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USS George Washington to Arrive in California Today to Begin 3-Carrier Crew Swap

The Navy’s three-carrier crew swap will begin today, with USS George Washington (CVN-73) set to arrive at Naval Air Station North Island to swap crews with USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) before heading to Newport News, Va., for its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).
George Washington had been forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan since 2008 and was the only carrier homeported abroad. It
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, stopping to participate in
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with Australia and New Zealand before patrolling U.S. 7th Fleet for the last time and eventually sailing to Hawaii and then California.
The carrier will stay in San Diego for 10 days, where it will swap crews with Ronald Reagan. The ship will then head to Virginia, where it will await its RCOH in fall 2016.
Ronald Reagan will then depart San Diego and go to Yokosuka to serve as the new forward-stationed carrier – bringing one of the newest carriers to the increasingly important area of operations and returning the forward-stationed crew to their homes in Japan.
“We are sending one of our most advanced carriers to join our forward deployed forces in Japan to support the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander of Naval Air Forces,
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. The ship received many system upgrades during its last maintenance period,
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.
“Sending USS Ronald Reagan demonstrates our continued commitment to the region and ensures the Navy is where it matters, when it matters.”

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Jeff Head

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AC-130J-08.jpg

[quote-US Air Force]HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- The first AC-130J Ghostrider landed here July 29, making it Air Force Special Operations Command’s first AC-130J.

After completing the initial developmental test and evaluation by the 413th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the aircraft will be flown by the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2 and maintained by the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during its initial operational tests and evaluations at Hurlburt Field.

“Putting it through these tests will allow us to wring out the AC-130J in a simulated combat environment, instead of the more rigid flight profiles in formal developmental testing,” said Lt. Col. Brett DeAngelis, the 1st SOG Det. 2 commander. “Now that we know the equipment works when we turn it on, it’s our task to determine the best way to employ our newest asset.”

For most, the new gunship is the future.

“The AC-130J brings new technology to the table for AFSOC with more efficient engines, improved fuel efficiency and the ability to fly higher, further and quieter,” said Master Sgt. Michael Ezell, the 1st SOAMXS production superintendent. “Additionally, the modified weapons system it possesses is a precision strike package that was collected from the older models, such as the laser-guided bombs and AGM-176 Griffin bombs, and combined to give us all the capabilities of the AC-130W Stinger II and AC-130U Spooky all in one package.”

The AC-130J is a modified MC-130J Commando II, containing advanced features that will enable it to provide ground forces with an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, suited for urban operations and capable of delivering precision munitions against ground targets.

“This is an exciting transition as we move the AC-130J from the test community to the operational community,” DeAngelis said. “While we still have initial operational testing in front of us to accomplish, it will now be done by aircrews selected for their combat expertise, instead of their testing background.”

A cadre of 60 aircrew and maintainers were selected by the Air Force Personnel Center to stand up the program, and there will be an additional 30 contractors to help work on the new gunship.

“We will be training on the airplane, getting all the qualifications and hands-on experience we need to be able to perform operational testing in order to give an exact picture of how this plane will operate in a real-world environment,” Ezell said. “Our focus right now is to learn how to maintain the aircraft and the operators will learn how to fly it and get ready for (initial operational test and evaluation), which should start later this year.”

Airmen were hand selected to work on the new AC-130J; they encompass a solid background and level of expertise on C-130Js. The maintenance team cadre came from Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, Dyess AFB, Texas, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, and Cannon AFB, New Mexico.

“As more AC-130Js are produced and delivered, the older models will slowly be retired,” DeAngelis said. “Until then, we’ll hold on to them while the AC-130J completes operational tests and the fleet becomes abundant in numbers.”

Operational testing is expected to be complete in spring 2016.

“Det. 2’s mission is simple; ‘Get it right,’” DeAngelis said. “And we have the right group of people to do just that.”[/quote]

Sixteen of these new U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) aircraft, which are attack aircraft based on the new MC-130J Combat Shadow II special operations tanker aircraft, are planned using 30mm cannons, Griffin Missiles and Small diameter bombs. The sixteen will replace eight aging AC-130H aircraft, and would thus grow the fleet from 25 total aircraft to 33. That is still the plan.


