To All,
Good Wednesday morning January 11, 2023.
A bit of history and some tidbits today.
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This day in Naval and Marine Corps History
January. 11
1820—The schooner Lynx, commanded by Lt. J. R. Madison, departs St. Mary's, GA, bound for Kingston, Jamaica, to continue its service suppressing pirates. The ship is never heard from again and no trace of it or its 50 man crew is ever found.
1863—Iron side-wheel gunboat Hatteras gets duped by Confederate cruiser Alabama, masquerading as a British warship, and is sunk off the Galveston, TX, coast.
1900—During the Philippine Insurrection, the gunboat Princeton, commanded by H. Knox, takes possession of the Bataan Island group in the Philippines.
1905—The gunboat Petrel (PG 2) becomes the first U.S. Navy ship to enter Pearl Harbor, then Territory of Hawaii, by way of a newly-dredged channel.
1944—Torpedo bombing aircraft from USS Block Island (CVE 21) make first aircraft rocket attack on U-758.
1945 - The first elements of Marine Aircraft Group 24, commanded by Colonel Lyle H. Meyer, landed at Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, to provide close air support for Army forces. Over the next three months, MAG-24 and MAG-32 would fly a total of 8,842 combat sorties and drop more than 19,000 bombs as part of the Fifth Air Force in support of the Sixth Army.
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This Day in History
January 11
0049 Julius Caesar leads his army across the Rubicon River, plunging Rome into civil war.
1843 Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," dies in Baltimore.
1861 Alabama secedes from the Union.
1862 Lincoln accepts Simon Cameron's resignation as Secretary of War.
1887 At Fort Smith, Arkansas, hangman George Maledon dispatches four victims in a multiple hanging.
1904 British troops massacre 1,000 dervishes in Somaliland.
1916 Russian General Yudenich launches a WWI winter offensive and advances west.
1923 The French enter the town of Essen in the Ruhr valley, to extract Germany's resources as war payment.
1934 The German police raid the homes of dissident clergy in Berlin.
1940 Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., becomes the U.S. Army's first black general, his son would later become a general as well.
1941 Adolf Hitler orders forces to be prepared to enter North Africa to assist the Italian effort, marking the establishment of the Afrika Korps.
1942 Japan invades the Dutch East Indies at Borneo.
1943 The Soviet Red Army encircles Stalingrad.
1948 President Harry S. Truman proposes free, two-year community colleges for all who want an education.
1949 Negotiations in China between the Nationalists and Communists open as Tientsin is virtually lost to the Communists.
1964 A collection of previously unexhibited paintings by Pablo Picasso are displayed for the first time in Toronto.
1980 Honda announces it will build the first Japanese-owned passenger-car assembly plant in the United States--in Ohio.
1994 The Irish Government announces an end to a 15-year ban on broadcasting by the IRA and its political branch, Sinn Fein.
2003 Illinois Gov. George Ryan commutes the death sentences of 167 prisoners on the state's death row in the wake of allegations that Chicago police detective and commander Jon Burge tortured confessions from some 200 suspects over a 19 year period.
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
Skip… For The List for Wednesday, 11 January 2023… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 11 January 1968… Green garlands for Captain Dennis Weichman, USN, who rests in peace…
This following work accounts for every fixed wing loss of the Vietnam War and you can use it to read more about the losses in The Bear's Daily account. Even better it allows you to add your updated information to the work to update for history…skip
Vietnam Air Losses
Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
This is a list of all Helicopter Pilots Who Died in the Vietnam War . Listed by last name and has other info https://www.vhpa.org/KIA/KIAINDEX.HTM
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Thanks to Brett
Geopolitical Futures:
Keeping the future in focus
https://geopoliticalfutures.com
Daily Memo: Russia in Soledar
Reports suggest the Wagner Group has taken control of the strategically important area.
By: GPF Staff
January 11, 2023
Soledar. The acting head of the Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine said members of the Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor, took control of the city of Soledar on Jan. 11. Russia says Soledar is strategically important for its location at the center of the defense line from Bakhmut to Seversk, and as a transport hub for several Ukrainian military units.
Win-win. Russia has authorized Kazakhstan to export 20,000 tons of oil to Germany through its territory, with the expectation of sending up to 1.5 million tons per year. Berlin has said it would not buy any Russian oil in 2023.
