Today's PIX!! Thursday June 21st, 2012

[bd popeye]

Apparently there was no Today's pix thread yesterday.. I'll kick it off for today..


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SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 19, 2012) Sailors participate in a physical training session in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka on May 26 to begin its 2012 patrol. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Brian H. Abel/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (June 15, 2012) An MH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) delivers cargo to the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) during a vertical replenishment. Porter is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Forster/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (June 18, 2012) Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Cindy Harbison performs maintenance on an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 in the hangar bay 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 combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary A. Anderson/Released)

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EAST CHINA SEA (June 18, 2012) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) during a replenishment at sea. McCampbell is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole/Released)

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EAST CHINA SEA (June 18, 2012) The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) conduct a replenishment at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes/Released)

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EAST CHINA SEA (June 18, 2012) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) recover pallets of supplies delivered by an SH-60B helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) 51 during a vertical replenishment. McCampbell is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole/Released)

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EAST CHINA SEA (June 18, 2012) Operations Specialist Seaman Diana Espinoza, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), acts as signalman during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 18, 2012) Aviation boatswain's mates direct an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 into launching position aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz recently got underway to participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) training exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan J. Mayes/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 18, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz recently got underway to participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) training exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse Monford/Released)

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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2012) Sailors aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) unpack a pallet during a replenishment at sea. Mercy is participating in Pacific Partnership 2012, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission, now in its seventh year, that brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Kristopher Radder/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 17, 2012) Brenda Zapf, a Tiger Cruise participant aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), pins her daughter, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anya Zapf, with her Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist breast insignia during a ceremony to commemorate the 114th birthday of the Hospital Corps. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are on deployment in the U.S. 3rd Fleet Area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (June 13, 2012) Ensign Rowell Caguioa looks through a stadimeter aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). Cape St. George is deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group 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 Christopher S. Johnson/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 18, 2012) Capt. Greg Harris, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prepare to launch in an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154. Harris completed his 1,000th carrier landing. Nimitz recently got underway to participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) training exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan J. Mayes/Released)

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STRAIT OF MALACCA (June 18, 2012) U.S. Coast Guard Ens. Scott Nichols, a landing signal officer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751), launches a Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin helicopter assigned to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency during deck landing drills as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2012 Malaysia. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Timor Leste joins the exercise for the first time in 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory A. Harden II/Released)

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BERAUS, Malaysia (June 17, 2012) 1st Lt. Gregory Jurshak, assigned 1st platoon, Fox Company, and a Malaysian soldier work together during an ambush exercise for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica Bidwell/Released)

[bd popeye]

China

21 June 2012...Chinese Astronaut Liu Yang's first night shift in Tiangong-1

Police check a journalist's (L) credentials outside the home of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei who claimed he was barred from attending his court hearing against a multi-million-dollar tax fine in Beijing on June 20, 2012.

Police officers ask foreign journalists to leave the area prior to a court hearing for Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei against a multi-million-dollar tax fine in Beijing on June 20, 2012.

GRAPHIC IMAGE

GRAPHIC IMAGE

In these images made from amateur video footage released by the Tibetan Youth Congress, two Tibetans hold Tibetan independence flags as they set themselves on fire to protest against Chinese rule, on a street in Yushu prefecture in China's Qinghai province Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The exile group released a graphic video showing two Tibetans collapsing in flames during another suicidal protest against Chinese rule. The group and the official Xinhua News Agency said one man died and the other was seriously injured.

China..land of the natural disaster and major accident du jour!

NINGDE, CHINA - JUNE 20: Rescuers search for victims and survivors at a traffic accident site on June 20, 2012 in Ningde, China. A coach carrying 45 passengers plunged into a 50-meter deep valley early Wednesday in Xiapu county of Ningde city, East China's Fujian province, killing at least 17 people and injuring three others.

Firefighters rescue survivors where was found in the wreckage of a passenger bus that crashed into a valley in Xiafu, southern China's Fujian province on June 20, 2012. Seventeen people were killed and three others severely injured of the 45 passengers on the bus.

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The first manned space rendezvous and docking mission of China succeeded Monday afternoon as the Shenzhou-9 spaceship and Tiangong-1 space lab module joined together, according to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center.

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese astronauts floated into the cabin of an orbiting module Monday afternoon, becoming the first group of Chinese to enter an orbiter in space.

