Syrian Airstrikes 1st Biden Military Action
President Joe Biden took his first military action when two US Air Force F-15E aircraft launched seven precision guided munitions Friday that struck a site in Syria used by two Iranian-backed militia groups. The airstrikes were in response to rocket attacks on American forces in the region in the past two weeks. The deadly airstrikes drew criticism from some Democrats in Congress, while key Republicans applauded the move.
Virtual Ceremony to Mark Pearl Harbor Remembrance
The coronavirus pandemic will keep Pearl Harbor survivors from attending the 79th Commemorative Ceremony remembering those killed in the attack that launched the US into World War II. The ceremony today, Dec. 7, will be closed to the public, but will be live streamed starting at approximately 7:45 am.
2nd Navy MQ-8C Drone Suffers Mishap
An unmanned MQ-8C drone was damaged during testing of a lithium ion battery at Webster Field in St. Inigoes on Nov. 16. That was the second major mishap involving the new variant just in the month of November. A Fire Scout drone crashed at a California Navy base Nov. 10.
GAO: Aircraft Readiness Not Meeting Goals
A Government Accountability Office report shows aircraft readiness in all branches of the military has gone from bad to worse. Among the report’s findings, some 24 aircraft have never met readiness goals in the nine years from 2011 through 2019.
NavSec Floats Plan for New 1st Fleet in Pacific
NavSec Kenneth Braithwaite is calling for the establishment of a US 1st Fleet, a new numbered command to address maritime security in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Audit to Probe How DoD Spent COVID Relief Funds
The Pentagon’s inspector general will audit DoD’s distribution of $1 billion from the CARES Act to determine if money designated for a coronavirus response went to defense contractors instead.
Navy Has New Ship Rules for Dealing With COVID
The US Navy now has new rules on how to continue operating in the midst of a global pandemic. The services says these plans and strategy are based on the scientific and operational lessons gained in the past seven months.
New Navy Goal Is a 530-Ship Fleet
Forget a 355-ship goal for the US Navy. The Pentagon is now recommending a fleet as large as 530 ships and moving the service toward a lighter force with many more ships but fewer aircraft carriers and large surface combatants.
FEMA Funds for MedStar Health COVID Response
MedStar Health was awarded more than $20 million in emergency federal funding to support its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer’s office announced.
Bill Aims to Avert Government Shutdown
House Democrats introduced legislation Monday that would keep the government running through December 11. Senate Republicans have said they will oppose the spending bill.
