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Iran state TV says helicopter confronted US destroyer in Gulf of Oman
An Iranian state TV report said Iranian forces dispatched a helicopter to confront a U.S. Navy destroyer identified as the Fitzgerald on Wednesday.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea set to retire
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea will retire from the Navy on Sept. 12, 2025, after nearly four decades of service.
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Navy destroyer at southern border intercepts 3,439 pounds of cocaine
Two suspects were arrested, and the vessel carrying the cocaine was sunk after being deemed too hazardous to others at sea.
Hegseth replaces Naval Academy superintendent
Navy Vice. Adm. Yvette M. Davids, the first female to serve as superintendent of the school, will be reassigned to a different position.
Next-generation destroyers to pack more missiles, energy weapons
The Navy is requesting $133.5 million to research and develop the new destroyer in fiscal 2026, with the goal of procuring the first in the early 2030s.
Senators criticize CFPB for dropping action on troops’ overdraft fees
CFPB ordered Navy Federal in November 2024 to pay $80 million to service members unfairly charged overdraft fees. CFPB terminated that mandate this month.
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Pentagon & Congress
CENTCOM strike kills ISIS leader in Syria amid U.S. troop drawdown
American officials said that Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani posed a threat to U.S. and allied forces.
Defense official disputes Iranian report of encounter with US warship
The destroyer Fitzgerald had a "safe and professional interaction" with an Iranian helicopter while operating in international waters, the official said.
Trump pick to lead VA health care reopens fight over ‘choice’ for vets
John Bartrum, nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Health, said he wants more freedom for veterans to use medical care options outside the department.
State Department OKs $322 million in proposed weapons sales to Ukraine
The potential sales include $150 million for the supply and overhaul of U.S. armored vehicles, and $172 million for surface-to-air missile systems.
In other news
Letters on display from the mastermind of Pearl Harbor attack
Donated by the naval officer’s descendants, the two letters are now on display at the Fukushima Museum in Japan to mark the 80th anniversary of V-J Day.
VIDEOS
Airline pilot explains ‘aggressive maneuver’ to avoid B-52 bomber
A passenger on a recent flight recorded a pilot’s explanation of an ‘aggressive maneuver’ to avoid an Air Force bomber following a near-collision incident.
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Sea-Air-Space 2025 Coverage
Defense News is reporting on the top headlines and news coming out of Navy League’s annual show.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
The evolution of military tattoos, from Sailor Jerry to skull logos
For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite of passage and a record of service for members of the military.
What combat units and Little League teams have in common
Peel back the layers, and you’ll find more in common than you think — especially when it comes to the parents.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
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MORE STORIES
Letters on display from the mastermind of Pearl Harbor attack
Donated by the naval officer’s descendants, the two letters are now on display at the Fukushima Museum in Japan to mark the 80th anniversary of V-J Day.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
Navy destroyer at southern border intercepts 3,439 pounds of cocaine
Two suspects were arrested, and the vessel carrying the cocaine was sunk after being deemed too hazardous to others at sea.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
USS Gerald R. Ford transits Strait of Gibraltar
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed Virginia in June for the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
By Riley Ceder
Over 20 million DOD users to get new online login verification process
The new myAuth system replaces the legacy DS Logon system, which authenticates users onto more than 200 Defense Department and Veterans Affairs websites.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon tightens rules on getting medical waivers to join military
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.
The evolution of military tattoos, from Sailor Jerry to skull logos
For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite of passage and a record of service for members of the military.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Hegseth replaces Naval Academy superintendent
Navy Vice. Adm. Yvette M. Davids, the first female to serve as superintendent of the school, will be reassigned to a different position.
By Riley Ceder
Research offers link between burn pit smoke and serious brain injuries
The findings suggest potential new reasons for mental health challenges of veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while in the ranks.
This ‘Doc’ jumped on a grenade — and lived to tell the tale
Without hesitation, Donald Ballard warned his Marines, then jumped on the grenade.
By Jon Guttman