Army Surgery Resident Develops Groundbreaking Life Support System, Named to Forbes '30 Under 30 Healthcare 2026' List

Dec. 31, 2025 | By Hugh Fleming, Tripler Army Medical Center |

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, few stories resonate with the promise of innovation and dedication quite like that of Army Capt. Bradley Pierce.  

Pierce is a general surgery resident at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu who was recently recognized on the Forbes "30 Under 30 Healthcare 2026" list for his groundbreaking development of a life support system to enhance patient survival rates following traumatic abdominal hemorrhage. This pioneering system holds significant potential for application in emergency rooms and rural treatment facilities, demonstrating how military medicine can lead the way in health care innovation. 

A Journey Rooted in Service and Science  

His upbringing profoundly influenced Pierce's journey into health care. Growing up with an Army physician father and a scientist mother, he was immersed in the world of medicine and science from an early age. 

"Health care always felt familiar," Pierce said. 

His father's career showcased the human side of medicine, emphasizing its mission-driven nature, while his mother's scientific background instilled in him a passion for analytical thinking and problem-solving. This unique blend of experiences naturally steered Pierce toward military medicine, a field that combines clinical care with service in challenging environments. 

A pivotal moment that solidified his path occurred during high school when he shadowed physicians and surgeons. Witnessing the intricate balance of technical skill and calm decision-making in high-stakes situations illuminated the profound impact of medicine. 

"Those experiences clarified that I wanted a career where I could think critically, work with my hands and directly improve outcomes for people in vulnerable moments," Pierce explained. 

Mentorship and Inspiration  

Throughout his career, Pierce has been fortunate to have mentors who have guided him. One of his most significant role models is Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a pioneering figure in medical innovation known for inventing the Fogarty balloon catheter. Pierce admires Fogarty's courage to innovate, despite skepticism, and his ability to transform concepts into practical solutions that enhance patient care. 

"Learning from him has been inspirational on how to persevere through uncertainty," Pierce said.

Achievements and Future Aspirations  

Among Pierce's proudest accomplishments is the completion of initial preclinical testing for a novel heart-lung-kidney life support system designed to treat internal bleeding, a project now submitted for patent protection. 

"This milestone reflects over a decade of deliberate preparation," said Pierce, crediting the support of his colleagues and the Department of Clinical Investigations at Tripler for their collaborative efforts that led to this breakthrough. 

Pierce measures the impact of his work by its potential to improve patient outcomes, particularly in high-stakes situations where timely intervention is critical. He emphasizes that success is not solely determined by traditional metrics, but by the meaningful differences made in patients' lives. 

"The ultimate measure of success is lives improved or saved once they reach patients," Pierce said. 

The Army upholds a robust regulatory framework that ensures exceptional standards of operations and accountability, exceeding those generally established in civilian sectors, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for patient privacy and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for workplace safety. Furthermore, the Army adheres to War Department guidelines and Army-specific regulations that emphasize readiness and preventive medicine. 

The Future of Health Care: Challenges and Innovations  

As Pierce looks to the future, he identifies pressing challenges in health care, including the growing mismatch between demand and capacity. 

"Patient populations are increasing in size and complexity, while health care systems are being asked to do more with fewer resources," Pierce said. 

Addressing these challenges will require innovative solutions that enhance care delivery without adding complexity. 

Pierce believes that technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care. He envisions a landscape where thoughtfully designed technologies can extend clinicians' capabilities, automate routine tasks and facilitate complex care outside traditional hospital settings. 

"The future will be defined by how well we integrate digital intelligence with practical, deployable medical devices that can act when patients need care the most," Pierce said. 

Advice for Aspiring Health Care Leaders  

Pierce advises aspiring young professionals who want to make a difference in health care to seek out strong mentors and focus on areas in need of improvement. He underscores the importance of staying close to clinical realities and challenging assumptions. 

"Progress in health care is often incremental, but sustained curiosity, humility and persistence can lead to changes that truly improve how care is delivered," he said. 

As he continues his surgical residency and works on advancing his current projects, Pierce remains committed to building solutions that address real clinical needs. 

"My primary goal is to complete surgical residency and ensure that each project remains grounded in practical, scalable and clinically relevant solutions," he said. 

A Legacy of Innovation and Teamwork  

Pierce's journey exemplifies the intersection of military service and health care innovation. His commitment to improving patient outcomes through technology, alongside a deep appreciation for mentorship and collaboration, positions him as a leader in the field.  

As he envisions his work evolving over the next five years, Pierce is determined to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and real-world impact, ensuring that the future of health care is not only innovative but also accessible and effective for all patients. 

Vietnam-Era 'Donut Dolly' Continues Service With Red Cross in Poland

Dec. 30, 2025 | By Sarah Williams, U.S. Army Garrison Poland |

Dorner Carmichael grew up in rural Georgia with a curiosity about the world beyond her hometown. As the Vietnam War escalated and the draft loomed over her male classmates, she graduated from college determined to see more of the world and take part in the events shaping her generation. 

Carmichael learned about the Red Cross "Donut Dollies" while volunteering in college, teaching first aid with her local chapter. Drawn by a mix of adventure, curiosity and a desire to participate in history rather than watch it from a distance, she volunteered for service in Vietnam despite opposition from her mother and skepticism from friends. 

The term "Donut Dolly" originated during World War II as an affectionate nickname for Red Cross women who staffed club mobiles. Those vehicles were outfitted with coffee and donut machines and phonographs to bring comfort and a sense of home to service members in Europe, North Africa, India and the Pacific.  

Although the nickname carried into Vietnam, the mission evolved. Carmichael notes that during her tour, she never actually saw a donut.  