Slow global growth. The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report estimates the global economy will grow by 1.7 percent this year, with advanced economies seeing only 0.5 percent growth. Bank officials warned that a global recession cannot be ruled out, especially if financial conditions tighten. The report also highlighted long-term concerns over the impact of lower investment in emerging and developing markets.
Japanese defense. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, met in Rome, where they agreed to launch high-level bilateral security talks to boost defense cooperation. Kishida also mentioned plans to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035 with Italy and the United Kingdom. Kishida is now in London to meet with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with whom he is expected to sign a historic defense deal.
Turkey plays its part. The head of Russia's human rights commission met with the Ukrainian ombudsman to hash out humanitarian assistance issues and the safe return of military personnel and civilians. The meeting was held in Turkey and was attended by the chairman of the Turkish parliament, to whom Russia appealed to stop the supply of weapons to Ukraine. For its part, Turkey called for the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the wounded in Ukraine – all part of its strategy to mediate the conflict and thus enhance its regional importance.
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This Week in American Military History: by W. Thomas Smith Jr.
Jan. 9, 1861: Confederate coastal-artillery batteries – including a four-gun battery manned by cadets under the command of Maj. Peter F.
Stevens of the Citadel (the Military College of South Carolina) – open fire on the U.S. commercial paddlesteamer "Star of the West" in Charleston harbor. The shots – the first of the American Civil War – repel the Star, forcing the ship to abort its mission of resupplying the besieged U.S. Army garrison at Fort Sumter.
The crew aboard the Star report seeing "a red Palmetto flag" flying above the cadet battery.
That flag – a red version of the blue South Carolina flag – flies today
over the parade ground at the Citadel.
Jan. 12, 1945: Warplanes from the U.S. Navy's carrier Task Force 38 under
the command of Vice Adm. John Sidney McCain Sr. (father of Adm. John S.
McCain Jr. and grandfather of Sen. John S. McCain III), attack enemy
convoys and bases along the coast of Japanese-held French Indochina
(Vietnam) in the Battle of the South China Sea.
Codenamed "Operation Gratitude," the attacks are wildly successful. Despite
rough seas and high winds from a dangerously close typhoon, Japanese bases
at Saigon, Cape Saint Jacques (Vung Tau), Cam Ranh Bay, Qui Nhon, and
Tourane Bay (Da Nang) are hit hard, resulting in the destruction of docks,
barracks, weapons depots, hangars, and scores of Japanese seaplanes and
other aircraft, as well as the sinking of more than 40 enemy ships.
Adm. McCain – who Adm. William "Bull" Halsey refers to as ""not much more
than my right arm" – dies of a heart attack on Sept. 6, 1945, four days
after witnessing the Japanese surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri. He is
posthumously awarded a fourth star.
Jan 13, 1865: U.S. soldiers, sailors, and Marines under the joint command
of Maj. Gen. Alfred Howe Terry and Rear Adm. David Dixon Porter begin
landing operations – in what will prove to be the largest American
amphibious operation until World War II – aimed at seizing Fort Fisher,
N.C., a Confederate stronghold near the port city of Wilmington.
The fort – commanded by Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg (yes, Fort Bragg,
N.C. is named in his honor) – will fall to Union forces within two days.
Jan. 14, 1784: The U.S. Congress, temporarily meeting in Annapolis,
Maryland, ratifies the Treaty of Paris, officially ending America's War of
Independence.
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Thanks to YP
Two under Bridge No Chit flying stories, spoken unto a reasonably sober YP with straight face:
1. Golden Gate Bridge flown under by one of the Crusader Hot Dogs. You get to throw a dart.
2. Coronado Bridge fly under. This is a His Bartness story, and we all know he would NEVER lie. Back when FIGHTERTOWN's competing fighters were the Double Barreled Fantoom and the Boom Boom Goes My Burner Crusader, there were no points for second place, which neither community would ever admit knowing anything about. A Fantoom driver, call sign Red Flash (yes, I know) and his scopie were doing mad things out in the Op Area, when Red Flash had had enough of the Crusader boochit, and announced over hot mike that he was gonna fly under the Coronado Bridge. Bad, bad idea, said scopie. Yup, I''m gonna do it! Nay, Nay, plead his scopie.
The next black night out in the OP Area, Red Flash announced, HERE WE GO!
They turned in, snuck down to two feets above the water, squawked nothing, and said nothing. Red Flash found the Coronado Bridge, flew under it very rapidly, and then LIT ONE BURNER, zoomed up onto the night, and disappeared, back to FIGHTERTOWN MUCH LATER.
