To All,
Good Wednesday morning March 8 2023.
A bit of history and some tidbits.
Regards,
Skip
. This day in Naval and Marine Corps History March 8
1822 Crew from the schooner Enterprise capture and burn seven small pirate vessels off Cape Antonio, Cuba.
1862 The ironclad CSS Virginia destroys the wooden ships USS Cumberland and USS Congress in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
1943 PBY-5 Catalinas from VP-53 sink German submarine U 156 east-northeast of Trinidad.
1945 Phyllis Daley becomes the first African-American ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps and serves at the Naval Dispensary at Boston, Mass.
1945 Navy patrol bombers hit a Japanese convoy, sinking cargo vessel No. 21 Yusen Maru in Formosa Strait.
1950 Operation Portrex begins. The two-week-long exercise is the first use of airborne troops in support of an amphibious landing and takes place on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico.
1961 USS Patrick Henry (SSBN 599) returns from patrol to become the first ballistic missile submarine to use Holy Loch, Scotland, as a refit and upkeep anchorage.
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Today in World History: March 8
1618 Johannes Kepler discovers the third Law of Planetary Motion.
1702 Queen Anne becomes the monarch of England upon the death of William III.
1790 George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address.
1853 The first bronze statue of Andrew Jackson is unveiled in Washington, D.C.
1855 The first train crosses Niagara Falls on a suspension bridge.
1862 On the second day of the Battle of Pea Ridge, Confederate forces, including some Indian troops, under General Earl Van Dorn surprise Union troops, but the Union troops win the battle.
1862 The Confederate ironclad C.S.S. Virginia (formerly U.S.S. Merrimack) is launched.
1880 President Rutherford B. Hayes declares that the United States will have jurisdiction over any canal built across the Isthmus of Panama.
1904 The Bundestag in Germany lifts the ban on the Jesuit order of priests.
1908 The House of Commons, London, turns down the women's suffrage bill.
1909 Pope Pius X lifts the church ban on interfaith marriages in Hungary.
1910 Baroness de Laroche becomes the first woman to obtain a pilot's license in France.
1921 French troops occupy Dusseldorf.
1921 Spanish Premier Eduardo Dato is assassinated while leaving Parliament in Madrid.
1941 Martial law is proclaimed in Holland in order to extinguish any anti-Nazi protests.
1942 Japanese troops capture Rangoon, Burma.
1943 Japanese forces attack American troops on Hill 700 in Bougainville. The battle will last five days.
1945 Phyllis Mae Daley receives a commission in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. She will become the first African-American nurse to serve duty in World War II.
1948 The U.S. Supreme Court rules that religious instruction in public schools is unconstitutional.
1954 France and Vietnam open talks in Paris on a treaty to form the state of Indochina.
1961 Max Conrad circles the globe in a record time of eight days, 18 hours and 49 minutes in Piper Aztec.
1965 More than 4,000 Marines land at Da Nang in South Vietnam and become the first U.S. combat troops in Vietnam.
1966 Australia announces that it will triple the number of troops in Vietnam.
1970 The Nixon administration discloses the deaths of 27 Americans in Laos.
1973 Two bombs explode near Trafalgar Square in Great Britain injuring 234 people.
1982 The United States accuses the Soviets of killing 3,000 Afghans with poison gas.
1985 Thomas Creighton dies after having three heart transplants in a 46-hour period.
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
Skip… For The List for Wednesday, 8 March 2023… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)….
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 8 March 1968… Senator William Fulbright with an essay for the ages… appropriate for USA 2023…
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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Military Milestones from Dueling Ironclads to Flying Tigers by W. Thomas
Smith Jr.
This Week in American Military History
Mar. 8, 1965: The lead elements of 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines begin coming
ashore at Da Nang, South Vietnam. Within hours, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines
will arrive aboard transport aircraft at the nearby airbase. The Marines of
3/9 and 1/3 – both part of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade – are the
first of America's ground-combat forces destined for offensive operations
against the enemy in Southeast Asia, once again putting teeth in the Marine
Corps' claim that it is "first to fight."
Mar. 9, 1847: Thousands of American soldiers and a company-sized force of
Marines (though referred to as a battalion) under the overall command of
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott and "Home Squadron" Commodore David E.
Conner begin landing at Collado Beach, Mexico, just south of Vera Cruz.
In what will prove to be "a model" for future amphibious operations, the
landings are unprecedented: The largest American amphibious operation to
date, conducted in less than five hours without a single loss of life.
A portion of Conner's dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy reads:
"Gen. Scott has now with him upwards of 11,000 men. At his request, I
permitted the Marines of the squadron, under Capt. [Alvin] Edson, to join
him, as a part of the 3rd Regiment of artillery. The general-in-chief
landed this morning, and the army put itself in motion at an early hour, to
form its lines around the city. There has been some distant firing of shot
and shells from the town and castle upon the troops as they advanced, but
without result."
Though the landings are bloodless, grim fighting will continue in the
Mexican-American War.
Mar. 9, 1862: In day-two of the now-famous Battle of Hampton Roads
(Virginia), the Confederate Navy's ironclad warship, CSS Virginia (built
from the remains of the previously scuttled frigate USS Merrimack) and her
Union rival, the also-ironclad USS Monitor, begin exchanging shots in one
of history's first clashes of ironclads.
The battle ends in a draw with both vessels inflicting marginal damage on
one another before breaking off the fight: Technically it is a tactical
victory for Virginia because she has inflicted greater damage on the
blockading ships than they on her (Virginia had attacked and destroyed the
Union Navy's wooden warships USS Congress and USS Cumberland the previous
day before the arrival of the Monitor). But it may also be seen as a
strategic victory for the Union because Virginia fails to break the
blockade. The battle however will not be remembered for which side might
have carried the day – though that is still being debated – but rather the
lessons learned in this particular clash which greatly contributed to the
ongoing revolution in Naval tactics and ship-design and construction.
