Turkey to US: Reverse Decision on F-35
Turkey has asked the US to reverse its decision to exclude that country from F-35 fighter jet program.
F-35 Will Miss Readiness Mark
Presumptive DefSec Mark Esper says the F-35 won’t hit 80 percent readiness this year, held back by a cockpit part that improves stealth performance.
Longer Military Obligations Considered for Academies
Senators are looking to extend the eight-year service obligation for graduates of US service academies, noting a 20 percent cost hike per graduate since the obligations were last adjusted in 1996.
Lt. Gen. Fick Takes Lead of F-35 Program
Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick assumed the watch from VADM Mat Winter as the program executive officer for the F-35 program in a ceremony last week in Washington, DC.
Event Will Recreate Launch of Apollo 11
A celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 will include the projection of a full-sized, 363-foot Saturn V rocket onto the Washington Monument for three nights this week.
China Lake at Epicenter of Quakes
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake was identified as the epicenter of the two major July 4 and 5 earthquakes and many more smaller quakes. The base remains “not mission capable” and closed to all but essential personnel. Water and power had been restored to most of the base by Tuesday.
Another Race to Avoid Government Shutdown
Congress returns to another budget stalemate, needing a deal to ease statutory spending caps and avoid an Oct. 1 government shutdown, with only three weeks until the August recess.
ADM Set to Be Navy’s Top Officer Retires
Just days before he was to become the US Navy’s top officer, ADM Bill Moran says he will retire, reportedly due to a professional relationship he kept with a former Navy official accused of sexual misconduct.
Tight Deadline to Get Esper Confirmed
The White House needs to work fast to install a permanent Pentagon chief. Acting DefSec Mark Esper, the president’s pick for the top defense post, is not permitted to serve in his current role beyond July 30.
Tanks, Jets & Trump Headline July 4th Celebration
President Donald Trump touts “brand new” World War II-era tank display at the Washington, DC, Fourth of July celebration, the Blue Angels, and his chance to “say a few words.”