Initially the new AC-130J aircraft were going to remove the 105mm cannon in favor of all Small Diameter Bombs and the Griffins, and perhaps hellfire missiles. But, The Air Force decided to retain the 105 mm cannon in addition to its 30 mm cannon and the SDB and Griffins. AFSOC is also interested in adding a directed energy weapon to the AC-130J later, when they become available. There is also advanced research going on into deploying small unmanned aerial vehicles from the common launch tubes of the AC-130J to provide remote video feed and coordinates for weapons operators through cloud cover.

More pics:

AC-130J-03.jpg

AC-130J-04.jpg

AC-130J-05.jpg

AC-130J-01.jpg
 

Jeff Head

General
Registered Member
This is big news. we need more details:

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Vikram-joint-07.jpg

Naval Today said:
USA and India have formed a Joint Working Group for possible co-operation in the field of aircraft carrier technologies in the future.

The collaboration, which will result in building aircraft carriers, is expected to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s capabilities.

Indian Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar released the information of the Joint Working Group in a written reply to Shri KC Tyagi and Shri P Bhattacharya in Rajya Sabha.
 

FORBIN

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[quote-US Air Force]HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- The first AC-130J Ghostrider landed here July 29, making it Air Force Special Operations Command’s first AC-130J.

After completing the initial developmental test and evaluation by the 413th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the aircraft will be flown by the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2 and maintained by the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during its initial operational tests and evaluations at Hurlburt Field.

“Putting it through these tests will allow us to wring out the AC-130J in a simulated combat environment, instead of the more rigid flight profiles in formal developmental testing,” said Lt. Col. Brett DeAngelis, the 1st SOG Det. 2 commander. “Now that we know the equipment works when we turn it on, it’s our task to determine the best way to employ our newest asset.”

For most, the new gunship is the future.

“The AC-130J brings new technology to the table for AFSOC with more efficient engines, improved fuel efficiency and the ability to fly higher, further and quieter,” said Master Sgt. Michael Ezell, the 1st SOAMXS production superintendent. “Additionally, the modified weapons system it possesses is a precision strike package that was collected from the older models, such as the laser-guided bombs and AGM-176 Griffin bombs, and combined to give us all the capabilities of the AC-130W Stinger II and AC-130U Spooky all in one package.”

The AC-130J is a modified MC-130J Commando II, containing advanced features that will enable it to provide ground forces with an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, suited for urban operations and capable of delivering precision munitions against ground targets.

“This is an exciting transition as we move the AC-130J from the test community to the operational community,” DeAngelis said. “While we still have initial operational testing in front of us to accomplish, it will now be done by aircrews selected for their combat expertise, instead of their testing background.”

A cadre of 60 aircrew and maintainers were selected by the Air Force Personnel Center to stand up the program, and there will be an additional 30 contractors to help work on the new gunship.

“We will be training on the airplane, getting all the qualifications and hands-on experience we need to be able to perform operational testing in order to give an exact picture of how this plane will operate in a real-world environment,” Ezell said. “Our focus right now is to learn how to maintain the aircraft and the operators will learn how to fly it and get ready for (initial operational test and evaluation), which should start later this year.”

Airmen were hand selected to work on the new AC-130J; they encompass a solid background and level of expertise on C-130Js. The maintenance team cadre came from Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, Dyess AFB, Texas, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, and Cannon AFB, New Mexico.

“As more AC-130Js are produced and delivered, the older models will slowly be retired,” DeAngelis said. “Until then, we’ll hold on to them while the AC-130J completes operational tests and the fleet becomes abundant in numbers.”

Operational testing is expected to be complete in spring 2016.

“Det. 2’s mission is simple; ‘Get it right,’” DeAngelis said. “And we have the right group of people to do just that.”

Sixteen of these new U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) aircraft, which are attack aircraft based on the new MC-130J Combat Shadow II special operations tanker aircraft, are planned using 30mm cannons, Griffin Missiles and Small diameter bombs. The sixteen will replace eight aging AC-130H aircraft, and would thus grow the fleet from 25 total aircraft to 33. That is still the plan.


