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Staff Sgt. Travis Surber, a native of Franklin County, VA and a paratrooper with the 173rd Brigade Combat Team’s Battle Company of the 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry Regiment parachutes out of a C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft and into the Ukraine sky. This marks the first time the “Sky Soldiers” of the 173rd have jumped in Ukraine and they’ll be training and conducting multinational airborne operations, a situational training exercise and a field training exercise here from through 5 Aug. as part of Rapid Trident 2011.
Rapid Trident 2011 is a U.S. Army Europe led, multi-national exercise taking place at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine. It is designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen international military partnering and foster trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.
Rapid Trident 2011 involves approximately 1,600 personnel. In addition to the U.S. Army Europe and Ukraine, participants include: Latvia, Belarus, Moldova, Slovenia, Canada, Poland, Serbia, the UK, Lithuania, Estonia, California and Utah National Guard and U.S. Air Force Europe.
Rapid Trident supports interoperability among Ukraine, the United States, NATO and Partnership for Peace member nations. This exercise will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, integrated environment with host- nation support from civil and governmental agencies.
Rapid Trident is a part of U.S. European Command’s Joint Training and Exercise Program, designed to enhance joint combined interoperability with allied and partner nations.
The exercise also supports Ukraine’s Annual National Program to achieve interoperability with NATO and commitments made in the annual NATO-Ukraine work plan.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is one of the U.S. Army’s most highly decorated units having particularly distinguished itself during the Vietnam War and having produced fifteen Congressional Medal of Honor recipients including Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
Oregon and Washington National Guard Soldiers of B Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, conducted interoperability training exercises with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, March 13-17, 2016. CH-47 Chinook helicopters from B Company, 1-168th Aviation Battalion, and AH-64 Apache helicopters from 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, practiced landing aboard the USS PONCE AFSB 15. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Ian M. Kummer)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 17, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, takes off from the flight deck of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) during routine operations. Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf)
Oregon and Washington National Guard Soldiers of B Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, conducted interoperability training exercises with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, March 13-17, 2016. CH-47 Chinook helicopters from B Company, 1-168th Aviation Battalion, and AH-64 Apache helicopters from 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, practiced landing aboard the USS PONCE AFSB 15. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Ian M. Kummer)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Mar. 10, 2017) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) leads U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships in formation during MultiSail 17. The bilateral training exercise is designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elijah G. Leinaar/Released) 170310-N-GP548-1205
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Nov. 19, 2021) Capt. Ken Ward, left, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), shakes hands with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Takuhiro Hiragi, commander, Fleet Air Wing 31, on the ship’s flight deck during a port visit. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Berlier)
ARTA TRAINING RANGE, Djibouti (Oct. 6, 2015) U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Dragos Coca engages targets during a desert survival and tactics course. Coca is a platoon sergeant with Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU trained with the 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) in Djibouti from Sept. 21 to Oct. 7 in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2021) - A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) overlooks the JS Ise in the Philippine sea as an MV-22 Osprey conducts touch-and-go flight training, August 24, 2021. Cross-deck training with allies and partners enhances our ability to work together and remain tactically proficient. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexandria Nowell) 210824-M-RJ196-1013
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1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Soldiers, route planning atop their Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle during NATO Exercise Allied Spirit 8.
Approximately 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) were among 4,000 soldiers from 10 different NATO countries participating in Exercise Allied Spirit 8 in Southern Germany.
The NATO assurance measurement exercise is designed to develop relationships and promote interoperability and integration with NATO, Allied and Coalition partners.
During the exercise 1PWRR have been under the command of a Polish Mechanised Brigade delivering the Armoured Infantry element along with a company of Danish Armoured Infantry.
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Photographer: Mr Dominic King
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COLONEL ERNESTO RABINA AIR BASE, Philippines (Oct. 13, 2022) – Philippine and U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in a combined arms live-fire event during KAMANDAG 6 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 13, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ujian Gosun) 221013-M-TU214-0128
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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (March 29, 2018) - A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., opens its drag chute during its arrival at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia. The detachment of U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers, aircrew and support personnel deployed to RAAF Darwin for EAC 18-2 enables the U.S. to train and increase interoperability with our Australian counterparts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riede) 180329-F-CH060-0336
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KUNSAN AIR BASE, 26, South Korea (May 18, 2023) - Republic of Korea Army soldiers and U.S. Air Force 8th Security Forces Squadron Defenders debrief following a training event at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, May 18, 2023. Bilateral training like this increases U.S.-ROK interoperability and strengthens the Alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emili Koonce) 230518-F-UH796-2105
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U.S. Army Europe soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, patrol a road at the Grafenwoehr Training Area at sunrise during Saber Junction 2012, Oct. 13. U.S. Army Europe's exercise Saber Junction trains U.S. personnel and more than 1,800 multinational partners from 18 European nations ensuring multinational interoperability and an agile, ready coalition force.
