Army Paratroopers Integrate Drones, Night Operations in Historic Company Live Fire

May 11, 2026 | By Army Maj. Ian Roth, 11th Airborne Division |

More than 700 paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, executed a historic company live-fire exercise at the Infantry Squad Battle Course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 27-May 8. 

The event marked the brigade's first exercise incorporating friendly kinetic and strike small unmanned aerial systems with paratroopers employing first-person-view drones to strike simulated enemy positions and defend against live adversaries in the form of drones. 
 
"This was the first time our companies had organic FPV drone pilots executing live-fire strikes on critical targets," said Army Capt. Ian McKibbin, lead range safety officer and member of the brigade operations staff. "The drones, built with components from [the] 11th Airborne [Division] Innovations [Team] and the [2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division], Multifunctional Reconnaissance Company, were entirely controlled by the units on the ground. No live munitions were used, but the effect and accuracy were tremendous."

The exercise challenged paratroopers to clear a six-room shoot house, breach wired obstacles, clear trench systems and engage reinforced bunkers, all while reacting to contact from enemy drones. The small UAS attacked with simulated munitions, forcing commanders to rapidly employ counter-small UAS and adapt their tactics in real time. 
 
"Company live fires are designed to be complex and demanding," McKibbin said. "This event was especially difficult due to the presence of hostile drones, which observed friendly movement and actively attacked with simulated munitions. It's the first time we've had a live, thinking enemy in the form of these drones for this type of training exercise."

Day and night lanes were executed with both blank and live ammunition. Parachute flares illuminated targets during night engagements, enabling soldiers to protect maneuvering squads and provide signaling or degrade enemy night vision capabilities. 
 
The entire company maneuvered on the lane, with commanders assigning platoons and squads to objectives. The event validated company commanders' ability to integrate direct and indirect fires and demonstrate proficiency in complex, live-fire operations. 
 
The event included participation from three battalions and extensive support from brigade headquarters. The small UAS also captured video of critical points for maneuvering elements, enabling near-real-time after-action reviews for companies. 
 
"This exercise represents a significant step forward in integrating new technology and realistic threats into our training," McKibbin said. "Our paratroopers demonstrated adaptability, teamwork and the ability to fight and win in a complex environment."

Fort Bragg Hosts NASCAR Driver Austin Dillon for Mission 600 Visit

May 11, 2026 | By Jason Ragucci, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs Office |

Fort Bragg, North Carolina, hosted NASCAR driver Austin Dillon, May 7, as part of Mission 600, an annual program where racing teams visit military bases and learn about service members' daily lives in preparation for the Coca‑Cola 600.

 
Dillon, who drives the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, is a two‑time NASCAR champion with wins in the Daytona 500 and Coca‑Cola 600. This was not his first time at the Army installation. Dillon previously visited the post in 2019 during an earlier Mission 600 tour, where he also trained with soldiers and learned about airborne operations. 
 
This year, Charlotte Motor Speedway sent drivers to military installations across the country for the ninth time to meet with troops and recognize their service. Fort Bragg became one of the key stops for the 2026 campaign.

 
During the visit, Dillon and his racing team fired a howitzer, received weapons training, tested a flight simulator and jumped from the installation's 34‑foot jump tower. These hands‑on activities were designed to help the team understand the skills, training and challenges soldiers face every day. 
 
Dillon said the experience helped him better understand why Memorial Day weekend is so important to NASCAR and to the military community.

"So appreciative for all of our military, the men and women out there who truly keep America what it is," Dillon said. 
 
Mission 600 leads into the Coca‑Cola 600, NASCAR's Memorial Day weekend race that honors service members across the War Department. Charlotte Motor Speedway will host the 2026 race May 24.

FORGING THE DIGITAL BATTLESPACE: Five Eyes Allies Accelerate 'Project Arcadia' at the Combined Digital Leadership Summit

May 11, 2026 |

The Department of War (DoW), last Friday, announced the successful conclusion of the biannual Combined Digital Leadership Summit (CDLS 26.1), marking a pivotal acceleration in joint digital war fighting capabilities and the operationalization of Project Arcadia among the Five Eyes (FVEY) alliance: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

The summit's mandate aligns directly with the strategic imperatives set by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who has continually emphasized that technological and operational unity with our partners is the bedrock of global stability. "The United States is committed to achieving peace through strength," Secretary Hegseth previously declared, framing the Department's focus on maintaining a decisive technological overmatch to deter global aggression. Executing on this vision of strength and deterrence, the Honorable Kirsten Davies, the DoW's Chief Information Officer, closed the multi-day summit by challenging the coalition to achieve "peace through technical strength" by commending the "fierce dedication" and "unequivocal consensus" of the international delegation.

"The spirit of the Combined Digital Leadership Summit (CDLS 26.1) has affirmed a fundamental truth that will define our future success: we can only achieve our goals when we walk together, not independently," said the Hon. Davies during her closing address. "The strategic imperative that has galvanized this remarkable unity is Project Arcadia. It is not merely an IT project, but the operational imperative for our time—the digital backbone that will empower our warfighters with the information dominance they need to win."

