Tag Archives: martial law

Kit Bashing, Technology

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis: F-15 Eagle now 50 years old

Video

50 years of Air Superiority

F-15A number one rolled out of the Saint Louis, Missouri, factory. Notice it does not yet have the DayGlo orange paint applied. McDonnell-Douglas photo, 26JUN1972.

McDonnell-Douglas F-15A number one gets packed aboard a Lockheed C-5A Galaxy, for its trip to Edwards Air Force Base, California.

McDonnell-Douglas photo of the first flight of F-15 number one, 27JUL1972. DayGlo paint not yet applied. Notice the shape of the wings and stabilators.

The first F-15A, #71-280, unveiled publicly after its first flight, July 1972, it now has the DayGlo paint applied. It was never called the YF-15 as several interweb sites say. From the beginning it was F-15 Eagle.

The McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle first took flight in 1972,  beginning service in 1974. A total of 20 pre-production test and evaluation (T&E) Eagles were ordered, 12 for contactor (McDonnell-Douglas) development and eight specifically for the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

USAF promotional video, by Airman First Class Moses Taylor:

 

71-280 F-15A number one is now serving museum duty on Lackland AFB, Texas. However, it is painted to represent a different F-15.

This B-52 is carrying a 3/8th-scale F-15A drone, back then called a Remotely Piloted Research Vehicle (RPRV), 23OCT1973. This was done to test the possibility of stall-spins, before the real F-15A Eagles began their test flights.

The 12 contractor F-15As were used in Category I pre-production T&E, the eight USAF F-15As were used in Category II pre-production T&E.  They were never officially designated as prototypes or even called YF-15 (as some online sites say), they were officially called McAir F-1 (for the F-15A single seaters) and McAir F-2 (for the TF-15 two seaters).  The Category I phase was later re-named Contractor Development, Test & Evaluation, the Category II phase was renamed Air Force Development, Test & Evaluation.

Installing a F-15 style intake on a J85 nacelle. NASA photo, 1975.

The wedge shaped F-15 engine air intake was also tested on the highly modified three engined F-106B.

Photo via Edwards AFB photo shop. NASA’s F-15A 71-287 in 1976, testing the FMD version of Pratt & Whitney’s F-100. 287 would go on to test the HIDEC system, in the early 1990s.

I took this photo with a crappy little fixed focus 110 camera, in 1977.

This photo shows a T&E Eagle (possibly number one) with the straight edged stabilators. McDonnell-Douglas photo.

This photo shows the smaller speed/dive brake of pre-production aircraft F-15A number five (71-284). It was apparently the first F-15 to get the 20mm Vulcan gun, obviously not at the time this photo was made (due to lack of gun port). McDonnell-Douglas photo.

The pre-production T&E Eagles can be distinguished from later production Eagles by the shape of the wing tips, the shape of the elevators (officially called ‘snag stabilators’) and the size of the speed/dive brake.  T&E F-15As had squared-off wing tips, stabilators that did not have a ‘dog tooth’, and had a smaller more rectangular speed/dive brake. However, several T&E F-15 Eagles were quickly updated with the snag stabilators, yet retained the original wing tips and small speed brake.

This photo shows one of the T&E Eagles updated with the snaggle toothed stabilators. USAF photo via the Edwards AFB photo shop, I got it in the mid-’70s but exact date it was made is unknown.

One of the T&E F-15s transferred to NASA, with original configuration wing tips and stabilators.

For kit builders, the first issue 1:72 scale Hasegawa, Revell U.S.A. and Monogram kits were based on the Category I McAir F-1 Eagles.

They were quickly revised once the final changes were established for the production F-15s.

The same T&E F-15, with the squared-off wing tips, but it has been updated with the dog-tooth elevators. NASA photo, 24FEB1978.

Development of the F-15A actually started in the late 1960s, it was designed as a pure dog-fighter, intended to replace the F-4 Phantom-2 in that role. The design was based on U.S. air combat experience over Viet Nam, and on incorrect assumptions about Soviet fighter development, especially the MiG-25 Foxbat.

The defected MiG 25P. This is the photo that inspired the artwork on Minicraft/Hasegawa’s black bordered box issue of their MiG 25 kit, in the late-1970s.

Before the defection of a Soviet pilot in a MiG-25P, to Japan in 1976, the ‘experts’ in the U.S. Department of Defense thought the Foxbat was a dog-fighter.  The MiG-25 was actually a straight line Mach 3 bomber interceptor, it carried four long range anti-bomber missiles, and had no guns.  Fortunately, the incorrect assumptions resulted in a still potent modern day dog-fighter (proven by the Israeli Air Force) that has also proved it excels at other forms of aerial combat.

TF-15A #71-290. Photo via the Edwards AFB photo shop. 290’s final mission would be as the NF-15B ACTIVE in the late 1990s.

I got this photo from the Edwards AFB photo shop in the mid-1970s. It is TF-15A/F-15B 71-291, which would go on to become the ‘demonstrator’ (mock-up) of the F-15E concept.

71-291 all gussied-up for the Bicentennial in July 1976, and flying over its birthplace of Saint Louis, Missouri. McDonnell-Douglas photo by Pat McManus.

Also in 1972, a combat capable trainer version was created called the TF-15A, but it was soon re-designated F-15B. The improved F-15C single seater, and the improved F-15D two seater, were created in 1979. Visually they all look the same as the improvements are internal.

