Expect a Week of Hearings: US Options on Syria

Morning Coffee is a robust blend of links to news around the internet concerning the Naval Air Station Patuxent River economic community. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Leader’s owners or staff.

President Barrack Obama seeks support for a military strike at Syria, but defers to Congress, reports Defense.gov. There won’t be any decision this week, the congressional recess won’t end until next week, but expect hearings all week, says The Hill. CNN Security Clearance says Congress is split.

Nor is there international support, but, CNN Security Clearance quotes diplomatic officials, a rebuttal from Congress could destroy US credibility in the region.

F-22s could see their first combat if US orders strikes on Syria, reports Defense Tech. The Air Force could use the F-22s or F-15s or the B-1s and B-2s to carry a bomb capable of destroying chemical or biological weapons without dispersion. Cyber weapons should be included in the arsenal of considerations, reports Defense One.

As the debate goes on, the USS Nimitz is heading to the Red Sea, reports Defense News. Already US, French and Russian vessels are filling the Mediterranean shipping lanes, reports Intercepts.

Syrian non-payment cited as the reason for a delay in delivery of Russian MiGs and other weapons, reports Defense Industry Daily.

President Obama hikes civilian and military pay 1 percent to kick in Jan. 1, 2014, reports FCW. But Congress can axe it, says Gov Exec, and for three years hasn’t shown interest in lifting the pay freeze.

Navy Secretary calls for an assessment of  Navy and Marine budgets, says Defense Daily. (Paywall.)

Sexual assault prevention training becomes mandatory for all civilians at NAS: Patuxent River, reports The Tester.

Court rules VA must give benefits to same-sex spouses, reports Gov Exec.

Two F35-Bs continue night sorties on the USS Wasp, reports Aviation Week. The press corp visited the amphibious assault vessel and Amy Butler posted the statistics at Ares of Aviation Week. The Navy is preparing to issue its UCLASS final RFP in FY2014, reports Inside Defense. (Paywall.)

Boeing plans upgrades to the F-15 beyond publicized changes offered Saudi Arabia and South Korea, reports Aviation Week. The F-15 remains in competition with the F-35 for a South Korean purchase. If Boeing wins the South Korean contract the company says it would extend the F-15 production line into the 2020s, reports Defense Daily. (Paywall.)

Pratt and Whitney join the march to lower the cost of the F-35, reports Flightglobal.

Starbucks petitioned to be gun-free, reports The Hill.

 

 

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