Sept. 23, 2026
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By Katherine Coughlan, Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office
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A joint test team successfully executed the first lot acceptance test of sonobuoys from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft off the coast of San Clemente Island, California, Aug. 19.
The Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office, the Osprey Joint Program Office and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 conducted the milestone test. The demonstration validated the Osprey as an alternative platform for the Navy's sonobuoy quality assurance program, boosting operational readiness and laying the groundwork for expanded tactical employment across the fleet.
The Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office manages the sonobuoy quality assurance program, which subjects random production samples to over-water testing to evaluate reliability and acoustic performance before delivering vendor inventory to operational squadrons.
"Our primary focus in the quality assurance program is making sure the sonobuoys delivered to the fleet perform exactly as expected," said Navy Capt. Greg Hinkle, program manager of the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office.
Historically, the Navy relies on P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 to perform quality assurance drops using automated launchers. The test proves the Osprey aircraft can serve as a dependable substitute if primary test platforms are unavailable, helping prevent testing backlogs and keeping delivery schedules on track.
"By utilizing the [Osprey] for this type of mission, we are reinforcing our supply chain and ensuring front line aircrews have the mission-ready stores they need to detect and track undersea threats," Hinkle said.
Unlike the Orion that uses automated launch containers triggered from the cockpit, the Osprey requires aircrew to launch the buoys from the open rear cargo ramp manually. Crew chiefs removed container caps and inverted launch tubes to release the stores into the slipstream.
Because manual deployment creates longer gaps between drops than automated launchers, the evaluation squadron aircrew adjusted by reducing flight speed, to match the precise target pattern and spacing needed for acoustic testing.
"From an aircrew standpoint, this event provided an invaluable opportunity for our pilots and crew chiefs to build proficiency working through the mechanics of manual sonobuoy drops in a controlled setting," said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon Pope, Osprey pilot and advanced projects lead assigned to the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1.
The hand-launch process requires tight coordination. The pilot holds steady flight parameters while the copilot manages navigation, timing and communication, queuing crew chiefs in the cargo bay to program and release the buoys on schedule.
"Hand-launching from an open ramp requires split-second coordination; the crew must be deliberate with timing, airspeed control and internal communication," Pope said. "This test demonstrated how the [Osprey's] range, speed and versatility can support broader maritime domain awareness and distributed fleet operations."
In addition to meeting test criteria, the mission also provided operational experience that will help Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 refine tactics, techniques and procedures for future tiltrotor anti-submarine warfare support. The Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office and Osprey Joint Program Office will analyze acoustic and deployment data from the flights to refine procedures for future quality assurance missions and joint fleet operations.
Sept. 23, 2026
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By Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristal Munguia, Nellis Air Force Base
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The last A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, made its final departure yesterday.
Nearly 70 airmen assigned to Nellis Air Force Base lined up on the flight line to give the A-10, affectionately nicknamed the "Warthog," one final salute as it took off.
Although the departure signifies the conclusion of nearly 50 years of elite tactical training, operational testing and maintenance sustainability at the installation, the A-10's impact will not soon be forgotten.
The first attack jet arrived at the base in 1977. Over the past five decades, the installation served as the primary proving ground for the Warthog's tactical employment. Nellis-based units refined the aircraft's software, avionics and precision weapons, while the U.S. Air Force Weapons School's 66th Weapons Squadron trained more than 300 A-10 weapons officers across 100 classes.
"We are maintaining the culture of the A-10 by involving as many other fighter communities involved in the close air support mission," said Air Force Lt. Col. Ridge Flick, 66th Weapons Squadron commander. "We are also training F-15 Eagle, F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots to take on some roles we have had in combat search and rescue."
As the aircraft departs, Flick emphasized that the squadron's mission to forge elite tactical leaders remains unchanged. The unit will continue training the next generation of ground-based specialists, including combat rescue officers, pararescue, special tactics officers and combat controllers.
As the Air Force retires the A-10 fleet, the military's close air support capability is not declining. Instead, foundational tactical expertise, operational roles and personnel are transitioning to multirole and advanced fighter platforms across the service.
Airmen assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's Thunder Aircraft Maintenance Unit are being reassigned to other squadrons and airframes, such as the F-35 and the F-16. The discipline that A-10 maintainers developed over 50 years of managing airframe fatigue, wing replacements and depot-level overhauls is being integrated into those newer flight line programs.
At the same time, fifth-generation platforms like the F-35 are absorbing new close air support and combat search-and-rescue command roles into their operational profiles. The platform combines stealth features, advanced sensor suites and secure data-sharing networks to conduct precision ground-support missions in contested environments. For maintainers making the shift, the transition carries both operational and personal significance.
"Working on the A-10 is meaningful to me because that is something that I share with my grandfather," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Eva Kehn, a weapons load crew chief assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "I'm very excited to have that new chapter and bond over that again with my grandfather."
With her reassignment to an F-35 unit at Nellis, that unique family connection will continue. Her grandfather now serves as a civilian F-35 instructor, meaning their shared professional bond will transition to a new airframe.