All Highest Starry persons were very cross about this. Crusader flight schedules were closely scrutenized, and Crusader skippers and pilots were tortured some.
The perp was never found, and Fantoomery smiled secret smiles and snockered.
TINS.
YP
On Jan 10, 2022, at 2:01 PM, Barrett Tillman <btillman63@hotmail.com> wrote:
Gotta wonder what the chaps at The Club did. Prob'ly gave Pollock a grand send-off with hoofprints on the ceiling and smashed furnitutre.
"The Brits were the best partiers." --Robin Olds
Hmmm...upon checking:
Hawker Hunter Tower Bridge incident - Wikipedia
The Hawker Hunter Tower Bridge incident occurred on 5 April 1968, when Royal Air Force (RAF) Hawker Hunter pilot Alan Pollock performed unauthorised low flying over several London landmarks and then flew through the span of Tower Bridge on the River Thames.His actions were to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the RAF and as a demonstration against the Ministry of Defence for not ...
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Pollock's unit was posted to North Africa without him while he remained on a charge.[3] He was subsequently invalided out of the RAF on medical grounds.[3] This avoided a court martial and the embarrassment to the government of Pollock publicising the reason for his stunt and perhaps receiving the support of the public.[3]
The RAF placed Pollock in a "psychiatric hold" for two days. Demonstrations of support for his conduct was expressed by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), which sent him a keg of beer, and six members of the House of Commons spoke on Pollock's behalf in Parliament. In 1982, the RAF officially exonerated Pollock for his demonstration flight celebrating its 50th anniversary.[5]
________________________________________
From: Mark Morgan <rangermk@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2022 12:49 PM
To: Rick Morgan <rmorgan28@charter.net>; Barrett Tillman <btillman63@hotmail.com>; Jack Woodul <youthlypuresome@me.com>; John Tillman <tillman.john@gmail.com>; Rick Burgess <rburgess@navyleague.org>; Eagle <eagle-hook@cox.net>; Boom Powell <vigihawk@gmail.com>
Subject: Hunter Through Tower Bridge
Just pulled this off LinkedIn, first I'd heard of this, er, "event." One of my instructor pilots at VT-86, Denny Breslin, flew an A-7E underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, swore he had mechanical difficulties and couldn't clear the bridge...
Note the reason for Allan Pollock's post-flight discharge. MK
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This Day in U S Military History
January 11
1775 – Francis Salvador, the first Jew to be elected in the Americas, takes his seat on the South Carolina Provincial Congress. In June 1776, Salvador, a Patriot, became known as the "Southern Paul Revere" when he warned Charleston, South Carolina, of the approaching British naval fleet. Thanks to Salvador's intelligence information, Fort Sullivan in Charleston harbor was able to prepare for the British attack, and the half-completed fort successfully repelled an attack by a British fleet under Sir Peter Parker. On August 1 of the same year, while leading a militia group under the general command of Major Wilkinson, Salvador and his men were ambushed by a group of Cherokees and Loyalists near present-day Seneca, South Carolina. Salvador was wounded and then scalped by the Cherokees. He was the first recorded Jewish soldier killed in the American War for Independence.
1944 – Aircraft from Escort Carrier USS Block Island make first aircraft rocket attack on German submarine. Departing San Diego in May 1943 Block Island steamed to Norfolk, Va., to join the Atlantic Fleet. After two trips from New York to Belfast, Ireland, during the summer of 1943 with cargoes of Army fighters, she operated as part of a hunter-killer team. During her four anti-submarine cruises Block Island's planes sank two submarines. At 2013, 29 May 1944, Block Island was torpedoed by U-549 which had slipped undetected through her screen. The German submarine put one and perhaps two more torpedoes into the stricken carrier before being sunk herself by the avenging Eugene E. Gilmore (DE-686) and Ahrens (DE-575). Block Island (CVE-21) received two battle stars for her service.
