March 19, 2024

Kingsley New CO at NAS Patuxent River

Kingsley

CAPT Derrick Kingsley is the new commanding officer at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Kingsley’s role as Pax River CO follows his previous position as the base executive officer.

Sailor Charged in Assault Ship Fire

Fire

A seaman apprentice on the USS Bohomme Richard was charged late last week for starting the fire that destroyed the amphibious assault ship in July 2020 while it was docked in San Diego.

Archaeologists Find Maryland’s First Fort

Historic St. Mary’s City’s archaeologist have found the outlines of an enclosed fort erected in Southern Maryland by White settlers in 1634.

Report: Where Federal Defense Dollars Are Spent

Federal Defense Dollars

A Pew Charitable Trusts report on where federal defense dollars are spent shows Pentagon contract spending puts Connecticut at No. 1 by one measure: defense contracts as a percentage of spending. Maryland was 21st on the list. In FY2018, the federal government spent a total of $579 billion on defense in the states and DC, or $1,772 per capita. In Maryland, the per capita spending was $2,955.

Amid Spring Disasters, Military Preps for Hurricane Season

Amid Spring Disasters, Military Preps for Hurricane Season

Amid a busy spring responding to flooding and tornadoes in the Midwest, the National Guard is gearing up for hurricane season, which officially kicked off Saturday and will last until the end of November. Last year’s hurricanes were particularly destructive for some of the military’s most critical bases.

Pentagon Eyes Change in Cellphone Policy

Cellphone

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is expected to order a tightening of security policy governing military and civilian personnel bringing cellphones into classified workspaces in the Pentagon.

Are Shulkin’s Days at VA Numbered?

Are Shulkin's Days at VA Numbered?

Is the Veterans Affairs secretary on his way out? There are conflicting reports. Sources say President Trump is planning to oust David Shulkin amid a rebellion at the agency and damaging government investigations into his alleged spending abuses. Others say the president has confidence in Shulkin “at this point in time.”

F-35, Warthog About to Go Head to Head

F-35

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the A-10 Warthog are about to go head to head in comparison tests mandated by the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The F-35 has been heavily anticipated since its development began in the 1990s, but the A-10 has provided the Air Force with close air support since it entered service in 1976 and has developed a loyal fan base along the way.

355-Ship Navy Not a Wish. It’s Now Policy

7th Fleet

President Trump’s 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision that calls for the US to build up to 355 ships “as soon as practicable.” That makes achieving a 355-ship Navy national policy.

F-35 or Hornet? Which Makes Cut for ‘Top Gun’ Sequel?

So which plane will get top billing in the “Top Gun”sequel? Since the Navy F-14 Tomcat is no longer in service, will it be the F/A-18 Super Hornet or the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter?