On June 6, Ramstein Air Base hosted Europe’s inaugural basic fighter manoeuvres exercise, Ramstein 1v1, featuring over 37 fighter aircraft. Participating models included F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, Dassault Rafale Cs, F/A-18 Hornets, and a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk from nine NATO countries.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Loringer, Chief of Weapons and Tactics for US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, highlighted the importance of basic fighter manoeuvring (BFM), stating it tests pilots’ reaction time, physical stamina, and situational awareness. “BFM is a coveted and timeless skillset, dating back to World War I. Engaging in one-on-one BFM fights builds trust in a pilot’s aircraft and skills,” he said.
The exercise aimed to enhance rapid decision-making and precise reactions in high-pressure settings, essential for fighter pilots. It also fostered relationships among NATO allies, enhancing communication, interoperability, and collective resolve.
Participants included aviators from the US, UK, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany. The US 86th Airlift Wing personnel provided crucial installation support, while the 86th Maintenance Group and 86th Logistics Readiness Group facilitated flightline operations. Coordination of airspace, take-offs, and landings was managed by the 86th Operations Group and German counterparts.
“This exercise is about readiness and projecting airpower throughout Europe and Africa,” said Airman Basic Regis Dickerson II, emphasizing the importance of trust and teamwork. Lt Col Loringer added, “Ramstein 1v1 was only possible with the combined efforts of the fantastic Ramstein team.”
A recent poll by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) highlights that Australians prioritize affordable and reliable energy over net zero targets. Conducted by Dynata in early June, the survey asked, “What should be the main focus of the federal government’s energy policy?”
Key findings include:
- 57% of respondents prioritize affordability, up from 41% in 2022.
- 24% emphasize reliability, a decrease from 31% in 2022.
- Only 19% focus on meeting the net zero emissions by 2050 target, down from 28% in 2022.
IPA Deputy Executive Director Daniel Wild noted that the combined preference for affordability and reliability has risen from 72% to 81% since 2022. He argues that the focus should shift back to affordable and reliable energy, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Additionally, the poll revealed:
- 48% of Australians are unwilling to pay anything to achieve net zero by 2050, up from 42% in 2022.
- 54% believe the country should pause its net zero commitment until energy supplies are sufficient to avoid blackouts.
Wild emphasized the need for more coal and gas generation to ensure affordable and reliable energy, criticizing current efforts towards a costly and unreliable renewable transition.
In early 1971, US Army Captain Stuart Herrington arrived in Vietnam to serve as a Phoenix/Phụng Hoàng counter-intelligence program advisor. Post-War, he described his arrival and allotment to the program:
“Three days in Saigon convinced me that I didn’t want to draw an assignment there. The city was filthy, overcrowded, hectic, and overrun with hustlers of all types. You name the negative modifier, it fit Saigon in early 1971. Not even the graffiti on the latrine walls at the reception centre could dampen my enthusiasm for getting out of Saigon – the sooner the better. … (a pejorative on the Vietnamese and their flag has been omitted from this text) … . I (Herrington) had a game plan to get a good assignment, if indeed there was such a thing in Vietnam. A friend of mine had just returned from a tour in Phuoc Tuy, a coastal province southeast of Saigon best known for its resort town of Vung Tau. He had described duty in Phuoc Tuy in glowing term – silver beaches, giant lobsters, and not too many Vietcong. There was even a contingent of fun-loving Australians stationed in the province, and my friend told incredible tales of their non-military exploits. The plan was for me to go to the officer assignment folks at headquarters (in Saigon), rattle off a few words of Vietnamese, and Vung Tau, here I come. It didn’t work. The sergeant in the assignments branch merely laughed as he explained that Phuoc Tuy province would not hold all of the men who had volunteered to go there in the defense of democracy. The best I was able to do was to wrangle orders to Military Region III, the area around Saigon. I was to report the following morning to Bien Hoa city, a few miles north of Saigon, for an interview with a colonel who would decide where I would actually be assigned.” Captain Herrington was assigned to the Phoenix/Phụng Hoàng program in Hậu Nghĩa Province (40km west of Saigon via Route 22, bordering Cambodia) until late 1972.
- Chamberlain Endnote: Phước Tuy was not an “operational backwater” in 1971 – with 1 ATF engaging the 274thVC Regiment and the 33rdNVA Regiment in the north of the Province (eg: Operations Phối Hợp, Overlord, Ivanhoe – and the Battle of Núi Lê etc).
ED: Thanks Ernie.
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has been denied the opportunity to compete in the Paris Olympic Games after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled against her case challenging World Aquatics’ eligibility rules. The court’s decision confirms that individuals who have undergone male puberty cannot compete in the female category.
Thomas, 25, sought to overturn World Aquatics’ regulations, arguing they unfairly barred her from competing. However, the court ruled she lacked the standing to challenge the policy, as she was not a member of USA Swimming, an affiliated organization of World Aquatics.
British swimming champion Sharron Davies expressed support for the decision, stating: “No elite female athlete will have to lose out to this mediocre 6’4″ male swimmer.” Former US swimmer Valentina Gomez echoed this sentiment, celebrating the protection of women’s sports.
Thomas, who transitioned after competing in men’s events, became a trans woman and won the female 500m NCAA college title in March 2022, igniting controversy. An ongoing legal case involves 16 US women claiming the National Collegiate Athletics Association institutionalized discrimination by allowing Thomas to compete.
World Aquatics emphasized the importance of fairness and equal opportunities, stating the ruling is a significant step forward in protecting women’s sports. The court concluded that Thomas was not entitled to participate in elite events under USA Swimming Policy, and thus could not engage with eligibility requirements for World Aquatics competitions.