By uniting the Defence Chief Information Officer Forum (DCIOF), the Defence Chief Data Officer Forum (DCDOF), and the Combined Communications Electronics Board (CCEB), the FVEY nations have solidified a binding commitment to utilize the Arcadia platform as the critical infrastructure for operationalizing Artificial Intelligence and mastering Command and Control data flow. The goal is to turn vast amounts of information into a unified Common Operating Picture (COP) at a pace legacy, hardware-bound networks could never achieve.

The summit concluded with a ceremony rich in symbolism as the United States officially transitioned hosting duties to Australia. The Hon. Davies passed the ceremonial taonga—Māui's hook—to Australia's Defence CIO, Chris Crozier, signifying the handover for the next CDLS cycle.

As the host country and in commemoration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, Davies also presented the Australian delegation with a sculpted Eagle. "The American flag in its talons is a reminder that wherever this mission flies next, the United States will be right there with you," she noted.

Joint development on Project Arcadia and rapid-prototyping initiatives will continue at a sprint pace as Australia carries this mission forward to the next summit, scheduled to convene in Sydney, Australia, in November 2026.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army 1st Lt. Douglas Bernard Fournet

May 11, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Army 1st Lt. Douglas Bernard Fournet was a trooper assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when he served in South Vietnam in 1968.

He was born on May 7, 1943, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. His father, former Army Staff Sgt. Henry Bernard Fournet, was a shrimp boat operator, and his mother, Maria Lena Fournet, was a homemaker. 

In 1952, his father drowned when his shrimp boat capsized in heavy seas, so Fournet and his siblings cared for their mother. 

He was the quarterback of the Lake Charles High School football team. He also graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles. His siblings include brothers Keith, Mark, Rocke, Brett, and Kevin, who was an Army veteran, and sister Susan. 

After college, Fournet married the former Marilyn Miller.  

Following college, Fournet attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1968, after which he deployed to South Vietnam. 

His wife was pregnant when Fournet deployed. Their son Bill would be born after his father's death. 

Fournet, a platoon leader, deployed with his troopers to the A Shau Valley during Operation Delaware, April 19, 1968. The valley was a vital corridor for supplying enemy forces known as the People's Army of Vietnam along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Their mission was to cut off the supply route. 

While advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions in the valley, the platoon encountered intense sniper fire from concealed enemy positions, making movement very difficult. The right flank man suddenly discovered an enemy claymore mine covering the route of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades.

Realizing that the enemy would also be alerted, Fournet ordered his men to take cover and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it with the intent of cutting the control wire.

He used his body as a shield in front of the mine as he attempted to slash the wires. As he reached for the wire, the mine was detonated by the enemy, killing him instantly. Five men nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but his heroic and unselfish act spared his men from serious injury or death.  

Braving enemy fire, his platoon sergeant, Army Staff Sgt. Bill Krahl retrieved Fournet's body. For his actions, Krahl was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. 

In a White House ceremony, President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor on behalf of Fournet to Army Mag. Gen. Charles Spragins, commander, U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana, on April 7, 1970. Family members also attended.

There's a monument to him at American Legion Post 244 in Kinder, Louisiana. 

Nixon wrote in a letter to Post 244: "In a sense, the monument will be a memorial to the many other brave young men who made sacrifices for our country. We can all be justifiably proud that our nation has always had men of Lt. Fournet's caliber who have come forth to serve her in her hour of need."

Fournet was inducted into the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum, and a section of Interstate 210 near Lake Charles is named the Douglas Fournet Expressway.

The First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet Memorial is located at Veterans Memorial Park on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center.  

Fournet is buried in the Kinder Cemetery in Kinder. 

Utah National Guard Integrates Air, Ground Capabilities During Exercise Wolverine

May 6, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Blackham, Utah National Guard Public Affairs |

The sounds of saw blades against concrete, the striking of hammers against nails and the movement of debris amid collapsed rubble echoed across the western training area at Camp Williams, Utah, during an Exercise Wolverine simulated search and extraction scenario, April 30.

The exercise focused on strengthening joint interaction between Utah Army and Air National Guard units in disaster response and air-to-ground operations to support homeland defense. 

At the site known as the "rubble pile," soldiers assigned to the 1457th Engineer Battalion search and extraction team worked to remove simulated casualties from collapsed concrete structures during a train derailment scenario. Teams operated at a high tempo to safely remove rubble, assess casualties and transfer simulated victims to a secure medical location.

While search and extraction members remained central to the scenario, additional units supported simulated emergency response operations throughout the exercise. The 65th Field Artillery Brigade and the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade played key roles in the exercise, alongside the 151st Medical Group, the 97th Aviation Troop Command, and the 8th Homeland Response Force.

"We're bringing counter-unmanned aerial systems capabilities, communications link between the ground and Air [National] Guard, and a fire package to the joint operations center," said Army Lt. Col. Emilio Suazo, 65th Field Artillery Brigade executive officer, adding that the training demonstrates their ability to respond to domestic emergencies while balancing both state and federal missions. 

