The GenM3 PMag polymer magazine manufactured by Magpul Industries has been approved for use by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps.

A bit of small arms news that might have an impact on the Coast Guard in a report from Military Times. 

If I understand correctly, this will be the only replacement magazine used by the Marines, while the Air Force use either this or the Army’s “Enhanced Performance Magazine,” or EPM.

Senators have asked the Army why they have not also approved the polymer magazines.

“The Magpul GenM3 PMag was the only magazine to perform to acceptable levels across all combinations of Marine Corps 5.56mm rifles and ammunition during testing. That magazine has, therefore, been approved for use for both training and combat,” Marine Corps Systems Command told Military Times.

The senators’ letter highlights that the rigorous testing by the Marine Corps of Magpul’s GenM3 PMAG witnessed zero stoppages even among a multitude of ammunition types.

I have added new page to Website, “Acronym.” I realized a need for this when I found I had used an acronym without explaining it, as I usually try to do. I began this by importing list of acronyms added to earlier post, “Offshore and Aviation Fleet Mix Study Published,” so it includes some acronyms I have seen nowhere else. To that list I have added some more, including a number of Navy acronyms. Hopefully this will be helpful. If you find some Coast Guard or Naval acronyms not included, let me know–an explanation of meaning would be appreciated.

USS John S. McCain–damaged

USS John S. McCain has had a collision with a merchant vessel. Ten are missing. Navy news releases with updates here.

This unfortunately follows closely on the heels of the USS Fitzgerald collision.

You can read one of the reports on the Fitzgerald collision here

The Congressional Research Service has issued an updated edition of their their report, “Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress,” authored by their specialist in Naval Affair, Ronald O’Rourke. You can get it in pdf format here. 

There may be “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover.”, gCaptain offers 50 ways to deal with sea sickness.

Mark Tempest of the EagleSpeak blog found the video above.

Interesting to see how much has changed, and how much has not.

Chinese icebreaking research vessel Xue Long (Snow Dragon), Photo by Bahnfrend

Found an interesting post regarding China’s interest in the Arctic, considering the Northern Sea Route near Russia a part of their Belt and Road Initiative. Apparently the Russians are supporting the move.

“…China formally incorporated the Arctic into its plans for maritime cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, also sometimes called One Belt, One Road. The Vision for Maritime Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, released on June 20 by China’s National Development and Reform Commission and the State Oceanic Administration, explains that a “blue economic passage” is “envisioned leading up to Europe via the Arctic Ocean.””

Of course they also want to exploit the resources. Cooperatively. In a sustainable fashion. Like they have done elsewhere.

Photo: Outgoing DHS Secretary, John Kelly

It was recently announced that Retired Marine General John Kelly is the new White House Chief of Staff.

This, of course, means he will no longer be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard’s Service Secretary. This may be unfortunate for the Coast Guard, but it may be good to have him close to the President.

Who will be next? Let the speculation begin.

As Shakespeare said, “Surely a worse one will come in his place.”

The President does seem to like military officers. Is it too much to hope for a former USCG Commandant?

UN Naval Institute reports on the most recent run in between US naval forces and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp.

You probably heard about this but may have missed the fact that Coast Guard Cutters were also there.

“Thunderbolt was operating with two Coast Guard cutters and a U.S. Army logistics vessel in a screen around the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) as part of a U.S.-only exercise when the formation was approached by the Iranian PC, the official said.”

Is it possible the video above was shot from a cutter?