July 2026 - Helobubbas - mcs13.brattland.org

Re: CG Changes
by Terry McKearney 12 Jul '26

12 Jul '26

As the SWO in the group, I certainly don’t have a strong practical or cultural feel for the issue of pining wings on guys/gals who haven’t shown the ability to land on a carrier, but the issue of the aircraft selection bothers me: another drive to go with a nominally cheaper joint aircraft that doesn’t address Navy requirements. I’ve been around long enough to remember the F-111 mess but this time we apparently don’t have a Tom Connely (“Not enough thrust in all of Christendom…”) to save the Navy from itself. For a radical thought: why not hold up winging the student pilots until they get to RFS and actually demonstrate their ability to fly the aircraft? Surface and submarines don’t do final quals until the nugget performs in the fleet (SEALs used to do this too, but have gone down a different path) and if the final key capability to be a naval aviator is held pending performance in a fleet setting, why not delay the final designator change until then? (I realize the RFS isn’t actually the operational fleet, but still close enough.) I assume the first push back on this idea will be that responsibility for the final blessing of the new aviator will shift from the training command to the RFS Commanding Officer, but so what? That final blessing by the CO having observed the officer in the field is a valuable endorsement. From: Marc Liebman <marc(a)marcliebman.com> Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 05:20 To: "Michael G. Brattland" <mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com>, HeloBubbas <helobubbas(a)helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] Re: CG Change WARNING - EXTERNAL EMAIL This Email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I remember the ruckus when CQ for all SNAs was eliminated after basic. Back then, SNA’s CQ’d in the T-2 or the T-28. I can buy the argument that SNAs going to the helo, transport or maritime patrol communities don’t need to land on a boat. However, eliminating CQ for the strike guy and E-2 guys, gimme a break. This is all being driven by money and CV availability. We don’t have enough CVs and budgets are tight. How about saving $$$$ Navy Leadership buy fixing the systemic problems in procurement that cost us taxpayers beaucoup bucks.? All the magic carpet systems in the world are great when the work. But what happens when they don’t? Does anyone remember MOVESLAS? Or when a SNA actually slams into the runway during FCLP training? Or worse, screws up a day VFR approach in the RAG and either crashes into the boat or punches out. The loss of an F-35 or F/A-18 during CQ will make a dent in the potential savings and fixing the cost of a ramp strike that damages the boat and takes out people, planes and equipment will punch a hole in the purported savings. Remember, the black shoe community eliminated the school that taught JO SWOs how to run a bridge watch and that were a contributing cause to at least three collisions, billions in damage and worse, sailors getting killed. Marc Liebman https://www.marcliebman.com https://www.facebook.com/marcliebmanauthor/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_sDoFQM5wupNaCeGIvKL1g From: Mike Brattland <mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com> Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:17 PM To: HeloBubbas <helobubbas(a)helobubbas.com> Subject: [Helobubbas] CG Changes https://www.twz.com/sea/carrier-qualifications-still-happening-for-a-few-na… CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 ’38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for www.brattland.org www.overthehillgang.com www.overdrivehotrodnews.com www.gerlecreek.org www.helobubbas.com www.prowlers.org www.gerlecreek.com www.ford6vcarburetion.com www.westcoastwillysclub.com www.nssha.org www.nhahistoricalsociety.org https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ Helobubbas mailing list -- helobubbas(a)helobubbas.com To unsubscribe send an email to helobubbas-leave(a)helobubbas.com

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CG Changes
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 12 Jul '26

12 Jul '26

https://www.twz.com/sea/carrier-qualifications-still-happening-for-a-few-nav y-fighter-pilots-in-training CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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Lincoln Line Period
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 11 Jul '26

11 Jul '26

https://www.twz.com/sea/supercarrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-passes-200-consecut ive-days-at-sea-mark CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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Ruskie Civilian Helo
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 11 Jul '26

11 Jul '26

https://youtu.be/JqAqXLqPnHA?si=SLJejvle7MFOZ2sj

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FW: B-21 Raider to fly with two-pilot configuration
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 11 Jul '26

