#Indo-Pacific Command Admiral

[loving-n0t-heyting]

Seal Team 6, the clandestine US Navy commando unit that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, has been training for missions to help Taiwan if it is invaded by China, according to people familiar with the preparations. [...]

CIA director Bill Burns told the Financial Times last week that 20 per cent of his budget was devoted to China, a 200 per cent rise over three years. [...] “With the Pentagon’s reorientation over the past few years to focus on great power competition, it was inevitable that even the nation’s most elite counterterrorism units would seek out roles in that arena, for that path leads to relevance, missions and money[.]” [...]

Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific command, recently warned that the US military would turn the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from China, into an “unmanned hellscape” if Beijing were about to attack. He said doing so would involve unmanned submarines, ships and drones to make it much harder for the PLA to launch an invasion.

[usafphantom2]

RUSSIA: With the only aircraft carrier stopped in reform, MiG-29K embarked fighters were sent to the war in Ukraine

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 23/01/2024 - 08:49in Military, War Zones

The Russian navy embarks its new Mikoyan MiG-29KR fighters aboard its only aircraft carrier. But the elderly - and unreliable - Admiral Kuznetsov has been under renovation since 2017. So the Russian Navy gave new use to the jets of the embarked squadron.

The 1980 vintage flattop aircraft carrier of 58,000 tons may never return to frontline service, effectively stranding its twin-engine supersonic MiGs.

The Navy may have found another use for some of the approximately 22 MiG-29KR survivors of the 24 that the fleet acquired from 2013: according to the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies, it unfolded them to Crimea. From there, they supposedly hunt Ukrainian navy boats.

The new MiGs, which have multifunctional capability with modern air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, were left out of the first 18 months of Russia's 23-month broader war against Ukraine. Perhaps already last fall, at least two MiG-29KR belonging to the 100º Independent Ship Fighter Aviation Regiment were flying from the Saky air base in Russia-occupied Crimea.

The medium-weight MiGs allegedly flew alongside Russian navy Sukhoi Su-30SM heavy fighters on patrols in search of Ukrainian navy boats operating in the western Black Sea.

After sinking the frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy, the Ukrainian navy no longer has large armed warships. What it has are many missiles, air and sea drones and small fast boats.

Manned boats carry Ukrainian commands in attacks on Russian-controlled territory. Robotic boats loaded with explosives infiltrate the ports to attack Russian warships.

A supersonic fighter versus a small boat may seem like an unfair fight, but the crews of Ukrainian boats usually carry ground-to-air missiles fired in the shoulder. In August, a Ukrainian crew hit a Russian Sukhoi fighter, apparently damaging it and forcing it to return to the base.

Despite the danger, do not be shocked to see more MiG-29KRs in the sky of Ukraine. Some of the Russian navy's MiG-29KR patrol the Russian Arctic, but most of the force - more than a dozen jets - may be available for wartime operations.

And it's not as if the MiGs need to board Kuznetsov anytime soon. Although the Kremlin optimistically projects that the aircraft carrier may return to the fleet this year, it is possible that the review will extend until 2025.

There is even a remote chance that Kuznetsov will never return to the fleet. The aircraft carrier has very little real combat power - perhaps too little to justify the risk that the crew must accept every time the geriatric ship sails.

The last time Kuznetsov unfolded off the coast of Syria to attack Syrian rebels in 2016, his air wing lost a MiG-29 and a Su-33 due to faulty detention equipment. The fleet leaders decided that Kuznetsov was not safe for flight operations before the planned overhaul and transferred its air wing - including the surviving MiGs - to an air base in Syria.

Source: Forbes

Tags: Military AviationMiG-29Kaircraft carrierWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[indynerdgirl]

So you want to write a TopGun fanfic but know absolutely nothing about the US Navy and don't even know where to start looking. You're in luck!

Here are all of the links and notes I've acquired while researching for my own TopGun fanfics. I call this my TopGun Fanfic Writer's Reference Sheet/Info Dump. Hope this helps and happy writing! 😄

Differences Between Navy/Coast Guard Officer Ranks and Army/Air Force/Marine Officer Ranks

There are two other ranks between a Navy Lieutenant and a Navy Captain

A Navy Captain is NOT the same as an Army/Air Force/Marine Captain

A Navy Captain is equivalent to an Army/Air Force/Marine Colonel

Iceman is an Admiral and as such he would be addressed/referred to as 'Admiral Kazansky' or just 'Admiral' (like what Mav calls him when he goes to visit) and NOT 'Commander'.

