U.S., Partner Nations Complete Antisubmarine Warfare Exercise

April 3, 2026 | By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs |

Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 successfully concluded at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, March 28, marking the completion of 20 days of intensive multinational antisubmarine warfare training. 

Hosted by Commander, Task Force 72, two Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadrons 4 and 45 joined a multilateral force of P-8A aircraft from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force.

This year's exercise continues to enhance the interoperability of shared maritime domain awareness developed during previous iterations. Sea Dragon 2026 improved on participating nations' ability to conduct multinational antisubmarine warfare operations inside a complex and dynamic exercise environment. 

"What we do in Sea Dragon builds more than skill — it establishes [an antisubmarine warfare] team across nations. The shared experience empowers us to fight together more effectively," said Navy Lt. Paolo Aguilar, assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 4. 

Exercises like Sea Dragon highlight the strength of U.S. partnerships and alliances, said Navy Lt. Caitlin Tucker, Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 45 pilot.  

"They show that together we're stronger, more capable and ready to deter any aggressor in the Indo-Pacific," Tucker added. 

Sea Dragon 2026 featured a structured training format for tracking drills that included a mobile antisubmarine warfare training target, referred to as the MK-30. The exercise also featured a Navy antisubmarine warfare exercise, in which participants hunted for an active Navy submarine in the area.  

This year, forces operated in the vicinity of Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, to employ recoverable exercise torpedoes and demonstrate the expansion of capabilities trained among the five nations. 

As with previous years, the exercise included a competitive component in which each nation's performance was assessed and graded to earn the Dragon Belt award, testing each nation's antisubmarine warfare tactics and response effectiveness in a realistic scenario. 

Japan's Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 3 won the Dragon Belt, held last year by the Royal Australian Air Force. 

Exercises like Sea Dragon, held annually since 2019, demonstrate the Navy's commitment to regional security and strengthening maritime partnerships with allied and partner nations.

PCS Joint Task Force Becomes Personal Property Activity

April 3, 2026 | By Air Force Staff Sgt. David Phaff, War Department Personal Property Activity |

The War Department Personal Property Activity recently marked a significant milestone: moving from a Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force to becoming a permanent, enduring organization that is dedicated to supporting military personnel, DOW civilians and their families through the complexities of PCS moves.

The transformation builds on the talent within the Defense Property Management Office as it has evolved to better serve the joint force. Announced in January, the new activity reflects a committed, cohesive team that strives to improve the quality of military moves for years to come.

As the activity takes its place as a permanent fixture, it does so on the foundation built by a dedicated group of professionals who have shaped not only its operational success but also its identity and culture. Through collaboration, innovation and a shared sense of purpose, the team has worked tirelessly to streamline processes, enhance communication and reduce the stress associated with PCS moves.

"Since joining the PPA storage branch, I've been impressed by the seamless collaboration across all departments to support our mission," said Dawn Mangon, a storage specialist assigned to the activity. "Our team is a dedicated force, continuously balancing the needs of our service members and industry partners while taking great pride in their work and striving for the constant improvement of the program."

Among its lasting contributions is the creation of the unit's slogan: "Your Move, Our Mission," which represents the mission, values and unity of the DOW Personal Property Activity, as well as the organization's unwavering commitment to put people first and ensure every move is handled with precision, care and accountability.

"Creating the identity for the PPA was a huge team effort," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Javier Cruz, PPA media chief, adding that Navy Petty Officer Christopher Crawford had the "heaviest lift," as he was responsible for translating the design into usable product files in a very short window of time.

Mangon and Cruz, along with Jayne Arentsen, PPA data and analytics chief, played pivotal roles in defining fundamental elements of the new activity's identity. Their vision and initiative helped transform an idea into a mission-driven organization.

Cruz said, "The success of the Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force has been a watershed moment. For the first time, we've provided a single, dedicated resource available to every single service member, regardless of rank or branch, as well as our government civilians and their families — breaking down the old barriers to expedite the joint force getting help."

As the next chapter begins, the personnel assigned to the new activity remain committed to its core mission of supporting their customers with professionalism, care and excellence at every step of the PCS journey.

"The trust we have built through the [joint task force's] direct, hands-on approach is the very foundation upon which the Personal Property Agency is built," Cruz said.

American Battle Tactics Help Achieve Victory in Revolutionary War

April 3, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

During the Revolutionary War, the Americans often engaged the British through unconventional warfare, also known as the Fabian strategy.

This strategy involves hit-and-run tactics favored by Continental Army Gen. George Washington, as well as other Army and state militia commanders. 

