DoD & White House Finally Quit Buying Russian Helos
The purchases of Russian Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan evaded economic sanctions on Russia. The $11.6 billion supplemental defense budget reportedly includes $264 million for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Sailors’ Personal Data Stolen
The personal data of more than 130,000 sailors in a re-enlistment approval database was stolen from a contractor’s laptop. The Navy said that a computer supporting a Navy contract was “compromised,” and that the names and Social Security numbers of 134,386 current and former sailors were accessed by unknown persons.
What High-Tech Helmet Brings to Fleet
The advancements featured in the F-35’s Generation III helmet also have been undergoing testing while the F-35 Lightning II is in its shipboard phase on the USS America. The helmet’s ground-breaking technology equips the pilot with mission-critical information on the helmet’s visor, among other features.
McCain Endorses Mattis, Not Waterboarding
Sen. John McCain: “I don’t give a damn what the president of the United States wants to do or anybody else wants to do. We will not waterboard. We will not do it.” But the senator does endorse Trump’s rumored choice for defense secretary Marine Gen. James Mattis.
Many Firsts Aboard the USS America
Marines are putting F-35Bs and their pilots through qualifications and tests to better understanding how small-deck carriers, the F-35s, V-22s, and combat-ready Marines can best function together.
Trump’s Cabinet Taking Shape
Former military intelligence chief and retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn will be President-Elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser. Trump’s cabinet is taking shape.
Agent Orange Now Linked to High Blood Pressure
Health conditions related to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War now includes high blood pressure, pressuring VA to increase compensation to impacted veterans.
Carter Carefully Defends Outgoing Policies
DefSec Carter finds himself defending his Islamic State, NATO, and Russia policies without explicitly disagreeing with a president-elect.
Names Floated for New DefSec
Among those whose names are being floated for secretary of defense are Duncan Hunter, Stephen Hadley, Pete Sessions, Jim Talent, and Mike Flynn.
Forbes on Short List For NavSec
Randy Forbes, a Republican congressman from Virginia and a military adviser to Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, is the man likely to be the next Secretary of the US Navy.
