Monday Notes

In contrast with the scuttlebutt going around regarding the less than flattering approach to bloggers by RADM Thorp at Milbloggers 2009 conference, we have an interview with VADM Harvey on the subject of blogging.

I noted the good news for the Joint Strike Fighter VSTOL version.

"The performance level measured was absolutely exceptional," said J.D. McFarlan, Lockheed Martin F-35 Air Vehicle lead. "We demonstrated 41,100 pounds of vertical thrust against our requirement of 40,550 pounds. This means we will deliver excellent margin for the vertical landing and short takeoff performance we've committed to our STOVL customers," he said.

Now lets hope the jet fighter doesn't burn up flight decks.

Southern Partnership Station = mission accomplished. Story here.

Question. Is this what a peacetime posture looks like in the Indian Ocean, or is this a good thing?

Finally, UNITAS GOLD is the 50th iteration of the longest running multinational maritime training exercise in the world. See the US Order of Battle here. Also check out the photo gallery here.

Photo: ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 23, 2024) -- Ships from eleven countries sail in formation during the photo exercise (PHOTOEX) of UNITAS Gold, the 50th iteration of the annual multinational maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/RELEASED) (Hi-Res)