Cowboy, Samurai, Kangaroo, Philippine Eagle, Pho, Elephant, Kiwi, Etc.

[Nobu]

I am old enough to remember when it was Japan and Japanese tourists who were almost universally mocked, denigrated, and stereotyped around the world. I was one of those tourists many times, riding all-Japanese tour buses in foreign countries as a young child. But still old enough to recognize universal signs of dismay and disgust from various restaurant staff, museum greeters, and other tourists when our busload of Japanese tourists would arrive at a destination and our tour guide began speaking Japanese loud enough for my grandparents to be able to hear.

 

Curiously, this phenomenon occurred at around the same time when Japan and Japanese began their rise in economic and social class relative to the rest of the developed world. I see a parallel between perceptions of Japanese tourists then, and Chinese tourists now.

 

This frightens me in various ways, as it implies the Chinese may be on the same path to greater economic and class socialization that Japan and Japanese traveled on a generation earlier.

[JasonJ]

I am old enough to remember when it was Japan and Japanese tourists who were almost universally mocked, denigrated, and stereotyped around the world. I was one of those tourists many times, riding all-Japanese tour buses in foreign countries as a young child. But still old enough to recognize universal signs of dismay and disgust from various restaurant staff, museum greeters, and other tourists when our busload of Japanese tourists would arrive at a destination and our tour guide began speaking Japanese loud enough for my grandparents to be able to hear.

 

Curiously, this phenomenon occurred at around the same time when Japan and Japanese began their rise in economic and social class relative to the rest of the developed world. I see a parallel between perceptions of Japanese tourists then, and Chinese tourists now.

 

This frightens me in various ways, as it implies the Chinese may be on the same path to greater economic and class socialization that Japan and Japanese traveled on a generation earlier.

 

Although the context of both your examples are very different between the two. Well anyway, I was always curious about your age. I can ball park it now.

[JasonJ]

Exercise Diamond Strike - Australia and USA

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4449470/mrf-d-18-diamond-strike

 

 

Exercise Diamond Strike 2018 is an Australian Army live-fire combined-arms training activity conducted in Shoalwater Bay on the central-Queensland coast as a lead up to Exercise Hamel 2018.

Exercise Diamond Strike 2018 is one of a series of land and sea exercises involving the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force – and incorporating US Marines from Marine Rotational Force-Darwin.

This year’s Exercise Diamond Strike 2018 was conducted predominately by units from the Australian Army’s Brisbane-based 7th Combat Brigade, which is a multi-role formation consisting of infantry, armour, engineers, signals and logistics elements.

The 7th Combat Brigade was supported by a company of United States Marines from the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and units from 16th Aviation Brigade and 17th Combat Service Support Brigade.

This exercise ensures these Army elements are ready for potential future deployments.

A heavy focus for Exercise Diamond Strike 2018 was on technological advancements such as the implementation of digitisation as a means of improving situational awareness, speed of decision-making and rates of execution, particularly in a contested electromagnetic-spectrum environments.

Digitisation helps in commanding armoured vehicles that are travelling and fighting at high speed, and more accurately targeting artillery rounds.

Exercise Diamond Strike 2018 was the first time the 7th Combat Brigade has used their recently acquired M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks during combined-arms training and live fire.

http://www.contactairlandandsea.com/2018/06/08/7th-brigade-tests-it-new-tanks-on-diamond-strike/

[JasonJ]

Pictures from Malabar 2018

 

 

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 14, 2017) Ships from the U.S. Navy, Indian navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sail in formation during exercise Malabar 2018. Malabar is designed to advance military-to-military coordination in a multinational environment between the U.S., Japan and Indian maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erwin Jacob V. Miciano/Released)

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=262497

Seven more in the spoiler

 

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=262425

 

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=262371

 

https://ja-jp.facebook.com/ussronaldreagan/posts/10155376505467021

 

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=262538

 

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=262535

 

https://twitter.com/USPacificFleet/status/1007539194401472513

 

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=262539

 

 

[JasonJ]

 

 

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - US Army Alaska and Japanese 'Ground Self–Defense Force' paratroopers soared over Donnelly Dome as part of joint exercise Arctic Aurora.
"It gives both sides an opportunity to work with a foreign nation, which regardless of the foreign nation, makes us better militaries and we get better at doing that type of training," said 425 Brigade Planner, Captain Ross Tolleson.
These airborne soldiers also participated in three days of field training exercises including live–fire operations, with some help from a few infantrymen from Fort Wainwright.
"It's been a great training event, we've learned a lot from each other. We have a lot that we can take back and use in our own operations," said Tolleson.
Focusing on strengthening ties between two nations and improving the readiness of our arctic warriors, these soldiers work day and night to keep us safe.

http://www.webcenter11.com/content/news/MILITARY-REPORT-Arctic-Aurora-Exercise-Joins-Multi-National-Forces-486092061.html

[Nobu]

Always nice to see Japanese Airborne in action. I've wondered in the past what the impact would have been of a combined direct air assault on Henderson in support of General Kawaguchi's September attack on the perimeter.

[RETAC21]

A lot more Japanese bodies, some of them hanging from trees...

[JasonJ]

US and Japanese paratroopers jumping together is always nice to see. Maybe someday, the British will join

 

For any hypothetical historical what ifs, please open a new thread

[JasonJ]

 

 

USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), JS Ise (DDH 182), RSS Tenacious (71), INS Sahyadri (F49), BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF 17) maneuver into position for formation steaming on Saturday during a group sail in the Pacific.

 

Five more and their associated links in the spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/USPacificFleet/?hc_ref=ARQsmWp880YGAr24i3iQ8SHuvcTpDIbvl9zMrRjsmX6apANrDSFbWx36BYU3NK3cCV0&fref=nf

https://www.facebook.com/philippinenavy/posts/10155763319402956

https://www.facebook.com/JMSDF.PAO.fp/posts/1867486476646395

 

 

 

 

 

USS Ronald Reagan and her group of warships conducted joint training with JS Suzunami and JS Fuyuzuki from the waters around Guam up to the waters around Okinawa from June 16th to June 23rd.

 

In the top picture, the helicopter is from Ronald Reagan and is taking off from Fuyuzuki. In the bottom picture, in the distance is Ronald Reagan and Suzunami. Chancellorsville is closer behind. Picture taken from Fuyuzuki.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201806/20180625.pdf

[JasonJ]

[JasonJ]

MTA Sama Sama naval exercise between the US and the Philippines from July 9th to July 16th. JMSDF will observe.

San Fernando City, PHILIPPINES (NNS) – The U.S. and Philippines Navies kicked off Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama at Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar in San Fernando City, Philippines, July 9.

The week-long engagement focuses on the full spectrum of naval capabilities and is designed to strengthen the close partnership between both navies while cooperatively ensuring maritime security, stability and prosperity.

 

Expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), diving and salvage ship USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52) and a P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft will operate alongside Philippine Navy frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16) and landing dock ship BRP Tarlac (LD 601) in at-sea evolutions in the South China Sea. Evolutions include air defense exercises (ADEX) aimed to increase proficiency in air and missile defense, diving exercises (DIVEX) to promote mutual efficiency underwater, and search and rescue exercises (SAREX) designed to enhance capabilities in aid-and-assistance to distressed mariners.

 

Shore phase evolutions include symposiums and seminars on a wide range of naval capabilities including medical, public affairs, engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, and anti-submarine and surface operations, all taking place in San Fernando City, San Antonio, Manila and Subic.

 

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will join the exercise as an observer and valued partner.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-and-philippines-strengthen-alliance-with-maritime-training-activity-2018/

 

For the observation, the JMSDF is sending a UP-3D from Air Patrol Squadron 91.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201807/20180709.pdf

[2805662]

http://www.acbri.org.au

 

Nice of China to explain the Belt & Road Initiative to Australian businesses...

[JasonJ]

http://www.acbri.org.au

 

Nice of China to explain the Belt & Road Initiative to Australian businesses...

 

Well we'll see how far it goes.

[JasonJ]

Exercise Hamel 2018 - Australia and the US in Queensland, Australia going from June 18th to July 1st. Involved are over 6,000 soldiers from Australia and nearly 800 from the US.