In this approach, instead of initiating frontal assaults in open fields, soldiers hide behind trees, rocks or structures. They then shot into formations of redcoats before quickly withdrawing into the forest. 

These tactics wore the British down through heavy casualties and lower morale — American casualties were minimized. 

The strategy is named after the Roman army Gen. Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, who used it against Carthage during the Second Punic War, from 218 to 201 B.C.

The American and British soldiers also employed frontal assaults, such as in the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Long Island. In these pitched battles, soldiers lined up in formations and fired their muskets at each other from about 80 to 100 feet away, getting three or four shots per minute.

As the formations drew closer and with no time to reload their muskets, fighting shifted to bayonets, swords and pikes. 

In addition to these tactics, both sides sent light infantry forward to engage the enemy before the bulk of their forces arrived. They were also used as scouts to determine the enemy's size and location. 

Another key tactic was the siege, which Washington employed at Yorktown, Virginia. The Americans dug trenches, which they used to safely move artillery pieces close to the British, who were surrounded by the Americans on land and by French warships in the Chesapeake Bay.

At sea, tactics aboard warships were different. Ships would pummel each other with cannonballs, hotshot or scattershot, with the goal of sinking the other ship, felling the ship's masts, setting it ablaze and killing sailors.  

Then, as in land combat, close-quarters fighting erupted: as the two ships drew abreast, sailors would jump onto the opposing vessel, killing their enemy with pistols, knives, swords and pikes. 

Meanwhile, reflecting another layer of strategy, Continental Marine sharpshooters took positions on platforms on the mainmast, firing their muskets down at sailors on the other ship. 

Guilty Plea in Federal Murder Case for Killing of U.S. Air Force Reservist

Pensacola, Florida – Charles Carson-Dowdy, 31, of Mobile, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court for cyberstalking, interstate domestic violence, murder through use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in relation to the death of Starmichael L. Tucker in Pensacola in early-2025. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the aggressive prosecution by my office, this offender will be held accountable for the anguish he has inflicted on the victim’s family through his vicious, deadly, and cowardly violence that stole an innocent life. This case underscores the deadly threats posed by dating and domestic violence, and it is more important than ever to obtain justice for the victims, like Ms. Tucker, to ensure this can never happen again.”

Court documents reveal that Carson-Dowdy, who resided in Mobile, Alabama, and the victim, Ms. Tucker, who resided in Pensacola, Florida, began dating in or about October 2024. During the dating relationship, Carson-Dowdy used cellular telephones, the internet, and a ridesharing business to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the victim. At the end of December 2024, Ms. Tucker flew to California to visit family for the holidays. During her trip, Ms. Tucker and Carson-Dowdy had a series of escalating arguments via text message.   

On January 1, 2025, as Ms. Tucker traveled back to Florida from California, she and Carson- Dowdy had a conversation via text message during which the victim attempted to end the relationship with Carson-Dowdy.  In response, Carson-Dowdy, who was at his residence in Mobile, Alabama, used his cellular phone to hail a ride via the Uber ridesharing service and traveled to the victim’s residence in Pensacola, Florida, to confront her. Carson-Dowdy brought a Taurus handgun and an extra loaded magazine with him as he traveled from Alabama to Florida.

Carson-Dowdy entered Ms. Tucker’s home without her permission. She returned home to  Carson-Dowdy waiting for her in the apartment. At approximately 8:00 pm on January 2, 2025, Carson-Dowdy followed Ms. Tucker as she left her apartment and he fired an initial volley of approximately four shots at her using his handgun. The victim was struck from behind by the bullets and collapsed in the apartment parking lot. Carson-Dowdy walked over to Ms. Tucker, who was lying on the ground, and shot her approximately ten more times.  Carson-Dowdy then entered the victim’s vehicle parked nearby, and deliberately ran over Ms. Tucker with the car, reversing the vehicle over her body, and then driving forward, running over her again. Carson-Dowdy then fled from the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Ms. Tucker died from the injuries inflicted by Carson-Dowdy.   

Carson-Dowdy was ultimately located by law enforcement in the victim’s vehicle in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was taken into custody, and the Taurus handgun used to murder the victim was found inside the car.

Carson-Dowdy faces up to life imprisonment at his sentencing, which is scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 9:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.  

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Spanish Fort Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg, Kaitlin Weiss, and Jordane New.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Florida National Guard Battalion Performs First Minuteman Rotation

April 2, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Carla Raisler, Army National Guard |

Soldiers assigned to the Florida Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, trained alongside the 82nd Airborne Division during a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, March 15-20. 