Mar. 10, 1783: The Duc De Lauzun, a Continental Navy transport-vessel
(laden with Spanish silver currency), and her escort, the frigate Alliance
(the first of two so-named American warships), are spotted by three Royal
Navy ships – HMS Sybil, HMS Alarm, and HMS Tobago –off Cape Canaveral,
Florida. Sybil pursues the two American vessels, fires on the slow-moving
Duc De Lauzun, then is aggressively engaged by Alliance. In less than one
hour, the badly damaged Sybil disengages and flees, ending the last Naval
battle of the American Revolution.
Alliance is commanded by Capt. (future commodore) John Barry, who – as we
said Feb. 4 – is considered in some circles to be "the Father of the
American Navy," though some would argue that title belongs to Capt. John
Paul Jones.
Mar. 11, 1862: President Abraham Lincoln – frustrated over Union Army Gen.
George B. McClellan's unwillingness to attack the Confederate Army –
relieves McClellan of his post as general-in-chief of the U.S. Army, but
keeps him on as commanding general of the Army of the Potomac. McClellan –
who will lose his command after failing to destroy Confederate Gen. Robert
E. Lee's wounded army following the Battle of Antietam – becomes the second
well-known casualty in Lincoln's series of firing, hiring, and firing
generals until the Union Army (like the already well-commanded Confederate
Army) is led by some of the most able generals in American military history.
Mar. 11, 1943: "The Flying Tigers" – the famous volunteer group of
American fighter pilots contracted to the Chinese Air Force during World
War II and ultimately brought under U.S. Army Air Forces command as the
China Air Task Force – is absorbed into the 14th Air Force.
Commanded by Gen. Claire L. Chennault, "the Flying Tigers" were so-named
because of the tiger-shark faces painted on the noses of their P-40
fighters.
Today, according to the U.S. Air Force, airmen of the 14th Air Force are
"the day-to-day operators of Air Force Space Command's space forces." And
the centerpiece of the 14th Air Force emblem is a tiger with wings.
Note from Skip. That 14th Air Force Command is located at Vandenberg AFB and outside their Headquaters building ia a beautiful P-40 in Flying Tiger colors complete with Tiger teeth.
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Thanks to Brett….Catching up with what is going on in the rest of the world
Stratfor snippets - Iran, U.S./Syria, China/U.S., Global, Italy/UAE, Ukraine/U.S.,, South Korea/Japan, China, Taiwan, Armenia/Azerbaijan, Japan, , South Africa, Germany, U.K., Lebanon, Tanzania, France
Iran: Tehran Reaches Deal With IAEA to Diffuse Tension Ahead of IAEA Board Meeting
What Happened: Iran agreed to give the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) more information about and access to undeclared nuclear materials at three locations that the IAEA has been investigating since 2019, Reuters reported March 4. Iran also agreed to allow the reinstallation of the IAEA's extra nuclear monitoring equipment that was disabled in 2022.
Why It Matters: The agreement is one of the first positive developments between Iran and the IAEA in months, and Tehran is likely aiming to ensure that the IAEA does not formally censure it at the agency's March 6 board of governors meeting. While Iran's reinstallation of additional monitoring cameras will ease some of the West's concerns about the enrichment of uranium to 84% purity found by the IAEA in January 2023, the crisis will continue to grow concurrently with Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Background: The IAEA was already unlikely to formally censure Iran at its upcoming meeting because the United States was not prepared to back such a move.
U.S., Syria: Joint Chiefs Chairman in Syria confirms Washington's Commitment to Mission
What Happened: U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited northeastern Syria on March 4, where he said the U.S. counterterrorism mission remains important to the United States and its allies, Reuters reported the next day.
Why It Matters: Milley is signaling that the U.S. defense establishment and the White House remain behind the mission, even amid scrutiny by anti-war and isolationist political forces. This support will likely continue until military officials assess that a U.S. withdrawal would not cause a resurgence of the Islamic State or until a new U.S. president pulls troops out of Syria (which would be especially possible if that new president is former President Donald Trump in 2024).
Background: The United States has had forces in Syria since 2014, when troops began operating alongside local allies to combat the Islamic State, which was then at its territorial height. Although the Islamic State has been suppressed, it remains capable of launching attacks across the region and has inspired global franchises in Africa, Asia, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Former U.S. President Donald Trump attempted a full withdrawal from Syria in 2019.
China, U.S.: Washington's Data Sovereignty Worries Intensify Concern Over Chinese Port Cranes
What Happened: U.S. officials in the Department of Defense are concerned about Chinese-made cargo cranes providing China crucial data about U.S. ports, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 6. Officials seem most concerned about cranes made by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC).
Why It Matters: Although there is no evidence that China has exploited data processed by its cranes, data sovereignty fears will likely intensify U.S. scrutiny of Chinese-made cranes at U.S. ports (and the ports of U.S. allies) over the next few years. These fears are driving both Beijing and Washington to significantly reduce or restrict the type of products used in critical infrastructure.
Background: The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act ordered the Maritime Administration (working with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) to carry out a study on the extent to which foreign-made cranes pose a threat to U.S. cybersecurity or national security. That study is due to be completed by the end of December 2023. In 2022, the United States introduced a bill called the Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2022, which would require software made by a group of countries (including China) to be removed within five years.
Global: U.N. Negotiators Reach Agreement on High Seas Treaty
What Happened: One hundred ninety-three countries agreed on March 4 to the U.N. High Seas Treaty, which envisions designating 30% of the world's high seas as marine protected areas (MPAs), after two weeks of marathon negotiations at the United Nations, the Financial Times reported on March 5. Negotiators plan to hold periodic conferences to discuss the implementation of the treaty.