A key component of the exercise is the AN/TPQ-53 multimission radar, operated by soldiers assigned to the artillery brigade. The system detects, tracks and classifies indirect fire threats, including mortars, rockets, cannons and artillery, at ranges of up to approximately 20 kilometers.

In addition to its counterfire mission, the radar provides an emerging counter-unmanned aircraft system capability, enabling operators to identify and monitor UAS activity while employing survivability techniques to reduce its electromagnetic signature.

Supporting that capability, the Link 16 tactical communication system enhances real-time coordination across the force. The system strengthens situational awareness and supports Utah's disaster response operations, while the exercise provides an opportunity to further integrate it into homeland defense missions.

"It's important because we often don't get enough joint training with the Air Force and our civilian partners," said Army Master Sgt. Nathan Torres, 8th Homeland Response Force chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear task force noncommissioned officer in charge. "This is another way we can solidify that relationship and work with our partners, because when a disaster happens, we will rely on each other to accomplish these tasks."

Exercise Wolverine provided the joint military assets and personnel in Utah with the opportunity to prepare for potential threats to homeland defense.

Forging Tactical Readiness During Iron Ascent

May 8, 2026 | By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Heather Ley, 92nd Air Refueling Wing |

In a deliberate push to build a more agile and combat-ready force, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing launched Iron Ascent, a rigorous three-day tactical training course, held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, April 29-May 1.

The inaugural program pulled airmen out of their typical daily duties and into hands-on combat environments, enabling training participants from various career fields to operate as capable expeditionary warfighters. The initiative was spearheaded by Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lindsay Moon, 92nd ARW command chief, who saw a need to provide airmen with training beyond computer-based modules and classroom instruction. 

"Iron Ascent is a course that we locally created, realizing there was a need to get past the things we learn by [computer] or in a classroom, and trying to get folks out into the field and really recognizing what [the] warrior ethos is," Moon said. "It allowed us to drop people out into the field to do combat-related operations, even if it's not the same thing we expect them to do day to day." 

The result was a rigorous, multifaceted training experience. The first day was dedicated to academics, where participants received briefings on essential deployment skills. 

"The classroom instruction covered deployment tactics, explosive ordnance disposal capabilities and tactical combat casualty care," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Katlynn Bell, the noncommissioned officer in charge of training for the 92nd Security Forces Squadron, who also served as part of the exercise cadre. "It was mainly learning the fundamentals, so it's easier for the practical portions later on." 

During day two, the airmen split into two groups to apply their new knowledge, swapping halfway through the day so everyone completed both events. One group practiced close-quarters battle tactics and troop movements at the security forces' "shoot house," and the other group rappelled down a 30-foot wall with survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists. 

"We tried to progressively build on the concepts," Moon said. "We were able to hand them actual M4 [assault rifles] so they could practice clearing rooms, being in formation and communicating together."

The final day culminated in a field training exercise at Nighthawk Range, where participants faced a series of challenging scenarios across 50 acres of terrain. They defended locations, acquired intelligence and navigated through ambushes against opposing forces, putting all their training to the test under high-stress conditions. 

"You saw a lot of different stressors that were applied to them, and it was amazing to watch them face those [stressors]," Moon said. 

The exercise reflected the Air Force's broader push toward creating a more agile and versatile force. 

"It's important for people to understand that we may ask you to do things outside of what you learned in tech school," Moon said. "But that is okay; you can do hard things. We had airmen from finance and weather training right alongside security forces and survival instructors; watching them all work together was amazing." 

Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakota Peterson, NCOIC of physical security for the squadron, who also served as part of the exercise cadre, noted the training established a critical baseline for airmen who may find themselves in unexpected roles during a deployment. 

"It's critical because when they deploy, they might be asked to step outside their normal duties, and this training provides that foundation," Peterson said. "It's a stepping stone that allows them to say, 'Hey, I have some experience. I trained for this a year ago, and now I can apply it here.'" 

For the cadre, one of the most rewarding aspects was watching the volunteer participants embrace the challenges head-on. 

"It was really awesome to see people stepping out of their comfort zones, and not being afraid of it, and really just embracing it," Bell said. "It's all volunteers here; no one here was told to be here." 

The enthusiasm was palpable. According to Moon, many participants immediately asked how they could be involved in the next iteration, a testament to the program's success and the growing appetite for hands-on, tactical training.

Department of War Awards Academy District 20 a $42.7 Million Grant for Douglass Valley K8 School at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

May 7, 2026 |

The Department of War, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, today awarded Academy District 20 a $42.7 million grant as the federal share of a larger $54.1 million project to construct a new Douglass Valley K8 School at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado. 

This project will address facility capacity and condition deficiencies that placed Douglass Valley K8 School as #71 on the 2019 Deputy Secretary of Defense "Public Schools on Military Installations Priority List" (Priority List).  Upon completion, 787 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade will be supported through this project.

Funding for this grant is provided under the Department's Public Schools on Military Installations Program.  In making these funds available, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation must give priority consideration to military installations that have schools with the most serious facility capacity and condition deficiencies, as determined by the Priority List.  

A multi-disciplined Federal Evaluation Team, with representatives from the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, reviewed the school project to ensure the award appropriately addresses the noted facility capacity and condition deficiencies. 