"It's a bittersweet moment," said Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Edmonds, an aircraft section chief assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "I enjoyed my time with the A-10, but I'm excited because this departure marks the closing of one chapter and the start of another."
Sept. 22, 2026
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By Keith Goodsell, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic
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The guided-missile destroyer USS Stout departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, yesterday, to begin deployment operations.
The warship's departure comes after months of training, maintenance and certification events.
"The crew of [the] USS Stout trained relentlessly to ensure our warship is prepared to execute prompt and sustained operations," said Navy Cmdr. Kevin Taylor, the USS Stout commanding officer. "We built a culture of sustained readiness and resilience and are fully prepared to sail forward, defend our nation's interests and execute our mission at the absolute highest standard of excellence."
The USS Stout is a multimission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations. Commissioned in 1994, it is the fifth warship of the Arleigh Burke class and belongs to the class's baseline Flight I configuration. The warship is named after World War II Navy Cross recipient Navy Rear Adm. Herald F. Stout, who heroically commanded the destroyer USS Claxton during the Battle of Bougainville in the Pacific.
Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, is responsible for manning, training and equipping assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable and combat-ready force to support U.S. national interests.
Sept. 21, 2026
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By Megan Purves, 88th Air Base Wing
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Every mile of a race is a physical negotiation — a stark reminder that while the human body has limits, the mind can be trained to push past them.
More than 9,000 people across 50 states registered for the 2026 Air Force Marathon, testing their mental and physical endurance across several race categories Sept. 18-19. Races took place at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and outside of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Leading the charge were full marathon champions Space Force 1st Lt. Nicholas McKenzie, assigned to Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, with a time of 2:34:31, and Kayla Rice, a Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employee, with a time of 2:56:39.
"I'm ecstatic — it's a great day with super energy out on the course and beautiful weather," McKenzie said. "This is my second time running the Air Force Marathon, and I'm super grateful for all the volunteers, the support and all the other runners out here getting it done today."
However, for McKenzie, the mental turning point came during the race's most solemn stretch.
"Around mile 21, it definitely starts to get hard. But running and seeing the tributes to our fallen service members was emotional and heartwarming. It really helped me stay motivated to get to the end," he said. "Seeing that helps you realize the ultimate sacrifice they gave, and it motivated me to dig a little deeper."
For Rice, crossing the finish line as the women's champion marked the culmination of years of dedicated training right on her home base at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
"I feel incredible. This has been a goal I've been working toward for the past few years, and it's great to finally achieve it," Rice said. "This is my fourth time running it, so every year it's been my goal to just get a little bit faster and eventually get where I am today. It was a big personal record for me, and getting to see all my friends, family, coworkers and teammates out on the course was amazing."
Sharing the spotlight were half-marathon champions Simon Heys, a civilian runner at 1:05:45, and Air Force 2nd Lt. Allyson Peterson, assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, with a time of 1:19:10.
For Heys, pushing through the half-marathon course was a personal way to show gratitude for military service members.
"It was special," Heys said. "I really wanted to come here and just run as hard as I could. I wanted to put the grind out there, like the men and women who fight for this country do every day."
Peterson, competing in her first half marathon, relied on strategic pacing and late-race momentum to win.
"I've been looking forward to this race," she said. "I had a great group of guys to chase coming down for the last like 6 miles. So, I was just focusing on closing that gap."
Beyond individual determination on the course, Air Force leaders underscored how physical discipline and community support directly reinforce the strength and readiness of the joint force.
"If I have one message for you today, thank you for showing up to do hard things," said Matthew L. Lohmeier, Air Force undersecretary. "Thank you for working together as a community, both to support the 30th Air Force Marathon and to make the Department of the Air Force and the entire joint force a better place to work, a more lethal, ready force. And thank you for taking care of yourselves to be a part of our ready force."
As the cheers from the finish line festival filled the air and the champions took their places at the awards ceremony, the legacy of the 2026 race extended beyond the trophy stands. For the thousands who crossed the finish line, the race was more than an athletic showcase. It was a masterclass in mental readiness, proving that when the mission demands endurance, disciplined preparation always carries you through.
Here's a look at the top three men's and women's finishers in the full marathon and half marathon:
Unofficial times according to RacePenguin, the Air Force Marathon's race tracker:
Men's Full Marathon — first: Nick McKenzie 2:34:31; second: Hunter Boyer 2:40:01; third: Jack Walker 2:41:24
Women's Full Marathon — first: Kayla Rice 2:56:39; second: Lindsay Babish 3:09:12; third: Kristen Petrosky 3:14:06
Men's Half Marathon — first: Simon Heys 1:05:45; second: Peter Allegre 1:11:01; third: Patrick Konecny 1:11:13
The Military Spouse Commission held its first meeting today at the White House.
The commission, which President Donald J. Trump established via executive order Aug. 3, is tasked with advising and assisting the president on policies that affect military spouses and families.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who attended the meeting as a guest, spoke briefly to the roughly 20 attendees.
“A lot of things that need to happen in our department happen with the stroke of a pen from either your husbands, at [their] level, and if not, up at the office of secretary of war level; and we are prepared to wield that pen,” Hegseth told the commission, which comprises the spouses of the War Department’s most senior military leaders.