Training Support Activity Europe
Photo by Markus Rauchenberger
Date Taken:10.13.2012
Location:GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE
Read more: www.dvidshub.net/image/722455/saber-junction-2012#.UHxHHB...
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division, secure a landing zone as two UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters operated by B Company, 43rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division fly away after dropping off the Soldiers during exercise Ulhan Fury currently being held at the General Silvestras Zlikaliskas Training Area, Pabrade, Lithuania, Aug. 12, 2015. Ulhan Fury is a bilateral military exercise with Lithuanian Land Forces Soldiers assigned to 2nd Coy, Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion (BUB). The Soldiers of Dog Company are in Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve, a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and to enduring peace and stability in the region. U.S. Army Europe is leading Atlantic Resolve enhanced land force multinational training and security cooperation activities taking place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Bulgaria to ensure multinational interoperability, strengthen relationships among allied militaries, contribute to regional stability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. James Avery, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
SUESONGRI, Republic of Korea (Sept. 12, 2017) - Republic of Korea Marine Amphibious Assault Vehicles eject smoke clouds during Korean Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) 17-13 aboard Suesongri live fire range. KMEP 17-13 enables the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines to focus on exchanging tactics, procedures, and increasing interoperability. The Hawaii-based battalion is forward deployed to Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aaron S. Patterson) 170912-M-QH615-411
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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, three Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress fly together during Bomber Task Force Europe 20-1, Nov. 6, 2019 over the Barents Sea region of the Arctic Circle. This deployment allows aircrews and support personnel to conduct theater integration and to improve bomber interoperability with joint partners and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Duncan C. Bevan)
PHILIPPINE SEA (April 19, 2022) Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Santiago-Ramos, from Aguada, Puerto Rico, uses a forklift to transport cargo aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thaddeus Berry)
A U.S. Marine with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment trains with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 8, 2014, during exercise Iron Fist 2014. Iron Fist is a three-week bilateral training event held annually between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force designed to increase interoperability between the two services while aiding the Japanese in their continued development of amphibious capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anna K. Albrecht/Released)
A U.S. Army M3 Bradley fighting vehicle, left, of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment and a German Army Duch engineering vehicle maneuver through a field while conducting a water obstacle with opposing forces scenario during exercise Letzlingen Freedom Shock at the GACTC in Letzlingen, Germany, April 25, 2015. Exercise Letzlingen Freedom Shock promotes interoperability between the German and American training organizations while highlighting U.S. Army Europe's rapid deployment capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ian Schell/Released)
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 2, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) cruises behind Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) while conducting operations in the South China Sea. Higgins is participating in multilateral exercises in the South China Sea in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Indo-Pacific deployment, along with the Royal Canadian Navy. Routine multilateral exercises like this strengthen interoperability and our mutual commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Donavan K. Patubo)
Republic of Singapore air force Col. Chan Ching Hao (left), Royal Thai air force Group Capt. Supijjarn Thamwatharsaree (center) and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James McFarland, exercise directors for "Exercise Cope Tiger 17" (CT17) pose for a photo at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 28, 2017. The annual multilateral exercise, which involves a combined total of 76 aircraft and 43 air defense assets, is aimed at improving combined combat readiness and interoperability between the Republic of Singapore air force, Royal Thai air force, and U.S. Air Force, while concurrently enhancing the three nations' military relations.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 2, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) cruises behind Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) while conducting operations in the South China Sea. Higgins is participating in multilateral exercises in the South China Sea in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Indo-Pacific deployment, along with the Royal Canadian Navy. Routine multilateral exercises like this strengthen interoperability and our mutual commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Donavan K. Patubo)
Marines with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, sight down range with their M40 A5 sniper rifles and M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System as a part an unknown distance qualification range August 18 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Koolendong 14. The range focused on increasing scout sniper's long range precision firing capabilities. The Marines challenged themselves with the M40 A5, M110 SASS and the M107 SASR. The battalion is currently deployed in part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies, and improves interoperability with their forces. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)
U.S. soldiers with 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team prepare to board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during exercise Sky Soldier, La Felipe drop zone, Spain, Feb. 27, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF participated in exercise Sky Soldier which promotes interoperability between Marine Corps Aviation assets and American and Spanish Airborne and Air Mobile forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole/Released)
Republic of Singapore air force Col. Chan Ching Hao (left), Royal Thai air force Group Capt. Supijjarn Thamwatharsaree (center), and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James McFarland pose for a photo during "Exercise Cope Tiger 17" at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 28, 2017. The annual multilateral exercise, which involves a combined total of 76 aircraft and 43 air defense assets, is aimed at improving combined combat readiness and interoperability between the Republic of Singapore air force, Royal Thai air force, and U.S. Air Force, while concurrently enhancing the three nations' military relations.
