VIDEO: Day One Pitch Black 2012

The Royal Australian Air Force's Wing Commander David "Max" Merritt discusses the first day of Exercise Pitch Black 2012.

Meanwhile, the below photo was snapped from just outside RAAF Darwin near the end of a frenetic day of Pitch Black 2012 flying activity today. We were given a first rate tour of RAAF Darwin courtesy of the good folks over at the RAAF, and have a ton of photos to process!

Marine Ospreys arrive in Japan

US Marine Corps Photo

This photo from the United States Marine Corps' III MEF's (Marine Expeditionary Force) Flickr Page shows a MV-22 Osprey aircraft being unloaded from the cargo ship Green Ridge at the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni harbor on July 23, 2012.

Worth noting is the fact that this aircraft still carries the markings of VMM-561 "Pale Horses" which served as the cadre unit training crews on the Osprey who will now join HMM/VMM-265 in Okinawa, which will transition from the CH-46E Sea Knight to the MV-22 over the next few months. VMM-561 had re-formed in late 2010 at Marine Combat Air Station Miramar in California and had only formally dis-established in early July with the aircraft embarking on their trans-Pacific voyage in late June.

As reported previously, the deployment of the Osprey to Okinawa has been dogged by controversy, with local residents mounting a vociferous campaign against the deployment over noise and safety concerns.

More photos of the MV-22's arrival in Japan can be found at III MEF's Flickr Page.

Related: Ospreys arrive in Iwakuni / Local govts, residents still wary about safety, deployment

List of participants at Exercise Pitch Black 2012

The Australian Defence Force has just released the list of participating aircraft at this year's Exercise Pitch Black, which will be held in the skies over Australia's Northern Territory from 27 July to 16 August 2012. Up to 94 aircraft and more than 2200 personnel are expected to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 12. This will include:

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

F/A-18A Hornet (Darwin and Tindal)
F/A-18F Super Hornet (Darwin)*
C-130H and C-130J Hercules (Darwin)
King Air 350 (Darwin)
Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter (Tindal)
Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft (Tindal)*
AP-3C Orion (Tindal)
KC-30 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (Amberley)*

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

F-16C/D Falcon (Darwin)**
F-15SG Eagle (Darwin)*
Gulfstream 550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) (Darwin)*
KC-135R Stratotanker (Darwin)

United States Marine Corps (USMC)

F/A-18C Hornet (Tindal)***
KC-130J Hercules (Tindal)

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)

F-16A/B Falcon (Darwin)

Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU)*

Su-30 Flanker (Darwin – 27 July to 13 August only)*

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

Combat Support Personnel

*denotes first time participant for Exercise Pitch Black.
**RSAF F-16C/Ds will probably carry markings from both 140 and 143 Squadron, however personnel will be drawn from either of the squadrons listed.
***US Marine Corps F/A-18Cs will be from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, normally based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The unit is currently based at Iwakuni in Japan as part of the USMC's Unit Deployment Program (UDP).

More on the ADF's dedicated Pitch Black website.

Florida Osprey crash causes reverberations in Japan

Five crew were injured when a United States Air Force (USAF) CV-22 Osprey crashed in Florida while on a gunnery training mission on Thursday (Florida time). The crash is a further setback for the Japanese government's attempts to smooth over the deployment of US Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22 Ospreys to Okinawa, which has faced stiff and vociferous resistance from Okinawan residents concerned about noise and safety issues over the controversial tiltrotor aircraft.

Despite the Pentagon insisting that the deployment of MV-22s will proceed as planned to Marine Combat Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni on the Japanese mainland and subsequently to Okinawa's MCAS Futenma later this year, word from the Japanese government is that it has suspended the process of deploying the MV-22s to Japan until the cause and other details of the recent Osprey crash have been established.

The USMC plans to eventually replace 24 ageing CH-46F Sea Knights serving with two squadrons based in Okinawa with the Ospreys, beginning with the aircraft belonging to the Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265) which will then be known as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265).

Okinawa Marines receive their first UH-1Ys

The Flying Tigers of Medium Marine Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced), otherwise known as the Flying Tigers, have received three Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopters in late May, replacing it's detachment of UH-1N Hueys serving with Marine Air Group 36 on the island of Okinawa.

Screen grab in the link above via the Okinawa Marine newsletter.

Marine Ospreys to head to Okinawa early?

This news will be greeted warmly by Okinawan residents living near the U.S. Marine base at Futenma; Japan's Manichi newspaper has reported that the United States is considering deploying the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to Okinawa as early as in July, moving up the schedule from the initially planned deployment in autumn.

The Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265) are expected to transition to the Osprey from the Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight sometime in 2012.

USAF-RSAF Commando Sling exercises to increase in complexity

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet of VMFA-212 on the way back to MCAS Iwakuni from Singapore after a Commando Sling in 2003 (USMC Photo/LCPL John McGarity)

Singapore Defence Minister Dr. NG Eng Hen is current on his first official visit to the United States in his current portfolio, and in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, have agreed to "increase the complexity of existing bilateral exercises such as Exercise Commando Sling to enhance interoperability and promote greater cooperation between both armed forces" (U.S Department of Defence Press Release).

The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for United States and Republic of Singapore Air Force combat aircraft units. Pilots on both sides hone their skills in various scenarios ranging from one-on-one dogfights to advanced Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM) missions involving multiple aircraft and mixed flights over the South China Sea. The exercises enable pilots on both sides to sharpen their air combat skills, allow American units improve procedures to conduct air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships between participating air forces and nations.


Republic of Singapore Air Force pilots greet U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot Capt. Robert Hilby of the 13th Fighter Squadron, who has just arrived at Paya Lebar Airbase, Singapore for a Commando Sling exercise, March 2012 (USAF Photo)

During a Commando Sling exercise American units deploy to Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase with 6-12 aircraft and 75-150 airmen, and are temporarily attached to the Paya Lebar-based 497th Combat Training Squadron for the duration of the exercise. Slings usually involve units from the Pacific Command, however during the heyday in the late 1990s, CONUS-based USAF F-15 and F-16 units, Air National Guard (ANG) and even Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Air Education and Training Command (AETC) were also a regular sight in Singapore's skies, making the long trip to Paya Lebar to train with the RSAF. When the Royal Australian Air Force joins in, as they have done before on a number of occasions with F/A-18A/B Hornets, the exercise becomes Ex. Slingaroo.

In recent years Commando Sling exercises have been scaled back gradually with only three iterations conducted during FY2011, all involving the USAF's Pacific Air Forces units. This was in contrast to before, when up to six Slings took place annually. With the recent "pivot to Asia" announced by President Barack Obama, we should see a reversal of this downward trend. In fact, we may already have seen the start of the reversal in Dec 2011, when U.S Marine Harriers joined USAF F-16s and the RSAF in the first Commando Sling of FY12.

We can thus expect the tempo of Commando Slings start to increase again in the future, and with stateside USAF F-15/F-16 units deploying more regularly to South Korea, these units may start making appearances over Singapore skies. We may also hopefully see of U.S Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet squadrons, on six-month rotations at Japan’s Marine Combat Air Station Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program, make the journey down south for Slings again after a hiatus of a few years.

VIDEO: Ex Kiwi Flag 2012 [HD]

Held at the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) base at Whenuapai, Exercise Kiwi Flag is a multilateral, tactical air mobility exercise which aims to improve the interoperability and partnership of the participating nations. The RNZAF is exercising with international air force partners on their way to the Air Force Air Show at Ohakea Air Base on Saturday 31 March. This video by the New Zealand Defence Force, gives us an insight into the exercise.

Countries involved in the exercise, which is based in Auckland are the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia (CASA CN235), Republic of Singapore Air Force (C-130H Hercules), Royal Australian Air Force (C-130J Hercules), the United States Air Force (C-17 Globemaster III) and the United States Marine Corps (KC-130J Hercules). The host nation is taking part with it's C-130H Hercules.

The exercise sees fixed wing tactical training comprising low level flying and airdrop of cargo and personnel to Kaipara and Raumai Air Weapons Range.

The exercise forms a key part of readiness training for the New Zealand Defence Force and its international partners and runs from March 24 to April 5.

V-22 Ospreys may be based on Japanese mainland instead of Okinawa

US Marine V-22 Osprey in Iraq (US Navy photo)

The Japan Times has reported that United States Marine Corps V-22 Ospreys may be based on the main Japanese island of Honshu, with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture being cited as likely locations.

Okinawa-based Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265) is expected to transition to the Osprey from the Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight later this year, but the local government and residents are stridently opposed to the plan to based USMC Ospreys at Okinawa's Futenma airbase.

USMC Jan 2012 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes" departed Jan 5-7 with 12 F/A-18C Hornets.
VMFA-121 "Green Knights" arrived Jan 25-26 with 9 F/A-18D and F/A-18D (ATARS) Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.