His wife, Jennifer Hegseth, chairs the commission and spoke about its establishment.
“We're here to help President Trump improve the lives of America's nearly 1 million military spouses, which you all are a part of. And as you know firsthand, military spouses make a sacrifice for our nation together with the sacrifice of your warrior,” she said.
She went on to explain that the commission will work to tackle big issues like employment, housing, education and healthcare, as well as micro issues that also need addressing.
“Many of those solutions will be new, but some already exist and have gotten stuck in the bureaucracy — and we'll find those too,” she said.
Jennifer Hegseth noted that some of those issues will need to be revived from past efforts to fix them, and that some solutions will require Congressional legislation.
“We will work to find solutions to all of them, so thank you all again for being willing to serve,” she said.
Each commission member then introduced themself and spoke about the issues that they prioritize the most. As the meeting continued, it became clear that the three most referenced issues were: healthcare, employment and housing.
Donna Caudle, the wife of the chief of naval operations, said that as a licensed healthcare professional, she has seen firsthand and heard from countless Navy families about the challenges they face when accessing healthcare.
“I look forward to working with the commission to help President Trump improve continuity of care and capacity, reduce appointment wait times, and close the gaps in specialty care and mental health services for our military families,” she added.
Debbie Schiess, the wife of the chief of space operations for the Space Force, said she would love to see legislation that allows spouses who are licensed in any state to practice on federal installations.
“This would tackle two issues at once: aiding in spouse employment and increasing our mental health providers,” she said.
Regarding employment, Angie Perryman — who’s married to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman — explained that spousal employment is near and dear to her.
“I've been a full-time federal employee with the Department of War for almost 20 years as a licensed clinical social worker, and I know firsthand that military spouse employment is not simply about finding a job; it's about preserving a career,” Angie Perryman said.
She noted the importance of allowing spouses to maintain their jobs despite frequent changes of location.
“My goal is to help make military-directed moves as close to career-neutral as possible through portable work, remote work, meaningful license, portability, and employment policies that allow spouses to build careers that move with their families,” she further explained.
Katrina Isom, the wife of the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained that experiencing numerous moves over her husband’s nearly 40-year career has led her to focus on the quality of military housing.
“During our time in the military, I've seen and experienced firsthand the struggles of increasing costs of housing, and the challenges of ensuring [the basic allowance for housing] meets the needs of our service members. As a member of this commission, I look forward to helping ensure that we are doing everything possible to ensure the housing needs of our military members is adequately met,” Isom said.
Following all the introductions, the secretary of war had high praise for the quality of talent among the commission members, as well as the 544 years combined of active-duty spouse experience the members share.
“What an incredible background of human beings — Americans who gave the entirety of your lives to the whims of where the government sent your family,” he said. “And the least we can do is try to look back on that [time] and give.”
The commission is scheduled to meet monthly at the White House.
Army Cpl. Luther H. Story, an infantryman, posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War.
Story was born July 20, 1932, in Buena Vista, Georgia. His parents were Mark and Florence, both sharecroppers in Plains, Georgia, on land owned by James Earl Carter Sr., the father of future President Jimmy Carter.
The family later moved to Americus, Georgia, where Story attended Americus High School. He left school during his sophomore year in 1948 when he was only 16 to enlist in the Army. His mother falsified his birthdate so he could join.
Story completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and his first duty station was Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was assigned to Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
His unit departed Seattle, July 17, 1950, aboard the troop transport ship USNS General John Pope and arrived in Busan (formerly Pusan), South Korea, July 23, 1950. The Korean War had started June 25, 1950, just a month earlier.
Pfc. Luther Story was a squad leader. On Sept. 1, 1950, the date of his Medal of Honor valorous action, his company was near Agok, a village on the Nakdong River, during the Battle of Yongsan.
His citation notes that the 9th Infantry Regiment was attacked by three divisions of the North Korean People's Army.
Company A fought off several banzai attacks but was bypassed and in danger of being cut off and surrounded.
Story was heavily engaged in stopping the early attacks and had just moved his squad to a position overlooking the Nakdong River, when he observed a large number of enemy soldiers crossing the river to attack his company.
Seizing a machine gun from his wounded gunner, he used it to kill or wound an estimated 100 enemy soldiers, according to his citation. Facing certain encirclement, the company commander ordered a withdrawal.
During the withdrawal, Story noticed an enemy truck approaching, loaded with troops and towing an ammunition trailer. Alerting his comrades to take cover, he fearlessly stood in the middle of the road, throwing grenades into the truck.
When he ran out of grenades, he crawled to his squad, gathered additional grenades and attacked the vehicle again. The company was attacked by superior numbers and forced to deploy into a rice field. Story was wounded in this action, but, disregarding his wounds, rallied his men, who repelled the attack.
Realizing that his wounds would hamper his comrades' movements, he refused to retire to the next position, remaining to cover the company's retreat, which was successful. When last seen, he was firing every weapon available and fighting off another hostile assault. It was assumed he died at his position.
