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By Rebecca  Williams – Quora

The SR-71 was much faster than the U-2, reaching speeds of over Mach 3 at altitudes of over 80,000 feet. This required the pilots to wear special pressure suits and helmets that limited their mobility and vision.

The SR-71 also had a complex engine and inlet system that needed constant monitoring and adjustment to avoid unstarts, which could cause violent yawing and pitching of the aircraft. The SR-71 also had a very narrow margin between its maximum and minimum speed limits, known as the “coffin corner”, which made it vulnerable to stalls and over speeds. The SR-71 pilots had to fly with great precision and concentration to maintain the optimal speed and altitude for their mission.

The SR-71 was more sensitive to the environmental conditions than the U-2. The SR-71 was designed to operate in a high-temperature regime, where the airframe and the fuel tanks would expand and contract due to the frictional heating and cooling. The SR-71 had to take off with a partial fuel load and refuel in mid-air several times during its mission because the fuel tanks would leak on the ground and only seal properly at high temperatures.

The SR-71 also had to deal with the effects of thermal shock, which could cause cracks and failures in the structure and the systems. The SR-71 pilots had to cope with the extreme temperature changes and the potential malfunctions that could occur during their flight.

The SR-71 was more demanding in terms of the physical and mental fitness of the pilots than the U-2. The SR-71 pilots had to undergo rigorous training and selection, as well as regular medical examinations and evaluations. The SR-71 pilots had to endure high levels of stress, fatigue, and noise during their missions, which could last for several hours.

The SR-71 pilots also had to perform complex manoeuvres and evasive actions in case of enemy threats, such as surface-to-air missiles and interceptors. The SR-71 pilots had to be highly skilled and experienced to handle the challenges and risks of flying the fastest and highest aircraft ever built.

One person is confirmed dead, and seven remain missing after a U.S. Air Force Osprey crashed off southern Japan. The crew member recovered from the ocean has been pronounced dead. The cause of the crash and the status of the seven others are unknown. The Osprey, with eight on board, is an Air Force aircraft, and earlier reports suggested different passenger counts. Ospreys, capable of helicopter-like takeoff and airplane-like flight, have a history of accidents, prompting calls for a suspension of flights in Japan. The crash site, off Yakushima, was reported by a fishing boat. The coast guard found debris and an inflatable life raft. The search continues, and the aircraft had departed from the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. Japanese officials seek explanations from the U.S. military.

ED: Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, and its borders are primarily with Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The Dniester River forms much of the eastern border between Moldova and Ukraine. Transnistria, a breakaway region that declared independence in 1990 but is not internationally recognized, is located on the eastern side of the Dniester River, separating it from the rest of Moldova. The situation in Transnistria has led to political complexities and diplomatic challenges for Moldova. The capital of Moldova is Chisinau.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has revoked the citizenship of Alexandr Kalinin, the leader of the marginal pro-Russian Party of Regions and the Congress of Moldovan diasporas in Russia. The corresponding decree was published on the Moldovan head of state’s website on Tuesday, November 28.

The decision to strip Kalinin of Moldovan citizenship was based on the grounds of “recruitment into the armed forces of a foreign state,” as specified in Article 23.1.3 of Moldova’s Law on Citizenship.

Kalinin assumed the role of chairman of the Moldovan Party of Regions in 2016. In 2020, he garnered signatures in support of a presidential bid but later withdrew voluntarily. Notably, Kalinin is an outspoken advocate of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, evident in numerous photos and videos on his social media accounts where he is seen donning a military uniform marked with the letter Z, used by the Russian army in its conflict in Ukraine…an act prohibited in Moldova.

The politician has actively organized events aimed at assisting Russian soldiers by collecting warm clothing and footwear. Subsequently, these items are delivered to occupied settlements in Luhansk Oblast. Such activities are in violation of Moldovan regulations.

Kalinin’s actions have not gone unnoticed internationally, as he has faced sanctions from both the European Union and Canada for his attempts to undermine the stability of the Moldovan government.

The Vietnam War was one of the most controversial and divisive conflicts in modern history. But how much do you really know about it? In this video, we will reveal some surprising facts about the Vietnam War that most people don’t know. Did you know that the war was not only fought in Vietnam, but also in Laos and Cambodia, or that the lotus became known as a symbol of death? These are just some of the facts that we will explore in this video, so stay tuned and learn more about this fascinating and tragic chapter of history.

The Army Warfighting Experiment has been and remains the flagship experimentation programme for the British Army. It is part of the selection process for hardware and software, preparing the Army for future conflict in an increasingly urbanised world. Forces News were able to see how the Army is testing the urban warfare kit of the future to the max, on a Salisbury Plain monitored by drones trialling new software to sharpen the Army’s skills.

ED: From my inbox: I had a member point me in the direction of the link below. I’m sharing this with you because I spent quite a deal of time reading through this history and found it very interesting. … enjoy.

CLICK LINK

Untitled Document (32smallshipsqn.org.au)

HMAS Hobart (II) positioned on the ‘gun line’ in its initial Vietnam deployment, led by Captain GR Griffiths, DSC, RAN.

The Royal Australian Navy’s significant contribution to the Vietnam War, often overshadowed by the Army’s larger presence, involved various roles, including clearance diving, logistical support, medical services, and fleet operations.

Australian destroyers covered nearly 400,000 miles during the conflict, firing over 100,000 rounds of ammunition. The converted aircraft carrier HMAS SYDNEY, dubbed the ‘Vung Tau Ferry,’ transported around 16,000 Australian troops. Clearance Divers conducted several thousand ship searches for explosives, resulting in eight RAN personnel fatalities and nearly 50 injuries over a decade.