1944 – Franz Kettner, a private in the German army and a prisoner of war at Camp Hearne in Texas, is killed by a Nazi kangaroo court. Internment camps for German prisoners of war were dominated by Nazi enforcers, who killed as many as 150 of their fellow prisoners during World War II. Only seven were officially considered murder. Kettner's wrists were slashed so that his death would be recorded as a suicide. Even the smallest infraction could put German prisoners at risk. Those who talked to guards, spoke English, or refused to parrot the Nazi line were often beaten or killed. American camp officials generally looked the other way because they appreciated the discipline and order that the Nazis provided in the camps. Prisoners who were not ethnically German and had been conscripted into service were particularly in danger from their fellow prisoners. In the later part of 1943, a rash of murders were committed at camps all across America. When Corporal Johann Kunze was beaten to death in an Oklahoma camp for allegedly providing Americans with information, five Nazi sergeants were charged with his murder. They were hanged in 1945 and became the first foreign prisoners of war to meet that fate in the United States. Hans Geller, a prisoner in Arkansas, was killed by his fellow soldiers despite a stellar war record as a paratrooper for the German army. His only mistake was his fluency in English. Eventually, American officials began separating the Nazis from the anti-Nazi Germans, and three camps were set aside for those who opposed Hitler. Despite Nazi threats that those who opposed them would be in bad shape when the war was over, anti-Nazi prisoners were often put in positions of power by Americans when they were repatriated. The Nazis, on the other hand, were widely scorned after Hitler's defeat.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
MAUS, MARION P.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 1st U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Sierra Madre Mountains, Mex., 11 January 1886. Entered service at: Tennallytown, Montgomery County, Md. Birth: Burnt Mills, Md. Date of issue: 27 November 1894. Citation: Most distinguished gallantry in action with hostile Apaches led by Geronimo and Natchez.
WEISBOGEL, ALBERT
Rank and organization: Captain of the Mizzen Top, U.S. Navy. Born: 1844, New Orleans, La. Accredited to: Louisiana. G.O. No.: 207, 23 March 1876; 212, 9 June 1876. Second award. Citation: For gallant conduct in jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Benicia, at sea, and rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel on 11 January 1874
*GAMMON, ARCHER T.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 9th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division. Place and date: Near Bastogne, Belgium, 11 January 1945. Entered service at: Roanoke, Va. Born: 11 September 1918, Chatham, Va. G.O. No.: 18, 13 February 1946. Citation: He charged 30 yards through hip-deep snow to knock out a machinegun and its 3-man crew with grenades, saving his platoon from being decimated and allowing it to continue its advance from an open field into some nearby woods. The platoon's advance through the woods had only begun when a machinegun supported by riflemen opened fire and a Tiger Royal tank sent 88mm. shells screaming at the unit from the left flank. S/Sgt. Gammon, disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, rushed forward, then cut to the left, crossing the width of the platoon's skirmish line in an attempt to get within grenade range of the tank and its protecting foot troops. Intense fire was concentrated on him by riflemen and the machinegun emplaced near the tank. He charged the automatic weapon, wiped out its crew of 4 with grenades, and, with supreme daring, advanced to within 25 yards of the armored vehicle, killing 2 hostile infantrymen with rifle fire as he moved forward. The tank had started to withdraw, backing a short distance, then firing, backing some more, and then stopping to blast out another round, when the man whose single-handed relentless attack had put the ponderous machine on the defensive was struck and instantly killed by a direct hit from the Tiger Royal's heavy gun. By his intrepidity and extreme devotion to the task of driving the enemy back no matter what the odds, S/Sgt. Gammon cleared the woods of German forces, for the tank continued to withdraw, leaving open the path for the gallant squad leader's platoon.
HOWARD, JAMES H. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Over Oschersleben, Germany, 11 January 1944. Entered service at: St. Louis, Mo. Birth: Canton, China. G.O. No.: 45, 5 June 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Oschersleben, Germany, on 11 January 1944. On that day Col. Howard was the leader of a group of P51 aircraft providing support for a heavy bomber formation on a long-range mission deep in enemy territory. As Col. Howard's group met the bombers in the target area the bomber force was attacked by numerous enemy fighters. Col. Howard, with his group, and at once engaged the enemy and himself destroyed a German ME. 110. As a result of this attack Col. Howard lost contact with his group, and at once returned to the level of the bomber formation. He then saw that the bombers were being heavily attacked by enemy airplanes and that no other friendly fighters were at hand. While Col. Howard could have waited to attempt to assemble his group before engaging the enemy, he chose instead to attack single-handed a formation of more than 30 German airplanes. With utter disregard for his own safety he immediately pressed home determined attacks for some 30 minutes, during which time he destroyed 3 enemy airplanes and probably destroyed and damaged others. Toward the end of this engagement 3 of his guns went out of action and his fuel supply was becoming dangerously low. Despite these handicaps and the almost insuperable odds against him, Col. Howard continued his aggressive action in an attempt to protect the bombers from the numerous fighters. His skill, courage, and intrepidity on this occasion set an example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces.
