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)

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)

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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Infantrymen of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, fire M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 2 vehicles on Tapa Army Base, Nov. 13. The infantrymen are in the field for nine days to conduct joint training exercises with Estonian soldiers, as well as showcase their skills and allow Estonian officers and noncommissioned officers to experience firing a M1A2 SEP V2. 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 Caitlyn Byrne, 10th Press Camp Headquarters)

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)

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)

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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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)

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)

PALAU (Sept. 4, 2021) - The littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) departs Palau, Sept. 4, 2021, after a port visit. Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Atticus Martinez) 210904-M-EH070-1108

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MANILA, Philippines (Aug. 4, 2021) U.S. Army Maj. Maren Mason, left, a veterinarian, demonstrates how to assess a dog to an Armed Forces of the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency service member during a Pacific Partnership 2021 mission discussion. 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 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)

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)

www.dvidshub.net

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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2022) Sailors fight a simulated fire during a general quarters drill 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 Seaman Kassandra Alanis)

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.

OKINAWA, Japan (Aug. 3, 2020) A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lands during long range-reconnaissance training at LZ Phoenix in Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 3, 2020. Conducting this training allowed Recon Marines with 3rd Marine Division the opportunity to enhance their readiness and to develop new techniques for deploying the MRZR light tactical all-terrain vehicle from helicopters for rapid insertions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

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 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)

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)

Alan McKinnon (Professor of Logistics, Kühne Logistics University, Germany) responding to a question during the ITF in focus session: "ITF Transport Outlook" at the International Transport Forum’s 2018 Summit on “Transport Safety and Security” in Leipzig, Germany on 24 May 2018.

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)

From 31 December 2019 class 466s will not meet The Railways Interoperability Regulations act 2011 so will not be permitted to work independently as seen here. Similarly the occasionally seen "Tutu" will also no longer be permitted.

What will replace the 466s that work on the Grove Park to Bromley North branch line has not been announced but much work has been taking place on the line including the addition of this 5 car stop sign and work on the monitoring screens.

With a pair of 376s having recently run on the line it seems that as of January 2020 a 5 car Class 376 may be working the Popper instead.

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 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.

MANILA, Philippines (July 28, 2021) U.S. Navy Lt. Natalie Spritzer and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Eric Sierra give a lecture to Philippine Navy sailors during a Pacific Partnership 21 medical discussion. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Brown/Released)

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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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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APRA HARBOR, Guam (June 3, 2021) - A member of Task Group 75.1/ Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 is raised to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations 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 Adam Butler) 210603-N-WU807-1953

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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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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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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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) launches a countermeasures chaff round 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 12, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Doran Branch, right, from Fairfield, California, directs an E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group (ABECSG) 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 Javier Reyes)

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)

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)

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (March 12, 2015) Sailors, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, Company 1-6, embarked on USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52) work to complete a heavy lift of a 30 ton wrecked Korean vessel as part of Salvage Exercise (SALVEX) 2015 in Chinhae. The heavy lift was the culmination of a two-week bilateral exercise between U.S. Navy divers and ROKN divers which focused on reinforcing teamwork and interoperability between the U.S. and ROK navies while giving Sailors the opportunity to sharpen their tactical skills. (U.S. Navy photo by Navy Diver 2nd Class Blake Florhe / Released)

From left, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lorena Leyva, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 22, and Senegal Army Soldier 1st Class Insa Mane, garrisoned in Thies, Senegal, help build a fence at a farm for women in Nianing, Senegal, Feb. 27, 2016. Both service members participated in Flintlock 2016, an exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command to increase interoperability between special operations forces.

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)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 17, 2018) Civilian mariners aboard Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) discharge a fire hose over the side of the ship during a damage control training exercise as Brunswick transits to Tawau, Malaysia in support of Pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18), April 17. PP18’s mission is to work collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific region. Pacific Partnership, now in its 13th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Byron C. Linder/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jerad L. Wilcox, a platoon sergeant with Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, observes a firing mission during exercise Iron Fist 2014 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 6, 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. (DoD photo by Sgt. Jamean R. Berry, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

BASE AERIENNE 188, Djibouti (Sept. 22, 2015) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Satariano swims over a kayak as part of an obstacle during the swim portion of an indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Satariano is a light armored vehicle crewman with Delta Company, Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 17, 2021) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, launches off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) 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 Seaman Megan Alexander)

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)