, entire metropolises will be wiped out and replaced with charred ruins of twisted metal and melted concrete. Everybody’s worst nightmare has come to life.

As NATO-members including the United Kingdom and the United States respond in kind with devastating fury, the business suit-clad members of the United States Secret Service’s elite presidential protective division have shifted into high gear with a mission of their own. The President is unceremoniously hustled out of the White House and into an austere Lincoln limousine, while National Guard jeeps with mounted machine guns sweep the roads ahead of all traffic. The presidential motorcade zips out while klaxons blare and civilians scurry to bunkers and shelters across the city. Soon, the motorcade arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, the gates having been opened in advance with a cleared path straight to the tarmac. The motorcade stops in front of a parked grey and white Boeing 707, and the President is yanked out and then shoved up the airstairs attached to the side of the airliner amidst the incredibly loud howl of the four turbojet engines underneath the wings of the aircraft.

An EC-135 Looking Glass. (USAF photograph, released)

The stairs are pulled away, the doors are shut and the pilots taxi out to the nearest runway, disregarding traditional procedure and ignoring the need to request clearance for departure. After entering a steep climb, the 707 will bank onto a heading which will take it to the American Midwest, where a fully-stocked bunker and command and control center awaits the President’s arrival. Though by now, it is an established custom to hail any USAF aircraft carrying the President as “Air Force One”, this modified 707 carrying the leader of the free world is actually called “Nightwatch”. It is the Air Force’s not-so-secret doomsday jet, an airborne command center from which the President and other high-ranking members of government and the military can control and coordinate rescue, response and retaliation efforts in the event that our nightmares come true, and global nuclear Armageddon comes to fruition.

Looking Glass and the Early Days of Nightwatch

Back when the Cold War still posed the threat of going “hot”, the US government decided that it would be prudent to stand up a fleet of special missions aircraft which would serve as insulated aerial command centers, all operated by the Air Force. The aircraft selected as the base platform of the fleet was the C-135 Stratolifter, the military transport version of the Boeing 707 airliner, the first commercially successful jetliner in history. Eleven C-135s were ordered and re-designated EC-135Cs for the “Looking Glass” fleet, a group of command and control jets which would function as a link to America’s nuclear arsenal if ever ground control centers were destroyed or unable to communicate with silos and warships with nuclear weapons delivery capabilities.

Each Looking Glass jet was rewired and outfitted with the latest and greatest in communications gear, countermeasures and range-extension modifications. Specialized air conditioning and modulation systems were installed to prevent radioactive air from penetrating the pressurized cabin and poisoning everybody inside. Radiation shields that would cover the windshield glass in the cockpit were custom-made and kept within easy reach of the pilots and flight engineer. Looking Glass EC-135s were crewed similarly to land-based command posts, with specialized personnel trained in communicating and controlling American nuclear delivery vehicles and weapons. In fact, Looking Glass was officially designated a weapons system, though it couldn’t itself fire a shot; it could still direct hundreds upon hundreds of launches and attacks from American military elements in the air, on the ground or at sea. From 1961 onward, the Air Force kept a minimum of one EC-135C airborne at any given time somewhere in the world, 365 days a year. Programs similar to Looking Glass were also implemented, including “Nightwatch”, “Silk Purse”, “Scope Light”, and “Blue Eagle”, each providing emergency airborne command centers for important military officers, such as

This practice of having an EC-135 airborne at all times carried on till 1990, having accumulated a whopping 281,000 combined flight hours with not a single accident to report. Arguably the most successful Air Force flight program in history. After 1990, Looking Glass EC-135s were still kept on duty, albeit on constant ground alert. These aircraft, as well as those in sister programs like Blue Eagle and Silk Purse, remained serviceable and ready as command posts, but were all eventually retired and replaced.

An EC-135 Stratolifter aircraft refuels a second Stratolifter assuming the position of Looking Glass, the code name for the backup command and control post of Strategic Air Command (SAC). In the event that SAC’s underground command center was destroyed by enemy attack, the crew of the flying command center would assume all functions from the air. Three Looking Glass sorties are flown daily by the 2nd Airborne Command and Control Squadron (ACCS) and the 4th ACCS. (Photograph by Chief Master Sgt. Don Sutherland, USAF)

The Nightwatch fleet’s mission was similar to that carried out by the EC-135C jets, but with a slightly different purpose. The fleet’s special callsign was indicative of its unique mission. It would be the platform for a national airborne-based communications network that would be operated should a nuclear war break out; the network was also codenamed “NIGHTWATCH”. Once again, the aircraft of choice was based off the C-135, this time designated the EC-135J. Instead of providing four-star generals and admirals the ability to stay in touch with America’s nuclear arsenal during a hypothetical nuclear war, the EC-135Js would be used exclusively for the President of the United States. If the Cold War went hot, the Commander in Chief would have an unparalleled capability to stay in command of the military, and would be able to manage various assets (including the nuclear force) while on his way to a secure bunker, which contained communications gear of its own. Three EC-135Js were kept at Andrews AFB, Maryland, within close proximity to the White House. All three jets were placed on a permanent rotational standby state, ready to take to the air at a moment’s notice, the flight crews nearby on alert.

