US Marine Corps (USMC)

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Marine infantry officer students conduct 1,100-mile raid


FORT HOOD, Texas - Students from the Infantry Officer Course (IOC) at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., completed a "Proof-of-Concept" 1,100 mile, long-range operation from Twentynine Palms, Calif., to Fort Hood, Texas, via MV-22 Ospreys, on Dec. 15, 2013.

The Marines fast-roped into a mock city to secure the embassy and rescue key U.S. personnel. The Marine Corps is the only military branch with the proven capability to missions of this magnitude, whether for humanitarian, rescue, combat operations or other special-forces type missions.

“What’s different about this mission and where the Marine Corps stands today is, primarily, in the past we would receive the mission and six hours later the first aircraft lifts or the first action is taken to go ashore.” Maj. Scott Cuomo, Director of IOC, said. “Now, the moment the warning order is dropped or any type of indication that there is a significant threat, we can lift these aircraft and be two hours closer to our objective area.”

Cuomo said many new technologies contribute to the Marine Corps expedient deployment capability including a tablet that receives images and video from nearby aircraft to update Marines in the air, and the long-range capability of the MV-22 Osprey.

“The [MV-22 Osprey] allows us to go over 1,000 miles and we can go even further than that,” Cuomo said.

The Marine Corps has recently used the Ospreys capabilities in humanitarian and disaster relief missions as well to assist the Philippine people after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.

It’s these rapid-response type missions that Cuomo claims are the Marine Corps primary role as a force in readiness. Since being exposed to their first mission of this sort, the students under his charge are confident in the Marine Corps ability to take on these operations.

“If this class is any indication of what Marines can do with Ospreys then there’s no reason that the Marine Corps at large couldn’t train to this standard and execute these missions,” 2nd Lt. Ben Hooker, IOC student, said.

“The Marine Air Ground Task Force is part of the naval service and is ready to be America’s crisis response force,” Cuomo added.

Cuomo said that America will see the fruits of the Marine Corps labor in advancing the technologies, reach and capabilities required to complete missions like the 1,100 mile raid in Texas and the relief in the Philippines.

“What we have now and what we’ll have going forward is a force that’s more lethal, that can go further, that can get there faster and that can be more precise than it’s ever been before to provide whatever the American people need us to provide.”

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118713/marine-infantry-officer-students-conduct-1100-mile-raid#.Us6frPv-Ict#ixzz2puJchPoi

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Le Figaro – Des commandos américains dans le Sud libyen





Les forces spéciales américaines interviennent au sol dans le Sud contre les groupes djihadistes dont la présence inquiète la France.
«Depuis la fin de l’année dernière, des unités Delta, déguisées en nomades, encadrent des membres des forces spéciales libyennes dans leur chasse contre al-Qaida dans le sud du pays», affirme au Figaro une source militaire française. «Les États-Unis estiment que la menace de désintégration du Sud libyen est telle qu’ils ne peuvent plus se contenter d’un simple traitement aérien de cette menace.» Ces équipes mixtes sont appuyées par des drones et d’autres moyens de reconnaissance aériens, qui repèrent des convois jugés suspects. «Ensuite, à bord de leur 4×4, les commandos se rapprochent de la cible, et la plupart du temps, les Américains laissent les Libyens traiter l’objectif», précise la source.
Le premier ministre Ali Zeidan et son ministre de la Défense ont donné leur feu vert à ces opérations.


LIBYE Les forces spéciales américaines interviennent contre les groupes djihadistes.


Ces opérations impliquent l’utilisation d’une ancienne base désaffectée dans le sud du pays. Problème, le ministère de la défense libyen a toujours nié les faits.
“Le quotidien ajoute: «Les États-Unis estiment que la menace de désintégration du Sud libyen est telle qu’ils ne peuvent plus se contenter d’un simple traitement aérien de cette menace».
Ces «opérations coups de poing» contre les jihadistes, pourraient s’étendre à une «participation française et britannique», ajoute encore ‘‘Le Figaro’’. (Kapitalis)
Concernant la participation française et britannique, l’état-major français a déjà commencé à préparer les esprits (Figaro : “La France évoque une opération en Libye” : “Une opération internationale pour mettre un terme à l’instabilité qui prévaut actuellement dans le sud de la Libye serait un scénario idéal, a déclaré aujourd’hui le chef d’état-major des armées françaises, l’amiral Edouard Guillaud”)
Précisons que la menace de désintégration du Sud libyen provient des opérations de 2011 pour lesquelles nous devions tous nous féliciter à l’époque. Le directeur du renseignement américain en a fait une description bien sombre lors d’une récente audition au Sénat américain (“incubateur” pour terroristes, circulation massive d’armes, porosité des frontières, jihadistes remontés contre le soutien des pays de la région à l’intervention française au Mali…). J’ajoute que l’état d’urgence a été décrété dans le sud du pays le 19 janvier dernier.
La situation a bien changé depuis le mois d’octobre 2013, où une polémique s’était fait jour parce que les américains avaient mené un raid sur le sol libyen pour arrêter un leader supposé d’Al-Qaïda. Le Premier ministre libyen avait demandé des explications aux américains qui avaient rétorqué qu’ils étaient au courant. On voit bien la situation grotesque dans laquelle nous sommes désormais, sans même parler des questions de droit international…