11 Jul '26

From: Harold Brattland <habrattland(a)arvig.net> Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2026 2:06 PM To: Brattland, Mike * <mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com> Subject: B-21 Raider to fly with two-pilot configuration https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2026/07/10/b-21-raider-to… -- B-21 Raider to fly with two-pilot configuration By Cristina <https://www.airforcetimes.com/author/cristina-stassis> Stassis Jul 10, 2026, 10:40 AM The B-21 Raider will operation with a two-pilot crew complement. (Kyle Brasier/U.S. Air Force) The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider will operate with a two-pilot crew, the service announced <https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4538932/air-force-announces…> Thursday. The service determined that a two-pilot configuration would best fit the country’s newest long-range strike bomber’s “mission profile,” according to the release. The Air Force is also creating a pilot transition program from select weapons system officers, or WSOs, and combat systems officers, or CSOs. The officers will be chosen to attend the program with a follow-on assignment to the B-21. “To maximize the lethality and survivability of the Raider, it is imperative to retain the deep tactical and combat experience currently residing within the WSO and CSO communities,” the statement says. When available, eligible airmen will be given the relevant information through command channels, per the release. “This deliberate talent management strategy secures the future of global strike capabilities, ensuring the Air Force remains postured to execute extended-duration, long-range strike missions in highly contested environments,” the release reads. The service’s first B-21 took flight <https://www.militarytimes.com/air/2023/11/10/nuclear-stealth-bomber-the-b-2…> in 2023 in Palmdale, California, where Northrop Grumman has been developing and testing the aircraft. The Air Force plans to build at least 100 B-21s in variants with and without pilots. <Say Again ?!?!?!> The Raider is the nation’s first new bomber aircraft in more than 30 years. It is part of the Pentagon’s effort to modernize its nuclear triad as it moves to invest in new weapons amid growing threats like China’s military modernization. In February, Northrop Grumman and the Air Force announced <https://www.militarytimes.com/industry/techwatch/2026/02/24/us-air-force-ac…> they were accelerating the annual production capacity by 25%. Deliveries for the Raider began in 2025, a year following its contract award. The first operational B-21 is slated to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027. The program’s increase in production will begin gradually with the expected full production rate of seven aircraft per year. The B-21 Raider is meant to replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets that have been in service since 1986 and 1997, respectively. The B-1B requires a crew of four, while the B-2 only requires a crew of two like the B-21 now. About Cristina <https://www.airforcetimes.com/author/cristina-stassis> Stassis Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering stories surrounding the defense industry, national security, military/veteran affairs and more. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024 where she assisted the newsroom in breaking news across Sightline Media Group.

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Navy to remove sailors with shaving conditions if they can't treat them within a year
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 10 Jul '26

10 Jul '26

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense/4644317/navy-remove-sailor s-shaving-conditions/

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Saudi's changing strategic assessments
by Marc Liebman 10 Jul '26

10 Jul '26

I think y’all find this assessment of Saudi foreign policy moves interesting. It gives insight into why they are doing things that to us westerns, are illogical unless you look at it through their eyes and religion. Read the whole article because the author’s conclusions are interesting once you understand the background. This is why there are so many moving pieces in the Iranian situation, no one really knows for sure what is happening, the least of whom are the talking heads on U.S. media outlets. https://jinsa.org/jinsa_report/saudi-arabias-challenge-to-the-abraham-accor… Marc Liebman https://www.marcliebman.com https://www.facebook.com/marcliebmanauthor/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_sDoFQM5wupNaCeGIvKL1g Author of: Cherubs 2 Raider of the Scottish Coast Big Mother 40 Carronade Render Harmless Death of a Lady Forgotten Last Battles Inner Look For a Few Francs Moscow Airlift Predators The Simushir Island Incident Fight We Shall Flight of the Pawnee Prices of Opportunity Failure to Fire Insidious Dragon The Red Star of Death Member of: The Author’s Guild Military Writers Society of America Association of Texas Authors North American Snowsport Journalists Association --

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NATO Summit
by Marc Liebman 10 Jul '26

