Italian Carrier Readies for Its 1st F-35B
Italy’s ITS Cavour will receive its first F-35B this month after the aircraft carrier started certification work in the US earlier this year. Final checks are being conducted at Cameri air base. The assembly facility is expected to turn out 90 F-35s for Italy, including 30 F-35Bs. The Cavour began its certification in February 2021 out of Naval Station Norfolk, VA.
DoD Reassessing Mideast Involvement
The Pentagon sets about to review troop levels in Afghanistan and Iraq after the recent reduction of US troops, investigate a Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia and an additional two airfields in the kingdom amid heightened tensions with Iran, and conduct joint, and holding live-fire training exercises for US and the United Arab Emirates forces, in the UAE,
New Faces, New Policies, New Administration
President Joe Biden was expected to quickly sign executive orders on the coronavirus, immigration, and climate following an inauguration completed under unprecedented security. Before inauguration Biden already had new faces in DoD, worried Wall Street, and ask for another DefSec waiver.
2nd DefSec Waiver Faces Struggle
The principle of civilian control of the military is at stake, say an increasing number of Democrats opposed to a waiver that would allow President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for Secretary of Defense to move forward. The US DefSec must be separated seven years from the military. GEN Lloyd Austin retired four years ago. The same waiver was sought by President Trump and received for former DefSec James Mattis.
WBB Chosen Pax Partnership Member of the Year
The Patuxent Partnership has named its 2019 Member of the Year. Whitney, Bradley, Brown Inc. was honored for outstanding leadership, community support, and commitment to the economic growth and development of Southern Maryland.
Raytheon Cuts 19,000 Staff & Contractors
Raytheon Technologies cuts 15,000 staff and 4,000 contractors, mostly in the Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace divisions, due to decreased commercial aerospace sales from the COVID-19 pandemic. The action reflects a 20% cut at both divisions, and include both temporary furloughs and a hiring freeze
Navy Orders Aviation Stand-Down After Crashes
Two crashes in the past week prompted a Naval Aviation stand-down to focus on operational risk management and mitigation. Two military officers died in the crash of a training aircraft in Alabama.
Century-Old Briggs & Stratton Files Bankruptcy
Small engine manufacturer Briggs & Stratton Corp., founded in Milwaukee in 1908, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Briggs was the world’s largest manufacturer of small gasoline engines; it has sold more than 125 million.
TPP Extends Member of Year Nomination Deadline
The Patuxent Partnership is accepting nominations for its 2019 Member of the Year award. To accommodate the recent changes in work scheduling, the nominations are now due May 1, 2020.