 

 

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia -- On the 100th anniversary of WWI's Battle of Hamel, when U.S. and Australian forces first fought side by side against German forces in Le Hamel, France, the longtime partners once again joined forces -- this time for Exercise Hamel at Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area in central Queensland, Australia, from June 18-July 1.

Indiana Army National Guardsmen traveled nearly 9,000 miles to join their Australian counterparts for the exercise, which saw U.S. forces integrated into the Australian Battle Group to enhance tactical and sustainment interoperability with allied partners.

"It was truly an honor to be able to integrate into one of our coalition partner's headquarters," said U.S. Army Col. Robert Burke, the commander of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "We were able to conduct a very challenging and worthwhile command post and field training exercise, outside the United States, and achieve a higher level of readiness than I anticipated while creating great relationships with the Australians during an historic time in our shared military history."

More than 6,000 Australian soldiers and nearly 800 U.S. military personnel participated in the training. Hamel is an Australian army field training exercise that serves as the Army's culminating event in the unit train-up/certification process before transitioning to a ready brigade.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING

Indiana Army National Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, joined up with Australian soldiers from 7th Brigade at the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and moved through a series of battles and engagements to certify the Australian brigade for deployment and to fulfill the annual training requirement of the Indiana Army National Guard battalion.

Additional U.S. participation included Soldiers from the 10th Regional Support Group, based at Okinawa, Japan; U.S. Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Regiment, also based in Okinawa; U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 5th Marine Regiment, based at Camp Pendleton, California; and exercise support from U.S. Army Pacific and the 25th Infantry Division, both based in Hawaii.

"We've had a number of great scenarios involved, from non-combatant evacuation operations to an amphibious tactical lodgement [landing], population security operations and also more high-end joint land combat, so on all accounts, it's been a fantastic get-out for our ADF," said Australian Brig. Gen. Ben James, the director general for training and doctrine.

Australian soldiers began operations with an amphibious landing before facing a wide variety of challenges, from complex urban operations to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive response and large-scale combined arms battles, with their U.S. counterparts.

URBAN OPERATIONS

U.S. Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, assaulted an enemy-held urban complex in predawn darkness, followed by Australian soldiers from the 6th Royal Australian Regiment and U.S. Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment.

"They needed to clear a village with a mixture of insurgent forces, conventional forces and a significant number of civilians," said Australian Army Capt. Tom Patterson, who served as an observer and trainer for the battle.

The scenario required infantry, tanks, military police and police dogs, engineers, air support, explosive ordinance disposal and other forces and considerations, Patterson said. It challenged soldiers in scenarios learned from real-world battles in urban areas where it is often not clear who is a fighter and who is a civilian, who is a friend and who is a foe.

The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment Soldiers guarded critical artillery and logistical positions, cleared routes and performed area reconnaissance, secured enemy prisoners of war, and served as the Australian brigade's reserve force as the 7th Brigade pushed westward through the 1,754-square mile training area.

In the final battle of the exercise, as Australian and U.S. forces took on a near-peer adversary played by the 3rd Brigade, Australian army elements captured a critical airfield in a large-scale combined arms battle with tanks, dismounted infantry, air support, artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles.

"We supported the tango call signs -- the tanks -- as the infantry attachment clearing the route providing blocks and clearances of vulnerable points," said Australian Army Cpl. Daniel Petterson, 6th Royal Australian Regiment. "We culminated in a large, complex assault and a hybrid attack."

NEW EQUIPMENT

The exercise also allowed Australian military planners to test new equipment and capabilities.

The forces utilized the Australian Air Force's C-27J Spartan, the LAND 121 protected mobility vehicle, three separate digitized logistics common operating picture systems, vehicle camera systems, a fuel distribution and monitoring system, an automated base refueling point, an expeditionary fuel installation system for aviation and a programmable or manual-control precision aerial delivery system.

"Because Hamel simulates a tactical operation it gives us the best test bed to modernize, to refine our tactics, techniques and procedures, and apply the best outcome in our area of operations for the Australian Defense Force," said Australian Army Maj. Samuel Luke, the operations officer for the 9th Force Support Battalion, 17th Brigade.

