Several Fall Ill After Suspicious Package Opened at Andrews
Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, MD, received a “suspicious package” Thursday prompting two buildings to be evacuated after several people became ill.
Pentagon’s Goal: US Drone Dominance
The Pentagon is directing every US Army squad to be armed with small, one-way attack drones by the end of fiscal 2026. That and other sweeping policy changes are aimed at what the White House calls “Unleashing American Drone Domination.”
Report Evaluates STEM Labor Force in US
The National Science Foundation has published its latest report on the STEM labor force. Nearly one of every four workers in the United States is involved in a STEM occupation.
Chebi: Osprey Restrictions Will Remain Until 2025
House lawmakers questioned Pentagon officials last week about the V-22 Osprey’s safety record. During the hearing Wednesday, VADM Carl Chebi, head of US Naval Air Systems Command, said the aircraft will remain under safety restrictions until 2025.
Chinese Balloon: Spying or Blown Off Course?
A Chinese balloon’s three-day trip across the US ended Saturday afternoon off the coast of South Carolina after an F-22 fighter jet fired a missile at the balloon, puncturing it. There is much criticism of how the incident was handled as well as many questions about what the balloon was for.
F-35 Office Eyes More Pilot Simulator Training
US Navy CAPT Robert Betts of the F-35 training management office said the program is looking at reducing live training hours for the fighter jets’ pilots and moving to simulators as a way to cut sustainment costs.
At DoD, a History-Making Confirmation
Retired US Army GEN Lloyd Austin made history Friday by becoming America’s first Black secretary of defense. In his Day One Message to the Force he said he was “proud to be back on your team.”
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.
Arson Suspected in Bonhomme Richard Fire
Arson is suspected as the cause of a July 12 fire that damaged the USS Bonhomme Richard. A US Navy sailor was being questioned. The fire on the amphibious assault ship, docked in San Diego, burned for more than four days.
Self-Flying Cars Available – No Pilot’s License Required
The vehicle is the single-passenger Hexa, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) platform with an open cockpit seat surrounded by a honeycomb of small rotors. Made by LIFT Aircraft, the 18-rotor Hexa is being marketed commercially as a flight experience available to all consumers, no pilot’s license required.
