The Navy has reinstated Rep. Ronny Jackson’s retired rank of rear admiral, reversing a 2022 demotion following an investigation into his behavior while serving as the top White House physician. The demotion stemmed from findings of inappropriate comments, alcohol policy violations, and concerns about his use of prescription medication. The decision to restore Jackson’s rank, confirmed by the Navy Secretary, aligns with a trend of the Pentagon showing preference to those seen as loyal supporters. This decision follows the announcement that Ashli Babbitt will receive military funeral honors while those seen as disloyal are being punished.
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Thousands of sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from Naval Station Norfolk on Friday. The deployment, comprised of over 4,500 personnel and three ships, is heading to the southern Caribbean to support anti-drug trafficking operations, according to defense officials. This deployment is part of a broader repositioning of air and naval forces in the region, with the potential for military action against designated foreign terrorist organizations. This marks the first amphibious ready group deployment with embarked Marines since December.
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A U.S. Navy sailor stationed in San Diego was recently convicted of espionage. According to the DOJ, the defendant provided a Chinese intelligence officer with imagery and technical materials. This exchange, for which the sailor received $12,000, involved classified information, including details about the USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship. The conviction highlights the ongoing threat of foreign espionage within the military.
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Iran claimed it warned the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald to change course while in proximity to Iranian waters, broadcasting the interaction via state media. However, a U.S. defense official stated the interaction was safe, professional, and did not impact the destroyer’s mission. The official confirmed the interaction occurred in international waters, attributing any contrary reports to Iranian misinformation. This incident follows U.S. actions against Iranian nuclear facilities.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy ship named after the prominent gay rights activist, sparking outrage from veterans groups who deem it a deliberate insult to LGBTQ+ service members. The decision, part of a broader effort to align military assets with the administration’s priorities, is reportedly part of a larger review targeting other vessels named after prominent figures in civil rights. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the renaming will ensure alignment with the Commander-in-Chief’s objectives and a focus on the “warrior ethos”. This action follows previous moves by Hegseth to remove books from the Naval Academy and aligns with the administration’s broader approach to DEI initiatives.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy oiler named after a gay rights icon, citing a need to “reestablish the warrior culture.” This decision, announced during Pride month, is considered highly unusual and breaks with Navy tradition. The new name will be announced aboard the USS Constitution, with potential for further renaming of other ships named after prominent civil rights figures. This action has drawn sharp criticism, with Rep. Nancy Pelosi calling it a “shameful, vindictive erasure” of important historical figures.
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Retired four-star Admiral Robert P. Burke was found guilty on four felony counts, including bribery and conspiracy, for leveraging his position to secure millions in contracts for a company that subsequently employed him. The jury’s verdict, reached after four days of deliberation, marks a significant conviction of a high-ranking military officer. Facing up to 30 years in prison, Admiral Burke maintains his innocence. His sentencing is set for August 22nd. The scheme occurred while he commanded naval forces across Europe, Russia, and much of Africa.
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A second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been lost from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, following a similar incident just over a week prior. The pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely after an apparent arresting gear malfunction during landing, sustaining minor injuries. This latest incident follows a Houthi attack on the Truman, although a connection between the two events remains unclear. The repeated loss of aircraft and other incidents involving the Truman highlight the challenging operational environment in the Red Sea.
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During a hard turn to avoid Houthi fire in the Red Sea, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet slipped from its tow and fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman. The incident, resulting in the aircraft sinking, caused minor injury to one sailor while all other personnel are accounted for. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Despite the loss, valued at over $60 million, the Truman Carrier Strike Group maintains full mission capability.
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On Monday, Houthi rebels launched a series of unsuccessful attacks against two U.S. Navy destroyers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait using drones, ballistic missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles. Despite the intensity of the offensive, both ships escaped unharmed. The Houthis have intensified attacks in the Red Sea, citing ongoing conflicts in Israel and Lebanon as justification. These attacks have significantly reduced shipping traffic, creating a bottleneck in global trade and potentially generating illicit income for the rebels through extortion. The U.S. has responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions, including a B-2 bomber deployment to dismantle underground bunkers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker