RAF 11159 kHz Volmet Off the Air

As of yesterday afternoon and confirmed again this morning the RAF Tactical Volmet that was widely heard here statewide on 11159 kHz is off the air.

Acta Est Fabula - Finis?

British test pilot marks milestone in the Joint Combat Aircraft

By Victor Chen, F-35 Integrated Test Force Public Affairs

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- A royal Air Force (RAF) squadron leader became the United Kingdom's first military test pilot to fly the F-35C, the carrier variant of the Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, Feb. 21.

As an international program, the F-35 has eight cooperative partners working with the United States; the United Kingdom was the first country to join the program in January 2001. The UK is planning to purchase the carrier variant to enter service as the joint combat aircraft (JCA).

"The F-35 has the best handling of any jet I've flown, which means it's going to be easier to land on a ship than current aircraft. And pilots can devote all of their attention to the mission," said Jim Schofield, RAF squadron leader.

"Combined with the world's best sensors which allow the pilot to find and target anything that's out there, and a stealthy signature, which means the enemy can't do the same to you, this is exactly the aircraft the UK needs to provide the best protection for our soldiers, sailors and airmen for the next 35 years," he further explained.

Schofield's flight is the latest in a series of milestones for the UK's JCA program, which included the first F-35C launch on the test electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) Nov. 18, 2011, and the rollout of the first UK F-35 from the production line four days later. EMALS is the current launching system of record for the future HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, currently under construction.

"This is another major step forward for the UK's Joint Combat Aircraft programme," said Group Capt. Harv Smyth, the UK's JSF national deputy. "Squadron Leader Schofield is now test-flying both the [short takeoff and vertical landing] and carrier variants of the F-35, which affords the UK unprecedented early learning regarding this 5th-generation air system. This is a very exciting period for JCA, as not only are we now testing both the B and the C variants, but we look forward to taking delivery of our first production F-35 aircraft later this year."

According to the RAF's website, the F-35 employed as the JCA in UK forces will offer many advantages over legacy platforms: low observability, supersonic flight, improved survivability, internal and external weapons carriage, increased range and easier supply and maintenance.

The F-35C carrier variant of JSF is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants, with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet and international partners.

Royal Air Force aircrews to train at Offutt

by Ryan Hansen, 55th Wing Public Affairs

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AFNS) -- Whether it's performing strategic bombing missions in World War II, defending Europe during the Cold War, monitoring Iraqi no-fly zones, or battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force have been close allies for many years.

Recently, this partnership was bolstered once again when an agreement was reached between Department of Defense and the U.K. Ministry of Defense officials that allows the RAF members to purchase three RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft during the next seven years.

As part of this new agreement, Airmen here were tasked to train the initial cadre of RAF aircrews. The Airmen here have the Air Force's only operational RC-135 wing, the sole provider of Rivet Joint initial qualification training.

Once trained, the RAF crews will be allowed to fly on U.S. Rivet Joint aircraft, called co-manning, until the U.K.'s RC-135 fleet reaches full operational capability.

The first group of RAF aircrew members are scheduled to arrive Jan. 11.

"We are truly excited about this unique opportunity to have members of the RAF training with us here," said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, the 55th Wing commander. "The U.K.-U.S. special relationship has been the cornerstone of relations between the two countries and we look forward to strengthening our intelligence ties through this cooperative arrangement."

Pilots, navigators, electronic warfare officers and a host of intelligence operators and airborne maintenance technicians from 51 Squadron at RAF Waddington are all scheduled to attend the training.

"The RAF is delighted to be joining the (Rivet Joint) component in a new era of joint training and operations," said RAF Wing Commander Garry Crosby, who is in the initial training group and will assume command of 51 Squadron in June.

"We look forward to sharing some peculiar British customs with our U.S. colleagues and competing with the (Airmen) of Offutt (AFB) in a variety of sporting challenges," he continued. "Most of all, we are looking forward to our first training missions on a Rivet Joint and then setting our sights on future operational success together."

The visiting RAF personnel will be assigned to the 338th Combat Training Squadron while at Offutt. They'll participate in course work that is standard curriculum for anyone in the Air Force assigned to the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint.

"The first group of 51 Squadron personnel in course number one are the pioneers," Wing Commander Crosby said, "and they face a demanding period of training."

Airmen taking part in this cooperative program are RAF aircrew members who are mostly from the retiring RAF Nimrod R1 aircraft. Like the Rivet Joint, the Nimrod includes a sophisticated and sensitive suite of systems used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

"Almost everyone who joins the co-manning program will have Nimrod R1 experience," Wing Commander Crosby said, who has two tours on the Nimrod R1 himself and almost 5,000 flying hours. "Some have been with the fleet only a year or so, but have operational experience from tours of duty in the Middle East."

The remaining RAF crew members participating in the program have backgrounds with either the E-3 Sentry or the Nimrod MR2 reconnaissance and maritime patrol aircraft.

Training will take between three and five months depending on specific crew positions. Once complete, the RAF aircrew members will be attached to the 55th Wing's 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron and return to the U.K.

The fully mission capable RAF personnel will have the ability to deploy from their home station alongside crews from the here starting as early as mid-2011.