Battle Group Poland U.S., U.K and 15th Mechanized Brigade Polish tactical vehicles perform river crossing training June 19 in Rukla, Lithuanian as part of the joint training exercise Iron Wolf which is held in conjunction with Saber Strike 17. The exercises include integrated and synchronized deterrence-oriented training designed to improve interoperability and readiness of the militaries of the 20 participating nations throughout the Baltic region and Poland. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kevin Wang/Released)
U.S. Soldiers with Battle Group Poland conduct Urban Breach training near the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, during Saber Strike 17 June 8. Saber Strike 17 is a U.S. Army Europe-led multinational combined forces exercise conducted annually to enhance the NATO alliance throughout the Baltic region and Poland. This year’s exercise includes integrated and synchronized deterrence-oriented training designed to improve interoperability and readiness of the 20 participating nations’ militaries. (U.S. Army photo by Georgios Moumoulidis)
Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division fire ceremonial rounds from their M1A2 Abrams Tanks at the Adazi Training Area, Latvia, on November 6, 2014. The Soldiers, who are here to assist in training the Latvian Land Forces as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, were part of an exhibit to dignitaries and local media. These rounds mark the first firing of tank rounds in Latvia since 1994. These activities are part of the U.S. Army Europe-led Operation Atlantic Resolve land force assurance training taking place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, strengthen relationships among allied militaries, contribute to regional stability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy J. Fowler)
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2021) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kyle Chasse stands watch aboard the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9). City of Bismarck is serving as the mission platform for Pacific Partnership 21. Pacific Partnership, now in its 16th iteration, brings nations together to prepare during calm periods to effectively respond in times of crisis. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joseph R. Vincent/Released)
A U.S. Army M1A1 Abrams tank crewmwmber, with Gunslinger Troop, 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee National Guard, works in unison with Polish Armed Forces BMP-1 tank crewmembers while conducting defense live-fire and maneuver training during Anakonda-18 in Poland, Nov. 14, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Arturo Guzman) www.dvidshub.net
PHILIPPINE SEA (June 12, 2017) - The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) steams along as part of interoperability drills with Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. The drills are meant to enhance the readiness of cruiser-destroyer ships to rapidly integrate with an amphibious task force to provide increased capability for amphibious operations in support of crisis response or disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah Villegas/Released) 170612-N-YG104-008
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161013-N-SU278-060 South China Sea (Oct. 13, 2016) - From left, the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193), the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay, the MSC ammunition and cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) steam in formation as part of interoperability drills between the Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG) in the South China Sea, Oct. 13, 2016. The drills are meant to enhance readiness of cruiser-destroyer ships to rapidly integrate with an amphibious task force to provide increased capability for amphibious operations in support of crisis response or disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Will Gaskill)
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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2022) Operations Specialist 3rd Class Branden Pelayo, left, from Oxnard, California, and U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Kenny Bejaran, from New York City, assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps Fifth Air Naval Gun Liaison Company (5th ANGLICO), plot land targets during Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) communication drills in the Combat Information Center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) while participating in bilateral advanced warfare training (BAWT). BAWT is an annual bilateral training exercise that improves the partnership between U.S. and Japanese Forces. This year’s exercise focused on enhancing readiness and interoperability of coalition forces from the U.S. and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)
A soldier from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aims at a target while conducting immediate-action drills with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, during Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 4, 2014. Iron Fist is an amphibious exercise that brings together Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, other I Marine Expeditionary Force units, and soldiers from the JGSDF, to promote military interoperability and hone individual and small-unit skills through challenging, complex and realistic training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)
Marines with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, sight down range with their M40 A5 sniper rifles as a part an unknown distance qualification range August 18 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Koolendong 14. The range focused on increasing scout sniper's long range precision firing capabilities. The Marines challenged themselves with the M40 A5, M110 SASS and the M107 SASR. The battalion is currently deployed in part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies, and improves interoperability with their forces. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)
Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 perform post-flight maintenance checks on McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B "Harrier II's" during Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Counterland Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wis., Aug. 13. Exercise Northern Lightning 2018 allows the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy to strengthen interoperability between services and gives the different branches a greater understanding of aviation capabilities within a joint fighting force.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of the Harrier Jump Jet family. Capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), the aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first operational V/STOL aircraft. The aircraft is primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, ranging from close air support of ground troops to armed reconnaissance. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. A variant of the AV-8B, the British Aerospace Harrier II, was developed for the British military, while another, the TAV-8B, is a dedicated two-seat trainer.