On June 21, 1951, General of the Army Omar Bradley presented the Medal of Honor to Story's father at the Pentagon. Story was posthumously promoted to corporal.
For decades, Story's remains were unaccounted for. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death Sept. 1, 1953, and his remains were determined to be nonrecoverable.
In October 1950, 11 sets of remains were recovered near Sangdepo, South Korea, and eight sets were identified. One set of remains was thought to be Story, but investigators at the Central Identification Unit in Kokura, Japan, did not have enough identifying data to identify him positively. Those unknown remains were later buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.
On April 6, 2023, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that Story's remains had been identified.
To make the identification, DPAA scientists used dental and anthropological analysis. Additionally, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System scientists used mitochondrial DNA analysis obtained from relatives.
Story was buried at Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia, May 29, 2023. Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden, adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, spoke at the funeral.
"Cpl. Story left us a legacy that we must honor and uphold if we hope to remain the most free and prosperous nation on Earth," Carden said. "Today is a physical demonstration that America never forgets its heroes."
Story's Medal of Honor is displayed at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia, just outside the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Georgia.
President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a ceremony April 25, 2023, at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, and met with Story's relatives.
The U.S. Department of War (DoW) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on September 16-18, 2026 in Busan.
Mr. George LeMeur, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (DASW) for East Asia, led the U.S. delegation. Deputy Minister (DEPMIN) for National Defense Policy, Dr. Kim Hong-Cheol, led the ROK delegation. Key senior U.S. and ROK defense and foreign affairs officials also participated in the dialogue.
During the meeting, both sides assessed the progress and work in implementing follow-up measures in the areas of defense cooperation within the Joint Fact Sheet between the U.S. and ROK Presidents and the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) Joint Communique last year.
Both sides evaluated the work to modernize the Alliance in the face of an evolving security environment. They also assessed progress on the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Plan (COTP), and pledged to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime OPCON.
They visited major defense industry sites together to further bolster cooperation in areas of shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities, enhancing mutual understanding on key defense issues.
The two sides pledged to maintain close and continuous consultations on matters pertinent to the security of the ROK-U.S. Alliance going forward.
Sept. 18, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |
In early June, an Army AH-64 Apache helicopter patrolling regional waters
went down off the coast of Oman, leaving two crew members in need of rescue. An
autonomous surface vessel — a U.S. Navy Corsair operated by the 5th Fleet's
Task Force 59 — rescued the soldiers.
The autonomous seafaring vessel — manufactured by Texas-based Saronic —
picked up the crew members and transported them to another location on the
water where they were then hoisted into a helicopter for further transport.
Saronic builds a variety of autonomous vehicles for the U.S. military and
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the company and workforce today to see
how they make hardware that enables the joint force. He thanked them for the
work they are doing now and will do in the future as part of the Arsenal of
Freedom tour.
"Having had a chance to tour this facility firsthand just a few
moments ago, the scale, investment and precision of your projects [are] truly
impressive," Hegseth told Saronic employees gathered at the company
headquarters in Austin, Texas. "You are on the front lines of American
industry, and that's the entire purpose of the Arsenal of Freedom tour. I had a
chance to shake some hands along the assembly line ... the point ... of this
tour is to look patriots in the eye and thank you for the work that you've done
and for the work that you're doing."
Saronic makes three autonomous ocean-going vessels: the Corsair, the
Mirage and the Marauder. Hegseth said vessels like these are destined to be at
the heart of the U.S. military.
"What Saronic demonstrates is the future of American naval power,
delivering over 300 combat-proven Corsairs; rapidly fueling the 52-foot Mirage
and scaling blue water reach with the 180-foot Marauder, all built in under a
year," he said. "In our building, we're used to timelines of seven,
eight years. One year is not a thing ... I came to see and it's real. That's
the kind of scale and speed that our department needs. The kind of competition
our building needs, [and] the bureaucracy needs to realize that it can be
done."
Warfare has always involved troops on the ground, but now it demands
autonomy as well, and the War Department is leaning heavily into it with its
Drone Dominance initiative. But autonomy doesn't just mean drones in the air —
surface-level vehicles are also critical, he said, including those like the
Corsair that rescued the Apache crew.
"Those pilots are alive today because of the incredible innovation
under this very roof," he said. "You should be ... incredibly proud
of that feat."
The secretary also told Saronic employees that the Corsair had done
additional operational work beyond rescuing pilots.
In July, U.S. Central Command "employed the Corsair to strike a
submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base," he
said. "The operation degraded Iran's ability to continue attacking
commercial shipping and marked the first operational employment of sea drones
in U.S. military combat operations."
To maintain the most powerful military in the world, Hegseth said, the
War Department is reaching out to companies like Saronic and unleashing their
potential to build the best equipment possible, and to do it without
constraints, roadblocks or bureaucracy.
"The Department of War ... has been kicking the door wide open for
commercial disruptors, nontraditional innovators and venture-backed builders;
we are actively creating the next generation of defense primes, firms like
Saronic," he said. "Our Arsenal of Freedom tour showcases how modern
deterrence requires commercial speed."