Simpson (Cyclone) is a Vice Admiral

Bates (Warlock) is a Rear Admiral Upper Half

US Navy's Website - How To Become A Commissioned Naval Officer

Admissions Information/Steps for Applying for the USNA

Info about NROTC - Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps

Info about Naval Officer Candidate School

A Path To Professional Leadership - Becoming A Navy Officer

YouTube Playlist of 50+ Videos With Information Related To Both Top Gun Movies And The Navy In General

Cmdr. Elizabeth Malecha, a Naval Flight Officer, was the first female graduate of Topgun and that wasn’t until 2001.

Cmdr. Becky Calder was the first female pilot to graduate from Topgun and that wasn’t until 2004.

List of currently active United States naval aircraft

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Wikipedia Page

How Do You Earn The Coveted Wings of Gold?

Fights On! Podcast - Ep. 1: Wings of Gold (1:47:51) Episode one chronicles the path of naval aviators from college graduate through winging and beyond. Fight’s On! is an eight-episode podcast series about combat aviation training, focusing on how the US takes newly minted Officers and Warrant Officers and molds them into combat aviators able to fight and win in today’s high-tech battlespace.

Told through the stories and experiences of US military aviators in their own voices. Fight’s On! will take the listener on the journey of combat aviators from Initial Flight Training through Advanced Tactical Training and multi-unit exercises, ultimately describing the current and near future systems and programs that will ensure American air dominance into the future. +Listen on Spotify +Listen on Apple Podcasts +Listen on iHeart Podcasts +Listen on PlayerFM United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program aka TOPGUN

DoD - TOPGUN: Edge of Aviation

US Navy Stories - Patch Wearers: The Real TOPGUN Inside The Real TOPGUN Fighter School

The TOPGUN Legacy: Making Maverick with Capt. Brian Ferguson

Aviation Warfare - Overview of Fixed Wing Aircraft from the USNA website

Wikipedia page for the United States Pacific Fleet

Part of the larger Indo-Pacific Command

Garrison/HQ: Naval Station Pearl Harbor

Commander is appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent.

Commander reports to the Secretary of the Navy (administrative), the Chief of Naval Operations (administrative), and the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command (operational).

Commander term length is approx. 2-3 years.

As of 2011, the Pacific Fleet has authority over: + Numbered Third and Seventh Fleets + Naval Air Force, Pacific + Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific + Naval Submarine Force, Pacific Naval shore commands over which USPACFLT has authority: + Commander Naval Forces Korea + Commander Naval Forces Japan + Commander Naval Forces Marianas

List of US Navy Bases - Both Within The US And Abroad

US Navy Careers - Fighter Pilot

Navy Fighter Pilot Lingo

The Fighter Pilot Podcast - Glossary List

The 100+ Most Creative Pilot Callsigns With Explanations

‘Sidewalk,’ ‘Terminally Stupid,’ and ‘Meatloaf’ — How military pilots get their call signs

DoD - Aviator Call Signs: The History & Naming Rituals

Pilot Callsigns - The web's largest collection of callsign stories

USNA - Naval Aviation

In Naval Aviation, captains with sea commands are Naval Aviators or Naval Flight Officers who are commanding officers of aircraft carriers, commanding officers of large-deck air-capable amphibious assault ships, commanders of carrier air wings (CAG), or commodores of functional or "type" air wings or air groups. A smaller cohort outside of sea and shore commands may also serve as astronauts on loan to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). [X]

Navy captains who are line officers may also fill senior command and staff positions ashore as Chiefs of Staff/Executive Assistants or senior operations officers to flag officers, or they may hold shore command assignments such as commanding officers of naval bases, naval stations, naval air stations, naval air facilities, naval support activities, logistics groups, specialized centers or schools, or commanders of test wings or training air wings. They may also occupy senior leadership positions on fleet staffs, naval component commands staffs, the staffs of the joint Unified Combatant Commands, the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), or the Joint Staff. [X]

