Foreign Hackers Targeting US Computer Systems
The top US intelligence official warns of an alarming rise in cyberattacks. The number of ransomware attacks worldwide grew as much as 74% in the past year, and US entities were the most heavily targeted in 2023. The Biden administration has updated the policy for how agencies oversee and manage critical infrastructure sectors.
Costly Faults & Debris Found in 5 New F-35Cs
Metal shavings in contaminated fuel, incorrectly assembled parts, and a plastic scraper protruding from a wing fold were among the faults discovered in five new F-35C Joint Strike Fighters delivered last year to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, CA.
Baltimore Sues Ship for Key Bridge Collapse
Baltimore filed a legal claim this week against the owner and manager of the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, causing it to collapse. The 213-million-pound ship carrying cargo containers, is owned by Grace Ocean Private Limited and managed by Synergy Marine PTE LTD.
Navy Recruiting Down; Army, Air Force OK
Reversing previous years’ shortfalls, the Army and Air Force are on track to meet recruiting goals this year, but not the Navy. While improving, the Navy hit less than 70% of its recruiting goals for the first half of fiscal 2024.
DoD Plans $10B in Cuts to Weapons Programs
The US Department of Defense plans cuts to some of its weapons programs — F-35 fighter jets, an attack submarine, Army helicopters and drones, and Air Force overhead — to stay under congressionally mandated spending caps. The department will make $10 billion in cuts to its 2025 budget.
Confidence in US Military Lowest in 25 Yrs.
American confidence in the United States military — 60% — is at its lowest point in 25 years, according to a new Gallup poll. The all-time low came in 1981, on the heels of the Iran hostage crisis.
DoD Issues Report on Its Telework Practices
The Pentagon releases a new report on teleworking practices since the pandemic sent majority of employees to work from home. Among the findings: 47% of those responding said their productivity increased while working from home during the pandemic, 41% felt they were about as productive while teleworking as they were in the office, and nearly 12% felt their productivity slipped.
Base Communities Shaken Over Attacks
Navy communities in Pensacola, Pearl Harbor and Virginia are shaken and stunned after attacks over six days last week left seven people dead and nearly a dozen wounded.
Triton UAS Demonstrates Key Capabilities
The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton UAS, in flight, demonstrates two key capabilities: exchanging full motion video feedback with the P-8A Poseidon using a common data link, and creating ate situational awareness for P-8 aircrew by tracking a target with its electro-optical/infrared digital camera.
F-35 Scores Big Buy & Big Success
Superlative F-35 results from sea tests with the USS Nimitz precede a DoD award to Lockheed for 43 more JSFs for the US & 5 more countries.
