Top stories
Sailor charged in fentanyl overdose death aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
A sailor is accused of knowingly distributing Percocet pills tainted with fentanyl to fellow sailors, according to a federal complaint.
Navy shipbuilding plan would cost $1 trillion over the next 30 years
The Navy's plan for its future fleet would require $1 trillion and a drastic increase in productivity at the nation's shipyards.
Latest
Military’s Tricare transition to TriWest a ‘fiasco,’ some say
Some beneficiaries in the West Region are complaining of website glitches and overloaded call centers.
Navy to clear records for some sailors who refused COVID-19 vaccine
The settlement comes as the result of a class-action lawsuit brought by sailors who denied the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious reasons.
Hegseth promises to reinstate, repay troops who refused COVID vaccine
About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Hegseth’s track record falls short of military standards: Dem senators
In this op-ed, Sens. Kelly and Duckworth argue Pete Hegseth falls short of the standards expected of those he would oversee as defense secretary.
Confirmation hearing for Trump’s VA Sec pick delayed over FBI check
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
Opinion
Chairman Bost: America’s veterans have earned Doug Collins
In this op-ed, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) discusses how the character and servant leadership of the VA secretary nominee is exactly what veterans need.
New Senate Vet Affairs chair plans focus on care access, mental health
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time.
In other news
Blitz of confirmation hearings includes VA, DOD secretary picks
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 13, 2025.
VIDEOS
Can the Pentagon’s China stance last under Trump? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 1.11.25
During the Biden administration, the Pentagon shifted the way it views - and opposes - China and its influence. Will that posture change under President Trump?
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Explore Coverage: Surface Navy
The top stories and headlines coming out of the Surface Navy 2025
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
Your 2024 Military Times Pay and Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024.
What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times' 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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MORE STORIES
Navy vet cleared of Jan. 6 conspiracy charges sentenced to time served
A retired Navy intelligence officer has avoided additional prison time after he was cleared of the most serious charges in his U.S. Capitol attack trial.
Trump picks Senate candidate Sam Brown to head VA memorial affairs
The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role.
Soldiers 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches, study finds
Nearly one-fourth of Fort Liberty soldiers surveyed in new research study reported using nicotine pouches.
By Todd South
New Tricare contracts bring health care changes
Beneficiaries can expect easier transfer of medical referrals when they move, among other things, with the new Tricare contracts.
By Karen Jowers
Biden administration temporarily blocks 9/11 plea deal
It's the latest development in the U.S. military's struggle to bring to justice the man charged with planning the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
By Karen Jowers
Senate hearing could decide whether Hegseth becomes defense secretary
The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Trump's defense secretary pick next Tuesday.
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
By Karen Jowers
Vets won’t see disruptions in VA services amid White House changes
VA leaders have pledged to keep services operating normally, even as several senior staffers depart office.
US troops need to stay in Syria to counter ISIS, Pentagon chief says
U.S forces are still needed in Syria to prevent ISIS from reconstituting as a major threat following Assad's ouster, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
By Tara Copp, AP