http://pressall.wordpress.com/2014/02/02/le-figaro-des-commandos-americains-dans-le-sud-libyen/

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Publiée le  1 févr. 2014  

Soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct helocast training with U.S. Marines from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division,during Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif., Jan. 27. Iron Fist 2014 is an amphibious exercise that brings together Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, other I Marine Expeditionary Force units, and soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, to promote military interoperability and hone individual and small-unit skills through challenging, complex and realistic training. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)
 

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USMC V22 Osprey conducted deck trials onboard French Navy's Mistral Class LHD Dixmude



In January 2014 a United States Marine Corps (USMC) V22 Osprey landed for the first time onboard the Dixmude, a French Navy Mistral class LHD. The success of this experiment confirmed the full interoperability of Mistral class amphibious vessels with the means implemented by American Expeditionary Strike Groups. The French LHD are indeed fully interoperable with LCAC landing crafts, with heavy helicopters (Sikorsky CH53 Sea Stallion) and now with the Bell-Boeing V22 Opsrey tilt rotor aircraft.

In January 2014 a United States Marine Corps (USMC) V22 Osprey landed for the first time onboard the Dixmude, a French Navy Mistral class LHD. The success of this experiment confirmed the full interoperability of Mistral class amphibious vessels with the means implemented by American Expeditionary Strike Groups. The French LHD are indeed fully interoperable with LCAC landing crafts, with heavy helicopters (Sikorsky CH53 Sea Stallion) and now with the Bell-Boeing V22 Opsrey tilt rotor aircraft.
A USMC V22 Osprey onboard the French Navy Dixmude LHD
Picture: French Navy

For about two hours several deck landings were conducted in order to perform environmental surveys. These have allowed the French Navy experimental squadron to validate the V22 operations according to the specific aerology of the French LHD and to fine tune the landing zones on the vessel.

Given the mass, dimensions, blast and heat produced by the tiltrotor aircraft, this first experiment was delicate. Mistral class vessels, the number 1 landing sport located at the bow is reinforced for heavy helicopters. Mistral LHDs are used to accommodate NH90 Caiman helicopters weighing up to 10 tons fully loaded but the V22 which landed weighed 22 tonnes.

In January 2014 a United States Marine Corps (USMC) V22 Osprey landed for the first time onboard the Dixmude, a French Navy Mistral class LHD. The success of this experiment confirmed the full interoperability of Mistral class amphibious vessels with the means implemented by American Expeditionary Strike Groups. The French LHD are indeed fully interoperable with LCAC landing crafts, with heavy helicopters (Sikorsky CH53 Sea Stallion) and now with the Bell-Boeing V22 Opsrey tilt rotor aircraft.
A USMC V22 Osprey conducted qualification trials with the French Navy Dixmude LHD
Picture: French Navy



Two French Navy test pilots (one from an experimental squadron, CEPA/10S, the other from the French Procurement Agency DGA) were present onboard the V22 to observe and assist the USMC crew in the maneuvers. According to the commander of CEPA/10S and flight test engineer, "with this first phase we validated the location, refined procedures and performed environmental measures primarily of wind and temperature. Although we had little concern about it, these experiments confirm the ability of Mistral class LHDs to accomodate the V22 in acceptable security conditions from the vessel perspective as well as from the aircraft perspective."

"The success of this step is a further milestone in enhancing interoperability between the French and American navies and allows to consider a wider approval of the platform for this type of aircraft," concluded Captain Pierre de Briançon, Commanding Officer of the Dixmude LHD.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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F-35B Aircraft Fly In Formation In Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing Mode


NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Feb. 19, 2014 – Two F-35B aircraft fly in close formation while in short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) mode for the first time last week. Pilots Peter Wilson and Dan Levin flew the test jets in STOVL mode, also known as Mode 4, with the F-35B LiftFan engaged and engine rotated downward. The mission measured the effects the aircraft had on each other while in Mode 4 to ensure they can operate in formation safely in an operational environment. The U.S. Marine Corps plans to declare Initial Operating Capability with the F-35B next year.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com

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The Combat Center at Twentynine Palms  



Marines with 1st Tank Battalion fire the M1A1 Abrams tank during the 11th Annual Tank Gunnery Competition at Range 500, Feb. 20. The competition
was divided into six segments to test the skills of the tank crewmen. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Ali Azimi/released) – avec Jake Brown.


Staff Sgt. Kevin Cook, tank commander, Cpl. Matthew Gonzales, gunner, Lance Cpl. Jonathon Shaver, loader, and Lance Cpl. Trevor Lambert,
driver, 1st Tank Battalion, are awarded individual medals and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their superior skills as tank crewmen
during the 11th Annual Tank Gunnery Competition at Range 500, Feb. 20. The crew placed first in the competition against 163 tank crews
Corps-wide. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Ali Azimi/released) – avec Kevin Cook.

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[size=16.363636016845703]Les US Marines vont pouvoir doubler leur présence sur la base espagnole de Moron [/size]


C'est mon confrère espagnol Esteban Villarejo (dont on peut lire l'excellent blog consacré à la défense en cliquant ici) qui m'a signalé cette décision du gouvernement espagnol concernant le contingent des marines basé à Moron, dans le sud de l'Espagne depuis mai 2013.

Les effectifs de la Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response vont passer de 550 à 850 hommes (voir à 1 100 pendant les phases de relève). Le nombre des aéronefs associés à cette SP-MAGTF Crisis Response va également augmenter sensiblement. Le nombre de Osprey va passer de 6 à 12 et celui des KC-130J (de ravitaillement) de 2 à 4.

On peut donc dire que le feu vert espagnol donné vendredi va permettre au Pentagone de doubler sa force de réaction rapide stationnée dans la péninsule et apte à se déployer en Afrique. On se souviendra que 150 marines de cette force sont intervenus début janvier au Sud-Soudan pour évacuer des ressortissants US.

La base aérienne de Moron est située entre Séville et Rota, le port militaire où est arrivé, il y a trois semaines, le premier des quatre destroyers lance-missiles US qui vont y stationner. Voir mon post sur l'arrivée du Donald-Cook ici.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2014/03/08/les-marines-vont-pouvoir-doubler-leur-presence-sur-la-base-e-11348.html

Les US mettent l'Afrique eu cœur de leur stratégie de défense a l'international , ils doivent avoir certains pays ou zones en ligne de mire , ou potentiellement il peux y avoir des troubles a l'avenir .

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Lockheed Martin Delivers First KC-130J Super Hercules Tanker To U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

MARIETTA, Ga., March 17, 2014 – The first KC-130J Super Hercules tanker assigned to a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve squadron was ferried today from the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] facility located here. This KC-130J is assigned to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234) stationed at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas.

The aircraft will be welcomed with a formal ceremony on March 18, in Texas, where it is the first KC-130J tanker to be stationed in the state. NAS Fort Worth JRB shares a runway with Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics headquarters location in Fort Worth.

“Since the early 1960s, U.S. Marine Corps teams have operated the KC-130 and showcased the Hercules’ unparalleled capabilities as both a flexible tactical airlifter and vital tanker resource. This new KC-130J provides VMGR-234 crews with added power, strength and flexibility to support the highly critical missions they are depended upon to perform,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs. “The arrival of the KC-130J Super Hercules in Fort Worth represents the start of a new era of Hercules history and we are honored to extend this tradition of Hercules flight with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.”

VMGR-234 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW). Its crew and aircraft provide aerial refueling capabilities and air transport of personnel, equipment and supplies. The squadron, known as the “Rangers,” has operated KC-130s for more than 30 years, using the aircraft for missions during the Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom in addition to providing humanitarian support around the world. The squadron previously operated KC-130Fs and most recently, KC-130Ts.

