More US Warships Move to Middle East
The US concentrates firepower in the Middle East to deter attacks that could lead to all-out war with Israel., positioning about 18 warships including two aircraft carriers in the region as well as an Air Force F-22 Raptor squadron and a guided-missile submarine lurking nearby.
Final Presidential Helicopter Delivered
Sikorsky has delivered the final VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter. The air frame is most famously known as Marine One when carrying America’s commander-in-chief. President Joe Biden made the first presidential flight last week aboard one of the new generation of Marine One helicopters.
Five-County Study Supports Bay Ferry
A group of five counties, which includes St. Mary’s, has released a study on the feasibility of a Chesapeake Bay ferry system for recreational passengers. The study identifies Maryland waterfront communities that could be connected with a ferry service using high-speed catamarans. Six potential routes have been outlined.
Wind Leases Awarded off Mid-Atlantic Coast
The federal government has awarded two new offshore wind energy leases, one off the coast of Delaware, the other near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in southern Virginia.
Geneva Conventions @ 75, Ignored Everywhere
The Geneva Conventions — the world’s rules of war — are 75 years old and ignored nearly everywhere, says the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which oversees the conventions. The Red Cross has counted more than 120 active conflicts around the world, a six-fold increase from the half-century anniversary in 1999.
Proposals Sought for Blue UAS Refresh Challenge
The Defense Innovation Unit’s prize challenge is underway for vendors to potentially have their unmanned aircraft systems and related capabilities added to a list of systems that can be purchased by the Defense Department.
With Walz Pick, Next VP Likely a Veteran
Both of the major party presidential candidates have selected a veteran for a running mate. VP Kamala Harris selected MN Gov. Tim Walz, a 24-year veteran of the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guards. Former President Donald Trump selected JD Vance, a former Marine corporal who served as a combat correspondent from 2003 to 2007, deploying to Iraq for six months in late 2005.
US Expands Military Presence in Middle East
The US will expand its military presence in the Middle East amid growing tensions. The Pentagon has ordered the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the region to replace the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group.
US Military ‘Inadequate’ to Face Dual Threats
America’s National Defense Strategy is out of date, its military inappropriately structured, and the industrial base “grossly inadequate” to confront the dual threats of Russia and China, according to a review out this week from the Commission on the National Defense Strategy.
Interns Tackle Challenges in the UAS Field
University of Maryland UAS Research and Operations Center interns have spent the summer fleshing out solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the UAS field, such as Counter UAS, Navigation without GPS, and Vertical Takeoff and Landing.
