U.S. Naval Aviator

Today could be a day for history. The X-47B is scheduled to become the first unmanned aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier: http://ow.ly/mP6g6 - U.S. Naval Air Forces

Question: How many Sailors are defending freedom right now?
Answer: http://ow.ly/m2332

Here’s a first worth liking!

The first MV-22 Osprey to be embarked with a ship in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), June 14.

DROPS MESSAGES IN CAPITAL LETTERS!

The US Navy is to stop sending internal messages in capital letters, in an attempt to adjust to modern technology and to stop sailors feeling like they are being shouted at.

[Full story]--> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10121371/US-NAVY-DROPS-MESSAGES-IN-CAPITAL-LETTERS.html

US NAVY DROPS MESSAGES IN CAPITAL LETTERS - Telegraph The US Navy is to stop sending internal messages in capital letters, in an attempt to adjust to modern technology and to stop sailors feeling like they are being shouted at.

Many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of a holiday that we as veterans hold so close to our hearts.

The VFW asks all to pause and remember

Many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of a holiday that we as veterans hold so close to our hearts. For too many, Memorial Day now signifies nothing more than the start of summer and is celebrated with holiday sales. Trips to the lake and shopping extravaganzas have replaced memorial visits, remembrance ceremonies or simply put, a day to reflect upon all of the luxuries—like freedom—that we as Americans enjoy daily.

As proud veterans, we know the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Today, we honor our fallen comrades of the United States military in the form of remembrance. And with that, comes a deep sense of appreciation for both their selflessness in protecting the land of the free, and for their sacrifice in ensuring it stays that way.

Each and every American owes a great debt to the courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect our way of life. While giving back to the extent they deserve is impossible, today, we merely attempt our repayment in the form of remembrance. We dedicate this day to them.

As we go about our activities, we should take the opportunity to not only remember the sacrifices of our fallen and mourn their departure, we should celebrate the spirit with which they served and reflect upon their contributions in making America, truly, the land of the free.

The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. Please join us in this National Moment of Remembrance today.

The VFW thanks all service members, veterans and their families for their contributions and service to the United States of America.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!

http://youtu.be/aw4dZ2bJnGI

Lap Around The Boat Lap Around The Boat

Credit: U.S. Navy - Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Northrop Grumman
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completes its first shore-based arrested landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

X-47B First Arrested Landing NAS Pax River Credit: U.S. Navy - Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Northrop Grumman The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completes its first shore-ba...

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2013) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 takes off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ignacio D. Perez/Released) U.S. Navy

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2013) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 takes off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ignacio D. Perez/Released)
U.S. Navy

Canada to consider other planes besides F-35

TORONTO — Canada is considering buying fighter jets other than U.S.-made F-35s because of escalating costs associated with Lockheed Martin’s troubled Joint Strike Fighter program, the country’s defense minister said Wednesday.

Defense Minister Peter MacKay said the government needs to ensure a balance between military and taxpayer interests.

MacKay said Canada needs to have all viable options on the table to replace the current fleet of 1980s-vintage CF-18s, which the government says will reach the end of their projected service life around 2020.

He reiterated that Canada wants to buy 65 jets for about $9 billion. But escalating costs and delays have dogged the F-35, which is now the most expensive U.S. Department of Defense procurement program ever.

A KPMG report says the lifetime cost of Canada owning 65 F-35s is estimated at $45.8 billion over 42 years.

MacKay had previously said it would buy the F-35, but the government never signed a binding contract. The government has since come under pressure because of ballooning costs and because other bids were not considered. An independent panel will consider a new range of options.

The government acknowledged Wednesday it could still buy the F-35. Other planes that could be considered include Boeing’s Super Hornet or the European consortium made Eurofighter Typhoon jet.

Japan has said it may cancel its plans to buy dozens of the F-35s and Australia has said that to cut costs it is pushing back delivery of most of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The Netherlands has also said it will trim its order.

The next-generation fighter is set to become the centerpiece of U.S. and allied air forces. Canada is a funding partner in developing the Joint Strike Fighter. Most of the funding comes from the United States, while Australia, Turkey, Britain, Italy, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands are also funding partners.

Canada to consider other planes besides F-35 TORONTO — Canada is considering buying fighter jets other than U.S.-made F-35s because of escalating costs associated with Lockheed Martin’s troubled Joint Strike Fighter program, the country’s defense minister said Wednesday.

BAE wins $400 million deal for U.S. Navy aircraft

(Reuters) - The U.S. unit of Britain's BAE Systems Plc (BAES.L) said it has won a contract valued at up to $400 million over the next five years to maintain and service more than 300 U.S. Navy trainer aircraft.

BAE said on Thursday that the contract, which covers inspections, repairs and logistical support for the Navy's T-34, T-44 and T-6 trainer aircraft, would help it expand its services business.

It was a major win for BAE, which beat out incumbent Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp (UTX.N), and L-3 Communications Holdings Inc (LLL.N) to secure the contract.

The contract includes an initial base term plus multiple options. It will cover five years if all options are exercised.

BAE wins $400 million deal for U.S. Navy aircraft WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. unit of Britain's BAE Systems Plc said it has won a contract valued at up to $400 million over the next five years to maintain and service more than 300 U.S.

December 09, 2012 - The flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. X-47B Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS) demonstrator taxies on the flight deck.

Location: Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean

The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS) demonstrator taxies on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is the first aircraft carrier to host test operations for an unmanned aircraft. Harry S. Truman is underway supporting carrier qualifications. (Northrop Grumman video by Dave Buchanan/ Released)

X-47B Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS) 121209-O-ZZ999-001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2012) - The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS) demonstrator taxies on the flight deck of the aircraft carrie...

PHILADELPHIA — Keenan Reynolds extended Navy’s dominance against Army, scoring the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter in a 17-13 victory in the 113th rivalry game Saturday.

Freshman QB keys Navy to another win over Army