Fed Layoffs Hit the Contractor Workforce
Layoffs and firings across government agencies have spread into the contractor workforce with 13 Virginia and Maryland contractors reporting 2,425 layoffs as DoD receives guidance on reducing its civilian workforce.
Congress Considers Slashing F-35 Orders
A proposed House policy bill would slash the number of F-35s the Pentagon would buy in fiscal 2025 as lawmakers’ patience with the program and Lockheed Martin wears thin.
US Moon Landings Set Back 2 Years
Despite a flawless launch Monday by United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan rocket, the first NASA-financed commercial lunar landing craft suffered a mission-ending fuel leak soon after launch. The malfunction of Astrobotic Technology’s lander, Peregrine, set back NASA’s lunar landing schedule by at least two years.
For NASA, Another Historic Space Launch
NASA’s first full-fledged mission sending a crew into orbit aboard a privately owned spacecraft launched Sunday night for a trip to the International Space Station. And another first: Victor Glover became first Black astronaut to join a crew on the ISS.
Bill Would Create Medal of Honor Monument
A bipartisan bill in the US Senate — the National Medal of Honor Monument Act — would create a monument to honor the more than 3,500 medal recipients who have performed extraordinary valor in combat.
Gilday, New Navy CNO, Takes Command
New Chief of Naval Operations ADM Michael Gilday took over as the highest uniformed office in the sea service last week. He says the Navy “will think differently.”
Can FY19 Budget Staunch R&D Spending Decline?
Congressional and Pentagon leaders are concerned that the steadily declining portion of the military budget spent on research and development is exacerbating the threat that the US is losing its technological edge against its competitors and enemies. The Senate Appropriation Committee looks to boost R&D spending in the FY19 budget.
Navy Re-Establishes 2nd Fleet in Atlantic
The Navy says it will re-establishment the US Second Fleet which will be responsible for naval forces along the East Coast and in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
US Revising Rules on Military Drone Exports
President Trump signed a memorandum late last week that revises rules for export of military drones, including big target and long-range reconnaissance drones such as the Predator and Reaper aircraft.
Only Half of F-35s Available for Flight
Of the 280 operational F-35s purchased by the US and international partners, only 51 percent are currently available for flight, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office.