Bare metal Streak Eagle, named because it was naked, not fast. In the 1970s there was a fad called streaking, which meant you got naked and ran as fast as you could through a public gathering. The insignia on the vertical tail was removed for the high speed runs.

Between 16JAN1975 and 01FEB1975, a bare metal F-15A nicknamed Streak Eagle, broke eight time-to-climb world records.  It was then donated to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, in 1980, where it was painted to protect from corrosion:

The F-15 is used by Israel, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

The second F-15A Eagle (71-0281) was turned over to NASA in February 1976. It was used in no less than 25 experiments which not only benefitted the USAF and NASA, but also the civilian airliner industry.

NASA F-15A #281 over the Mojave Desert, California, 03MAR1978.

This NASA F-15A Eagle was used to compare actual in-flight aerodynamic data to data collected from models in wind tunnels, 17MAY1978.

This is a NASA image showing what their proposed F-15-2D/STOL/MTD would look like, using NASA’s F-15B Eagle. The project would morph into the NF-15B ACTIVE program in the late 1990s.

Somewhere over NATO Norway, the Sun is setting on an F-4E Phantom-2, while its replacement, an F-15B Eagle flies in formation. USAF photo by Master Sergeant Edward Condon, 08MAR1982.

Potential satellite killer. An F-15 armed with the ASAT missile, sometime in 1983. USAF photo.

On Bitburg AFB, West Germany, an F-15D Eagle blows off steam, at full throttle in a ‘Baker Sound Suppressor Unit’. USAF photo by Jose Lopez Junior, November 1984.

An F-15A Eagle gets armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missile, while taking part in wargames over Australia, 01OCT1985. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Marvin D. Lynchard.

An F-15B Eagle taxis past the then new air traffic control tower on Edwards AFB, sometime in the mid 1980s (1987?).

A pole dancing F-15C Eagle? It is mounted upside down on a pedestal at the Rome Air Development Center’s (aka USAF Super Lab) Newport, New York, test site. An external radar warning system pod mounted on the fuselage is being compared to the onboard radar warning system, 06OCT1988.

The ground attack F-15E Strike Eagle began service in 1989, however, the first production F-15E (86-183) came off the assembly line in 1986.

86-183, the first production F-15E.

At first it was just called the F-15E Dual Role Fighter, no Strike Eagle.  They stenciled on the nose F-15E No. 1, to be clear that it is the first F-15E.

F-15E Strike Eagles, and a F-15C Eagle, are flanked by F-16s as they fly over burning oil wells, during Desert Storm in early 1991.

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

NASA’s HIDEC (Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control) F-15A (NASA #835, USAF #71-287), Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, California, February 1993.

A 53rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle returns to Aviano Air Base, Italy, after a No-Fly-Zone mission over Bosnia-Herzegovina. USAF photo by Technical Sergeant David Mcleod, 12APR1993.

A 10% scale wind tunnel model of the F-15E Strike Eagle, used to test the viability of ‘pneumatic forebody controls’, September 1994.

Size comparison between USAF F-15C Eagle & E Strike Eagle, and a Slovak MiG-29 Fulcrum. According to the USAF, this was the first time F-15 Eagles and MiG-29s flew together. Photo by Technical Sergeant Brad Fallin, 25MAY1996.

McDonnell-Douglas was taken over by Boeing, in August 1997, which continues making variants of the F-15.

The NF-15B ACTIVE (NASA #837, USAF #71-290) touches down on the Edwards AFB runway, 14APR1998.

Two Israeli Defense Force F-15I Ra’am over Nellis AFB, Nevada. USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Kevin J. Gruenwald, 25AUG2004.

F-15E Strike Eagles using the Dare County Bomb Range, in North Carolina, July 2012. USAF video by Airman First Class Samantha Ducker:

December 2012:

For first time, JAPAN SCAMBLES F-15Js TO INTERCEPT CHINESE AIRCRAFT

NATO 2013:

F-15 EAGLES OVER NORGE

May 2016:

OREGON KOTKAT LENTÄÄ SUOMEN YLI

USAF video, by Staff Sergeant Esteban Esquivel, of Israeli F-15I Ra’am operations on Uvda Air Base, Israel, May 2017:

A Ukrainian flag behind the windshield of a California Air National Guard (CANG) F-15D Eagle, 26OCT2017. A Ukrainian General is in the front seat while a CANG Lieutenant Colonel is in the back seat, it was a flight promoting the military partnership of California and Ukraine. CANG photo by Senior Master Sergeant Chris Drudge.

Somewhere in the Middle East (South West Asia), September 2017 USAF video report about F-15E Strike Eagle operations against so-called Islamic State:

2018:

USAF photo by Airman First Class Codie Trimble.

MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, IDAHO,  F-15E WALK-AROUND

California Air National Guard (CANG) video, by Staff Sergeant Christian Jadot, of historical moment when for the first time California’s 144th Fighter Wing lands their F-15C & D Eagles on Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, 06OCT2018 (it should be noted that it was not the first time for California to send aircraft to Ukraine, in 2011 the CANG sent F-16 Falcons):

CALIFORNIA OREL NAD UKRAINOY ОРЕЛ НАД УКРАИНОЙ

July 2019:

D-DAY F-15E STRIKE EAGLE

2020:

Kadena Eagle celebrates 60 years of U.S.-Japan relations

Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C Eagles, over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Christopher Ruano, November 2019.

