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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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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.
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.”
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.
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.
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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.
‘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.
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.
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.
In other news
Average VA disability payments rose nearly 40% in past 14 years, study finds
Average VA disability payments climbed nearly 40% in the past 14 years, a study found, with the authors acknowledging high deployment rates over that span.
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New Navy Reserve bonuses and the Osprey closes a chapter | Headlines
The Navy Reserve looks to source and keep sailors with large incentives, while the Pentagon unveils a new service medal and the Osprey hits a milestone.
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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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Program helps veteran entrepreneurs learn to grow businesses
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and Bunker Labs developed CEOcircle, a mentorship program to help mid-size, military connected companies grow.
By Dave Lubach
Veteran helps others find success after military service
Alex McKindra is the managing director and co-head of Veterans Initiatives for JPMorgan Chase, where he helps veterans find success in the business world.
By Dave Lubach
North Korea’s Kim boasts new ICBM as US flies bombers
U.S. B-1B bombers took part in separate joint exercises Saturday with South Korean and Japanese warplanes in response to a North Korean ICBM launch.
‘Tyranny and turmoil’ in Russian invasion, US defense secretary says
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion the worst crisis in security since the end of the Second World War.
DoD wants to hear from 110K military families with special needs
Watch your email for the first-ever comprehensive DoD survey of special needs families.
By Karen Jowers
Navy hopes new funding model can cut sub maintenance delays by 2026
U.S. attack subs saw a combined 1,100 days of maintenance delays last year. The service thinks it can get near zero with a couple fundamental changes.
Navy fires CO of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 31
Cmdr. Cassidi Reese’s ouster stems from a loss of confidence after an arrest and charges for driving while intoxicated.
By Diana Stancy
Veteran caregiver kids: America wants to hear your story
Hidden Helpers Coalition is shining a light on the experiences of children who are helping care for wounded veterans.
By Karen Jowers
Funding approved for new combat trauma care research center in Texas
The Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative will be located at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
By Zamone Perez