Today's PIX - Wednesday , August 8, 2012

[m4rs75]

Egyptian soldiers stand guard at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza after Egypt closed the crossing following the deadly attack on its soldiers on Sunday, August 6, 2012. Islamist gunmen killed at least 15 Egyptian police on Sunday and seized two military vehicles to attack a crossing point into Israel, the deadliest incident in Egypt's tense Sinai border region in decades.

An Egyptian soldier stands guard at a checkpoint in Rafah city on the Egyptian border, August 6, 2012. Islamist gunmen killed at least 15 Egyptian police on Sunday and seized two military vehicles to attack a crossing point into Israel, the deadliest incident in Egypt's tense Sinai border region in decades.

An Egyptian soldier stands guard at a checkpoint in Rafah city on the Egyptian border, August 6, 2012. Islamist gunmen killed at least 15 Egyptian police on Sunday and seized two military vehicles to attack a crossing point into Israel, the deadliest incident in Egypt's tense Sinai border region in decades.

An Egyptian soldier stands guard at a checkpoint in Rafah city on the Egyptian border, August 6, 2012. Islamist gunmen killed at least 15 Egyptian police on Sunday and seized two military vehicles to attack a crossing point into Israel, the deadliest incident in Egypt's tense Sinai border region in decades.

An Egyptian army vehicle keeps its position close to the Rafah border crossing with the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on August 06, 2012. The Egyptian army vowed today to 'avenge' the killing of 16 guards by gunmen near the Israeli border, as President Mohamed Morsi ordered security forces to take full control of the increasingly lawless Sinai Peninsula on the frontier.

Egyptian army personnel guard the road just outside Rafah, Egypt, Monday, Aug. 6, 2012. Egypt's military vowed on Monday to hunt down those behind the killing of at least 16 soldiers at a checkpoint along the Sinai border with Israel on Sunday Aug. 5, 2012. It called the attackers "enemies of the nation" and suggested they were Egyptian Sinai-based militants who received Palestinian support from the Gaza Strip.

Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi (7th R), head of Egypt's military, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Sami Anan (8th R), Kamal Ganzouri (6th R), adviser to the Egyptian president, and Amr Moussa (5th R), former Arab League chief and former presidential candidate, walk with other ministers during the funeral of soldiers killed during an attack at a checkpoint along the Sinai border with Israel by unknown gunmen, at the tomb of the late President Anwar al-Sadat and the Unknown Soldier monument in Cairo August 7, 2012. Egypt began work to seal off smuggling tunnels into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, a security source said, two days after gunmen shot dead 16 Egyptian border guards in an attack blamed partly on Palestinian jihadi militants.

Egyptian Army honor guards carry the coffins of 16 soldiers killed in an attack over the weekend by suspected militants in Sinai at a military funeral in Cairo, Egypt Tuesday Aug. 7, 2012. The military has said that 35 gunmen attacked an Egyptian border post, killing the 16 before commandeering an armored vehicle they later used to try to storm across the border into Israell.

Members of "Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi," a group consisting of official and police guards, try to ride a military police vehicle after the funeral for soldiers, who were killed during an attack at a checkpoint along the Sinai border with Israel by unknown gunmen, at the tomb of the late President Anwar al-Sadat and the Unknown Soldier monument in Cairo August 7, 2012. Egypt began work to seal off smuggling tunnels into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, a security source said, two days after gunmen shot dead 16 Egyptian border guards in an attack blamed partly on Palestinian jihadi militants.

A combination photograph shows members of "Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi," a group consisting of official and police guards, trying to ride a military police vehicle after a funeral for soldiers who were killed during an attack at a checkpoint along the Sinai border with Israel by unknown gunmen, at the tomb of the late President Anwar al-Sadat and the Unknown Soldier monument in Cairo August 7, 2012. Egypt began work to seal off smuggling tunnels into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, a security source said, two days after gunmen shot dead 16 Egyptian border guards in an attack blamed partly on Palestinian jihadi militants.

Egyptian security forces stand by their Armoured Personell Carriers ahead of a military operation in the northern Sinai peninsula on August 08, 2012. Egypt, which launched air raids against Islamist militants in Sinai for the first time in decades, faces a tough enemy that has used the peninsula's rugged terrain to evade capture in the past. The military said it deployed Apache helicopter gunships in the strikes that killed 20 'terrorists' in the Sinai village of Tumah, in retaliation for a weekend ambush that cost the lives of 16 soldiers.