Assigned forward, Carmichael lived close to combat operations. At first light, she and other Donut Dollies boarded Huey helicopters carrying hot breakfasts to remote firebases. After serving the meals, they moved between artillery, mortar and infantry positions, running fast-paced recreation programs designed to give soldiers a break from the stresses of war. 

Programs ranged from game-show-style contests focused on baseball, football and basketball to paper airplane competitions and improvised challenges meant to spark laughter and engagement. One program ended with a mechanical challenge that required a member of each team to assemble a carburetor she had checked out from the motor pool. 

There was always a quiet mechanic in the back; the others called forward. One such soldier later greeted Carmichael on different bases for months, each time asking if she remembered him. She did. 

By midday, Carmichael and her partner often boarded another helicopter to reach a different base or shifted to jeep runs, adjusting plans as the tactical situation changed within the area of operations. 

Some of Carmichael's most vivid memories are not of combat, but of faces. She recalls arriving with another Donut Dolly, Pam, on a firebase shortly after a soldier had been killed in a firefight. The men stood in small clusters, silent and withdrawn. 

Pam approached one group, introduced herself and asked if anyone was from Georgia. When no one responded, she continued talking until a soldier quietly said he was from Kansas. Pam seized the moment, talking about cornfields and "The Wizard of Oz." Slowly, others joined in, naming their home states. 

Within minutes, the men began looking up, sharing photos of dogs, homes and plans for life after the war. In that moment, Carmichael saw how simple human connections could restore a sense of normalcy. 

Carmichael served as the war wound down, a period marked by declining morale, widespread drug use and increased tension after college deferments ended in 1971. Many of the soldiers she remembers were barely out of their teens. 

Those experiences shaped her understanding of service, sacrifice and community, concepts she says she could not fully grasp before Vietnam. 

Decades later, at a Red Cross convention, a filmmaker asked Carmichael to participate in a documentary about the 627 women who served as Donut Dollies in Vietnam. After years of limited public attention, she agreed. 

Revisiting those memories on camera was difficult, forcing her to confront experiences she had long buried. She believes those stories matter precisely because they are rarely told. 

Today, Carmichael continues to serve with the Red Cross in Powidz, Poland. Her work includes delivering emergency messages between service members and their families, supporting resiliency efforts and helping create spaces for rest, education and connection. 

While she notes that nothing compares to life in a combat zone, the underlying mission remains the same. Showing up when people need support. 

Carmichael hopes younger generations remember the Donut Dollies as part of a broader history of women's service, including both those who traveled to war zones and those who served quietly at home caring for families. She believes many of those contributions have gone unrecognized. 

She encourages service members stationed in Powidz to view their tour as a fixed window of opportunity, offering experiences and perspectives they may not encounter elsewhere. 

To Carmichael, service is not limited to uniforms or deployments. A meaningful life, she believes, is grounded in compassion and service to others. Even small acts of kindness matter, whether it is a conversation in a grocery store, checking in on a neighbor or offering quiet support. 

"You don't have to travel far to serve," she said. "You just have to start." 

Tinker Firefighters Train for Speed, Precision, Real-World Operations

Dec. 29, 2025 | By Courtney Landsberger, 72nd Air Base Wing |

Firefighters at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, recently completed an intensive training course focused on rapid intervention, advanced search techniques and fire ground survival skills tailored to the unique mission environment at one of the Air Force's largest installations.

 The training centered on a 10-day orientation course designed specifically for new military and civilian firefighters, including recent graduates from the fire academy assigned to the 137th Air Refueling Wing at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma. The course serves as a critical bridge between initial certification and real-world operations at Tinker Air Force Base, which presents unique challenges. 
 
With massive warehouses, aircraft hangars and thousands of confined spaces, firefighters at Tinker Air Force Base must be prepared to operate in low-visibility, high-risk environments where speed and precision can mean the difference between life and death. 

 
During the course, firefighters trained using blackout masks to simulate zero-visibility conditions while learning how to search large buildings effectively and quickly. Scenarios emphasized communication, accountability and rapid decision-making while operating under physical and mental stress. 
 
A key component of the training was the Rapid Intervention Team operations that prepare firefighters to locate those trapped inside a burning structure. These drills involved long, physically demanding simulations that tested endurance, teamwork and problem-solving skills. They also completed flashover fire training, a critical evolution that allows airmen to recognize warning signs of rapidly changing fire behavior. 

 
The course incorporated aircraft and wing simulations to practice maneuvering around airframes, navigating tight spaces and executing rescues in scenarios unique to an installation supporting aircraft maintenance, depot operations and flightline activity. 

 
More than 27,000 military and civilian personnel at the installation are protected by Tinker Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services. The group also assists civilian emergency services when needed. Through the training, the fire department achieved a first in the Air Force by earning the International Organization for Standardization's Class 1 distinction.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Pfc. David Nash

Dec. 29, 2025 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Army Pfc. David Paul Nash had only been in the military for about eight months when he gave his life in Vietnam so his fellow soldiers could live. Nash's devotion to the mission and his comrades led him to receive a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Nash, who was known throughout his life as Paulie, was born Nov. 3, 1947, in Whitesville, Kentucky, to Ishmael and Stella Nash. He had six brothers and a sister, served as a Catholic altar boy and attended St. Mary's High School in his hometown.

Nash loved to fish and hunt and, as the second oldest sibling, wasn't afraid of hard work to help support his family. During his teens, he worked at a filling station and raised a tobacco crop with one of his older brothers, his mother told the Owensboro, Kentucky, newspaper the Messenger-Inquirer in 2001. Two of his younger brothers said they liked to help him work on his 1957 Chevy up until the time he was drafted in May 1968.

After basic training, Nash was assigned as a grenadier to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. By that October, he found himself in Vietnam.