In correcting the identified facility condition and capacity issues at the Douglass Valley K8 School, this grant keeps faith with service members, improves the quality of education for defense-connected students, aids in the recruitment and retention of vital skills at the United States Air Force Academy, and enhances partnerships between the community and the installation.

Bumblebee V1 System Sharpens 10th Mountain Division's Counter-Drone Edge

May 7, 2026 | By Army Sgt. Alyssa Norton, 10th Mountain Division |

Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division began training with the Bumblebee V1 counter-drone system, introducing a capability to improve the warfighter's ability to detect and defeat the threat of unmanned aerial systems on the modern battlefield. 

The training at Fort Drum, New York, brought together soldiers from different units to train on and operate the new system, which is expected to become the Army's standard for future warfighting. Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the premier War Department counter-drone organization, partnered with the 10th Mountain Division to operationally assess low-cost, attritable air-to-air interceptors.  

JIATF-401 invests in training to ensure warfighters can effectively employ emerging technologies, integrating kinetic defeat options to establish a layered defense against UAS threats at home and on the battlefield. 

"Countering drones is both a battlefield and a homeland defense imperative," said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. "Training opportunities like this one at 10th Mountain Division enable us to increase counter-drone capabilities across the entire joint force to keep pace with this threat." 

The Bumblebee is a first-person-view, multirotor drone designed specifically for counter-unmanned aerial system missions. By incorporating automated target recognition, the system can identify and track hostile drones with limited operator input. This allows soldiers to focus on maneuvering, communication and battlefield awareness while the system executes intercept functions. 

"It came to us in a counter-unmanned aerial systems capacity, but we're finding that it's more of a multirole fighter. It can do everything from short-range reconnaissance to detecting threats on the battlefield, on the ground, in the air," said Army Lt. Col. Max Ferguson, the director of operations for 10th Mountain Division. "It has the ability to do launched effects, it's classified as a munition, and we can use it as a one-way attack, or we can use it to drop ordinance." 

The introduction of the Bumblebee V1 reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, where unmanned systems have become a persistent threat. By incorporating these capabilities into training, the 10th Mountain Division is working to ensure soldiers are prepared to operate in increasingly contested and technologically complex environments. 

"It gets a lot of guys out of the line of fire, so you're not running into bunkers and fortified positions anymore, which makes me feel better, makes everyone feel better," said Army Spc. Cevyn Jay Paydy, an infantryman assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. "It is way safer and more viable to hit with drones and other capabilities before going into anything, so I think it totally enhances our ability to do just about any mission." 

This is the blueprint for how soldiers at the lowest level can access real-time aerial reconnaissance that was once reserved for higher headquarters. Squad and platoon leaders can quickly launch drones to scout terrain, identify enemy positions and adjust movements without waiting for external support. This immediacy compresses decision-making timelines and speeds the pace of engagements. 

"It's a really capable component of a wider system; we have to learn how to integrate it with detection and integrate those sensors with our maneuver," Ferguson said. "This is the beginning of a shift in how we think about a three-dimensional fight where drones are common on the battlefield." 

As the Army continues to modernize, training events like this highlight the growing role of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems in small-unit operations. For the 10th Mountain Division, the integration of the Bumblebee V1 marks a step toward maintaining an advantage against evolving threats. 

"If we are able to eliminate the enemies before friendly forces get there, that's a win for us. We're able to eliminate them without putting friendly lives in danger," said Army Spc. Quentin Martinez, a master trainer assigned to the Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

American Revolutionary War Flags Flown to Inspire Patriotism

May 8, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

The American flag is a symbol of freedom and patriotism, but before the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag in 1777, many other flags were flown.  

As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, here's a look at a few of the various United States flags flown during combat by soldiers, sailors, Marines and militia during the American Revolutionary War.  

Flags were a significant part of the war, as they served to instill esprit de corps in the men and also aided in rallying the troops, as the flag carrier led from the front. They expressed liberty and national identity, as well as a means to assert sovereignty against British rule.  

The use of colors — the term for the banners and flags — dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe, when knights displayed their distinctive symbols and colors on their shields to identify one another on the battlefield. The ancient Romans and Greeks also carried banners with symbols of their leaders into battle.  

Today, the American flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes and Old Glory, serves to unite the nation and inspire patriotism. Although military units have their own colors, all fly the American flag higher, giving it the most prominent position.  

The Hopkinson flag 

Most historians agree that Francis Hopkinson was the designer of the first official American flag. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Hopkinson flag, calling it the Stars and Stripes.  

Since there were only 13 states then, the design featured 13 stripes and 13 six-pointed stars arranged in rows on the field of blue. He also designed a very similar flag for the Navy, which looks similar to today's flag because the red stripes are located at the top and bottom. 

The Hopkinson flag was first carried into combat during the Battle of Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1777, just outside Philadelphia. 

Hopkinson also helped design the Great Seal of the United States and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence; many consider him a Founding Father. 

The Serapis flag 

Featuring 13 blue, red and white stripes and 13 stars, the Serapis flag design is similar to the Hopkinson flag except for the arrangement of stars and the blue stripes. 

