USAF C-130s on parade over the radio ranch

Had this parade of C-130s fly over the radio ranch yesterday afternoon. We could hear them and saw them on Mode-S but they were obscured behind a local ridge visually. Thanks to Buzz‏ @Buzz6868 on twitter  for the graphic See our daily listings below for the list of 130s in this parade.

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 30 Apr 2017 - Brasstown NC

Here is the latest round of Mode-S/ADS-B Military/Government intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC and sorted in date/time order.

A768D4 10-3077 ---   2017-04-30 22:54:09 C-146A United States USAF | 27SOW | 524SOS [KCVS]
AE1197 03-3114 RCH655  2017-04-30 22:30:07 C-17A United States MS ANG | 172AW | 183AS [KJAN]
AE1BF5 07-6312 ---   2017-04-30 21:24:10 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  2015  24000
AE4E0E 11-5732 AEGIS10  2017-04-30 20:30:18 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 314AW | 62AS [KLRF]
AE4BDC 08-5705 AEGIS10  2017-04-30 20:30:18 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
AE595B 13-5784 GLEAN62  2017-04-30 20:30:17 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE4E0F 11-5734 GLEAN61  2017-04-30 20:30:17 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]
AE4AFB 08-5686 AEGIS14  2017-04-30 20:30:17 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 317AG [KDYS]
AE1252 165836 CNV4243  2017-04-30 20:24:12 C-40A United States USNR | VR-57 [KNZY]
3532C1 --- AME3160  2017-04-30 19:14:13 C-130 Spain ---  1061  33000
ADFCED 94-0142 ---   2017-04-30 17:28:10 T-1A Jayhawk United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
AE1BF5 07-6312 GLEAN33  2017-04-30 17:22:12 C-130J-30 United States USAF | 19AW [KLRF]  2015  24000
AE1EB6 166049 ---   2017-04-30 16:46:34 T-6B United States USN | TAW-5 | VT-3
AE4D66 10-0213 ---   2017-04-30 16:18:18 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE1142 165976 ---   2017-04-30 15:56:09 T-6A United States USN | TW-6 [KNPA]
AE07F9 97-0047 RCH@@@@@  2017-04-30 15:04:08 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]  2632  26000
AE021E 84-0191 PRIMO80  2017-04-30 15:00:10 KC-10A United States USAF | 60AMW [KSUU]  1002  36000
AE4D66 10-0213 RCH494  2017-04-30 12:24:14 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE07E5 95-0102 RCH5102  2017-04-30 12:18:26 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 29 Apr 2017 - Brasstown NC

Here is the latest round of Mode-S/ADS-B Military/Government intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC and sorted in date/time order.

AE1725 06-3819 ---   2017-04-29 23:08:04 T-6A United States USAF | 14FTW | 37FTS [KCBM]
AE4CF9 10-27025 ---   2017-04-29 22:14:08 C-27J United States MD ANG | 175WG | 135AS [KMTN]
AE1126 02-3650 ---   2017-04-29 19:48:09 T-6A United States USAF
AE11C7 03-3701 ---   2017-04-29 18:42:17 T-6A United States USAF | 14FTW | 41FTS [KCBM]  5217  13875
AE0405 97-1944 R1944  2017-04-29 17:50:11 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]  1566  41000
AE4AE3 09-27020 C2711  2017-04-29 16:40:19 C-27J United States MS ANG | 186AW | 153AS
222222 Various ---   2017-04-29 15:24:14 Various Various Various
AE4CF9 10-27025 GECKO 88  2017-04-29 13:38:16 C-27J United States MD ANG | 175WG | 135AS [KMTN]
AE04AD 99-0104 ---   2017-04-29 00:38:08 UC-35a1 United States USARC | A/2-228 AVN (TA) [KWRI ]
AE04AC 99-0103 ---   2017-04-29 00:34:16 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
ADFCEA 94-0139 ---   2017-04-29 00:06:08 T-1A Jayhawk United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS

Vinson CSG conducting maneuvers with JMSDF Warships

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 28, 2017) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Ashigara (DDG 178) and JS Samidare (DD 106), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transit the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers/Released)

Vinson CSG Operating in Philippine Sea

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 26, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), foreground, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG 178), left, and the JMSDF Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD 106) transit the Philippine Sea. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional peace and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano/Released

USS Fitzgerald Operating in Sea of Japan

SEA OF JAPAN (April 25, 2017) The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) conducts a bilateral training exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force  guided-missile destroyer JS Choukai (DDG 176). Exercises like this enhance information sharing and combined maritime defense capabilities to ensure the U.S. and our allies remain ready to defend the region against any provocations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William McCann/Released)

US Navy Conducts Simultaneous Bilateral Exercises with JMSDF and ROK

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 30, 2009) The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JDS Kurama (DDH 144), left, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) take part in Exercise Malabar 2009. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy are participating in Exercise Malabar 2009, an annual exercise led by the Indian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Viramontes/Released)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- U.S. Navy ships are conducting simultaneous bilateral maritime exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy and with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force today and tomorrow (April 25-26, local time).

The destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and ROKN Wang Geon (DDH 978) are conducting combined maritime exercises in waters west of the Korean Peninsula while the destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and JMSDF JS Chokai (DDG 176) execute combined maritime exercises in waters west of Japan.

Both exercises demonstrate a shared commitment to security and stability in Northeast Asia as well as the U.S. Navy's inherent flexibility to combine with allied naval forces in response to a broad range of situations.

US, Egypt Commence Exercise Eagle Salute 2017

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyrell K. Morris, USS Truxton Public Affairs

RED SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy with the Egyptian Naval Forces commenced exercise
Eagle Salute 2017 in the Red Sea, April 23.

Eagle Salute 2017 incorporates Eagle Response 2017, an explosive ordnance exercise,
to provide opportunities for participating nations to collaborate on an even wider range
of maritime security operations. These exercises focus on sharing knowledge and
experiences in order to enhance solid regional partnerships.

Several vessels will participate in the exercise including guided-missile destroyer USS
Truxtun (DDG 103) and Egyptian Naval Force guided-missile frigate ENS Taba
(F 916).

"We are fortunate to have this opportunity to strengthen our maritime security
capabilities and our relationship with the participating nations," said Cmdr. Troy
Denison, Truxtun commanding officer. "Exercises like Eagle Salute provide our
Sailors the unique chance to learn from our allied countries and show them
what we can do."

The exercise began with a harbor phase focused on team-building activities.

Events included a sports day and a "damage control olympics," a friendly competition
in firefighting, hose handling and pipe patching, concluding with a reception. The
exercise will end with an at-sea phase involving a live-fire gunnery exercise, division
tactics in which multiple ships maneuver in close proximity and a joint air defense
exercise.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command conducts more than 20 bilateral and multilateral
exercises with partner nations throughout the region each year. Exercise Eagle Salute
is one of numerous exercises vital to the U.S. Navy's theater security cooperation
efforts in building and enhancing solid regional and international relationships.

HSM-78 Opersting in Philippine Sea

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 24, 2017) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the  "Blue Hawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 fires chaff flares during a training exercise near the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia Pacific routinely for more than 70 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano/Released)

USS Michigan Busan ROK Port Visit

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (April 24, 2017) The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) arrives in Busan for a scheduled port visit while conducting routine patrols throughout the western Pacific. Michigan is the second submarine of the Ohio-class of ballistic missile and guided missile submarines, and the third U.S. ship to bear the name. Michigan is homeported in Bremerton, Wash. and is forwarded deployed from Guam.  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jermaine Ralliford/Released)

Nimitz Strike Group Successfully Completes COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike
Group (CSG) 11 successfully completed its final pre-deployment
assessment, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), April 21,
marking the completion of its condensed Inter-Deployment Training
Cycle (IDTC) for an upcoming deployment.

COMPTUEX is an exercise that tests a strike group's ability to work and
operate as one cohesive unit in a simulated real-world-scenario based
training environment.

Nimitz was joined by CSG 11, to include Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9
and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, to prove their operational capabilities prior
to deploying.

Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, said COMPTUEX is
designed to put a strike group through the highest level of training that we
can possible give. This allows them to go forward around the world and do
anything that our country would ask them to do.

Throughout the exercise, the strike group encountered an environment that
mirrored, as closely as possible, what they may encounter while deployed
in future areas of operation.

"Considering that the past five weeks have been the first time that the
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has trained together at sea in more than three
years, we did extremely well," said Commander, CSG 11, Rear Adm. Bill
Byrne. "We did a lot of high velocity learning."

Nimitz, during the COMPTUEX, became the first carrier strike group to
implement the use of the Fleet Warfighting Training System Live, Virtual,
Constructive (LVC) training concept. LVC allows for the synthetic virtual
environment to be integrated with the live environment, providing a more
comprehensive and realistic training environment.

LVC can create scenarios that involve higher complexities and stress the
strike group to its max capabilities, leading to more proficient strike groups
and fighting forces while better preparing them for what they may encounter
while deployed.

The COMPTUEX was broken up into two separate phases.

Phase I closely followed a schedule of events (SOE) that acted as a training
phase for Sailors and watchstanders. Phase II provided the strike group with
a scenario that didn't follow an SOE, and is more realistic.

"Some of it might be in a synthetic environment, some is live, but overall it is
designed to really challenge the strike group," said Tyson. "This is so that,
from Rear Adm. Byrne, to the youngest Sailor on the deck plates, everyone
feels confident that, if you have to go into any scenario where you are tested
to the highest end of your capability, you will be able to comfortably go and
succeed."

The COMPTUEX challenged and trained the strike group on all levels including
the Sailors on the deckplates.

"I believe the training was invaluable," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical)
2nd Class Traci Allen, Combat Systems' Electronic Warfare (EW) Module
Supervisor, and a native of Chattanooga, Tennesee. "We finally got the chance
to work with our whole strike group and figure out our battle rhythm. The
experiences we gained will follow us over the horizon when we take to open
water. Nothing and no one can take that away from us."

Commander, CSG 15, Rear Adm. Ross Myers and his staff acted as the grading
entity for the COMPTUEX. They observed the Sailors aboard Nimitz and
throughout the strike group as they reacted to scenarios that they may face on
deployment and determined their proficiency to operate in a real-world
environment.

"CSG 15, our trainers and assessors, presented an enemy and warfighting
environment that was both relevant and realistic," said Byrne. "This is the
best training scenario I've seen in my 30 years of working these types of
battle problems. That sort of competitiveness, initiative, and toughness I saw
across the strike group is exactly what the Chief of Naval Operations asks of us."

With the completion of COMPTUEX, the Nimitz carrier strike group is now
fully certified to deploy later this year.

"We are going to be tested. We need to go forth confident that we will be
competitive enough and that we will be tough enough to prevail. I have no
doubt that Nimitz Strike Group is both," said Byrne.

Vinson CSG in Philippine Sea

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 23, 2017) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Philippine Sea while conducting a bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating as part of U.S. 7th Fleet, but remains deployed under the U.S. 3rd Fleet Forward operating concept, which provides additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander and leverages the capabilities of both 3rd and 7th Fleets. U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers/Released)

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 21-22 Apr 2017 - Brasstown NC

Here is the latest round of Mode-S/ADS-B Military/Government intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC and sorted in date/time order.

AE13A4 04-3718 ---   2017-04-28 23:42:06 T-6A United States USAF | 71FTW [KEND]
AE0405 97-1944 R1944  2017-04-28 23:06:06 C-37A United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]  3657  40000
ADFE93 95-0094 PAT094  2017-04-28 22:58:06 C-12R+ United States USARMY  ---  24000
AE093D 01-0301 ---   2017-04-28 22:16:05 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
ADFF70 65-10374 ---   2017-04-28 21:54:10 T-38C United States 50thFTS
AE2FA2 08-8190 RCH8190  2017-04-28 21:52:08 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]
AE07E1 94-0067 RCH4067  2017-04-28 21:12:07 C-17A United States NY ANG | 105AW | 137AS [KSWF]

AE1234 03-3123 DECOY88  2017-04-22 23:08:07 C-17A United States WV ANG | 167AW | 167AS [KMRB]
AE5967 14-5805 RAID95  2017-04-22 20:50:09 MC-130J United States USAF | 27SOW | 9SOS [KCVS]
AE11E4 78-0576 CHIVE50  2017-04-22 20:44:08 E-3G United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]
AE02E0 89-1188 HANK88  2017-04-22 20:38:07 C-130H United States AFRC | 908AW | 357AS [KMXF]
AE02CE 91-9142 HANK42  2017-04-22 20:30:09 C-130H United States AFRC | 914AW | 328AS [KIAG]
AE03CA 163310 ---   2017-04-22 20:08:06 KC-130T United States USMCR | VMGR-234 [KNFW]
AE5B6A 169228 RANGR29  2017-04-22 19:54:11 KC-130J United States USMC | VMGR-234 [KNFW]
B648D9 09-0540 AVLN35  2017-04-22 18:18:11 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]
AE189C 05-0932 ---   2017-04-22 17:46:10 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]
AE0842 58-0067 BAT81  2017-04-22 16:12:09 KC-135R United States IA ANG | 185ARW | 174ARS [KSUX]

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 20 Apr 2017 - Brasstown NC

Here is the latest round of Mode-S/ADS-B Military/Government intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC and sorted in date/time order.

