An A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 47th Fighter Squadron banks left after performing a low-angle strafe at the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Ariz., June 2, 2016. The 47th FS went on to win their second consecutive Hawgsmoke competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Drzazgowski/Released)

Arlington Aerospace acquires North West Precision

Arlington Aerospace has acquired UK-based precision engineering component manufacturer North West Precision (NWP) for an undisclosed sum. NWP is mainly specialising in producing fasteners, cutting tools, tools and aircraft components.

For a period of more than 30 years, NWP has been providing components to various companies such as Airbus, Hawker Beechcraft and BAE Systems. NWP operates two purpose-built factories situated in Birkenhead and close to Liverpool.



The acquisition enables the supply of design, manufacture, metrology, service and maintenance, as well as planned preventive maintenance (PPM) services from a single source.

Arlington Industries Group group CEO Mark Franckel said: "We're leading the way in driving greater efficiency for our customers through the hard work of our unique and talented people.

"I believe that the newest addition to our aerospace division, NWP, represents an attractive commercial opportunity to grow stronger as a team and deliver efficient supply chain solutions to our customers."

With specialisation in global supply chain integration, Arlington Aerospace buys companies to provide greater efficiency to its global customer base. Arlington Aerospace recently opened a project office in Nantes, France, to support its customers on the ground. The group currently has more than 650 employees based across ten sites.

United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) is delaying the first of its new MC-21 narrow body aircraft until 2017, it emerged at the model's official roll-out in Irkutsk, Russia. The first prototype of the new commercial aircraft was rolled out June 8 in the Irkut Corp. plant. Irkut is a part of UAC and is responsible, among other things, for final assembly. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced the changed schedule during his speech at the roll-out.

Timor Leste (June 8, 2016) An MH-60S helicopter assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 lifts supplies off the flight deck of hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2016, Mercy is on its first stop of the 2016 mission. Pacific Partnership has a longstanding history with Timor Leste, having first visited in 2006, and four subsequent times since. Medical, engineering and various other personnel embarked aboard Mercy will work side-by-side with partner nation counterparts, exchanging ideas, building best practices and relationships to ensure preparedness should disaster strike. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Cousins/Released)

Timor Leste (June 8, 2016) Crew members assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 move an MH-60S helicopter into the hangar aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2016, Mercy is on its first stop of the 2016 mission. Pacific Partnership has a longstanding history with Timor Leste, having first visited in 2006, and four subsequent times since. Medical, engineering and various other personnel embarked aboard Mercy will work side-by-side with partner nation counterparts, exchanging ideas, building best practices and relationships to ensure preparedness should disaster strike.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Merriam/Released)

A pilot enters a polish fighter jet, Swedwin, Poland, June 8. Anakonda 2016 is a Polish-led multinational exercise, taking place in Poland from June 7-17. This exercise involves more than 25,000 participants from more than 20 nations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Antonio Lewis / Released)

Polish fighter jets are staged at an airfield in Swidwin, Poland, June 8. Anakonda 2016 is a Polish-led multinational exercise, taking place in Poland from June 7-17. This exercise involves more than 25,000 participants from more than 20 nations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Antonio Lewis / Released)

6/8/2016 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For the first time ever, a Royal Canadian Air Force plane has entered the Benefield Anechoic Facility.
A team of engineers, operators and defense scientists from Canada, are wrapping up electronic warfare testing of an RCAF CC-130J Hercules transport plane.

Canada is updating its fleet of legacy CC-130H aircraft with the J model, which are the same as the U.S. Air Force C-130Js and used for tactical airlift of troops and supplies.

The team has conducted multiple tests in the past couple of weeks focusing on the ALR-56M radar warning receiver and its integration with the rest of the Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite and aircraft mission computer.

"The BAF is the closest thing to actually flying the aircraft in an RF threat environment. The chamber allows us to execute multiple test objectives in a controlled-repeatable manner and collect data to evaluate the radar warning receiver's technical performance and effectiveness." said Emil Poliakov, Canada Department of National Defense, radar warfare engineer.