The KC-130J is the global leader in aerial refueling for both tactical aircraft and helicopters, and it is also capable of conducting rapid ground refueling. The battle-tested KC-130J aerial refueling tanker is the latest in a long lineage of C-130 Hercules tanker technology. The new KC-130J builds on proven tanker designs while taking full advantage of tremendous technological and performance improvements inherent in the basic C-130J aircraft. KC-130Js operated by U.S. Marine Corps active duty crews contributed to the worldwide C-130 fleet’s initial 1 million flight hours.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)

PHOTOS:

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Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC)

An MV-22 Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 approaches for a landing aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23). Anchorage is currently off the coast of Southern California undergoing amphibious warfare certifications in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international dateline and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Lindahl/Released) Public Domain

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INDIAN OCEAN (March 11, 2014) Sailors secure an MV-22 Osprey to the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Harpers Ferry is part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (March 31, 2014) An EA-18G Growler assigned to the Gauntlets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway conducting tailored ship's training availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (April 2, 2014) An EA-18G Growler assigned to the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway conducting a tailored ship's training availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Estes/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (April 1, 2014) Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Mark Moles, from Ellijay, Ga., leads a fuel satiation team aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) during a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler Big Horn (T-AO 198). Philippine Sea is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Abe McNatt/Released)

M777A2  

  

PHOTOS:

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Marines, Army Special Forces execute TRAP exercise

Spoiler:

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Nouvelle étape pour le CH-53K de Sikorsky

Le 11/04/2014 à 18h29, par Duncan Macrae


Cellule d'essai STA de l'hélicoptère lourd CH-53K © Sikorsky

Sikorsky annonce avoir terminé une première phase d’essais sur une cellule de test de taille réelle (STA, pour static test article) du futur hélicoptère de transport lourd de l’US Marine Corps. Une bonne nouvelle pour un programme lancé il y a dix ans et dont les retards se chiffrent déjà en années et les surcoûts en milliards.

Il s’agit en fait de la première phase d’un programme d’essais qui doit durer trois ans avec pour objectif de valider l’integrité structurelle de l’appareil. Une deuxième cellule STA sera également mise à contribution, ainsi que cinq prototypes, dont un véhicule d’essai au sol qui a été livré en octobre 2012 et qui est destiné à mener les tests sur les trois moteurs GE38-1B qui équiperont le CH-53K.

Le premier des quatre hélicoptères d'essai en vol, a été livré à la fin de l'année 2013. Il devrait voler d’ici la fin de l’année. Les trois appareils restant devraient être livrés entre 2014 et 2015.

Avec ses nouveaux moteurs, le CH-53K devrait démultiplier la capacité de charge sous élingue du CH-53E Super Stallion pour atteindre 12 tonnes avec une autonomie de 200 km. A ce jour, l'US Navy en a commandé 200.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/2014/04/11/21653-nouvelle-etape-pour-le-ch-53k-de-sikorsky

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Sky-high security: JGSDF showcases latest air-defense systems with U.S. forces



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, hosted Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with the 15th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment who showcased new air-defense equipment April 16 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

The event afforded the Marines, alongside U.S. Army soldiers with 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment and U.S. Air Force airmen with the 18th Wing, the opportunity to learn about the new equipment firsthand.

“We received a demonstration on the low-altitude, short-range air-defense capability that the JGSDF can provide for real-world operations,” said Marine 1st Lt. Louis D. Kim, an air-defense control officer with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, MACG-18, 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “They want to tie (these capabilities) into future bilateral exercises.”

The 15th AAR display included a P-14 surveillance radar, air-defense command and control system, and a command and control center assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company. Along with the control systems, the JGSDF members staged a Type 03 middle-range surface-to-air missile and Type 11 short-range SAM from their anti-aircraft artillery companies.

JGSDF Capt. Keisuke Yamada, a liaison with the 15th AAR, gave the guests a brief description of each system before the JGSDF members provided a demonstration of the capabilities.

“Today, we brought radars and launchers,” said Yamada. “First is the TAN-SAM: one radar, two launchers; the CHU-SAM: one radar, four launchers, with loaders, and a command and control post.”

The event was one of the few occasions where U.S. service members with an air-defense background received the chance to observe JGSDF equipment and meet with their JGSDF air-defense counterparts.

“These are outstanding systems,” said Marine Capt. Joshua N. Anderson, the Low-Altitude Air Defense detachment officer in charge. “I’m in love with their short-range system. They have a lot of new equipment. It’s great stuff.”

The JGSDF members believe that events like these are important to the ongoing mission to strengthen military cooperation between the U.S. and Japan in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, according to Yamada

http://www.mcasfutenma.marines.mil

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US Marines begin Blackjack UAS deployment to Afghanistan



The US Marine Corps (USMC) has begun its first operational deployment of the Insitu RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 7 May.

The deployment, which began at the end of April, saw Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 2, located at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina, relocate to an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. NAVAIR did not say how long the deployment might last.

Boeing subsidiary company Insitu is currently under contract to provide NAVAIR with two Blackjack systems (each system comprising five Blackjack aircraft [dubbed Integrator by the company], two ground control stations, a pneumatic catapult launcher and a SkyHook recovery system).