PANDEMIC OVERFLIGHT: THE SANDMAN ENTERS

The F-15 has adjustable air intakes. In this May 2020 video, pay attention to the intake as the turbines ignite:

 

IDAHO’S TIGERS & THUNDERBOLTS BLAST THE SKIES OVER FLORIDA!

USAF video of 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagles launching NATM-9M training missiles at aerial targets, somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, 08DEC2020:

USAF video, by Master Sergeant Larry E. Reid Junior, showing Japanese F-15J Eagles landing on Anderson AFB, Guam, 28JAN2021:

March 2021:

The new Boeing F-15EX HAS ARRIVED! COMMANDER SAYS “IT’S AN EX-CITING DAY!”

SINGAPORE’S IDAHO BASED SKY PIRATES BOMB LAS VEGAS?

On 04MAY2021, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, based on the United Kingdom, conducted an “Independence Flyover” of the tiny NATO country of Latvia. Short video of F-15E getting refueled enroute to Latvia by Technical Sergeant Emerson Nuñez:

USAF video, by Staff Sergeant Danielle Sukhlall, of Japanese F-15J Eagles operating from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 07JUN2021:

A November 2021 USAF promo video, by Staff Sergeant River Bruce, states the F-15 series of aircraft has a long way to go before retirement:

In January 2022, at least six F-15E Strike Eagles (from Seymour Johnson Air Base, North Carolina) were deployed to NATO Belgium, for so-called air policing missions against Russia.  Video via NATO:

February 2022:

Ämari Air Base, Estonia, U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Megan M. Beatty, 01FEB2022.

F-15E Strike Eagles ‘forward deployed’ to NATO Estonia

Israeli F-15I over Hatzerim Airbase, Israel, 23JUN2022. Photo by Ilan Assayag via Xinhua News.

July 2022:

F-15E GETS NEW COLORS, VIA VINYL DECALS.

Edwards AFB reveals it has the oldest, and fastest, operating F-15 in the world, USAF video by Giancarlo Casem:

USAF promotional video, by Harley Huntington, F-15 First Flight to F-15EX:

 

Idaho, U.S.

U.S. Wildfire, 2022: Ross Fork Fire, Idaho

Video

At about 18:00, 09AUG2022, I noticed a lot of smoke northeast of where I live in Chubbuck, Idaho.

The fire grew as the sun went down.

It glowed through out the night.  The wind was blowing north, northeast.  During the night a strong windstorm blew in from the west (it was not forecasted).  The next day, local news media reported the fire was located on the east side of the Fort Hall Reservation, homes were evacuated, burning at least 2-thousand-5-hundred acers (more than 1000 hectares). By the afternoon there were conflicting reports about the fire; TV news said it was under control and evacuations canceled, while newspapers reported it had re-ignited, was spreading and forcing more evacuations.  I believe the newspapers because there was a sudden non-stop bucket brigade of water bomber flights from the Pocatello Airtanker Base.

Some video I made from my backyard, of Air Tractors and a MD87,  flying over Chubbuck, on their way to bomb the Ross Fork Fire:

It should be noted that the Pocatello Airtanker Base, on the Pocatello Regional Airport, was undergoing an expansion of its ‘pit’ operations for water bombers, and was not expected to be operational until July, or “until further notice”.  Obviously, the U.S. Forest Service airtanker operations are now up and running.  That is what you call ‘perfect timing’!     

Some video I made of an Air Tractor and RJ85 being put to bed after a busy day of water bombing (they can only water-bomb during daylight):

As of 23:30, 10AUG2022, the Ross Fork Fire is still burning.  The wind changed direction and kicked-up, this time we got teased with a little bit of rain. Thunderstorms are forecasted, but they’ve been bringing us more lightning than needed rain.  There was also a wildfire in Power County, west of here, but it is supposedly extinguished.

The same area has a history of catching fire, July 2013:

2 1/2 MILE FIRE, MORE IDAHO FIRES EXPECTED, WARNS OFFICIALS.

U.S. disasters 2022: WEST VIRGINIA MILITIA DEPLOYS TO KENTUCKY FLOODS!

U.S. Wildfire 2021: MILITIA & U.S. ARMY BATTLES LARGEST EVER FOR HAWAII!

Idaho Wildfires 2019:

Photo by AAron B. Hutchins.

MD-87 WATER BOMBER & NEW KING AIR FAC

Photo by AAron B. Hutchins.

DC-10, IDAHO’S 911

Idaho Wildfires 2012:

Ducks in a row. BAe 146-200s and the old Convair CV580, at Pocatello airport during Idaho’s 2012 wildfire outbreaks. Photo by AAron B. Hutchins.

Canadian BAe 146 (RJ85) join the fight on Pocatello Airtanker Base

Technology

Cold War & Beyond: Tupolev 16 Badger

Video

Tupolev 16, NATO reporting name Badger.

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

The prototype of the Soviet Tu-16 was the Tu-88, which first flew in Spring 1952, production of the Tu-16 began in December 1952. China still produces its own version.

Silent Soviet films, from 1957, showing-off their new Tupolev 16:

On 25MAY1968, the U.S. Navy (USN) carrier group led by USS Essex CVS-9 was ‘badgered’ by several Soviet aircraft, including variants of the Tu-16, while sailing through the Norwegian Sea.  It ended badly for one hot-shot Badger.