The training marked the first time a guard unit has integrated into an active-duty JRTC rotation under the National Guard's new minuteman rotation concept. 

The concept aligns National Guard annual training with JRTC rotations, allowing units to meet their 15-day requirement while operating alongside active-duty formations. Army National Guard leaders say the approach boosts readiness and interoperability across the total force. 
 
Several senior leaders visited the rotation March 19-20, highlighting the expansion of opportunities for guard units to train in high-intensity environments. 

"This is about building a total force that can close with and destroy the enemy," said Army Lt. Gen. Jon M. Stubbs, Army National Guard director. "What we are seeing here is a National Guard battalion fully integrated with an active-duty brigade, delivering a capability that is critical on today's battlefield." 

At JRTC, often referred to as "the box," units contend with a near-peer opponent, limited resources and extended operations. This environment tests a unit's ability to operate under stress while maintaining command and control across dispersed terrain. 
 
The guard battalion delivered short-range air defense capabilities focusing on countering unmanned aerial systems and low-altitude threats. Soldiers employed AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar and AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems while repositioning with maneuver elements to protect command posts, logistics hubs and key terrain. 

A group of soldiers moved with the brigade, while the battalion headquarters operated as a division-level air defense element in a simulated environment. Senior leaders said the integration allowed the unit to train as it would fight in a real-world conflict. 
 
Army Lt. Col. Adam Bailey, commander of the 3rd Battalion, said the unit prepared for the rotation through multiple command post exercises with the 82nd Airborne Division before arriving at the training center. 

"Coming to JRTC, we rapidly integrated into [the] division's scheme of maneuver and protection plan. That enabled us to execute a true short-range air defense mission in support of a division," Bailey said. 
 
The brigade's dispersed operations exposed it to more aerial threats, especially small drones that disrupt command and control or target sustainment operations. 
 
Army Col. Daniel Leard, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander, said the guard unit filled a critical capability gap. 

"Air defense is a critical enabler — we could not have executed our mission without them," Leard said. "The soldiers of [the National Guard battalion] integrated with our team on the fly. They were experts on their systems and that made an immediate impact." 
 
In addition to aligning training, the minuteman rotation enables units to build readiness in a high-intensity environment alongside active-duty forces. 
 
Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Kendrick, who previously served as the command sergeant major of the Florida National Guard, said the training reflects how the force will operate in future conflicts. 
 
"This is exactly where our soldiers need to be," Kendrick said. "Training at this level, with this kind of realism, ensures they are ready to deploy and fight as part of a larger team." 
 
The approach does not replace traditional Army National Guard rotations but expands access to advanced training while supporting soldiers' civilian careers, education and communities. Stubbs said the goal is to integrate a guard element into every JRTC rotation. 
 
For junior soldiers, the experience highlighted the pace and complexity of modern warfare. 
 
"You see how everything connects," said Army Sgt. Jason Dumervile, Florida National Guard. "We are not just protecting ourselves — we are protecting the whole brigade so they can accomplish their mission." 

Florida National Guard leaders say the battalion's performance demonstrates the value of integrating guard units into active-duty training environments as the Army adapts to evolving threats. 
 
"I'm incredibly proud of our Florida guardsmen," said Army Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, Florida adjutant general. "They're highly disciplined and have benefitted from great leadership to ensure they're trained and ready."

Face of Defense: A Guardian's Story, From Home to the Tactical Edge

April 1, 2026 | By John Ayre, Space Force Combat Forces Command |

For Space Force Tech. Sgt. Alaowei W. Monibidor, the call to deploy came with little warning. In just two weeks, he would leave his home in Maryland for a six-month tour in a location he could not be told over the phone. Yet his answer was an immediate "yes."

Space Force Tech. Sgt. Alaowei W. Monibidor

Job: Mission Readiness Section Chief

Stationed: Fort Meade, Md.

Unit: Detachment 2, 53rd Space Operations Squadron, Space Delta 8

This rapid departure and the high-stakes mission that followed underscore the agility and commitment of Space Force guardians and the families who support them. 

As the mission readiness section chief for Detachment 2, 53rd Space Operations Squadron, Space Delta 8, Monibidor's job isn't on the front lines of satellite control. 

"Instead, my primary focus is proactive: ensuring the squadron's personnel are flawlessly trained and ready to perform their mission 24/7," Monibidor explained. 