Exercise Hamel was successful in more than just certifying 7th Brigade for deployment and fulfilling the training requirements of the Indiana Army National Guard, James said.

"We've broken new ground in a whole range of areas," he said. "For the first time, we've had a rotating ground combat element, that is, the land element that's embarked onboard our new Navy amphibious ships, so we've broken new ground there. It's the first time the [Australian] Army's worked alongside the [Australian] Air Force's new C-27J Spartan aircraft, which has been fantastic. And also, there are a number of trials on our unmanned aerial systems in the training area as well, so in a whole range of areas -- new trials, new capabilities and new doctrine -- it's been really exciting."

 

 

http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1567997/australian-us-forces-team-up-for-exercise-hamel/

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4528398/urban-ops

3 more images in the spoiler

 

 

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4528461/exercise-hamel-2018

 

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4528405/osprey-australia

 

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4528401/cbrn-hamel

 

 

Edited July 10, 2018 by JasonJ

[JasonJ]

As part of RIMPAC, US, Japan, and Australia conduct joint training in launching anti-ship missiles on July 12th.

 

 

Live fire from aircraft, a submarine, and land assets participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise sank the decommissioned ex-USS Racine (LST-1191) July 12 in waters 15,000 feet deep 55 nautical miles north of Kauai, Hawaii.

Units from Australia, Japan, and the U.S. participated in the sinking exercise (SINKEX), which provided them the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea.

“Today, we demonstrated the lethality and adaptability of our joint forces in the maritime environment”, said Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “As naval forces drive our enemies into the littorals, army forces can strike them. Conversely, when the army drives our enemies out to sea naval firepower can do the same.”

The SINKEX featured live firing of surface-to-ship missiles by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a launcher on the back of a Palletized Load System (PLS) by the U.S. Army. This marks the first time a land-based unit has participated in the live-fire event during RIMPAC.

This year was also the first time a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has participated in a SINKEX during RIMPAC.

“With numerous warships, allied submarines, multiple strike aircraft and multi-domain land forces participating, this SINKEX was an extremely valuable part of RIMPAC,” said Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Bob Auchterlonie, deputy commander of the RIMPAC Combined Task Force. “SINKEXs are an important way for us to test our weapons and weapons systems in a way that provides our ships’ companies, our submariners, our aircrews, and our land forces with the most realistic training possible.”

Former U.S. Navy vessels used in SINKEXs, referred to as hulks, are prepared in strict compliance with regulations prescribed and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency under a general permit the U.S. Navy holds pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.

Each SINKEX is required to sink the hulk in at least 1,000 fathoms (6,000 feet) of water and at least 50 nautical miles from land. Surveys are conducted to ensure that people and marine mammals are not in an area where they could be harmed during the event.

Prior to the vessel being transported for participation in a SINKEX, each vessel is put through a rigorous cleaning process, including the removal of all polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), transformers and large capacitors, all small capacitors to the greatest extent practical, trash, floatable materials, mercury or fluorocarbon-containing materials and readily detachable solid PCB items. Petroleum is also cleaned from tanks, piping and reservoirs.

A U.S. Navy environmental, safety and health manager and a quality assurance supervisor inspect the environmental remediation conducted in preparation of a vessel’s use in a SINKEX. Upon completion of the environmental remediation, the manager and supervisor provide signed certification of the work in accordance with EPA requirements.

Ex-Racine was the second ship to bear the name of the Wisconsin city. The ship was the 13th of 20 ships of the improved Newport-class of Landing Ship, Tank (LST) built to replace the traditional LSTs of World War II. Throughout Racine’s 22 years of service, the ship conducted several Western Pacific deployments including one during the Vietnam War where Racine provided troop and material transport.

Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1574875/

Edited July 14, 2018 by JasonJ

[Rick]

How are the Chinese and the former Soviet Union getting along?

[Dark_Falcon]

As part of RIMPAC, US, Japan, and Australia conduct joint training in launching anti-ship missiles on July 12th.

 

 

Live fire from aircraft, a submarine, and land assets participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise sank the decommissioned ex-USS Racine (LST-1191) July 12 in waters 15,000 feet deep 55 nautical miles north of Kauai, Hawaii.

 

Units from Australia, Japan, and the U.S. participated in the sinking exercise (SINKEX), which provided them the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea.

 

“Today, we demonstrated the lethality and adaptability of our joint forces in the maritime environment”, said Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “As naval forces drive our enemies into the littorals, army forces can strike them. Conversely, when the army drives our enemies out to sea naval firepower can do the same.”

 

The SINKEX featured live firing of surface-to-ship missiles by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a launcher on the back of a Palletized Load System (PLS) by the U.S. Army. This marks the first time a land-based unit has participated in the live-fire event during RIMPAC.

 

This year was also the first time a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has participated in a SINKEX during RIMPAC.

 

“With numerous warships, allied submarines, multiple strike aircraft and multi-domain land forces participating, this SINKEX was an extremely valuable part of RIMPAC,” said Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Bob Auchterlonie, deputy commander of the RIMPAC Combined Task Force. “SINKEXs are an important way for us to test our weapons and weapons systems in a way that provides our ships’ companies, our submariners, our aircrews, and our land forces with the most realistic training possible.”

 

Former U.S. Navy vessels used in SINKEXs, referred to as hulks, are prepared in strict compliance with regulations prescribed and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency under a general permit the U.S. Navy holds pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.

 

Each SINKEX is required to sink the hulk in at least 1,000 fathoms (6,000 feet) of water and at least 50 nautical miles from land. Surveys are conducted to ensure that people and marine mammals are not in an area where they could be harmed during the event.

 

Prior to the vessel being transported for participation in a SINKEX, each vessel is put through a rigorous cleaning process, including the removal of all polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), transformers and large capacitors, all small capacitors to the greatest extent practical, trash, floatable materials, mercury or fluorocarbon-containing materials and readily detachable solid PCB items. Petroleum is also cleaned from tanks, piping and reservoirs.

 

A U.S. Navy environmental, safety and health manager and a quality assurance supervisor inspect the environmental remediation conducted in preparation of a vessel’s use in a SINKEX. Upon completion of the environmental remediation, the manager and supervisor provide signed certification of the work in accordance with EPA requirements.

 

Ex-Racine was the second ship to bear the name of the Wisconsin city. The ship was the 13th of 20 ships of the improved Newport-class of Landing Ship, Tank (LST) built to replace the traditional LSTs of World War II. Throughout Racine’s 22 years of service, the ship conducted several Western Pacific deployments including one during the Vietnam War where Racine provided troop and material transport.

 

Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1574875/

 

 

U.S. Navy Sub To Fire Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Years After They Left The Force

 

As part of the many unique evolutions during the Navy's giant, biannual, multi-national naval exercise known as Rim Of The Pacific or RIMPAC, a U.S. Navy nuclear fast attack submarine will be fire a live UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile at a target in the waters off of Hawaii. What's interesting is that Harpoon missiles were stripped from American submarines over 20 years ago, but the standoff range and flexibility that anti-ship missiles provide are once again becoming in-demand capability for America's submarine force and its surface fleet as well.

 

The U.S. Navy posted shots of a UGM-84 being loaded onto the Los Angelesclass fast attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN-717), but no additional information was given beyond the fact that it would be used for a live-fire exercise during RIMPAC. Olympia is the second oldest submarine in the Navy's fast attack fleet, having been commissioned in 1984.

 

Today, U.S. Navy submarines rely on their torpedoes alone for anti-ship warfare, but there has been some talk of the Harpoon returning to the torpedo tubes of America's SSNs. Yet a clear plan to do so has not been put in place—at least as far as we know. The Block IV Tomahawk cruise missile has a secondary anti-ship capability though, which could negate the need for the much shorter-ranged (about 90 miles versus 900 miles) and less flexible Harpoon to be reintegrated into America's subsurface arsenal.

 

And some photos of the missile being loaded:

 

 

Note the new-pattern Navy camo in this last photo, as well as the contractor from BAE systems:

 

[JasonJ]

How are the Chinese and the former Soviet Union getting along?

Neither participated RIMPAC.

[2805662]

 

How are the Chinese and the former Soviet Union getting along?

