Today's Photos, Wednesday - January 4th, 2012

[Ceriy]

Graduates of Odessa National Maritime Academy become reserve officers.

Bonus for those who are bored, 20 min video about "Miss Desant-2011".

[trikora88]

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U.S. service members scramble for a personnel mission on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2011. The service members are assigned to the 26th and the 46th Expeditionary Rescue squadrons. From initial notification, the units have 15 minutes to be airborne and must have a patient to Camp Bastion within an hour. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Carbajal

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U.S. sailors conduct a hot refueling of a AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter during night flight operations aboard the USS Makin Island in the Indian Ocean, Dec. 30, 2011. The sailors are aviation boatswain’s mates, and the Cobra crew is assigned to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 Reinforced. Makin Island is on its maiden deployment and conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alan Gragg

[Ceriy]

Dog training center, Armed forces of Belarus.

[Nickchios]

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Cpl. William Cox, an armorer at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, and a native of Amory, Miss., shields himself from rocks and sand as an MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off in Zaranj, Nimroz province, Dec. 30.

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The religious ministry team of 2nd Marine Division (Forward) criss-cross the vast Helmand desert many times over to minister to the Marines and sailors based at the remote forward operating and patrol bases within the Task Force Leatherneck area of operations, much like the one in the distance.

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With a Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra helicopter (in the distance) as escort, Monaca, PA., native Cmdr. Christopher Fronk pauses in reflection on the Marines he recently served Catholic Mass to and prepares for those Marines he will serve to only moments from now on a remote patrol base in the Task Force Leatherneck area of operations.

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Sergeant Randy King, a platoon guide for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, and Ashville, N.C., native, stands outside the engineer lot at Forward Operating Base White House, Kajaki Sofla, Dec. 22. King, originally enlisted in 1979, serving for eight years before ending his active duty contract, returning 21 years later when his son enlisted in the Marine Corps. King now serves with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion.

[Nickchios]

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 3, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman George M. Bell /Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 3, 2012) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Patrick Dean performs a maintenance check on an MK 38 MOD 2 25mm machine gun system aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) in preparation for a live-fire exercise. USS Dewey is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Keim/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 3, 2012) Chief Gunner's Mate Dion Eisman performs a maintenance check on an MK 38 MOD 2 25mm machine gun system aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) in preparation for a live-fire exercise. USS Dewey is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Keim/Released)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 4, 2012) Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd, Chaplain Corps chief of the Navy Chaplains, passes through sideboys aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Tidd assumed his current duties as the 25th chief of Navy Chaplains. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth R. Hendrix/Released)

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PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (Jan. 3, 2012) Donated goods are offloaded from High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift for Project Handclasp during HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012. The goods consisted of medical supplies and food which will be distributed throughout the country. Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material donated by America's private sector on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients. Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jennifer Grier/Released)

[Nickchios]

High Res.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert, Third ArmyARCENT Public Affairs

ALI AL SALEM, Kuwait - Sgt. Taylor Jewett (left), an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and Plymouth, Conn. native, and Master Sgt. Happy Curtis (right), a Signal Support Systems Specialist and brigade noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters, Headquarters Team, 3rd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. and San Antonio native, pose for a photo inside of a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III here Jan. 3. Jewett and Curtis were the last two 1st Cav. Div. Operation New Dawn Soldiers from U.S. Forces " Iraq remaining in Third Army's area of responsibility. Their departure back to Fort Hood, Texas, marks a historic moment as the final USF-I Soldiers head home.

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Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert, Third ArmyARCENT Public Affairs

ALI AL SALEM, Kuwait - Sgt. Taylor Jewett (left), an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and Plymouth, Conn. native, and Master Sgt. Happy Curtis (right), a Signal Support Systems Specialist and brigade noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters, Headquarters Team, 3rd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. and San Antonio native, board a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III here Jan. 3 to redeploy to Fort Hood, Texas. Jewett and Curtis were the last two 1st Cav. Div. Operation New Dawn Soldiers from U.S. Forces " Iraq remaining in Third Army's area of responsibility. Their departure marks a historic moment as the final USF-I Soldiers head home.

High res.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert, Third ArmyARCENT Public Affairs

ALI AL SALEM, Kuwait - Sgt. Taylor Jewett (left), an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and Plymouth, Conn. native, and Master Sgt. Happy Curtis (right), a Signal Support Systems Specialist and brigade noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters, Headquarters Team, 3rd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. and San Antonio native, prepare to board a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III here Jan. 3 to redeploy to Fort Hood, Texas. Jewett and Curtis were the last two 1st Cav. Div. Operation New Dawn Soldiers from U.S. Forces " Iraq remaining in Third Army's area of responsibility. Their departure marks a historic moment as the final USF-I Soldiers head home.

High res.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Christopher Calvert, Third Army Public Affairs

ALI AL SALEM, Kuwait - U.S. Senator James Inhofe, Okla., shakes hands with Sgt. 1st Class Colby Keck, A Company, 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during a visit with troops here Dec. 31. The Norman, Okla. native was one of eight Soldiers chosen to meet Senator Inhofe on New Year's Eve. During the visit, Senator Inhofe answered questions from Soldiers and expressed his gratitude for their service. Through joint ventures like this one, Third Army and Senator Inhofe are showing their continued support to Soldiers and their Family Members.

[He219]

Nice pix everybody!

In this Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 photo, members of the growing Afghan special forces stand in formation after conducting a practice raid at a training field on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan.

