R.E.D. Friday 29 November 2024: Honoring Service and Reflecting on Milestones
As we observe R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Friday on November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving, we extend our gratitude to the brave men and women serving far from home. This tradition reminds us to keep them in our thoughts and honor their sacrifices as they uphold freedom and security worldwide.
Advancing Military Readiness with Cutting-Edge Technology
This week, the Marine Corps marked a significant achievement: the full operational capability of the Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle, a year ahead of schedule. Designed by Barrett Firearms, this versatile weapon replaces older systems, ensuring Marines have the tools necessary for diverse operational environments. With its modular design, allowing caliber conversions in the field, the Mk22 lightens individual loads and enhances operational efficiency. Its advanced features, including a precision optic and extended range, reflect the Corps’ commitment to staying mission-ready and adaptable.
This milestone also underscores the dedication of Marines and their support teams, who continually push the boundaries of excellence to protect our nation. Let us honor their efforts and celebrate this leap forward in precision firepower.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Our deployed service members demonstrate extraordinary dedication through missions that reinforce international alliances. Recent U.S. Bomber Task Force deployments highlighted this commitment, with B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducting joint exercises across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Notably, November saw the first-ever B-52 mission over Finland, symbolizing its growing role within NATO, and joint training with the Royal Moroccan Air Force, reflecting deepening ties.
Meanwhile, the 30th CARAT Brunei maritime exercise showcased the strength of U.S.-Brunei collaboration. Over eight days, participants honed skills in areas such as maritime law, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance. These exercises reinforce the shared vision of peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the enduring value of cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges.
A Day for Reflection and Unity
On this R.E.D. Friday, as we enjoy the warmth of family gatherings post-Thanksgiving, let us also take a moment to remember those who cannot be with their loved ones. Their unwavering commitment ensures our safety and the freedoms we hold dear. Through milestones like the Mk22 sniper rifle deployment and the success of international exercises, we see the fruits of their labor and the strength of their resolve.
Wear red today to honor their service, reflect on their sacrifices, and recommit to supporting them in every way possible. As the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin reminds us, it is our duty as a community to Remember Everyone Deployed and to express gratitude for their steadfast dedication to protecting our nation.
Marine Corps Reaches Full Operational Capability with Mk22 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle
On November 19, 2024, the Marine Corps Systems Command announced that the Corps has achieved full operational capability for the Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle, a year ahead of schedule. This milestone ensures that all Marine infantry and reconnaissance units, along with associated schools, are fully equipped and trained on the new system.
The Mk22, developed by Barrett Firearms, is a versatile, multi-barrel sniper rifle designed to replace the Mk13 Mod 7 and M40A6 rifles. It offers shooters the flexibility of three caliber options: 7.62mm, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum. This caliber diversity enables Marines to tailor their firepower for specific missions, whether greater range or enhanced penetration is required. The rifle features a 10-round magazine and an effective firing range of 1,500 meters, surpassing its predecessors.
Advanced Features Enhance Mission Readiness
The Mk22 system incorporates several advanced components, including a bipod, a sound and muzzle flash suppressor, and a caliber-agnostic 7×35 Precision Day Optic. One of its key innovations is the ability for Marines to perform caliber conversions in the field, significantly enhancing operational flexibility. Kevin Marion, a logistics management specialist with Marine Corps Systems Command, highlighted the operational benefits, stating, “Marines like the ability to conduct caliber conversions at their level, and the fact that they only have one rifle instead of the two it replaced. This shift improves operational efficiency, reduces the logistical burden on units, and lightens the individual Marine’s load.”
The Mk22’s modular design also reduces maintenance challenges. Unlike previous systems where a condemned barrel rendered the weapon unusable, the Mk22 allows for barrel replacements, ensuring continuous mission readiness. Brian Nelson, Mk22 project officer, noted, “Now, the Mk22 ensures that even if a barrel fails, Marines are still mission ready.”
Replacing Legacy Systems and Expanding Adoption
The Mk22 replaces the Mk13 Mod 7 and M40A6 sniper rifles, both of which are bolt-action systems with shorter effective ranges. The M40A6, which fires 7.62mm rounds, was introduced during the Vietnam War and underwent significant updates in 2016. The Mk13 Mod 7, chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum, was adopted in 2018, following earlier use by U.S. Special Operations Command. By comparison, the Mk22’s origins trace back to a SOCOM initiative launched in 2009, with the official contract awarded in 2019.
The Mk22 is also lighter than some legacy systems, weighing 15.2 pounds compared to the M40A6’s 16.5 pounds. Its superior effective range and advanced features have made it a preferred choice not only for the Marine Corps but also for the Army, which began phasing out its M107 and M2010 sniper rifles in favor of the Mk22 in 2021. The Army aims to procure 2,800 Mk22 rifles by 2026.
Looking Ahead
The Marine Corps initially planned to acquire 250 Mk22 rifles as part of its budget request at the program’s inception. With its modular capabilities and superior performance, the Mk22 marks a significant leap forward in precision firepower for U.S. military forces, ensuring enhanced effectiveness and adaptability in diverse operational environments.
30th Annual CARAT Brunei Exercise Strengthens U.S.-Brunei Maritime Partnership
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei – The 30th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei maritime exercise concluded on Nov. 25, marking eight days of extensive training and collaboration between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the U.S. military.
