Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet) profile picture

Navalist, Former U.S. Marine. This page is a mash note to the USN/USMC team, with some love for friends and allies. Occasional budget hot takes included.

Joined September 2023
Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)Photo by Virtual Bayonet (@VirtualBayonet)
An F-35C from Strike Fighter Squadron 147 "Argonauts" prepares to launch from USS George Washington (CVN 73). Oct 29, 2026
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An F-35C from the “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 launches from Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Oct 23, 2026
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The future USS Harrisburg (LPD-30) sets out for builder's sea trials from Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship is a Flight II San Antonio-class LPD and is equipped with the SPY-6(V)2 radar. Oct 28, 2026 📸 by Paula Ott Ladnier on Facebook
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Virginia-class attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) undocks at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during a scheduled maintenance and modernization availability. Kittery, Maine, Oct. 27, 2026
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U.S. Marines conduct on-off drills on a CH-53K King Stallion from HMH-461 "Ironhorse". Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct 22, 2026
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USS Kidd (DDG-100) under way after an upgrade period at Vigor shipyard in Seattle, Washington. The ship is now equipped with the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 EW suite. Kidd is the only active USN ship authorized to fly the Jolly Roger flag. Oct 26, 2026 📸by Kellie Hughes Anderson on Facebook
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BAE live-fire tested the Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL). Originally the Next Generation ESSM Launch System (NGELS) designed to replace the old MK 29 box launcher on aircraft carriers and big deck amphibs, it is now being marketed to other ship types, including DDGs and frigates.
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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a flyover of the Republic of Korea Ship Hansando (ATH-81) after the ship moored at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's Allegheny Pier. Oct 26, 2026
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Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788) arrives at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia for a planned submarine maintenance period (SMP) supporting AUKUS. Oct 27, 2026
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F-35Cs operating from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Reagan recently gained the upgrades required for F-35C compatibility, and is the fifth Nimitz-class carrier with a 5th-gen squadron. The airwing's F-35C squadron is VFA-115 "Eagles". 📸screen captures from the ship's FB page
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USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducts flight operations at night. Oct 24, 2026.
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USS Makin Island (LHD 8) pulls in to Yokosuka, Japan. Oct 26, 2026
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The Mk 45 5-inch gun aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) is tested during an exercise. Oct 10, 2026
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USS McFaul (DDG 74) pulls into Naval Station Norfolk after an 11 month deployment. Oct 23, 2026
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USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Pacific Ocean. Oct 19, 2026
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An F-35B from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231 "Ace of Spades" at at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida during Checkered Flag 27-1. Oct 19, 2026
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USS Pinckney (DDG 91) has commenced the second phase of upgrades under the DDG MOD 2.0. program in a Depot Modernization Period at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. She is set to receive the new SPY-6(V)4 radar array. 📸from PAE Maritime
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USS Charlotte (SSN 766) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii following a personnel transfer. Oct 21, 2026
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USS Carney (DDG 64) fires an SM-2 during an exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. Sept 30, 2026
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