Friday's FIX of PIX!!! May 18th, 2012

[bd popeye]

Curator David Way sits at the bow of the U.S. battleship "USS Iowa" in Richmond, California May 17, 2012. Nicknamed the "Big Stick", the 887-feet long retired battleship, which served the U.S. Navy for 50 years and served in World War II, will be moved May 20 to the Port of Los Angeles where it will permanently reside as a new floating maritime museum, according to local media.

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WASHINGTON (May. 17, 2012) The four 2011 Navy Sailor's of the Year are recognized during the Sailor of the Year advancement ceremony. Steelworker 1st Class Louis Salazar, Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Angela A. Zamora, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Douglas Newman, and Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Maria Johnson received their appointment letters from Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas L. Rosprim/Released)

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BANGOR, Wash. (May 15, 2012) The Blue Crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) moors the boat as it returns to its homeport of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ahron Arendes/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2012) A Sailor awaits orders while aircraft are being positioned aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heath Zeigler/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 16, 2012) Aviation boatswain's mates wait to recover aircraft aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 15, 2012) A U.S. Naval Academy plebes participate in the U.S. Naval Academy's annual Sea Trials. Sea Trials is modeled after the Marine Corps Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations recruit programs. It is a capstone event for the first-year midshipmen and serves as a leadership challenge for the upper classmen who lead each event during the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia Riveracorrea/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 16, 2012) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Kione Morgan and Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Dodsworth gives the approval that an F/A-18C Hornet from the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 is ready to launch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 16, 2012) Aircraft line up for takeoff on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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RED SEA (May 12, 2012) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Dominique Maisonet directs Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7). James E. Williams is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel/Released)

A Chinese navy band welcome Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat as she arrives in Shanghai on May 17, 2012. HMAS Ballarat is in Shanghai for 5 days to commemorate 40 years of China-Australia relations.

Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat (foreground) is seen docked in Shanghai on May 17, 2012. HMAS Ballarat is in Shanghai for 5 days to commemorate 40 years of China-Australia relations. Ballarat is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.

[bd popeye]

ARLINGTON, VA - MAY 17: Family, friends and colleagues follow the casket of U.S. Army PFC Michael Metcalf during his burial service at Arlington National Cemetery May 17, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. Metcalf, from Boynton Beach, Florida, died April 22 in the Paktia province of Afghanistan when a vehicle he was driving ran over an improvised explosive device.

ARLINGTON, VA - MAY 17: Clarence Metcalf (C) holds the American flag that was draped over the casket of his son, U.S. Army PFC Michael Metcalf, during a burial service for PFC Metcalf at Arlington National Cemetery May 17, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. Metcalf, from Boynton Beach, Florida, died April 22 in the Paktia province of Afghanistan when a vehicle he was driving ran over an improvised explosive device. Also pictured is PFC MetcalfÕs mother, Kimberly Metcalf (L).

ALTON, HAMPSHIRE - MAY 18: Royal Navy air crew stand beside a Sea King (R) and two Merlin helicopters at RAF Odiham air base ahead of a rehearsal for a Diamond Jubilee flypast on May 18, 2012 near Alton, England. The armed forces are paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a Parade and Muster event at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2012. The RAF, Royal Navy and Army will take part in a flypast of 73 aircraft including a World War II Lancaster bomber and four Spitfires.

ALTON, HAMPSHIRE - MAY 18: A Royal Navy Pilot sits inside a Lynx helicopter at RAF Odiham air base ahead of a rehearsal for a Diamond Jubilee flypast on May 18, 2012 near Alton, England.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: A general view of the HMS Belfast ahead of its re-opening to the public on May 18, 2012 in London, England. The Second World War Royal Navy warship, a popular tourist attraction on the River Thames, closed to the public in November 2011, after a section of the gangway which provided access to the vessel collapsed.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Members of the military Brass Band play during a training exercise at Wellington Barracks on May 17, 2012 in London, England. The tri-Service Guard of Honour trained with the Band at Wellington Barracks ahead of their participation during the Royal celebrations at Windsor on May 19, 2012.

A Carabiniere, left, and an Italian army soldier check a tourist with a metal detector outside the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Italy increased security Thursday at 14,000 sites, and assigned bodyguards to protect 550 individuals after a nuclear energy company official was shot and letter bombs directed to the tax collection agency.

Congolese government army soldiers carry weapons and mortar equipment on the road to the border town of Bunagana, after their unit returned from the frontline of fighting against rebel forces, in Kinyamahura, Congo Thursday, May 17, 2012. A new rebel group believed to be led by former warlord Bosco Ntaganda, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, is now fighting the Congolese government in the east of the country. Ntaganda is sought on an international arrest warrant for his alleged use of child soldiers during an earlier conflict, and has forcibly recruited another 149 boys and teenagers since April 2012, according to a Human Rights Watch investigation.