The flag has an unusual origin story: it was named for the Royal Navy frigate HMS Serapis. 

The Serapis engaged the American warship USS Bonhomme Richard under the command of Continental Navy Capt. John Paul Jones in the North Sea near England on Sept. 23, 1779. 

The battle resulted in the capture of the Serapis. Jones' ship was badly damaged and sank, so he sailed the Serapis to the neutral Dutch port of Texel without a flag — technically making him a pirate. 

Benjamin Franklin, then an ambassador to France, was asked to provide a flag that Jones could use. Once created, the flag diffused the diplomatic tension, and Jones was released by the Dutch. 

The Serapis flag was one of the first flags of the United States, although it was never used in an official capacity. However, it is strongly associated with Jones and his heroics as one of the great captains of the Continental Navy and his contributions to the war effort. 

The flag is used to this day on the USS John Paul Jones, a missile destroyer commissioned in 1991 to honor the famous captain. It is sometimes called the Franklin flag in honor of the Founding Father who helped create it. 

The Grand Union flag 

Also known as the Congress flag, the Cambridge flag and the Continental Union flag, the Grand Union flag is the first national flag of the United States; it was flown from 1775 to 1776. 

The Grand Union flag consisted of 13 red and white stripes with the British Union Jack located in the area now occupied by stars. The flag was first flown by Continental Navy Lt. John Paul Jones on Dec. 3, 1775, on the USS Alfred. 

The Betsy Ross flag 

Betsy Ross was a professional upholsterer in Philadelphia from the early 1770s until she retired in 1827. While there is no historical evidence, many people believe she designed the American flag. During and after the war, Ross made a variety of military flags over the course of 50 years.   

The Betsy Ross flag is similar to the other flags in that it has 13 stripes and 13 stars on a field of blue, but rather than rows, her design includes five-pointed stars arranged in a circle.

'Project Freedom' Aims to Get Thousands of Commercial Ships Safely Through Strait of Hormuz

May 5, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

Iran has blocked safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial cargo and tanker vessels, trapping thousands inside the Persian Gulf and halting the free flow of commerce in the region.

Project Freedom is meant to reopen the strait to commercial vessels, said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a briefing today at the Pentagon. It is also independent of Operation Epic Fury, which for now, is in a ceasefire. 

"President [Donald J.] Trump has directed U.S. Central Command to restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under the umbrella of Project Freedom," Hegseth said. "Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope, temporary in duration [and] with one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression." 

The secretary said as part of Project Freedom, American forces won't need to enter Iranian waters or airspace, but also, that Iran can no longer be allowed to stymie international commerce. 

"Iran ... cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway," Hegseth said. "Iran is the clear aggressor, harassing civilian vessels, threatening mariners from every nation indiscriminately and weaponizing a critical choke point for its own financial benefit." 

Already, Hegseth said, two U.S. commercial ships, along with American destroyers, have traversed the strait, proving that Iranian control of the strait is an illusion.

"We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this fact," he said. "They said they control the strait — they do not. So, American ships led the way, commercial and military, shouldering the initial risk from the front — as Americans always do. Right now, hundreds more ships from nations around the world are lining up to transit." 

The secretary said Centcom and partner nations are working with ships, shipping companies and insurers to let them know it's safe to move out. 

"All of these ships from all around the world want to get out of the Iranian trap that they have been stuck inside," he said. 

Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said right now, there are more than 1,500 vessels with about 22,500 mariners trapped inside the Persian Gulf.

"Over the past seven weeks, Iran has repeatedly threatened and attacked commercial shipping in the strait in order to effectively cut off commercial traffic and damage the global economy," Caine said. "By obstructing one of the world's most critical maritime checkpoints, a vital transit route for approximately one-fifth of the global oil consumption, Iran is weaponizing the global supply chain."

Now, Caine said, Centcom is executing Project Freedom to open the strait up to commercial traffic. 

"Project Freedom is designed to protect commercial shipping and help restore the flow of commerce through the strait and sustain freedom of navigation," he said. "Centcom has established an enhanced security area on the southern side of the strait that is now protected by U.S. land, naval and air assets to help defeat further Iranian aggression against commercial shipping." 

Caine said Centcom is using guided missile destroyers and other warships to detect and defeat Iranian threats, including fast boats and one-way attack drones. He said right now, the threat from those fast boats includes rifles and small machine-gun fire. 

In the air over the Persian Gulf, Caine said, are more than 100 fighters, attack aircraft and other manned and unmanned aircraft, all synchronized by the 82nd Airborne Division. 

"[They] are in the air 24 hours a day, providing defensive overwatch for the enhanced security area and its approaches," he said. 

Making the Persian Gulf safe for commercial vessels, Caine said, are more than 15,000 American service members who are providing very visible overwatch that commercial ships should recognize when they see it. 

"Commercial vessels that transit through the area will see, hear and frankly, feel U.S. combat power around them, on the sea, in the skies and on the radio," he said. "And as of this morning, as was mentioned prior, two U.S.-flag merchant vessels have transited, and we anticipate more to transit over the coming days."

Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Bush

May 4, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Eugene Bush, a hospital corpsman, was assigned to the 3rd Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during the World War II Battle of Okinawa, a conflict in which the bravery he showed led him to receive the Medal of Honor.

Bush was born Oct. 4, 1926, in Tacoma, Washington, to Carl and Estelle Bush. His father worked in a sawmill, and his mother was a nurse. After his parents divorced when he was 4, he was raised by his mother in Raymond, Washington. He worked in a sawmill as a teenager to help support his family and dropped out of high school in 1943 to enlist in the Navy Reserve.

After completing recruit training at Farragut Naval Training Station in Farragut, Idaho, Bush graduated from the Naval Hospital Corps School in Farragut. He was then assigned to the Seattle Naval Hospital before completing advanced training at the Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton, California.  

On Feb. 10, 1945, Bush was assigned to the 5th Marine Regiment, which landed on Okinawa April 1, 1945.

A month later, on May 2, he braved artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions. Disregarding his own safety, Bush moved from one casualty to another without hesitation to treat the wounded.

During a Japanese counterattack, he administered blood plasma to a wounded Marine officer. According to his medal citation, while in an exposed position, Bush held the plasma bottle in one hand and fired his pistol at the enemy with the other.

After using all of his ammunition, he found a nearby discarded magazine and fired at the Japanese forces charging at his position, killing six enemy soldiers. Bush suffered serious injuries during the attack and even lost an eye. He continued to defend the officer until the enemy force finally retreated.

Bush refused medical treatment until his patient was finally evacuated and collapsed on his way to the aid station for treatment. 

For his bravery, President Harry S. Truman presented Bush with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House, Oct. 5, 1945.

He was honorably discharged July 26, 1945. He then went back and finished high school, before marrying Wanda Spooner of South Bend, Washington, Sept. 30, 1945. The couple had three sons, a daughter and many grandchildren.

After the war, Bush studied business administration at the University of Washington. He then founded the Bayview Lumber Company in South Bend, Washington, in 1951, and Bayview Redi-Mix in Elma, Washington, building both into multimillion-dollar businesses. 

Bush died Oct. 8, 2005, in Olympia, Washington, and is buried at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo, Washington. His wife died in 1999 and is buried beside him. 

Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw wrote a chapter about Bush in his 1998 book about World War II titled "The Greatest Generation."

The Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital at Twentynine Palms, California, and the Branch Medical Clinic Bush, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, bear his name.

In 1998, a monument depicting his actions on Okinawa was erected in a park named for him in his hometown of South Bend, Washington. A street in that town was also named for him. 

A "Golden Palm Star" on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California, was dedicated to Bush on Veterans Day in 1999. 

DOW Announces Winners of the 2025 DOW Fire and Emergency Services Awards

May 4, 2026 |

Today, the Department of War (DOW) announced the recipients of the 2025 DOW Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Awards for the outstanding accomplishments of its fire departments, fire officers, firefighters, and fire service instructors. DOW F&ES Working Group representatives from the Military Services and Defense Logistics Agency selected nine winners from a total of 41 nominations. 

"These remarkable individuals form the bedrock of our operational readiness, ensuring the safety and security of our service members, their families, and the critical infrastructure supporting our national defense," stated Robert E. Thompson, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment. "Their expertise in fire prevention, public education, and emergency response enables them to continuously provide essential services that preserve mission capability and protect lives."

Each year, three of DOW's most outstanding fire departments receive recognition for achieving the highest degree of excellence in mission support and fire protection management. In addition, DOW's finest fire prevention program is awarded based on its depth and breadth, effectiveness, educational value, and thoroughness in direct support of the organization's mission. 

One military firefighter and one civilian firefighter are each awarded for their superior job performance, innovation, and outstanding contributions to a DOW F&ES organization. One military fire officer and one civilian fire officer are also recognized for their superior job performance, outstanding contributions, and leadership within a DOW F&ES organization. Finally, one fire service instructor is awarded for their superior job performance, resourcefulness, and outstanding contributions to a DOW F&ES organization.

Highlights of each winner's 2025 accomplishments, demonstrating the professionalism, courage, and selfless service that define the F&ES community, are as follows:

Small Fire Department of the Year: Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland— Responded to 1,800 mutual aid calls, including 97 vehicle collisions, over 900 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) requests, and 800 structural incidents. The department facilitated 7,156 training hours, training 25 personnel and ensuring 100-percent fire training compliance. The department also hosted a multi-jurisdictional mass casualty drill with over 10 agencies to simulate transporting 50 patients to local hospitals via medivac helicopters, mass casualty buses, and ambulances. 

Medium Fire Department of the Year: Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia— Battled a fire on an M113 armored personnel carrier, extricating the crew and containing the fire to the engine, protecting the $8 million combat asset. The department conducted two rescue task force exercises, certifying one instructor and training 200 emergency responders. As part of Fire Prevention Week, the department also produced eight educational videos and seven written articles within 5 days, reaching an audience of 26,470. 