According to a 1999 Messenger-Inquirer article, just days before his Medal of Honor actions, Nash took a photo of his bunker's Christmas tree, wrote a letter to his family and dropped it in the mail. It was a letter to which they would never be able to reply.

On Dec. 29, 1968, Nash's company was on an ambush patrol in the Mekong Delta, a swampy area with flooded fields and dikes, when they were suddenly attacked by the Viet Cong. Nash was the first to return enemy fire. Despite being exposed, he managed to suppress the bombardment with a quick series of rounds from his grenade launcher, which enabled U.S. artillery fire to be adjusted onto the enemy.

After the combatants fled, a small element of Nash's company continued to the ambush site, where he and three fellow soldiers set up an overnight position along a narrow dike. Other squads of men set up in similar positions nearby.

Shortly after midnight, as Nash and a comrade kept watch while the two other soldiers slept, an enemy grenade went off in an adjacent position, wounding two soldiers. Seconds later, Nash saw another grenade land feet from his position.

Nash could have rolled down the other side of the dike to escape the explosion, but he didn't. Instead, he shouted a warning to his fellow soldiers and threw himself on top of the grenade. His body absorbed the explosion, saving the lives of the three men with him.

Few were surprised by his actions. According to congressional testimony, a friend later said of Nash, "He was always quiet, but he made you feel good about yourself. He was the kind of guy you wanted next to you when you went on patrol. You trusted him. You knew he would do the right thing and cover you. When I heard what happened, I wasn't surprised. He was that kind of guy."

For making the ultimate sacrifice, Nash's family received the Medal of Honor on his behalf from President Richard M. Nixon, April 7, 1970, during a White House ceremony. The families of 20 other fallen Vietnam soldiers received the same high honor that day.

Nash is buried at St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery in his hometown.

His memory has not been forgotten. In the 1990s, Whitesville erected a memorial in his honor in its city park. In 2004, a section of highway in Daviess County, Kentucky, was unveiled as "Pfc. David Paulie Nash Memorial Highway" to memorialize him. Several veterans who served with Nash attended the ceremony. 

The Battleship That Refused to Retire: USS New Jersey and America’s Long Naval Memory

On December 28, 1982, the USS New Jersey (BB-62) was recommissioned, marking a remarkable new chapter in the life of one of the most storied warships in United States naval history. Already a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the battleship’s return to active service reflected both the enduring value of naval firepower and the shifting strategic priorities of the Cold War.

Commissioned in 1943, USS New Jersey was the fastest of the Iowa-class battleships and quickly proved her worth in the Pacific Theater during World War II. She served as a flagship for Admiral William “Bull” Halsey and provided heavy naval gunfire support during key operations, while also escorting aircraft carriers that projected American air power across the Pacific. By war’s end, New Jersey symbolized industrial strength, naval dominance, and the ability to bring overwhelming force to distant shores.

The ship was decommissioned after World War II but returned to service during the Korean War in 1950. There, her massive 16-inch guns delivered sustained bombardment along the Korean coastline, demonstrating that battleships still held tactical value even in an era increasingly dominated by air power. After Korea, she was again laid up, seemingly a relic of an earlier age.

Yet history was not finished with USS New Jersey. She was recommissioned once more in 1968 for service in the Vietnam War, where her guns provided long-range fire support unmatched by other surface combatants. Her presence underscored a recurring theme in U.S. naval history: when the nation required reliable, decisive firepower, the old battleship could still answer the call.

By the early 1980s, the Cold War had entered a renewed period of tension. The Reagan administration pursued a 600-ship Navy to counter Soviet maritime expansion, and this strategy revived interest in the Iowa-class battleships. On December 28, 1982, USS New Jersey was recommissioned for the final time, modernized with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and Tomahawk cruise missiles. This transformation blended World War II-era armor and guns with late-20th-century precision strike capabilities, turning the ship into a symbol of technological continuity and adaptation.

New Jersey’s final deployment in the 1980s included operations off the coast of Lebanon, where she provided naval gunfire support during a volatile and politically sensitive conflict. Her presence was both a military asset and a strategic signal, reminding adversaries that the United States could project power from the sea with overwhelming force.

The recommissioning of USS New Jersey in 1982 highlighted more than nostalgia for battleships. It reflected an evolving understanding of deterrence, flexibility, and modernization. The ship’s repeated returns to service demonstrated how military assets, when thoughtfully adapted, can remain relevant across radically different eras of warfare.

Today, USS New Jersey rests as a museum ship, preserved not merely as steel and machinery but as a living chronicle of American naval history. Her recommissioning on December 28 stands as a reminder that military power is shaped as much by strategic necessity as by tradition, and that some symbols of strength endure long after their original era has passed.

Home at Last: Honoring the Return of a Flying Tiger

Dec. 23, 2025 | By Air Force Senior Airman Savannah Carpenter, 23rd Wing |

For years, there was only a name and a legacy his family never let fade. On the afternoon of Dec. 14, family members and uniformed service members moved toward a granite headstone at a cemetery in Greenville, South Carolina, that had stood for more than eight decades without the man it was meant to honor. 

On this day, that changed. The memorial finally met its purpose. 

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Morton Sher was killed in action Aug. 20, 1943, when he crashed the P-40 Warhawk fighter-bomber aircraft he was piloting during a combat mission over Hunan, China, during World War II. Sher's remains were finally accounted for this summer. What had once been an empty marker became a place of return, bringing closure to his family and community. A name once lost to history is spoken aloud again. He is accounted for, remembered and finally home. 

