The Here, Now

[michaelmaltby]

AFT: Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, run up the Reaper during the crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 2. At the top of the Reaper, recruits received the Eagle, Globe and Anchor marking their transformation to Marines. (Cpl. Grace J. Kindred/Marine Corps)

 

[michaelmaltby]

Air Force Wants to Move Fast on Boat Plane for Special Operators

The Air Force is moving forward with an amphibious, pontoon-equipped version of the MC-130J Commando II.

www.military.com

 

[michaelmaltby]

France warns Aukus alliance threatens Indo-Pacific partnerships

France ‘notes and regrets’ end of its submarine deal with Australia and will convene EU summit on European defence.

www.scmp.com

 

[SaparotRob]

Lots of interesting stuff there. I see that the South China Morning Post is owned by Alibaba Group. Have you noticed any editorial leanings to one side or the other?

 

[michaelmaltby]

... very slight 'tightening' of Liberal views but not strident yet as Asia Times. "Harry" is my benchmark = his jokes are still HK-'British' much of the time.
But since you raised Jack Ma .. he was 'disappeared' for a while to be re-educated .. and has reappeared on a new bank note. But Whitney Duane takes the cake for 'disappearances'. Just started the book ...

Missing Chinese entrepreneur reappears on the eve of book publication - Jioforme

The latest information on Chinese politics and policySign up for myFT Daily Digest to get the first

www.jioforme.com

 

[michaelmaltby]

AFT: Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Arreguin Perez, a rifleman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, sets security during the Indo-Pacific Warfighting Exercise ion Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 31. (Lance Cpl. Scott Aubuchon/Marine Corps)

 

[michaelmaltby]

A railway-borne missile is test-fired in North Korea on Wednesday. | KCNA / KNS / VIA AFP-JIJI

 

[SaparotRob]

Bet that train runs on time.

 

[michaelmaltby]

Kim time ....

 

[Wurger]

Just wonder if the tickets were checked.

 

[michaelmaltby]

AFT: Sailors heave a line aboard the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush during a replenishment in the Atlantic Ocean Sept. 9. (Navy)

 

[michaelmaltby]

"... The horror story of the Australian Mirage is something that I always wonder about."
Australia to acquire nuclear submarines as part of historic deal with US and UK to counter China's influence
"... Wow, this is a surprise. The French won't be happy."
Seems like Australia learned from past military acquisitions

 

[SaparotRob]

I'm not sure whether it's a good idea. I think it's great Australia having parity with the Big Boys (about time) but is the necessary infrastructure there?
Maybe a smaller number of French subs as well as a couple of nuke boats. The French are our Allies too (All kidding aside) and should be included. Then it could be FAUKUS!

 

[SaparotRob]

I'm already outside.

 

[michaelmaltby]

AFT: A "fireball" detonation marks the mass re-enlistment of soldiers with the Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade and 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion on an explosive ordnance disposal range at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 8. (Spc. Elorina Santos/Army)

 

[SaparotRob]

Wish they did that at my High School graduation.

 

[michaelmaltby]

California’s Giant Forest — and world’s largest tree — still under wildfire threat

General Sherman, the world’s largest tree, is safe from the raging KNP Complex wildfire in California — for now.

nypost.com

 

[Gnomey]

Nice shots guys!

 

[Torch]

View attachment 641986

California’s Giant Forest — and world’s largest tree — still under wildfire threat

General Sherman, the world’s largest tree, is safe from the raging KNP Complex wildfire in California — for now.

nypost.com

sAD IF THAT GOES,BEAUTIFUL AREA

 

[michaelmaltby]

Satellite imagery provided by Planet Labs shows a B-2 Spirit bomber next to the runway at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, after it suffered an in-flight malfunction and crash-landed shortly after midnight on Sept. 15, 2021. The photo was taken at 8:24 am local time. Photo courtesy of Planet Labs.

B-2 bomber crashes in Missouri after in-flight malfunction; none injured

The dual-capable conventional and nuclear bomber was not carrying munitions when it crashed.

www.airforcetimes.com