Jing Haipeng, followed by Liu Wang and Liu Yang, went into the space lab module Tiangong-1 from spacecraft Shenzhou-9 following a successful automatic docking procedure about three hours ago

Rescuers prepare to enter the water at the Shiqiaohe Reservoir in Pu'an County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 18, 2012. A minivan carrying 15 passengers fell into the Shiqiaohe Reservoir at about 2:45 p.m. on June 17. One person has been confirmed dead and eight others remained missing. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

Rescuers search for missing persons in the Shiqiaohe Reservoir in Pu'an County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 18, 2012. A minivan carrying 15 passengers fell into the Shiqiaohe Reservoir at about 2:45 p.m. on June 17. One person has been confirmed dead and eight others remained missing. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

Firefighters rescue trapped people at the Tianzhu Mountain scenic zone in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 18, 2012. A rain-triggered flood hit the scenic zone on Monday. A total of 20 people trapped by the flood water have been transfered to safety places. (Xinhua)

[goat89]

Nice pics today! Thx!

[-DENO-]

US Navy Commander Admiral Jonathan Greenert visited Turkish Navy Commander Admiral Murat Bilgel from Turkish Navy General command base Ankara-Turkey

[-DENO-]

Turkish Anti-Riot Police forces showing their new iron batons to the press members...

[-DENO-]

Latvian Prime Minister in the cockpit of KC-135 Stratotanker
120617-Z-VA767-019: Valdis Dombrovskis, prime minister of Latvia, sits at the controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker, June 17, 2012. With the prime minister is Capt. Mark Vaught of the Michigan Air National Guard. The MI-ANG was operating in Latvia and Estonia during Saber Strike 2012, a multinational, tactical field training exercise that involves more than 2,000 personnel from the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 4th U.S. Marine Division, the127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian armed forces, with contingents from Canada, Finland, France and the U.K. The exercise, led by U.S. Army Europe, is designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)

A Discussion with the Latvian Prime Minister in a KC-135 Stratotanker
120617-Z-VA767-049: Valdis Dombrovskis, prime minister of Latvia, talks with U.S. and Latvian officials shortly after observing an air-to-air refueling operation from a KC-135 Stratotanker. With the prime minister are, from left, Lt. Col. Andrew Roberts, bilateral affairs officer, Michigan Air National Guard; Judith Garber, U.S. ambassador to Latvia; and Gen. Andis Dilāns, chief of the Joint Headquarters, Latvia. The receiving aircraft was an A-10 Thunderbolt II. Both types of aircraft are operated by the Michigan Air National Guard’s 127th Wing, and were in Latvia to participate in Saber Strike 2012 is a multinational, tactical field training exercise that involves more than 2,000 personnel from the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 4th U.S. Marine Division, the127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian armed forces, with contingents from Canada, Finland, France and the U.K. The exercise, led by U.S. Army Europe, is designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)

Birds of Prey
CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and MV-22B Ospreys land aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, June 18. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, boarded the aircraft to be flown to various training areas on base. The II Marine Expeditionary Force and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing are conducting Exercise Mailed Fist throughout the week resulting in a surplus of aircraft available for training purposes and aerial infantry operations.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Johnston)

Retina scan
Sgt. Jesse Getz, a Soldier with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, uses the Biometric Automated Toolset-Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment (BAT-HIIDE) System while on a dismounted patrol to scan the retinas of military aged males in Paktika Province, June 19. (U.S. Army by Spc. David J. Barnes)

Sandbag toss
U.S. Army paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team fortify a guard tower with sandbags June 13, 2012, at Joint Security Station Hasan, southern Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. The paratroopers are assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod, RC-East PAO)

[bd popeye]

Great Pix DENO!

US Marines from Kilo Company of the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment patrol at Bahlul Khan village in Garmser district, in southern Helmand Province on June 21, 2012.

US Marine Captain Ryan R Kinder from Weapons Company of the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment sits inside a MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle on his way to a shura meeting in Garmser, in southern Helmand Province on June 21, 2012.

Two US Marines from Kilo Company of 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment check a school while patroling in Khastey, Helmand Province on June 20, 2012.

US Marine Sgt. Eugene Hwang from Kilo Company of 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment patrols in Khastey, Helmand Province on June 20, 2012.

An Afghan child receives pencils from a US Marine from Kilo Company of 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment during a patrol in Khastey, Helmand Province on June 20, 2012.

US Marine 1st Lt. Darren Mitchell from Kilo Company of 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment leads a patrol from Forward Operating Base Delhi in Garmser, southern Helmand Province on June 20, 2012.