Sher, a Greenville native, was a 22-year-old fighter pilot in the Army Air Forces. He was assigned to the 76th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 14th Air Force, the unit that carried on the legacy of the famed Flying Tigers. Sher flew combat missions during World War II as part of the Allied air effort in China, and like many of his generation, he entered the war at a young age, trained for a dangerous role and left behind a life and a future still just beginning. 

Sher's time in China wasn't only about the mission that would end his life, but it was also marked by moments that revealed both the dangers he faced and the connections he made along the way. Flying a P‑40 Warhawk, he escorted bombers and flew hazardous combat missions in the China‑Burma theater.  

During an October 1942 mission, engine damage forced him down in a Chinese village, where villagers welcomed him with food and celebration. The villagers, grateful for U.S. protection from Japanese forces, celebrated Sher as a hero with a feast. He entertained 15,000 with songs and a story, received a silk banner for his missions and was warmly escorted through nearby mountain villages back to his base.  

Sher later recounted the experience in an Army newsletter that the Associated Press picked up: "I sang a few American songs for them, and they were highly pleased," he said. "The banquet turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the trip." 

Through his letters and interviews, Sher consistently conveyed that he was where he was meant to be, fully committed to his duty and the people he served alongside. That sense of purpose and vitality has left a lasting impression on his family. 

"We never knew Morton, but he was larger than life in the stories our family told us, his photos and his writings," said Bruce Fine, Sher's nephew. "He was certainly a man who filled his pages of life with meaning, and he lived every day to its fullest. In fact, the day before he died, on Aug. 19, 1943, he wrote a letter home telling his parents, 'I let another pilot take that instructing job, for I find things too exciting here to leave right now,' and the very next day, he was gone." 

His dedication wasn't just in words, but it was also evident in the choices he made every day in the air. 

"Lt. Sher was shot down on Oct. 25, 1942, and returned to the 76th Fighter Squadron to fly, fight and win another day," said Mark Godwin, 23rd Wing historian. "He had an opportunity to return home and become an instructor pilot but chose to stay and continue the fight. He personified the last two core values: service before self and excellence in all we do." 

In the summer of 1943, Sher's service placed him directly in combat. He was killed during a mission near Hengyang City, China, when his aircraft crashed and burned in a rice paddy in Xin Bai Village.  

The local villagers honored his bravery by placing a memorial stone at the crash site. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in September 1943, presented to his mother, Celia, at the family home in Greenville. Despite a postwar U.S. search and recovery effort, a board of review concluded on Sept. 8, 1947, that his remains had been destroyed in the crash and officially classified him as killed in action and unrecoverable. 

Even in that brief time, Sher left a lasting impact. 

"Sher spent just over a year in China during World War II," Godwin said. "He racked up three aerial victories before his untimely death. ... He gave his life to protect his fellow Flying Tigers. He should forever be remembered for his courage and sacrifice." 

Decades later, that same courage and sacrifice inspired a renewed effort to bring him home. In 2012, a private citizen contacted the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency with a photo of his memorial site in China. The agency visited the site in 2019 but found no remains. A more extensive search in 2024 recovered the plane wreckage and Sher's remains, which were positively identified through DNA testing using his nephew's samples after the remains were returned to a lab in Hawaii. 

After more than eight decades, Sher finally returned home to his family. The successful return of Sher's remains reflected a shared commitment that transcended borders, with the Chinese government, local civilians, DPAA personnel and his family working together to bring him home. 

"This was through team effort," said Air Force Col. Brett Waring, 476th Fighter Group commander. "The teams that continue to scour the earth for our missing and KIA are beyond impressive. They're part of that American commitment to individuals that endures across generations." 

Waring said even though the security landscape has evolved and the War Department must meet pacing challenges, moments like these when people work together for a common purpose should be treasured. 

"We understand that Morton fought for the Chinese people in that war and theater, and when he was shot down, the local populace protected him when he survived the first [crash], and then prevented the enemy from taking his aircraft and body when he was killed in action," he said. "That speaks to the humanity that connects us all, even when other circumstances point towards adversarial actions." 

This is a personal connection that transcends politics and nationalities, Waring continued.  

"It's a respect that allows us to understand that, should we ever be the ones at the focus of such a search, there are incredible teams that work tirelessly to ensure that we all come home," he said. "That commitment and purpose remain foundational to every crew member associated with the combat search and rescue mission as well." 

Sher was welcomed home by his family and community during a memorial that reflected the significance of his sacrifice. From remarks delivered by his nephew to the precision of the honor guard and a flyover conducted by the 476th Fighter Group, each moment underscored a long-awaited homecoming.  

What began as a name etched into stone more than 80 years ago became, at last, a place of remembrance, closure and honor for a pilot who gave his life in service to his country and was never forgotten. 

Sher's homecoming not only honored his sacrifice but also connected past and present generations of service members. 

"The legacy that we're honored to carry on today was started by that generation of warriors who left home to fight for another country in a cause that they absolutely believed in," Waring said. "It was a level of commitment that we are challenged with maintaining. It's a legacy that goes beyond painted teeth on an airplane or a patch on our shoulder. It's history, it's heritage and it's a legacy that we're proud to carry on through our generations." 

The bond of commitment to one another is enduring between all service members, Waring continued. 

"None of us knew Morton Sher; we didn't know his name until recently, but as soon as we learned of his coming home, we leapt at the opportunity to honor him and support his family," he said. "From the maintainers coming in to generate sorties, to public affairs researching facts about him, to the wing historian finding additional media and stories, to the pilots who flew the jets emblazoned with the same shark's teeth that the 76th [Fighter] Squadron dominated the skies in 1943 with, it emphatically states that the bond that we share never dies, and no one is left behind or ever forgotten." 