Marine Harriers, USAF F-16s in Singapore for Commando Sling

AV-8B Harrier of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 Blacksheep on board USS Makin Island (US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gene A. Ainsworth III)

Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase is currently hosting United States Marine and Air Force AV-8B Harriers and F-16 Fighting Falcons for a Commando Sling exercise. The Harriers are drawn from Marine Attack Squadron 214 (VMA-214), more famously known as the Blacksheep, and are currently attached to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced). HMM-268 (Rein) is the Air Combat Element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) on board the USS Makin Island (LHD-8).

Eyes on the ground have reported that the USAF F-16s taking part are from the Flying Fiends of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing normally based at Osan, South Korea. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be represented by its F-5S/T Tiger IIs, F-15SG Strike Eagles and F-16C/D Fighting Falcons.

USS Makin Island is currently on a port visit to Changi Naval Base, Singapore. In addition to the Harriers taking part Commando Sling exercises in Singapore, embarked 11th MEU Marines will also be taking part small unit subject matter expert exchanges and training in an urban environment with the Singapore Armed Forces. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which also comprises of the USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor, is currently on a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East.

The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for United States and Republic of Singapore Air Force combat aircraft units. Pilots on both sides hone their skills in various scenarios ranging from one-on-one dogfights to advanced Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM) missions involving multiple aircraft and mixed flights over the South China Sea. The exercises enable air force units to sharpen their air combat skills, improve procedures to conduct air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships between participating air forces and nations.

Assuming my memory has not failed me, this is the first Commando Sling since the mid-to-late 1990s that have involved a Marine Harrier unit, and is also the first 3-cornered Sling for several years. Marine aviation assets have also not taken part in Commando Slings since 2008.

In recent years Commando Sling exercises have been scaled back gradually with only three iterations conducted during FY2011, all involving the USAF's Pacific Air Forces units. This was in contrast to their heyday in the late 1990s when up to six Slings happened annually. Although the exercises also mostly involved Pacific Command units, CONUS-based F-15 and F-16 units of the USAF, Air National Guard (ANG) and even Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Air Education and Training Command (AETC) were also a regular sight in Singapore's skies, making the long trip to Paya Lebar to train with the RSAF.

With the recent drawdown in American forces from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with regional tensions involving China and an increased American force posture in the Asia-Pacific region, there is every likelihood that regional exercises involving American forces such as Commando Sling may increase in scope.

VIDEO: F-35B 1st Landing on USS Wasp

USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- The Navy and Marine Corps Team made naval aviation history Oct. 3 as the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft BF-2 landed safely on USS Wasp's (LHD 1) flight deck, the first at-sea vertical landing for the Marine Corps' F-35 JSF version.

Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Fred Schenk landed BF-2 at 3:12 pm...

More on the US Navy's website

USMC Sept 2011 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VMFA-314 "Black Knights" departed Aug, Sep 5/6 with 12 F/A-18A++ Hornets.
VMFA-115 "Silver Eagles" arrived Sep 4/5 with 10 F/A-18A++ Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.

USMC July 2011 Unit Deployment Program (Japan) update

The regular rotation of US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet units forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program has taken place, with the following units involved:

Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VMFA(AW)-533 "Hawks" departed Kadena Jul 15 with 13 F/A-18D Hornets.
VFA-94 "Mighty Shrikes" arrived July 14 with 12 F/A-18C(N) Hornets.

Info via Gonavy.

Last Pendleton Marine Light Attack squadron receives UH-1Y

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 (HMLA-469) has received its first UH-1Y helicopter as part of the Marine Corps’ upgrade program. The unit is last Marine Light Attack Helicopter squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton to receive the Yankee model of the ubiquitous Huey.

MV-22s make non-stop intercontinental flight from Afghanistan to Crete

The Marine Corps completed an aviation first, with six MV-22 Ospreys of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 flying from Afghanistan's Camp Bastion to Souda Bay, Greece, with the assistance of a pair of KC-130J Hercules providing transport and aerial refueling support.

Ace of Spades embarked on USS Bataan; bound for Med and Libya

On its way to relieve its sister ship the USS Kearsarge, the USS Bataan has embarked six Harriers of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 the "Ace of Spades" and headed for the Mediterranean and possible action in Libya.

US Marine Corps Harrier crashes off USS Boxer, pilot rescued

An AV-8B Harrier has crashed in the Gulf of Aden shortly after taking off from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, with the pilot recovered from the water soon after. The aircraft was attached to HMM-163 (Reinforced) 'Evil Eyes' supporting the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

US Marine CH-53 crashes off Kaneohe Bay, one crewmember killed

One Marine died and three others were injured, two critically, after a Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter crashed into a sandbar off Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The helicopter was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 363 based at nearby Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.

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.