Lebanese soldiers take position in Tripoli's Sunni neighbourhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh on May 17, 2012. Fresh sectarian clashes erupted between pro- and anti-Syrian districts in the north Lebanon port city of Tripoli, leaving at least one person dead and seven wounded, a security official said.

[bd popeye]

German riot police confront protestors during an anti-austerity demonstration that was not allowed past the headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, May 18, 2012. The demonstration is part of a four-day-long "Blockupy" protest, due to run until Saturday, against capitalism and austerity measures implemented to tackle the euro zone crisis. Organizers have called on tens of thousands of activists to take part in four days of protests aimed at occupying the central Frankfurt financial district and calling for an end to the imposition of austerity measures on debt-ridden European nations.

[bd popeye]

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 17, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Seth Stegmaier, a shooter aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), keeps navy tradition by having a boot shoot ceremony as a departing shooter. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ridge Leoni/Released)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 17, 2012) Sailors man the rails as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka on a routine patrol of the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jordan T. Buttolph/Released)

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ARABIAN SEA (May 17, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

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SHIMODA, Japan (May 17, 2012) Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief Junior Ashwood overlooks the deck department of the Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), as the ship prepares to anchor in Shimoda, Japan. McCampbell is visiting Shimoda to participate in the annual Black Ship Festival, a celebration of trade and alliance between the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes/Released)

Policemen detain a Russian opposition activist Evgenia Chirikova in a protest camp, demonstrating against Russian President Vladimir Putin's presidency, which moved to a new location near the Barrikadnaya (Barricade) metro station from the site at Chistiye Prudy park, in central Moscow, May 17, 2012. Russian riot police broke up an Occupy-style protest against Putin on Wednesday, forcing dozens of people out of a central Moscow park where they had staged a sit-in round-the-clock for a week and detaining at least 15. Police converged on the site at Chistiye Prudy park at about 5:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) and told some 50 people who had spent the night to leave, citing a court order issued on Tuesday requiring them to clear the area.

Policemen detain Russian opposition activists Evgenia Chirikova (2nd L) and artist Pyotr Verzilov as he tries to protect her in a protest camp, demonstrating against Russian President Vladimir Putin's presidency, which moved to a new location near the Barrikadnaya (Barricade) metro station from the site at Chistiye Prudy park, in central Moscow, May 17, 2012.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - MAY 17: Riot police stand in a line during the Blockupy protests on May 17, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany.

AYLESBURY, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Royal Air Force personnel practice their drills in the parade ground at RAF Halton, ahead of formal duties to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on May 17, 2012 in Aylesbury, England.

BRIZE NORTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Crew fly an RAF Hercules C130 during a practice flight from RAF Brize Norton on May 15, 2012 in England. Two Hercules joined other aircraft to practice a fixed wing aircraft rehearsal ahead of the Diamond Jubilee flypast over central London in June.

BRIZE NORTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: An RAF Hercules C130 is prepared for takeoff ahead of a practice flight from RAF Brize Norton on May 15, 2012 in England.

A Malaysian police officer escorts back three Mexican brothers (L-R), Luis Alfonso Gonzalez Villarreal, Simon Gonzalez Villarreal and Jose Regino Gonzalez Villarreal after a court verdict in Kuala Lumpur on May 17, 2012. Three Mexican brothers were sentenced to hang in Malaysia on drug trafficking charges in the climax of a long-running trial that followed their 2008 arrest at an alleged drugs factory.

An activist of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) shouts slogans in front of the party office during a strike in Dhaka May 17, 2012. BNP-led main opposition parties call for a nationwide strike in protest against the arrest of its 33 activists, including senior leaders, for alleged involvement in violence including setting fire to vehicles during general strikes last month, local media reported.

Police officers try to arrest Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joint secretary general Mizanur Rahman Minu in front of the party office during a strike in Dhaka May 17, 2012.

A Philippine soldier stands guard next to fishing boats (back) at a pier in Masinloc town, Zambales province, 230 kilometres (140 miles) from Scarborough Shoal on May 18, 2012, which protesters were to board and set sail to the disputed shoal. Philippine President Benigno Aquino told protesters to abort plans to sail May 18, to a disputed South China Sea shoal also claimed by China, the leader of the group said.

[bd popeye]

Let's see I posted 50 pix.. so that means I can post five Friday Specials..

Magdalena Kazimirova of Slovakia poses with her trophy during 2012 European Bodybuilding Championship finals in Zagreb, Croatia, May 13, 2012. Kazimirova won the overall championship title in bikini category.(Xinhua/Miso Lisanin)

Red Fox cheerleaders(?)

Bikini show of 2012 Miss Tourism International

Yep.. that's five all right..

[av405]

Is that an American pilot to the right? I think I see the US flag.

[He219]

Nice pix, bd!


