David
Tue December 10, 2002 2:45pm
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Burgoyne's March on Alban
Burgoyne's March on Albany June-October 1777
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David
Thu December 19, 2002 2:35pm
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Pfc. Michael Williams (le
Pfc. Michael Williams (left), from Phoenix, Ariz., spots targets for Staff Sgt. Kevin Lacrosse, a sniper from St. Albans, Vt. The soldiers, part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, are deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
Rating: 10
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Equipment Operator Constr
Equipment Operator Constructionman Dan Lasich from Rosenberg, OR, flattens out ground at Camp Wedge, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR (NMCB FOUR). Forward Operating Base in Albania. NMCB Four will be doing 25 miles of roadwork near Kukes, Albania in support of Operation Shining Hope. Operation Shining Hope is the multinational NATO and U.S. operation bringing food and shelter to thousands of Kosovo refugees. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Brian McFadden.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 5:31pm
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MC-130P Combat Shadow
Function: The Combat Shadow flies clandestine or low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level missions intruding politically sensitive or hostile territory to provide air refueling for special operations helicopters. The MC-130P primarily flies missions at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats.
Secondary mission capabilities may include airdrop of small special operations teams, bundles and combat rubber raiding craft, as well as night vision goggles, takeoff and landing procedures and in-flight refueling as a receiver.
History: MC-130Ps were previously designated HC-130N/P. However, the "H" designation is a rescue and recovery mission code and not representative of the aircraft's special operations role. In February 1996, AFSOC's tanker fleet was redesignated MC-130Ps, aligning the Combat Shadow with other M-series special operations mission aircraft. MC-130Ps have been a part of the special operations mission since the mid-80s. They provided critical air refueling to Army and Air Force helicopters during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989. In 1990, the aircraft deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for Operation Desert Storm and provided air refueling of special operations helicopters over friendly and hostile territory.
Since Desert Storm, the MC-130P has been involved in operations Northern and Southern Watch, supporting efforts to keep Iraqi aircraft out of the no-fly zones. Although MC-130Ps left Southern Watch in 1993, they have returned periodically to relieve Air Combat Command rescue forces. The aircraft also took part in Operation Deny Flight in Yugoslavia in 1993, and Operations Restore Democracy and Uphold Democracy in Haiti in 1994. The MC-130P has been involved in operations Deliberate Force and Joint Endeavor in Bosnia since 1995.
Additionally, the MC-130P took part in Operation Assured Response in 1996, providing air refueling for the MH-53s shuttling evacuees between Liberia and the rear staging area.
In March 1997, the MC-130P was diverted from Italy to provide combat search and rescue during the evacuation of non-combatant Americans from Albania. Also in 1997, the MC-130P provided command and control and refueling support during Operation Guardian Retrieval, the evacuation of Americans from Zaire. In July 1997, the aircraft provided aerial refueling for MH-53J's when U.S. forces prepared for possible evacuations of noncombatants from Cambodia. The aircraft also was part of Operation High Flight, the search to locate an American C-141 involved in a mid-air collision with another aircraft off the coast of Angola in September 1997.
Description: Special operations forces improvements are being made to the fleet of MC-130Ps. When modifications are completed in Fiscal 2000, all MC-130Ps will feature improved navigation, communications, threat detection and countermeasures systems. When fully modified, the Combat Shadow fleet will have a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system, and night vision goggle compatible interior and exterior lighting. It will also have forward looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, night vision goggle compatible heads-up display, satellite and data-burst communications, as well as in-flight refueling capability as a receiver (on 15 aircraft).
The Combat Shadow can fly in the day against a reduced threat. The crews fly night low-level, air refueling and formation operations using night vision goggles. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, employment tactics incorporate no external lighting and no communications to avoid radar and weapons detection.
General Characteristics, MC-130P Combat Shadow
Builder:
Lockheed
Unit Flyaway Cost:
$18.6 million (Fiscal Year 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
98 feet, 9 inches (30.09 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed:
289 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling:
33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range:
Beyond 4,000 miles
Crew:
Officers - pilot, co-pilot, right navigator and left navigator
Enlisted - flight engineer, communications systems operator and two loadmasters
Inventory:
Active force, 19
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
1986
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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AC-130 H/U Gunship
Function: The AC-130 gunship's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include air base defense and facilities defense.