ADFDB6 93-1036 COBB36  2017-04-20 23:08:03 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE093C 00-1053 ---   2017-04-20 22:50:07 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
ADFD01 95-0053 ---   2017-04-20 21:44:09 T-1A Jayhawk United States USAF | 14FTW | 48FTS
7CF9CD --- 00000000  2017-04-20 20:52:05 --- Australia37000
AE02E4 81-0629 SKULL72  2017-04-20 20:40:21 C-130H United States OH ANG | 179AW | 164AS [KMFD]
AE04AC 99-0103 ---   2017-04-20 18:32:13 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
AE5C95 14-5815 ---   2017-04-20 18:10:20 HC-130J United States USAF | 176WG | 211RQS [PAED]
AE5C95 14-5815 FIXER55  2017-04-20 17:28:10 HC-130J United States USAF | 176WG | 211RQS [PAED]
AE093D 01-0301 ---   2017-04-20 17:24:10 UC-35a1 United States US Army | OSACOM PATD [KADW]
AE0569 86-0012 ---   2017-04-20 16:42:21 C-5M United States AFRC | 439AW | 337AS [KCEF]
ADFDF9 92-9000 ---   2017-04-20 15:46:23 VC-25A United States USAF | 89AW | PAS [KADW]
AE1496 97-0201 PEACH91  2017-04-20 15:10:52 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]  5246  19100
ADFE85 92-0550 COBB50  2017-04-20 15:04:24 C-130H United States AFRC | 94AW | 700AS [KMGE]
AE57C7 169002 ---   2017-04-20 14:58:40 P-8A United States USN |
AE57C7 169002 VVLL806  2017-04-20 13:56:10 P-8A United States USN |
AE08A2 00-3581 ---   2017-04-20 13:46:44 T-6A United States USAF
AE118A 02-1863 PAT63  2017-04-20 13:23:33 C-37A United States US Army  ---  40000
AE130C 166513 ---   2017-04-20 03:36:06 KC-130J United States USMC | VMGR-252 [KNKT]
AE0394 64-14832 SODA91  2017-04-20 01:32:11 KC-135R United States TN ANG | 134ARW | 151ARS [KTYS]
AE013D 64-14839 HAPPY54  2017-04-20 01:30:10 KC-135R United States IL ANG | 126ARW | 108ARS [KBLV]  1751  27000
AE04EE 63-8041 ---   2017-04-20 00:02:08 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]  2032  21000

Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 19 Apr 2017 - Brasstown NC

Here is the latest round of Mode-S/ADS-B Military/Government intercepts logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC and sorted in date/time order.

AE0433 02-5001 ---   2017-04-19 23:48:05 C-32B United States USAF | 486FLTS [KVPS]  1630  20000 
B648D9 09-0540 ---   2017-04-19 23:26:08 C-40C United States AFRC | 932AW | 73AS [KBLV]
AE04EE 63-8041 MASH84  2017-04-19 23:16:04 KC-135R United States AFRC | 434ARW | 72ARS [KGUS]  2032  21000 
A85F6E N639CS 0000  2017-04-19 20:58:09 737-4Y0 United States US DOJ  ---  31975 
AE11D5 73-1675 SNTRY60H  2017-04-19 20:26:13 E-3C United States USAF | 552ACW [KTIK]  3451  29900 
ADACC6 N980ST ---   2017-04-19 19:58:30 737-4B3 United States US DEPT OF ENERGY
AE0421 58-0089 ---   2017-04-19 16:38:34 KC-135T United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW [KMCF]  2157  27000 
AE0364 60-0347 EDDIE61  2017-04-19 16:00:17 KC-135R United States OH ANG | 121ARW [KLCK]  6674  31000 
ADFEB3 73-1676 AJAX77  2017-04-19 15:50:17 E-4B United States USAF | 55WG | 1ACCS [KOFF]  2562  25000 
AE0421 58-0089 BOLT32  2017-04-19 15:44:14 KC-135T United States USAF | 6AMW | 927ARW [KMCF]  2157  27000 
AE1497 99-0006 PHENOM6  2017-04-19 15:08:12 E-8C United States GA ANG | 116ACW [KWRB]  2265  31000 
AE04AC 99-0103 ---   2017-04-19 14:46:49 UC-35a1 United States USARC | B/2-228 AVN (TA) [KMGE]
ADFE8D 95-0088/95-0096 PAT306  2017-04-19 13:38:23 C-12R+ United States USARMY  3703  25000 
AE49C8 09-9212 TURTLE8  2017-04-19 13:08:15 C-17A United States USAF | 437AW [KCHS]  2133  33000 
AE0433 02-5001 GOGO87  2017-04-19 11:14:30 C-32B United States USAF | 486FLTS [KVPS]  1630  20000 
A9F290 06-0740 ---   2017-04-19 01:38:05 PC-12/47 United States USAF | 27SOW | 318SOS [KCVS]
AE54C6 11-5765 ---   2017-04-19 01:16:05 HC-130J United States USAF | 23 Wing | 71RQS [KVAD]
AE54C6 11-5765 KING21  2017-04-19 00:20:18 HC-130J United States USAF | 23 Wing | 71RQS [KVAD]