The secretary said that under Emil Michael, undersecretary of war for
research and engineering and chief technology officer for the War Department,
the department has unified its innovation ecosystem under one roof to make
decisions faster than past bureaucracies allowed. And with the leadership of
Mike Duffey, undersecretary of war for acquisition and sustainment, the
department is reforming acquisition to empower program executives and deploying
multiyear procurement contracts.
Hegseth also lauded Saronic employees and executives for playing a big
role in revitalizing the American shipbuilding industry. In Texas and
Louisiana, he said, Saronic is building ships, creating jobs and strengthening
the defense industrial base all at the same time.
"At the Port of Brownsville [in Texas], Port Alpha ... delivers a $3
billion investment, up to 10,000 high-paying jobs, over $160 billion in
regional impact for Cameron County, [Texas,] and 150,000 ... gross tons of new
shipbuilding capacity," he said. "This industrial muscle here will
double domestic shipbuilding and ensure absolute dominance."
Saronic is also investing some $300 million in Louisiana, including at
the Gulf Craft shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, to build autonomous surface
vessels.
"This effort creates over 1,500 high-paying maritime careers,"
Hegseth said. "Together, Franklin and New Orleans prove that combining
historic craft with robotics creates an unbeatable industrial edge."
The secretary said Saronic and companies like it are the future of
American shipbuilding, and at the heart of the rebirth of the American defense
industrial base.
"All the strategies from the Pentagon are meaningless without the
people on this floor: the technicians, the machinists, the fabricators and the
engineers," he said. "Every platform you weld, wire and assemble
gives our warfighters the decisive edge to win and return home. Never forget
that direct line from your hands to the success of our warfighters."
The secretary implored Saronic workers to keep doing what they've been
doing, and to do even more.
"Today I say to you: build faster, scale larger and deliver
more," he said. "We need you like never before, because when America
is unleashed, we win."
Sept. 18, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |
The War Department doesn't serve politicians; it serves warfighters and
the nation, said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth today in Austin, Texas, where he
swore in new military recruits.
At the Austin Armed Forces Reserve Center, the secretary administered the
oath of enlistment to more than a dozen young men and women joining the Texas
National Guard, and then immediately after he administered the oath to more
than 30 who were enlisting as federal troops across all branches of the
military.
Before administering those oaths, the secretary discussed the meaning of
service and commitment. But he didn't address the recruits directly; he
addressed the crowd gathered to watch, which was mostly the parents of the
recruits.
"One of the great pleasures ... for me in ceremonies like this is
... you look out at the families; you look out at mom and dad and sisters and
brothers who love these Americans more than anyone else on the planet," he
said. "I can see in [your faces] the fact that you're realizing that you
are gifting your greatest gift to the United States military, to the War
Department, and I get chills just saying that."
Accepting that gift — America's young people — from the parents who
raised them is a huge responsibility, Hegseth said. He vowed that the War
Department and military services will not squander that gift.
"My commitment to you is that with our every breath that we have,
[we will] ensure that they are prepared, that they are backed up, that they are
trained, that they are ready, that the missions we give them are clear, the
equipment we give them is the best, and the training the most difficult and
rigorous," he said.
The secretary told parents there exists a "Golden Rule" of the
War Department, and that he asks commanders everywhere to apply it all the
time, especially when it comes to honesty in the rigor applied to preparing
troops to be the best they can be.
"[That] is do unto your formation that which you would have done
unto your son or daughter's formation," he said. "Meaning, if you're
compromising a standard, or you're meeting a quota, or you're changing training
to soften it or make it easier for some subset of people, would you do that if
your son or daughter were in that formation, or not?"
Families, Hegseth said, are the backbone of what creates America's
warfighters — young men and women who choose to serve. And he said his role as
one of those at the Pentagon is to serve those young men and women and all who
choose to defend the nation.
"We are here at the highest echelons of the Pentagon to serve the
warfighter, full stop," he said. "Not to serve politicians; [to]
serve those [who] do the difficult things in dark and dangerous
places."
As a young officer in the military himself, Hegseth told parents and
families what he wanted to know was that when he had difficult things to do as
a warrior, that he had the support of his leaders and nation. He told those
families that their sons and daughters will be asked to do difficult things and
that they will have support.
"Things will go wrong, things will break, mistakes will be made, but
we need warriors, Americans, willing to step out and take the risks and do
those difficult things," Hegseth said. "President [Donald J.] Trump
has your back, I have your back, and I'm absolutely honored that we raise such
men, that we raise such women, who are willing to do something bigger than
themselves and serve."
Sept. 18, 2026
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By Air Force Airman 1st Class Ian Carton, 125th Fighter Wing
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The Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing recently joined forces with the Ohio Air National Guard's 220th Engineering Installation Squadron to improve communication infrastructure, strengthen mission readiness and provide hands-on training for airmen.
Earlier this summer, airmen assigned to the 220th Engineering Installation Squadron, who specialize in capabilities such as network infrastructure, communication systems installation and maintenance, and spectrum analysis, traveled to the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, to assess and document its existing communication infrastructure; the mission served as an opportunity to integrate and provide expert support.
"We are documenting the layout of the communication infrastructure currently in place," said Air Force 1st Lt. Grant Warren, a cyberspace operations engineer assigned to the 220th. "We are making sure it's properly labeled and accurately updated within the digital repository used by communications squadrons and engineering installation units across the service."
The team traced communication pathways between facilities, confirmed cable routes, reviewed labels and updated infrastructure records.
Accurate documentation is critical when communication systems are damaged or disrupted. If a cable is cut or a building experiences an outage, technicians must quickly determine where the problem occurred and how it affects the broader network.
Warren noted that keen, accurate insight into the communication infrastructure keeps the base out of the dark.
"We may know that it starts in one building and ends in another, but we need to know what happens in between," he said. "Having a better understanding of that infrastructure increases our strategic capabilities when it comes to the mission."
The assessment also supported long-term planning. By understanding which pathways and resources are available, the 125th can make informed decisions about future communication requirements, infrastructure upgrades and support for new mission systems.
Reliable communications enable command and control, aircraft operations, maintenance, logistics and coordination with military and civilian partners. According to Warren, that makes communication infrastructure critical to mission success.
"Without communications, many operational missions would not be possible," he said. "We provide that capability, and it's a critical linchpin to have individuals who are capable of meeting the standards, ensuring that missions can go uninterrupted."
This project also gives junior airmen new experiences outside of their normal day-to-day practice, giving them a greater sense of the capabilities and expectations of the communications squadron's mission.
"It's important to do the job right the first time, because that means less work for the airmen who come after us," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Jacob Brommeland, a radar, airfield and weather system specialist assigned to the 220th.
Brommeland said serving as a multicapable airman broadens his experience and gives him opportunities to work with his hands while learning different parts of the mission.
The partnership demonstrates one of the National Guard's key strengths: sharing expertise and resources across states. The 125th gained a clearer understanding of its communication network, while the 220th received realistic training in a different operational landscape.
By working together, both units improved their capabilities and contributed to a force that is always ready and always there.
Sept. 17, 2026
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By Alaskan Command Public Affairs, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region
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The Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region deployed F-16 Fighting Falcons from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, in support of Operation Arctic Vanguard 26-4.2. During this NORAD operation, Alaskan NORAD Region is operating directly alongside the Canadian NORAD Region to execute critical defense missions across the Arctic, Sept. 13-26.
Under Arctic Vanguard, NORAD personnel and aircraft will forward deploy into Greenland to execute operations in austere conditions alongside partners from Denmark and other NATO countries. This operation supports the NORAD and U.S. Northern Command Nordic Bridge concept, which aligns the commands' Arctic operations, exercises and training, activities and investments with other U.S. combatant commands, NATO, individual nations and regional partners.
"Operation Arctic Vanguard demonstrates that austere conditions and vast distances present no barrier to NORAD's collective defense," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert D. Davis, commander, Alaskan NORAD Region. "Deploying combat airpower from Alaska across Canada and forward into Greenland validates our agile combat capabilities and demonstrates our seamless integration with the Canadian NORAD region, the Kingdom of Denmark and our NATO allies. Together, we maintain continuous vigilance and credible deterrence across North America's northern approaches."
Operation Arctic Vanguard is part of a recurring series of NORAD and Northcom operations conducted across the North American Arctic region to enhance presence, operate from forward Arctic locations and defend North America's northern approaches.
Under the Nordic Bridge concept and efforts to bring orchestration to operations, activities and investments in the Arctic, Operation Arctic Vanguard enables more consistent presence of multinational forces in the region, operating in multiple domains and in varying locations.
Soldiers with the 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard, recently reinforced a challenging section of the southern border barrier.
The soldiers emplaced two strands of concertina wire and one strand of razor wire atop 7-foot Hesco barriers in National Defense Area 2 near Fort Hancock, Texas. The reinforced barriers disrupt climbing attempts and enhance persistent detection, monitoring and rapid response along high-risk border corridors.
"Barrier reinforcement operations represent more than physical infrastructure; they showcase the technical ingenuity and skill of our service members," said Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force Southern Border and the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, Texas. "For the last 14 weeks, our great soldiers have been out here day and night developing innovative solutions to stop human trafficking in our own territory."
In May, the Navy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began installing 10 miles of barriers under orders from the War Department and U.S. Northern Command. Within about 30 days, they constructed 10 miles of barriers, including site preparation, mobilization, environmental clearance, receiving barrier sections from overseas, and transporting more than 90,000 cubic yards of fill material.
On average, constructing 10 miles of Hesco barriers takes approximately 28 days when crews work 12-hour shifts. However, this timeline does not include mobilization, land clearing or compaction.
During the recent reinforcement operation, soldiers assigned to the 591st Combat Engineer Company-Infantry, 62nd Engineer Battalion, maintained a demanding pace as they reinforced barriers from Santa Teresa, New Mexico, to Fort Hancock, Texas.
