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A cold front sweeping through Florida has brought: frozen iguanas. As temperatures plummet below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, these cold-blooded reptiles become lethargic and drop from trees, startling residents.
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This is the Croman Corps (private firefighting company out of Idaho) SH-3H Sea King.
I've been watching which aircraft are being used currently in California and figured I'd share with you all because flying things.
The Bell 505, or more commonly known as “Fire-7” by the LAFD, is one of the department’s light duty multi-mission fleet to fill the role of Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) tasked with assisting incident commanders with tactics and strategy while simultaneously managing aircraft separation during aerial firefighting operations.
With its glass cockpit, fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi flight deck, and twin 10.4” high-res LCD screens with a moving map display, the Bell 505 provides advanced terrain data to pilots during emergency situations.
“Essentially, the Bell 505 will serve as an air traffic controller in the sky. When we have large brush fires or multiple rescue helicopters working in a certain area, the Bell 505’s technology will assist the pilots in identifying wires, mountains, obstacles, or other aircraft in the airspace and warn the pilots that those hazards are out there,” said Chief Pilot Scot Davison, LAFD.
🇷🇺 Russian soldier driving on a road in the Donbas region. The track is paved with destroyed vehicles
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🇬🇧🇺🇦 "The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with 30,000 FPV drones worth $55 million as part of the drone coalition." - the UK Ministry of Defense.
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Jagdgeschwader I, often referred to by its nickname "The Flying Circus" due to their brightly painted aircraft, was one of the most famous fighter wings of the German air force during World War I. This unit was formed in 1916 and was commanded by the legendary Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the "Red Baron," who painted his aircraft bright red as a personal signature.
The nickname "The Flying Circus" was earned not only because of their eye-catching aircraft but also because they moved from one part of the front to another by train, performing like a circus that travels from town to town. Their mobility allowed them to concentrate force where it was most needed, significantly impacting the air battles they engaged in.
Among the notable aces who flew for Jagdgeschwader I was Hermann Göring. Before becoming a notorious figure in World War II, Göring was an ace pilot, amassing 22 confirmed victories in aerial combat during World War I. He eventually took command of the squadron after Richthofen's death in April 1918. Göring was known for his leadership and his flair for publicity, which helped maintain the unit's morale and public image.
Other significant pilots included Ernst Udet, who survived the war with 62 confirmed victories, making him the second highest scoring German ace of the war after Richthofen. Udet was known for his acrobatic flying and contributed significantly to the squadron's reputation for daring and skill. Another ace was Werner Voss, who, although not as long-lived in the squadron, was famous for his exceptional one-on-one dogfighting skills, amassing 48 victories before his death in combat in September 1917.
Under Richthofen's leadership, Jagdgeschwader I was responsible for numerous aerial victories against the Allies, significantly contributing to German air superiority for periods during the war. Their tactics, including formations like the "V" or "finger four" which enabled better mutual support, were innovative for the time and influenced future air combat strategies. Their presence often demoralized enemy pilots, who knew they were facing some of the best German aviators in the sky.
The Vatican Swiss Guard is equipped with a variety of firearms for both ceremonial and practical security duties. They carry the SIG P220 pistol, which has been a standard issue for the guards, reflecting its use by the Swiss Army. Additionally, they are armed with the SIG SG 550 and SG 552, both chambered in 5.56 mm x 45 caliber, providing them with modern firepower. For more concealable options, especially during close protection duties, the guards use Glock 19 and Glock 26 automatic pistols. They also have access to the Heckler & Koch MP7 submachine gun for situations requiring rapid response. The guards also utilize non-lethal options like OC-spray and Taser X2 devices to manage security without escalating to lethal force. In addition to these modern weapons, the Swiss Guard's armory includes historical firearms like the German MP-40 from World War II, showcasing the depth of their historical connection to arms. More recently, they have adopted the Brügger & Thomet APC 556 and APC 9 submachine guns, indicating an ongoing modernization of their arsenal.
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The Battle of New Orleans was a pivotal engagement during the War of 1812, fought on January 8, 1815, near New Orleans, Louisiana. Leading up to the battle, tensions between the United States and Great Britain had escalated due to issues like trade restrictions, the impressment of American sailors, and British support for Native American tribes against American expansion. Despite the Treaty of Ghent being signed in December 1814 to end the war, news of the peace treaty hadn't yet reached North America when the battle commenced.
Andrew Jackson, who would later become the seventh President of the United States, was the American commander at New Orleans. His army was a remarkably diverse and somewhat unconventional force, often described as a rag-tag group. It included regular U.S. Army soldiers, but the bulk of his force was composed of a motley crew from various backgrounds. There were French and Spanish Creoles from Louisiana, free men of color who had military experience, Native American allies, pirates, and even local militiamen. Jean Lafitte, a notorious pirate, contributed both men and munitions to Jackson's cause, showcasing the eclectic nature of this army.