The BAF, operated by the 772nd Test Squadron, is the largest anechoic chamber in the world and can fit pretty much any airplane inside. It provides a "free space" so electronic warfare tests can be conducted without radio frequency interference from the outside world. The chamber is filled with polyurethane and polyethylene pyramids designed to stop reflections of electromagnetic waves. The size of the pyramids, which are painted dark blue or black, varies depending on the particular frequency and test procedure being conducted. Aircraft systems can be tested and verified that they work properly prior to actual flight test.

The isolation from outside interferences enables testers to determine the electromagnetic compatibility of the CC-130J's systems.

"Our DEWS systems are often programmed and tested in isolation. We do not have a capability like the BAF, which would allow us to test the systems in an integrated fashion. This program allows us to exercise the compete integrated suite before the aircraft goes through an expensive flight trial," Poliakov said.

The test team designed all the emitters the BAF is going to generate around a fictional threat area.

"We've setup our objectives to simulate a contested [radio frequency] environment and we're going to see various early warning, air to air, long-range surface to air, and anti-air artillery threat systems come up to exercise the full capabilities of the radar warning receiver and provide relevant experience to the operator in the cockpit."

The electronic warfare data collected during this testing will be shared with partner nations as part of an agreement signed last year between the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. The agreement is called the Multinational Test and Evaluation Program.

"This agreement provides an unprecedented access to the partnering nations' EW trials and data," said Poliakov. "The CC-130J trial at the BAF is the first time the agreement has been used since it was officially signed in 2015. We invited representatives from the U.K. and Australia to witness this trial and will share all of the results with our allies."

Poliakov added the agreement eliminates a lot of repetitive testing and road blocks and allows the partner nations to discuss directly with their allies in the test community about system capabilities and deficiencies. The countries share data and test planning.

"This agreement allows the allies to work together and contribute to the common goal of increasing crew and aircraft survivability in a potential threat environment."

During a meeting last year, Poliakov said Mario Dorado of the 772nd TS invited the RCAF to Edwards to conduct EW testing on the CC-130J, thus initiating the first action of the MTEP.

The CC-130J brought to Edwards is from 8 Wing located at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario. Canada purchased 17 CC-130Js with the last one delivered in 2012.

On the outside the CC-130J looks almost identical to the legacy CC-130H Hercules, but internally the J model is essentially a completely new aircraft that can fly faster, higher and farther, while carrying heavier loads with better fuel economy.

While this is the first time an RCAF plane has come to test in the BAF, Poliakov hopes it won't be the last.

"We have had a fantastic experience at the BAF. We were able to complete all planned test objectives and collect data, which we don't normally have access to. This facility provides the missing link between systems testing in the lab and flight trials at a range. I hope we'll be able to integrate the BAF into our regular DEWS test cycles for all fleets in the RCAF."

The CC-130J team is expected to complete testing this week.
by Kenji Thuloweit
412th Test Wing Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash., June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Hainan Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the carrier's first 787-9 Dreamliner. Hainan becomes China's first operator of both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants of the Dreamliner family.

Hainan Airlines, the largest privately owned airline in China, leased the airplane through an agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The delivery is also the first 787-9 Dreamliner to ALC, which has 15 additional 787-9s on order.

"The 787-9 Dreamliner will be a great addition to our long-haul fleet," said Mou Weingang, Vice Chairman, Hainan Airlines. "The 787-9's super efficiency, capability and in-flight experience will accelerate our market position internationally."

As the largest 787 operator in China, Hainan Airlines already has 10 787-8s in service and plans to deploy its first 787-9 Dreamliner on a new route from Beijing to Las Vegas beginning in September.

"We are honored to celebrate this milestone delivery with both ALC and Hainan Airlines," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president of Northeast Asia Sales. "The 787-9 will complement Hainan Airlines' existing 787-8 fleet, enabling the airline to open up new nonstop services for continuous global expansion."