Why It Matters: The treaty aims to establish the first broad governance framework for the high seas, which comprise roughly 60% of the world's oceans and seas, but the agreement has yet to be ratified or implemented. Moreover, there is no agreement on the scope of protection in MPAs when it comes to things like shipping and fishing, making talks on MPAs likely to be contentious, particularly in areas that are traditional shipping lanes or fishing waters for countries.
Background: The treaty has undergone two decades of negotiations and builds on previous agreements from the 1990s on migratory fishing stocks and seabed mining.
Italy, UAE: Countries Upgrade Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership
What Happened: Italy and the United Arab Emirates pledged to strengthen their bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of energy and defense, and build a strategic partnership during a meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, Reuters reported March 4.
Why It Matters: These announcements align with the Italian government's broader effort to expand strategic partnerships across the "enlarged Mediterranean," and Abu Dhabi could prove an important strategic partner for Rome in its ambitious energy policy in Africa. Moreover, Italy may be interested in increasing its engagement in regional mechanisms, particularly the I2U2 group that sees Israel, India, the United Arab Emirates and the United States cooperating in areas that include energy, trade and defense. Meloni and Al Nahyan also discussed potential cooperation on the security situation in Libya and the financial situation in Tunisia, which both affect migration flows to Italy.
Background: Italy's energy giant Eni and the UAE Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a framework of cooperation for future joint energy transition projects, including renewable energy, blue and green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and energy efficiency. Right before traveling to Abu Dhabi, Meloni met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and is expected to receive Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Rome in the coming weeks.
Ukraine, U.S.: Ukrainian Pilots Train on Simulators in U.S. as Part of Assessment
What Happened: Two Ukrainian pilots are in the United States and 10 more are scheduled to arrive later in March for what U.S. officials are calling an assessment of their skills in flying fighter jets, NBC reported March 4. The participants are exclusively using aircraft simulators as part of the assessment, the goal of which is to improve the pilots' skills while evaluating how long a proper training program would take.
Why It Matters: The program marks the first time Ukrainian pilots have traveled to the United States to have their skills evaluated by American military trainers. The program's content suggests the assessment is merely the first stage of a formal pilot training program that would help Ukrainian pilots better use the capabilities of their current planes, such AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, to suppress enemy air defenses. The assessment program is further evidence that delivery of U.S. F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is likely inevitable, although Western aircraft are unlikely to arrive in Ukraine for several months at the earliest and are unlikely to decisively alter battlefield dynamics once they do.
Background: On Feb. 8, the United Kingdom announced that it will begin a training program for Ukrainian pilots on NATO-standard aircraft. Speaking to British parliamentarians the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked them in advance for their provision of modern NATO aircraft to Ukraine, though no such provisions have yet been announced.
South Korea, Japan: Seoul's Compensation Program Will Not Solve Tensions With Tokyo in the Long Run
What Happened: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the establishment of a government fund to compensate victims of Japanese forced labor during the latter's period of colonial occupation of the peninsula, Nikkei Asia reported March 6. In return, Japan will lift trade restrictions on exports of key electronics components to South Korea.
Why It Matters: The arrangement will be a boon for supply chains and trade relations between the two countries and is a temporary victory for the Yoon administration's efforts to move South Korea past its historical animosity toward Japan. However, the establishment of the fund represents South Koreans paying in to provide compensation and Japan not fundamentally compromising on any aspect of the long-standing grievances. As a result, the opposition is less than satisfied with the arrangement and will challenge it using every tool at its disposal, so the agreement does not represent a permanent solution to the forced labor controversy and could very well fall apart.
Background: The fund is intended to be a replacement mechanism for the 2019 court ruling compelling Japanese firms in South Korea to pay restitution, which sparked the current trade war. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on March 1 that resolving the forced labor issue would help smooth the way for Japan to lift trade restrictions on South Korea.
China: 'Two Sessions' Work Report Focused on Steady Growth for 2023
What Happened: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered the government work report for 2023 at China's "Two Sessions" legislative meetings, the South China Morning Post reported March 5. The report's goals for 2023 included a growth goal of "about 5%" of gross domestic product, steady unemployment at 5.5%, consumer price inflation of 3%, a federal deficit of 3%, and 3.8 trillion yuan (about $550 billion) in special purpose bonds for infrastructure (a slight uptick from 2022).
Why It Matters: Beijing seems content to wield supportive fiscal policy and the natural post-COVID-19 rise in consumption to drive China's economic recovery without much change in government stimulus measures from 2022 (such as credit support, tax cuts and infrastructure projects). Still, managing this recovery alongside increasing trade restrictions from the United States and China's elevated risks of social unrest following the "blank paper" protests of November 2022 will keep China's leadership fully occupied. Compared with the five-year retrospective section of the report, the forward-looking portion was unusually short, suggesting senior officials would rather say little when there is little new or positive to say about economic policy.
Background: The word "stability" was prominent throughout the report, while external challenges (e.g., with the United States) and the need for self-reliance in manufacturing, supply chains and high technology made multiple appearances. The report reiterated Beijing's push for "proactive fiscal policy" and "prudent monetary policy," with a focus on defusing debt risks in real estate and with local governments, while policy toward the platform economy will focus on "normalized supervision" and "vigorous development."
Taiwan: House Speaker McCarthy Will Not Visit Taipei, Reducing Chance of Chinese Military Drills
What Happened: Instead of U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy visiting Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei, Taiwan, in the spring, Tsai will meet with McCarthy in California, United States, in early April, the Financial Times reported on March 6. Taiwanese officials claim the decision comes after Taipei shared with McCarthy recent intelligence reports on China's military activities.