The Blackjack's baseline payload comprises an electro-optic sensor, a mid-wave infrared imager, an infrared marker, and a laser rangefinder. According to figures released by Insitu, the UAS has a cruise speed of 55 kt, a service ceiling of 19,500 ft, and an endurance of 24 hours.

http://www.janes.com

F-35B, F/A-18D, AV-8B legacy flight

A F-35B, FA-18D and AV-8B preforming a legacy flight at the 2014 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show on May 17.

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Elbit to support USMC Cobra upgrade




Elbit Systems of America has been awarded contracts worth a combined $20.1 million to support the upgrade of Bell AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters for the US Marine Corps.

Under a deal valued at $11.6 million, the company will provide helmet display tracker system kits for the aircraft. Elbit says the equipment "significantly improves flight safety, by providing crew members with greater situational awareness and enhanced night vision, weapons sighting and weapons control". The contract will be performed over a two-year period.


US Department of Defense

Worth $8.5 million, the Elbit Systems subsidiary's second contract will also add a tactical video data link capability, which it says will enable crews to detect, identify and quickly respond to threats. Information can be received via on-board sensors or from external sources, such as ground troops or other aircraft. The contract will be performed over a duration of 15 months.

http://www.flightglobal.com

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Aircraft sent to Italy for possible Libya evacuation

A Marine crisis-response team has deployed additional aircraft to Sicily as it awaits orders for a possible evacuation of American officials in Libya.

Seven Ospreys and three KC-130s from an air base in Spain have been positioned at U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters Tuesday. Another Osprey would soon be arriving, the Pentagon said.

About 180 Marines and sailors with the team were moved last week with six aircraft from Morón Air Base in Spain; there are now 250 Marines there. The move was in response to growing concerns over militia battles in northern Libya and their proximity to Americans at the embassy in Tripoli. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Algeria, have already closed their diplomatic missions in Tripoli.

Kirby said there have been no requests for assistance from the Marines in Sigonella. But if called on to help with evacuations of U.S. diplomatic personnel or other requirements, he said the team is “in a posture and in a location that should they be needed in North Africa, specifically Libya, that they would be ready to do so.”

“We’re watching the situation very, very closely,” Kirby added. “The unrest, the violence there are certainly troubling to all of us in the Defense Department. And again, this was a prudent, precautionary measure.”

Created in the wake of the 2012 attack on a diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya, the crisis-response team has been mobilized periodically as threats arise in Africa. The team took part in embassy evacuations in South Sudan last year.

The battles in Libya come after fighters loyal to a former regime general and later rebel leader attacked Islamist militias in the eastern city of Benghazi and the parliament in Tripoli. The general, Khalifa Heftar, has long opposed the Islamist groups that have dominated the country’s east since the 2011 ouster of the Moammar Gadhafi regime.

One of those groups, Ansar al-Sharia, is believed to be responsible for the Sept. 11, 2012, attack that killed four Americans at the U.S. facility in Benghazi, including ambassador Christopher Stevens.

Other militias and groups have mobilized and vowed support for each side since the fighting began on Friday, leading to concerns that the violence is more serious than the skirmishes common between groups in recent years.

news@stripes.com

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Military plane crashes into homes

IMPERIAL, Calif. – A Yuma-stationed military jet crashed into a residential neighborhood destroying three homes in Imperial Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.


The AV-8B Harrier jet went down at Fonzie Avenue and Cross Road, about 115 miles east of San Diego, around 4:20 p.m., according to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma officials.

The fiery crash damaged civilian homes, said Maj. Carl Redding Jr., spokesman for the air wing. It was unknown if anyone on the ground was injured.

Eight homes were evacuated while officials conducted an investigation into the incident, Imperial City officials said.

The pilot attached to the Miramar-based Third Marine Aircraft Wing was able to safely eject, MCAS officials said. Medics took the pilot to a hospital.

“I saw the pilot eject, then his parachute open. Then, I saw the plane start wobbling and plundering down,” said Elias Alarcon, a witness to the crash. “I saw the pilot hit the pavement really hard. When I got there he was unconscious. I thought he was maybe dead.”

The cause of the crash was under investigation, Redding said.

A Harrier jet from MCAS Yuma crashed in an unpopulated area of the Gila River Indian Community on May 9, about 40 miles southeast of Phoenix, according to the Yuma Sun. That pilot was able to eject and was treated for injuries at a local hospital.

http://fox5sandiego.com