Egyptian security forces stand by their Armoured Personell Carriers ahead of a military operation in the northern Sinai peninsula on August 08, 2012. Egypt, which launched air raids against Islamist militants in Sinai for the first time in decades, faces a tough enemy that has used the peninsula's rugged terrain to evade capture in the past. The military said it deployed Apache helicopter gunships in the strikes that killed 20 'terrorists' in the Sinai village of Tumah, in retaliation for a weekend ambush that cost the lives of 16 soldiers.

Members of the Egyptian security forces take position during an operation in the northern Sinai peninsula on August 08, 2012. Egypt, which launched air raids against Islamist militants in Sinai for the first time in decades, faces a tough enemy that has used the peninsula's rugged terrain to evade capture in the past. The military said it deployed Apache helicopter gunships in the strikes that killed 20 'terrorists' in the Sinai village of Tumah, in retaliation for a weekend ambush that cost the lives of 16 soldiers.

Members of the Egyptian security forces take position on a sand dune during an operation in the northern Sinai peninsula on August 08, 2012. Egypt, which launched air raids against Islamist militants in Sinai for the first time in decades, faces a tough enemy that has used the peninsula's rugged terrain to evade capture in the past. The military said it deployed Apache helicopter gunships in the strikes that killed 20 'terrorists' in the Sinai village of Tumah, in retaliation for a weekend ambush that cost the lives of 16 soldiers.

Members of the Egyptian security forces take position on a sand dune during an operation in the northern Sinai peninsula on August 08, 2012. Egypt, which launched air raids against Islamist militants in Sinai for the first time in decades, faces a tough enemy that has used the peninsula's rugged terrain to evade capture in the past. The military said it deployed Apache helicopter gunships in the strikes that killed 20 'terrorists' in the Sinai village of Tumah, in retaliation for a weekend ambush that cost the lives of 16 soldiers.

A member of the Egyptian security forces takes position on a sand dune during an operation in the northern Sinai peninsula on August 08, 2012. Egypt, which launched air raids against Islamist militants in Sinai for the first time in decades, faces a tough enemy that has used the peninsula's rugged terrain to evade capture in the past. The military said it deployed Apache helicopter gunships in the strikes that killed 20 'terrorists' in the Sinai village of Tumah, in retaliation for a weekend ambush that cost the lives of 16 soldiers.

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police Commissioner Charles Makono addresses the mission's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) during their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A Somali Police Officer walks ahead of Ugandan officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) as they march during their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team shows Somali Police Commissioner Maj. Gen Sherif Shekhuna Maye inspecting Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) during their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A Ugandan police officer serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) stands in front of an armoured personnel carrier ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A Ugandan police officer serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) stands in front of an armoured personnel carrier ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A female Ugandan police officer serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) looks on as her unit stands in formation ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team shows Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) performing a drill during their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) stand in formation ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team shows Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) marching during their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) stand in formation ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team on August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) stand in formation ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team on August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team shows Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) standing at ease ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A Ugandan police officer serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) stands out the top of an armoured personnel carrier ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu in a handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

A handout photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team shows an Ugandan police officer serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia's first Formed Police Unit (FPU) standing from the top of an armoured personnel carrier ahead of their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force (SPF) at a police station in the Yaaqshiid District of the capital Mogadishu August 7, 2012. The 140 member Ugandan police unit arrived in the Somali capital at the beginning of August and will support the SPF in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu as well as conducting joint patrols in and around camps for internally displaced people as part of AMISOM's efforts to stabilise the security situation in Somalia.

President Barack Obama greets members of Presidential Logistics Squadron, before boarding Air Force One, before his departure from Andrews Air Force Base, Md. , Monday, Aug. , 6, 2012. Air Force One has been recently renovated by the squadron, and this is the first trip of the President on the refurbished plane.

US President Barack Obama (C) shakes hands with members of the Presidential Logistics Squadron who oversaw maintence on Air Force One before boarding the plane at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on August 6, 2012. Obama is traveling to Connecticut to attend campaign events.