An Afghan sheperd with his son walk past patrolling US Marines from Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Regiment in Khastey, Helmand Province on June 20, 2012.

[bd popeye]

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 19, 2012) Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Joshua Ginieczki, left, and Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Kurtis Cox signal that an aircraft is ready for launch during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Read Castillo/Released)

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NORFOLK (June 20, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66), the guided-missile destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and Destroyer Squadron Two Eight. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)

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SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 18, 2012) A Sailor assigned to the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) heaves a line ashore as the submarine arrives for a port visit on the island of Crete. Florida is homeported in Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley/Released)

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BALTIMORE (June 18, 2012) USS Constitution's master gun team heaves an 18-pounder garrison cannon at Fort McHenry during Baltimore's Star-Spangled Sailabration. Star-Spangled Sailabration is the national launch of the three-year commemoration by the U.S. Navy and the State of Maryland of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key. (U.S. Navy photo by Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Thomas Rooney/Released)

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ARLINGTON, Va. (June 19, 2012). Sailors take a moment to say goodbye to Master at Arms 2nd Class Sean Brazas during his funeral ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Brazas, a canine handler, died May 30 while conducting combat operations in Panjwa'l, Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Amber Lynn Daniel/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 19, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Efrain Nedrano, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Sonar Sandiko and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Recruit Alejandro Urrutia, all assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), are temporarily aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to get their qualifications and supplement the ship'Äôs force. Nimitz is underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the World's largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 18, 2012) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) direct Capt. Greg Harris, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of Nimitz, as they prepare to takeoff in an F/A 18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, from the flight deck. Harris completed his 1000th carrier landing aboard USS Nimitz. Nimitz recently got underway to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world'Äôs largest maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan A. Colon/Released)

[He219]

Well done, guys!

Sweden's Ringhals atomic power station near Varberg Sweden Thursday June 21, 2012 Swedish authorities have raised the security alert for the country's three nuclear power plants Thursday after explosives were found on a truck in the Ringhals power plant's industrial area near the high security enclosure around its four nuclear reactors.

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BERGEN, Norway (June 19, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert inspects the Royal Norwegian navy Honor Guard upon his arrival at Haakonsvern Naval Base during a counterpart visit with the Chief of the Royal Norwegian navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)

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BERGEN, Norway (June 19, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert is greeted by the commanding officer of the Skjold-class coastal corvette HNoMS Skudd (P962) for a tour and ride-along. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)

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BERGEN, Norway (June 19, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert pilots the Skjold-class coastal corvette HNoMS Skudd (P962) during a visit with Chief of the Royal Norwegian navy Rear Adm. Bernt Grimstvedt. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)

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BERGEN, Norway (June 19, 2012) The crew of Royal Norwegian Coast Guard patrol boat KV Tor (W334) simulates being a skiff taken over by pirates as Royal Norwegian Marinejaggers use rigid hull inflatable boats and a helicopter to storm the skiff and regain control from the pirates during a live demonstration of the Norwegian navy's special operations unit's capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)

Kunduz Sonntag 17.06.2012. Großer Jubel in Kunduz bei den Spielen der deutschen Fußballnationalmannschaft, begeistert feiern die Soldaten den Sieg unserer Jungs gegen Dänemark. ©Bundeswehr/PIZKunduz Germany Plays Greece on Friday.

[Dave76]

Exercice commun pour le CPA n°20 et le 2e REP en Corse
Du 21 mai au 1er juin 2012, une équipe d’une trentaine de commandos parachutistes de l’air (CPA n°20) s’est rendue, pour la deuxième fois cette année, à Calvi, en Corse, afin de participer à un entraînement commun avec le 2erégiment étranger de parachutistes (2e REP) de l’armée de terre.
Mise à jour: 18/06/2012

Les hommes du CPA n°20 et du 2e REP ont travaillé côte à côte - © Armée de l'air

L'exercice conjoint s'est déroulé à Calvi, en Corse. - © Armée de l'air

Une séance d'aérocordage avec l'escadron d'hélicoptère de Solenzara - © Armée de l'air

Les commandos ont réalisé des sauts en parachute en mer. - © Armée de l'air

[Dave76]

L’A400M se pose pour la première fois à Cazaux
Mise à jour: 21/06/2012
Mercredi 13 juin 2012, l’avion de transport tactique d’Airbus A400M s’est posé pour la première fois sur la piste de la base aérienne 120 de Cazaux. Une phase de développement des systèmes d’autoprotection de l’appareil doit, en effet, prochainement être conduite sur le site de Cazaux. © Armée de l'air