The project that eventually led to the AV-8Bs creation started in the early 1970s as a cooperative effort between the United States and United Kingdom (UK), aimed at addressing the operational inadequacies of the first-generation Harrier. Early efforts centered on a larger, more powerful Pegasus engine to dramatically improve the capabilities of the Harrier. Due to budgetary constraints, the UK abandoned the project in 1975.
Following the withdrawal of the UK, McDonnell Douglas extensively redesigned the earlier AV-8A Harrier to create the AV-8B. While retaining the general layout of its predecessor, the aircraft incorporates a new wing, an elevated cockpit, a redesigned fuselage, one extra hardpoint per wing, and other structural and aerodynamic refinements. The aircraft is powered by an upgraded version of the Pegasus, which gives the aircraft its V/STOL ability. The AV-8B made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the USMC in January 1985. Later upgrades added a night-attack capability and radar, resulting in the AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, respectively. An enlarged version named Harrier III was also studied, but not pursued. The UK, through British Aerospace, re-joined the improved Harrier project as a partner in 1981, giving it a significant work-share in the project. After corporate mergers in the 1990s, Boeing and BAE Systems have jointly supported the program. Approximately 340 aircraft were produced in a 22-year production program that ended in 2003.
Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases, AV-8Bs have participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations, proving themselves versatile assets. U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopf named the USMC Harrier II as one of several important weapons in the Gulf War. The aircraft took part in combat during the Iraq War beginning in 2003. The Harrier II has served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan since 2001, and was used in Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011. Italian and Spanish Harrier IIs have taken part in overseas conflicts in conjunction with NATO coalitions. During its service history, the AV-8B has had a high accident rate, related to the percentage of time spent in critical take-off and landing phases. USMC and Italian Navy AV-8Bs are to be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, with the former expected to operate its Harriers until 2025.
Development
Origins
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first-generation Harriers entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Marine Corps (USMC), but were handicapped in range and payload. In short takeoff and landing configuration, the AV-8A (American designation for the Harrier) carried less than half the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) payload of the smaller Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, over a more limited radius. To address this issue, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began joint development of a more capable version of the Harrier in 1973. Early efforts concentrated on an improved Pegasus engine, designated the Pegasus 15, which was being tested by Bristol Siddeley. Although more powerful, the engine's diameter was too large by 2.75 in (70 mm) to fit into the Harrier easily.
In December 1973, a joint American and British team completed a project document defining an Advanced Harrier powered by the Pegasus 15 engine. The Advanced Harrier was intended to replace the original RAF and USMC Harriers, as well as the USMC's A-4. The aim of the Advanced Harrier was to double the AV-8's payload and range, and was therefore unofficially named AV-16. The British government pulled out of the project in March 1975 owing to decreased defense funding, rising costs, and the RAF's insufficient 60-aircraft requirement. With development costs estimated to be around £180–200 million (1974 British pounds), the United States was unwilling to fund development by itself, and ended the project later that year.
