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After 286 days at sea, USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand on Wednesday morning after more than 200 days at sea.
Navy not returning to damaged Bahrain base ‘anytime soon,’ top officer says
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle told sailors at a town hall meeting that the service would not be returning to NSA Bahrain "anytime soon."
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US Navy unveils new specs for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Navy has submitted a Request for Information that reveals new specifications for its future carrier-based Combat Collaborative Aircraft.
Toilet paper and human error led to 11-hour USS New Orleans fire, investigation finds
The Navy said the exact cause of a fire aboard the USS New Orleans is unknown but that 100 boxes of toilet paper and crew mistakes made it worse.
USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Thailand lifts hope and sex-tourism risk
The USS Abraham Lincoln will visit Thailand this week. Thai officials are anticipating an economic boost but warning of sexual exploitation risks.
Record-long deployments add new layer to sailors’ reenlistment decisions
“Not knowing what’s happening wears me down,” said a sailor assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln who's reconsidering their reenlistment decision.
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US launches new barrage of strikes on Iran around Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. launched new air strikes on Iranian targets Tuesday following attempted attacks by the IRGC against American troops deployed to the region.
Newly minted Marine officer makes Steelers’ 53-man roster
The seventh-round pick and Pittsburgh native Eli Heidenreich was included in the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster Sunday.
Pentagon still failing to secure health records of top officials, audit finds
The Pentagon is still failing to safeguard the electronic health records of top government officials, the DoD Inspector General found.
Where the Pentagon can’t go, a small nonprofit searches for America’s war dead
One nonprofit is working to help the U.S. military recover its war dead as the Pentagon's budget for that mission shrinks, The War Horse reports.
In other news
Defense startup raises $61 million to put AI into a wrist-worn display
A defense startup has raised $61 million to put AI into a wrist-worn display that connects field operators to real-time data.
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Monument in DC honors 41 million service members | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.1.26
For the nation’s 250th birthday, USAA erected a monument that displays the name of every service member in the military — ever.
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TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
By J.D. Simkins
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
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Ukrainian troops heading to Oklahoma for Patriot missile training
A new U.S.-Ukraine training program will take place stateside.
Republicans name chairmen for Armed Services, Vet Affairs committees
Rep. Mike Rogers will lead the military panel, while Rep. Mike Bost will lead the veterans committee.
Retention of surface warfare officers is improving, SWO boss says
The commander of Naval Surface Forces, Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, said his goal is to reach a 35% or 36% retention rate among SWOs for 2023.
By Diana Stancy
SWO boss: Embarking chaplains to DDGs is aiding sailor mental health
“I think the chaplain initiative was one of the best things we've done."
By Diana Stancy
Navy considers non-LCS option for mine countermeasures in 5th Fleet
The Navy is considering forward-deploying LCSs to Bahrain or relying on expeditionary mine countermeasures companies to conduct some of the mission.
Navy aims for 75 ‘mission-capable’ surface ships amid readiness drive
The Navy will keep close tabs on ship readiness metrics to ensure at least 75 are combat credible on any given day and overall fleet readiness increases.
Woman gets 3 years in bogus fundraiser for homeless Marine veteran
Authorities began investigating after homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt Jr. sued the couple, accusing them of not giving him the money.
Navy seizes thousands of assault rifles shipped from Iran
Naval forces intercepted a boat in the Gulf of Oman smuggling thousands of assault rifles last week.
Marine veteran’s lawyer says US extradition attempt is ‘political’
The Marine veteran has been unfairly singled out because of the current geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and China, his lawyer says.
Celebrities forge bonds on ‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’
Four of the 16 celebrity participants have already been eliminated from 'Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test."
By Sarah Sicard