March 28, 2024

More Tax Relief for MD Military Retirees?

Tax Relief

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore testified last week in support of a bill that would give the state’s military retirees a larger tax break. The tax exemption set would save Maryland veterans an estimated $30 million annually beginning in tax year 2024, according to the governor’s office.

Clutch Issues Ground Some V-22 Ospreys

V-22 Ospreys

A US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey approaches the flight deck of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams on January 6, 2023. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Conner D. Blake/Released) Morning Coffee is a robust blend of links to news around the internet concerning the Naval Air Station Patuxent River economic community. The opinions expressed here do not reflect opinions of the Leader’s owners or staff. The US Naval Air Systems Command grounded a subset of V-22 Osprey aircraft last week due to hard clutch engagement issues with the tilt-rotor aircraft, reports…

Chinese Balloon: Spying or Blown Off Course?

Chinese Balloon

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.

US Military Weapons Sales on the Uptick

Military Arms Sales

US military weapons sales to other countries saw a major increase in 2022, up nearly $51.9 billion.

US Tech Job Cuts Continuing Into 2023

Tech Jobs

Job cuts in the US tech sector seen last year are spilling into 2023, with companies such as Google and Microsoft announcing recently the elimination of thousands of positions. Looking for a new job? The US Office of Personnel Management is expanding efforts to attract tech talent to the federal workforce amid continuing layoffs at US companies.

DoD Rescinds COVID Vaccine Mandate

The Pentagon has dropped the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for troops.

Latest US Aid Package to Ukraine Is Largest Yet

Aid Package

The latest package of military aid from the US is the biggest to date for Ukraine. The Defense Department will be delivering Bradleys and other infantry fighting vehicles armed with anti-tank missiles as part of a $3.75 billion assistance package.

RIMPAC Tests 3D Technology at Sea

3D

The US Navy has installed a liquid-metal 3D printer on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship Essex to help test the new printing technology at sea.

At NAS Pax, Take the Pedal Off the Metal

NAS Patuxent River has lowered speed limits on base in an attempt to improve driver, pedestrian, and cyclist safety. In most areas where a change has occurred, the speed limit has been lowered to 25 mph.

Lawmakers Ask for Halt on Nice Bridge Demolition

Nice Bridge

Three Maryland lawmakers are urging the state Department of Transportation to pause plans to demolish the existing Gov. Harry Nice Memorial Bridge. They want a review conducted to determine the feasibility and cost of repurposing the old bridge for recreational use.