Promotion to captain is governed by DoD policies derived from the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA) of 1980 or its companion Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act (ROPMA). DOPMA/ROPMA guidelines suggest that no more than 50% of eligible commanders should be promoted to captain after serving a minimum of three years at their present rank and after attaining 21–23 years of cumulative commissioned service, although this percentage may be appreciably less, contingent on force structure and the needs of the service. With very few exceptions, such as Naval Aviator Astronaut and Naval Flight Officer Astronaut, unrestricted line officer captains in the Navy will have successfully completed at least one commanding officer assignment at the commander (O-5) level (an aviation squadron for Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers) before being selected for promotion to captain. All those selected to the rank of captain by the U.S. Navy are confirmed by the United States Senate.  [X]

An Idiot’s Guide To What Service Members Are Called In Every Branch

...Or you can just keep calling all the Marines soldiers. They secretly love it. Have you ever accidentally called a Marine “Soldier?” The look they gave you probably had you fearing for your life.

We know that trying to remember what to call the members of each military branch can get kind of confusing. Never fear! We’re here to help. This video guide will assure that you’re never in danger of being beat up by a Marine again (at least not for this reason).

This is why Navy pilots prefer to be called ‘naval aviators’

At some time in our military careers, we come across pilots of all sorts, helicopter pilots, Air Force cargo pilots, Navy fighter pilots, etc. While the former two might allow you to refer to them as simply “pilots,” there’s a good chance the naval aviator will take the time to remind you that he or she is an “aviator,” not a pilot.

And there’s a very good, non-egotistical reason for that. We promise.

For hundreds of years before navies around the world were flying jet-powered aircraft off the decks of massive floating cities, “pilots” were operating in navies long before ships had engines that weren’t powered by wind or slaves. In those terms, a pilot is specially qualified to drive a ship in and out of a specific port or a specific area. For large ships, this pilot is someone from outside, who literally comes into your boat and drives it into the harbor because he or she knows the area better than anyone else.

The pilot will roll up next to your ship aboard a pilot boat, which carries the pilot in a boat, one marked “pilot boat.” And those poor guys have to climb up the side of your ship just to park it for you. Both naval aviators and maritime pilots have a hard job that allows for zero error – so call them whatever they want.

[yongyuan-st]

"In November, ahead of the 81st commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day, The Duke of Sussex visited Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu – a monument honoring the thousands of servicemembers and civilians affected by the tragedy. As part of The Duke’s continued commitment to remembering and honoring military personnel, veterans and families, he toured the sites of the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona alongside Admiral Samuel Paparo (Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet) and Admiral John Aquilino (Commander, U.S Indo Pacific Command), paying his respects with a ceremonial laying of flowers at the reflection pool."

From: Archewell website.

[libertariantaoist]

News Roundup 6/7/2023 | The Libertarian Institute

Here is your daily roundup of today's news:

News Roundup 6/7/2023

by Kyle Anzalone

US News

The State Department has falsely accused rock legend, Roger Waters, a co-founder of Pink Floyd, of antisemitism over a recent performance in Germany. AWC

The Treasury Department announced sanctions on two members of a Mexican cartel. UPI

Russia

The New York Times reported Tuesday that the Biden administration has “shrugged off” Ukrainian attacks inside Russia as US officials are no longer as concerned about escalation as they were earlier in the war. AWC

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said Monday that his government is asking Ukraine if Belgian rifles were used by pro-Kyiv fighters in a recent attack on Russia’s Belgorod region. AWC

US officials confirmed to The Washington Post that US and other NATO equipment was used in a cross-border attack in Russia’s Belgorod region that was launched on May 22. AWC

On Monday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said Ukraine was “well prepared” to launch a counteroffensive against Russian forces thanks to the support the US and NATO have provided. AWC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Saturday that his country will sit out the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius this July if Kyiv is not given a “signal” toward full membership in the alliance. AWC

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the US received intelligence in June 2022 about a Ukrainian plot to bomb the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline that connects Russia to Germany. AWC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday that Moscow must keep in mind that American-made F-16 fighter jets are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. AWC