Initially the new AC-130J aircraft were going to remove the 105mm cannon in favor of all Small Diameter Bombs and the Griffins, and perhaps hellfire missiles. But, The Air Force decided to retain the 105 mm cannon in addition to its 30 mm cannon and the SDB and Griffins. AFSOC is also interested in adding a directed energy weapon to the AC-130J later, when they become available. There is also advanced research going on into deploying small unmanned aerial vehicles from the common launch tubes of the AC-130J to provide remote video feed and coordinates for weapons operators through cloud cover.

More pics:

View attachment 16929

View attachment 16930

View attachment 16932

Jeff are you sure this is an AC-130J on your picture ?

Because i have read the first with this gun which is in fact the 3rd* MC-130J modified not yet delivered right now have only a 30 mm gun and small missiles.

* It is just the second Ghostrider to be produced, and does not have the 105mm cannon that will feature on every future AC-130J starting with the third aircraft
.
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AC-130H retired remains 17 AC-130U and 12 AC-130W after replaced with H by 37 AC-130J.
3 Combat Sqns each have 10/12.

Really this big boys desserves a thread :)
 
Last edited:

Jeff Head

General
Registered Member
Jeff are you sure this is an AC-130J on your picture ?

Because i have read the first with this gun which is in fact the 3rd* MC-130J modified not yet delivered right now have only a 30 mm gun and small missiles.
I pulled that pic off an article talking about them getting the 105mm for the AC-130J...perhaps they are showing what it will look like by showing the earlier model?

AC-130H retired remains 17 AC-130U and 12 AC-130W after replaced with H by 37 AC-130J.
3 Combat Sqns each have 10/12.

Really this big boys desserves a thread :)
I created a thread for them.

In World Military Forum...Dedicated Fixed Wing Gunship Aircraft.
 

Jeff Head

General
Registered Member
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CTF151-01.jpg

Naval Today said:
Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 has conducted a joint operation with partners from across the international community, both military and non-military, aimed at encouraging the maritime community to work together to promote legitimate trade and fair use of the sea in the Horn of Africa region.

The operation, coordinated by CTF151, was a multinational, multiagency operation involving ships and aircraft from 5 nations, the UK Maritime Trade Organisation and the European Union Naval force, (EU NAVFOR). The aim was to encourage cooperation and communication amongst all maritime users in the region, including fishermen and merchant vessels operating in the area.

Ships and aircraft from Pakistan, South Korea, Spain, USA and Japan took part in the operation which took place over 7 days covering areas in the Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman.

Japan is leading CTF 151 for three months. Other nations working in direct support to the Japanese-led headquarters include Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Thailand, Turkey, UK, and USA.

CTF 151 is one of three Combined Task Forces operating in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden etc. that the US Navy regularly works with. The flagship of the various TAsk Forces rotates between participating nations. currently, CTF 151 is operating under JMSDF leadership, with JMSDF Akizuki, DDG-115, actinfg as flagship.

The three task forces are Combined Taks Force (CTF) 150, 1451, and 152.

There general areas of operation are shown in the map below:

CTF151-02.jpg

The US Navy regularly deploys AEGIS destroyers (Burke Class) and cruisers (Ticondertoga Class) to work with these tasf forces.

Here the USS Farragaut (DDG-99) which disabled (destroyed) a large pirate skiff is seen preparing to recover its launch.

CTF151-03.jpg

Here, the Ticonderoga cruiser, USS Chosin, is seen with its helicopter departing near sundown.

CTF151-04.jpg
 

FORBIN

Lieutenant General
Registered Member
I pulled that pic off an article talking about them getting the 105mm for the AC-130J...perhaps they are showing what it will look like by showing the earlier model?


I created a thread for them.

In World Military Forum...Dedicated Fixed Wing Gunship Aircraft.
The best for see if this an AC-130J see the propellers but quite sure this one is not.

very accurate gun
sure guided by radar.
 
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