Premier tir d’évaluation du système d’arme C135/Rafale/ASMPA
Mise à jour : 20/06/2012
Mardi 19 juin 2012, les forces aériennes stratégiques ont effectué, avec succès, le premier tir d’évaluation des forces (TEF) du système d’arme C135/Rafale/missile air sol de moyenne portée amélioré (ASMPA), opération représentative d’une mission réelle.
© Armée de l'air

[GREEK71AIRBORNE]

On Wednesday 20 and Thursday, June 21, 2012, took place the exercise "Philoctetes 1/12" by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) with real ammunition (AIM-9 missiles and Magic II), shooting ranges in Zakynthos Psathoura

[Dave76]

Members of Yemen's elite Republican Guard and pro-army tribesmen gather for a group photo atop a military vehicle as they secure a road leading to Lawdar town in the southern province of Abyan June 19, 2012. Al Qaeda-linked militants retreated from Lawdar last month after encountering stiff resistance from pro-army tribal fighters, who have arranged themselves into popular committees to defend their town against attempts by the militants to control it. Yemen's army recaptured the last al Qaeda stronghold in restive Abyan province on Friday in a major advance in its U.S.-backed offensive to drive militants from towns across the south of the country. *******/Khaled Abdullah

A Lebanese soldier stands under a national flag as smoke billows from burning tires at the entrance of the Palestinian Ain al-Helweh refugee camp, on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, during the funeral of a Palestinian, killed in clashes with the army the previous day. (AFP)

Rescuers search for victims at a plane crash site in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 21, 2012. An Indonesian Airforce Fokker 27 plane crashed into eight houses in a neighborhood near the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. Agung Surya / EPA

A Silhouetted Gurkha Soldier in Afghanistan
A soldier of the Queens Own Gurka Logistic Rifles Mentoring is pictured during a mission in the Lashkah Gah area in Afghanistan.
The Gurkas under command of their Officer Commanding advise and mentor the Afghan Uniformed Police on vehicle check points and other taskings for the Royal Military Police.
Photographer: Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC
www.defenceimages.mod.uk

Falklands Veterans at 30th Anniversary Memorial Service
A veteran of the Falklands Conflict wears his medals with pride at a memorial service for the 30th anniversary of the conflict.
Veterans from Operation Corporate, the retaking of the Falkland Islands, convened at 42 Commando Royal Marines on Saturday 9 Jun 12 in order to mark the 30th Anniversary of the campaign.
Over 300 attended the event, including a number of VIP guests and serving members of 42 Commando. The event included a parade, memorial service and a series of displays showcasing both Falklands era and current weapons and equipment.
Photographer: LA(Phot) Dave Hillhouse
www.defenceimages.mod.uk

A Royal Navy Merin helicopter flys over the south coast of England.
Merlin Mk1 – the world’s most potent submarine hunting helicopter. The Merlin Mk1 have been in service with the Fleet Air Arm since the late 1990s and, after thorough testing and evaluation, the helicopters have been on the front line since 2000.
Their job is to find – and if necessary destroy – enemy submarines using our state-of-the-art sonar buoys which we drop into the ocean and Sting Ray torpedoes. Beyond searching for submarines, tthey carry out traditional maritime helicopter duties: anti-piracy/drug-running patrols, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, and passenger and load transfers.
There are more than 40 Merlins in service with the Fleet Air Arm in training and front-line squadrons. Most of these are in the middle of a £750m upgrade to turn the Merlin Mk1 into the Merlin Mk2 which has more powerful computer systems and is easier for aircrew to operate. Photographer: POA(Phot) Caroline Davies
www.defenceimages.mod.uk

Le 12 juin 2012, dans la province de Surobi, section de tireurs d'élites du groupement tactique interarmes (GTIA) Surobi. Crédits : EMA / armée de Terre

[-Eddie-]

Foxhound patrol vehicle arrives in Afghanistan

A Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle arrives at Camp Bastion, Helmand, Afghanistan from a C17 transport aircraft.Foxhound was delivered to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan for the first time on 2nd of June 2012.


Photographer: Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC
Image 45154010.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

Originally procured as an Urgent Operational Requirement, Foxhound was designed specifically to protect against the threats faced by troops in Afghanistan - for example, its V-shaped hull helps it withstand explosions caused by an improvised explosive device.