China

CIA Director William Burns held “clandestine” meetings with Chinese intel agencies during an unannounced trip to Beijing last month, US officials told the Financial Times, suggesting the visit was intended to “stabilize” deteriorating relations with the People’s Republic. The Institute

The White House on Monday accused the Chinese military of being more “aggressive” in waters near China’s coast following two encounters between the US and Chinese militaries in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. AWC

French President Emmanuel Macron objects to NATO’s plans to open a liaison office in Japan and thinks the alliance should stay in the North Atlantic, Financial Times reported on Monday. AWC

The US, Japan and Australia announced a joint plan to build undersea cables. The project will cost about $100 million and viewed by the nations as a counter to China. Fox News

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said Tuesday that he wants Congress to pass a supplemental spending bill this year to address so-called threats from China, Defense News reported. AWC

The commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John Aquilino, highlighted the military’s threatening posture towards China, speaking at the annual meeting of the National Committee on US-China Relations last month. The group is known for encouraging engagement between the world’s two largest economies. The Institute

Middle East

Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Summit on Monday and pledged Washington’s “ironclad” support for Tel Aviv. Part of the White House’s plan to strengthen Israel’s security would be to push Saudi Arabia into a normalization agreement with Israel. The Institute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ramped up his threats of war against Iran and slammed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, for cooperating with Tehran on Sunday. The Institute

On Tuesday, Iran reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia after a seven-year closure, the result of the normalization deal between Tehran and Riyadh that was brokered by China. AWC

The Treasury Department placed sanctions on seven people and six entities for supporting Iran missile program. UPI

Read More

[xnewsinfo]

USINDOPACOM chief Adm. Samuel Paparo, left, with Philippine navy chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in Baguio on Aug. 29, 2024. | Picture credit score: AP U.S. forces are ready with a “vary of choices” to counter escalating acts of aggression within the disputed South China Sea if ordered to take action collectively and after session with the treaty ally the Philippines, a U.S. admiral mentioned Thursday. The pinnacle of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel Paparo, which instructions the most important variety of fight forces outdoors the continental United States, declined to supply particulars of contingency choices. Admiral Paparo's feedback got here when he was requested at a information convention what former treaty allies may do to take care of China's so-called gray zone techniques within the disputed waters. Grey zone techniques check with varieties of assault, akin to water cannon fireplace and blocking and ramming rival ships in disputed waters, that fall under the brink of an precise armed assault and wouldn't enable the Philippines to invoke its 1951 Mutual Protection Treaty with the U.S. The treaty obligates every nation to help the opposite within the occasion of an armed exterior assault. “We have now definitely ready a variety of choices and USINDOPACOM stands prepared, if requested, following consultations pursuant to the treaty, to execute them shoulder to shoulder with our ally,” Admiral Paparo mentioned. Detailing these U.S. navy choices would enable a “potential adversary” to “construct a countermeasure to them,” he mentioned. Admiral Paparo held a joint press convention with Philippine Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romero Brawner Jr. after the 2 led an annual assembly within the mountainous northern Philippine metropolis of Baguio to debate safety challenges and navy plans, together with Balikatan (Shoulder to Shoulder), the treaty allies’ largest fight workout routines, which in April concerned greater than 16,000 U.S. and Philippine troops and was held partly within the South China Sea. In response to a query, Admiral Paparo repeated that the US navy is open, after treaty consultations with the Philippines, to escorting Philippine ships within the South China Sea amid heightened hostilities between Beijing and Manila within the disputed waters. Such a prospect may put US Navy ships on direct collision course with these of China. Washington and Beijing have been in a standoff over China's more and more assertive actions to defend its territorial claims within the South China Sea and Beijing's said purpose of annexing Taiwan, by power if mandatory. Basic Brawner mentioned the Philippines can nonetheless stand by itself two ft within the disputed waters, the place hostilities with the Chinese language coast guard, navy and suspected militia boats have escalated alarmingly since final 12 months. Final resort “If we exhaust all choices and nothing works, then that's the time to ask for assist,” Basic Brawner advised reporters. When Philippine forces within the disputed waters “are getting ready to loss of life” as a result of Chinese language forces are blocking meals provides, “then that's the time to hunt assist from the US,” Basic Brawner mentioned, however added that “we nonetheless have many choices.” China has angered the Philippines by repeatedly harassing its navy and coast guard ships with highly effective water cannons, a military-grade laser, blocking actions and different harmful maneuvers on the excessive seas close to two disputed sandbanks within the South China Sea. These maneuvers have led to minor collisions which have injured a number of Philippine navy personnel and broken provide ships.