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly over 40 more passengers an additional 280 nautical miles (520 kilometers) with the same exceptional environmental performance ? 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

Hainan Airlines, headquartered in Haikou, is one of only seven airlines, and the first in China, to be rated as a five-star airline by Skytrax, which surveys international travelers to rate and review airlines and airports. Boeing airplanes make up more than 85 percent of Hainan's current fleet, which serves 500 domestic and international routes.

F-22's take off during RED FLAG-Alaska 16-2 on June 8, 2016 at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. RF-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and international forces, which provides joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large-force employment training in a simulated combat environment.


U.S. Air Force Reserve members from 304th Rescue Squadron, assigned at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., train with Oregon and Kentucky National Guard CBRNE Enhanced Force Response Force Package (CERFP) members during the Cascadia Rising exercise at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Ore., June 8, 2016. Cascadia Rising scenario is a 9.0 magnitude earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) resulting in a tsunami, testing first responders, emergency management and public safety officials in the Pacific Northwest. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs/Released)

First Lt. Shannon Smith, 25th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares for takeoff before a training sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 9, 2016. Smith pilots an A-10 Thunderbolt II, which is a single-seat, two-engine, close air support aircraft that has been in service since the 1970s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo/Released)

Boeing awards $200m worth of space contracts to six US companies

Aerospace company Boeing has awarded contracts worth a total of $200m to six small businesses, which will provide products and services to the International Space Station (ISS). Nasa has selected Boeing as prime contractor for the ISS.

Selected under the Boeing Engineering and Technical Support Service programme, the companies will provide expertise in several areas such as engineering, information technology, software development and mission assurance support. The selected companies include S&K Global Solutions; Barrios Technology; ALATEC; Summit Technologies & Solutions; RVMTI JV; and All Points Logistics.+

Contracts include the period of performance from October to September 2020.

Boeing ISS programme manager Mark Mulqueen said: "Supplier partners are critical to our growth and success. "It's important to Boeing and our Nasa customer that we commit significant resources to growing our small business network through targeted outreach, mentoring programs and regular collaboration." The company noted that the Boeing Space Exploration programmes cover the ISS and the commercial crew and space launch system.

During the first half of the US Government's 2016 fiscal year, the Boeing Space Exploration programme has spent approximately $754m to buy products and services from a network of 690 suppliers. Of the $754m, contracts worth roughly $211m were awarded to small and diverse businesses.

Last December, Boeing won a second contract from Nasa to transport crew to the ISS using its CST-100 'Starliner' spacecraft, with flights beginning next year.

Last May, the space agency awarded Boeing its first commercial human spaceflight mission

LASK AIR BASE, Poland (AFNS) -- About 350 personnel are supporting 20 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, as part of bilateral flying training with the Polish Air Force.

The Aviation Detachment 16-3 training is aimed to improve familiarization of operational and logistical processes, to maintain joint readiness, and build interoperability capabilities.

Lt. Col. Jason Repak, the commander of Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group, said, ?Aviation Detachment 16-3 is a great opportunity for our (deployed) aircrews to hone their operational skills from a forward operating location.?

He explained the importance of the unit?s forward presence and highlighted how hosting rotational training strengthens the U.S. and Polish alliance.

"The AvDet purpose is to maintain a small footprint in a key region at minimal cost with strategic impacts," he said. "Our enduring presence allows the U.S. to build upon a strong relationship with our Polish allies. The AvDet strengthens this relationship by fostering an environment for unique bilateral training opportunities while bolstering regional security as the sole long-term (U.S. Air Force) unit presence in Eastern Europe."

The aviation detachment is a 10-person unit from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, stationed in Poland to support quarterly rotations of flying missions. This recurring training is conducted in coordination with the government of Poland to bolster interoperability between nations.

The current enduring presence at Lask AB and the detachment?s presence in Poland make it possible to host multiple allied air force elements and serve as a regional hub for air training and multinational exercises.

"Every rotation brings its own unique set of opportunities to explore new ways to train together and to increase our respective capabilities," Repak explained. "This particular rotation involves a fairly complex allocation of forces to four strategically important exercises."

