Archive for July, 2009
CORONADO, Calif. (July 5, 2009) MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the Raptors of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 prepare to land during a homecoming celebration at Naval Air Station North Island after completing their maiden deployment with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). HSM-71 was the first operational MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter squadron. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rialyn Rodrigo/Released)
Nice:
U.S. Marines trapped Taliban fighters in a residential compound and persuaded the insurgents to allow women and children to leave. The troops then moved in — only to discover that the militants had slipped out, dressed in women’s burqas.
Early in the Iran-Iraq War, an AK-47-toting Iranian soldier watches smoke rising from burning oil refineries near the Iranian city of Abadan. The Iraqis under Saddam Hussein, armed and supported by the United States, used mostly M16s. Photo: Henri Bureau/Sygma/Corbis
UPDATE: The big thing I was questioning was “The Iraqis under Saddam Hussein, armed and supported by the United States, used mostly M16s.” I’m unaware of M16s being present in either country in any significant numbers, let alone arming “most” of one nation’s army.
Though DJ Elliot comments that the Iranians had M14s.
Remember, the US had been arming Iran (not Iraq) until the overthrow of the Shah the year before the war started. MO readers will know that Iran still has at least a few F-14 Tomcats in flying condition.
HMS Invincible is dead in the water
Though in the reserve fleet, the aging carrier is apparently in pretty rough shape.
Northrop Grumman Completes First Flight of Land-Based MQ-8B Fire Scout
This whirlybird UAV program continues to move ahead.
E-mails indicate EPA suppressed report skeptical of global warming
Doesn’t seem likely. What would they stand to gain besides money and power?
82nd receives 1st batch of M320s
The Army’s plan is to purchase about 71,600 M320s over the next several years at a cost of about $3,500 each. The weapon replaces the Vietnam-era M203 40mm grenade launcher, with several notable improvements.
It’s Now Legal to Catch a Raindrop in Colorado
But still a no-no in several states.
Blackhawk HawkHook
Rescue/utility knife.
Russia to facilitate U.S. arms movements
Russia will allow the U.S. to ship weapons across its territory to Afghanistan. Yay, Rooskies!
Girls With Guns Get It
Female troops along on raids are scoring major points.
Military backing algae-based fuel research
I like seeing the military getting involved with alt-fuel projects. Maybe ships could someday have big algae scoops like Bussard ramjets. (Okay, maybe not…)
Daniel Defense DDXV: California compliant AR-15
I’ve not been able to post on this at GunPundit, so go check out the goods at The Firearm Blog.
Cost of U.K. Carriers Reported To Jump 25%
Raise your hand if you think they will build both of these.
Turkey Inks Sub Deal With German Consortium
They’re buying six U-214s. Those puppies have air-independent propulsion.
You’ll Shoot Your Toe Off, Kid
Ouch. Very ouch.
GI ‘walked off’ after completing shift at combat outpost, officials say
It seems he walked off base with three Afghan “counterparts” on Tuesday and hasn’t been seen since.
The whole thing seems odd and we’ll no doubt be hearing more in the coming hours and days. Hopefully, we’ll be hearing that he’s been found and is okay.