Silent USN film of Tu-16 Badger C:

Silent USN film of Badger C and Badger G:

A Badger gets danger-close to the USS Essex, while other Badgers fly at sea level:

The USN claimed one of the hot-shot Badgers crashed while sea skimming, and USN Sea Kings were dispatched to rescue the Soviet Tu-16 crew.  The silent, and faded, film shows a Tu-16 buzzing USS Essex, then on the horizon can barely be seen the smoke plume of the crashed Badger, other Tu-16s continue to overfly CVS-9:

Unfortunately the Badger crew did not survive, what was recovered by the USN was handed over to a Soviet Kotlin class destroyer with the hull number of 311, which had pulled along side the USS Essex:

After taking on the bodies of the Badger crew, hull number 311 gives a salute with its main guns, and sails away:

Photo released by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), 15MAR1974.

A seemingly neglected Egyptian Tu-16 Badger, December 1981. Photo by Staff Sergeant Bill Thompson.

A derelict Egyptian Tu-16 sits behind two USAF C-130s during wargame Bright Star 82.

Egyptian Tu-16s. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Donald Sutherland, dated 01NOV1980 (which is probably incorrect as the info also says it was during Bright Star 90).

This U.S. DoD released photo says it is a Badger C, sometime in 1981, however it is unknown who made the photo, or where the photo was recorded.

Somewhere over the north of the United Kingdom, September 1982.

Tu-16 Badger ‘C’ approaching the United Kingdom, September 1982.

Same incident, different Badger, September 1982.

Badger belly over the United Kingdom, September 1982.

Badgering a USN destroyer somewhere over the Indian Ocean, June 1983.

Tu-16 Badger C. Photo dated 1984, original source unknown.

Badger C, photo dated October 1985.

Badgering the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, January 1986.

Badger D spying on NATO naval wargames in September 1986. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate First Class Jeff Hilton.

Somewhere over the Mediterranean Sea, 11AUG1986.

A VF-1 Wolfpack F-14 Tomcat badgers two Badger ‘F’s, 14JUL1987.

The U.S. DoD released this photo in May 1989, without any other information.

In 1958 China received its first Tu-16, then in 1959, the first Xian Aircraft Corporation license built Tu-16 took flight, under the designation H-6.

PLA Eastern Theater Command video, edited by Lin Congyi, of Tu-16s (H-6), and the new H-6K, conducting night training, 02JUN2022:

PLA Southern Command photo by Gao Hongwei, 05JAN2022.

PLA video, edited by Chen Zhuo, Tu-16s (H-6), and the new H-6K, practice low level bombing, 29NOV2021:

Preparing for a night flight. PLA Eastern Command photo by Wang Jun, 16APR2021.

PLA Eastern Command photo by Li Bingxuan, 16APR2021.

PLA Eastern Command photo by Li Bingxuan, 16APR2021.

PLA Navy photo by Yang Ling, 09AUG2021.

PLA Navy photo by Yang Ling, 09AUG2021.

PLA Navy photo by Gao Hongwei, 06AUG2020.

PLA Navy photo by Gao Hongwei, 06AUG2020.

China is also using their new home grown version of the Tu-16, the H-6K.

Cold War Vehicle I-D: TU-95 ‘BEAR’

NASA’S RUSSIAN TUPOLEV 144 SST, MORE MONEY SPENT ON THE U.S. AIRLINER INDUSTRY

International, U.S.

Biden’s War: 1st permanent U.S. base in NATO Poland!

Video

30 July 2022  (22:22-UTC-07 Tango 06) 08 Mordad 1401/01 Muharram 1444/02 Ding-Wei (7th month) 4720

How many times has U.S. led NATO sworn that it is not expanding towards Russia? The first ever permanent U.S. military base in NATO Poland now has an official name: Camp Kościuszko.

On 29JUN2022, U.S. President Joseph Robinette Biden Junior announced that a once temporary (used for rotational troop deployments) U.S. base in Poland would become permanent (meaning there will be a permanent U.S. military presence), making it the nearest U.S. base, in Europe, to Russia.

U.S. Army Photo by Specialist Garrison Waites, 30JUL2022.

U.S. Army video by Specialist Devin Klecan, official base naming ceremony:

On 30JUL2022, a ceremony was held in Poland, announcing a name for the new U.S. base, named after Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian military officer who joined the American Revolution against the British Empire in June 1776.  After the war that created  the United States, General Kościuszko returned to Poland in August 1784.

U.S. Army video explainer, by Specialist Devin Klecan:

Biden’s War:  PENNSYLVANIA MILITIA TRAINS IN TEXAS, ON WAY TO MIDDLE EAST.

World War 3:  U.S./NATO “NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT” IN UKRAINE!

U.S.

U.S. Disaster: West Virginia Militia deploys to Kentucky!

Video

28 July 2022  (15:32-UTC-07 Tango 06) 06 Mordad 1401/28 Dhu l-Hijja 1443/30 Ding-Wei 4720

West Virginia Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Zoe Morris.

Residents of Kentucky reporting that this year’s flooding is the worst they’ve seen, with the Governor saying the death toll will hit double digits.  State officials declared it to be catastrophic, and admitting they don’t have the labor to adequately respond to calls for rescues.  Next door neighbor West Virginia is sending help.