Neither participated RIMPAC.

Kinda: https://news.usni.org/2018/07/13/navy-chinese-spy-ship-monitoring-rimpac-exercise

[JasonJ]

 

 

How are the Chinese and the former Soviet Union getting along?

Neither participated RIMPAC.

Kinda: https://news.usni.org/2018/07/13/navy-chinese-spy-ship-monitoring-rimpac-exercise

Just wouldn't be the same without one of those lurking around.

[JasonJ]

Japan and the US to conduct annual mine-warfare and mine-sweeping joint training, this time joined by India, at Mutsu Bay, going from July 18th until July 30th. Participated form Japan are 19 vessels and 8 aircraft which are 1 mine-countermeasures support ship, 2 large minesweepers, 13 small minesweepers, 2 mine sweeper control ships, and 1 explosive ordnance disposal diving tender making up the ships and 3 MCH-101s, 4 P-C3s, and 1 P-1 making up the aircraft. From the US is 1 large minesweeper, 2 MH-53Es, and 10 explosive ordnance disposal personnel. India sent 4 explosive ordnance disposal personnel.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201807/20180717.pdf

[Rick]

So China is a trading partner with Russia of the "see what we can get over on them" line of thought. China has irked every country surrounding it -- don't know about Vietnam -- and has to keep an eye on North Korea. Is this about accurate?

[JasonJ]

So China is a trading partner with Russia of the "see what we can get over on them" line of thought. China has irked every country surrounding it -- don't know about Vietnam -- and has to keep an eye on North Korea. Is this about accurate?

Sort of, basically, yeah. Its not so simple but if a simple answer is all that can be had, then yeah. Vietnam.. definitely on the irksome side.

 

I have to disagree with the China and DPRK point. Of course there's always the idea of an ally changing its position theoritically speaking. I think that idea is not as likely as some think. China wants the DPRK regime to survive more than anyone else so the DPRK regime can count on them ensuring its survival. If the DPRK nukes are for the purpose of keeping China in check, then one has to ask why the US, Japan, and others had to twist China's arms and threaten all out war to get China to comply with sanctions and why China has did nothing to deter DPRK's nuclear program all these years. All they had to do was squeeze the oil line. They never did that. Not until the US threatened war on DPRK.

Edited July 19, 2018 by JasonJ

[Dark_Falcon]

More RIMPAC footage here, as a Mk. 48 ADCAP torpedo fired from the USS Olympia finishes off the ex-USS Racine. The text of the article is below:

 

 

 

This is what it looks like when a MK-48 torpedo breaks your keel

WASHINGTON — Torpedos are every surface sailor’s worst nightmare.

The damage inflicted on a surface combatant by a modern torpedo striking the hull is so severe that it presents an existential threat to even the U.S. Navy’s famously tough ships.

That point was hammered home during last week’s sinking exercise (or SINKEX) inflicted on the former landing ship tank Racine, conducted as part of the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise.

 

In the video below, watch as the fast-attack submarine Olympia finishes Racine off with an MK-48 Advanced Capability torpedo. Rest in peace, USS Racine.

The Office of Naval Research is working with Aerojet Rocketdyne to try and extend the range of the MK-48 by increasing the efficiency of the engine propelling the weapon.

 

The idea behind extending the range of the torpedo is to keep valuable submarines away from potential targets and allow a third party (a P-8 Poseidon overhead, for example) to relay the targeting data.

“Through third-party targeting, you can use it as a standoff weapon,” analyst Bryan Clark, with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, said in a recent interview. “If you can extend that range to 50 or more miles, you can attack submarines without your sub having to hold that target organically with its sensors.”

At those ranges, it’s unlikely the submarine would give away its position by firing a torpedo, he said. Using this method, he added, the service can get the most out of the weapons packed on the attack boat.

 

“If you have 30 torpedoes onboard, you may only have one or two targets within range of your sensors and weapons,” Clark said, arguing that with third-party targeting, one could conceivably use the submarine as a submerged arsenal.

Edited July 20, 2018 by Dark_Falcon

[RETAC21]

The USN ships are famously tough because the crew trains in damage control. An empty ship is not tougher than anyone other.