Large Fire Department of the Year: Metro San Diego, California— Successfully mitigated a 4-day, 16,000-acre wildland fire on San Clemente Island, saving crucial facilities and ensuring no loss to endangered wildlife. The department educated over 11,000 military personnel and local community members through fire prevention classes. The department also mitigated 3,000 emergency incidents including five structure fires, 15 shipboard emergencies, 50 hazardous materials, 15 technical rescues, and over 2,000 EMS calls. 

Fire Prevention Program of the Year: 628th Civil Engineer Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina— Completed 896 annual inspections and identified 290 fire safety deficits and hazards, eliminating 166 potential community risks to safeguard 132,000 individuals. The squadron conducted 82 diverse training events, hosting educational seminars, outreach programs, briefings, and fire drills to educate 12,000 residents on fire prevention strategies. The program also strengthened community relations by chairing a 'Letters from Santa' campaign, responding to 81 letters from six drop boxes to bring holiday cheer to families. 

Military Firefighter of the Year: Senior Airman Jacob J. Meyer, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom— Responded to an 800-pound fuel spill, directing seven team members to rapidly execute remedial actions to protect the KC-135 Stratotanker. This efficient response enabled the tanker to deliver 20,000 pounds of fuel to six North Atlantic Treaty Organization fighter jets that same night. Senior Airman Meyer filled the Station Captain role for 90 days, managing 34 firefighters, conducting 130 training hours, and leading responses to mitigate 47 fire incidents. He also led 24 training hours with the Special Operations Wing, training 14 personnel across three agencies to enhance special operations wing taskings and technical rescue capabilities. 

Civilian Firefighter of the Year: Katsuhiro Watanabe, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan— Spearheaded the creation of an internal Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness course, providing a solid foundation for Japanese speakers, and certified six firefighters. Mr. Watanabe responded to a HAZMAT incident on the USS George Washington, isolating toxic gas release and ultimately protecting over $4.5 billion in national assets while ensuring mission readiness. He also mitigated 519 fire incidents and led 24 ship drills.

Military Fire Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sergeant Aaron P. Strayhorn, Misawa Air Base, Japan— Led 848 Airmen through a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and directed the unit control center through 59 infrastructure crises to recover the installation in 11 hours. Senior Master Sergeant Strayhorn forged the Japan Air Self-Defense Force partnership by leading three large-scale Command and Control exercises. This partnership led to the first bilateral exchange program in 7 years, resulting in a successful joint B-1 fire response that saved Air Force's first Bomber Task Force. He also simplified fire department altering codes, reducing the number of codes from 53 to seven and increasing dispatch notification time by 38 percent. 

Civilian Fire Officer of the Year: Richard Matteson, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska— Commanded the response to a F-35 crash in extreme arctic conditions by integrating the deployment of nine wing and mutual aid response teams to save the pilot. Mr. Matteson treated a life-threatening chainsaw injury, applying a tourniquet to stop arterial leg bleeding, and prepared and transported the patient to a trauma center in time to save their life and limb. He also partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to protect a military campground from an approaching 170,000-acre wildfire by clearing 12 acres of fuels, thus protecting 29 log cabins worth $312,000. 

Fire Service Instructor of the Year: Tiana Y. Bykowski, Hill Air Force Base, Utah— Led the "Red Card" wildland fire certification program, qualifying 63 firefighters and mitigating 23 emergencies across a 7-day wildfire mitigation effort. The program resulted in the protection of 2 million acres and $1.2 billion in assets. Ms. Bykowski trained 133 firefighters and managed 12,000 training hours, earning the team 96 certifications, and managed 12,000 training hours for 148 firefighters. She also strengthened DOW's Nuclear Surety Program by partnering with Department of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, providing design and construction support expertise for the Center's $108 million campus with 2,000 staff. 

Congratulations to the distinguished 2025 DOW F&ES Awards winners for their remarkable accomplishments and devotion to safeguarding national security and supporting our warfighters. DOW extends its deepest gratitude for their vital contributions to the strength and resilience of the Department. For more information, visit the DOW F&ES Awards website at: https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/emr/fes/index.html. 

82nd Airborne Division Ready to Respond, Support Project Freedom, Caine Says

May 5, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

When the president or the secretary of war needs immediate, scalable and lethal combat power anywhere in the world, 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers answer the call, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said today during a Pentagon press briefing. 

Caine said the "All American Division" is the core of the nation's immediate response force and is ready to deploy within hours of notice.  

The paratroopers are capable of accomplishing any mission in any environment, constantly training and ready to jump from Air Force aircraft into ground combat and seize key terrain, just like their predecessors did in Sicily and Normandy, France, during World War II, or to secure or enable the flow of follow-on forces into theater, as in Grenada or Panama. 

However, the division is now more than just a formation used for forcible entries, the chairman noted. For example, just today, it is out there coordinating, integrating and synchronizing land, air, sea and cyber forces using all joint all-domain command and control, he said. 

It uses next-generation, artificial intelligence-enabled tactical networks to augment intelligence and operations, and the division seamlessly synchronizes all of these effects. It is now doing so in support of Project Freedom. 

Launched yesterday at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, Project Freedom is an initiative to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The mission supports merchant vessels seeking to freely transit through the essential international trade corridor.  