A New Era for Nightwatch

Fast forward to the early 1970s.

The 747, more popularly known as the “Jumbo Jet” was soaring into widespread use with Pan American World Airways. The first ever widebody airliner in existence, the 747 was gaining in popularity with other carriers and in no time, Boeing was already developing the upgraded successor to the 747-100, the first of the series. Dubbed the 747-200, it featured better range and improved engines built by Pratt & Whitney. Orders poured in for the aircraft from around the world. Thanks to an airline reneging on its contract, Boeing wound up with a pair of 747-200Bs without a customer to deliver them to. Seeing a potential opportunity to sell those two aircraft to the military, Boeing executives shopped the jumbo jets to the Pentagon as prospective replacements for the EC-135C Looking Glass birds. The 747-200Bs, after being refitted, could do more than the EC-135C, and grant a higher capacity and improved capability to the Strategic Air Command (which managed the EC-135 fleet) when flying a mission analogous to Looking Glass. Boeing decided to focus their offer specifically towards replacing the EC-135J Nightwatch jets still based at Andrews AFB. The Air Force accepted Boeing’s offer and ordered up the completion of the first 747 in the package, with the intention of buying a total of seven, one of which would be used solely for research purposes.

The interior E-4A Advanced Airborne Command Post, circa 1976. The interior was extensively reworked and redeveloped on the E-4B upgrade. (National Archives)

Boeing finished the first Nightwatch replacement jet in 1973, officially given the designation E-4A by the Air Force. E-Systems, now known as Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems, was given the contract to rewire and refit the E-4A with all of the improved versions of the various computers, communications and control gear which its predecessors used, and the Air Force took delivery of the first E-4A in 1974, also basing it at Andrews. Officially, it was called the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP), colloquially known as “Kneecap” via the phonetic pronunciation of the acronym.

An E-4A taking off from Andrews Air Force Base, circa 1973. Note the absence of the communications array blister, which was later made standard on all E-4s after the B upgrade. (National Archives)

By the end of the 1970s, the Air Force had in its possession three E-4As and one improved E-4B. The first two Nighwatch aircraft were powered by four standard Pratt & Whitney JT9D high-bypass turbofans, while the latter two used General Electric F103 (CF6) turbofans as their powerplants. Eventually, the JT9Ds were replaced with F103s as well, and brought up to the same standard of equipment as the E-4B by the mid-1980s. The

Though the E-4B ostensibly looks like a harmless Boeing 747, such an appearance belies what’s really under its hood, so to speak. Since they were, after all, the Air Force’s doomsday jets, the E-4Bs were tooled accordingly. They were hardened to withstand the effects of a severe electromagnetic pulse (EMP), like one emitted from the detonation of a nuclear warhead, allowing functionality and operability even after a debilitating nuclear attack had commenced. The cabin air conditioning and filtration systems were modified to block and expunge radiation for lengthy periods of time, and special screens with wire mesh similar to the doors you find on your average household microwave oven were created to shield the cockpit  windows from absorbing radiation into the aircraft. Though digital flight decks and glass cockpits were quickly gaining in popularity by the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Air Force left the E-4B’s instrument panels with their original analog configuration, as the dials and gauges are less likely to be affected by an EMP than digital displays.

The Battle Staff Area, where a joint services planning staff operates during a typical NOAC mission. Note the overhead baggage bins, which were leftover from the original Boeing 747-200 passenger model the E-4A/B was based on. (Photograph copyright: Sagar N. Pathak)

Now, not only is the E-4B capable of resisting the effects of a nuclear detonation, it’s also designed to fly for a hell of a long time. According to Jim Winchester’s Encyclopedia of Modern Aircraft, the E-4B could hypothetically remain flying for up to a week. Thus far, it’s estimated that the Air Force has pushed its E-4Bs to a max of 35 hours in testing and training, though they have the option to greatly exceed those fligh hours if necessary. An in-flight refueling receptacle, located below the cockpit windshield, allows for E-4Bs to be refueled while airborne, using a probe system. To account for the possibility of extended operations, a number of crew qualified to serve on the E-4B are cross-trained so that can not only work their regular assigned stations, but can also often troubleshoot and fix technical issues with the systems they’re assigned to, while in-flight. A typical mission flight roster on an E-4B does include dedicated technicians and crew chiefs, though.

Probably the most important component of the E-4B is its advanced communications suite. The aircraft comes equipped with various antennae, some of which can be trailed behind the plane up to five miles while in-flight. A large blister on top of the fuselage, just behind the cockpit, houses the aircraft’s satellite communications array. The entire suite allows personnel aboard the ability to stay in continuous contact with every American (and allied) military asset available, including nuclear submarines, carrier strike groups, and even land-based missile silos.

