Virtual Bayonet
LightNews LightNews
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Virtual Bayonet
@virtualbayonet.bsky.social
400 followers 180 following 380 posts
Former US Marine, Navalist (in a positive sense), free world military enthusiast, history enthusiast. I occasionally attend naval conferences and comment on US military budget items
Posts Replies Media Videos
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
A US Marine MV-22B aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17). May 13, 2025
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a Navy sailor with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG), conduct flight operations as part of ARGMEUEX aboard the San Antonio, IWOARG, while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, May 15, 2025. During ARGMEUX, the 22nd MEU, aboard IWOARG shipping, conducts training in support of various mission essential tasks that enhance operational readiness and lethality as a unified IWOARG/22 MEU team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Maurion Moore)
May 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
AV-8B Harriers, assigned to the “Bulldogs” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during ARGMEUEX. Atlantic Ocean, May 17, 2025
ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 17, 2025) Three AV-8B Harriers, assigned to the “Bulldogs” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, are secured on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during flight operations. Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing integrated naval warfighting training. ARGMEUEX prepares integrated naval task forces for sustained, high-end Joint and combined combat. Integrated naval training provides combatant commanders and the Commander-in-Chief highly capable forces that deter adversaries, underpin American security and economic prosperity, and reassure Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Eggert)
May 19, 2025 at 10:04 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Harry S. Truman sails through the Mediterranean Sea. May 18, 2025
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 18, 2025) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman sails through the Mediterranean Sea May 18. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mike Shen)
May 19, 2025 at 9:57 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361), Cristóbal Colón (F105), Louis-Marie (F931), and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) conduct a passing exercise during Formidable Shield 25. Norwegian Sea, May 7, 2025
NORWEGIAN SEA (May 7, 2025) The USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), Louis-Marie (F931), Cristóbal Colón (F105), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), and the HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361) conduct a passing exercise during an At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025, May 7, 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (Courtesy photo by HNLMS De Ruyter)
May 15, 2025 at 12:40 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) offloads missiles at Naval Station Rota, Spain. April 30, 2025
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT), Sailors and employees use a crane to offload a missile aboard the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), while in-port aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, April 30, 2025. Public Works Department Rota’s mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps readiness by providing adaptable, sustainable facility support worldwide. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, Central supports fleet commanders by providing engineering assessments and agile acquisition strategy, constructing and maintaining shore infrastructure, and maximizing force readiness to enhance warfighter capability. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Keyly Santizo)
May 15, 2025 at 9:59 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 "Wake Island Avengers" fly over Wake Island. May 10, 2025
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly over Wake Island enroute to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 10, 2025. VMFA-211 joined VMFA-214 on the current Unit Deployment Program, which provides U.S.-based units with operational experience in U.S. Pacific Command. (Courtesy photo)
May 14, 2025 at 1:24 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Sailors aboard USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) wave to the crew of USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) during exercise Formidable Shield 25. May 7, 2025
NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 07, 2025) Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commanding officer, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), left, and U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), wave to the crew onboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)
May 14, 2025 at 12:43 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
An F-35C Lightning II attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 "Warhawks", launches from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility May 6, 2025
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 6, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
May 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
A Sailor signals to a well armed MH-60R from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 "Blue Hawks" on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. May 6, 2025
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 6, 2025) A U.S. Sailor signals to an MH-60R Sea Hawk, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
May 13, 2025 at 12:56 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) during exercise Formidable Shield 25. Norwegian Sea, May 07, 2025
NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 07, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)
May 13, 2025 at 10:04 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Danish frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361) viewed from USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) during exercise Formidable Shield 25. Norwegian Sea, May 07, 2025
NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 07, 2025) ) Ensign Jackson Manship, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), observes maneuvering exercises with HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361) of the Royal Danish Navy during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)
May 13, 2025 at 9:59 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Australian frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151) operates with Italian FREMM frigate Antonio Marceglia (F 597)

📸Photo from the HMAS Arunta II Facebook page.
