Ukrainian pilots training with Nato F-16 fighter jets in May (Picture: Nato)
The first batch of long-awaited F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against Russia and the support it receives from the West.
Kyiv has yet to officially confirm the aircraft’s arrival, but Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis posted on X: “F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible.”
The US has not committed to sending its own craft, only joining others in training Ukrainian pilots on the platform, but it is thought nearly 80 F-16s will be sent from Belgium, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.
While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has lasted almost two-and-a-half years, the much-anticipated jet has been flying for half a century and has become the backbone of modern air forces across the world.
At 50 years old, the F-16, or ‘Fighting Falcon’ is a single-engine, multi-role fighter, that can carry bombs despite its dogfighting roots.
Importantly in the context of the Ukraine war, its thought maintenance of the jet is comparatively straightforward.
Several outlets are reporting the arrival of this first batch, although Ukrainian officials have previously suggested a greater total number would be needed to make a real impact on a frontline spanning hundreds of miles.
With around 3,000 F-16s in service today in 25 countries, it is the West’s most widely produced military jet.
Watch: Ukrainian pilots train with Nato F-16 fighter jets
HMS Prince of Wales took the lead on Exercise Steadfast Defender on Norway’s Arctic coast last March (Picture: MOD)
HMS Prince of Wales is due to sail out of the Princess Royal Jetty at Portsmouth Harbour on Thursday morning.
The aircraft carrier’s departure comes just two days after her sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth returned home following four months of unscheduled work to her shaft lines in Rosyth Dockyard.
According to the King’s Harbour Master shipping movements, HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to sail past the Round Tower in Old Portsmouth at approximately 09:55 – which you can watch live on the Forces News YouTube channel.
With a tug escort alongside her, she will then proceed to the Nab Tower in the Solent at around 10:45.
In February, the 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier took part in Exercise Steadfast Defender – Nato’s biggest exercise since the Cold War.
Watch: HMS Prince of Wales welcomed home to Portsmouth after Exercise Steadfast Defender
During the Nato training, HMS Prince of Wales was joined by more than 30 ships, four submarines, multiple aircraft from maritime patrol aircraft to F-35 Lightning jets and more than 20,000 personnel from nations including Canada, Denmark, France and Spain.
Watch: Large crowds of onlookers welcome the aircraft carrier home
HMS Queen Elizabeth has returned home after four months of repairs and a short intensive time at sea to test her systems.
Cheering crowds welcomed the 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier back as she sailed into Portsmouth Harbour just after 20:30 on Tuesday.
Before returning to HMNB Portsmouth, the Royal Navy’s flagship sailed alongside the Isle of Wight for the Cowes Week regatta – where she exchanged gun salutes with the Royal Yacht Squadron.
HMS Queen Elizabeth left Rosyth Dockyard a week ago following unscheduled work in dry dock to her shaft lines which began in March.
She then spent seven days at sea being put through her paces on trials to test her systems to the maximum.
This has included marine engineering trials, sailing at high speed for extended periods and manoeuvring as aggressively as possible to give the command team full confidence in her systems following the docking period.
Now home in Portsmouth, preparations will begin for operations this autumn.
Watch: HMS Queen Elizabeth heads back to sea after repairs
Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, Captain Will King, said: “Whilst no warship wants to find itself spending unscheduled time out of the water, I am enormously proud of the work that has gone on in Rosyth.
“Everybody on board is looking forward to getting back to sea, where we belong, and picking up a busy programme in the autumn.”
To get the carrier back to sea has been a joint effort between the Royal Navy, Defence Equipment & Support and Babcock.
Commander Alex Davies, head of the marine engineering department, said: “An enormous amount of work has taken place over the last few months to get us to this point.
“This is at the larger end of the scale for Royal Navy Marine Engineering, and it has taken a really effective team effort from our own engineers, Defence Equipment and Support, and our industry partners to return us to sea.”
The Rosyth repairs to HMS Queen Elizabeth took place after her departure to lead the Nato exercise Steadfast Defender in February was cancelled at the last minute after an “issue” with a propeller shaft was spotted during final checks.
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of July 22, 2024, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.