"Our aircrews have flown alongside the United States Air Force for many years in a variety of conflicts," Wing Commander Crosby said. "Now, to fly in the same aircraft brings the best of both fleets together to support operations."

"Through this new agreement, we'll have a unique opportunity for mission integration and information interoperability, which will be advantageous to both countries," General Shanahan said. "The RAF Nimrod crews are some of the most capable ISR experts in the world and we look forward to taking advantage of their wealth of experience as part of the Rivet Joint team."

Although training of maintenance and other support personnel is covered under this agreement, it is not currently part of the co-manning memorandum of understanding. However, DOD and MOD officials are working on an additional training plan that will be synchronized with planned RC-135 deliveries to the U.K. in late 2013.

"The U.K. will be able to fly their own global ISR missions, as well as offer relief to 55th Wing aircrews by shouldering some portion of 55th WG-tasked ISR missions," General Shanahan said. "As part of this agreement, 55th Wing aircrews will also be permitted to fly on RAF RC-135 aircraft."

Nearly 100 RAF airmen are scheduled to train at Offutt (AFB) throughout 2011.

Lakenheath unit assumes NATO mission

by Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LITHUANIA AIR FORCE AIR BASE, Lithuania (AFNS) -- The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, assumed command of the NATO Baltic air policing mission Sept. 1 from the Polish air force at Lithuania Air Force Air Base.

For the next four months, the squadron, comprising approximately 125 people, is responsible for ensuring the air sovereignty of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

This is the third time since 2004 the U.S. Air Force has accomplished this mission and the second time the 493rd EFS has had responsibility.

"The (493rd has) already established a legacy of professionalism in the Baltics, and we look forward to building upon it," said Anne Derse, U.S. ambassador to Lithuania. "As all warriors know, the surest way to maintain peace is to exercise constant vigilance and rigorously prepare to meet all potential threats. The Baltic air policing mission is just one of many facets of NATO's vigilance and preparation. This is a mission we take seriously and take on with pride."

The mission turnover from Poland to America is an example of the strong relationships America has with its NATO allies, said Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow, 3rd Air Force vice commander.

"Our relationship with the Baltic nations has grown remarkably since the inception of the Air policing mission," he said.

The general went on to explain that a 2008 endeavor designed to provide complex air policing training has since evolved with a broader scope emphasizing a wide spectrum of air operations over Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Airmen of the 493rd EFS are prepared to do their part to ensure that relationship continues to grow as they accomplish their mission, a squadron official said.

"The men and women of the 493rd EFS are proud to be here ... protecting the skies over the Baltic states," said Lt. Col. Skip Pribyl, 493rd EFS commander. "This mission falls in line with what we do -- establish air superiority -- and we're excited to do it."

Republic of Latvia Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Raimonds Graube emphasized the importance of the NATO relationship that makes the air policing mission possible.

"It's been more than six years since we started the Baltic air policing mission, and it's an example of our solidarity (as allied partners)," he said. "It shows we are ready to work together to support our allies."

Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius agreed.

"As members of NATO, we work shoulder to shoulder to support Afghanistan and other operations," General Pocius said. "It's a strong alliance."

He also thanked U.S. Airmen for adopting the air policing mission and promised to do his best to accommodate American traditions.

"I know you're here during a difficult time," he said. "You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."

Exercise Neptune Warrior 07/Sky Lance Has Begun

Note: For Milcom Monitoring Post readers in Europe, this exercise should afford you and excellent opportunity to monitor the UK RN/RAF and TASCOMM radio systems on HF. Drop me a line and let me know what you are hearing.

The UK’s largest maritime training course and a major air exercise are being brought together beneath, on and above the waters of the majority of the UK for the first time later this month (17-28 September 2007).

Neptune Warrior, a twice yearly Royal Navy and Royal Air Force run exercise, which qualifies British forces to work and fight in a task group this time will be coordinated and integrated with the RAF’s Exercise Sky Lance which aims to offer similarly aligned training.

The combined forces of Neptune Warrior and Sky Lance will feature a total of 17 warships and around 100 aircraft from the UK and eleven allied nations. The UK forces will be joined by forces from the United States, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, Netherlands, Spain and Norway.

Both Neptune Warrior and Sky Lance will provide participants with a first class introduction to the problems they may encounter during the planning and execution of coalition operations with the lessons learned benefiting real-world missions.

Multi-national operations can be a significant challenge for the armed forces but are essential to practise interoperability, develop common operating procedures and to learn from each other. The English border regions and the highlands of Scotland provide a challenging environment to all participants in terms of topography, oceanography and, on occasion (!), adverse weather conditions.

From a maritime perspective participating ships, include the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates HMS Montrose, HMS Lancaster and HMS Westminster and four submarines.

In the air, Exercise Sky Lance will be executed across the whole of the UK with up to 100 aircraft participating per day; Harriers, Typhoons, Tornados and Hawks will make up the bulk of the RAF’s air input.

Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) provision will be made by both maritime patrol aircraft and other Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACs) aircraft and additional support will be provided by air-to-air refuelling assets such as Tristars and VC-10s.

The exercises will also benefit from the participation of land-based formations including Tactical Air Controllers, Artillery Spotters and RAF mobile convoys providing a variety of realistic targets for the many air operations planned.