This gathering of diverse individuals was united by a common goal to defend New Orleans from the British, who aimed to capture the city to control the Mississippi River and potentially split the United States. Jackson's leadership was crucial in organizing this disparate group into a cohesive fighting force. He utilized the natural landscape, particularly the Rodriguez Canal, to fortify their position, which turned out to be a decisive factor in the battle.
On the day of the battle, despite being outnumbered, Jackson's strategic positioning and the fierce resolve of his variegated army led to a stunning victory. The British forces suffered heavy casualties, with around 2,000 men killed, wounded, or missing, compared to fewer than 100 American casualties. This victory significantly boosted American morale and made Jackson a national hero, overshadowing the fact that the war had officially ended weeks before the engagement.
The Battle of New Orleans not only highlighted Jackson's military acumen but also demonstrated how a diverse group of people, united under a common cause, could achieve remarkable results against a formidable opponent. This event is often celebrated in American history for its demonstration of resilience and unity in diversity.
Currently 0% of the fire has been contained in California and there have been 5 deaths but that number is expected to rise.
Update on each:
Palisades Fire:
* The largest fire, burning over 15,832 acres in the Pacific Palisades area between Santa Monica and Malibu.
* At least 1,000 structures have been destroyed, according to fire officials.
Eaton Fire:
* Covers 10,600 acres and has resulted in five fatalities, confirmed by Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
* An estimated 200-500 structures have been damaged or destroyed, according to Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin.
Woodley Fire:
* This smaller fire started on Wednesday and has burned 30 acres.
* Firefighters have achieved 0% containment.
Hurst Fire:
* Began Tuesday night and has burned 505 acres with no containment reported so far.
Lidia Fire:
* This brushfire erupted Wednesday afternoon and has expanded to 80 acres near Acton, a residential area about 50 miles from Pacific Palisades.
* The fire is 30% contained, marking some progress in control efforts.
This all comes as criticism mounts against local and state leaders related to infrastructure management. Firefighters battling the Palisades Fire reported inadequate water pressure, especially in higher elevations, due to excessive demand overwhelming the system. Three major water storage tanks, each with a million-gallon capacity, ran dry within hours, prompting questions about the preparedness and response of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
The last footage of a Russian serviceman after a precise strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Two of his comrades were wounded, and another one appears to be KIA. A few minutes later, the cameraman himself, along with the injured, also came under fire.
Eastern Europe - Ukraine War🇺🇦: Ukrainian M1A1 spotted in Kursk
This footage published today by Ukrainian🇺🇦 sources, shows a M1A1 Abrams tank with added Kontakt-1 ERA driving along a road in what is claimed to be the Kursk oblast.
This footage , published by Pro-Russian🇷🇺 sources supposedly shows one of their fibre-optics FPV drones hitting elements of the renewed Ukrainian 🇺🇦 Kursk offensive.
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Eastern Europe - Ukraine War 🇺🇦: Ukrainian Commander Details Kursk Clashes
According to Ukrainian 🇺🇦military source Osman, a platoon commander of the 24th “Aidar” battalion, “The enemy launched a mechanized assault in the Kursk region in panic after losing positions to our advance. Their equipment was redirected to the flanks but was destroyed near our border. We have losses too—enemy aviation and artillery are hitting our forces hard, trying to halt our progress.”
🇷🇺 Fpv strike on a Ukrainian tank in the Kursk region. It seems like it does not affect the vehicle
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The DC-10 Air Tanker is a wide-body jet used for aerial firefighting since 2006. It's operated by 10 Tanker Air Carrier and can carry up to 12,000 gallons of fire retardant in a belly-mounted tank.
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The North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco is utilized by CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) for aerial firefighting support. This aircraft serves primarily as an air attack platform, where it is used for command and control during wildfire incidents. The OV-10A flies over fires, providing tactical coordination with ground incident commanders, and directs other firefighting aircraft like airtankers and helicopters to critical areas for retardant and water drops. Its design offers excellent visibility for the crew, allowing for better situational awareness and coordination.
CAL FIRE began using the OV-10A in 1993, when they acquired 16 of these aircraft from the U.S. Department of Defense. These Broncos replaced the older Cessna O-2 Skymasters that had been used for similar roles. The OV-10A is noted for being newer, larger, faster, and more maneuverable than the O-2, providing a significant upgrade in terms of operational capabilities.
Originally, the OV-10A was designed for military use, specifically for counter-insurgency missions during the Vietnam War. It was intended to operate in environments where short takeoff and landing capabilities were crucial, providing close air support, observation, and forward air control. Its military roles included reconnaissance, helicopter escort, and light attack, which made it an ideal candidate for adaptation into the firefighting role due to its robust design and suitability for low-level operations.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) operates the Leonardo AW139 helicopter, which is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turbine engines. These engines, combined with the helicopter's state-of-the-art 5-bladed main rotor, allow for high cruise speeds even under demanding conditions. The AW139 includes advanced technology such as a Honeywell Primus Epic fully integrated avionics system, a 4-axis digital AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System), and large flat panel color displays in the cockpit. This design reduces the number of components needed, enhances maintenance accessibility, and integrates avionics for better performance.