His deployment, however, would take him to the tactical edge of space operations, supporting joint and coalition partners across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. 

Family Resilience

The decision to volunteer for a short-notice deployment was made possible by a crucial conversation he and his wife had months earlier.  

"I sought her support to accept a future deployment opportunity, and despite the anticipated challenges, she affirmed her understanding of the demands of my career path," Monibidor shared. "Her agreement was vital, as I believe deeply in confronting these professional realities as a united front." 

That unity was tested by the pace of his departure. 

"This deployment came with unexpected swiftness," Monibidor said. "This meant immediate cancellations and an abrupt shift for everyone. The final two weeks of preparation were mentally draining, but seeing my family's resilience made all the difference." 

The untold story of military families, Monibidor emphasized, is one of unseen resilience. "The family runs its own parallel mission at home. Their strength is the silent, uncelebrated foundation of our own." 

Critical Missions

His deployment saw him providing critical space electronic warfare command and control to four combatant commands, a role that shifted dramatically depending on the region. Supporting NATO and U.S. European Command involved collective defense within a formal alliance, a stark contrast to missions in the more volatile U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. 

"It was a fundamental pivot from deterring a peer adversary to actively countering violent extremist organizations and state-sponsored aggression," Monibidor noted. 

A highlight of his time supporting NATO-Eucom was his involvement in a special operations forces exercise, the highest level of strategic military simulation. 

"My role was to provide the commanders and their staff with missile threat warning[s] and options for space electronic warfare command and control against a near-peer adversary," Monibidor said.  

This experience was vital in preparing for the real-world crises he would face in Centcom's area of operations. In the Middle East, his space electronic warfare command and control, or SEW C2, support was paramount. 

"My support for SEW C2 revolved around maintaining friendly access to and superiority in the space domain, while denying or degrading the adversary's ability to use space for their operations," he explained. 

This became critically important during Operation Midnight Hammer, a complex joint operation aimed at degrading Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities. 

"I coordinated directly with [U.S. Space Forces – Central] to synchronize the electronic warfare effects of 11 joint units, delivering unified effects for the commander of U.S. Central Command, directly enabling the strike force to penetrate Iran's contested airspace, precisely destroy its targets and return safely," Monibidor recounted. "Trust was built when leaders saw a consistent pattern. I learned to provide them with precisely what they needed to make difficult decisions." 

A Strategic Expert

Guardians like Monibidor are a decisive advantage, said Space Force Master Sgt. Austin Adams, 53rd Space Operations Squadron training superintendent and Monibidor's frontline supervisor. "Space is a complex, technical domain, and he excels in the bridge between joint and coalition partners. His strategic thinking allows him to translate our sophisticated space capabilities into understandable, synchronized effects for our partners. Having an expert like him on the front lines is mission-essential for modern, integrated warfare." 

Reflecting on his deployment, Monibidor is proud of both his professional and personal accomplishments. Professionally, he is proud of "using our capabilities to directly protect the U.S and its coalition partners from a real-world threat, proving our worth at the tactical edge." 

But his greatest pride lies with his family. "Their stability at home is the bedrock that allows me to do my job, and that is my greatest accomplishment," he said. 

This deployment served as a powerful reminder of the Space Force's integral role in modern warfare. 

"This deployment proves that space isn't a separate or future battlefield; it's integral to every joint operation happening right now," Monibidor asserted. 

Being a guardian at the tactical edge, Monibidor concluded, "means being the final link, translating our nation's strategic space assets into tangible combat effects for soldiers, pilots and sailors on the ground. At the edge, space superiority isn't a concept; it's the daily, hands-on mission of ensuring our joint and coalition partners can fight and win."

Department of War Annual Recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

April 2, 2026 |

The Department of War recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month as part of its ongoing efforts to counter sexual assault in the Total Force.

"Sexual assault is unacceptable, period, and has no place in our military. It is contrary to our institutional values, the warrior ethos, and our overall readiness," said Anthony J. Tata, under secretary of war for personnel and readiness, adding that, "Awareness, prevention, and support are a shared responsibility. We expect every member of the Department of War community to help root out harmful behaviors, maintain standards, and continue to drive necessary change throughout the force."

Eliminating sexual assault in the military requires unwavering, year-round commitment. The ongoing DoW sexual assault awareness and prevention campaign, "STEP FORWARD: Prevent. Report. Advocate," calls on the Total Force to confront and counter harmful behaviors, provide victim assistance, and strengthen command climates.

