More Contractors Than Troops Fight and Die in the Middle East
Since 2001, an estimated 8,000 military contractors for US companies have died on duty in the Middle East. That figure is 1,000 more than US troops who have been killed. About 53,000 US contractors were in the Middle East last year, compared with 35,000.
Last of Block II Super Hornets Delivered
The US Navy took delivery of the final Block II Super Hornet earlier this month, closing out a run of 322 one-seater F/A-18Es and 286 two-seater F/A-18Fs.
Newest Carriers Can’t Handle F-35C
The Navy will refit its 36-year-old Vinson aircraft carrier to accommodate its newest fighter jet the F-35C. The Navy’s newest carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS John F. Kennedy — not yet in operation — will be refit in future years for the strike fighter
Nationals Heal 86 Years of Heartbreak
Washington, DC, has waited 86 years — some decades without a baseball team at all — this week the Washington Nationals delivered, concluding a four-game sweep and advancing to the World Series.
Border Wall Savings Add 20 Miles of Barrier
Pentagon chief approves 20 more miles of barriers between Mexico and the United States after seven other border wall projects came in under budget.
$738B for DoD Not Enough, Says GOP
The nearly $1.4 trillion spending plan — which would prevent a government shutdown this fall and do away with the final two years of budget caps known as sequestration — includes about $738 billion for DoD in FY2020, a 3 percent increase from current year levels.
China Lake at Epicenter of Quakes
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake was identified as the epicenter of the two major July 4 and 5 earthquakes and many more smaller quakes. The base remains “not mission capable” and closed to all but essential personnel. Water and power had been restored to most of the base by Tuesday.
Unmanned Fleet: Duties Hazy, Need Clear
Pressure from China and Russia convinces Navy officials of the need for an unmanned fleet, even without a specific plan for integration into what will become a shift in the composition of the entire fleet.
F-35C Joins Carrier Flight Operations
For the first time, the F-35Cs launched, recovered, and maneuvered around the flight deck alongside F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growlers, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes.
VA to Review Benefit Denials to Sexual Assault Victims
An IG report found VA officials improperly denied benefits to thousands of military sexual assault victims. The department will review all denied military sexual trauma claims from October 2016 forward.