Its size and agility allows troops to carry out a wide range of tasks in environments that may restrict larger, heavier vehicles. Foxhound is ideal for the Partnering and Mentoring role required for Transition, being able to access urban areas with increased protection.


Photographer: Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC
Image 45154012.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

The vehicle incorporates state of the art technology from a range of areas, including from non-traditional defence sources such as the UK's world-leading motorsport industry, drawing a significant number of SMEs from across the country into the supply chain.

Its engine can be removed and replaced in just 30 minutes and it can drive away on only three wheels.


Photographer: Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC
Image 45154013.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

The vehicle was designed, developed, and built in the UK by FPE and Ricardo plc, together with Team Ocelot partners Thales, QinetiQ, Formaplex, DSG and Sula. Construction of the vehicles will take place throughout the UK.

The L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) is a 7.62 x 51mm belt-fed general purpose machine gun which can be used as a light weapon and in a sustained fire (SF) role.


Photographer: Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC
Image 45154019.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

In the SF role, mounted on a tripod and fitted with the C2 optical sight, it is fired by a two-man team who are grouped in a specialist Machine Gun Platoon to provide battalion-level fire support. In SF mode, the GPMG, with a two-man crew, lays down 750 rounds-per-minute at ranges up to 1,800 meters.

The GPMG can be carried by foot soldiers and employed as a light machine gun (LMG), although it has largely been replaced by the lighter 5.56 x 45mm Minimi in this role in most regiments. A fold-out bipod is used to support the GPMG in the LMG role.


Photographer: Sergeant Andy Reddy RLC
Image 45154014.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

Hi-resolution of all these images available at http://www.defenceimages.mod.uk/

[hogdriver]

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6/20/2012 - Airmen from the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare several B-52H Stratofortress bombers for takeoff during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. Realistic training during wing exercises is critical to the wing's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to real world situations, and is a vital part of Air Force readiness. Wing Airmen train daily to ensure base units are ready to fight any challenge, anywhere and at anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - Three B-52H Stratofortress bombers sit on the flightline during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The exercise highlighted the 2nd Bomb Wing's ability to respond quickly and perform its mission efficiently. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress approaches the flightline to perform a touch-and-go landing as 2nd Bomb Wing Airmen prepare other B-52H Stratofortress bombers for takeoff during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The 2nd Bomb Wing was evaluated on its ability to accurately and efficiently perform their mission anytime and anywhere when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress performs a touch-and-go landing during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. A touch-and-go landing involves the aircraft landing on the runway for a brief moment and then taking off again. The aircraft will never come to a complete stop nor will it deploy its drag parachute when performing this maneuver. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - B-52H Stratofortress bombers fly, prepare to takeoff and sit on the flightline during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. Realistic training during wing exercises is critical to the wing's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to real world situations, and is a vital part of Air Force readiness. Wing Airmen train often to ensure base units are ready to fight any challenge, anywhere at anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

HiRes

6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress performs a touch-and-go landing during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base La., June 5. A touch-and-go landing involves the aircraft landing on the runway for a brief moment and then taking off again. The aircraft will never come to a complete stop nor will it deploy its chute when performing this maneuver. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - A T-38A Talon from Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., sit between two B-52H Stratofortress bombers during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. Even when the 2nd Bomb Wing participates in an exercise, the transient alert team takes care of military and commercial aircraft that need refueling, emergency repairs and attention. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress deploys its drag parachute as it lands during an exercise on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The parachute is used to slow down the aircraft as it lands. The 2nd Bomb Wing conducts training exercises to constantly refine and improve operational procedures and capabilities. Realistic training during wing exercises is critical to the wing's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to real world situations, and is a vital part of Air Force readiness. Wing Airmen train often to ensure base units are ready to fight any challenge, anywhere at anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

Hires

6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress takes-off during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. Exercises are used to prepare the 2nd Bomb Wing for inspections and helps the wing maintain a state of readiness in order to complete its mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

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6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress flies overhead during an exercise on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The exercise evaluated the readiness of 2nd Bomb Wing aircrews, aircraft maintainers and support Airmen. Wing Airmen train often to ensure base units are ready to fight any challenge, anywhere at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)

HiRes

6/20/2012 - A B-52H Stratofortress flies overhead during an exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5. The exercise evaluated the readiness of the aircrews flying the aircraft as well as the Airmen maintaining them. Wing Airmen train daily to ensure base units are ready to fight any challenge, anywhere and at anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)(RELEASED)