May 12, 2025 at 12:51 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Sailors man a phone and distance line on the forecastle of USS Milius (DDG 69) during an underway replenishment with USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 3, 2025) U.S. Sailors man a phone and distance line on the forecastle aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
May 12, 2025 at 9:59 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Sailors assigned to USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), heave in the phone and distance (P&D) line from the Royal Canadian Navy replenishment oiler MV Asterix for an underway replenishment during At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025
NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 05, 2025) U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), heave in the phone and distance (P&D) line from the Royal Canadian Navy replenishment oiler MV Asterix for an underway replenishment during At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)
May 7, 2025 at 10:07 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departs Norfolk as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. May 6, 2025
NORFOLK, Va. (May 6, 2025) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment. The USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departed Norfolk as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The deployment will underscore the U.S. Navy's commitment to maritime security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo/video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Porsha Thompson)
May 7, 2025 at 9:59 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Truxtun (DDG 103) pulls alongside USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) for a replenishment-at-sea. USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) is on the right. U.S. Central Command area of responsibility April 24, 2025
"U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 24, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) pulls alongside the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) for a replenishment-at-sea in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility." Official U.S. Navy photo
May 6, 2025 at 10:04 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Sailors conduct flight operations aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. April 30, 2025
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 30, 2025) U.S. Sailors conduct flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
May 5, 2025 at 9:57 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
An E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of VAQ 139 launches from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 3, 2025. Nimitz is still hot at 50 years old
An E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 3, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Edward Jacome)
May 4, 2025 at 9:59 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Sailors conduct flight operations on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. April 29, 2025
CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY (April 29, 2025) U.S. Sailors conduct flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
May 3, 2025 at 2:38 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) maneuvers during a routine armed air escort exercise, April 24, 2025
The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) maneuvers during a routine armed air escort exercise, April 24, 2025. The U.S. Navy’s fleet of ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. Global SSBN operations demonstrate the flexibility, survivability, readiness, resolve, global reach and capability of the U.S. SSBN force. Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9, exercises administrative control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest providing oversight for shipboard training, personnel, supply and material readiness of submarines and their crews. SUBGRU-9 is also responsible for nuclear submarines undergoing conversion or overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Riley)
May 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
Philippine Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) conduct training in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. April, 2025
"Australia, the Philippines and the United States conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity together on 29 April 2025 within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. During this activity, Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Sydney conducted training with Philippine Navy BRP Antonio Luna, while Philippine Air Force aircraft flew with the United States Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. Australia and our partners share a commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and other maritime rights under international law, particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This is the second MCA involving Australia this year, and was conducted by HMAS Sydney as part of its three-month regional presence deployment." Photo and quote from HMAS Sydney's Facebook page
May 2, 2025 at 12:51 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits the Philippine Sea. April 29, 2025
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits the Philippine Sea, April 29, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emma Burgess)
May 2, 2025 at 10:02 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) off the coast of U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia. April 30, 2025
DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (April 30, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) holds station off the coast of U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, April 30. Ralph Johnson is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)
May 2, 2025 at 9:58 AM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
French amphibious assault ship Mistral (L9013), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and French frigate Surcouf (F 711) during Exercise Chesapeake 2025. Atlantic Ocean, April 30, 2025
ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 30, 2025) The amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral (L9013) and the La Fayette-class frigate Surcouf (F 711) conducted a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), marking the start of exercise Chesapeake April 30, 2025. Exercise Chesapeake showcases U.S. Navy and Marine Corps integration, capable of delivering combined lethality to deter aggression and defend the homeland, and the strength of the U.S.-French naval partnership. The exercise, taking place off the coast of North Carolina, underscores the commitment to interoperability, maritime readiness, and shared values, advancing joint amphibious capabilities in line with the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Navy photo Courtesy of French Navy/Released)
May 1, 2025 at 1:58 PM
virtualbayonet.bsky.social
USS Shoup (DDG 86) conducts an ammunition movement in Yokosuka, Japan. April 29, 2025
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell
May 1, 2025 at 12:54 PM