Despite the project's termination, the two companies continued to take different paths toward an enhanced Harrier. Hawker Siddeley focused on a new larger wing that could be retrofitted to existing operational aircraft, while McDonnell Douglas independently pursued a less ambitious, though still expensive, project catering to the needs of the US military. Using knowledge gleaned from the AV-16 effort, though dropping some items—such as the larger Pegasus engine—McDonnell Douglas kept the basic structure and engine for an aircraft tailored for the USMC.
Designing and testing
As the USMC wanted a substantially improved Harrier without the development of a new engine, the plan for Harrier II development was authorized by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 1976. The United States Navy (USN), which had traditionally procured military aircraft for the USMC, insisted that the new design be verified with flight testing. McDonnell Douglas modified two AV-8As with new wings, revised intakes, redesigned exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes; the modified forward fuselage and cockpit found on all subsequent aircraft were not incorporated on these prototypes. Designated YAV-8B, the first converted aircraft flew on 9 November 1978, at the hands of Charles Plummer. The aircraft performed three vertical take-offs and hovered for seven minutes at Lambert–St. Louis International Airport. The second aircraft followed on 19 February 1979, but crashed that November due to engine flameout; the pilot ejected safely. Flight testing of these modified AV-8s continued into 1979. The results showed greater than expected drag, hampering the aircraft's maximum speed. Further refinements to the aerodynamic profile yielded little improvement. Positive test results in other areas, including payload, range, and V/STOL performance, led to the award of a development contract in 1979. The contract stipulated a procurement of 12 aircraft initially, followed by a further 324.
Between 1978 and 1980, the DoD and USN repeatedly attempted to terminate the AV-8B program. There had previously been conflict between the USMC and USN over budgetary issues. At the time, the USN wanted to procure A-18s for its ground attack force and, to cut costs, pressured the USMC to adopt the similarly-designed F-18 fighter instead of the AV-8B to fulfill the role of close air support (both designs were eventually amalgamated to create the multirole F/A-18 Hornet). Despite these bureaucratic obstacles, in 1981, the DoD included the Harrier II in its annual budget and five-year defense plan. The USN declined to participate in the procurement, citing the limited range and payload compared with conventional aircraft.
In August 1981 the program received a boost when British Aerospace (BAe) and McDonnell Douglas signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the UK's re-entry into the program. The British government was enticed by the lower cost of acquiring Harriers promised by a large production run, and the fact that the US was shouldering the expense of development. Under the agreement BAe was relegated to the position of a subcontractor, instead of the full partner status that would have been the case had the UK not left the program. Consequently, the company received, in man-hours, 40 percent of the airframe work-share. Aircraft production took place at McDonnell Douglas' facilities in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, and manufacturing by BAe at its Kingston and Dunsfold facilities in Surrey, England. Meanwhile, 75 percent work-share for the engine went to Rolls-Royce, which had previously absorbed Bristol Siddeley, with the remaining 25 percent assigned to Pratt & Whitney. The two companies planned to manufacture 400 Harrier IIs, with the USMC expected to procure 336 aircraft and the RAF, 60.
Four full-scale development (FSD) aircraft were constructed. The first of these (BuNo 161396), used mainly for testing performance and handling qualities, made its maiden flight on 5 November 1981, piloted by Plummer. The second and third FSD aircraft, which introduced wing leading-edge root extensions and revised engine intakes, first flew in April the following year; the fourth followed in January 1984. The first production AV-8B was delivered to the Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 (VMAT-203) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (MCAS Cherry Point) on 12 December 1983, and officially handed over one month later. The last of the initial batch of 12 was delivered in January 1985 to the front-line Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331). The engine used for these aircraft was the F402-RR-404A, with 21,450 lb (95.4 kN) of thrust; aircraft from 1990 onwards received upgraded engines.
U.S. Navy Diver 2nd Class Mario Nicoletti, with Company 2-6, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Two, attaches a safety line to a salvaged project that was brought to the surface during Navy Diver-Southern Partnership Station (ND-SPS) 2010 in Panama City, Panama, Aug. 20, 2010. ND-SPS 2010 was a multinational partnership engagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capacity through diving operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jayme Pastoric/Released)
U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, board AAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicles in order to disembark the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) off the coast of Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 25, 2015. The 15th MEU was embarked aboard the three ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group - the USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and USS Rushmore – from Jan. 22-25 to familiarize themselves with the ships as they continue to prepare for their upcoming deployment this spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steve H. Lopez/Released)
This image is excerpted from a U.S. GAO report:
www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-12
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: Improved Procurement of Land Mobile Radios Could Enhance Interoperability and Cut Costs
Note: The dots in the figure represent the 57 agencies we surveyed plus the FBI. The gray lines connect pairs of agencies whereby only one agency within the pair identified the need to be interoperable with the other agency, and the black lines connect pairs of agencies whereby both agencies within the pair mutually and independently identified the need to be interoperable with one another.
KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand (Mar. 28, 2017) - Republic of Singapore air force Col. Chan Ching Hao (left), Royal Thai air force Group Capt. Supijjarn Thamwatharsaree (center), and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James McFarland pose for a photo during exercise Cope Tiger 17 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. The annual multilateral exercise, which involves a combined total of 76 aircraft and 43 air defense assets, is aimed at improving combined combat readiness and interoperability between the Republic of Singapore air force, Royal Thai air force, and U.S. Air Force, while concurrently enhancing the three nations' military relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kamaile Chan) 170328-F-QA288-0005
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A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, prepares to fire an M224 60 mm mortar system during Sea Breeze 19 in Chabanka, Ukraine, July 3, 2019. Sea Breeze is a U.S. and Ukraine co-hosted multinational maritime exercise held in the Black Sea and is designed to enhance interoperability of participating nations and strengthen maritime security and peace within our region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Williams Quinteros)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 12, 2021) Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) approaches fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) for a replenishment-at-sea. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Thomas Contant)
Exercise Amitie, which is French for friendship exercise, is a multinational training exercise designed to increase interoperability, enhance mutual capabilities and support a sustained presence in the region. During Amitie, elements from the 15th MEU participated in a three-day mounted patrol, land and water obstacle courses, aviation-related evolutions and joint planning. The training was led by the French 5th Marine Regiment and included elements from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, French Foreign Legion, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Djiboutian military. The 15th MEU is deployed as part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
Photo by Cpl. John Robbart III
M1A1 Abrams tanks of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment arrive at the demonstration field before the opening ceremony of exercise Letzlingen Freedom Shock at the German Army Combat Training Center in Letzlingen, Germany, April 22, 2015. Exercise Letzlingen Freedom Shock demonstrates interoperability between the German and American training organizations while highlighting U.S. Army Europe's rapid deployment capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ian Schell/Not Reviewed)
Japan (April 19, 2022) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) 1st Airborne Brigade soldiers execute a static line jump near Narashino training field, Japan, during a bilateral jump training with the 36th Airlift Squadron, April 19, 2022. The goal of this event is to improve interoperability between the USAF and JGSDF by defense and information exchanges to deepen mutual understanding of each unit, and to further cement the U.S. and Japanese alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo) 220419-F-VI983-0211
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A Latvian Army soldier uses hand signals to communicate with his comrades during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)
MISAWA, Japan (May 13, 2022) From left to right, Col. Jesse Friedel, commander of 35th Fighter Wing, Maj. Gen. Takahiro Kubota, 3rd Air Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Misawa Air Base commander, and Capt. Paul A. Hockran, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, stand together during an "Elephant Walk" at Misawa Air Base. The Elephant Walk showcased Misawa Air Base's collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. NAF Misawa provides aviation and ground logistics support and services to all permanent and transient U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps forces in Northern Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Ringers)
SEA OF JAPAN (June 10, 2015) Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit depart from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48) during a AAV testing operation. Ashland is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications 3rd Class David A. Cox)
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Jan. 15, 2019) - A B-2 Spirit bomber deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducts aerial refueling near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, during an interoperability training mission. The aircraft are flying in support of a U.S. Strategic Command Bomber Task Force mission. U.S. Strategic Command’s Bomber Forces regularly conduct combined theater security cooperation engagements with allies and partners, demonstrating the U.S. capability to command, control and conduct bomber missions across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf) 190115-F-ML224-0788
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Multinational soldiers from KFOR Regional Command - East secured a helicopter landing zone and conducted slingload operations in the vicinity of Kleçke, Kosovo demonstrating interoperability of forces in the KFOR area of operations. Operation Amber Castle is being conducted to showcase the joint capability and multinational interoperability of KFOR RC-East's commitment to providing a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for the people and institutions of Kosovo. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Young, RC-East Public Affairs)