This decision reinforces the importance of maintaining fairness in women’s sports while upholding the integrity of competition standards.
The US is facing a new challenge: potential terrorism links within its borders.
The United States has taken decisive action against eight Tajikistan nationals residing in the country. Following the discovery of potential ties to terrorism, federal agents quickly arrested the individuals in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia.
- Initially, no red flags were raised when they entered the US via the wide-open Southern border with Mexico.
- However, subsequent investigations revealed possible connections to ISIS members overseas.
This operation was a coordinated effort between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI’s joint terrorism task forces. The individuals are now detained, awaiting removal proceedings.
- Public and partner bulletins have indicated a heightened threat environment in the US.
- The decision to expel the eight was made to prevent the risk of a potential plot unfolding on American soil.
While investigators do not believe these individuals received training abroad, the arrests have raised serious concerns.
- Those arrested had expressed extremist rhetoric.
- The extent of the association of the others with the group remains unclear, highlighting the complexities of counterterrorism efforts.
Under President Biden’s administration, the open border policies have led to a significant increase in illegal immigration. Critics argue that these policies have compromised national security and strained resources at the border. The relaxed enforcement and welcoming rhetoric are seen as invitations for migrants to cross into the United States without proper documentation, creating a chaotic and unsustainable situation that is placing the country at risk.
BOB HOPE – THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
On his death bed they asked Hope where he wanted to be buried.
His answer was, “Surprise me.”
If you remember Bob Hope, you’ll really enjoy this.
I had forgotten that he lived to be 100, and also didn’t realize it has been over 20 years since he died.
I Always enjoyed him, his movies, and his show.
He touched a lot of lives during his life.
Thought you might enjoy a bit of memory touching.
Enjoy and recall a neat comedian.
______________________________ ____________
BOB HOPE IN HEAVEN
For those of you too young to remember Bob Hope, ask your Grandparents and thanks for the memories.
I HOPE THIS WILL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART.
This is a tribute to a man who DID make a difference.
ON TURNING 70
‘I still chase women, but only downhill.’
ON TURNING 80
‘That’s the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.’
ON TURNING 90
‘You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.’
ON TURNING 100
‘I don’t feel old. In fact, I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.’
ON GIVING UP HIS EARLY CAREER, BOXING
‘I ruined my hands in the ring. The referee kept stepping on them.’
ON NEVER WINNING AN OSCAR
‘Welcome to the Academy Awards, or as it’s called at my home, ‘Passover.’
ON GOLF
‘Golf is my profession. Show business is just to pay the green fees.’
ON PRESIDENTS
‘I have performed for 12 presidents but entertained only six.’
ON WHY HE CHOSE SHOWBIZ FOR HIS CAREER
‘When I was born, the doctor said to my mother, “Congratulations, you have an eight-pound ham.”
ON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
‘I feel very humble, but I think I have the strength of character to fight it.’
ON HIS FAMILY’S EARLY POVERTY
‘Four of us slept in the one bed. When it got cold, mother threw on another brother.’
ON HIS SIX BROTHERS
‘That’s how I learned to dance. Waiting for the bathroom.’
ON HIS EARLY FAILURES
‘I would not have had anything to eat if it wasn’t for the stuff the audience threw at me’
ON GOING TO HEAVEN
‘I’ve done benefits for ALL religions.
I’d hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality.’
Give me a sense of humour Lord, give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humour out of life and pass it on to other folk.
The 3rd Brigade have been digging in and establishing a defensive position around the underground command post during Exercise Brolga Run. Establishing a defensive position during military operations is crucial for several reasons:
- Protection and Survival
Digging in provides cover and concealment, reducing the vulnerability of soldiers to enemy fire and artillery. It enhances the physical protection of personnel from shrapnel, small arms fire, and other battlefield hazards.
- Force Multiplication
A well-prepared defensive position can enable a smaller force to hold off a larger enemy force. Defensive fortifications, such as trenches, bunkers, and barriers, enhance the combat effectiveness of the defending troops, making it difficult for the enemy to advance.
- Time for Reinforcement and Resupply
Establishing a strong defensive position buys time for reinforcements to arrive and for supplies to be delivered.
- Psychological Advantage
A secure defensive position boosts the morale and confidence of defending troops.
- Strategic and Tactical Control
Controlling key terrain through defensive positions can deny the enemy access to important areas, routes, and resources. It also allows the defending force to control the battlefield environment, dictating the terms of engagement.
- Preparation for Counteroffensive
A strong defensive position can serve as a staging ground for launching counteroffensives. It provides a stable base from which to regroup, plan, and launch attacks on the enemy.
- Coordination and Communication
Defensive positions allow for better coordination and communication within the defending force. Establishing a secure area ensures that command and control elements can function effectively, facilitating strategic planning and execution.
- Disruption of Enemy Plans
A well-established defensive position can disrupt enemy operations, forcing them to change their plans, redirect resources, and potentially make tactical errors. This can provide the defending force with opportunities to exploit enemy weaknesses.
In summary, digging in and establishing a defensive position is a fundamental military tactic that enhances protection, increases combat effectiveness, and provides strategic advantages, all of which are essential for the success and survival of military operations.
Instinct kicked in when Private Tony Stewart and his fellow soldiers were engaged in the Battle for Coral, in Vietnam, 1968. It was the most horrific battle he would take part in but this is what Stewart was trained for and he know he had his mates there to look after him.