Why It Matters: Though China will still increasingly lean on military coercions (e.g., aerial and naval incursions) to express its displeasure with Taipei in the long term, McCarthy's change of plans removes the most obvious trigger for China to wield escalated military coercive measures (e.g., live-fire drills) against Taiwan in the short term. China will still voice dismay when Tsai visits California, but China's responses to similar visits to the United States by Tsai in 2018 and 2019 were muted.
Background: In response to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's meeting with Tsai in Taipei in August 2022, China launched its largest live-fire military drills in a quarter century around Taiwan, causing temporary shipping and air traffic disruptions.
Taiwan: Defense Minister Highlights Risk of Territorial Incursions in 2023
What Happened: Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told the Legislative Yuan (the island's parliament) that in response to warming U.S.-Taiwan ties, China's military might make a "sudden entry" into Taiwan's contiguous zone and approach its territorial space some time in 2023, The Japan Times reported on March 6.
Why It Matters: The specificity of Chiu's comments suggests they are worth considering as a real possibility. Such deeper Chinese incursions would heighten the risk of military escalation and could push Taiwanese citizens to vote for another candidate from the pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party in the island's January 2024 presidential elections. However, U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's recent announcement that he would not visit Taipei in the spring removes the most proximate trigger for such deeper incursions.
Background: In the last two years, China's military has increasingly used aerial incursions into Taiwan's aerial defense identification zone to register its dismay with Taipei. This zone extends well beyond the internationally recognized territorial and contiguous zones, which extend 12 and 24 nautical miles, respectively, from a country's coasts.
Armenia, Azerbaijan: Five Die in Nagorno-Karabakh Clash
What Happened: Three ethnic Armenian security officials and two Azerbaijani soldiers died March 5 in a shootout in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, Reuters reported March 5. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry subsequently issued a statement claiming that Armenian vehicles were attempting to use a dirt road illegally to bypass the blockaded Lachin Corridor and smuggle military equipment. The Armenian-aligned breakaway government of Nagorno-Karabakh responded that the Azerbaijani soldiers illegally entered their territory, and called the attack a war crime.
Why It Matters: The attack will likely disrupt negotiations between the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan just days after high-profile talks between the sides resumed March 1 regarding the integration of ethnic Armenians into Azerbaijan and the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the road connecting Armenia proper to the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The two issues under discussion represent the major remaining roadblocks to peace between the two sides.
Background: Azerbaijan-sponsored activists have been blocking all traffic on the Lachin Corridor since Dec. 12, 2022, even after the International Court of Justice on Feb. 22 issued a legally binding ruling that Azerbaijan end the blockade. Russian peacekeepers, who have been deployed to the region since the 2020 cease-fire agreement ending the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, have refused to attempt to unblock the corridor.
Japan: New H3 Rocket Forced to Self-Destruct After Second-Stage Error
What Happened: Japan's new H3 launch vehicle was forced to self-destruct soon after it launched on March 6 because the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) could not confirm that the second-stage engine ignited and it was clear that the rocket was losing speed after the burn of its first-stage engine's boosters, Kyodo News reported on March 7.
Why It Matters: JAXA and rocket manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. may be able to remedy the H3's second-stage engine failure since the rocket's second stage is largely based on the previous second stage of the H2 rocket family. However, the failed launch will still set back Japan's development of the H3 rocket, which is designed to reduce costs associated with Japan's existing H2 rockets and better compete with companies like SpaceX. JAXA and the Japanese government will probably face increased scrutiny and more calls to overhaul the program in order to remedy the failures. The H3 rocket's development is also important for NASA's Artemis lunar program, which plans to use the rocket to help send cargo to the lunar Gateway space station planned to orbit the moon.
Background: The failure comes after the H3 rocket failed to launch in February when its first stage failed to send the signal to ignite the rocket's boosters. In October 2022, JAXA's Epsilon launch vehicle was forced to self-destruct, which was Japan's first launch failure in nearly two decades. Japan's space launch industry has been dependable prior to the last two accidents.
Iran: Teachers Protest Schoolgirl Poisonings
What Happened: Iranian teachers in several cities protested the rash of suspected poisonings that has caused hundreds of school-age girls to fall ill in recent months, AP reported March 7. The Coordinating Council of Teachers Syndicates organized a number of the protests.
Why It Matters: The poisonings are further forcing a domestic conversation along Iran's deep social divides between religious conservative Iranians and more secular liberal Iranians. If the poisonings continue, they will become another trigger of disruptive unrest against the government, regardless of whether the government is actually behind them or not. At the same time, mobilization against the government will motivate Tehran to keep up investigations into the poisoning incidents, as well as crackdowns on any media coverage that alleges the government is behind them.
Background: Twenty-seven schools across the country have reported suspected poisonings, according to the Iranian newspaper Etemad, and almost all the schools have been girls' schools. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that grassroots, hardline religious groups could be behind the poisonings, while many Iranians also suspect the government. The government has begun investigations into the incidents, but criminal charges have been filed against some journalists and activists for commenting on the incidents, which began in the conservative city of Qom in November 2022.
Global: International Copper Association Unveils Road Map to Net Zero by 2050
What Happened: The International Copper Association (ICA) released a roadmap to reduce direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2) to net zero by 2050, Reuters reported on March 7.
Why It Matters: The ICA and its members hope these ambitious targets will attract investors who are conscious of environmental, social and corporate governance issues given copper's importance to the energy transition. Increased investment in mining is crucial, as copper, along with nickel, are the two metals at the highest risk of undergoing shortages that would choke off the energy transition by 2030. The ICA's members are also trying to outcompete Chinese competitors, who produce about 40% of the world's refined copper supply and have not announced similar emissions goals.