[darkmaga-retard]

An unmanned hellscape.

John Ellis

Aug 20, 2024

1. New flashpoints are emerging in the volatile South China Sea—bringing confrontations involving Beijing closer to the shores of a key U.S. ally in the region. In the dead of the night Monday, between the hours of 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time, at least three collisions occurred between coast guard ships belonging to China and the Philippines. The first tore a hole 3.6 feet in diameter on the starboard side of a Philippine coast guard vessel, the Philippines said. About 16 minutes later, a Chinese coast guard vessel rammed another Philippine coast guard ship twice, ripping a gap 2.5 feet long and 3 feet wide on the port side, according to the Philippines. Monday’s incidents marked an escalation in tensions that have run high over the past 18 months, at times threatening to spiral into conflict that could draw in the U.S., Manila’s treaty ally. They are especially noteworthy because they unfolded near Sabina Shoal, a location close to the Philippines that is fast becoming a new source of friction. (Source: wsj.com)

2. It has become conventional wisdom among (sic) the halls of the United States government that China will launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan within the next few years. And when that happens, the US military has a relatively straightforward response in mind: Unleash hell. Speaking to The Washington Post on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ annual Shangri-La Dialogue in June, US Indo-Pacific Command chief Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo colorfully described the US military’s contingency plan for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan as flooding the narrow Taiwan Strait between the two countries with swarms of thousands upon thousands of drones, by land, sea, and air, to delay a Chinese attack enough for the US and its allies to muster additional military assets in the region. “I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities,” Paparo said, “so that I can make their lives utterly miserable for a month, which buys me the time for the rest of everything.” (Sources: defensenews.com, wired.com, washingtonpost.com)

3. The successes Kyiv has announced in its two-week-old incursion into Russia have not stopped the steady drive of Moscow’s forces into the eastern part of Ukraine, threatening a key logistical hub. Officials in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk say they are evacuating the population in case it falls to the Russian advance, which is now less than six miles from the city limits. If the city falls, it will be largest population center taken by the Russians since Bakhmut in May 2023. Russian forces “are moving toward the outskirts of Pokrovsk. We see — it is no secret,” Katerina Yanzhula, head of information policy in the Pokrovsk military administration, said by telephone, adding that the city’s fate was unclear. “Maybe the situation there will somehow change — we hope that the enemy will stop somewhere on the approaches to Pokrovsk, that our troops will repel them.” (Source: washingtonpost.com)

4. The German government has come under attack from politicians across the political spectrum after it emerged that finance minister Christian Lindner has written to colleagues to veto new military aid for Ukraine. In a letter sent to the ministry of defense and foreign office on August 5, Lindner said that new applications for military support would be rejected by his ministry unless additional funds could be found — pointing to frozen Russian assets in Europe as one potential source. Existing aid programmes, which have already been funded, would remain in place, he said. The contents of the letter were first reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper on Sunday, which said Chancellor Olaf Scholz had asked his finance minister to issue the instruction. (Source: ft.com)

[blogcowboyron]

China trying to gain territory through force, says US admiral

Robert Besser13 Apr 2024, 14:21 GMT+10 China trying to gain territory through force, says US admiral Robert Besser13 Apr 2024, 14:21 GMT+10 Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said China is trying to gain territorial space through force through its actions in the South China Sea, which are destabilizing the region A series of recent maritime run-ins between the…

[thxnews]

