Massive USAF Bomber Presence in Europe - first time ever

Two US Air Force Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bombers out of Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri have been sent to RAF Fairford,England.Arriving on 9 June 2017,they are part of a short-term assurance and deterrence operation.The aircraft joined three B-52H Stratofortress and three B-1B Lancer bombers already in theatre.This marks the first time all three of US Strategic Command's nuclear capable bombers have been deployed to Europe simultaneously.
These deployments enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe,according to US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa.*
Colonel Jared Kennish,commander,322nd Air Expeditionary Group,described the operation:
The bomber assurance and deterrence missions these three aircraft are supporting are key to reinforcing our commitment to our Allies in NATO-in a very visible,very tangible way-that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them,no matter what.This short-term deployment demonstrates the flexibile global strike capabilities of the US bomber force,and ensures bomber crews maintain a high state of readiness.The training will provide opportunities to integrate capabilities with regional partners,and is part of the United States' commitment to supporting global security.*
The B-52Hs,B-1Bs and about 800 Airmen are also supporting NATO exercises Saber Strike and BALTOPS in the European theatre;while the B-2s are there solely for the basic assurance and deterrence mission.*
Northrop Grumman (NOC)

B-2 Stealth Bombers Deployed to the Tense Asia-Pacific

US Strategic Command deployed three US Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri to an undisclosed location in the Asia-Pacific region on 8 March.While in the region,the Northrop Grumman warplanes,characterised by their low radar signature and carrying up to 44,000 pounds of conventional and thermonuclear ordnance,will conduct training with ally and partner air forces,and conduct a radio communications check with a US air operations centre.Their mission is to ensure bomber crews maintain a high state of readiness and crew proficiency,and to provide opportunities to integrate capabilities with key regional partners,US STRATCOM said.*
These flights ensure we remain ready to deter strategic attack,now and into the future,and are one of the many ways the US demonstrates its commitment to security and stability across the globe,said Admiral Cecil D. Haney,US Navy,Commander US Strategic Command.*
Strategic bomber deployments ensure our ability to project power at a time and place of our choosing and develop interoperability with our regional allies and partners,said General Lori J. Robinson,Commander Pacific Air Forces.Recent events demonstrate the continued need to provide consistent and credible air power throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Our ability to demonstrate credible combat power while training and interoperating with our network of like-minded partner nations is vitally important,General Robinson added.*
At this time,the deployment of these major air power assets reinforces US policy in the Asia-Pacific and its response to China's militarisation of islands in the South China Sea;as well as North Korea's recent destabilising behaviour such as conducting its forth underground nuclear detonation and a long-range missile test in January and February 2016,respectively.*
With regard to China,General Robinson said we've watched the increased military capability on those islands,whether it's the fighters;whether it's the missiles or the 10,000-foot runways.We will continue to do as we've always done,and that is fly and sail in international airspace and waters,in accordance to international rules and norms,General Robinson told journalists in Canberra,Australia prior to her addressing the Royal Australian Air Force's biennial Air Power Conference next week.*
Northrop Grumman was also recently awarded the contract to develop and build the US Air Force's B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber.*
Northrop Grumman (NOC)

Cramer,China and the End of the World

I think it's gotten ahead of the Fed,said CNBC's Jim Cramer.The ten year Treasury continues to go up in rates.There are people who are making a very big end of the world case.The world is fretting about this.We just have to let it happen and let the end of the worlders play out.
The wheels are coming off China.Wages are going up.You're gonna hear the Communists talking about workers' rights.Workers' rights in Communist China?
People are saying this is the big unraveling.I respect the macro,but in the end,I am stuck with the micro,what with GM doing better than expected,as well as General Mills and PepsiCo.
They were looking at the big things at the US-China talks in California over the weekend,according to Pauline Loong,Managing Director at Asia Analytica.The good news is,there was no news.It was not an official summit.It was about what was on the chairs,not what was on the table.It was off the record.President Xi Jinping speaks English.
Right now,it seems the two big economies have decided it's in their interests to get along.Asian countries aren't in the untenable position of having to choose between them.
The eight hours of talks between President Barack Obama and Mr.Xi were described as having been historic and constructive.They took place at the Sunnylands Estate in Rancho Mirage,California.
The success of the talks was in spite of the fact that US defence contractor Northrop Grumman said hacking attempts are increasing at an alarming rate.Chinese hackers have breached defence contractors' systems or observed their activities with orbiting telescopes.
China has reportedly hacked into major projects such as the Advanced Patriot Missile;Aegis;V-22 Osprey;and Global Hawk.More than two dozen weapon systems have been compromised,but China has consistently denied it is responsible for such hacking.
Northrop Grumman(NOC),General Motors(GM),General Mills(GIS),PepsiCo(PEP)                                                            

Boeing Reports

Boeing(BA) says its 787 Dreamliner is moving right along on plan.They remain highly confident,and believe the U.S. General Accounting Office will be favorable in its review of an Air Force decision to award a tanker contract to Northrop Grumman/EADS.First quarter sales were up 3% and operating margins were up 7.2%.For 2009,sales are projected to be up 7% and operating margins up 10.5%.Over 80% of Boeing's backlog is from outside the U.S.-especially from China and India.There are almost 900 orders for the 787-more than for any plane in Boeing's past.