A rare look inside an E-4B’s cockpit. Note that the cockpit hasn’t been updated with “glass screen” multifunction displays (MFDs) or digital flight instruments, other than a few attitude indicators and what appears to be a Traffic Avoidance Collision System display (TCAS). (DOD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith)

Today, the US Air Force refers to Nightwatch as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC, pronounced “Nay-Och”). In the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the “end” of Mutually Assured Destruction, Nightwatch has essentially become the sitting US Secretary of Defense’s command post away from the Pentagon. All four E-4Bs still retain their extensive shielding, computers and communications systems, albeit updated to more modern standards. LCD screens have replaced older cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and projectors, and the aircraft has been outfitted with latest and greatest in top-level encrypted gear. Newer send/receive satellite links allow for higher fidelity connections with the American defense network across the world. The E-4B’s cockpit, however, hasn’t changed much. The aircraft’s flight instruments, for the most part, remain a mix of dials and vertical tape gauges. A modern NAOC crew contingent consists of pilots, navigators and flight engineers, flight attendants (yes, the US Air Force has those) communications specialists, and battle staff from the various military branches of the United States.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis briefs reporters aboard an E-4B inside its projection room, which doubles as a conference/briefing area. Hi-resolution LCD screens have long since replaced the projectors, however. (DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley)

America’s fleet of three NAOCs are available to the Secretary of Defense for official travel outside the country, but are still kept in the alert emergency rotation should the worst conceivable event, man made or otherwise, occur. Should the President of the United States have to travel outside mainland America for whatever reason, an E-4B will usually tag along for the ride, ready to serve as a command center and a backup Air Force One, should something happen to ground the aircraft the President normally flies on. NAOC crew maintain the aircraft with food and provisions, typically large stacks of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), the same meal packs issued to ground combat troops. When a NAOC is scrambled, its pilots and crew have just minutes to get into the E-4B and buckle into their stations and the aircraft up in the air. The US Air Force ensures that all personnel attached to the NAOC mission are constantly trained and ready for any mission they might be faced with. Security personnel, armed with M9 sidearms and M4 carbines, also travel with the aircraft to safeguard it and its sensitive gear whenever it’s on the ground. All through the aircraft, you’ll find bunk beds and reclining seats, ready for crew rest on especially long missions that could last days. You could probably say that NAOCs are among the most prepared and alert posts in the entire US military!

The E-4A’s original projection/conference room. (National Archives)

The E-4A’s original projection/conference room. (National Archives)

But all of this does come at a price, and not a very small one at that. Modern military planes are typically very expensive pieces of hardware, and the more specialized they are, the costlier they tend to be. That’s partly why aircraft like the Northrop B-2 Spirit, the United States Air Force’s super-stealthy long-range bomber, rang up massive price tags, numbering in the hundreds of millions per unit produced, not to mention the price of parts, testing, outfitting, etc. The B-2, actually, is one of the costliest aircraft to operate in the US Air Force’s inventory… but not THE costliest. That dubious title goes to Nightwatch. A Boeing 747-400, the most popular iteration of the 747 Jumbo Jet series, in service today with airlines around the world costs around $24,000 to $29,000 USD per hour to operate. An E-4B, on the other hand, costs the USAF a staggering $159,529 USD per hour to fly. Big difference.

Today, Nightwatch’s original mission doesn’t really exist anymore, but all four aircraft are still extremely useful assets to maintain. The last time an E-4B flew during a national crisis situation was during the September 11th attacks of 2001. Thankfully, the aircraft hasn’t had such a mission since. In 2007, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld brought out a plan to retire the E-4B fleet altogether, but this was quickly  nullified the following year, when it was determined that there was no suitable replacement for the E-4B. The aircraft so specialized and uniquely equipped for the range of duties it was built for, that no other aircraft in Air Force service could possibly come close to fulfilling the E-4B’s mission and role. By 2039, however, all four E-4Bs will have reached their maximum lifetime operational limits, and will need to be retired. It’s not out of the question for the Air Force to explore a replacement for the E-4B, though it’s not very likely that the follow-on will be another 747 Jumbo Jet, unless Boeing keeps its 747-8 (the latest version of the 747) production line open. Decades upon decades after the first concept of a doomsday plane took to the skies, these powerful aircraft have still yet to fly the mission they were originally designed for… and that’s a good thing. But in the event that the worst does happen, the US Air Force stands prepared with its small but potent fleet of E-4B NAOCs, ready to execute the Nightwatch mission as soon as the Klaxon alarm sounds.

The crew of the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center greets the delegation of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, Feb. 20, 2017. (DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley)

This is arguably one of the coolest and baddest aircraft the US Air Force has ever operated. It is America's doomsday plane, callsign: "Nightwatch". It's midsummer 1964 and the unthinkable has just happened. Radar picket stations frantically clog up the airwaves with congruently dire messages.