Morning Coffee 8-1-11

F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

A robust blend of news from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, NAVAIR, the Pentagon and beyond:

• L-3 gets $8.7 million for special communications project at St. Inigoes.
• Australia looking at Super Hornets as alternative to JSF.
• Marine general keeps a hard eye on JSF.
• Marines show off JSF hover live.
• General says China needs at least three carriers.
• China’s first carrier, Shi Lang, powers up.
• Chinese navy pilots in training.
• L-3 spins off government services into separate company. (subscription required)
• NAVMAR’s Helios contract detailed.
• Navy says aircraft better than reported.
• Navy spouse teaches families to clip coupons.