American P-3 Orion, A-10 attack Libyan Coast Guard vessels

After being observed firing on merchant vessels near the Libyan port of Misrata, a Libyan Coast Guard vessel and two smaller craft were attacked by an US Navy P-3 Orion and an USAF A-10 using an AGM-65 Maverick and cannon fire. All 3 Libyan ships were hit, with one sinking and another 2 rendered inoperable.

Lockheed-Martin rolls out its first MC-130J Combat Shadow II

Lockheed-Martin Photo. Click on thumbnail to view high-res image

During a ceremony at its Georgia facility, Lockheed-Martin has rolled out the MC-130J Combat Shadow IIs for the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Lockheed Martin is contracted to build 15 MC 130Js for AFSOC against an approved requirement for 37 aircraft.

AC-130s and A-10s start operations over Libya

Spectres and Hogs have joined the fray. The USAF has started using the AC-130 gunship and A-10 close support aircraft in operations over Libya. This points to me that 2) the coalition is confident of local air supremacy and b) They feel that these types of close-support assets are better suited to support anti-Gaddafi rebels against regime heavy weapons mingling close to civilians

Ex Cope Tiger 2011 concludes, Singapore G550 AEW&C makes debut

Photo: MINDEF Singapore/RSAF

Involving more than a hundred military aircraft, this year's Exercise Cope Tiger in Thailand between the Thai, Singaporean and American armed forces has concluded. Making its debut in an overseas exercise is the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Gulfstream G550 AEW&C aircraft.

USAF pilot loses wings after violating flyover rules at football game

A USAF major has been punished for flying too low and too fast when leading a flight on a flyover before a football game in Iowa. The pilot has further opted to turn in his wings and will leave the USAF. The four T-38 trainers reportedly flew a mere 16 ft above the height of the stadium's press box, and were flying 100kts faster than permitted.

Limitations keep F-22 from use in Libya ops

Limitations in the F-22's ability to communicate with other aircraft via datalinks and air-to-ground operations are the likely reasons keeping the Raptor from playing a more active role in Odyssey Dawn. Or maybe, the USAF doesn't think the opposition is worth fielding their trump card for.

PHOTO: T-38 completes 50 years of service

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
A T-38 Talon sits on the flightline at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, March 17, 2011, during a ceremony commemorating the aircraft's 50th anniversary. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)

See Related US Air Force story

USAF F-15E crashes in Libya; crew rescued

The first aircraft loss of Operation Odyssey Dawn has occurred with a USAF F-15E Strike Eagle crashing in a field near Benghazi due to a equipment malfunction (Photos in link). Both crew ejected from the stricken aircraft and were rescued, with US Africa Command confirming that it was based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England and flying from Italy's Aviano airbase at the time of the incident.

Marine pilots fly F-16s to prepare for F-35s

Starting a process of familiarizing themselves to operate F-35B Lightning II JSF, Marine aviators of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 have completed sorties in F-16 Fighting Falcons of the USAF. F-16s from Luke AFB were flown to Eglin AFB for the process.

Commando Solo transmissions over Libya posted online

Twitter has made it's mark on Odyssey Dawn, with broadcasts from a USAF EC-130J Commando Solo psy-ops aircraft being captured on audio and uploaded on Twitter by a self-described “radiocommunications guru” from the Netherlands

USAF, Navy and Marine warplanes hit Libyan targets

U.S. Africa Command has said that 19 American aircraft have conducted strike operations in Libya on Sunday morning. The warplanes included USMC Harriers from the USS Kearsarge, land-based US Navy EA-18G Growlers, USAF B-2 bombers, F-15s and F-16s. It is the next phase in the operation that started Saturday with the launch of more than 110 Tomahawk Cruise missiles from American Navy and British warships and submarines.

Links:
US Navy News Release
US Air Force News Release

Pentagon sends Constant Phoenix to monitor radiation levels in Japan

With continued radiation contamination issues surrounding Japan's earthquake-damaged nuclear reactors, the USAF has deployed a WC-135W Constant Phoenix radiation monitoring aircraft to the region. The aircraft is from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

Dyess completes Sniper upgrade of B-1 fleet

The last B-1 bomber at Dyess Air Force Base has been equipped with the Sniper advanced targeting pod, concluding a two-part modification program that started in November last year. Dyess AFB has the largest fleet of B-1s in the USAF, operating 36 of 66 aircraft in the inventory.

USAF to move 18 ANG F-16s backup status

The USAF will move 18 Air National Guard F-16s to backup status in Fiscal Year 2012, in a move which affects three fighters each at six ANG wings across the United States. The affected units are from the Alabama, South Dakota, Iowa, Vermont, Colorado and Wisconsin ANG.

US Forces in East Asia swing into earthquake relief operations

A cross section of the American military machine is assisting with disaster relief operations following the earthquake and tsunami which has devastated Japan.

7th Fleet assets heading towards Japan
Air Force crews join post-quake relief efforts
Japan-based Marines move to provide aid

F-35 flight testing suspended after mechanical issues detected

Lockheed Martin has said that flight testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been suspended after an F-35A experienced a dual generator failure and oil leak during a test sortie from Edwards AFB, California. The aircraft, the fourth F-35A known as AF-4 returned safely to base.

Barksdale B-52s perform large force departure

Seven B-52 bombers from the 2nd Bomb Wing based at Louisiana's Barksdale Air Force Base have carried out a large force departure exercise, departing the base at intervals of no less than 30 seconds. Each airplane then proceeded on an assigned training mission and returned to base on completion.

First LRIP F-35 flies; to join USAF test fleet

The first production model F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has made its inaugural flight last Friday. The jet, AF-6, the first funded under a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lot and will join the USAF's test program at Edwards.

Boeing pulls off shock KC-X win, 767 tanker now designated KC-46A

In a surprise decision among watchers who have predicted an EADS victory, the United States Air Force has selected Boeing to provide 179 tankers. The tanker, based on the Boeing 767, has been designated the KC-46A.

BREAKING: Boeing wins KC-X

More details to follow