For years, Sher's story existed in fragments through letters, photographs and a name carved into stone. Now, those pieces had come together, allowing his journey to move forward at last. The pilot who once left Greenville to serve his country was finally returning, not as a memory, but as a son brought home. 

Sher's homecoming closed one long chapter, but it also points to a story still unfolding. Across battlefields and oceans, thousands of service members remain unaccounted for, their families holding onto the same hope that guided Sher's return and the same promise that continues to drive the mission to bring them home. For pilots like Sher, that hope and dedication are echoed in the skies themselves. 

As family and friends poured dirt from Israel and the surrounding ground onto Sher's grave, the memorial was finally made whole. What once stood as a marker of loss now stands as a place of return, where absence gave way to remembrance, and sacrifice to honor. 

Sher loved what he did and created a legacy that endures. His story, once unfinished, now stands a complete testament to service, sacrifice and a nation's promise to remember those who gave everything. That enduring legacy, woven from history, heroism and personal courage, continues to inspire both the families who remember him and the generations who follow. 

"There's no limit to the commitment that we share with the generations that formed the legacy that we carry," Waring said. "Up until a few months ago, I may never have known of Lt. Morton Sher. Now, I'll never forget his name, and I know that's the same for every member of the 476th that heard his story over the last few months. They say that a warrior dies two deaths: one physical, and the second when their name is forgotten. If that's true, then Morton lives on in the hearty laughter and boisterous camaraderie that flows from the 76th Fighter Squadron today." 

His heroism is not only preserved in his family's memories but also carried forward by those who follow in his footsteps, ensuring that his name and story remain alive. 

"Our family tree produced a real hero," Fine said. "The kind you read about and see on the big screen, except he was real. We hope his bravery and his courage will inspire the family members who follow us to believe anything you can dream can be truly possible if you're willing to commit to it and work hard to achieve it."

U.S. Space Forces Japan Celebrates First Year of Activation

Dec. 23, 2025 | By Air Force Capt. Tisha Yates, Pacific Air Forces |

U.S. Space Forces Japan celebrated its first year of activation at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 4.  

As the newest independent service in the War Department and a newly activated component in the Indo-Pacific region, this small but essential team of guardians advances space expertise for Japan and joint partners.  

U.S. Space Forces Japan is the second component under U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, following the activation of U.S. Space Forces Korea in 2022. The subcomponent supports the rapidly developing Japan Ministry of Defense space organizations and capabilities, and the need for robust space expertise to support U.S. forces in Japan 

"I am proud and honored to have been chosen to lead this organization," said Space Force Col. Ryan Laughton, commander of U.S. Space Forces Japan. "It's exciting to be able to come in and craft a component into something that's never been done before, but ultimately it's been a team effort." 

Over the last year, the component has experienced significant growth in expertise, manpower and operational capabilities. This includes building out directorates, establishing robust processes and developing strong relationships with counterparts at U.S. Forces Japan, other service components, U.S. partners and U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific. 

The activation ensures space forces can plan, integrate, coordinate and execute efforts in Japan on behalf of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific to best support the U.S. partnership agreements with Japan, deepen integration with Japanese space counterparts, and meet dynamic regional challenges to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

"It's incredibly rewarding," said Space Force Capt. Rafael Fermin, chief of engagements at U.S. Space Forces Japan, "It comes with significant responsibility, but I'm proud to play a role in shaping [the command] and contributing to its long-term foundation and success." 

The bilateral alliance with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Space Operations Group has strengthened exponentially over the year.  

"Working with SOG, especially in my current role, has shown me how strong and steadily growing our collaboration is," Fermin said. "It's clear that we share many of the same goals and priorities, and we approach them as true partners. I'm excited to see how this relationship continues to deepen as our missions evolve." 

Further emphasizing that strong partnership, Laughton noted that Japan is also investing heavily in its space capabilities.  

"As the [operations group] continues to grow, it has been an exciting challenge to learn how to be effective in performing our missions together," Laughton said, "But overall, working side by side with Japan's space guardians has been phenomenal." 

The stars are the limit for U.S. Space Forces Japan's future. The component plans to continue its work to establish itself as the "one voice for space in Japan," providing a hub for collaboration with Japanese space partners, operating space effects for joint warfighters in the region and bringing options to U.S. Forces Japan as they move forward in their own transformation to a joint force headquarters. 

Trump Announces New Class of Battleship

Dec. 22, 2025 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

President Donald J. Trump today announced the Navy's intent to develop a new class of American-designed, 30,000 to 40,000-ton large surface combatants, or battleships, that will be employed to meet the realities of modern maritime conflict. 

"As commander in chief, it's my great honor to announce that I have approved a plan for the Navy to begin the construction of two brand-new, very large — largest we've ever built — battleships," Trump announced from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. He was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan. 

The new Trump-class of ships — which the president said will contribute to a new "golden fleet" of advanced warships — are currently in the design phase, with construction of the first battleship, the USS Defiant, targeted for the early 2030s. 

Phelan said that the new class of battleship is something the Navy "desperately needs." The president noted that the Navy aims to have a fleet of 20 to 25 ships eventually. 

"The future Trump-class battleship, the USS Defiant, will be the largest, deadliest and most versatile and best-looking warship anywhere on the world's oceans," Phelan said, adding that he wanted to thank the president for his vision to make the future battleship a game-changing capability for the U.S. Navy.    

Phelan also compared the future Trump-class battleships to the former Iowa-class battleships, which were a cornerstone of the Navy's warship fleet for much of the 20th century. 

"The Iowa was designed to go on the attack with the biggest guns, and that's exactly what will define the Trump-class battleships: offensive firepower from the biggest guns of our era," Phelan said.  

"This ship isn't just to swat the arrows; it is going to reach out and kill the archers," he added. 

