Tight Deadline to Get Esper Confirmed
The White House needs to work fast to install a permanent Pentagon chief. Acting DefSec Mark Esper, the president’s pick for the top defense post, is not permitted to serve in his current role beyond July 30.
Morning Coffee Off the Burner Today
Morning Coffee is off the burner today, but will be back percolating Monday, July 8, 2019. Happy birthday, America!
Tanks, Jets & Trump Headline July 4th Celebration
President Donald Trump touts “brand new” World War II-era tank display at the Washington, DC, Fourth of July celebration, the Blue Angels, and his chance to “say a few words.”
VADM: Navy Needs to Bust the Rust on Its Ships
The US Navy needs to bust the rust. That’s the message from VADM Thomas Moore of the Naval Sea Systems Command. He says if the service plans to keep its destroyers on the water for decades, then it must get the corrosion under control.
Will Hefty Bonuses Get Pilots to Stay?
The Marine Corps’ fiscal 2020 aviation bonuses are aimed at enticing pilots to sign eight-year contracts and plug the flood of Marine aviators trading in their military wings to fly civilian skies.
Iranian President: US Sanctions End Diplomacy
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rebukes the Trump White House in reaction to new US sanctions. Rouhani says the hope for a diplomatic solution between the two nations has ended.
Trump Says He Can Strike Iran Without Congress OK
President Trump says he does not need congressional approval to initiate military action in Iran. “I do like keeping them abreast, but I don’t have to do it legally.”
Esper Is Trump’s New Pick for DefSec
President Donald Trump says he intends to nominate Mark Esper as the new defense secretary, David Norquist as the deputy defense secretary, and Ryan McCarthy as the Army secretary.
Trump Moving Past Planned Strike on Iran
Trump says he was looking forward to moving past a strike on Iran in retaliation for the downing of an unmanned US drone last week by elite Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces.
Who’s Being Considered for the Next DefSec?
Speculation has begun on who will be the next defense secretary. Some names being floated? Mark Esper, Mike Pompeo, Tom Cotton, and Richard Spencer. Or maybe someone completely unexpected.