"The warrior ethos demands integrity, honor, and courage — on and off the battlefield. Sexual assault violates every one of those values," said Dr. Nate Galbreath, director of the Department's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. "To Step Forward is to live up to those expectations. It means having the integrity to intervene, the courage to seek help, and the honor to create a climate of dignity and respect. Those standards build a lethal force where every warfighter is safe, respected, and ready for the fight."

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org/live-chat for anonymous, 24/7, one-on-one support.

More information can be found on the SAPRO website at https://www.sapr.mil/saapm.

3rd Special Forces Group Pioneers Transformation for Multidomain Operations

April 1, 2026 | By Army Maj. Justin Zwick, 3rd Special Forces Group |

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving warfare, special operations stands at the forefront of transformation. As the Army adapts to the pressing demands of a battlefield plagued with changing threats, 3rd Special Forces Group is spearheading a significant transformation.

In an invigorated effort to enable multidomain operations, 3rd Special Forces Group is transforming its legacy military intelligence company into a robust multidomain operations company. The move not only enhances the capabilities of special operations but also aligns with the broader initiative to foster interdependence, interoperability and integration across the force.

The transition to a multidomain company is just a small part of a comprehensive transformation strategy aligned with the Army's modernization efforts. The new structure consolidates the group's intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities under a single company, highlighting the significance of this shift in operational capabilities. 

As battalions across the formation use their forces to meet strategic-level objectives, the newly structured company is taking on an increased responsibility for the training and readiness of signals intelligence and electronic warfare soldiers within the formation.

"One of the key initiatives that we have done is assumed responsibility of the advanced collection training team, which is helping to facilitate a streamlined training glidepath for the group's [signals intelligence] and [electronic warfare] assets," said Army Capt. Andrew Reynolds, multidomain operations company commander.

As the company adjusts to its new role in the group, it is returning to foundational intelligence practices, drawing on insights from 1980s doctrine.

"We are analyzing current [geopolitical] events, like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the large-scale military drills in China, and applying decades-old doctrine to better understand how we can effectively counter near-peer threats during large-scale combat operations," Reynolds explained as he emphasized the impacts of preparing soldiers for the complexities of modern warfare.

Despite ongoing advancements and an overall transformation of warfighting systems, the company is still developing new solutions to mitigate the challenges of integrating intelligence capabilities with the conventional force and joint partners.  

"We are working to identify solutions to efficiently and effectively support the targeting process with real-time data," Reynolds said. "The networks and systems we use do not always 'talk' to one another, leading our soldiers to use slow and outdated techniques to feed targeting."

To enhance collaboration and integration practices across the force, Reynolds and his company are engaging with Army corps-level commands to execute comprehensive training that tests the company's systems and capabilities. In line with Army transformation efforts, the formation is exploring the application of future artificial intelligence to feed joint systems, enhancing data analysis and streamlining the targeting process across the joint force.

Meeting the Army's growing demands requires innovation, adaptability and realistic training. To meet these demands, the company is executing certification, validation and verification training events to ensure the formation's readiness for deployment in support of large-scale combat and stability operations.

At higher command levels, the company is curating training and an operational support model that meets the unique demands of unconventional warfare in a contemporary warfare environment.

While the special operations enterprise is transforming at an unprecedented rate to meet the growing demands of warfare, no transformation is equal to it. The 3rd Special Forces Group's tailored approach not only meets the unit's unique needs but also reinforces the holistic objectives of multidomain operations.

Through this transformation, the multidomain operations company is positioning itself to lead the way in innovative intelligence solutions, ensuring the joint force is prepared to face future challenges.

Department of War Releases Its Annual Report on Suicide in the Military for Calendar Year 2024

March 31, 2026 |

The Department of War released its seventh Annual Report on Suicide in the Military for Calendar Year 2024 today. The Department remains steadfast in our commitment to suicide prevention, and takes a comprehensive, integrated approach to suicide prevention efforts to strengthen the health, safety, and wellbeing of our warriors and their families and advance force readiness.

This report presents recent suicide data for service members and — where available — their families and describes efforts underway to combat suicide across the Department. It contains the most comprehensive, accurate data available, and meets the highest standards of quality and integrity in support of our military community.

Across the Total Force, 471 service members died by suicide in CY 2024, which is less than in CY 2023, when 531 service members died by suicide. Suicide rates for service members in CY 2024 are as follows, as compared to CY 2023:

• The Total Force suicide rate decreased by approximately 11%. 
• The Active Component suicide rate decreased by approximately 16%. 
• The Reserve suicide rate decreased by approximately 14%. 
• The National Guard suicide rate increased by approximately 13%. 

