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Navy relieves admiral in charge of unmanned systems office
Rear Adm. Kevin Smith was relieved of his duties “due to a loss of confidence” based on a complaint substantiated by a Naval IG investigation.
Starlink, Oura Rings to help monitor sailor fatigue underway
When the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group gets underway this year, 1,600 sailors will embark on the largest volunteer study of crew fatigue to date.
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USS Truman conducted largest airstrike in Navy history, official says
Sixteen aircraft dropped 124,000 pounds of ordnance in less than two minutes during a Feb. 1 airstrike in Somalia, a defense official told Military Times.
World War II bomber crash left 11 dead. Four are finally coming home.
All 11 men aboard the bomber were killed. Their remains, deep below the sea, were designated as non-recoverable. That changed in 2023.
US spent $6 billion in the past 3 years to recruit and retain troops
The multi-year effort has been part of a growing campaign to counter enlistment shortfalls.
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.
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Lockheed eyes better stealth, unmanned option for F-35
After losing the Air Force's next-generation fighter contract to Boeing, Lockheed Martin hopes to fold sixth-generation tech into the F-35.
Trump pardons Army officer who defied COVID prevention rules
Former 1st Lt. Mark Bashaw was convicted of disobeying rules about face masks and virus testing before he was forced out of the service.
Top lawmaker says VA, DOD leaders continue to ignore Hill requests
Sen. Richard Blumenthal said administration officials aren't providing basic information to Congress on looming plans for massive changes.
Advocates push Senate to drop changes in 90/10 rule for vets benefits
A provision in the Republican-backed reconciliation bill would roll back restrictions on what federal funds for-profit colleges can receive.
In other news
Hegseth, Collins promise fixes to post-military transition programs
VA and Pentagon leaders plan to review veteran transition programs to ensure separating troops are getting the support they need.
VIDEOS
Blumenthal: Cut waste, but don’t destroy VA and DOD
Key Democratic senator says that current plans for the military and veterans programs will hurt programs instead of reforming them.
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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.
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
Why troops secretly relate to SpongeBob’s ‘I’m a Goofy Goober’ spiral
For all its absurdity, SpongeBob’s “Goofy Goober” breakdown in “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" has become an unlikely touchstone in military circles.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
How Battle Brick Customs carved out a space for military collectors
The company produces kits based on real military vehicles, ranging from World War II tanks to modern U.S. Army Humvees and Special Forces boats.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
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MORE STORIES
Just hours left for vets to apply for retroactive PACT Act benefits
The original deadline was extended by several days because of technical issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs claims systems.
Opinion
Building a safety net to protect our veterans from suicide
Suicide prevention requires a focus on more than just mental health.
By Margaret Harrell
Elon Musk-Mark Zuckerberg fight confirmed, proceeds to go to veterans
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter (X) owner Elon Musk have formally agreed to a mixed martial arts fight in the ancient city of Rome.
By J.D. Simkins
Fair winds and following seas, USS Mobile Bay
The almost 37-year-old guided-missile cruiser was decommissioned Thursday.
Navy’s newest destroyer, Carl M. Levin, arrives at its first homeport
The Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided-missile destroyer (DDG 120) was commissioned in June.
5 places the military should look for new recruits
Pulling from high schools and cornering unsuspecting mall workers isn’t cutting it.
By Sarah Sicard
Opinion
What senior officers can learn from junior officers’ ‘fanatical care’
Effective junior officers know when to make an exception and apply a specific solution.
By Lt. Cmdr. Josh Portzer and Lt. Cmdr. Joelle C. Portzer
Man killed by FBI after alleged Biden threats was Air Force veteran
The man federal agents shot and killed in his home in Provo, Utah Wednesday morning was a former airman who threatened to assassinate President Joe Biden.
Alleged Air Force leaker shared intel with foreign nationals, FBI says
The three servers Teixeira allegedly leaked documents in contained more than 150 members.
By Zamone Perez
Naval aviation commanders could receive up to $105,000 in bonus
The deal is $5,000 more than what active commanding officers were offered the past three fiscal years under the Aviation Command Retention Bonus.
By Diana Stancy