The official flag of Eurocorps military contingent is seen during a ceremony in honor of the families of the 150 soldiers who will go to Afghanistan on January 10 for a six-month-period joining Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force (FIAS), on January 4, 2012 at Eurocorps headquarters in Strasbourg, eastern France. Eurocorps soldiers, who normally remain based in their respective countries, can be put at the disposal of NATO or the European Union.

Major-general of Eurocorps military contingent, German Walter Spindler takes part in a ceremony in honor of the families of the 150 soldiers who will go to Afghanistan on January 10 for a six-month-period joining Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force (FIAS), on January 4, 2012 at Eurocorps headquarters in Strasbourg, eastern France. Eurocorps soldiers, who normally remain based in their respective countries, can be put at the disposal of NATO or the European Union.

Members of Eurocorps military contingent take part in a ceremony in honor of the families of the 150 soldiers who will go to Afghanistan on January 10 for a six-month-period joining Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force (FIAS), on January 4, 2012 at Eurocorps headquarters in Strasbourg, eastern France.

Members of Eurocorps military contingent take part in a ceremony in honor of the families of the 150 soldiers who will go to Afghanistan on January 10 for a six-month-period joining Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force (FIAS), on January 4, 2012 at Eurocorps headquarters in Strasbourg, eastern France. Eurocorps soldiers, who normally remain based in their respective countries, can be put at the disposal of NATO or the European Union.

[Polponero]

[QUOTE=Nickchios;5956740]
High res.

Why this original painting scheme?

[Ceriy]

HMS Ocean returns to Plymouth Sound from an eight month deployment in support of Operation Ellamy in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was escorted in by Devonport based tugs.

Families of the ship's company warmly greeted their loved ones and a Royal Marines Band played as the ship sailed into Devonport Dockyard. Hundreds stood for several hours in the cold December air waiting for the vessel to arrive.

Photographer: LA(Phot) Martin Carney

HMS Edinburgh has passes through the Patagonian Canal on transit to her next port of call, Valparaiso, Chile.

HMS Edinburgh has been deployed on the Atlantic Patrol Task (South) since May 2011. En route to the South Atlantic she has conducted a number of high profile regional visits including Luanda in Angola and South Georgia.

Since arriving in the South Atlantic she has provided support and reassurance to the British South Atlantic Overseas Territories. HMS Edinburgh has now completed her mid-deployment maintenance period in South Africa to ensure she remains fully operationally capable for the remainder of the deployment. Photographer: LA(PHOT) Kyle Heller

HMS Edinburgh is pictured enroute to Valparaiso, Chile.

HMS Edinburgh has been deployed on the Atlantic Patrol Task (South) since May 2011. En route to the South Atlantic she has conducted a number of high profile regional visits including Luanda in Angola and South Georgia.

Since arriving in the South Atlantic she has provided support and reassurance to the British South Atlantic Overseas Territories. HMS Edinburgh has now completed her mid-deployment maintenance period in South Africa to ensure she remains fully operationally capable for the remainder of the deployment. Photographer: LA(PHOT) Kyle Heller

HMS Edinburgh (foreground) conducts her first Replenishment at Sea of their South Atlantic deployment with RFA Black Rover off the coast of West Africa.

HMS Edinburgh is currently deployed to conduct maritime security patrols around the British South Atlantic Islands, including the Falklands and South Georgia.

On her journey south the type 42 Destroyer will visit a variety of countries off the West coast of Africa and arrive in the Falklands in mid-July. On completion of her tasking Edinburgh is due to arrive home in Portsmouth in Dec 2011.Photographer: LA (PHOT) Kyle Heller

[bd popeye]

[QUOTE=Polponero;5956890]

High res.

Why this original painting scheme?

Each CVW squadron is allowed one aircraft with an legacy or unique paint scheme.

[bd popeye]

A few pix of the USN variety!


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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 3, 2012) F/A-18 Hornets enter the pattern to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman George M. Bell/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 3, 2012) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Johnny-Ryan Jansen, assigned to weapons department aboard the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), fires a .50-caliber machine gun during a crew-served weapons fire exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Stevens/Released)

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PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (Jan. 3, 2012) High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift is pierside in Puerto Quetzal. Swift is supporting Southern Partnership Station 2012, an annual deployment of U.S naval assets in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jennifer Grier/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Ashawn Robertson walks catapult four checking for any foreign object damage prior to flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Samantha Phillips collects fuel samples from an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Miguel Bahena removes a catapult seal from catapult one on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Manolito Recto and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Recruit Martin Marentette standby for the launching of an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 31, 2011) Sailors load a Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm machine gun system aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are on deployment conducting operations as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke/Released)

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INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 31, 2011) A Mk 38 MOD 2 25mm machine gun system aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) ejects casings during a live-fire exercise aboard the ship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 2, 2012) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Samantha Baughman puts rivets into testing material aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lex T. Wenberg/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 2, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 flies over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 2, 2012) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) maneuver behind the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 2, 2012) An MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 passes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) while delivering supplies to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment at sea the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

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INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 30, 2011) A CH-46E Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 268 Reinforced prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during night flight operations. Makin Island is on its first operational deployment conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of the Navy's Maritime Strategy. Makin Island is the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship and the only U.S. Navy ship with a hybrid electric propulsion system. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released)

[flanker7]

Ι wonder how much drag penalty does the Super Hornet pays for the outward angled pylons. AFAIK it was done due to unsafe weapons separation if they where straight

[CPLHUNTER]

that is one SALTY devil dog

[BMF_EOD]

http://civiliancontractors.wordpress...n-afghanistan/

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/...d-afghanistan/

[Ceriy]

Bulgarian unit change ceremony for their part of Balkan Battle group.