Over time, for the Active Component, suicide rates have gradually increased from calendar year 2011 to calendar year 2024. For the Reserve Component, including the National Guard, suicide rates have remained stable over the same period.

After accounting for age and sex, military suicide rates have been similar to those of the U.S. population in most years between calendar year 2011 and calendar year 2024. Firearms continue to be the primary method of death by suicide.

Recognizing that every death by suicide is a tragedy, the Department will continue to take action to support our men and women in uniform and their families, promote the wellbeing and resilience of the force, and take steps to prevent suicide in our military community. The Department continues to develop its support services, in part, by expanding the availability and accessibility of clinical services, such as telehealth. As part of The Brandon Act, Service members can also self-refer for mental health evaluations. Ongoing research ensures the Department remains responsive to the evolving needs of Service members and their families.

Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Service member or veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans/Military Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 988 and Press 1, text 838225, chat online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net.

The Annual Report on Suicide in the Military is posted at: https://www.dspo.mil/.

 

Last Surviving World War II Triple Ace Laid to Rest

March 31, 2026 | By Arlington National Cemetery |

More than 100 people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, yesterday to honor and remember retired Air Force Col. Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson, the last surviving World War II triple ace, a pilot who has downed at least 15 enemy aircraft, and one of the most distinguished fighter pilots in American history.

Anderson, who passed away at age 102 in 2024, was laid to rest in section 38, joining his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Eleanor Cosby, who was buried in 2015.

The full military funeral honors with escort service commenced with a double flyover: first by four F-35 Lightning IIs, followed by four World War II-era P-51 Mustangs, two of which bore the name "Old Crow," the name of Anderson's fighter. A horse-drawn caisson carried Anderson's urn to section 38, where an Air Force firing team shot three volleys, a bugler sounded "Taps" and a bagpiper concluded the ceremony by playing "Amazing Grace." 

Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Andrew Lloyd, who oversaw the service, told the mourners, "In life, Bud Anderson honored the flag with his service to the nation; now, it is our honor to present our nation's flag in honorable and faithful service."  

After the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard crisply folded the American flag over Anderson's urn, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach presented it to Anderson's son, Jim, who then passed it to his sister, Katherine Burlington, seated next to him. "We're sharing it," he later explained. 

Receiving the flag from Wilsbach humbled Jim. "I appreciate that he would take time out of his busy schedule to be here," he said. Both siblings were deeply moved by the service, particularly the double flyover. While Jim had worked to ensure that the P-51s would be part of the ceremony, the addition of the F-35s came as a surprise. "That was really special," he said. 

Anderson's journey to becoming an aviation legend began in the 1920s, when he was growing up on a California farm and became fascinated by airplanes flying overhead. In 1941, at age 19, he earned his private pilot's license.  

He joined the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program in January 1942, shortly after the United States entered World War II, and was commissioned in the Army Air Forces  later that year.  

During World War II, Anderson served two tours with the 363rd Fighter Squadron, flying P-51 Mustangs that escorted heavy bombers — helping to win Allied air supremacy over Europe. He flew 116 individual combat missions that resulted in 16 downed aircraft and one shared combat victory, earning him triple ace status. After World War II, Anderson remained in the Army and then the Air Force, after it was established as a separate service branch in 1947.  

As a fighter pilot, test pilot, and combat and operational commander, Anderson logged over 7,500 flight hours and flew more than 130 types of aircraft. His many decorations include five Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Legion of Merits, 16 Air Medals, and the French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre. 

Yet Anderson's legacy is not defined by numbers alone. After he retired from the Air Force in 1972, he became a public ambassador for the World War II generation and America's achievements in aviation. Through his 1990 memoir and frequent speaking engagements, Anderson brought to life the experience of aerial combat and the significance of military service.  

Reflecting on his father's influence, Jim — who attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, served during the Vietnam War and then became a commercial airline pilot — said, "When I was in the Air Force, I tried to keep it a secret who my father was because I wanted to make [my career] my own. But eventually people would find out." 

Anderson continued flying until the age of 90. In 2022, he was honored at the nation's largest aviation convention, where he took his last flight, as a passenger, in a P-51. He was 100 years old. 

Beyond his remarkable career, Anderson was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim and Katherine each shared fond memories of their father. 

The funeral at Arlington National Cemetery offered a poignant farewell to a beloved family man and aviation icon.  