"When we work on border reinforcement operations, we typically start in the morning, and then we work until around midafternoon," said Army 2nd Lt. Jonah Posada, a Sapper platoon leader with the 591st. "And then, we'll return to Fort Bliss and prepare for the next day; we try to continue at that pace for the whole week."
To address site conditions and avoid the Texas summer heat, the company adopted an offset work schedule: one platoon began work in the early evening; another relieved it and worked until late morning.
The elevated work surface and limited workspace made installing razor wire on the Hesco barriers difficult. Additionally, the soldiers could not use metal stakes, which are generally used for support, because they would place compressive stress on the barriers. Instead, they used boom lifts as work platforms to emplace razor wire atop the concertina wire.
The final 300-meter section presented another significant challenge: soft, uneven terrain prevented the boom lifts from reaching the area and attempts to move the equipment left them stuck. Rather than leave the section unfinished, the 591st soldiers developed a solution using equipment already available.
"We devised a plan using tent poles and rope that we had in our high-angle mountaineering kit," Posada said. "Using those ropes, we stretched [the section of wire] out and kept tension on the razor wire."
Soldiers on the ground used camouflage-net poles to lift the razor wire while teams atop the barrier secured it in place. A carabiner attached to a rope helped lift the wire from the ground, enabling the soldiers to complete the final section without relying on boom lifts.
The solution was the latest in a series of adaptations soldiers developed as they transitioned between traditional barrier work and reinforcing Hesco barriers.
The Hesco barriers introduced additional challenges because the razor wire configuration was not standard for the engineers.
"The actual obstacle that we emplaced on top of the Hesco [barriers] is not normal," Posada said. "We had to figure out how to best overcome that. The terrain by the Hesco was a big hindrance on the mission as well."
The company also developed techniques to prevent injuries. In one method, the soldiers attached a wooden post to a boom lift and used it to position the wire across the barrier.
The completed work reinforces the barrier with additional obstacles intended to deter unauthorized crossings and support the broader border-security mission. Posada said the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents appreciated the efforts and noted that the additional barriers helped limit crossings.
The operation underscores the role of combat engineers in providing practical solutions when terrain, equipment and mission requirements intersect.
For the soldiers conducting the work, the operation demonstrated the importance of adapting established engineering practices to conditions on the ground. Posada said he shared the techniques that his platoon developed with other platoon leaders in the company so they could apply the lessons learned to similar missions.
Sept. 17, 2026
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By Air Force Capt. Casey Sturdivan, 15th Wing
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In the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green requested military assistance to transport specialized utility vehicles from the Big Island, Hawaii, to Kauai, Hawaii, to help address continued widespread power outages, Sept. 12-13.
The 15th Wing executed the airlift, an interagency effort that included the U.S. Pacific Command, the Air Force, the Hawaii National Guard and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
Power outages began as Hurricane Lowell approached Kauai, Sept. 7. By 6:40 a.m. the next day, approximately 36,000 residents across the island were without electricity.
"I simply decided that we had to do everything possible to shorten the time to recovery, and partnering with the military and utilizing our National Guard on the ground has been a major addition to our state and county efforts," Green said.
Utility trucks originally relocated from California to Hawaii after Tropical Cyclone Lala were loaded onto two C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu, Hawaii, and flown to Kauai to restore essential services.
On the ground, War Department emergency preparedness liaison officers and Hawaii National Guard members received the equipment. The airlift augmented support from the 74 guard members currently providing ground support in the wake of the storm.
Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, state adjutant general, said he feels extremely fortunate to be so close to U.S. Pacific Command and the Pacific Air Forces, which enable a rapid response and unity of effort in times of crisis.
"We are committed to continuing support for our community members without power in whatever way we can," said Air Force Col. Kyle Clinton, 15th Wing commander. "Supporting those that support us in times of emergency is why many of us chose to serve."
These consolidated partnerships across the War Department and state agencies enable nearly real-time synergistic response capabilities to natural disasters across the Hawaiian Islands.
Sept. 16, 2026
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By Amy Phillips, Fort Hunter Liggett Public Affairs Office
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The swift response of Fort Hunter Liggett, California, to the encroaching Plaskett Fire in the adjacent Los Padres National Forest reflects its emergency preparedness and strong mutual aid partnerships in Monterey County, California. The fire ignited Aug. 26, burned 29,976 acres and is 89% contained as of yesterday.
There is no threat to the cantonment area, and the installation continues daily operations to support military training. While the threat never necessitated activating the installation's emergency operations center, garrison directorates effectively synchronized operations to deliver rapid fire-support operations. Fort Hunter Liggett remains mission ready with minimal disruption to daily operations.
"I'm incredibly proud of the tremendous teamwork and dedication the installation and our tenants displayed," said Army Col. Jason McKenzie, the garrison commander. "The fact that our military training and daily operations continued through these last two weeks illustrates that Fort Hunter Liggett is always mission ready."
The installation's fire department routinely monitors regional fire activity and conducts prescribed fires, when possible, to reduce the abundant fuel in and around the installation. They immediately started defensive planning and acting when they learned of the Plaskett Fire.
