March 19, 2024

Timeline on Vote for New DefSec Unclear

Timeline

The Senate Armed Services Committee is planning a confirmation hearing at 3 pm Jan. 19 for GEN Lloyd Austin, the Biden administration’s choice for secretary of defense. A timeline for any vote has not yet been established.

For NASA, Another Historic Space Launch

Space

NASA’s first full-fledged mission sending a crew into orbit aboard a privately owned spacecraft launched Sunday night for a trip to the International Space Station. And another first: Victor Glover became first Black astronaut to join a crew on the ISS.

Two Killed in Crash of Navy T-6B Texan II

T-6B Texan II

An instructor pilot and a student aviator aboard a US Navy T-6B Texan II were killed Friday when the two-seat airplane crashed in Alabama.

Turkey to US: Reverse Decision on F-35

Turkey has asked the US to reverse its decision to exclude that country from F-35 fighter jet program.

Effects of Climate Change on Navy Topic of Symposium

A symposium that will focus on the effects of climate change on the US Navy, especially in the Arctic, is being held this month in Washington, DC. The Patuxent Partnership is one of the event’s sponsors.

Ice-Diminishing Arctic Effects on Navy Considered

Arctic

The Patuxent Partnership is co-hosting an event in Washington, DC, that will focus on the effects of climate change on the US Navy, especially in the Arctic.

St. Mary’s Airport Meeting Rescheduled

St. Mary's Airport

The St. Mary’s Airport Rules special meeting, postponed from Jan. 14, is rescheduled during the Airport Advisory Board’s regular January meeting, Jan. 28 at 6 pm at the Airport Terminal Building, Hollywood, MD.

A New Flying Classroom for Test Pilots

Flying Classroom

An old Fairchild Swearingen C-26A Metroliner is now the Airborne Systems Training and Research Support, or ASTARS III, and belongs to the Test Pilot School at NAS Pax. The aircraft will serve as a flying classroom.

DOT&E Report Says F-35s Not Combat Ready

Attack Aircraft

The Pentagon report found the Marine’s trials showed its first six F35s not combat ready, although public reports during May’s trials were positive.

Spending Bills Start Their Slog Through Congress

Pentagon Capitol

A dozen spending bills are filing out of committees, the Defense authorization bill will carry an array of proposals regarding military sexual assault. VA looks to be an early favorite with legislators.