March 28, 2024

Carter Remembered for Opening Military to Women

Former DEFSEC Ash Carter, who died this week of heart attack at age 68, is remembered for his order to open to women all military jobs, including combat assignments. The decision came after years of study by military leaders and strong opposition from conservative groups.

Pearl Harbor’s Water Still Unsafe

The Navy urged 93,000 residents of Pearl Harbor, HI, to boil water for drinking and cooking as a precaution against bacteria, and also continue to conserve water after a fourth water main break on Monday followed three breaks on Friday of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman system. These same residents faced fuel contamination of their water last year from fuel leaks from JBPHH. The Navy was to begin draining that fuel Monday, but the broken mains prevent that.

MD Offers $1.6M to New Wind Companies

Wind Turbines

Offshore wind projects got a $1.6 million boost from the Maryland Energy Administration to fund additional projects by emerging companies. Grants will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis for qualifying proposals until Jan. 1, 2023, or until all funding has been awarded.

Parris Is. Marine Band Is Emmy Nominee

An original composition performed by the Parris Island Marine Band — inspired by its musical director’s wife and her work as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic — has been nominated for an Emmy. “You Were There” salutes first responders who continued to work at the height of the pandemic, from doctors and nurses to grocery store workers to garbage collectors.

First Woman Nominated to Lead Armed Service

US Coast Guard ADM Linda Fagan will become the first woman to lead a branch of the US armed services if her nomination to lead the US Coast Guard is confirmed. Fagan has been the Coast Guard’s No. 2 since June and was the first woman in the service to be promoted to four stars.

US Troops Readied for Ukraine

Up to 8,500 US troops are on heightened alert for possible NATO deployment in response to a Russian move on Ukraine. The action is short of deployment but assures a rapid response if the need to deploy occurs.

Navy: Jet Fuel Spill Caused Water Contamination

Water

US Navy officials believe contaminated tap water that went to Hawaii military households came from a one-time jet fuel spill in November and was not caused by a leak from aging underground fuel storage tanks above an aquifer.

Leaked Video Shows F35 Dropping Off Carrier Ramp

Video shows the F35B dropping off the front of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and the pilot ejecting from the Nov. 17, 2021 crash in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The aircraft achieved neither lift nor thrust.