Aaron Smith, Fort Hunter Liggett fire chief, is serving as the installation's unified incident commander and is working alongside California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 to ensure a coordinated, safe and effective response to the Plaskett Fire. Fort Hunter Liggett is providing dozers, dozer bosses and dozer operators in support of suppression operations. The installation is also providing an advanced life support ambulance to support the incident medical plan.
"At the same time, we continue to maintain a dedicated initial attack capability for structural and wildland emergencies for the installation," Smith said. "This allows us to support the larger firefighting effort while continuing to protect our community, infrastructure, and training mission."
The Directorate of Public Works Roads and Ground crew works in lockstep with firefighters year-round to create firebreaks. DPW provided four dozers and eight equipment operators to the incident management control team, creating new firebreaks and enhancing existing ones to help contain the fire.
"I've heard nothing but great things from the incident team…they're doing a great job. I'm very proud of my team for their contributions," said Army Lt. Col. Loren Baldwin, DPW director.
The Fort Hunter Liggett police department plays a critical role in patrolling infrastructure and establishing a checkpoint at the installation's Nacimiento-Ferguson Road entry to prevent non-emergency responders' traffic from impeding fire operations. Those living within the Los Padres Forest and installation boundaries have unimpeded access to their homes.
Through it all, Fort Hunter Liggett remains fully operational, with the installation's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security team coordinating and synchronizing support efforts. With more than a dozen aircraft supporting the fire and thousands of firefighters in and around the installation, Range Operations are operating at full throttle. They are constantly engaged — monitoring the situation, collecting data and supporting the U.S. Forest Service Fire Service base camp at Schoonover Airfield.
"While our EOC-Light and weekend operations were highly successful, our true victory lies in the lessons learned. We are already leveraging this experience to refine our systems, processes, and communication tools," said Paul Lewis, DPTMS director. "I could not be prouder of the DPTMS team and the garrison's unified response."
The AirNow website reported that air quality at the installation ranged from moderate to hazardous. However, Fort Hunter Liggett discovered that the quality measurements used by online platforms such as AirNow are based on sensors 40-50 miles from the installation. To rectify this, DPTMS worked with the PurpleAir site and installed four air quality sensors inside the cantonment area. These measures allow the installation to get accurate readings and apply appropriate safety measures to protect those who work and live at Fort Hunter Liggett.
Effective communication during any crisis is critical, and the installation uses all available channels to keep the Fort Hunter Liggett community and neighbors informed. The installation uses face-to-face briefings, internal emails, the My Army Post app, mass notification systems, and many online platforms to communicate with the community. Fort Hunter Liggett also has a webpage dedicated to fire-related information.
Good communication and the fact that this is not the first or last wildfire the installation has faced, helps the community stay prepared. The Dolan Fire in 2020 was the last major wildfire to significantly impact the installation. Then and now, seeing the night sky aglow is traumatic for Fort Hunter Liggett residents.
"I went through the Dolan Fire filled with fear and uncertainty. Facing the Plaskett Fire, I understood exactly what could happen," said Talia Wesley, a FHL resident and Army civilian. "That experience didn't erase the fear, but it gave me the resilience, strength and clarity to prepare. I can't control the flames, smoke, or wind in either event, but I can control my readiness."
Wesley and many installation residents are prepared with air purifiers, to-go bags for evacuation orders, and dusted-off family emergency plans.
"The Dolan Fire taught me the reality of wildfire danger; the Plaskett Fire showed me how preparation turns fear into action," she said.
McKenzie said that serving and protecting the community requires a united front and Fort Hunter Liggett is showing its true colors to support each other.
"We're also incredibly grateful for the Army Reserve providing emergency funds, Cadence Communities for sharing command information to keep our residents informed, the Association of the U.S. Army for providing N95 face masks to combat the hazardous air quality, and many others that helped during our time of need," he said.
During the Sept. 8 virtual community town hall, Tom Clemo, incident commander, emphasized the importance of community engagement, listening to concerns and building partnerships.
"The partnerships that have been created…Chief [Aaron] Smith at Fort Hunter Liggett has done an amazing job taking care of firefighters at the base," Clemo said. "If there's anything we've learned during incident management, [it] is that we cannot do this alone."
The Plaskett Fire has reduced some of the available wildland fuels within the affected area, but that does not eliminate the installation's future wildfire risk, Smith said.
"We will continue evaluating burned and unburned areas, maintaining established fuel breaks, conducting mitigation activities when conditions permit and incorporating lessons from this incident into Fort Hunter Liggett's long-term wildland fire management planning," he said.
Preparedness, prevention and strong interagency coordination will remain central to protecting the installation and sustaining its training mission.
Fire also risks federally protected resources and future erosion. The Fort Hunter Liggett DPW environmental team coordinates with CIIMT-7 by providing environmental data for operations and recovery planning. The environmental team will follow up in 2027 with surveys of key areas to monitor the status of threatened and endangered species and cultural resource sites.
Steep, remote terrain and weather play a critical role in fire containment. Various fire operations continue, including applying mobile fire retardant, building backfires, deploying direct handline crews, and building firebreaks continue. Plaskett Fire information is available here.
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