West Virginia Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Zoe Morris.

The West Virginia National Guard is sending two UH-60M Blackhawks and two UH-72 Lakota rotary wing aircraft, and their crew.  They are rom Company C, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) and Company B, 1-224th Security and Support Aviation Battalion, based out of Williamstown.

West Virginia Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Zoe Morris.

The flooding is ironic as earlier this month the Kentucky Army National Guard was deployed to one city that was facing sever water shortage.

U.S. Disaster: ARIZONA MILITIA SANDBAGS LATEST FLOODING

U.S. Disaster/Food Crisis: OKLAHOMA MILITIA FIGHTS 702-FIRE, NO MORE BEEF CATTLE?

Technology

Cold War & Beyond: The long life & violent death of USS Denver

Video

Between July 22nd and 26th, 2022, the Austin-class amphibious transport dock-ship USS Denver (LPD 9) was slowly executed by U.S. and Japanese air and ground launched ‘firing squads’, more than 50 nautical miles north of Kauai, Hawaii, during wargame RimPac (Rim of the Pacific) 2022.  Dramatic U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Andre T. Richard:

The ground forces of the United States and Japan used Type 12 anti-ship missiles, as well as missiles launched by HIMARS.

F/A-18 Hornet takes off from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, armed with a Harpoon anti-ship missile. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Haley Fourmet Gustavsen, 22JUL2022.

The U.S. Navy (USN) used Hornets and Super Hornets to launch a variety of missiles while the U.S. Army used AH-64 Apache gunships to launch Hellfire anti-tank missiles, and the Marines used their AH-1Z Viper (Cobra) gunships.

AH-1Z leaves Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe, Hawaii. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Tyler Andrews, 22JUL2022.

USS Chafee (DDG 90) fires upon LPD-9 with its Mark 45 gun, the night of 22JUL2022. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Gwendelyn L. Ohrazda.

The USN’s guided-missile destroyer USS Chaffee (DDG 90) joined in by making pot-shots with its Mark 45, 5-inch gun.  The violent end to a long serving ship was part of something called a Sinking Exercise (SinkEx), and was overseen by officers of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

LPD 9 illuminated by flares fired by DDG 90, 22JUL2022. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Gwendelyn L. Ohrazda.

LPD 9 being towed to its execution, 20JUL2022. U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Quentin Todd.

U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Quentin Todd, LPD 9 towed out to sea to serve as a target, 20JUL2022:

LPD 9 was the second USN ship sunk during this year’s RimPac:

LIFE & VIOLENT DEATH OF USS RODNEY M. DAVIS

LPD 9’s keel was laid down on 07FEB1964, launched on 23JAN1965, commissioned on 26OCT1968.

Good Bye Japan, final voyage for LPD 9 as it heads back home to Hawaii, for decommissioning. USN photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Cameron McCulloch, 23JUL2014.

LPD 9 was decommissioned on 14AUG2014.  There were reports that the ship would be sold to Malaysia, but that obviously did not happen. U.S. Navy video/interviews, by Petty Officer Second Class Jerome Johnson, of decommissioning:

Department of Defense report:

Final wargame for LPD 9, off the coast of Korea, as part of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 27MAR2014. photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Michael Achterling.

In 2014, LPD 9 was the oldest ship in the U.S. Navy inventory. USN video, by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Bradley J. Gee, of an old World War Two era LCU backing out of the ‘well deck’ of LPD 9, March 2014:

02AUG2013, USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), resupplies LPD 9. In July 2000, Yukon and LPD 9 collided, causing major damage but no injuries to the crew. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez the Third.

Automatic boiler control. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Joshua Hammond, 26JUL2013.

Throttle control. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Joshua Hammond, 26JUL2013.

Somewhere in the Philippine Sea, 23SEP2012. LPD 9 was part of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) ARG. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lacordrick Wilson.

West Army Pier in Okinawa, Japan. USN photo by Petty Officer Second Class Spencer Mickler, 23SEP2011.

Somewhere in the East China Sea, while part of the USS Essex (LHD 2) ARG. USN photo by Petty Officer Third Class Andrew Ryan Smith, 08SEP2010.

2010 USN video report, LPD 9 suffered rudder damage:

U.S. Marines return to LPD 9, during their humanitarian response mission after the Sumatran earthquakes, 16OCT2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Rodolfo Toro.

MH-53E Sea Dragon lands on LPD 9, during humanitarian response to Typhoon Morakot, 19AUG2009.

Somewhere off the coast of California, 24JUN1997. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Jeff Viano.

A CH-46 Sea Knight lands aboard LPD 9, for more humanitarian supplies destine for Somalia, 14FEB1994. USN photo by Journalist Chief Petty Officer Millie J. Tamberg.

A UH-1N Iroquois (Huey) prepares to take-off from LPD 9 during humanitarian mission in Somalia, 14FEB1994. USN photo by Journalist Chief Petty Officer Millie J. Tamberg.

RimPac 1990.

Somewhere off the coast of California, 31MAY1986. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Grzezdzinski.

31MAY1986, USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Grzezdzinski.

31MAY1986, USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Grzezdzinski.

Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, 27JUN1985.