For firefighting operations, the LAFD's AW139 helicopters are fitted with a 480-gallon water tank attached to the bottom of the aircraft.
Currently LAFD have five medium-duty helicopters, which include these AW139 models, and two light-duty helicopters for various tasks including training and observation.
🇩🇪🇺🇦 Germany stated it is going to support Ukraine with 54 Rch 155 spgs based on the Boxer chassis.
The first 6 will be delivered this year
Someone turned historical in the settings off
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If the Americans get Canada I we should get Austria
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The Pope Pius IX: A Pin-fire Mazzocchi Gendarmerie Revolver is a unique firearm that was manufactured within the Vatican itself. This revolver dates back to around 1870 and features a round 9mm caliber barrel equipped with a foresight, alongside a smooth, six-shot cylinder. It bears the number 162 and is marked with "F.LLI MAZZOCCHI ROMA," indicating its maker, the Mazzocchi brothers, who were longstanding armorers to the Vatican. The revolver's working mechanism includes a trigger and hammer that function to fire the pin-fire cartridges. Its handle sports checkered wooden grips, and there is a ring for a strap, enhancing its hold. The overall length of the revolver is 18 centimeters. This firearm was created during a time when the Mazzocchi brothers enjoyed the privilege of managing the Papal Armory and had exclusivity in arms manufacturing for the military service of the Papal States.
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The Swiss Guard, officially known as the Pontifical Swiss Guard, is the small but storied military force responsible for the personal security of the Pope and the protection of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. Their history with the Vatican dates back to 1506 when Pope Julius II first commissioned 150 Swiss mercenaries to serve as his personal guard, inspired by the example of the Swiss pikemen who were renowned for their loyalty and bravery. Their most famous act was during the Sack of Rome in 1527, where 147 of the Guard died defending Pope Clement VII, allowing him to escape to safety.
To become a Swiss Guard, one must meet several stringent requirements. Candidates must be Swiss citizens by birth, Catholic, single males between the ages of 19 and 30. They must have completed their basic training with the Swiss military, stand at least 5 feet 8.5 inches tall, and have an impeccable moral character. Additionally, recruits need to have a secondary education and must be recommended by their parish priest. After selection, they must commit to serving at least two years, although many serve longer.
In terms of weaponry, the Swiss Guards carry both modern and traditional arms. For ceremonial duties, they are armed with halberds, which are medieval polearms, and swords, echoing their historical roots. However, for actual security purposes, they are equipped with modern firearms, including pistols and submachine guns, ensuring they can respond to contemporary threats.
The uniform of the Swiss Guard is one of the most distinctive in the world, designed by Michelangelo or at least attributed to him by some accounts. It consists of blue, red, orange, and yellow stripes, with a white collar and cuffs. The main component is a blue tunic with red and yellow stripes, worn over a white shirt and black trousers, with a ruffled white collar. The guards also wear a black beret during the day and a distinctive black morion (a type of helmet) for ceremonial occasions. In colder weather, they layer their attire with a blue cape. This colorful attire not only serves as a uniform but also symbolizes the historical and ceremonial role of the Swiss Guard within the Vatican.
🇺🇦 The latest American night vision device ENVG-B with augmented reality was transferred to the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces.
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A Chief showing off his Tattoos during WW2. On his left arm you can see USS Langley which sank in 1942.
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Rick Caruso, a successful developer and former Democratic candidate who ran against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (who is currently out of the country), claims firefighters cannot get water in the Palisades, where a raging fire has burned over 3,000 acres.
During an interview on Fox 11, Rick carusola praised first responders but criticized city leadership, calling it an "absolute mismanagement." Caruso's claims are being backed up by other reports of some water issues, though we have not heard that the "entire" Palisades has no water.
Caruso also highlighted that the mayor was not in town (she's currently in Ghana....but her office says she's returning to LA).
This comes as LA is battling three major fires fueled by strong winds. Currently, firefighters have 0% containment on all three fires.
Asia - Communist China🇨🇳: More footage of China‘s supposed sixth gen fighter unveiled.
This footage supposedly shows the second sample of Chinese🇨🇳 sixth-generation combat aircraft in flight tests.
According to claims published by Chinese media sources, this aircraft has advanced stealth capabilities and integrates artificial intelligence.
Eastern Europe - Ukraine War 🇺🇦: Analysts Suspect Diversion in Kursk Offensive
According to Rybar , one of the biggest Russian Milbloggers:
Ukraine’s 🇺🇦attack near Bolshoye Soldatskoye in Kursk may be a diversion, with the main strike potentially targeting another area.
“Evidence? Troops and equipment, including EW systems, have been moving through Kharkiv’s ring road—likely toward Sumy—where Ukraine has built up forces for weeks. The real battle might still be ahead.”
They did it again😂
They have blurred their pictures with the German foreign minister
Tomorrow in two weeks, Trump will be inaugurated into office.
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