UK-Australia Defence Chiefs Strengthen Ties

Meeting of Minds: UK and Australia Defence

In a pivotal meeting poised to significantly fortify international defence relations, General Angus Campbell, Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, engaged in strategic discussions with the UK’s General Sir Jim Hockenhull. This high-profile meeting was more than a ceremonial gathering; it marked a critical juncture in enhancing the longstanding UK-Australia relationship, with a special focus on addressing contemporary and emerging global security challenges.   Deepening the Cyber Partnership Tackling Digital Threats Together Central to their dialogue was the strengthening of the cyber partnership between the UK and Australia. Furthermore, recognizing that digital threats are rapidly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, the generals discussed strategies for bolstering digital defence. Notably, General Hockenhull brought attention to Strategic Command’s latest initiatives, which involve extracting valuable insights from Australia’s recent Defence Strategic Review. This collaboration is pivotal in reinforcing cybersecurity measures and protocols.   Preparing for AI and Ransomware Challenges In the digital age, where artificial intelligence (AI) and ransomware pose unprecedented threats, the need for advanced digital defence mechanisms is crucial. The Generals concurred on the urgency of developing cutting-edge tactics to stay ahead in digital warfare, particularly in defending against AI-driven threats and the growing concern of ransomware attacks which have become a favoured tool among adversaries for disruption.   Learning from Today’s Conflicts Adapting to Asymmetric Warfare The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess how current global conflicts are reshaping the landscape of future warfare. Both UK and Australian defence leaders agreed that embracing innovation and futuristic technologies is essential in effectively countering the asymmetric warfare tactics frequently employed by adversaries. This approach is key to maintaining a strategic edge in an increasingly complex and unpredictable global security environment.   Strategic Focus on Indo-Pacific Collaborative Presence in the Region The security of the Indo-Pacific region, a strategic focal point for both nations, was also a critical part of their discussions. The Generals emphasized the strategic significance of the UK's involvement in the region and the valuable role of the UK-Australia partnership in managing emerging threats. This collaboration is seen as integral to maintaining stability and security in both the European and Pacific theatres, given the dynamic nature of global geopolitical shifts.   Continuous Dialogue and Visits Strengthening Defence Cooperation The past three months have witnessed a robust exchange between UK and Australian Defence officials, exemplifying the deepening ties between the two nations. During this period, high-profile visits from key figures like Vice Admiral David Johnston and Tom Hamilton have occurred, serving as a testament to the ongoing commitment to a stronger, more collaborative UK-Australia defence relationship. Importantly, these continuous engagements are vital for aligning strategies and sharing expertise in the face of evolving global defence challenges.  

A United Front for Global Security

The recent meeting between General Campbell and General Hockenhull is a significant step in reinforcing the UK-Australia defence alliance. Their in-depth discussions on critical areas such as cybersecurity, defence technology innovation, and strategic Indo-Pacific engagement underscore a unified approach to addressing complex global security issues. This alliance is pivotal in shaping a secure future, demonstrating the power of international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.   Sources: THX News & Strategic Command. Read the full article

[georgemcginn]

UPDATED: On-Camera Press Briefing

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE On-Camera Press Briefing Oct. 17, 2023 Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh will hold an on-camera press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room, 2DE972, at 2:30 p.m. EDT, today, October 17, 2023. Dr. Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and Admiral Aquilino, commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command will…

[msclaritea]

Biden picks first woman to lead the Navy after reports of Pentagon snub | The Hill

"President Biden on Friday picked Adm. Lisa Franchetti to be the next chief of naval operations after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin passed over her when recommending for the role.

The promotion of Franchetti, who has been vice chief of naval operations since last fall, will be the first time a woman has the spot of the Navy’s highest-ranking officer and she will be the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Biden, in announcing his nomination, noted that Franchetti has already made history as the second woman ever to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the United States Navy. She would replace current Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, whose four-year term is over this fall.

Austin in June reportedly recommended that Adm. Samuel Paparo become the next chief of naval operations despite Franchetti being considered the front-runner for the top position as the Navy’s No. 2 officer. Biden on Friday nominated Paparo for commander of Indo-Pacific Command.

The president also nominated Vice Adm. James Kilby for vice chief of naval operations and Vice Adm. Stephen “Web” Koehler for commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet..."

[usafphantom2]

China 'will soon be the largest air force in the world', says head of INDOPACOM

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/31/2024 - 18:56in Military

It has been known and publicly recognized for several years that China has surpassed the U.S. Navy in a large number of warships. But in a recent testimony at the Capitol, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) suggested that China may also soon have the largest air force in the world, a surprising assessment of its rapid modernization efforts.