The Navy’s involvement began with goodwill visits in 1962, and as the war escalated, the RAN played a crucial role. Clearance Diving Teams, such as CDT1 and CDT3, were deployed to clear mines and booby traps, conducting about 7,500 ship searches. In 1967, guided missile destroyer HMAS HOBART joined the US Seventh Fleet, initiating a six-month rotation of RAN destroyers until 1971. These vessels fired over 100,000 rounds and travelled almost 400,000 miles, supporting Allied forces on the ‘gunline’ and participating in Operation SEA DRAGON.

Logistical support came from SYDNEY, supported by merchant ships JEPARIT and BOONAROO. The RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam, comprising Fleet Air Arm members, provided airlift and gunship support, with LCDR PJ Vickers becoming the first fatality in 1968.

RAN medical and support personnel served at the Headquarters Australian Forces Vietnam, with Navy doctors aiding hospitals and participating in the Medical Civil Action Program. The RAN’s commitment persisted until the Australian government announced force reduction in 1971, leading to the withdrawal of clearance divers, the RANHFV, and the last gunline destroyer, BRISBANE, returning in 1971.

The final voyages of JEPARIT and SYDNEY1 occurred in 1972, aligning with the Whitlam Labor government’s decision to withdraw all remaining Australian forces and cease military aid to South Vietnam. In the decade of RAN involvement, eight officers and sailors lost their lives, while 46 suffered injuries, showcasing the dedication and professionalism that earned the respect of allies and continued the Navy’s proud traditions.

ED: Request … I’m looking for personal stories from sailors who served on ships during Vietnam, stories that I can share with the membership.

One must recognize the unwavering CAN-DO ethic ingrained in the Chinese approach. In the face of any challenge, no matter how formidable, the Chinese exhibit a resolute determination, particularly when resources—both financial and human—can be mobilized to fulfill the ambitions of their Leader.

Drawing from nine years of experience in constructing islands to support bridges, this expertise has seamlessly transitioned to the expansive South China Sea. The question now arises: could the next monumental endeavour involve linking these constructed islands with a bridge to the Spratly Islands? Remarkably, there seems to be little concern for bureaucratic hurdles, as evidenced by the absence of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

While the world remained oblivious, the Chinese, tirelessly advanced their bridge-building endeavours. The resulting engineering marvel stands as a testament to their technological prowess, placing them among the global elite in this field.

The scale of this achievement is staggering: a 55-kilometer bridge, accomplished in a mere nine years at a cost of $15 billion, without succumbing to the notorious pitfalls of cost overruns. This swift execution is particularly noteworthy, considering the intricacies involved in constructing a six-lane bridge connecting the bustling island of Hong Kong to the mainland at Macau.

The Chinese have effectively demonstrated that their capacity to transform ambitious visions into tangible infrastructure is not only unparalleled but also efficient. The silent progress of the bridge, coupled with its impeccable execution, serves as a testament to the formidable capabilities and commitment embedded in the Chinese CAN-DO spirit.

Photo: HMAS Anzac has been pulled out of the water indefinitely amid crippling crew shortages. Picture: Defence

HMAS Anzac, a frontline warship of the navy, has been taken out of active service indefinitely due to severe crew shortages and uncertainties surrounding planned life-extending upgrades for the long-range frigate fleet. The 27-year-old vessel, which underwent a mid-life overhaul just three years ago, is now docked on hard stands at Western Australia’s Henderson shipyard as the government grapples with decisions regarding the future of the surface fleet. This includes potential reductions in the Hunter-class frigate and Arafura-class patrol boat programs.

The inception of the Anzac class originated from the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) initiative to replace the six River-class destroyer escorts with a mid-capability patrol frigate. Initially, the Australian shipbuilding industry was deemed incapable of warship design, prompting the RAN to adopt a proven foreign design and modify it. Collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) began in 1987, resulting in the order of eight ships by Australia and two by New Zealand.

Despite each Anzac-class ship requiring 179 personnel to operate, a shortage of crew members in crucial roles has made it nearly impossible to maintain all vessels in service. The government’s initial plan to upgrade all eight Anzacs to extend their operational life into the 2030s is now under scrutiny due to concerns at the highest levels about the value of such overhauls. The Defence spokeswoman stated that HMAS Anzac entered a “period of planned maintenance” on November 6 after returning from operations, but the vessel’s return to the water remains uncertain.

Sources within the Defence community indicate that the navy would need “extended notice” to deploy the ship, and there are discussions within the government about potentially mothballing the vessel to allocate crew to other Anzac frigates. The shortage of key personnel, particularly in the engineering department, poses significant challenges, and one unfilled position can prevent a ship from deploying.

There are concerns that it could take the navy years to recover sufficient crew numbers to operate the entire Anzac fleet. As a result, HMAS Anzac, and possibly other ships like HMAS Arunta and HMAS Parramatta, may be excluded from the planned upgrades. This situation echoes a past incident where HMAS Perth was out of service for four years due to crew shortages, returning to the water only in 2021.

Strategic Analysis Australia director Peter Jennings warns that the navy is losing capability, citing the Hobart-class guided missile destroyers as the only modern ships in the fleet. He expresses concern over the government’s reluctance to allocate more funds and calls for new leadership and decisive decision-making at the government level.

The government is expected to announce the results of its surface fleet review early next year, with potential reductions in the Hunter-class frigate order and reconsideration of the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel program. The ongoing crewing challenges are part of a broader Defence workforce crisis, with uniformed personnel numbers falling short of targets.

The third-of-class Anzac frigate, HMAS Warramunga, is scheduled to be the first to undergo overhaul work starting in mid-2024. So far, the government has allocated $631 million over five years to fund the upgrade of three vessels.