SHOMO, WILLIAM A. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. Place and date: Over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 11 January 1 945. Entered service at: Westmoreland County, Pa. Birth: Jeannette, Pa. G.O. No.: 25, 7 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. Shomo was lead pilot of a flight of 2 fighter planes charged with an armed photographic and strafing mission against the Aparri and Laoag airdromes. While en route to the objective, he observed an enemy twin engine bomber, protected by 12 fighters, flying about 2,500 feet above him and in the opposite direction Although the odds were 13 to 2, Maj. Shomo immediately ordered an attack. Accompanied by his wingman he closed on the enemy formation in a climbing turn and scored hits on the leading plane of the third element, which exploded in midair. Maj. Shomo then attacked the second element from the left side of the formation and shot another fighter down in flames. When the enemy formed for Counterattack, Maj. Shomo moved to the other side of the formation and hit a third fighter which exploded and fell. Diving below the bomber he put a burst into its underside and it crashed and burned. Pulling up from this pass he encountered a fifth plane firing head on and destroyed it. He next dived upon the first element and shot down the lead plane; then diving to 300 feet in pursuit of another fighter he caught it with his initial burst and it crashed in flames. During this action his wingman had shot down 3 planes, while the 3 remaining enemy fighters had fled into a cloudbank and escaped. Maj. Shomo's extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in attacking such a far superior force and destroying 7 enemy aircraft in one action is unparalleled in the southwest Pacific area.
FRITZ, HAROLD A.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Place and date: Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 January 1969. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 21 February 1944, Chicago, 111. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fritz, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, near Quan Loi. Capt. Fritz was leading his 7-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy when the column suddenly came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack, Capt. Fritz' vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, Capt. Fritz leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men. With complete disregard for his wounds and safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position and attempted to overrun the platoon, Capt. Fritz manned a machine gun and through his exemplary action inspired his men to deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and routed the attackers. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within 2 meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. Capt. Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties. When a relief force arrived, Capt. Fritz saw that it was not deploying effectively against the enemy positions, and he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct its deployment against the hostile positions. This deployment forced the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Despite his wounds, Capt. Fritz returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Capt. Fritz, at the repeated risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect the greatest credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for January 11, 2021 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
11 January
1932: Regular air cargo transport service began for the Army Air Corps with assignment of cargo planes to geographical air depots at Sacramento, Calif., San Antonio, Tex., Fairfield, Ohio, and Middletown, Pa. The squadrons flew Bellanca Y1C-14s along with other aircraft. Major Hugh J. Knerr, Chief of the Materiel Division's Field Service Section proposed this basic transport system. Previously, Martin bombers, De Havilland DH-4s, and other aircraft moved equipment and passengers on an "as needed" basis. (18)
1935: In a Lockheed Vega, with a Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo from Honolulu to Oakland, Calif. Her 18-hour, 16-minute trip established a Federation Aeronautique Internationale record. (9) (24)
1937: First experimental YB-17 Flying Fortress delivered to the Army Air Corps. (12)
1941: The Army Air Corps tested radio-controlled robot planes from the ground and from another plane. (24)
1944: MEDAL OF HONOR. In a bombing mission to Oschersleben, Germany, Lt Col James H. Howard was leading a P-51 fighter escort group, when numerous German fighters attacked. Not waiting for his group to reassemble, Howard attacked 30 enemy planes, destroying three and damaging several others. Even when three guns stopped working and his fuel tanks neared empty, Howard continued to protect the bombers. (4) A Navy TBF-1C Avenger used forward-firing rockets for the first time against a German submarine. (20)
1950: Lockheed delivered the first two-seat F-94A Starfire all-weather jet fighter to the USAF. (5)
1951: KOREAN WAR. Improved weather allowed Fifth Air Force and Far East Air Forces Bomber Command to again fly close air support missions for X Corps in north central South Korea. (28)