Participants and Key Assets
This year’s exercise brought together a wide array of U.S. military assets, including personnel from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Forces (CTFs) 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA), Naval Special Warfare, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, and the U.S. Embassy in Brunei.
Rear Adm. Katie Sheldon, Vice Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, emphasized the importance of fostering maritime relationships, stating, “Over the past week, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Royal Brunei Armed Forces have worked together to enhance maritime security capabilities, reinforcing our shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.”
Training Highlights and Topics
This year’s CARAT Brunei exercise featured a diverse range of subject matter expert exchanges and bilateral training events. Key focus areas included:
Cybersecurity
Emission control and force protection
International maritime law
Maritime domain awareness
Public affairs for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
Women, peace, and security initiatives
Hands-on training further explored medical evacuation techniques, mine countermeasures, underwater demolition, and visit, board, search, and seizure operations, among other topics.
Deputy Joint Force Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Colonel Aldi Bin Haji Hassan, praised the exercise, noting, “CARAT has allowed us to refine critical capabilities and foster relationships that are pivotal for regional peace and security. Every lesson learned and skill honed reinforces our collective goal of stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
Strengthening Regional Stability
CARAT Brunei 2024 underscored the shared commitment between the United States and Brunei to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. By focusing on cooperative maritime capabilities, the exercise highlighted the evolving complexity of maritime security challenges and the importance of bilateral partnerships in addressing both traditional and non-traditional threats.
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart W. Glenn, commanding officer of MRF-SEA, reflected on the exercise’s success: “CARAT Brunei 2024 showcased the strength of our combined forces and reinforced the partnership between the U.S. and Brunei. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure regional stability and security.”
A Legacy of Trust and Collaboration
With three decades of annual training events, CARAT Brunei has become a cornerstone of U.S.-Brunei cooperation. The exercise continues to evolve, enhancing the operational readiness of both navies while fostering enduring trust and mutual respect.
DESRON 7, as the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed squadron in Southeast Asia, plays a pivotal role in building regional partnerships through training and military-to-military engagements. Similarly, MRF-SEA represents a modern operational model, ensuring a persistent U.S. Marine Corps presence west of the International Date Line and promoting security goals alongside regional allies.
As the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet remains committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific, working closely with allies and partners to address regional challenges and uphold international law.
The conclusion of CARAT Brunei 2024 underscores the enduring value of collaboration and shared expertise in advancing peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Bomber Task Force Missions Strengthen Global Partnerships
The recent deployment of B-52 Stratofortress bombers showcases the United States’ enduring commitment to global security and the strength of its alliances. From Europe to the Middle East and North Africa, these missions underscore the dedication, skill, and readiness of U.S. service members.
Expanding Collaboration in Europe
On November 22, U.S. B-52 bombers deployed to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1 conducted a joint training mission with the Royal Moroccan Air Force. This mission marked the inaugural deployment of the Bomber Task Force in the fiscal year 2025 and demonstrated the strategic importance of partnerships in the region.
Just days later, on November 25, two B-52s embarked on a landmark mission, flying from Fairford to Finland. They conducted a simulated weapons drop training exercise alongside Finnish F/A-18C Hornets and Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripens. This was the first-ever B-52 mission over Finland, symbolizing Finland’s growing role within NATO and emphasizing collective defense. The exercise built upon earlier collaborations, including austere landing demonstrations and air superiority exercises held throughout the year.
General James Hecker, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, remarked, “This Bomber Task Force mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to our European Allies and partners. Together, we build stronger, more strategic relationships that reinforce security and stability across the region.”
Supporting Operations in the Middle East
In parallel, the B-52 fleet actively contributed to U.S. efforts in the Middle East. On November 23, bombers flew patrols in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the mission to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq. U.S. Air Force-released images also captured F-15E fighters conducting combat patrols as part of the operation. Additionally, the region hosted its first-ever Bahrain International Airshow appearance by a B-52, further emphasizing U.S. engagement and presence.
Strengthening Ties with Morocco
U.S.-Moroccan defense collaboration reached new heights during the same week. The joint exercise with the Royal Moroccan Air Force on November 22 demonstrated the synergy between the two nations. Meanwhile, a high-level delegation from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, led by General Mohamed Berrid, visited the USS Harry Truman in the Mediterranean. The delegation was welcomed by Rear Admiral Sean R. Bailey, Commander of the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet, and Colonel Dave Snowden, Commanding Officer of the USS Harry Truman. During the visit, the Moroccan flag was raised aboard the carrier, symbolizing the growing trust and cooperation between the two nations.
A Testament to Global Readiness
The trio of missions highlights a particularly active period for the B-52 fleet, with nearly 15 percent of the aircraft deployed worldwide. Six bombers operated in the Middle East to deter threats from Iran and its proxies, while four supported the first Bomber Task Force deployment in Europe for the new fiscal year. Previous missions included live ordnance drops over Lithuania, integrating with Lithuanian, Czech, Swedish, and Norwegian joint terminal attack controllers, further showcasing the global versatility of the B-52 fleet.
Bomber Task Force missions provide invaluable opportunities to synchronize operations and strengthen partnerships. Through these missions, U.S. service members collaborate with allies to refine skills, share knowledge, and reinforce a shared vision for global security.
The unwavering dedication and professionalism of deployed U.S. service members continue to make these accomplishments possible, earning our nation’s pride and respect. Their efforts exemplify the steadfast commitment of the United States to a secure and stable world.
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