F-35 Full-Rate Production Put on Hold
DoD has put a hold on the full-rate production of the F-35. The Pentagon says technical challenges and the impact of COVID-19 have delayed preparation of the simulation facility where the combat testing will be conducted.
Small Kindness Reaps National Benefit
A Coast Guardsman bought dinner at a diner for a stranger in Greenland. Ends up it’s the prime minister of the country and the Guardsman has been credited with strengthening the US position in the Arctic domain. “It’s just something I do,” explained Kate Kilroy junior Coast Guard member.
Nimitz Returns to Mideast as Tensions Rise
The USS Nimitz is back in the Persian Gulf. The Pentagon cites the drawdown of US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq as the reason. Others believe the killing of an Iranian scientist in Tehran is further raising tensions across the Mideast.
Super Hornets Strike ISIS, First Time in Two Years
Carrier-launched US aircraft conducted an airstrike against Islamic State targets for the first time in more than two years. The coalition strike took out a cave and three shelters used as ISIS hideouts in Iraq’s Wadi al-Shai, a rural area in Kirkuk province.
US Conducts Operations in South China Sea for 2nd Time in 2 Weeks
The US Navy again has two carrier strike groups — USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan — conducting operations in the South China Sea. Rhetoric is heating up in the region, where Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are challenging China’s claim to about 90% of the sea. The Navy notes that the carrier operations are unrelated to current events.
DoD Lifts Travel Restrictions in 39 States, 5 Countries
Thirty-nine states and five host nations meet the conditions to lift travel restrictions, according to the Defense Department, subject to the assessment of conditions at individual military installations within these areas. Maryland is one of the states on the list.
GAO: F-35 Plagued With Problems
A Government Accountability Office report says DoD’s new fleet of F-35 Lightning IIs is experiencing spare parts shortages and other sustainment problems that are hurting the readiness of the fighter jets.
Hagel Pushes BRAC and Benefit Cuts
Mr. Hagel wants a new round of military base closures (BRAC) and to limit troop benefits to give the DoD flexibility in addressing its budget problems.
Hagel Specifies New Offset Strategy
Robotics, autonomous systems, miniaturization, big data, and advanced manufacturing are identified as priority offset strategy technology areas.
Wind Farm Debate Continues
The Somerset County Wind Farm debate continues after a 2-2 vote allows the project to move forward, but not necessarily to a final vote.
