How Much Is War with Iran Costing the US?
When pressed last week, White House budget director Russell Vought declined to tell members of the Senate Budget Committee how much the war with Iran has cost American taxpayers so far. The cost changes from day to day, he said.
Iran Claims 1st to Strike F-35
Iran proclaimed itself the first nation in the world to strike an US F-35 Lightning II and also that its military has downed more than 125 US-Israeli drones by Iran’s defense systems.
Navy Mulls New Commander for Robotic Forces
Chief of Naval Operations ADM Daryl Caudle says the Navy is considering establishing a robotic autonomous systems commander to oversee the service’s unmanned capabilities.
Vets’ Jobless Rate Worsens
Unemployment rates jumped for all veterans in January, up to 4.5% from 3.8% in December. Vets in the post-9/11 generation saw unemployment rise from 5.1% to 5.8%. Military Times. The monthly report jobless rates for veterans exceeding the general population for the second time since January 2025.
Marine Corps Passes DoD Audit for 3rd Year in a Row
For the third year in a row, the US Marine Corps has passed its fiscal 2025 financial audit.
Pax to Monitor Sonic Booms
Pax River will be installing a sonic boom noise monitoring system for test flights over Chesapeake Bay for experts to study supersonic flight tests and reduce their noise impacts in the restricted airspace over the watershed.
Experimental Supersonic Jet Completes 1st Test Flight
Lockheed Martin and NASA successfully completed the first flight of the X-59, a quiet supersonic aircraft designed to pave the way for faster commercial air travel.
Top US Military Officers Ordered to Pentagon Summit
The US military’s top officers have been called to Quantico tomorrow, Sept. 30. DefSec Pete Hegseth’s directive did not offer a reason for the gathering of hundreds of generals and admirals from all across the globe. The move has created some confusion and alarm. Some top generals are bracing for possible firings or demotions. Although the White House has been downplaying the event, the president announced on Sunday he would be speaking at it.
Pentagon Unveils $961.6B Defense Budget
The Defense Department released its fiscal 2026 budget, making official a $961.6 billion request. The breakdown among the services: $197.4B for the Army, $292.2B for the Navy, $301.1B for the Air Force and Space Force, and $170.9B for defense-wide activities.
Pax MWR Takes Shipboard Tour in Norfolk
Civilian staff of the NAS Patuxent River’s Fleet and Family Readiness department toured USS Gerald R. Ford in Norfolk, VA, to better understand the experiences and challenges of the sea services personnel they support.