1954: The USAF approved the building of five Texas towers for the nation's air defense system. (24)
1961: Pacific Air Forces provided a camera-equipped SC-47 and crew to the Attache's office in Vientiane, Laos. The crew flew 38 reconnaissance missions over Laos until the aircraft was shot down over the Plain of Jars on 24 March. (17)
1962: Maj Clyde P. Evely flew a B-52H from Okinawa, Japan, to Madrid, Spain, and set 12 Federation Aeronautique Internationale flight records, including a nonstop, nonrefueled flight of 12,532 miles in 21 hours 52 minutes. His speed records included: Tokyo, Japan, to Madrid, Spain, at 328.78 miles per hour; Seattle, Wash., to Madrid at 456.97 miles per hour; and Fort Worth, Tex., to Washington DC at 604.44 miles per hour. (1) (9)
1967: SCRAMJET. A supersonic combustion ramjet made a first, partly successful flight, when it separated from a Scout booster, but failed to perform some secondary missions. (5)
1975: After communist forces besieged Phnom Penh, Cambodia, USAF planes began airlifting military equipment and supplies to the city. (16) (26)
1981: Boeing Company delivered the first two Air Launched Cruis Missiles to the 416th Bombardment Wing at Griffiss AFB, N.Y., for initial use in environmental testing and maintenance training. (1) (6) (16)
2002: The United States Transportation Command,the Air Mobility Command, and its Air Reserve Component and began an 11-day exercise to test a commercial jet transport in the military aeromedical evacuation mission. A US Airways Boeing 767 with seats and other internal fixtures removed was converted into a flying ambulance fitted with oxygen tanks, an independent electrical supply, and 87 litters. The aeromedical crew practiced scenarios involving aircraft depressurization, ditching in water, and caring for a various simulated injuries. Leaving Scott AFB, Ill., the converted 767 stopped at McChord AFB, Wash., Charleston AFB, S. C., Travis AFB, Calif., Andrews AFB, Md., and Kelly AFB, Tex. The flying time between the five bases was long enough to simulate missions from overseas to the continental US. (22)
2007: The RC-135 Rivet Joint claimed a record after being continuously deployed for 6,000 days. Airmen in the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, the 55th Operations Group, and the 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit from Offutt AFB, Neb., maintained the RC-135 in Southwest Asia since 9 August 1990. (AFNEWS, "Reconnaissance Aircraft, Team reach Milestone," 11 Jan 2007.)
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World News for 11 January thanks to Military Periscope
Air Force Awards Cloud-Based C2 Contract To SAIC
Source: U.S. Air Force
January 11 2023
USA
The U.S. Air Force Dept. of Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) program awarded Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) a contract to deliver cloud-based command-and-control (CBC2) software, reports the Air Force News Service.
The US$112 million deal under the ABMS indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract requires SAIC to provide agile DevSecOps and portfolio and project management for microservice applications and digital engineering tools for tactical command-and-control kill chains, the service said.
CBC2 is a set of microservice applications being developed with feedback from Air Force personnel that leverage Platform One DevSecOps tools and Cloud One computing environments.
The system currently brings together more than 750 radar feeds and fuses them within a single user interface, which enables the operator to create machine-generated courses of action to help shorten the tactical C2 kill chain and send an effect through machine-to-machine connections, said the Air Force.
The CBC2 became a program in May 2022 and will replace the legacy Battle Control System-Fixed weapon system.
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Northern Command and Pacific Air Forces will be the first operational commands to receive the new capability, said the service.
Navy Intercepts Iranian Arms Bound For Yemen
Source: U.S Navy
January 11 2023
Iran
Yemen
USA
The U.S. Navy has intercepted an Iranian vessel carrying light arms to Yemen, reports the service.
A fishing vessel carrying 2,116 AK-47 assault rifles was stopped in international waters in the Gulf of Oman last week.
A boarding team from the Cyclone-class patrol ship Chinook discovered the weapons with support from the patrol ship Monsoon and the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans.
The weapons were believed to be bound for pro-Iranian Houthi rebel groups in Yemen.
Northrop Grumman Assumes Production Of Motors For GMLRS Rockets
Source: Northrop Grumman
January 11 2023
USA
Northrop Grumman has announced that it is assuming full production of rocket motors for the U.S. Army's Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
The company will fulfill the full contract production quantity, Northrop Grumman said in a release on Monday.
The company recently delivered its 15,000th rocket motor and 20,000th warhead to Lockheed Martin for final assembly.
Once delivered to Lockheed's Camden, Ark., final assembly facility, the propulsion system is integrated into the GMLRS missiles.
The rocket launch system is designed to engage targets at ranges of 9 miles to 44 miles (15 km to 70 km).
