USNI News polled its writers, naval analysts and service members on what they consider the most important military and maritime stories in 2017.
The following is part of a series. Please also see Top Stories 2017: Navy Acquisition, International Acquisition, Navy Operations, Marine Corps Operations, International Operations and New Administration. Read More
Tactical air defense controllers and air control electronics operators with Marine Air Control Squadron 24, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing run simulations on the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) Phase 1 on Sept. 12, 2013. US Marine Corps photo.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – In a field at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point sits three sets of gear: a tent full of computers connected to a Humvee outside, a truck bearing a tall radio antenna, and a spinning radar sitting atop a hill.
These three systems represent the next generation of Marine Corps air command and control capabilities: connecting Marine Corps units and their operating picture with the Navy’s, sending and receiving data in real time, and detecting more types of incoming threats to Marine Corps ground units. Read More
The G/ATOR radar on display during a rollout ceremony at Stoney Run on March 29, 2017. The rollout ceremony showcases the new G/ATOR radar that will replace 5 legacy systems. US Marine Corps photo.
The Marine Corps’ Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) is testing both of its mission software sets this summer ahead of fielding and initial operational capability (IOC) early next year, the program office told USNI News. Read More
John Garner, Program Executive Officer for Land Systems. US Marine Corps photo.
The Marine Corps selected John Garner to serve as the new Program Executive Officer for Land Systems, a Senior Executive Service position that oversees the acquisition and sustainment of ground vehicles, radars and communications gear. Read More
Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 “Death Rattlers” inspect an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., on Feb. 15 2017. Marine Corps Photo
Marine Corps leadership told the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee that it needs a Fiscal Year 2017 budget and the supplemental spending request to not only address aviation and ground equipment readiness challenges but also to keep global operational requirements on track. Read More
U.S. Marine Corps pilots maneuver a CH-53K King Stallion as it delivers a 12,000 pound external load after completing a 110 nautical mile mission during the two-week initial operational test (OT-B1) conducted at Sikorsky. Sikorsky photo.
The Marine Corps’ top financial officer told lawmakers that the service considers its modernization programs properly balanced between aviation and ground needs, while acknowledging that there hasn’t been enough money in recent years to buy the ground assets at a proper pace. Read More
USNI News polled its writers, naval analysts and service members on what they consider the most important military and maritime stories in 2015. Read More
An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system from the Magicians of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 lifts off the flight deck of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) on Dec. 17, 2014.
The Defense Department released a Compendium of Annual Program Manager Assessments for 2015, on Monday which included short memos from various program managers discussing program status and risk to maintaining cost, schedule and performance. Read More
Two MV-22B Ospreys prepare for refueling during an aerial refueling training exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 8, 2015, the same exercise that hosted the CAC2S operational assessment. US Marine Corps photo.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – The Marines’ Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) wrapped up its operational assessment in Arizona and will have a busy year finalizing software and hardware tweaks before heading to initial operational test and evaluation a year from now. Read More
Visiting VIPs observe the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. on Oct. 8, 2014. US Marine Corps photo.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Armed Services Committee recommends cutting $40 million from the Marine Corps’ budget for its AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) program for what the committee calls programmatic delays, but the Marine Corps insists it is still on track despite a change in its testing program. Read More