While in Poland as part of quarterly training for AvDet 16-3, the participating units will also support the concurrent exercises Baltic Operations 2016, Saber Strike 2016, Swift Response 2016 and Anakonda 2016.

"Living and working with the Polish every day reinforces bilateral ties while strengthening relationships and interoperability between U.S., Poland and NATO," Repak said. "Periodic rotational forces are a means to bolster this relationship by creating opportunities to train together and share best practices between U.S. and Polish operators, maintenance and support personnel."

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of aircraft including two Polish air force F-16 Fighting Falcons, four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, two German Eurofighter Typhoons and four Swedish Gripens over the Baltic Sea, June 9, 2016. Deployed forces are working in tandem with naval forces to enhance flexibility and interoperability with participating NATO allies and partner nations by conducting a series of realistic, combined flying training including air defense, maritime awareness and support to amphibious operations during Baltic Operations 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erin Babis)



A U.S Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, during Buddy Wing 16-5, June 9, 2016. Buddy Wing missions are an opportunity for pilots to integrate their service-specific fundamentals of air-to-air combat training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen/Released)

A Republic of Korea air force F-15K Slam Eagle from 11th Fighter Wing takes off from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, during Buddy Wing 16-5 June 9, 2016. Buddy Wing missions are an opportunity for pilots to integrate their service-specific fundamentals of air-to-air combat training.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen/Released)

A chew chief assigned to U.S. Army Alaska monitors ground conditions as his CH-47 Chinook helicoptor takes off after off-loading paratroopers assigned to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 9, 2016, during Exercise Arctic Aurora. Arctic Aurora is a yearly bilateral training exercise involving elements of the Spartan Brigade and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which focuses on strengthening ties between the two by executing combined small unit airborne proficiency operations and basic small arms marksmanship. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter loaded with paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, prepares to land at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 9, 2016, during Exercise Arctic Aurora. Arctic Aurora is a yearly bilateral training exercise involving elements of the Spartan Brigade and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which focuses on strengthening ties between the two by executing combined small unit airborne proficiency operations and basic small arms marksmanship. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)

Paratroopers assigned to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force execute an airborne proficiency operation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 9, 2016, during Exercise Arctic Aurora. Arctic Aurora is a yearly bilateral training exercise involving elements of the Spartan Brigade and the JGSDF, which focuses on strengthening ties between the two by executing combined small unit airborne proficiency operations and basic small arms marksmanship. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct an air assault operation on a mock town during Operation Anakonda in Wedrzyn, Poland on June 11th. Anakonda 2016 is a Polish-led multinational exercise, taking place in Poland from June 7-17. This exercise involves more than 31,000 participants form more than 20 nations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ashley Marble/Released)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (June 11, 2016) -- Tug boats maneuver Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), into the James River during the ship's Turn Ship evolution. This is a major milestone that brings the country's newest aircraft carrier another step closer to delivery and commissioning later this year. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cathrine Mae O. Campbell)

June 10, 2016 was a great day for the tribes of Idaho. ?The Warrior Spirit? A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft was dedicated to all Idaho tribes to show gratitude for their support of the Idaho Air National Guard. There is a strong relationship between the Idaho Air National Guard and the Idaho tribes and this ceremony honored that relationship and compared the modern A-10 aircraft to a tribal war horse from the past. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur/Released)

Two UH-60 medical evacuation helicopters assigned to Company C., 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade prepare to land as part of a mass casualty evacuation drill during Exercise Anakonda 2016 (AN16) at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, June 11, 2016. AN16 a Polish-led, multinational training event running from June 7-17, involves approximately 31,000 participants from more than 20 nations and is a premier training event for U.S. Army Europe.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Miguel Alvarez/ Released)

A C-23 Sherpa launches from the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 10, 2016. This is the fourth C-23 that the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group regenerated for the U.S. Forest Service to aid in fighting wildfires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz/Released)

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFNS) -- The 45th Space Wing supported United Launch Alliance?s successful launch of the NROL-37 spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37B here June 11.

The ULA Delta IV rocket is carrying a classified national security payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta IV family, the heavy version features three common booster cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket.

According to Brig. Gen. Wayne Montieth, the 45th Space Wing commander and mission launch decision authority, the launch is the culmination of many long hours and hard work by the entire mission team.

?This mission once again clearly demonstrates the successful collaboration we have with our mission partners at NRO, (Space and Missile Systems Center) and ULA as we continue to shape the future of America's space operations,? he said. ?This successful launch helps to ensure that vital NRO resources will continue to bolster our national defense while showcasing why the 45th Space Wing is the ?world's premiere gateway to space.??

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Throughout the month of May, the air coalition has been able to strike lucrative targets including: logistics lines, command and control and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant financial resources through more than 1,800 strike sorties.

?My goal as the air component is to actually put pressure on (ISIL) wherever they are,? said Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, during a recent press briefing in Washington D.C. ?I?m always pressing pretty hard to use our airpower as much as possible.?

The air coalition has an array of precision capability available to strike targets and defend the region.

Weapon systems officers assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing discussed their combat role and the importance of teamwork when flying and employing precision ordnance from the vantage point of the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle.

?The great thing about a two-seat aircraft is that we can divide out duties and be more effective,? said Capt. Dan, a WSO assigned to the 380th AEW. ?The pilot in the front seat can coordinate for airspace and refueling, while the WSO in the backseat can talk to the joint terminal attack controller on the ground, find a target and have a weapon ready to drop.?

Maj. Justin, also a WSO assigned to the 380th AEW, explained how various organizations work together to successfully destroy a target. JTACs determine target locations from strike cells, while unmanned aerial vehicles and intelligence personnel deliver imagery and situation updates. Weather personnel provide updated briefings, maintainers work day and night to prepare the jets to fly, and airfield management Airmen clear the airfield for appropriate munitions, according to Justin.

?The aircrew specifically will talk to a half-dozen agencies before even getting to an area where a strike can take place,? Justin said. ?In the end it is a very complicated process that takes everyone doing their part to get the bomb on target.?

According to Dan, once in flight, a WSO has several things running through their mind in preparation for strike operations. There are a number of checklist items that must be calculated to ensure precision and accuracy.

?There are dozens of ?what ifs? you must consider as well,? Dan said. ?You must always be prepared and thinking ahead because it can go from zero to 100 in a split second.?

Justin also discussed the precision and care that is taken when employing targets.

?The targets I?m assigned to destroy have been vetted through the most professional members of our armed services, and (I know) that others are taking their jobs as seriously as I am,? Justin said.

Dan said destroying critical targets that diminish the capabilities of terrorist organizations and protecting ground troops are critically important mission areas.

?We are here to provide support to (indigenous) troops on the ground,? Dan said. ?So it is a good feeling to know that we can help keep them safe.?

ARABIAN GULF (June 13, 2016) A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th MEU, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael T. Eckelbecker/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2016) An EA-18G Growler assigned to the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during routine flight operations. Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, John C. Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago / Released)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 8, 2016) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Fist of the Fleet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) June 8, 2016. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bobby J. Siens/Released)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 9, 2016) An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 prepares to launch from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) June 8, 2016. Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lindsay A. Preston/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 10, 2016) An E-2C Hawkeye, from the ?Sun Kings? of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 taxis on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The ship is underway conducting command assessment of readiness and training (CART) II off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Castellano/Released)

A U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52 Stratofortress flies overhead of a combined arms live fire demonstration for distinguished visitors during Saber Strike 16, June 13, at Adazi Military Base, Latvia. Saber Strike is a cooperative training exercise led by U.S. Army Europe spanning from May 27 through June 22 in locations throughout Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, featuring 13 participating nations. Participating forces in Latvia include service members from F Troop, 2nd Squadron and B Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, the United Kingdom?s corps of royal marines, and Lithuanian, Latvian, Polish and Norwegian armies.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paige Behringer, 10th Press Camp Headquarters)

An F-35 Lightning II prepares launches June 10, 2016, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft ever fielded and is being adopted internationally by the United States and eight partner nations including Norway, Italy, and Australia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devante Williams)