“The largest Navy in the world, which will soon be the largest Air Force in the world,” said Navy Admiral John C. Aquilino, referring to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), before the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 21. "The magnitude, scope and scale of this security challenge cannot be underestimated, everyone would be challenged."

A spokesman for INDOPACOM confirmed that Aquilino was referring to the number of warplanes that the armed forces of each country have.

In its 2023 report on Chinese military power, the Pentagon noted that the PLA Air Force and Navy combined have more than 3,150 aircraft in total, not counting training variants and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The U.S. Air Force, in comparison, is in its smallest size in years, but still has about 4,000 non-coaching and non-drone aircraft. This adds to several thousand others in the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Army.

Experts from air power and China have expressed doubts that China would imminently overtake the U.S. in military aircraft. However, they highlighted the significant increase in China's global production capacity in recent years, specifically for its state-of-the-art fighters.

"The J-20 is now being produced in about 100 fuselages per year," said Daniel Rice, an expert on China's military and political strategy at the Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare. "This is purely for local consumption, to provide the PLA Air Force with copies of the J-20. If you look at the production capacity, the F-35, about 135 fuselages per year, but 60 to 70 of these fuselages go to allies and partners."

Rice noted, however, that the J-20 and F-35 should not be compared individually.

“They have different sets of missions and capabilities,” Rice added. "We like to say that the J-20 is approximately a 4.5 generation aircraft because there are different definitions of 'generations' between China and the US."

This evaluation of quality versus quantity also comes into play when comparing the naval fleets of the two countries, while experts argue that, although China may have more ships and submarines, the tonnage of the U.S. naval fleet exceeds that of China in a ratio of 2 to 1, due to the larger size of U.S. ships.

On the air side, China is accelerating the production of the J-16, J-10 and also its maritime variants. The J-16, a multifunctional fighter, has more than 100 fuselages produced annually, while the production of the J-10 is around less than 40 fuselages per year. But again, the J-10C is not exactly the F-15EX of the USAF, but rather "the low-end or high-low mixture of this version," said Rice.

However, if the production rate increases as planned, China could overtake the US in the production of its latest fighter planes. Rice noted that the development of a national engine by China and the reduction of dependence on engines manufactured in Russia accelerated the production of combat aircraft.

J-11 combat jets.

“With the engines of the WS-10 and WS-15 series, China was able to produce a credible and reliable engine for its combat aircraft, namely J-10C and J-20,” Rice said. "Since this change in the supply chain, and together with the increase in the production capacity of their fuselages, we have seen different production facilities, such as Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, increase the size of their production facilities in anticipation of higher yields."

Regional influence is another consideration when comparing the size of the fleets. In his separate written testimony to legislators, Aquilino stated that the PLA Air Force and Navy combined constitute "the largest aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific". Although the US must maintain its superiority in the long term, China's regional dominance carries strategic concerns, especially in a scenario where it tries to take Taiwan by force.

“China doesn't need tankers, because it just doesn't have to go that far,” said J. Michael Dahm, from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. "China does not need a Global Hawk that can fly for more than 24 hours. Maybe you just need drones, older and more adapted aircraft that can fly 160 kilometers through the Taiwan Strait on a one-way trip."

U.S. air power is also spread all over the world, with missions in Europe, the Middle East and the country.

And although the report on China's military power has excluded drones from their aircraft count, they may play a crucial role in future assessments of the projection of military power. China is also modernizing on this front, with the recent introduction of the Xianglong jet UAS, the supersonic WZ-8 and the redesigned GJ-11 stealth Manned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV).

Stealth combat drone GJ-11 Sharp Sword.

"At a time when we are increasingly concerned about artificial intelligence, I would say that when we start counting unmanned aircraft, it may also quickly tilt the scale in favor of China,” Dahm said.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine

Tags: Military AviationChengdu J-20PLAAF - China Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[xtruss]

In US, Military Special Interests Wag The US Foreign Policy Dog

— Franz Gayl, Retired Marine Corps Infantry Officer and a Former Pentagon Employee | February 01, 2023

Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

An active duty US four-star general recently expressed his belief that the US will go to war against China over Taiwan island in 2025 in a memo sent to the officers he commands. The memo predictably found its way into the public domain.