U.S. President Barack Obama greets members of the Air Force's Presidential Logistics Squadron at the bottom of the steps of Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington, August 6, 2012. The Air Force formally presented Obama with an upgraded version of Air Force One, one of two nearly identical aircraft used to fly the president, before his Monday trip to Connecticut to attend political fundraisers for his re-election.

U.S. President Barack Obama steps aboard Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington, August 6, 2012. The Air Force formally presented Obama with an upgraded version of Air Force One, one of two nearly identical aircraft used to fly the president, before his Monday trip to Connecticut to attend political fundraisers for his re-election.

Friends and family wave flags as the as the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln approaches Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The Lincoln will be homeported in Norfolk for at least the next four years to receive upgrades.

Friends and family wave flags as the as the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The Lincoln will be homeported in Norfolk for at least the next four years to receive upgrades.

Friends and family wave flags as the as sailors manning the rails aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrive at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The Lincoln will be homeported in Norfolk for at least the next four years to receive upgrades.

Navy shore crew haul in lines as the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at its new homeport, where it will stay for at least the next four years as it undergoes a major overhaul to double its lifespan to about 50 years.

First sailors off the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, Juan Tronsco, of Brownsville, Tx. , left, and Michael Harris , of Flagstaff, Az. , right, look for their families as the arrive at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012.

Lt. Michael Sturm, of Philadelphia Pa. , hugs his fiance, Susan Brooks as he arrives aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The Lincoln will be homeported in Norfolk for at least the next four years to receive upgrades.

Sailors and family rush to embrace as the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The Lincoln will be homeported in Norfolk for at least the next four years to receive upgrades.

A Sailor kisses his wife as he arrives from the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. , Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. The Lincoln will be homeported in Norfolk for at least the next four years to receive upgrades.

[He219]

Nice pix, m4rs75!

This photo taken on June 23, 2012, shows Hungarian children running past a sign as they take part in a paramilitary summer camp organised by a Hungarian business man in Mogyorod, some 32 kms from Budapest. Children between the ages of 11 and 21 can attend the week-long military training in the paramilitary camp

This photo taken on June 23, 2012, shows Hungarian children using weapons loaded with blank cartridges as they take part in a paramilitary summer camp organised by a Hungarian business man in Mogyorod, some 32 kms from Budapest

Pop Quiz (closed book/no google): ID the MG

This photo taken on June 23, 2012, shows Hungarian children using weapons loaded with blank cartridges as they take part in a paramilitary summer camp organised by a Hungarian business man in Mogyorod, some 32 kms from Budapest. Children between the ages of 11 and 21 can attend the week-long military training in the paramilitary camp and use replica or neutralized guns, while being advised by members of the Hungarian armed forces.

This photo taken on June 23, 2012, shows a boy smiling as Hungarian children take part in a paramilitary summer camp organised by a Hungarian business man in Mogyorod, some 32 kms from Budapest. Children between the ages of 11 and 21 can attend the week-long military training in the paramilitary camp and use replica or neutralized guns, while being advised by members of the Hungarian armed forces.

This photo taken on June 23, 2012, shows an instructor watching Hungarian children march as they take part in a paramilitary summer camp organised by a Hungarian business man in Mogyorod, some 32 kms from Budapest.

[He219]

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (R), a member of the female punk band "Pussy Riot", is escorted by police before a court hearing in Moscow August 8, 2012. A state prosecutor on Tuesday demanded a three-year jail term for three women from punk band Pussy Riot, saying they had abused God when they burst into a Moscow cathedral and sang a "protest prayer" against the Russian Orthodox Church's close links to Vladimir Putin.

Yekaterina Samutsevich, left, a member of feminist punk group Pussy Riot is escorted to a court room in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012.

Maria Alyokhina (C), a member of the female punk band "Pussy Riot", is escorted by police before a court hearing in Moscow August 8, 2012. A state prosecutor on Tuesday demanded a three-year jail term for three women from punk band Pussy Riot, saying they had abused God when they burst into a Moscow cathedral and sang a "protest prayer" against the Russian Orthodox Church's close links to Vladimir Putin.

Members of a female punk band 'Pussy Riot' Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (L), Maria Alyokhina (C) and Yekaterina Samutsevich (R), sit inside a glass enclosure during a court hearing in Moscow on August 8, 2012. Members of the all-girl band Pussy Riot who were charged with hooliganism for staging a 'punk prayer' against Vladimir Putin were due Wednesday to deliver final statements on the last day of their trial. The controversial hearings raced toward a verdict with prosecutors seeking a three-year sentence and global calls mounting among stage stars and top Western officials to win the young women's release.