Ships Underway
Total Battle Force
Deployed
Underway
297 (USS 237, USNS 60)
103 (USS 71, USNS 32)
85 (54 Deployed, 31 Local)
In Okinawa
An MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 taxies on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) while conducting routine operations in the Philippine Sea, July 13. U.S. Navy Photo
The amphibious warship USS America (LHA-4) is in port in Okinawa, Japan, onloading elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. America will change homeports later this year, USNI News has learned.
In Malaysia
Lt. j.g. Edwin Zerwekh, from Dallas, lets a visitor look through his binoculars during a tour of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) as part of a scheduled port visit to Port Klang, Malaysia, July 19, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) left Port Kelang, Malaysia, on Monday after spending nearly a week there for a regularly scheduled port visit, according to a news release from 7th Fleet.
In the Hawaiian Operating Areas
An Italian Leonardo AW101 (EH101) Merlin helicopter sits on the flight deck aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as the ship participates in the at-sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 17. U.S. Navy Photo
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) continues operations in the underway phase of the Rim of the Pacific 2024 exercise.
In the Pacific
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Chyann King, left, from Carrollton, Ga., answers a phone on the bridge of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in U.S. 3rd Fleet on July 18, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet and heading west on deployment.
Carrier Strike Group 3
Carrier
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
Carrier Air Wing 9
The “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
The “Black Aces” of VFA 41 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 – F-35C – from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
The “Vigilantes” of VFA 151 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Wallbangers” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
The “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.
Cruiser
A cruiser has not yet been identified as attached to the carrier strike group.
Destroyer Squadron 21
Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG-111) bring in a line during a sea and anchor detail on July 16, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 21 is based in San Diego and is embarked in Abraham Lincoln.
USS Spruance (DDG-111), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
USS O’Kane (DDG-77), homeported at Naval Station San Diego.
Sailors assigned to USS Boxer (LHD-4) and Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fire a series of volleys during a burial at sea ceremony on the aircraft elevator as the ship steams in the Pacific Ocean, July 17, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
Amphibious warship USS Boxer (LHD-4) is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet and has resumed its deployment after an emergency rudder repair, USNI News has learned.
USS Boxer (LHD 4) Wasp-class amphibious assault ship leaving San Diego – July 16, 2024 #ussboxer#lhd4
A tugboat positioned in front of the ship’s foc’scle assists in maneuvering the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) in to Souda Bay, Greece, July 8, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
USS Wasp (LHD-1) conducting a port visit at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece.
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked deployed from the East Coast on June 1. The ARG is made up of Wasp, USS New York (LPD-21) and USS Oak Hill (LSD-51).
The 24th MEU is composed of a command element, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 as the Logistics Combat Element.
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) personnel have finished operations for the U.S. Agency for International Development-led mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza from the sea using the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) capability. The international community will now deliver aid to Gaza through Israel’s Ashdod port, officials announced Thursday.
In the Red Sea
Satellite photo of the Red Sea. NASA Image
U.S. ships continue to patrol the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led multinational effort to protect merchant vessels moving through the region. Houthi forces in Yemen continue to attack merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while U.S. naval forces in the region have continued strikes against Houthi weapons that U.S. Central Command says are a threat to naval and merchant ships. Houthi forces say they are targeting ships with connections to the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Israel.
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 10 approved a resolution calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebel group to “cease its brazen” attacks in the Red Sea.
On Sunday, CENTCOM forces destroyed four of the Houthi’s unmanned surface vessels in the Red Sea.
On Saturday, CENTCOM forces downed a Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle in the Red Sea.
On Thursday, CENTCOM forces destroyed four Houthi UAVs and two surface-to-air missiles on land in Yemen.
On Monday, CENTCOM forces downed three Houthi UAVs operating over the Read Sea and two over land in Yemen.
Additionally, the Houthis launched multiple attacks against MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated tanker vessel in the Red Sea carrying vegetable oil from Russia to China, according to a CENTCOM news release. The Houthis used three surface vessels in this attack, one USV and two small boats. No damage or injuries were reported.
Later, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from Yemen over the Red Sea toward MT Bentley I.
Separately, the Houthis used a USV to attack MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker, in the Red Sea, according to CENTCOM. The USV caused damage, but MT Chios Lion did not request assistance.