Caine said the 82nd Airborne Division's relentless focus on technical innovation allows commanders in the field to see, sense and understand the opportunities along with the associated risks, enabling them to make smart decisions. 

"They are going all the way every day, and whenever the nation calls on them, they are there to answer the call. We are grateful for their service and their leadership," he added. 

The 82nd Airborne Division was first activated as an Army infantry division at Camp Gordon, Georgia, in August 1917. It earned the nickname "All American" because in 1918, it comprised soldiers from every state. The unit's shoulder patch reflects this, with a red square containing a blue circle and a white double AA monogram. The division is currently based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Eerie Company: A New Threat at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center

 May 4, 2026 | By Staff Sgt. Troy Wharton, 314th Theater Public Affairs Support Element |

Soldiers assigned to the newly established Eerie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, used first-person-view drone systems to enhance reconnaissance capabilities during Joint Multinational Readiness Center exercises in Hohenfels, Germany.

Acting as the opposing force during the exercise, the company replicated a modern battlefield threat by combining emerging drone technology and electronic warfare with traditional infantry tactics, creating a realistic training environment for rotational units. 

Established in December, Eerie Company specializes in short-, mid- and long-range reconnaissance to provide timely, accurate battlefield intelligence. The unit was created to address the evolving demands of modern warfare and to increase situational awareness across the battalion. 

"The rate at which modern warfare is moving, and due to current conflicts, this company was established to help bridge that gap and be the eyes and ears of the battalion," said Army Capt. Luther Salmon, company commander. 

One of the primary systems the company employs is the Archer, a first-person-view drone used to replicate emerging aerial threats observed in ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. 

Army Spc. Ryan Hatcher, an infantryman and subject matter expert on the system, emphasized its effectiveness during training.

"It's pretty good for an FPV," Hatcher said. "Other FPVs we've flown here in Hohenfels, Germany, we've only been able to max out at eight to 10 minutes of battery life." 

Hatcher added that operating first-person-view drone systems is not limited to a specific military occupational specialty, which allows soldiers from across the formation to qualify as drone pilots and contribute to reconnaissance efforts. 

He said the Archer can be configured for multiple roles, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. In some scenarios, similar systems may be equipped with munitions, allowing soldiers to train on identifying the differences between armed and unarmed drones. 

Due to its limited range, the system is primarily employed in defensive operations, providing units with a close-range aerial perspective of the battlefield and enhancing their ability to detect and respond to threats. 

Through the use of drone technology and specialized reconnaissance elements, Eerie Company continues to adapt to the rapidly changing operational environment, ensuring the battalion remains prepared for modern combat scenarios.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla Honor a Shared History of Service and Sacrifice

May 1, 2026 | By Arlington National Cemetery Courtesy Story |

On April 30, King Charles III and Queen Camilla entered Arlington National Cemetery for a full honors wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marked by a 21-gun salute. The ceremony was on the final day of their state visit, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.  
 
The king and queen were escorted by Army Maj. Gen. Antoinette Gant, commanding general of Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington; and Monica Crowley, U.S. ambassador, assistant secretary of state and chief of protocol. They stood at attention as the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" played "God Save the King" and "The Star-Spangled Banner."  
 
At the tomb, King Charles laid a wreath composed of red poppies, a symbol of remembrance in the British Commonwealth dating back to World War I. The wreath included a note from the king that read, "In everlasting remembrance." The queen then placed a bouquet of red, white and purple flowers next to the wreath.  

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier itself embodies the two nations' deep and poignant historical connections. Dedicated on Nov. 11, 1921, with the burial of an Unknown Soldier from World War I, the tomb at Arlington was partly inspired by Britain's Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, dedicated exactly one year earlier. All three unknowns, representing American service members who died in World War I, World War II and the Korean War, fought in conflicts in which the United States and Britain were allies.  
 
After the wreath-laying ceremony, Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries and Office of Army Cemeteries, greeted the royal couple inside the Memorial Amphitheater.  

"Arlington National Cemetery is honored that the king and queen visited these hallowed grounds while commemorating America's 250th birthday," Durham-Aguilera said. "The enduring bond between the United States and the United Kingdom stands as a testament to shared history and sacrifice."  
 
The king and queen's visit to the cemetery concluded at the Canadian Cross of Sacrifice — a memorial at which Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, King Charles' parents, had also paid respect during their 1957 state visit. This memorial honors Americans who volunteered to fight, and ultimately died, with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I, prior to the U.S. entrance into the conflict.  

Like the tomb, the Canadian Cross reflects shared commemorative traditions. Designed by British architect Sir Reginald Blomfield for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Cross of Sacrifice stands as an iconic emblem of World War I at CWGC cemeteries worldwide. Fittingly, the king and queen were accompanied at this memorial by service members from not only the U.S. and the U.K., but also British Commonwealth nations Canada, New Zealand and Australia.  
 
The royals' visit to Arlington National Cemetery — described by the British Embassy as "one of the most symbolically significant acts of remembrance a foreign dignitary can undertake on American soil" — reflected the enduring military, diplomatic and cultural alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.