LPD 9 was reportedly the last USN ship to serve in Viet Nam, during the U.S. involvement in that Cold War conflict, helping to evacuate Vietnamese, and Cambodians, who did not want to be part of the communist system (called Operation Frequent Wind/Eagle Pull/New Life/Helping Hand). Very short piece of film of Operation Frequent Wind, which took place from April to May 1975:

Ode to LHD 6: SHORT LIFE OF USS BONHOMME RICHARD

Technology

Vehicle I-D, Cold War & Beyond: Jordanian Cobras الكوبرا الأردني, or How to rebuild your AH-1S/F.

Video

Eager Lion wargame, 14SEP2022. Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh via Xinhua News.

Towards the end of 2021, Jordan donated two of its Cold War era AH-1S/F Cobras to the Philippine Air Force.  The donation actually officially happened in 2018, but the Filipino pilots had been training in Jordan, including becoming AH-1S/F instructors, and were not ready until 2021 (delayed by the Pandemic?).

In 2020, there was a report that Jordan was getting rid of its AH-1S/F Cobras, which is shocking considering they underwent major upgrades in the United States in 2018-19.

U.S. Army photo by Richard Bumgardner, 10APR2019.

Towards the end of 2018, Royal Jordanian AH-1S/F Cobras (Bell 209) began upgrades at Northrop and Science and Engineering Services (aka SES) facilities in Huntsville, Alabama.

USA photo by Richard Bumgardner, 10APR2019.

The upgrades were coordinated through U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.  It is hoped Jordan can use the helicopter gunships for another 20 years. 

USA photo by Richard Bumgardner, 10APR2019.

U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Joshua L. DeMotts, 17APR2018.

Double trouble. USAF photo by Master Sergeant Joshua L. DeMotts, 17APR2018.

In 2017, there was a report that Jordan was donating AH-1S/F Cobras to the African country of Kenya.

U.S. Army photo by Specialist Ian Valley, 18MAY2016.

U.S. Marine Corps video report, by Lance Corporal Manuel Benavides, Eager Lion wargame, May 2016:

USA photo by Specialist Ian Valley, 18MAY2016.

In 2015, it was revealed that Israel donated U.S. contractor upgraded AH-1 Cobras to Jordan.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Sean Searfus, 18MAY2015.

U.S. Army photo by Major Brian Fickel, 05JUN2014.

USA photo by Major Brian Fickel, 05JUN2014.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Austin Hazard. 03JUN2014.

USMC photo by Sergeant Austin Hazard. 03JUN2014.

Jordanian Bell AH-1S/F Cobra during Exercise Eager Tiger, May 2014.

U.S. Air Force video, by Technical Sergeant Bryan Magee, Jordanian Cobras arrive, 12MAY2014:

USAF video, by Technical Sergeant Bryan Magee, Jordanian Cobra gunnery, 14MAY2014:

USAF video, by Staff Sergeant Roidan Carlson, Cobras attack, 14MAY2014:

USAF video, by Airman First Class Danny Rangel, infantry support, 14MAY2014:

In 2010, at the behest of the United States government, Jordan donated 16 AH-1S/F Cobras to Pakistan.

Cold War, approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

Despite the sequence of letters, the S variant actually came before the F variant.  During the Cold War, AH-1Q Cobras were upgraded to the AH-1S variant, with at least three additional upgrades which resulted in the AH-1F.

Photo by Staff Sergeant Mike Haggerty, 01AUG1985.

Jordan was one of the first foreign users of the AH-1S/F, beginning in 1985.

Photo by Staff Sergeant Mike Haggerty, 01AUG1985.

Photo by Staff Sergeant Mike Haggerty, 01AUG1985.

Vehicle I-D: Jordan donates IRAQI HUEY, U.S. taxpayers pay for it.

JORDANIAN SHIELD اردني درع

Technology

Cold War & Beyond: Life & violent death of USS Rodney M. Davis

Video

Image possibly recorded by California Air National Guard MQ-9A Reaper drone, 12JUL2022.

On 12JUL2022, naval forces from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, and the United States, intentionally attacked the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), using Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

It was part of the Sinking Exercise (SinkEx), during the Rim of the Pacific (RimPac) wargames near Hawaii.  RimPac is conducted from June 29 through August 4, and involves 26 countries, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25-thousand personnel rampaging around Hawaii and California. RimPac wargames are left-over from the Cold War, starting in 1971.

Dramatic Royal Canadian Navy/U.S. Navy (USN) music video of death of FFG 60,  12JUL2022:

The Royal Malaysian Navy made history by launching anti-ship missiles, for the first time, outside of Malaysian territory. Royal Malaysian Navy video of Harpoon launch, 12JUL2022:

Silent USN video of death of FFG 60, 12JUL2022:

Royal Canadian Navy slo-mo video of Harpoon launch from HMCS Winnipeg, 12JUL2022:

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Brandon Vinson, 12JUL2022.

The USN launched their AGM-84D-1 Harpoons from Boeing P-8A Poseidons.

Photo via Todd Pacific Shipyards, 08FEB1985.

The keel for FFG 60 was laid on 08FEB1985, in Los Angeles, California, by Todd Pacific Shipyards.

Judy P. Davis, widow of FFG 60’s namesake Rodney Maxwell Davis, christens the guided missile frigate R.M. DAVIS (FFG-60). Photo via Todd Pacific Shipyards, 11JAN1986

FFG 60 was launched in Los Angeles, California, on 11JAN1986.