Background: The ICA also set targets for copper producers to reduce emissions by 30%-40% by 2030 and by 70%-80% by 2040. And the association set targets to reduce emissions created by its partners and products (Scope 3) by 10% by 2030, by 30%-40% by 2040, and by 60%-70% by 2050. Emissions-conscious investors are trying to reduce their overall carbon footprint, including through the carbon produced in the refined copper they purchase and by implementing potential carbon tariffs in the future.
South Africa: President Reshuffles Cabinet, Appoints Electricity Minister
What Happened: Amid a broader cabinet reshuffle, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa named Kgosientso Ramokgopa electricity minister on March 6, following the December African National Congress (ANC) convention that strengthened the president's mandate, Bloomberg reported March 7.
Why It Matters: The cabinet reshuffle and appointment of an electricity minister are unlikely to alleviate load shedding in the near term, as many barriers to the implementation of Ramaphosa's plans to address the crisis remain. South Africa's Electricity Supply Commission (Eskom) says it needs an additional 4,000-6,000 megawatts of electricity generating capacity to end outages, but the rehabilitation of old plants and construction of new ones could take years. Eskom will miss its target to increase output by 1,862 megawatts from coal-fired plants by the end of March, the latest in a long string of production shortfalls.
Background: Ramaphosa said that Ramokgopa's primary task would be to significantly reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding, facilitate the coordination of the numerous departments involved in crisis response and accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity. The electricity crisis is costing the country as much as 899 million rand ($49 million) a day and will cut two percentage points from output growth in 2023, according to South African Reserve Bank estimates.
Germany: Berlin Plans to Ban Certain Chinese-Made Components From 5G Networks
What Happened: The German government is allegedly preparing to ban telecommunications operators from using certain Chinese components in the country's 5G network, Die Zeit reported on March 6. The ban would give the government special veto powers to intervene in telecommunications operators' contracts with high-risk vendors and may require operators to remove and replace components already built into the networks.
Why It Matters: The ban would come as part of a broader trend that sees Berlin seeking to restrict Chinese companies' access to strategic sectors of the German economy, and it would make Germany the third European country (after the United Kingdom and Sweden) to take concrete steps to ban Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE from supplying critical 5G network equipment.
Background: In April 2021, the German government passed measures allowing it to ban or recall certain components from the country's telecommunications infrastructure under certain conditions (pursuant to the 2020 EU toolbox for 5G security) but has yet to apply them. A report in December 2022 from Denmark-based telecommunications consultancy Strand Consult showed that Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE account for about 59% of Germany's 5G infrastructure.
U.K.: Government Unveils New Law to Stop Illegal Migration Across the English Channel
What Happened: The British Home Secretary Suella Braverman presented to Parliament the Illegal Migration Bill, a new law aimed at stopping migrants from entering the United Kingdom illegally, the Guardian reported on March 7.
Why It Matters: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes that stricter immigration rules will help him gain increased support from the right-wing of his Conservative Party as he tries to keep his party together after securing a deal with the European Union on the Northern Ireland protocol. The new law will effectively override existing asylum seekers' rights, albeit with some exemptions. The bill, which enters into force on March 7 and applies retroactively, will likely face significant challenges in parliament from both Conservative backbenchers and opposition lawmakers and could be legally challenged in courts, possibly setting the U.K. government on a collision course with the European Convention of Human Rights. To be successful, stricter immigration rules will have to be matched by increased border control on both sides of the Channel, which is why Sunak will prioritize the issue during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on March 10.
Background: More than 45,000 people reportedly crossed the English Channel on small vessels and entered the United Kingdom illegally in 2022, which is a 60% increase from 2021 and up from around 300 illegal crossings in 2018. Prime Minister Sunak promised to "stop the boats" as part of his pre-election pledges in January 2022. Braverman acknowledged the bill would push "the boundaries of international law" and could be tested in the courts.
Lebanon: Hezbollah Backs Unpopular Christian Ally for President
What Happened: Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon's militant and political Hezbollah group, publicly backed pro-Syria, Christian presidential candidate Sleiman Frangieh, but there was little indication that parties outside of the Hezbollah-led bloc would support Frangieh, AP reported on March 6. Nasrallah said he would not accept a foreign-backed president, an apparent reference to the other leading contender, Gen. Joseph Aoun, who enjoys warm ties with the United States and France.
Why It Matters: Frangieh is unlikely to become Lebanon's new president due to a lack of broader support, but Gen. Aoun or someone backed by the non-Hezbollah bloc in the National Assembly could become president if they offer Hezbollah and its allies substantial concessions in the Cabinet. But until the blocs reach a compromise, the government will remain limited in its ability to enact reforms that would help alleviate the country's economic crisis.
Background: Since President Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, Lebanon has been without a president, a post that must be held by a Christian, according to Lebanon's constitution. While the president is largely symbolic, the office plays an important procedural role in Lebanon's National Assembly, as the president signs legislation, dissolves parliament and appoints new prime ministers. The government has been in caretaker mode since the May 2022 elections.
Tanzania: Government Completes Negotiations on Construction of $30 Billion LNG Project
What Happened: Tanzania, Norwegian oil and gas company Equinor, and British oil and gas company Shell completed negotiations on the construction of a proposed $30 billion liquified natural gas (LNG) facility, Reuters reported on March 6. Tanzania's Energy Ministry said experts are working on drafting specific contracts, including a host government agreement and a contract on joining blocks 1, 2 and 4.
Why It Matters: The completion of the negotiations is an important step in the development of Tanzania's LNG sector and comes after nearly a year of negotiations since Tanzania and international oil companies reached a preliminary framework agreement in June 2022. Tanzania hopes that a final investment decision on the facility could occur by 2025, though in order for that to occur, more above-ground and below-ground headway needs to be made.