History: The AC-130H's call sign is "Spectre." The AC-130U's call sign is "Spooky," and traces its history to the first operational gunship, the AC-47. The U-model is the third generation of C-130 gunships. The AC-130 gunship has a combat history dating to Vietnam. Gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close air support missions. During Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces enabling the successful assault of the Point Salines Airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces. The AC-130 aircrew earned the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for the mission. AC-130s also had a primary role during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989 when they destroyed Panamanian Defense Force Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities. Aircrews earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year and the Tunner Award for their efforts. During Operation Desert Storm, AC-130s provided close air support and force protection (air base defense) for ground forces. Gunships also were used during operations Continue Hope and United Shield in Somalia, providing close air support for United Nations ground forces. More recently, gunships played a pivotal role in supporting the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The AC-130H provided air interdiction against key targets in the Sarajevo area. In 1997, gunships were diverted from Italy to provide combat air support for U.S. and allied ground troops during the evacuation of American noncombatants in Albania. Gunships also were part of the buildup of US forces in 1998 to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections.
Description: These heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of a television sensor, infrared sensor and radar. These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets any place, any time. The AC-130U employs synthetic apertures strike radar for long-range target detection and identification. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation systems and global positioning system. The AC-130U employs the latest technologies and can attack two targets simultaneously.
?General Characteristics, AC-130H/U Gunship
Contractor:
Boeing North American (AC-130U)
Builder:
Lockheed Aircraft Company
Unit Cost:
AC-130H, $52.29 million
AC-130U, $81.1 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Power Plant:
Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust:
4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height:
38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan:
132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Speed:
300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Ceiling:
25,000 feet (7,576 meters)
Range:
Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling
Armament:
AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon
AC-130H: two 20mm guns
AC-130U: 25mm gun
Crew:
AC-130H - Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and nine enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, five aerial gunners)
AC-130U - Five officers (pilot, copilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners)
Inventory:
Active duty: AC-130H, 8
AC-130U, 13
Reserve, 0
ANG, 0
Date Deployed:
AC-130H, 1972
AC-130U, 1995
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 1:02pm
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A Charleston Air Force Ba
A Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., C-17 Globemaster III must contend with runways littered with mud and debris left behind from vehicles which share the runway at Tirana, Albania, on Friday, April 23, 1999. Flightline operations continue around the clock for Operation Sustain Hope and NATO Operation Allied Force.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 1:02pm
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A Charleston Air Force Ba
A Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., C-17 Globemaster III departs Tirana, Albania, on Friday, April 23, 1999, after delivering cargo to Rinas Airport. Flightline operations continue around the clock for Operation Sustain Hope and NATO Operation Allied Force.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 1:02pm
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Young refugees from the T
Young refugees from the Turkish refugee camp in Murrez, Albania, are not camera shy, they are all smiles. U.S. Civil Affairs visited the camp on Saturday, April 24, 1999, to survey the area for future camps. The United States is participating in Operation Sustain Hope, the NATO effort to bring in food, water, medicine and relief supplies, and to establish camps for the refugees fleeing from the Former Republic of Yugoslavia into Albania and Macedonia.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 1:02pm
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Airman 1st Class Heather
Airman 1st Class Heather Schaefer (right) of Granite City, Ill., and Airman 1st Class Angel L. Daly of Concord, Calif., both members of the 86th Services Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, serve the first hot breakfast to U.S. troops deployed to Tirana, Albania, on Tuesday, April 20, 1999. The airmen are deployed to Tirana in support of Operation Sustain Hope.
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Unregistered
Sun March 23, 2003 9:56pm
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Dust-up
First Lt. Eric Hooper from Albany, Georgia, peers through the dust in southern Iraq. Hooper is with the U.S. Army A 3-7 Infantry. Allied units rumbled across the desert into Iraq from the south Friday and bombed limited targets in Baghdad.
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSN688(I) - San Juan Clas
Function: Nuclear powered Fast Attack submarine.
History: The Los Angeles class SSN design proved to be so effective that as time progressed and technological improvements were made to the submarine's systems, rather than build a completely new class of boat it was decided to reuse the Los Angeles design, but fitted with newer, more advanced systems. Based on research and development studies, performed in part by USS Memphis (SSN691) which had been specifically modified during refit to serve as a technology test bed, several major improvements were made to the basic Los Angeles design. In addition to internal upgrades to improve the submarine's sensors and to make it quieter, the hull was also modified to increase submerged speed. Furthermore, by strengthening the sail and moving the forward dive planes from the sail to the bow, the San Juan boats have a true "under ice" capability. The Improved Los Angeles (or San Juan class) submarines currently fill the role of America's front line fast attack submarine, surpassing the Los Angeles class in all respects, and will continue to serve until replaced by either the Seawolf class (SSN21) or the Virginia class (SSN774).
