On Friday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison, who had been instrumental in the Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the Pentagon. Harrison, appointed in January, worked alongside Navy Secretary John Phelan to limit the influence of the navy under secretary. Harrison’s firing occurred shortly after Hung Cao was confirmed as navy under secretary, amidst reports of efforts to diminish Cao’s role. This dismissal continues months of personnel changes and policy shifts under Hegseth’s leadership, including cuts to top military personnel and a controversial speech criticizing diversity initiatives.
Read More
Following a U.S. strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug-trafficking boat, which resulted in casualties, Venezuela has flown military aircraft near the USS Jason Dunham in international waters. These flights, described as “highly provocative,” occurred on Thursday and again overnight, with the aircraft operating within weapons range. The Pentagon stated these actions are interfering with counter-narcoterrorism operations, a mission for which the Dunham and other U.S. warships were deployed. In response, the U.S. is sending F-35 fighter jets to the Caribbean to further target drug cartels.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker