BAMS-D Aircraft Welcomed Back to Pax
The US Navy’s Global Hawks are back home at NAS Patuxent River after its more than a decade-long mission. Returning after a 13-year deployment that was initially supposed to be six months, the remaining Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstrator program, or BAMS-D, aircraft are on their way to tying off a storied career.
US Postpones Ballistic Missile Test
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 reflect opinions of the Leader’s owners or staff. The Pentagon has postponed a planned test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile in an effort to quell tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, reports The Hill. “We did not take this decision lightly, but instead to demonstrate that we are a responsible nuclear power,” John Kirby, Pentagon spokesman, said in a DoD news release. Fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Harry S….
DoD Will Terminate Unvaxxed Civilians
The DoD’s civilian employees who refuse to be vaccinated will face an escalating series of punishments, beginning with five days of education and counseling, 14 days of unpaid suspension, and finally termination “for failing to follow a direct order.”
Del Toro Confirmed As Next NavSec
Carlos Del Toro, a retired Navy commander and businessman, was confirmed over the weekend as the 78th secretary of the US Navy and the second Hispanic American to lead the department.
2nd DefSec Waiver Faces Struggle
The principle of civilian control of the military is at stake, say an increasing number of Democrats opposed to a waiver that would allow President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for Secretary of Defense to move forward. The US DefSec must be separated seven years from the military. GEN Lloyd Austin retired four years ago. The same waiver was sought by President Trump and received for former DefSec James Mattis.
For NASA, Another Historic Space Launch
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.
Carrier Reagan Heads Back to South China Sea
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan strike group has returned to the South China Sea as tensions with China continue to rise.
A Look Inside Pax’s Anechoic Chamber
The Naval Air Systems Command at NAS Pax River is continuing its work on the Next Generation Jammer-Low Band pod for the EA-18G Growler. Get a quick peek inside the anechoic chamber, where testing for the prototype system was conducted.
Crozier Won’t Be Reinstated on USS Roosevelt
Capt. Brett Crozier will not be reinstated as captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt nor will he receive any further punishment for his handling of the COVID-19 outbreak on the aircraft carrier.
‘Serious Concerns’ with DC July 4th Celebration
Lawmakers from the National Capital Region called on the Trump administration to drop plans for a second “Salute to America” Fourth of July celebration in Washington, DC, July 4th. They cite pandemic safety concerns and also the cost of such a celebration during a time of economic distress.
