Free Republic

Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers along with the navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer were reportedly deployed in the South China Sea on Thursday (8 June), the military said. The planes flew a 10-hour mission from Andersen Air Force base in Guam through the disputed waters and operated with the San Diego-based USS Sterett in a bid to "sharpen their combat skills". The operation was aimed at augmenting interoperability between the Navy and the Air Force "by refining joint tactics, techniques and procedures while simultaneously strengthening their ability to seamlessly integrate their operations," according to a statement by the...

The USS America, (PCU), LHA-6, the United States Navy's newest Amphibious/Air Assault and Sea Control Carrier nears completion in Mississippi. USS AMERICA, (PCU) LHA-6 She's 45,000 tons of US Navy fighting machine. Can carry up to two thousand Marines and the vehicles and wepaonry to support them, including transport helos, attack helos, and air support Harriers or later, F-35B Joint Strike Fighters. She can also be outfitted for pure sea control duties and operate as a modern "Jeep" Carrier, with 24 or so Strike Fighters, and support helicopters.