Photo via Todd Pacific Shipyards, 11JAN1986.

USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Michael D. P. Flynn, 09MAY1987.

FFG 60 was commissioned on 09MAY1987. It was decommissioned on 23JAN2015.

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Justin A. Johndro, 19DEC2014.

On 19DEC2014, FFG 60 returned to its  home port of Everett, Washington.  Video of its final homecoming by Petty Officer Third Class Seth Coulter:

USN video, by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Derek A. Harkins, FFG 60 gets refueled by USNS Pecos, 21OCT2014:

Final firing of FFG 60’s Phalanx Close-In Weapons System, 29OCT2014. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Derek A. Harkins.

FFG 60 is dwarfed by oiler USNS Tippecanoe, while on its final cruise, somewhere in the Indian Ocean. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Derek A. Harkins, 04OCT2014.

Final live-fire of its Mark 38 25mm machine gun, 01OCT2014. The Mark 38 replaced the original missile launcher. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Derek A. Harkins.

Final Firing of the Mark 75 gun, 25AUG2014. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Derek A. Harkins.

Royal Canadian Armed Forces video, FFG 60 during RimPac 08JUL2014:

USN video, FFG 60 arrives for RimPac 27JUN2008:

The Mark 75 76mm/62-caliber gun mounted amidships. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Michael D. P. Flynn, 09MAY1987.

Cold War & Beyond: SOLD FOR ONE PENNY! The Humiliating DEATH OF THE COLD WAR RELIC USS KITTY HAWK

 

Technology

Ode to LHD-6: Short life of USS Bonhomme Richard

Video

U.S. Navy Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) had its keel laid down on 28JUN1995, at Ingalls Shipyard in Pasagoula, Mississippi. Launched on 14MAR1997.

Launch of LHD-6, Ingalls Shipyard at Pasagoula, Mississippi, 14MAR1997. USN photo.

LHD-6 was commissioned as USS Bonhomme Richard on 15AUG1998. Decommissioned on 15APR2021, due to massive damage caused by sabotage.

Non-operational, AV-8A Harrier static trainer (note missing canopy) onboard LHD-6, 26MAR2001. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Gilbert Lopez.

How you get your PT onboard LHD-6. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Gilbert Gomez, 27MAR2001.

25mm cannon, 27MAR2001, USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Felix Garza.

Bunks for the Marines. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Gilbert Gomez, 31MAR2001.

A MH-60S Sea Hawk lifts supplies from the deck of LHD-6, during humanitarian response to the December 2004 Indian Ocean quake/tsunami. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate First Class Juan E. Diaz, 06JAN2005.

Near the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, 08JAN2005. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Robert S. Cole.

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC, hovercraft), from LHD-6, delivers humanitarian aid to the city of Meulaboh, on Sumatra, Indonesia, 10JAN2005. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate First Class Bart A. Baver.

LHD 6 returns to home-port San Diego, California, after a busy deployment. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Second Class Prince A Hughes the Third, 06JUN2005.

Taking part in the Parade of Ships in Seattle, Washington, 03AUG2005. USN photo by Journalist Petty Officer First Class Ralph Radford.

‘Vertical Replenishment’ (VertRep), USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Bryan Niegel, 11APR2006.

AAV7A1 (Amphibious Assault Vehicle 7A1) heads for home, 26APR2006. USN photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Mark Patterson the Second.

During wargame Rim of the Pacific (RimPac) 2006. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James R. Evans, 25JUL2006.

Taking part in Fleet Week, in San Francisco Bay, California, 07OCT2006. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Roland Franklin.

Mark 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System, 27NOV2006. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Emmanuel Rios.

USN video, by Petty Officer First Class Keith Jones, LHD 6 departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for PacRim 2010:

2011 USN interview, by Petty Officer Second Class Lawrence Davis, of Seattle resident Sarah Meyer who is impressed by LHD 6:

LHD 6 sails into Sasebo, Japan, 09APR2012. Notice the old 1st gen Harrier trainer on the deck. USN photo by Joe Kane.

Until April 2012, LHD 6 called San Diego, California, its home port.  Sasebo, Japan, became LHD 6’s new home port officially on 23APR2012.

LHD 6 relieved sibling ship LHD 2. USN photo by Joe Kane, 06APR2012.

The Mess Deck wasn’t just for meals; it was used for promotion exams, playing board games, watching the Super Bowl, cake eating ceremonies, etc. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lacordrick Wilson, 12OCT2012.

In April 2014, during rough weather, LHD 6 took part in the search for victims of the sunken Korean ferry Sewol.  USN video by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Christian Senyk:

LHD 6 bridge ops during Sewol recovery operation, April 2014. USN video by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Christian Senyk:

USN video by Petty Officer Third Class Cameron McCulloch, 30DEC2014, securing the anchor chains of LHD 6:

How many rubber boats can you get into LHD 6? USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Kevin V. Cunningham, 02FEB2015.