Background: Shell operates blocks 1 and 4, which hold about 16 trillion cubic feet in estimated recoverable gas, while Equnior operates block 2, which has more than 20 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
France: Unions Scale Up Campaign Against Government's Pension Reform Plan
What Happened: Hundreds of thousands of French workers across multiple sectors are striking to protest the government's unpopular pension reform plan, causing significant transport and business disruptions across the country, Reuters reported March 7. These strikes and demonstrations have seen a larger attendance than previous ones, and they mark the sixth (nonconsecutive) day of nationwide protests.
Why It Matters: It will be crucial to understand how effective disruptions to transport, electricity production and fuel deliveries will be over the coming days and how united unions manage to remain in scaling up their confrontation with the government, especially as some unions prepare to shift toward rolling strikes. Meanwhile, the pension reform is moving through Parliament and is expected to be adopted by the National Assembly by the end of March. Should strikes and demonstrations manage to weaken support in Parliament for the reform, the government would most likely resort to special constitutional powers to bypass a parliamentary vote. This could trigger a vote of no-confidence and possibly lead to fresh elections.
Background: French workers are striking against President Emmanuel Macron's planned pension reforms that, among other things, will gradually increase the retirement age to 64 from the current 62. The legislation is currently before French lawmakers, with a final vote expected by March 26. So far, attendance at strikes and demonstrations has been gradually trending down since the second day of action on Jan. 31, when a record 1.3 million people took part in demonstrations.
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This Day in U S Military History
1943 – US Ambassador to the USSR, Admiral W.M. Standley, claims that the Soviet leaders are not telling their people about all the aid the US is sending. On March 11, Soviet Ambassador to the US, Maxim Litvinov, thanks the US for its aid.
1944 – USAAF heavy bombers raid Berlin for a second time. About 10 percent of the force of 580 bombers is lost despite the escort of 800 fighters.
1945 – On Iwo Jima, the forces of US 5th Amphibious Corps continue pushing northward with heavy fire support. Japanese forces are now all within one mile of the north end of the island.
1958 – Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is decommissioned, leaving the Navy without an active battleship for the first time since 1895.
1965 – The USS Henrico, Union, and Vancouver, carrying the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade under Brig. Gen. Frederick J. Karch, take up stations 4,000 yards off Red Beach Two, north of Da Nang. First ashore was the Battalion Landing Team 3/9, which arrived on the beach at 8:15 a.m. Wearing full battle gear and carrying M-16s, the Marines were met by sightseers, South Vietnamese officers, Vietnamese girls with leis, and four American soldiers with a large sign stating: "Welcome, Gallant Marines." Gen. William Westmoreland, senior U.S. military commander in Saigon, was reportedly "appalled" at the spectacle because he had hoped that the Marines could land without any fanfare. Within two hours, Battalion Landing Team 1/3 began landing at Da Nang air base. The 3,500 Marines were deployed to secure the U.S. airbase, freeing South Vietnamese troops up for combat. On March 1, Ambassador Maxwell Taylor had informed South Vietnamese Premier Phan Huy Quat that the United States was preparing to send the Marines to Vietnam. Three days later, a formal request was submitted by the U.S. Embassy, asking the South Vietnamese government to "invite" the United States to send the Marines. Premier Quat, a mere figurehead, had to obtain approval from the real power, Gen. Nguyen Van Thieu, chief of the Armed Forces Council. Thieu approved, but, like Westmoreland, asked that the Marines be "brought ashore in the most inconspicuous way feasible." These wishes were ignored and the Marines were given a hearty, conspicuous welcome when they arrived.
1968 – A Soviet submarine, code-named K129, sank in the Pacific at a depth of almost 20,000 feet. A US sub, the Halibut, found the Soviet vessel 6 months later and recovered 3 missiles with nuclear warheads, Soviet code books and an encryption machine. In 1974 the CIA attempted to recover the sub. A 100 foot section was pulled in by the Glomar Explorer with 2 nuclear tipped torpedoes and the bodies of 6 Russian sailors.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day (TWO MORE FROM Iwo Jima)
FITZ, JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 24 May 1886, Austria. Accredited to: lowa. G.O. No.: 19, 1 May 1906. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Pampanga, Mount Dajo Jolo, Philippine Islands, 8 March 1906. Serving in the presence of the enemy on this date, Fitz displayed bravery and extraordinary heroism.
*WATSON, GEORGE
General Order: Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 8 March 1943. Private Watson was on board a ship which was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. When the ship was abandoned, Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in the water assisting several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of the raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in the saving of several of his comrades. Weakened by his exertions, he was dragged down by the suction of the sinking ship and was drowned. Private Watson's extraordinarily valorous actions, daring leadership, and self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow-man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.
*LA BELLE, JAMES DENNIS
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 22 November 1925, Columbia Heights, Minn. Accredited to: Minnesota. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Filling a gap in the front lines during a critical phase of the battle, Pfc. LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with 2 other marines and, grimly aware of the enemy's persistent attempts to blast a way through our lines with hand grenades, applied himself with steady concentration to maintaining a sharply vigilant watch during the hazardous night hours. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed beyond reach in his foxhole. Quickly estimating the situation, he determined to save the others if possible, shouted a warning, and instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless fight against a fanatic enemy His dauntless courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. LaBelle and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
*LUMMUS, JACK
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 22 October 1915, Ennie, Tex. Appointed from: Texas. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the 2d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for 2 days and nights, 1st Lt. Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked, and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic 1-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, 1st Lt. Lummus had inspired his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
*MATHIS, JACK W. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 359th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group. Place and date: Over Vegesack, Germany, 18 March 1943. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born: 25 September 1921, San Angelo, Tex. G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on 18 March 1943. 1st Lt. Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy antiaircraft fire. His right arm was shattered above the elbow, a large wound was torn in his side and abdomen, and he was knocked from his bomb sight to the rear of the bombardier's compartment. Realizing that the success of the mission depended upon him, 1st Lt. Mathis, by sheer determination and willpower, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, then died at his post of duty. As the result of this action the airplanes of his bombardment squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. 1st Lt. Mathis' undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.