In the Gulf of Aden
U.S. Navy Seaman Colton Carpenter, from Norfolk, Va., stands watch as AS-332 Super Pumas, assigned to the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), carries supplies to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a replenishment-at-sea, July 8, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on Friday “to deter aggression, promote regional stability, and protect the free flow of commerce in the region,” according to U.S. Central Command. TR is currently operating between Oman and the Gulf of Aden. The carrier operated alongside forces from the U.S. Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force in the Indian Ocean on its way to the Middle East.
Carrier Strike Group 9
Carrier
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
A U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman prepares to fire a .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), July 9, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
Carrier Air Wing 11
The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
The “Black Knights” of VFA 154 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The “Blue Blasters” of VFA 34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA 211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
The “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.
Cruiser
USS Lake Erie (CG-70), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Destroyer Squadron 23
Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt.
USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
USS Halsey (DDG-97), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In the Persian Gulf
U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In the Eastern Pacific
The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) sails past the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), July 18, 2024, at Naval Air Station North Island. U.S. Navy Photo
The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) departed San Diego, Ca., on Saturday, according to ship spotters.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier southbound in Puget Sound heading to NAVMAG Indian Island – July 18, 2024 #ussronaldreagan#cvn76
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is operating off the coast of Washington. The carrier arrived at the naval magazine on Indian Island in Puget Sound, Wa., on Thursday, according to ship spotters.
Sailors play basketball during a Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted basketball tournament in the hangar bay aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility, July 19. U.S. Navy Photo
Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) arrived in San Diego, Calif., for a scheduled port visit before transiting the Pacific Ocean en route its new home port of Yokosuka, Japan, as the replacement for Ronald Reagan.
Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrived in San Diego, Calif., on Thursday and departed on Friday, according to ship spotters.
In the Western Atlantic
The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) departed Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday and returned on Thursday, according to ship spotters.
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Wasp-class amphibious assault ship leaving Norfolk, Virginia – July 17, 2024 #ussiwojima#lhd7
In addition to these major formations, not shown are others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Seabees, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.
The ship has not yet resumed duties and will conduct trials before returning home to Portsmouth naval base, Forces News understands.
It was a delicate operation getting HMS Queen Elizabeth down the Firth of Forth as she had to wait for low tide to help her get under the three bridges that span the opening of the river.
People gathered by the waterside to catch a glimpse of the carrier and get some pictures of the impressive sight.
With her repair work completed, HMS Queen Elizabeth is ready to resume her duties
Her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales had to take her place while the repair work to her starboard propellor shaft was carried out.
The aircraft carrier returned home to Portsmouth in March after taking part in Ex Steadfast Defender – Nato’s biggest exercise since the Cold War.
During the Nato training, HMS Prince of Wales was joined by more than 30 ships, four submarines, multiple aircraft – from maritime patrol aircraft to F-35 Lightning jets – and more than 20,000 personnel from nations including Canada, Denmark, France and Spain.
Two B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., fly in formation with fighter jets from Romania and Finland as they arrive at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, on July 21, 2024. Earlier in the day, the B-52s were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea. (Seth Watson/U.S. Air Force)
STUTTGART, Germany — Two U.S. Air Force long-range bombers that had a close encounter over the weekend with Russian fighters over the Barents Sea landed at an allied base near the Black Sea hours later, according to the service. The arrival of the B-52H Stratofortress bombers at Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base on Sunday marks the first time U.S. strategic bombers have operated from the installation, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa said the same day. The base, known as MK to forces deployed there, serves as the main operational hub for the U.S. military in the Black Sea region. It is undergoing a multibillion-dollar expansion by NATO that will make it larger than even Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Earlier in the day, the bombers were intercepted more than 1,000 miles away by Russian fighters over the Barents Sea on a preplanned mission that involved coordination with NATO fighter planes, USAFE-AF said. “The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident,” USAFE said. The B-52s, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, are in Europe in connection with the Air Force’s ongoing bomber task force missions, which involve short-term deployments to the Continent.
Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2024-07-22/b-52-bombers-romania-russia-14558361.html?utm_source=Stars+and+Stripes+Emails&utm_campaign=Daily+Headlines&utm_medium=email Source – Stars and Stripes