During his remarks, Hegseth said that strengthening the Navy's fleet ties directly to the War Department's key goals of restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence.  

"American strength is back on the world stage, and the announcement of the golden fleet anchored by new battleships — the biggest and most lethal ever — accomplishes all three of those things and marks a generational commitment to American sea power across the entire department," Hegseth said.  

During the announcement, Trump made clear that the new battleships are intended to be constructed entirely in the U.S. by American citizens. 

"The construction will create thousands of American jobs. We're going to have the jobs be created," he said. 

Along with standard guns and missiles, Trump said the new battleships will be equipped with hypersonic weapons, electronic rail guns and high-powered laser-based weaponry. 

He added that the Navy will take the lead in the ships' design, while partnering with the U.S. defense industrial base. 

"We're going to make battle groups great again, and this is just one piece of the president's golden fleet that we're going to build with the investments," Phelan said.  

The new Trump-class battleships will replace the Navy's previous plans to develop a new class of destroyer, the DDG(X). However, the sea service intends to incorporate the capabilities it had planned to employ on that platform into the new Trump-class ships.  

The last time the Navy used battleships in combat was in 1991 during the first Gulf War, when the now-decommissioned Iowa-class battleships USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin provided naval gunfire support against Iraqi targets along the coast of Kuwait.   

Today's announcement of the Trump-class battleships comes on the heels of the Navy's Dec. 19 announcement of the FF(X), a new class of frigates intended to replace the Navy's recently cancelled Constellation-class frigate program. 

The War Department Announces First Round of FY 2026 APFIT Projects, Surpassing $1 Billion Awarded to Small Businesses

Dec. 22, 2025 |

The War Department today announced the first round of Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) projects selected for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, marking a historic milestone in advancing defense innovation and small business engagement for the program. With this announcement, APFIT has now awarded more than $1 billion to small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors across the nation, accelerating groundbreaking capabilities, strengthening the U.S. industrial base and enhancing warfighter readiness.

The FY 2026 project slate represents the next wave of innovative technologies rapidly transitioning from development to fielding and initial production. These awards continue to focus on delivering mission-critical capabilities at scale while expanding opportunity for small businesses in every region, including those in traditionally underrepresented and remote states.

"Crossing the billion-dollar threshold underscores APFIT’s commitment to America’s small business innovators," said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, "and we are proud to accelerate the delivery of these critical capabilities to our warfighters."

This year’s initial selections reflect the growing scale and maturity of the APFIT portfolio, with the average FY 2026 award now exceeding $30 million per project. The program also recorded its highest single award to date at $49.7 million, issued just under APFIT’s $50 million maximum statutory cap, demonstrating both the depth of operational need and APFIT’s ability to efficiently transition and scale mature technologies.

APFIT remains a cornerstone of War Department’s strategy to accelerate innovation and ensure the United States maintains its technological advantage. Additional FY 2026 projects will be announced throughout the fiscal year as they are selected.

The initial round of FY 2026 selections include*:

• Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD), $20.00 million, U.S. Marine Corps
• Deployable, Attritable Optical Systems, $22.15 million, U.S. Space Force
• Domestic High Performance UAS Batteries, $28.00 million, U.S. Navy
• Gremlin Low-Cost Munition, $35.00 million, U.S. Marine Corps
• High Frequency Intercept Direction Finding and Exploitation (HIDES), $21.66 million, U.S. Army
• Kraken 18 Communications Pod, $33.00 million, U.S. Navy
• Miniaturized Gyroscope for Resilient Navigation, $20.00 million, U.S. Marine Corps
• Mobile Smart Manufacturing for Airframe Spares, $25.00 million, U.S. Air Force
• Augmented Maneuver Vehicle for Satellites, $48.50 million, U.S. Space Force
• Real-Time Command and Control at the Tactical Edge, $49.70 million, U.S. Army
• Small Uncrewed Maritime Vessels, $24.00 million, U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps
• Tactical High-Bandwidth, Low-Latency, high-capacity data network, $10.00 million, U.S. Marine Corps
• Trolling Uncrewed Navigation Assistant (TUNA) Seeker, $35.00 million, U.S. Marine Corps
• Whaleshark Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV), $29.49 million, U.S. Marine Corps

*Does not include classified selections.

The Department of War Releases the 2026 Continental U.S. Cost-of-Living Allowance Rate

Dec. 22, 2025 |

The Department of War released the 2026 Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance rates today. These new rates will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. As a result of the 2026 adjustment, $99 million will be paid to approximately 127,000 uniformed service members stationed within Continental United States next year.

Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance is a supplemental allowance provided to service members and designed to help offset higher living expenses in the highest-cost locations in Continental United States. An area is considered high-cost if the non-housing cost of living for that area, inclusive of categories such as transportation and goods and services, exceeds a threshold of 107% of the national average. 

By law, a Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance rate is only prescribed when the index meets a certain threshold above the Continental United States average. Service members assigned to duty stations where the non-housing cost of living is at least seven percent above the national average are eligible for Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance. Data is adjusted to account for Basic Allowance for Subsistence, which is meant to offset the costs for a service member's meals and cost savings gained from shopping at commissaries and exchanges. 

For 2026, these are the Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance changes:

• Six military housing areas will begin receiving Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance; 
• Eight military housing areas will receive an increase in Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance; 
• Two military housing areas will continue receiving the Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance; 
• Two military housing areas will receive a decrease in Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance;
• Nine military housing areas will no longer receive Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance; and
• 21 counties will lose Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance for non-military housing areas in non-metropolitan counties. 