In this image taken on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, from a Russia Today video, one of the priests bent and attempted to kiss Putin's hands, during his visit on Valaam island, northern Russia. The church said that the priest was from Macedonia, where it s not unusual for men of the cloth to kiss the hands of laymen as a sign of humility. Though Putin was visibly annoyed by the display of deference, many Russians felt the incident accurately portrayed a too-cozy relationship between the Premier and the Orthodox church.

Madonna performs on stage in Hyde Park, London, as part of her MDNA concert tour, Tuesday July 17, 2012. US pop icon Madonna said Tuesday at her Moscow concert that she prayed for the freedom of the three members of the Pussy Riot protest band who face three years in jail for insulting Vladimir Putin in a church.

[He219]

Hires

Hires

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 6, 2012) An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is returning to the United States after the completion of an eight-month change-of-homeport deployment during which it operated in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Phylicia A. Sorenson/Released)

Hires

Hires

MH-60S Seahawk helicopters assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 fire flares during an air power demonstration above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an air power demonstration.

Hires

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 6, 2012) F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 fly in formation as MH-60S Seahawk helicopters assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 fire flares during an air power demonstration above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is returning to the United States after the completion of an eight-month change-of-homeport deployment during which it operated in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary A. Anderson/Released)

Hires

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2012) The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) prepares to arrive at it's new homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. Abraham Lincoln deployed as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th , 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class Desiree D. Green/Released)

Hires

Hires

NORFOLK (Aug. 4, 2012) Gunner'Äôs Mate 1st Class Ernest Smith, assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 2, explains the functions of a GAU-17A gun during the Norfolk Tides'Äô Navy Night at Harbor Park. RIVRON 2 displayed their capabilities with exhibits during the event designed to honor Navy personnel and offer the community a chance to see what Sailors do on a daily basis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Hoskins/Released)

CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2012) Rear Adm. Sean Pybus, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, right, and Force Master Chief (SEAL) Stephen Link unveil a 6,000-pound memorial dedicated to the men who were killed in the Extortion 17 helicopter crash one year ago. The crash on Aug. 6, 2011 claimed the lives of 38 personnel, including 22 Naval Special Warfare Command service members in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geneva G. Brier/Released)

[m4rs75]

Awesome pix He219!

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (C) receives military honours accompanied by Defence Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon (L), Army Commander General Alejandro Navas and Air Force Chief Tito Saul Pinilla (R) during Army Day, on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Colombian Army Commander General Alejandro Navas (R) receives a sash from Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos during Army Day, on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (L) talks with Defence Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon during Army Day, on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Soldiers participate in Army Day on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Soldiers participate in Army Day on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Soldiers dressed in period costumes participate in Army Day on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Soldiers participate in Army Day on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

Soldiers participate in Army Day on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

A soldier dressed in period costume passes by a banner after participating in Army Day on the 193nd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012. The banner reads: "Positive Attitude to Success".

The statue of Venezuelan military and political leader Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) is seen during Army Day on the 193rd anniversary of the Battle of Puente de Boyaca, near Tunja August 7, 2012.

A Tampa police armored vehicle is parked outside The Tampa Bay Times Forum in downtown Tampa, Florida August 3, 2012. The Republican National Convention will be held at the Forum from August 27 to August 30, 2012. Picture taken August 3, 2012.

A Tampa police armored vehicle is parked outside The Tampa Bay Times Forum in downtown Tampa, Florida August 3, 2012. The Republican National Convention will be held at the Forum from August 27 to August 30, 2012. Picture taken August 3, 2012.

A 26' Donzi used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is shown docked behind the Tampa Convention Center on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 in Tampa, Fla.. The vessel is used for general patrolling, fishery enforcement, boating safety enforcement, and homeland security operations. The boat is capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots. The vessel is used for port security, escort, and dive and rescue missions. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Tampa Police department, United States Coast Guard and the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission displayed vessels they will use to secure waterways during the Republican National Convention in Tampa in a special event open only to the media.