Ukrainians Set To Start Training On Patriot Systems, Pentagon Says
Source: CNN
January 11 2023
Ukraine
USA
The Dept. of Defense has confirmed that Ukrainian military personnel are expected to begin training on the Patriot air defense system system in the U.S. as early as next week, reports CNN.
Training is slated take place at Fort Sill, Okla, and last for several months, a Pentagon spokesman said.
The U.S. was considering a variety of training locations domestically and overseas, he said.
Separately, Germany announced on Jan.5, that it would also send Ukraine a Patriot missile system.
U.S. Contributes $9 Million To Fight Against Al-Shabaab
Source: Voice of America News
January 11 2023
Somalia
USA
The U.S. has contributed US$9 million to help Somalia's ongoing fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, reports the Voice of America News.
This Washington's first direct military support to Mogadishu since U.S. forces returned to Somalia
The Sunday, Jan. 8 announcement marks American's first direct military support transaction since U.S. forces returned to the country last year.
Military vehicles and weapons handed over by the U.S. Embassy will support the Somali National Army's campaign to liberate communities from Al-Shabaab control.
The U.S. remains one of the largest financial supporters of the Somali National Army, particularly its commando wing, the Danab Special Forces.
Advanced Fighters Launch Missiles From Russian Airspace
Source: Business Insider
January 11 2023
Russia
Russia has limited the operation of its most advanced jets to its airspace, reports Business Insider, citing British intelligence.
The Su-57 advanced fighter jet has likely been limited to launching long-range attacks on Ukraine from inside Russian territory, experts said.
This is intended to avoid the reputational damage, reduced export prospects and loss of key technical information that could result if an Su-57 were shot down over Ukraine.
On Monday, the Ukrainian General Staff announced that Russia had lost more than 280 aircraft since launching its unprovoked invasion in February 2022.
Government Approves Missile Acquisitions
Source: Indian Defence News
January 11 2023
India
The Indian Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved three missile acquisition proposals, reports the Indian Defence News website.
On Tuesday, the council approved the procurement of Helina air-launched anti-tank guided missiles, launchers and associated equipment for integration with Indian army Dhruv light helicopters.
In addition, the council approved the acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) infrared-homing missile system, which is being developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The VSHORAD IR-homing missile system is needed to enhance tactical air defenses on India's northern border, analysts said.
Finally, the DAC also approved the purchase of BrahMos cruise missile launcher and fire-control systems for the Shivalik-class frigates and Next-Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian navy.
The value of the three acquisitions is estimated at US$523 million.
New Firtina Self-Propelled Howitzers Delivered
Source: Army Technology
January 11 2023
Turkey
The Turkish armed forces have received its first shipment of upgraded self-propelled howitzers, reports Army Technology.
Six 155-mm Firtina self-propelled howitzers were handed over to the Turkish armed forces at a ceremony, attended by President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the news site said on Tuesday.
The new howitzers feature several improvements over the existing models in service, including greater firepower and survivability, Erdogan said.
New capabilities include a new fire-control system, automatic ammunition loading, driver vision system and automatic fire-extinguishing system. The new howitzers also feature an indigenous engine and transmission developed by BMC Power.
Turkey is increasing its fleet of Firtina howitzers to 140, said the president.
Ottawa Plans To Donate NASAMS Air Defense System To Ukraine
Source: Reuters
January 11 2023
Ukraine
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will purchase a U.S.-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for Ukraine, reports Reuters.
Ottawa intends to purchase and donate the system to Ukraine to strengthen its defenses against missiles, drones and aircraft.
The procurement is valued at Can$406 million (US$303 million).
The NASAMS is a short- to medium-range ground-based air defense system.
The decision was announced after a North American Leaders' Summit during which Trudeau met with U.S. President Joe Biden.
Rheinmetall Inks Ammo Contracts With European Customers
Source: Rheinmetall
January 11 2023
Germany
Rheinmetall says it has signed a pair of contracts to produce 40-mm ammunition for two undisclosed European NATO customers.
The total value of both contracts is more than 30 million euros (US$32 million).
One contract includes 45,000 programmable 40-mm high-velocity, high-explosive-tracer airburst munitions (HV HE-T ABM) that will be delivered to an unspecified customer in the first half of 2024.
The same customer ordered up to 300,000 rounds of 40-mm ammunition last month, including low-velocity and high-velocity rounds.
