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.
Canceled: Panel Topic: Women in the Defense Community
Join The Patuxent Partnership and the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of Women in Defense as they hear from local senior civilian, military, and industry leaders on their unique career journeys regarding the state of the country’s defense community.
Bird Strike Grounds Navy Aircraft at Pax
An E-6B Mercury, a nuclear command-and-control plane, hit a bird while landing at NAS Patuxent River on Oct. 2. The Navy estimates the damage due to the bird strike at about $2 million.