10 Jul '26

Finally, something written by someone who knows something about NATO. https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/nato-summit-becomes-eu… Marc Liebman https://www.marcliebman.com https://www.facebook.com/marcliebmanauthor/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_sDoFQM5wupNaCeGIvKL1g Author of: Cherubs 2 Raider of the Scottish Coast Big Mother 40 Carronade Render Harmless Death of a Lady Forgotten Last Battles Inner Look For a Few Francs Moscow Airlift Predators The Simushir Island Incident Fight We Shall Flight of the Pawnee Prices of Opportunity Failure to Fire Insidious Dragon The Red Star of Death Member of: The Author’s Guild Military Writers Society of America Association of Texas Authors North American Snowsport Journalists Association --

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LT Miller
by mgbrattland＠gerlecreek.com 09 Jul '26

09 Jul '26

https://x.com/NavalInstitute/status/2073784046170128587?s=20 CDR Mike Brattland, USN (Ret.) <mailto:mgbrattland@gerlecreek.com> mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com <mailto:mgbrattland@brattland.org> mgbrattland(a)brattland.org Admin/Moderator SanDiegoCarGuys List & Calendar of Events <mailto:sandiegocarguys@brattland.org> sandiegocarguys(a)brattland.org 619 454-0496 '38 Willys 2 Dr Sedan Webmaster for <http://www.brattland.org/> www.brattland.org <http://www.overthehillgang.com/> www.overthehillgang.com <http://www.overdrivehotrodnews.com/> www.overdrivehotrodnews.com <http://www.gerlecreek.org/> www.gerlecreek.org <http://www.helobubbas.com/> www.helobubbas.com <http://www.prowlers.org/> www.prowlers.org <http://www.gerlecreek.com/> www.gerlecreek.com <http://www.ford6vcarburetion.com/> www.ford6vcarburetion.com <http://www.westcoastwillysclub.com/> www.westcoastwillysclub.com <http://www.nssha.org/> www.nssha.org <http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> www.nhahistoricalsociety.org <https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/> https://sh60fhoas.nhahistoricalsociety.org/

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FW: Aviation Week :: Bristow To Sell Norwegian Offshore Operations
by Michael G. Brattland 09 Jul '26

09 Jul '26

MGBrattland Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone -------- Original message --------From: Harold Brattland <habrattland(a)arvig.net> Date: 7/9/26 4:19 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "Brattland, Mike *" <mgbrattland(a)gerlecreek.com> Subject: Aviation Week :: Bristow To Sell Norwegian Offshore Operations Check out this site https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/aircraft-propulsion/bristow-sell… -- Share Bristow To Sell Norwegian Offshore Operations Tony Osborne June 25, 2026 S-92s Credit: Bristow Group Offshore rotorcraft operator Bristow has put its Norwegian operation up for sale in a bid to optimize its business. The helicopter operator, which has four bases in Norway, is currently flying around 26 Sikorsky S-92s on a mix of offshore and associated search and rescue duties for the Norwegian energy industry, an analysis by Air & Sea Analytics, a UK consultancy says. The operator revealed the sale plans as it announced the acquisition of a special missions operator, Berry Aviation, on June 23. Bristow is one of three offshore operators currently working the Norwegian offshore market. The others are CHC and newcomer Lufttransport A.S. Bristow has been a stalwart of Norwegian offshore operations since the early 1990s, when it was part of the Norsk Helikopter joint venture. It later became Bristow Norway in 2009. Industry observers suggest Bristow’s management has been frustrated by the support that newcomer Lufttransport has had from state-owned energy giant Equinor as part of a shakeup of the offshore rotorcraft industry. Bristow says the exit from the market “is consistent with Bristow’s ongoing strategy to deploy its assets in markets with attractive margin profiles and value-accretive returns on capital.” A company presentation describes the Norwegian offshore market as “stable and mature” but presenting limited growth opportunities. But Bristow does not wish to exit Norway entirely. It is actively pursuing the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) operations there using electric and hybrid-powered aircraft. Bristow paid $105 million for San Marcos, Texas-based Berry Aviation and its fleet of 23 aircraft, including 15 special mission aircraft. Bristow says the acquisition will further diversify its portfolio by moving into defense special mission activities and strengthening its uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) capabilities. Berry Aviation has previously developed a low-cost, modular, fixed-wing UAS called Iron Weasel for U.S. Special Operations forces. Tony Osborne Email: tony.osborne(a)aviationweek.com Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazin untitled p { margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1px } body { font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal }

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