March 28, 2024

Israel to Purchase 12 CH-53K Helicopters

CH-53K

The Israeli Air Force will purchase 12 Lockheed Martin CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters at the price of $2 billion. Negotiations are said to have taken place over the last several years.

MQ-25 Stingray Arrives for Carrier Trials

Stingray

The US Navy’s new MQ-25 Stingray carrier-based tanker drone demonstrator is now aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier for the first time to begin deck-handling trials.

Atwa, Wanted for Role in 1985 Hijacking That Killed Local Sailor, Dies

Hijacking

Ali Atwa, a senior Hezbollah operative who was on the FBI’s most wanted list for his role in in the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 that led to the death of a US Navy diver Robert D. Stethem of Waldorf, MD.

Navy Challenges: China, Culture, Climate, COVID

China

China, culture, climate, and COVID. These are the four main challenges facing the US Navy, says NavSec Carlos Del Toro in his statement to the fleet.

Audit: 41 Navy Subs Lacked Cybersecurity Inspections

Subs

A Naval Audit Service report finds that many submarines of Naval Submarine Force Pacific did not receive the required cybersecurity inspections in recent years. Inspections of 41 submarines and two tenders were not conducted as required from 2016 to 2018, and the Navy Fleet Cyber Command failed to document the reasons why the inspections didn’t take place.

Navy Undersecretary Geurts to Retire

Geurts

James “Hondo” Geurts, who has been acting as the undersecretary of the Navy since February, announced he will retire from government service later this month.

Navy Implements New Fire Safety Practices

VADM Roy Kitchener said he is encouraged by new fire safety protocols for ships undergoing maintenance in port. He said among the changes the Navy has invested in fire detection systems and added industrial-environment safety training at surface officer school.

Ramping Up US Presence in the Arctic

The US Coast Guard wants to expand its base in Seattle, as it expects to have a bigger role in the coming years as the US ramps up its presence in the Arctic region. Some of the work is already in progress — including building a fleet of at least three heavy icebreakers.

Bill Aims to Avert Government Shutdown

Shutdown

House Democrats introduced legislation Monday that would keep the government running through December 11. Senate Republicans have said they will oppose the spending bill.

DoD Ups Estimates for Contractors’ COVID Relief

COVID Relief

The Pentagon acquisition chief estimates $20 billion is needed to help the defense industry cover COVID-19 costs.