April 16, 2024

DoD Trying to Return Osprey to Service

Osprey

The Pentagon believes it has identified the mechanical failure that led to a fatal crash of an Osprey aircraft in Japan and the grounding of the fleet for two months but has not said what the failure was.

Short-Term Funding Measure Would Avert Govt. Shutdown

Shutdown

The White House has asked Congress to pass a short-term funding measure to keep the government operating after the current budget year ends September 30. Seven of 10 voters polled in a Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s survey said they were concerned there will be a shutdown because Congress will be unable to reach an agreement on a new budget. Voters are increasingly concerned about the economic damage created by political brinksmanship and the interruption of government services.

Traffic Overwhelms Student Loan Sites

Traffic to the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid websitewas up more than 500% on Aug. 24 compared to the same day last year and the webpage set up to provide further information about the debt relief plan was viewed more than 3.9 million times on its first day.

Pax Alum 1st Native Woman to Fly Into Space

Pax Alum

NAS Patuxent River alum Nicole Mann will be the first Native woman to fly into space this fall. She is scheduled to be aboard the SpaceX Crew-5 mission to go to the International Space Station.

Pax Alums Selected for SpaceX Mission

SpaceX

Two US Naval Test Pilot School at NAS Pax River alums — Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada — have been selected to command and pilot NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 mission headed to the International Space Station next year. The pair expected to fly on early missions of Boeing’s crew capsule, but instead will ride to orbit with SpaceX.

IG: Security Issues With Military 3D Printing

3D

A July 1 DoD Inspector General’s report finds the military is not doing enough to secure its 3D printing technology. The report says that service members are miscategorizing the military’s additive manufacturing programs and leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Barrett Sworn In as Air Force Secretary

Barbara Barrett

New Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett was sworn in late last week. She is the 25th secretary of the service and the fourth woman to serve as the Air Force’s top civilian leader.

Shanahan Is Trump Choice for DefSec

Shanahan

President Donald Trump has made his choice for the next secretary of defense — Patrick Shanahan, who has held the position in an acting capacity since January.

Space Force Calls for $2B in New Funding

The Pentagon’s latest legislative proposal for the new Space Force military service calls for $2 billion in new funding over a five-year period, during which about 15,000 space-related personnel will transfer from existing roles.

Most F-35s Return to Flight

F-35

Most F-35s return to flight operations after fuel tubes were inspected. About 20 percent are still awaiting replacement tubes.