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THANKS TO csaccount
One night at Cheers Sitcom, Cliff Clavin said to his buddy, Norm Peterson: "Well, ya-see, Normy, it's like this A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.
In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells but, naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers!"
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Thanks to Amazing Facts
The Stories Behind 9 Strange Theater Traditions
Theater is filled with storied traditions, developed and preserved over its centuries-long history, which dates back to the playwright Aeschulys in 472 BCE. While some of these customs seem to be rooted in some degree of practicality, others have become outdated or simply never had any grounding in "reality" in the first place. But no matter if it's a local stage show or a major Broadway production — or if it's a comedy, musical, or drama — these long-held theater traditions and superstitions are still going strong.
1 of 9
Telling Performers to "Break a Leg"
Dancer Actors perform on the theater stage in a dance show musical.Credit: Kozlik/ Shutterstock
Ironically, wishing someone "good luck" in the theater is actually, well, bad luck. Instead, it's common practice to tell entertainers to "break a leg." That may seem like an odd way to wish them well before a show, but the tradition is rooted in superstition. Many believe that spirits, like ghosts and fairies, may inhabit theaters and be looking to cause trouble. If they hear "break a leg," they'll actually do the opposite, meaning good will come from the wish. But that's not the only explanation, according to Playbill. A different theory suggests that the "leg" in question is not a limb but a curtain that hangs in the wings, so "breaking" it means making it onto the stage. And yet another explanation dates back to Elizabethan England, when audiences used to throw money on the stage to show their appreciation, so when actors "broke" the line of their leg, they were actually bending down to collect their earnings.
2 of 9
Always Leaving a Ghost Light On
A "ghost light" hangs onto the stage of the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House.Credit: James D. Morgan/ Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
If you ever find yourself in an otherwise empty theater in the middle of the night, you'll likely see a single bare bulb glowing onstage. All the intricate sets and props can make navigating a stage feel like winding through a maze, so it makes sense that a night light of sorts is left on when everything else goes dark. But the fact that the light is called a "ghost light" hearkens to a different explanation. "The superstition around it is that theaters tend to be inhabited by ghosts, whether it's the ghost of old actors or people who used to work in the building," stage manager Matt Stern, who has worked on Broadway in shows including Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera, told Atlas Obscura. "[G]host lights are supposed to keep those ghosts away so that they don't get mischievous while everyone else is gone." Other explanations relate to the historical need to relieve pressure on gas valves in old theaters, or legend of a thief falling in the dark, breaking his leg (literally this time!), and suing the theater.
3 of 9
Never Saying "Macbeth"
Close-up of Shakespeare's Macbeth.Credit: Jon Naustdalslid/ Shutterstock
Shakespeare's shortest tragedy is the Voldemort of the theater world. Many people believe the play is cursed, since so many mishaps have happened in its 400-year history. Legend has it that for the very first performance circa 1606, William Shakespeare himself had to go on as Lady Macbeth because the actor playing the role suddenly died, according to History.com. Another actor was supposedly killed onstage in Amsterdam in the 17th century, when a prop dagger was replaced by a real one. Riots have also plagued the play at times, with the most tragic being a New York production in 1849 when 22 died and more than 100 were injured. As even a mere mention of the title may bring similar disasters, the play that shall not be named is often referred to as "The Scottish Play" or "The Bard's Play" instead. Of course, not everyone believes in the so-called curse — after all, a play that has been performed regularly for so many centuries is bound to suffer some misfortune. For those who do buy into it, though, there are ways to reverse the bad luck: According to the Royal Shakespeare Company, you have to leave the theater, spin in a circle three times, spit, curse, and then knock to be let back in.
4 of 9
Hoping for a Bad Dress Rehearsal
view of inside a classical theatre.Credit: Nikada/ iStock
You might think that the final rehearsal before opening night, when everyone onstage is dressed as if it's a real performance, should be when everything goes off without a hitch. But thespians believe the opposite: "Bad dress, good opening." Although the exact origins of the superstition are unknown, according to Backstage, performers swear by the phrase. It makes sense, in a way: The odds of things going spectacularly wrong two nights in a row are slim, especially if a cast and crew have time to address and prepare for those contingencies between a rehearsal and the performance. And if things are going to go wrong, it's better that they go wrong without an audience.
5 of 9
Not Whistling Backstage
A ballerina awaiting the moment of entering the stage in the play.Credit: Anna Jurkovska/ Shutterstock
As far back as the 17th century, before stage managers became standard, productions had people called prompters, whose job it was to make sure everything flowed smoothly during the course of the show, Playbill explains. In the days before electricity, these prompters needed a way to indicate to folks backstage that a scene was changing, so they would use a bell or whistle. To avoid confusion, everyone else was strictly prohibited from whistling, lest they trigger an unintended (and potentially dangerous) set transition. When electricity came along, flashing lights and intercoms took over. Yet the tradition remains — this is one occupation where you shouldn't whistle while you work.
