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Trump-class battleship program will cost $275 billion, CBO report says
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Navy’s new Trump-class battleship program will cost $275 billion, with the first ship costing $23.4 billion.
US Navy, Saildrone to use unmanned systems in expanded counternarcotics role
The U.S. Navy is extending its use of Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles for an expanded counternarcotics mission.
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US Navy is reclassifying 19 Virginia-class submarines to reflect increased attack capabilities
The U.S. Navy is changing the designation for 19 planned Virginia-class submarines with the Virginia Payload Module, which increases munitions capacity.
US Coast Guard had 14 suicides in 2024, the highest in a decade
The service had 76 suicides among members from 2014 to 2024.
Navy fires commanding officer of USS West Virginia
The U.S. Navy relieved Cmdr. Joseph Sammur due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, the service said.
Navy orders commands to submit monthly facial hair waiver accountability reports
The Navy has instructed commands that issue sailors shaving waivers to produce facial hair accountability reports "by the 15th of each month."
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Pentagon & Congress
US used ‘virtually all’ long-range precision missiles during Iran war, sources say
The U.S. Army has reportedly used up much of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during America's five-month war with Iran.
House Oversight Democrats seek records behind Pentagon changes to Iran war casualty database
Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform are investigating changes made to the Pentagon's public Iran war casualty count.
Trump’s new commission will target quality of life for military spouses
The new President's Military Spouse Commission, chaired by Jennifer Hegseth, is tasked with addressing persistent problems for military spouses.
Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial slated for October unveiling
Thirty-five years after the U.S.-led military coalition wrested Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, a memorial to honor those service members has found its home.
In other news
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.
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Navy Reserve retention bonuses on the rise | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 8.7.26
The Navy ups the ante for recruiting and retaining Reserve sailors, and a service medal is revived by the Pentagon. Plus, a tour of a military museum.
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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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MORE STORIES
Navy orders commands to submit monthly facial hair waiver accountability reports
The Navy has instructed commands that issue sailors shaving waivers to produce facial hair accountability reports "by the 15th of each month."
Navy fires commanding officer of USS West Virginia
The U.S. Navy relieved Cmdr. Joseph Sammur due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, the service said.
By Riley Ceder
Virginia-class submarine USS Minnesota completes first deployment
The Navy’s first forward-deployed Virginia-class submarine USS Minnesota returned to Naval Base Guam on July 29, completing its first deployment.
By Brooke Griswold
Just one in three Americans backs Iran war, most unsure of Trump’s goals, poll finds
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 69% of Americans think President Donald Trump has not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.”
By Bo Erickson and Jason Lange, Reuters
‘Good Samaritans’ beware: Scammers ramp up targeting of troops’ goodwill
The father of a sailor is out to warn others in the military community about a “Good Samaritan” scam that cost his son thousands of dollars.
By Karen Jowers
Senate Democrats press Pentagon over medical care for troops wounded in Kuwait drone strike
House and Senate Democrats requested answers by Aug. 12 to questions concerning medical care, casualty reporting and force protection, among others.
Navy offering up to $150,000 retention bonuses for select aviation billets
The Navy is rolling out retention bonuses between $37,000 and $150,000 for select active-duty aviation billets and mission-critical roles.
See what it’s like to be on a ship getting hit by US missiles
The Navy offered a unique perspective from its latest SINKEX event, placing cameras inside and around the USS Peleliu as it was struck by U.S. missiles.
The arms race for cheaper anti-ballistic weapons is underway
After years of a Patriot monopoly, new anti-ballistic alternatives are emerging. Officials hope to see some of them on the battlefield by the end of 2026.
Navy awards $76.6 billion for Virginia, Columbia-class submarines
The U.S. Navy is spending $76.6 billion to build five Columbia-class and nine Virginia-class submarines.
By Riley Ceder