Separately, another NATO member state has ordered receives 10,000 rounds of the HV HE-T ABM ammunition with deliveries scheduled for mid-2023.
This ammunition type is primarily used to combat drones, the company said.
Security Minister Calls For Arrest Of Anti-Government Demonstrators
Source: Times of Israel
January 11 2023
Israel
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party has called for authorities to crack down on anti-government protesters who block roads or hold "inciting" posters, reports the Times of Israel.
Gvir accused the police of being "soft" on demonstrators, saying officers used "kid gloves" with demonstrators in Tel Aviv during protests on Jan. 7.
Those demonstrations were sparked by the justice minister's plans to reconfigure Israel's judicial system, which critics say would weaken the judiciary, harm minority rights and eliminate oversight.
Gvir expressed support of the people's right to protest but emphasized that those who block roads and "get wild" must be arrested. This is a sharp turn from the minister's comments in December 2021, when he told lawmakers that "blocking roads is nothing terrible. In democracies sometimes you block roads."
Chinese Military Continues To Fly Over Median Line In Taiwan Strait
Source: Taipei Times
January 11 2023
Taiwan
Taiwanese officials have condemned China after 28 Chinese military aircraft flew over the median line of the Taiwan Strait over a 24-hour period, reports the Taipei Times.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed 57 aircraft and four navy vessels near Taiwan on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said.
According to a ministry map, the aircraft included two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, 12 J-16 multirole fighters, two J-10 fighters and two BZK-005 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and one BZK-005 UAV also flew around Taiwan's southeastern airspace before returning home.
This was the second large-scale incursion in a month. On Dec. 25-26, 71 Chinese aircraft and seven warships deployed near Taiwan. Forty-seven aircraft crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait during that incident.
The PLA's Eastern Theater Command said it was conducting "joint combat readiness patrols and actual combat drills."
Defense Ministry Approves New Infantry Division
Source: Army Recognition
January 11 2023
Poland
The Polish government has approved the establishment of a new infantry division, reports Army Recognition.
On Monday, officials unveiled the 1st Legions Infantry Division, which would consist of four brigades, each with four battalions, and operate in eastern Poland, primarily in the Podlaskie province, reported the Polska Zbrojna magazine.
The division will be equipped with K2 and M1 Abrams tanks, K9 and Krab self-propelled howitzers and Gladius uncrewed aerial systems.
The unit will be divided among five cities -- Lomza, Grajewo, Kolno, Czerwony Bor and Siemiatycze -- with the headquarters in Ciechanów.
Some of the units of the new division are scheduled to stand up later this year.
Joint Air Defenses With Russia Reinforced
Source: Reuters
January 11 2023
Belarus
Russia
The Belarusian Defense Ministry says that joint Russian-Belarusian air defense forces have been reinforced with new missile units, reports Reuters.
Anti-air systems have been reinforced and moved into new strategic positions. New advanced air defense missile units have also been fielded, the ministry said.
Belarus and Russia are planning to hold aviation drills beginning on Jan. 16.
Tigrayan Rebels Hand Over Weapons As Part Of Peace Deal
Source: Al Jazeera
January 11 2023
Ethiopia
Tigrayan rebel forces have begun handing over their weapons to government forces as part of a peace deal that brought an end to two years of civil war, reports Al Jazeera (Qatar).
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has begun disarming and moving back from established defensive positions, officials said.
The move is an essential part of a Nov. 2 peace deal, signed in Pretoria between the TPLF and Ethiopian government, which ends two years of fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.
U.S. Stepped Up Airstrikes On Al-Shabaab In 2022
Source: Shabelle Media Network
January 11 2023
Somalia
The U.S. increased operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia last year, reports the Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu).
In 2022, U.S. airstrikes in the region increased 30 percent. U.S. Africa Command said it conducted 15 airstrikes, killing at least 107 Al-Shabaab fighters.
AFRICOM estimates that the terror group has between 5,000 and 10,000 members across Somalia.
Last year, Al-Shabaab conducted several deadly attacks, including a siege on a hotel in Mogadishu that killed more than 20 people. Two car bombings in the Somalia capital in October killed 100.
On Jan. 4, a twin suicide car bombing in the Hiran region killed another 10 people.
Meanwhile, the Somali government confirmed on Jan. 7 that it had entered open negotiations with Al-Shabaab. The government has not previously acknowledged such talks.
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