March 28, 2024

Supply Chain Problems Ahead for DoD

supply chain

DoD must brace for long-term supply chain problems associated with trade flow disruptions, such as container ships piling up unopened at US docks. The greatest impacts will be to DoD’s second-, third-, and fourth-tier suppliers who sell primarily to the civil and consumer markets.

Will Hefty Bonuses Get Pilots to Stay?

Bonuses

The Marine Corps’ fiscal 2020 aviation bonuses are aimed at enticing pilots to sign eight-year contracts and plug the flood of Marine aviators trading in their military wings to fly civilian skies.

Coast Guard Performs Operations in Asia

Coast Guard Cutter Performing Operations in Asia

Earlier this month, the cutter Bertholf made a port stop in Hong Kong, the first time the Coast Guard has visited the Chinese territory in 17 years.

Blue Angels Set to Move to Super Hornets

Blue Angels

The US Navy’s Blue Angels are tentatively set to start flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2021. The move to the Super Hornet will mark the first time the fighter jet demonstration team has changed aircraft since it moved from the A-4F Skyhawk II to the F/A-18 Hornet in 1986.

Spacewalk This Month Will Make History

The first-ever, all-female spacewalk will take place later this month. Astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch will exit the International Space Station on March 29. On a local note: McClain is a graduate of the US Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River.

VA Leaves Millions Unspent for Suicide Outreach

Navy Suicides

Veterans Administration has spent only $57,000 out of $6.2 million set aside for suicide prevention and suicide outreach in the media in fiscal 2018, less than 1 percent, while a respected, retired Marine colonel becomes the fifth suicide since 2013 at the same Florida VA complex.

Retired Marine Col. Jim Turner became the fifth veteran at Bay Pines Department of Veterans Affairs in Florida to take his life, reports Military.com. He put on his dress uniform and medals and drove to the complex. He got out of his truck, sat down on top of his military records and took his own life with a rifle. He left a suicide note blasting the VA for failing to help him. He was remembered as a professional and a leader.

First F-35B Lands on British Warship

F-35B

The first Royal Navy pilot to land an F-35B stealth fighter on Britain’s new HMS Queen Elizabeth tells his story. Flying the test jet from NAS Patuxent River, Royal Navy Cmdr. Nathan Gray touched down to start two months of flight tests.

Blue Angels Set for Major Upgrade

blue angels

The Blue Angels Squadron is set for a major upgrade following a $17 million contract award.

New Engine for F-35 Being Developed

New Engine for F-35B Being Developed

An upgrade to the F-35’s engine is being developed. Pratt & Whitney says the changes will give the engine the power and cooling necessary to make the fighter jet even more of a powerhouse.

Pax River Air Expo 2018 Schedule

NAS Patuxent River’s Air Expo 2018 two-day show is scheduled for June 2-3, 2018, and will be free and open to the public. Gates open at 8 am and performances begin at 11 am.