General Characteristics, San Juan Class
Cost:
About $900 million each
Builders:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Power Plant:
One S6G nuclear reactor, one shaft, 35,000 shaft horse power
Length, Overall:
360 feet (109.73 meters)
Beam:
33 feet (10.06 meters)
Draft:
35 feet (10.67 meters)
Displacement:
6,927 tons (7,010.73 metric tons) submerged
Speed:
32 knots submerged
Crew:
13 Officers; 121 Enlisted
Armament:
Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes, launched from four 533mm torpedo tubes
Harpoon anti-ship missiles (tube launched)
Tomahawk anti-ship/ land attack missiles, launched from a 12 tube vertical launch system (VLS)
Sensors:
BSY-1 combat data system
Radar:
1 AN/BPS-5 surface search radar
1 AN/BPS-15 navigation and fire control radar
Sonar:
1 TB-16 passive towed sonar array
1 TB-23 passive "thin line" towed sonar array
1 AN/BQG-5 wide aperture flank array
1 AN/BQQ-5 low frequency spherical bow sonar array
1 AN/BQS-15 close range active sonar (ice detection)
Mine and Ice Detection and Avoidance System (MIDAS)
SADS-TG active detection sonar)
Optics:
1 Type 2 attack periscope
1 Type 18 search periscope
Countermeasures:
WLR-9 acoustic intercept receiver
WLQ-4 ESM
WLY-1 torpedo decoy
Ships:
USS San Juan (SSN 751), Groton, CT
USS Pasadena (SSN-752), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Albany (SSN-753), Norfolk, VA
USS Topeka (SSN-754), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Miami (SSN-755), Groton, CT
USS Scranton (SSN-756), Norfolk, VA
USS Alexandria (SSN-757), Groton, CT
USS Asheville (SSN-758), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Jefferson City (SSN-759), San Diego, CA
USS Annapolis (SSN-760), Groton, CT
USS Springfield (SSN-761), Groton, CT
USS Columbus (SSN-762), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Santa Fe (SSN-763), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Boise (SSN-764), Norfolk, VA
USS Montpelier (SSN-765), Norfolk, VA
USS Charlotte (SSN-766), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Hampton (SSN-767), Norfolk, VA
USS Hartford (SSN-768), Groton, CT
USS Toledo (SSN-769), Groton, CT
USS Tucson (SSN-770), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Columbia (SSN-771), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Greeneville (SSN-772), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), Pearl Harbor, HI
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David
Thu April 15, 2004 2:05pm
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Saratoga, 7 October 1777
In June 1777 General John Burgoyne set forth on an expedition from Canada with the aim of cutting the rebellious colonies in twain by seizing the Hudson River line. With his main force he advanced toward Albany via Ticonderoga while a smaller force under Colonel Barry St. Leger moved down Lake Ontario and through the Mohawk Valley. Burgoyne's plans were not coordinated with those of Sir William Howe, the British Commander in New York, who decided to move against Philadelphia instead of attacking north along the Hudson.
Initially successful, Burgoyne suffered a crippling blow when General John Stark destroyed a detachment from his force at Bennington. Meanwhile St. Leger was forced to abandon the siege of Fort Stanwix, guarding the Mohawk Valley, and retreated to Canada. Then on 19 September Burgoyne himself suffered a repulse with heavy losses when he attempted to advance on the positions manned by the main American Army under General Horatio Gates.
Three weeks later, on 7 October 1777, Burgoyne sent out an advance force and Gates moved up Colonel Daniel Morgan's riflemen and other units to meet it. In the ensuing battle (usually known as Bemis Heights) Morgan's men, well adapted to the wooded terrain, took a fearful toll of British lives with their Kentucky rifles. One of the casualties was the fearless British General Simon Fraser. According to tradition Morgan, spotting the general, ordered one of his men, Tim Murphy, up a tree, saying that although he admired the Englishman, "it is necessary he should die, do your duty." Murphy's third shot inflicted a mortal wound.
Soon after Fraser's fall, Burgoyne withdrew and several days later, on 17 October, surrendered his army near Saratoga. The capitulation was a turning point of the war for it induced the French to sign a military alliance with the infant American Republic in February 1778.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:11pm
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Medaglia Dell Guerra 1915
Medaglia Dell Guerra 1915-1918 (War Medal 1915-1918) Awarded for participation to the 1st World War. This medal was instituted on 29 July 1920 and replaced a ribbon bar, introduced on 21 May 1916, which was awarded after 1 year service in a war zone. Additional war service years were indicated by a small silver star.
In 1920 this ribbon was replaced by the medal and a number of bars are attached to the ribbon according to the recipients war service. These bars are covered with laurel leaves and bear either a service year between 1915 and 1918 or the word Albania, followed by a service year between 1916 and 1920.
The medal's obverse bears the helmeted head of King Victor Emanuel III and around the rim is the text "GVERRA PER L'VNITA D'ITALIA 1915 1918" (War for the Unity of Italy).
The reverse depicts an upright Victory standing on shields born by 2 soldiers. Around the rim is the text "CONIATA 'NEL BRONZO NEMICO" (made from enemy bronze).
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