Military housing areas with the highest Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance rates:

• San Francisco, California        8%
• Oakland, California            6%
• Santa Clara County, California    5%
• Staten Island, New York        5%
• Seatle, Washington            5%

Military housing area with the largest decrease: 

• Humboldt County, California    5% to 0%

Military housing area with the largest increase: 

•  Seattle, Washington            0% to 5%

The total amount of Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance a service member receives varies based on geographic duty location, pay grade, years of service, and dependency status. Service members can calculate their Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance rate at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/CONUS-COLA-Rate-Lookup/.  

Additional information about Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/. 

FY25 Sees Best Recruiting Numbers in 15 Years

 Dec. 22, 2025 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

In fiscal year 2025, the military's recruiting efforts returned to levels not seen in more than a decade. 

"Since November 2024, our military has seen its highest recruiting percentage of mission achieved in more than 15 years," stated Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. 

This fiscal year, all active-duty services made mission. Most reserve components also met their mission goals, with the exception of the Army Reserve, which met 75% of its goal. 

How the active-duty components of each branch met their goals breaks down as follows: 

• The Army had a goal of 61,000 recruits and attained 62,050, totaling 101.72% of its goal. 
• The Navy had a goal of 40,600 recruits and attained 44,096, totaling 108.61% of its goal. 
• The Air Force had a goal of 30,100 recruits and attained 30,166, totaling 100.22% of its goal. 
• The Space Force had a goal of 796 recruits and attained 819, totaling 102.89% of its goal. 
• The Marine Corps had a goal of 26,600 recruits and attained 26,600, totaling 100% of its goal. 

All told, the five service branches collectively accomplished their mission with an average completion rate of 103%. 

Department leaders noted several factors that contributed to the strong recruitment numbers.  

"In 2025, the department exceeded our annual active-duty recruitment accession goals across all five services. ... Why? Because we have a commander in chief and a secretary of war who are focused on our troops and our mission, and on ensuring that we remain the most lethal fighting force on the planet," Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata said during a speech at a defense forum earlier this month.  

"Our nation's young people are responding," he added. 

Parnell also noted that leadership was a major factor in this year's recruiting results.  

"If you look at the data from November, from the election of President Trump and then Secretary Hegseth's confirmation thereafter, the numbers that we've seen during that time period have been historic." 

Tata and Parnell co-chair the department's Recruitment Task Force. 

Beyond the quality of leadership in recruitment, driving up numbers, the services have instituted practical improvements that are supporting recruiting gains. These changes include courses that help improve overall aptitude among recruits and enhanced medical screening processes.  

As an example of the latter, a medical records accession pilot program has significantly cut down on waiting times from when a recruit's initial paperwork is submitted to when they are allowed to be taken in by their local Military Entrance Processing Station. 

As little as a year ago, it could take up to 10 days between when a recruiter submits a recruit's initial accession paperwork and when that individual could find out if they have been cleared. Today, it takes one day or less. The new focus on speed helps avoid potential recruits from losing interest in serving.  

Regarding the current fiscal year, the department's recruiting efforts are already off to a strong and promising start, with the department having met nearly 40% of its delayed entry program accession mission at the start of fiscal year 2026.

"This is a historic figure and a testament to our support from the president and the secretary, as well as the great work being done by each of the services," said Tata. "The department is on track to once again meet our recruiting mission." 

There are always challenges in recruiting, with recruiters continuously working to increase interest among the youth market and medical disqualifiers plaguing the potential recruiting pool among them. 

To address some of these, the department is working to counter any pervasive misconceptions among the youth market about what it means to serve by highlighting the benefits of wearing the country's cloth. 

"Recruiting is a no-fail mission," Tata said. "We will continue to maintain focus on sustaining our momentum, meeting our targets and securing the warriors we need to achieve peace through strength."

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. Sgt. Peter Dalessandro

Dec. 22, 2025 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

By valiantly fighting his way through Europe and surviving as a prisoner of war, Army Tech. Sgt. Peter Joseph Dalessandro became one of the most highly decorated soldiers of World War II. When he started a career as a state senator afterward, he did so as a Medal of Honor recipient.

Dalessandro was born May 19, 1921, in Watervliet, New York, to Emilio and Maria Dalessandro. He had three brothers and two sisters and was educated in public schools. Little else has been published about his childhood.

When World War II broke out, Dalessandro joined the Army, and it didn't take long for him to get involved in combat overseas. He took part in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Normandy, France, before fighting his way across Europe toward Germany.

Dalessandro was part of Company E, 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during the winter of 1944. Around Christmastime, his unit was ordered to replace another on the Belgian-German border during what became known as the Battle of the Bulge, Germany's last major offensive that surprised exhausted Allied troops in the region.

On Dec. 22, 1944, Dalessandro's platoon was preparing to hold the line at an important road junction on high ground near Kalterherberg, Germany. They had only been there for about two hours when three enemy companies fired an intense round of artillery and mortars in their direction. Soon after, enemy soldiers charged at them in an attack that threatened to overwhelm the platoon's position.

Dalessandro saw his men faltering, so he braved the intense fire and made his way through the group to give them encouragement. Dalessandro then moved to a fully exposed observation post, where he adjusted mortar fire onto the enemy soldiers while firing at them with his rifle. The whole time, he continued to encourage his platoon to push back the attack.

When the enemy launched a second attack later that day, Dalessandro again took control of the situation by rushing to a forward position and calling for mortar fire.

When he ran out of rifle ammunition, Dalessandro crawled 30 yards across exposed ground to grab a light machine gun, which he took back to his position and fired toward the enemy at nearly point-blank range until it jammed. Thankfully, Dalessandro managed to get the gun to fire one more burst, which took out four German soldiers who were about to kill two wounded U.S. soldiers and a medical corpsman in a nearby foxhole.