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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 16, 2012) Ships from Carrier Strike Group 8 transit in formation at the end of composite training unit exercise. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 8, is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)

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A U.S. Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion heads to a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft after executing a narcotics and weapons raid in the Khash Rod district of Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2012, in support of Operation Lion's Den. The raid was part of an effort to disrupt the selling and distribution of contraband throughout Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Cpl. Marcus Kuiper, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

A U.S. Army soldier of 3/1 AD Task Force Bulldog prepares to hit a golf ball from the rooftop of a building at Combat Outpost (COP) Boston in Kherwar district in Logar province, eastern Afghanistan, May 18, 2012.

[Frost]

This one BEGS for a high-res version....

[omen90]

Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron 1 board a riverine patrol boat simulating a hot extract during a live-fire training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., on May 10. The squadron members completed a three-day field exercise to prepare for their final evaluation problem that will qualify them for deployment.

A B-2 Spirit bomber maintains a steady descent and departure after a successful midair refueling with a KC-135R Stratotanker while flying over Colorado on May 9. The B-2 is from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and the KC-135 is from the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Re-enactors on an M4 Sherman tank portray American "GIs" advancing on enemy positions during a World War II re-enactment at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, N.Y., on Tuesday. Modeled on Civil War re-enactments that have taken place for decades, “living historians” will spend this weekend focusing on some of the sacrifices soldiers and sailors made while fighting in World War II.

[He219]

This one BEGS for a high-res version....

Right click, View Image.
1,000px × 682px (scaled to 887px × 605px)

[Nyusu]

Thats face! New candidate for outrage boy!

[bd popeye]

Thanks He219! Great pix!

Looks like you and I gotta hold down the fort..


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5/17/2012 By Cpl. Paul Zellner
Black Sea Rotational Force
A Romanian soldier provides security for a mock casualty while during training in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

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5/17/2012 By Cpl. Paul Zellner
Black Sea Rotational Force
Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrolling training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

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U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion crew members conduct slingload operations with Airmen at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 10, 2012. Both units were preparing for a Marine airpower demonstration at the bases’ open house and air show, which took place May 12 and 13. The CH-53E crew is with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 and the Airmen are with the 621st Contingency Response Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo)

[Royal]

Thanks as usual BD Popeye and He!

ALTON, HAMPSHIRE - MAY 18: A Royal Navy Pilot sits inside a Lynx helicopter at RAF Odiham air base ahead of a rehearsal for a Diamond Jubilee flypast on May 18, 2012 near Alton, England.

In that case he's in the wrong seat

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Members of the military Brass Band play during a training exercise at Wellington Barracks on May 17, 2012 in London, England. The tri-Service Guard of Honour trained with the Band at Wellington Barracks ahead of their participation during the Royal celebrations at Windsor on May 19, 2012.

Royal Marine Band

Is that an American pilot to the right? I think I see the US flag.

Probably on exchange

[hogdriver]

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(Posted 05/17/2012)

A tank drives by to provide better security for the Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, as they prepare to search a village for Taliban fighters in the early morning, April 18, 2012. The Marines and sailors with Charlie Co. took part in a month long operation where they cleared the Gostan valley of enemy forces.

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M1A2 Abrams Tanks of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry maneuver before engaging targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFX) with the Kuwaiti Army's 151st Tank Battalion, 15th Mubarak Armored Brigade at northern Kuwait’s Udari Range on May 8. The 2nd Combined Arms Battalion belongs to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (Iron Horse). The exercise also involved the brigade’s 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, the brigade headquarters, and the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade. (photo By Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Drumsta, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard)

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M1A2 Abrams Tanks of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry engage targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFX) with the Kuwaiti Army's 151st Tank Battalion, 15th Mubarak Armored Brigade at northern Kuwait’s Udari Range on May 8.

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As the sun rises on the Sullivan Cup’s third day of tank challenges, an M1A1 Abrams tank remains in a stationary position as crewmembers arrive to take part in the final live-fire event of the competition May 11 at Fort Benning, Ga.

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Sons of Anarchy visits Combat Center.

Ron Perlman, actor in the Sons of Anarchy TV series, shakes hands with Sgt. Derek Schaap, tank crewman, 1st Tank Battalion at the tank ramp, May 11. The Sons of Anarchy actors visited the battalion and took the opportunity to ride in the tanks. Later that day the group signed autographs for fans in the Marine Corps Exchange.

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Spc. Alex Bawza, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment stands beside an M1A2 Abrams preparing to give instructional information on one of the new communication systems under evaluation during the Network Integration Evaluation. (Photo by Staff Sgt. LaSonya J. Morales, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

[JCR]

I felt like a extra in a dystopian Scifi movie the whole week.
I saw exactly ONE protester but the city is crawling with police and everything is under lockdown.
Germany has forfeit any right to say anything about Russia or whatever....