Moran Chosen as Next Chief of Naval Operations
ADM William Francis “Bill” Moran has been nominated to replace ADM John Richardson as the Navy’s chief of naval operations. He is a Cold War aviator who helped reinvent the sea service as its top personnel officer.
Enduring American Naval Power: US Imperative
Under Secretary of the Navy Modly argues that today’s liberties and prosperity remain dependent upon free and navigable seas across the globe and that US naval power is essential to maintaining the safety and accessibility of ocean routes.
Maryland Among Top States Affected by Shutdown
Maryland ranks among the top states most affected by the partial federal government shutdown. The District of Columbia ranked the top most affected state (No. 1), followed by New Mexico (No. 2), and Maryland (No. 3).
F-35 Squadron Passes Safe-for-Flight Test
A Navy F-35C Lighting II squadron netted a safe-for-flight operations certification, hitting another milestone on the way to initial operational capability. Pentagon officials say that could come as soon as late February.
NASA InSight Set for Mars Landing Monday
NASA’s InSight lander is set to complete its six-month journey to Mars at 3 pm today, Nov. 26. Watch the landing live starting at about 2 pm.
F-35s, F-16s Boost Foreign Military Sales
The US is expected to deliver $61.4 billion in foreign military sales by the end of the fiscal year, compared to $41.9 billion last year. Some of the big ticket pending sales include 34 F-35s to Belgium for $6.5 billion, 14 F-16s to Slovakia at a cost of $2.9 billion, and six C-130 aircraft to Germany at a cost of $1.4 billion.
First DoD-Wide Audit Announced
The Pentagon’s office of the inspector general announced the start of the first agencywide financial audit. Beginning in 2018, audits will occur annually.
Scrambling to Avoid Gov’t Shutdown
Congress is scrambling to avoid a government shutdown. Republicans push for a short-term funding measure.
Mattis Says 16-Year-Old War Authorization Sufficient
Despite bipartisan unease with the 2001-2002 war authorization allowing the military to continue to fight the Islamic State forces, there is no congressional agreement on a path forward to address an update.
Hoyer Signs Letter Against Transgender Ban
More than 140 members of Congress have penned a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider his discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the armed forces.