2015 USN video by Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Dickinson, how to shoot a M2HB .50 cal from the LHD 6:

LHD 6 led Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) of 2015.  USN music video by Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Dickinson:

Timelapse video by Petty Officer Third Class Cameron McCulloch, MV-22B Osprey launch from LHD 6, 13MAR2015:

In April 2016, LHD 6 took part in humanitarian ops after the Kumamoto Earthquake, in Japan.  Video report by Seaman Michael Sanchez:

AV-8B Harrier operations onboard LHD-6, August 2016. USMC video by  Lance Corporal David A. Diggs:

March 2017 gunnery (M2HB, M240 & Mark 35) fest video by Petty Officer Third Class Jeanette Mullinax:

March 2017, Mark 15 Phalanx loading and burping, video by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Kyle Carlstrom:

In June 2017, LHD 6 was attacked by a Zombie Killer Tomato! USMC gunners repelled the attack using their trusty M240 light machine gun. USMC video by Lance Corporal Garett Burns:

July 2017, USN ‘birth canal’ point of view video, by Mass Communication Specialist second Class Diana Quinlan, of LHD 6 giving birth (and then taking it back!) to LCAC (hovercraft):

21 gun salute for lost MV-22 Osprey crewmembers, 09AUG2017. USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Diana Quinlan.

On 05AUG2017, one of LHD 6’s MV-22 Osprey crashed in The Coral Sea. Three crewmembers were killed.

USN video by Mass Communication Specialist second Class Diana Quinlan, showing use of World War Two era LCU (Landing Craft Utility) for amphibious ops, August 2017:

In February 2018, USMC Lance Corporal Richard Lin talks about his first impressions of LHD 6. USMC video interview by Lance Corporal Austin Weck:

U.S. Army photo montage by Sergeant Dahnyce Baucom, of Pacific operations involving LHD 6, February 2018:

In 2012, LHD 6 was ‘forward deployed’ to Japan. In May 2018, LHD 6 returned to San Diego, California.  The plan was to take part in the 2018 RimPac, then return to San Diego for upgrades that would allow it to handle the new super-expensive F-35 Lightning-2.  Dramatic USN music video by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Diana Quinlan:

USN video, by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Travis Litke, of hovercraft (LCAC) launch while the Star Spangled Banner can barely be heard in the background, during RimPac, 26JUL2018:

After what would become LHD 6’s final RimPac wargame, it made what would become its final port-of-call into San Francisco Bay, on 30SEP2018, for what would become its final Fleet Week. USN video by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Travis S. Alston:

COUNTDOWN TO THE END:

In a possible portent of things to come, on 31JAN2019 the crew of LHD 6, and the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, and San Diego Federal Fire Department, conducted a damage control drill. Video report by Petty Officer Second Class Benjamin Kittleson and Petty Officer Third Class Gavin T Shields:

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Cosmo Walrath, 07FEB2019.

On 07FEB2019, LHD 6’s outgoing commander held an All Hands Call, explaining to the crew that they needed to be “Ready Now, Ready Always”, and announces a new self-improvement program called ‘Rise Above’, saying “We’re going to have resources to help you personally and professionally. We’re going to have new events and training every month. You’re never going to be Ready Now! Ready Always! if you don’t self-improve.  Our primary goal is to have you leave this command better than when you arrived.” Sounds to me like there was a problem with crew morale.

Then in March 2019, and despite the All Hands Call that indicated crew morale problems, LHD 6 was given the Navy’s Retention Excellence Award (supposedly for achieving 75% reenlistments in fiscal year 2018), which is also known as The Golden Anchor Award! Video report by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Gavin Shields:

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Benjamin Kittleson, 26APR2019.

In April 2019, an LHD 6 crewmember was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, for capturing a woman who was threatening a religious congregation.

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Gavin Shields, 13MAY2019.

In May 2019, the crew of LHD 6 conducted a quarterly ‘Safety Tune Up’.

In June 2019, an LHD 6 Sailor was killed in a single-vehicle accident, near Interstate 8 in San Diego.

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Gavin Shields, 21NOV2019.

On 21NOV2019, LHD 6 got a new commanding officer.

USN photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Gavin Shields, 27APR2020.

In April 2020, the crew of LHD 6 begins CoViD (Corona Virus Disease) Pandemic mandate ops.

USS Bonhomme Richard, 2022: PUNISHMENTS FOR LACK OF LEADERSHIP

2021: STEEL INFERNO, ONE YEAR LATER, SABOTAGE & LACK OF LEADERSHIP=DEATH OF A SHIP!

July 2020: INTO THE STEEL INFERNO!

KNIGHTHAWKS FIGHT TO SAVE LHD 6!

Cold War Battle Damage: USS TRIPOLI LPH-10 DESERT STORM

Cold War Subs: USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571), STILL FIGHTING AFTER 67 YEARS! FIRST BORN IN LAND-LOCKED IDAHO?

Vehicle I-D: THE MANY LIVES OF LST-786

U.S.

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6): Punishments for lack of leadership

In July 2020, the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) was undergoing $250-million in upgrades when it was set on fire and destroyed by a disgruntled Sailor (now awaiting Court Martial). In 2021, U.S. Navy (USN) investigators determined that pervasive lack of leadership onboard USS Bonhomme Richard created the environment that led to the sabotage.  In July 2022, the USN announced punishments for at least 20 personnel in leadership positions, including the ship’s commanding officer.  The disciplines range from letters of reprimand to loss of pay. A letter of censure has also been issued to the former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6):

STEEL INFERNO, ONE YEAR LATER, SABOTAGE & LACK OF LEADERSHIP=DEATH OF A SHIP!

INTO THE STEEL INFERNO!