6 of 9
Avoiding Wearing Blue
theatrical mannequin in a theater stage next to colored clothes.Credit: Smoking Lens/ Shutterstock
As Broadway Direct explains, blue dye used to be among the most expensive, so producers claimed it was bad luck in an effort to keep costs down. But that deception led to another, Playbill adds: Some theatrical troupes would splurge on blue costumes to make it seem like they were doing better than they were. To one-up them, troupes that were actually doing well added silver, which was even more difficult to afford. Thus, unadorned blue ensembles became a symbol of false success.
7 of 9
Banning Peacock Feathers and Mirrors From the Stage
3 peacock feather background on shaded white background.Credit: Bettina Calder/ Shutterstock
Any good prop master knows to keep peacock feathers far away from the stage. The natural design of the feathers contains an "evil eye" pattern that is thought to bring bad luck in the form of technical failures and chaos, History UK explains. The eye's curse (which is not unique to the theater) can be traced back to Plato and even the Bible, while the fear of the feathers themselves has existed since at least 1242, when they were linked to Mongols who advanced into Europe. Another item to avoid? Mirrors. While it's a widely believed superstition that breaking a mirror causes seven years of bad luck, even unbroken mirrors should be kept offstage in the theater, since they can mess with the lighting design. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule — most notably in the staging of "The Music and the Mirror" from A Chorus Line.
8 of 9
Giving Flowers After a Show, Never Before
An artist receives a bouquet of flowers on stage at the end of the spectacle.Credit: Gregory_DUBUS/ iStock
First do the work, then receive the appreciation. It makes sense to present flowers to performers after they've graced the stage, but according to Playbill, this tradition is about more than just rewarding someone for a job well done. Superstition dictates that it's actually bad luck to give flowers before the show, for fear that something will go wrong to make the performance unworthy of beautiful blooms. Another (now less-common) floral tradition was to give the director and leading lady a bouquet stolen from a graveyard when a show closed, representing the death of the production.
9 of 9
Sing "Happy Trails to You" at the End of a Run
Actor in a tuxedo theatre closes the curtain.Credit: Jonas Petrovas/ shutterstock
Whether it's the end of a particular actor's run or the entire close of a show, it's tradition for the cast and crew to gather to sing Roy Rogers and Dale Evans' 1950s tune "Happy Trails." While the origins of the tradition are unknown, according to the Lincoln Center Theater, it endures today as a way to bid a fond adieu and wish your castmates well: "Happy trails to you / Until we meet again / Happy trails to you / Keep smiling until then."
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for March 8, 2021 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
8 March
1913: Shakir S. Jerwan, chief pilot for the Moisant International Aviators, delivered an airmail letter to former President William H. Taft. He dropped the letter from his monoplane in front of Taft's hotel in Augusta. (24)
1918: Majs Edward C. Schneider and James L. Whitney reached an artifical altitude of 34,000 feet in 24 minutes in a simulated altitude flight at Signal Corps Laboratory, Mineola, N. Y. (24)
1944: Eighth Air Force attacked Berlin with 623 bombers, escorted by 891 fighters. (4)
1946: The Civil Air Authority (CAA) gave the Bell Model 47, a two-place helicopter, the first commercial helicopter license (NC-1H). (24)
1949: William P. Odom, in a Beechcraft Bonanza, set an FAI world distance record for light planes by flying 5,273 miles from Honolulu to Teterboro, N. J., in 36 hours 2 minutes. (9) (24)
1955: At Great Falls AFB, the USAF formed the 91 SRS to perform a unique mission. It could launch and recover F-84F Thunderstreaks from B-36 bombers. (24)
1960: The first Atlas D equipped with an all-inertial (open loop) guidance system intended for the E and F-models launched from Cape Canaveral. (6)
1961: F-86D PHASE-OUT. PACAF sent three of its few remaining F-86Ds to the Military Assistance Program; the remainder went to salvage by 10 March. On 3 March, the last programmed F-102 Delta Dagger arrived at Clark Air Base for the 509 FIS. This completed the replacement program begun in 1960. (17)
1965: SAC phased out its first B-52B (number 52-8714) from the 22 BMW at March AFB. The bomber went to Chanute AFB, Ill., for use in training. (1) Major Dan D. Fulgham of Edwards AFB took part in the Gemini personnel recovery system tests by jumping from 15,000 and 23,000 feet in the Gemini suit and egress equipment. (3) The 431st Air Refueling Squadron, the last in TAC, inactivated at Biggs AFB, Tex. (11)
1979: Orbital Space Shuttle "Columbia" left Palmdale overland to Edwards AFB for its flight to Patrick AFB, Fla. (12)
1985: First TAC F-16C/D Fighting Falcon arrived at Shaw AFB. (16) MAC helicopters assisted Bahamian police and U.S Drug enforcement officials in confiscating 1,800 pounds of cocaine worth $320 million. (16)
1991: The first Martin-Marietta Titan IV, propelled by a heavy lift space booster, launched from Vandenburg AFB. The Titan IV had two upper stage options, which allowed the missile to carry critical military payloads. (16) (26)
2007: The Air Force marked its 50th consecutive successful launch with an Atlas V loaded with six experimental satellites. The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., successfully launched the rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., using the 45th Space Wing spacelift team. The firsts on this mission include: The first launch of an Air Force payload on an Atlas V; the first flight of an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adaptor; the first Air Force mission with six unique spacecraft; the first dedicated Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle mission for the Department of Defense Space Test Program; and the first Atlas V mission to carry multiple satellites to two different low-Earth orbits. The Atlas carried: NextSat and ASTRO for the Defense Advanced Projects Agency; STPSat-1 for the Space Test Program; Cibola Flight Experiment for the Los Alamos National Laboratory; MidSTAR for the U.S. Naval Academy; and FalconSat-3 for the U.S. Air Force Academy. (AFNEWS, "Air Force's Satellite-Loaded Atlas V is 50th Launch Success," 12 Mar 2007.)
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