Eisenhower Strike Group Sustaining Readiness if Called Upon

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its carrier strike group are underway participating in a sustainment exercise designed to maintain deployment readiness as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anderson W Branch (Released) 170409-N-KK394-234

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Approximately 6,000 Sailors from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) are conducting a sustainment exercise (SUSTEX) to maintain their readiness and capability to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice should the need arise.

"Ike CSG is doing a great job on SUSTEX. Sustaining the readiness of this strike group--so it is ready to respond to a crisis anywhere on the planet--is a bargain and an important part of what our Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan does for the nation," said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces.

SUSTEX is designed to test and train the carrier strike group's ability to perform and effectively respond as an integrated team during scenarios the group may encounter while deployed or during high-end warfare.

"Since returning in December 2016 from our combat deployment to the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, our tasking has been to remain deployment-ready in all respects," said Rear Adm. Jim Malloy, commander of Ike CSG. "The Navy has invested and focused its limited resources to keep us fully manned, trained and equipped in case we are needed for a crisis."

The exercise consists of a variety of training evolutions including anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, irregular warfare and maritime interdiction scenarios.

"SUSTEX provides a realistic and challenging at-sea opportunity to refresh those skills, apply what we learned on deployment and integrate any new personnel who might have rotated in since we deployed," explains Malloy.

Capt. Marc Miguez, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 commander, said the underway period, the air wing's first extended underway aboard Ike since completing the 2016 deployment, has proven to be a seamless re-integration as the Ike-Battle Axe team.

"This team learned how to effectively work together and execute the missions necessary to successfully complete our last deployment. We are back together now, honing our skills, processes and procedures to ensure we are combat ready to respond if called upon again," said Miguez.

Ike CSG comprised of its flagship, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), embarked CVW-3, staffs of CSG-10 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 and its associated ships: the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), are participating in the SUSTEX as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).

The squadrons of CVW-3, include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-86 "Sidewinders," VFA-105 "Gunslingers," and VFA-131 "Wildcats;" Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 " Zappers;" Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops;" Carrier Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides;" Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes;" and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs."

USS Makin Island Concludes Hong Kong Port Visit

HONG KONG (April 7, 2017) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) arrives in Hong Kong for a scheduled port visit. Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Langer)

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) departed Hong Kong April 11, following a scheduled port visit.

USS Oscar Austin underway for 5th/6th Fleet Ops

The guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment to conduct maritime operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Jessica Kellogg (Released) 170417-N-AZ301-017

T Roosvelt Operating in SoCal Waters

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) transits the Pacific Ocean. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting a tailored ship's training availability off the coast of California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alex Corona (Released) 170417-N-VN584-724

Air Force fighters scramble from Anchorage to intercept Russian bombers

Story by Chris Clint and posted to adn,com

Two Anchorage-based fighter jets intercepted a pair of Russian bombers Monday night off Kodiak Island in what an Air Force commander called the first such flight seen near Alaska in nearly two years.

Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, head of both the Alaskan Command and the Alaska NORAD Region, said Tuesday that the detection and intercept of the Tu-95 Bear bombers took place over the course of about two hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.

"I can't go into all of the details on how we detected them, but we did detect them," Wilsbach said. "We were tracking them basically paralleling the Aleutian Islands roughly 100 miles to the south."

In response, two F-22 Raptor jets on standby were launched from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, along with an E-3 Sentry AWACS radar plane. Wilsbach said they were supported by an Alaska Air National Guard KC-135 tanker aircraft launched from Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks.

The F-22s intercepted the Bears about 100 miles southwest of Kodiak, Wilsbach said. The propeller-driven bombers didn't have any external signs of weaponry, and the pilots had no verbal contact.

"There is a procedure where we can talk to them, but generally we don't unless it's some sort of dangerous situation," Wilsbach said. "They waved at one another, but other than that there was no communication."

Read the rest of this article at https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/military/2017/04/18/air-force-fighters-scramble-from-anchorage-to-intercept-russian-bombers/