A 40' Intrepid open deck boat used by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office is on display behind the Tampa Convention center on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. The boat has three 300 horsepower outboard engines and is capable of speeds over 70 mph. In addition, the vessel has three weapon mounts, side-scanning sonar and an infrared night vision system. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Tampa Police department, United States Coast Guard and the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission displayed vessels they will use to secure waterways during the Republican National Convention in Tampa in a special event open only to the media.

A marine version of a Springfield .308 caliber M-14 is mounted on the side of a 40' Intrepid open deck boat used by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. The gun is capable of semi or fully automatic fire and is equipped with a 20 round magazine. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Tampa Police department, United States Coast Guard and the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission displayed vessels they will use to secure waterways during the Republican National Convention in Tampa in a special event open only to the media.

A Midland County Sheriff's Department armored transportation vehicle arrives on the scene Thursday morning, Aug. 2, 2012 as law enforcement surround a house when a person of interest was barricaded after an officer-involved shooting in Big Lake, Texas.

[He219]

Thanks, m4rs75!


Hires

Hires

Soldiers wearing ghille suits take a knee as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter flies overhead at Campbell Army Air Field Tuesday during a dress rehearsal for the upcoming air show. The air assault demonstration will occur Saturday as part of the Fort Campbell air show, which begins at 10 a.m. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jennifer Andersson, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs/RELEASED)

[Bob the Builder on Crack]

Can't believe they made a movie so soon, that's directed by that Hurt Locker girl.....

[video=youtube;EYFhFYoDAo4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYFhFYoDAo4[/vide o]

[USA_1911]

i would love to man that M-14 mounted on the side of that boat.

[Popsiq]

Re Extortion 17 memorial:
"CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2012) Rear Adm. Sean Pybus, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, right, and Force Master Chief (SEAL) Stephen Link unveil a 6,000-pound memorial dedicated to the men who were killed in the Extortion 17 helicopter crash one year ago. The crash on Aug. 6, 2011 claimed the lives of 38 personnel, including 22 Naval Special Warfare Command service members in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geneva G. Brier/Released)"

Is this helo "crash" now being written-off as an accident? Early reports indicated it resulted from an RPG hit.

[muck]

Nice pics, thanks a lot for the effort.

Those from Hungary are a wee bit unsettling though...

[hogdriver]

HiRes

Water condensation forms on the wings of an F-16 Fighting Falcon as Capt. Chris Nations, Pacific Air Forces Demonstration Team and 14th Fighter Squadron pilot from Misawa Air Base, Japan, flies the jet during a practice performance at the Chitose Air Base Air Show, Japan, Aug. 3, 2012. Approximately 61,000 spectators attended the Air Show this year. (Courtesy photo by Yasuhiko Yusa)

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II decelerates as it prepares to air-to-air refuel with a KC-135 Stratotanker over Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Aug. 4. The refueling between the 442nd Fighter Wing and 434th Air Refueling Wing aircraft was more than training, it was also a chance for the dozens of civilians on board the Stratotanker to get a first-hand glimpse of what the Air Force does. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez)

[hogdriver]

HiRes

Marines with the tank platoon, attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive toward a live-fire range at Udairi Range in Kuwait, July 26, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait as part of a sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Marines with the tank platoon, attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct live-fire training with the M1A1 Abrams 120 mm main gun at Udairi Range in Kuwait, July 26, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait as part of a sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

HiRes

Marines with the tank platoon, attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire the M1A1 Abrams 120 mm main gun at Udairi Range in Kuwait, July 26, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait as part of a sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

[kool_kruiser]

Amazing pics guys. thanks.

[m4rs75]

Awesome pix hogdriver!

A Kurdish Peshmerga soldier holds a Kurdistan flag during a deployment in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers look on at a guard post during a deployment in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga troops are deployed in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga troops are deployed in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga troops are deployed in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga troops prepare 122-mm howitzers during a deployment in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga troops prepare 122-mm howitzers during a deployment in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers carry cannon shells during a deployment in the area near the northern Iraqi border with Syria, which lies in an area disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region of Ninawa province, August 6, 2012. Beneath the green, white and red Kurdistan flag, Kurdish Peshmerga troops keep watch from hastily built earthen barricades on soldiers of the Iraqi national army dug in less than a kilometer away along a desolate stretch of road.

[Gonzo__]

Great set as always. thanks everyone!