Category Archives: Aviation

House Panel to Hold Hearings on Navy Cruiser and Destroyer Modernization

House Panel to Hold Hearings on Navy Cruiser and Destroyer Modernization

A Standard Missile – 3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor is launched from the USS LAKE ERIE (CG-70) in 2013. Missile Defense Agency Photo

A Standard Missile – 3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor is launched from the USS LAKE ERIE (CG-70) in 2013. Missile Defense Agency Photo

Legislators are planning to hold hearings based on concerns over the Navy’s scheme to modernize its cruiser and destroyer fleet, according to a statement from the chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee provided to USNI News. Read More

Lockheed: Marine Joint Strike Fighter on Final Approach to Initial Operational Capability

Lockheed: Marine Joint Strike Fighter on Final Approach to Initial Operational Capability

 A Marine F-35B joint strike fighter lifts off from the runway during the first short take-off and vertical landing mission at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. on Oct. 25 2013. US Marine Corps Photo

A Marine F-35B joint strike fighter lifts off from the runway during the first short take-off and vertical landing mission at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. on Oct. 25 2013. US Marine Corps Photo

Lockheed Martin has begun testing the final version of the F-35’s Block 2B software that the US. Marines need to declare the jet operational starting on June 9, company officials told reporters on Monday. Read More

Naval War College President Tapped to Lead Naval Academy

Naval War College President Tapped to Lead Naval Academy

Rear Adm. Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr., president of the U.S. Naval War College stands in front of a portrait of Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale on Dec. 13, 2013. US Navy Photo

Rear Adm. Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr., president of the U.S. Naval War College stands in front of a portrait of Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale on Dec. 13, 2013. US Navy Photo

The current president of the U.S. Naval War College has been nominated to lead the U.S. Naval Academy, the Pentagon announced on Friday. Read More

Senate Armed Services Committee Bill Backs Growlers, Carrier Refueling

Senate Armed Services Committee Bill Backs Growlers, Carrier Refueling

Two EA-18G Growlers assigned to the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 to the flight deck. on USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on May 31, 2014. US Navy Photo

Two EA-18G Growlers assigned to the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 to the flight deck. on USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on May 31, 2014. US Navy Photo

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) is taking steps to preserve the Boeing EA-18G Growler production line, modernize the entire fleet of Ticonderoga-class missile cruisers and keeping the option open to refuel the carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in its version of the fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. Read More

Future Helicopter Designs Could Be Stalled By Tighter Pentagon Budgets

Future Helicopter Designs Could Be Stalled By Tighter Pentagon Budgets

MH-60S helicopter from the Island Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 on May 30, 2014. US Navy Photo

MH-60S helicopter from the Island Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 on May 30, 2014. US Navy Photo

While acknowledging, “we will always have an operational need for vertical lift,” the Pentagon’s tight budget future is keeping the initiative to replace its aging fleet of helicopters on a small science-and- technology diet that worries industry. Read More