CF to start using Spangdahlem Air Base

The US Air Force reports that the Canadian Forces will start using Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany to support overseas operations.

Spangdahlem AB, already being referred to in the Canadian military as "Euro-Hub," becomes the first in what is expected to become of web of seven locations to be developed and kept in readiness for theater activation and support. U.S. Air Force personnel at the base won't notice much of a Canadian Forces presence -- perhaps a half-dozen Canadian Operational Support Command specialists -- as the Canadians work with their American and German counterparts to plan for any future contingency.

Special Ops Boats

Popular Mechanics has an article about the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, or SWCCs and their boats. There are some pictures as well as diagrams of the heavily armed river craft.

Unmanned patrol boats

The Washington Times has an article about the US Navy and its interest in unmanned patrol boats.

General Dynamics already has delivered two 11-meter drones for the Littoral Combat Ship.

The craft, which resemble bulked-up bass boats, "operate and support sensor systems, including [various] sonars," said company spokesman Karl Oskoian. He said they have "360-degree situational awareness," can handle 5,000-pound payloads and can operate for 24 hours straight.

Special ops Osprey ready for action

Danger Room reports that after 30 years of development the Osprey tilt rotor aircraft is ready for use in special operations.

Video of patrolling Canadian Forces

The Atlantic has a page with some interesting videos of Canadian troops patrolling in Afghanistan. This is the sort of thing that I am often surprised not to see on the evening news.

Pirate Photos

The Big Picture has a page of photos of pirates operating off the coast of Somalia.

CIA using secret base in Pakistan for drones

The Times reports that the CIA is using a secret base in Pakistan to launch drone missions inside the country. I particularly liked this quote:

“No. No. No. No. No. We unequivocally and emphatically can tell you that there is no basing of US troops in Pakistan,” he said. “There is no basing of US Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, none, on the record and emphatically. I want that to be very clear. And that is the answer any way you want to put it. There is no base here, no troops billeted. We do not operate here.”

He said that he could not comment on CIA operations.

Followup: The Times has another article about Google Maps providing pictures of the base.

CF hunt IEDS from the air

The Canadian Press has an article on new Canadian Forces operations that use helicopters at night to locate IEDs planted on the roads in Afghanistan.

Forward Air Controllers

The BBC has an article about the training of British Forward Air Controllers.