That prediction is only the latest of many by senior US military officials in recent years. They are all similar in content, but each one in succession has a nearer time horizon. Their prophesies consistently omit the fact that China steadfastly expresses its preference for reunification by peaceful means.

The permissibility of such public warmongering by uniformed US generals and admirals calls into question civilian control of the military firewalling officers from foreign policy development. The typical outcome is that such sensational media reports of military concern alarm the White House and Congress alike. In the case of Taiwan island, this leads to the increased production of advanced weapons and their accelerated delivery. The knee-jerk policy responses to military coercion are things observed in the foreign countries the US has condemned and fought in wars against in the past.

Given that all evidence points to a role reversal in US national security policy-making, there must be a rational explanation for an otherwise unconstitutional evolution.

Beginning with the spectacular victory of the all-volunteer US military in the first Gulf War, the negativity of the Vietnam war was finally overcome. In the years and decades that have followed the military has rightfully emerged as an exemplary, though less representative class, that showcases the best in American character.

At the same time members of Congress are unencumbered by conscription, and far fewer have elected to serve in the military. This gave rise to two phenomena. The civilian political class today lacks military insight and expertise, increasing its dependence on active duty and retired military leaders in policy development. Additionally, Congress' reduced service credentials have cowed many elected officials from challenging military perspectives and resource requests out of fear of being characterized as unpatriotic.

As a consequence, new generations of general officers and admirals have emerged as celebrated and largely untouchable public figures. In particular, four-star flag officers now constitute an elite special class that is considered above reproach by default, roughly corresponding to a form of American royalty. Four-star flag officers in particular, are fawned over by the media, Congress, and throughout the Executive Branch, and coveted for employment in the defense industry and media as retirees.

The recent public senior leader comments presume an ever more immanent conflict with China, and imply support for an increase in US Indo-Pacific Command military capabilities and arms sales for and to Taiwan island. In a fashion that is indistinguishable from civilian obedience to the military, an uncritical US president and Congress reflexively concur.

General officers and admirals are anything but irrational. Knowing from precedent that the impact of warmongering words could have on policy in the current climate, what caused an active-duty leader to depart from our tradition of military subordination to civilian leadership? Public messaging is as impactful as issuing orders.

Despite their rightfully celebrated status, like all human beings, senior generals and admirals are fallible and are not immune to conflicts of interest. They are not insulated from powerful factors that have little to do with the best interests of their Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines or even American society. Instead, they find themselves torn and politicized within a network comprised of competing interests.

These often include their future ambitions as four-star flag officers are at the peak and nearing the end of their military careers. They also could include personal loyalties to and friendships with retired senior mentors under whom they once served and who are now working in defense industries with revenue and profit agendas. Finally, they might want to preserve their forward leaning legacies, all the while with a subconscious awareness that advocating a bigger stronger military in the nearer term improves their odds of being coveted by the largest defense contractors in retirement.

Mind reading is impossible, and some out-lying officers may indeed be immune to such forces. But past precedent is informative in the case of future retired military four-star employment.

For example, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems Inc., Raytheon Technologies, and Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding all employ four-star flag officers. These do not count the many dozens of retired three, two and one-star generals and admirals that are employed on boards throughout the defense industry.

A number of retired four-star generals and admirals spread across just eight of the US' largest defense contractors is noteworthy. Together, these eight companies are overwhelmingly responsible for and benefiting from the arming of Taiwan island and US preparedness to fight China.

Returning to the issue of any rational active duty flag officer's public comments having a predictably out-sized influence on American foreign policy, a permissive US government culture is suspect. Any suggestion that Chinese mainland will likely invade Taiwan island in 2025 when that comment does not reflect China's history or preference for peaceful reunification fails to promote a One China policy. Instead, it could be interpreted as an incitement to fight influenced by a network of competing material interests.

— The author is a retired Marine Corps infantry officer and a former Pentagon employee. Opinions are of the author and do not represent the US government.

[rivaltimes]

The South Korean Defense Minister and the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command discuss the crisis with Pyongyang

The South Korean Defense Minister and the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command discuss the crisis with Pyongyang

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