As the enemy moved in, Dalessandro didn't retreat. Instead, he hurled grenades and called for mortar fire that came closer and closer to his position, all while covering his platoon so they could withdraw. As German soldiers swarmed him, Dalessandro was heard calling for yet another barrage, yelling, "OK, mortars, let me have it right in this position!"

Dalessandro's bravery and fearlessness allowed his fellow soldiers to escape. However, he was captured and held prisoner for about five months until the war ended. He was then sent back to the U.S.

During a White House ceremony Aug. 23, 1945, Dalessandro received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for his courage in Europe. He was one of 28 service members who received the honor that day. Dalessandro had also received three Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre, making him one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II.

Soon after returning home, Dalessandro turned to politics. He was elected as a Democrat to the New York state senate in 1946 and served six terms in that capacity until resigning in 1957 to become the secretary to the Senate minority leader, according to a 1997 article in the Massachusetts newspaper the North Adams Transcript.

That same year, Dalessandro married Patricia Farley. The pair had two daughters, Maribeth and Bernadette.

Dalessandro moved to Latham, New York, in 1969, where he remained until he died on Oct. 15, 1997. The World War II veteran is buried in Saratoga Springs National Cemetery in Saratoga Springs, New York.

In 1987, Dalessandro Boulevard in Albany County, New York, was dedicated in his honor.

War Department Ensures Valuable Wage Grade Employees Earn Prevailing Wages

Dec. 19, 2025 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

The War Department released updated pay tables for Federal Wage System employees nationwide to ensure that skilled and talented workers earn the prevailing wages they deserve, no matter where they serve.

"FWS employees are essential to our operations, our readiness and our mission. They are key to U.S. dominance around the globe. With the support of President [Donald J.] Trump and Secretary [of War Pete] Hegseth, we are taking action to recognize and retain this high-demand, low-density talent within the department, and build our pipeline for the future," said Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata. 

About 140,000 FWS employees will see pay increases as a result of the updated pay tables, approved by the wage committee on Nov. 25, a senior War Department official said. Additionally, because for a short time the wage committee was unable to update the pay tables to reflect prevailing wages, those employees will also receive back pay. 

The department's FWS employees include men and women with the skills to repair or overhaul submarines, ships, airplanes and other military hardware, and to also do other kinds of skilled labor. The senior official said those pipefitters, welders, plumbers, electrical and sheet metal workers, for instance — about 210 trade, craft and labor occupational fields in all — are in high demand in both the private and public sector, and they are critical to maintaining the readiness and lethality of America's combat systems. 

"Our wage grade employees are on the line building the ships, building submarines, and making sure that the Department of War has the equipment it needs to win wars," the senior official said. "They're irreplaceable; they're highly essential to our mission and ... we need to make sure that they're properly paid for their invaluable contributions."

The senior official said ensuring FWS employees get prevailing wages is important for two reasons. First, it's one way the department retains the talent that keeps its warfighting equipment in top shape. And second, it's how the department attracts new talent. 

"For potential applicants, it is important that they know that we are constantly meeting the mark to recruit them and that if they come to work for the Department of War, we will pay them a prevailing rate. We will pay them for their hard work and dedication to this mission that is so important to our nation." 

When newly minted welders, plumbers or electricians, for instance, begin looking for work, they could go anywhere. The senior official said that when the government offers prevailing wages, it becomes an even more attractive option for work, especially when coupled with the War Department's mission. 

"You get to see the results of your work being used to defend the nation, sailing the seas, flying the skies and protecting not only your family but the families of those around you. There is a great sense of accomplishment in that." 

Marine Corps Announces Updated Physical Fitness Standards

Dec. 19, 2025 | By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Claudia Nix, Marine Corps Training and Education Command |

The Marine Corps is implementing changes to its physical fitness test and body composition standards in accordance with the secretary of war's military fitness standards memorandum issued Sept. 30. These changes, announced in MARADMIN 613/25, will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The Marine Corps will institute sex-neutral scoring for the physical fitness test for Marines with a combat arms primary military occupational specialty. The PFT will require those Marines to achieve a minimum score of 210 points, 70% of the total possible points, using the male, age-normed scoring standard outlined in Marine Corps Order 6100.13A.  

The PFT will continue to be administered annually, from Jan. 1 to June 30. Noncombat arms Marines will continue to follow existing sex- and age-normed standards.   

The new PFT standards reflect the unique physical demands of combat arms roles, ensuring Marines are prepared for the sustained physical performance required in direct combat. Those who do not meet the 210-point requirement by the end of the reporting period will be assigned to remedial physical training and may be subject to reclassification and/or promotion restriction.   

"Our combat arms MOSs require rigorous physical readiness for direct ground combat," said Marine Corps Col. James Derrick, director of the Training Standards Division at the Marine Corps Training and Education Command. "These changes ensure all combat arms Marines meet the same high sex-neutral standards."   

The Marine Corps is also revising its body composition evaluation process. The current height and weight standards, along with the tape test, will be replaced by a new waist-to-height ratio method. The Marine Corps will publish service-specific standards upon receipt of additional War Department guidance.  

In the interim, the current height/weight and tape tests will continue, with body composition analysis used for additional assessments when necessary.   

Although the new PFT standards will begin Jan. 1, 2026, updates to Manpower Information Systems are expected to take six to eight months, with full implementation projected within a year. The Marine Corps is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will continue to coordinate with stakeholders to support these changes.   

Units are required to follow interim administrative guidance until full implementation of the system and policy revisions as outlined in MARADMIN 613/25 are complete.   

These changes ensure that the Marine Corps' physical fitness standards continue to support operational effectiveness and combat readiness. The Marine Corps will continue to assess guidance and execution to ensure compliance with higher headquarters.