"Bud Anderson is a hero and legend in air combat; he wrote the playbook," Wilsbach said. "He mastered his craft, flew with immense courage and leaves a legacy of service that will inspire generations."

First F-35A Lightning II Aircraft Arrive at Misawa Air Base

March 30, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Boyle, 35th Fighter Wing |

The F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, marking the beginning of the squadron's transition to fifth-generation airpower and the permanent stationing of the joint force's most advanced tactical aircraft in northern Japan.  

The arrival supports the Department of the Air Force's modernization efforts and demonstrates the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of Japan and sustaining peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific region.  

"Bringing the F-35 to Misawa underscores our long-standing commitment to Japan and the region," said Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. "It strengthens our ability to respond quickly and operate seamlessly with our Japanese partners."  

Air Force Col. Jeromy Guinther, 35th Operations Group commander, welcomed the arriving pilots on behalf of Davidson.  

"The 'Wild Weasels' stand ready to defeat any threat in our area of responsibility and beyond," Guinther said. "As you lay the foundation for Misawa's upgrade to a fighter integration wing, remember your Wild Weasel legacy, stay ready and lethal and continue to contribute to the [squadron]'s many generations of excellence."  

Misawa's forward position makes it a critical hub for maintaining regional stability. The transition to the F-35 increases fighter capability, deepens interoperability with allies and partners and enhances deterrence across the region.  

"The F-35 was tailor made to be a [Wild] Weasel platform," said Air Force Lt. Col. John Widmer, 13th Fighter Squadron commander. "Where legacy platforms performed the Wild Weasel mission with bolted-on sensors or weapons, the F-35 was built from the ground up as a sensor platform with the sensor fusion and quarterback capability we bring to the fight."

The F-35 excels at operating and surviving in advanced threat environments. Its aerodynamic performance and fully integrated avionics deliver next-generation stealth, improved situational awareness and reduced vulnerability for U.S. and allied forces.  

"As far as transitioning from the F-16 [Fighting Falcon] to the F-35, the stealth capability is obviously one of the biggest things," Widmer said. "The sensor package we bring to the fight allows us to sense the threat and manage the entire spectrum of what the enemy is fielding at us right now. It's constantly updating, constantly getting upgraded and as we continue forward, it's the place I want to be if I need to go to war."  

Airmen across the wing completed months of preparation leading up to the aircraft's arrival, including formal training, infrastructure updates and coordination to ensure the squadron can generate and sustain combat-ready aircraft.  

The permanent stationing of the F-35s in northern Japan further multiplies the collective defense capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance and ensures the 35th Fighter Wing remains ready to defend Japan and deter aggression in the War Department's largest area of responsibility. 

Medal of Honor Monday: Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Smedley D. Butler

March 30, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Few have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Even fewer have been awarded two.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Smedley D. Butler was twice awarded the medal, the first for distinguished conduct during the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, April 22, 1914, when he was a major.

Butler returned the medal to the Navy, believing his actions were not worthy of the nation's highest award for valor. However, Navy Rear Adm. Frank Friday Fletcher returned it to him, ordering him to wear it.

Incidentally, Fletcher, who commanded the naval forces at Veracruz, was also awarded the Medal of Honor for the same battle.

The following year, Butler arrived in Haiti aboard the battleship USS Connecticut to quell an uprising by Cacos rebels.

On Oct. 24, 1915, about 400 Cacos ambushed Butler's patrol of 44 mounted Marines as they approached Fort Dipitie, Haiti. Despite being surrounded by the Cacos, the Marines held their perimeter throughout the night and, at dawn, launched a successful counterattack.

Later that year, Nov. 17, 1915, Butler led three companies of Marines in capturing Fort Rivière atop Montagne Noire in northern Haiti. Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and future president, Franklin D. Roosevelt recommended that he receive the Medal of Honor for his actions, which was approved.

One of Butler's senior noncommissioned officers, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Daly, was also awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Haiti. Daly is the only other Marine to have received two Medals of Honor, the first for valor during the Boxer Rebellion in China, where he also served with Butler in 1900.

Although Butler served with valor during the Boxer Rebellion, he did not receive the Medal of Honor because, at the time, only enlisted Marines were eligible for the medal.

After his distinguished military career, and at the direction of President Calvin Coolidge, Butler, while still in uniform, was appointed the Philadelphia director of public safety, in charge of the city's police and fire departments. He served successfully in this position from January 1924 to December 1925, rooting out protection rackets, bootlegging, prostitution, illegal gambling and other corruption.

Born July 30, 1881, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Butler was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant at the age of 16, having lied about his age. In July 1898, he deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, arriving shortly after its invasion and capture during the Spanish-American War.

Butler retired from the Marine Corps in 1931. In addition to Veracruz and Haiti, Butler also fought in the Philippine-American War in 1899, Nicaragua from 1909 to 1912, and World War I in 1918.

During his service in Nicaragua, Butler earned the nickname "Old Gimlet Eye" for his piercing stare. A gimlet is a hand tool for drilling small holes.

Other nicknames he acquired included "The Maverick Marine," "The Fighting Quaker" and "Fighting Hell-Devil."

Butler died of cancer, June 21, 1940, at the age of 58 at Philadelphia Naval Hospital. He is buried in Oaklands Cemetery near the place of his birth. His childhood home at West Chester, The Butler House, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The destroyer USS Butler was named in his honor in 1942 and participated in the European and Pacific theaters of operation during World War II.

Additionally, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, established in 1955 on Okinawa, Japan, is also named in his honor.

Containerized Autonomous Kitchen Expands Army Food Modernization to the Field

March 27, 2026 | By Army Sgt. Deziree Keay, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command |

Building on the success of its Market 19 autonomous dining facility, the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Daegu, South Korea, is now testing a mobile version of the system that extends access to fresh, hot meals for soldiers operating beyond the garrison environment. 
 
The Sustained Autonomous Meals, or SAM, is a containerized extension of the Market 19 concept, designed to deliver on-demand meals in field environments, improving both operational flexibility and quality of life. 

"This is essentially the same autonomous cooking system, but now in a 20-foot container that can go where dining facilities can't," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 River Mitchell, a food advisor assigned to the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. "It allows us to bring freshly prepared meals directly to soldiers, even in austere locations." 
 
Unlike traditional field-feeding methods that rely on scheduled mealtimes or prepackaged rations, the containerized system prepares meals to order using fresh ingredients. Soldiers can access hot meals based on their operational schedule, rather than being limited to fixed dining times. 
 
"I think the biggest value is that we're driving bottom-up innovation and transforming at the speed of industry," Mitchell said. "We're not waiting on long development cycles — we're testing, learning and improving in real time." 

The system can produce over 120 meals per hour and can operate continuously with minimal personnel, requiring only a small team for ingredient preparation and oversight. Its mobility allows it to support a wide range of missions, from port operations to large-scale exercises and forward-deployed environments. 
 
For soldiers training on the system, the impact is already clear. 
 
"It's amazing; it's going to be a change in the future for us," said Army Staff Sgt. Darren Bailey, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Market 19. "I think the robot is going to be a great asset to us and really change the culture for ... our culinary specialists." 

Inside the container, two robotic arms prepare and plate meals while a built-in holding system maintains the food at the right temperature, allowing for rapid service during high-demand periods. The system can store multiple completed meals while continuing to cook additional orders — increasing efficiency without sacrificing quality. 
 
Beyond convenience, the containerized kitchen supports broader Army modernization efforts by integrating commercial technology into sustainment operations. This approach reflects a shift toward faster innovation and adaptability in the field that senior Army leaders have emphasized. 

The system also directly contributes to soldier readiness by improving access to nutritious meals. Compared to traditional mass-prepared field feeding, freshly made meals better support performance and recovery in demanding environments.

For units operating in remote or resource-constrained areas, the impact can be significant. With fewer hands needed for cooking, smaller teams of culinary specialists can feed an entire company. The containerized system gives commanders an additional option to sustain their formations, reducing reliance on prepackaged meals and expanding access to fresh food. 
 
"The data we collect here will guide decisions about future locations and applications," Mitchell said. "We want to see how this can support sustainment both in the Pacific and eventually in the continental United States."

The SAM is currently in its initial testing phase on the Korean Peninsula. Over the coming months, soldiers and leaders will evaluate its performance, scalability and potential for wider use across the Army. 
 
As the Army continues to modernize its sustainment capabilities, initiatives like this represent a shift toward more agile, soldier-focused solutions — ensuring that no matter the environment, soldiers remain fueled, ready and resilient.

Coast Guard, Northern Mariana Islands Strengthen Maritime Security Presence in Western Pacific

March 27, 2026 | By Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia |

Earlier this month, federal and local maritime law enforcement agencies patrolled the waters and ports in and around Saipan, the capital and largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands — a U.S. territory, boarding six small vessels and launching new coordination channels that expand the commonwealth's ability to monitor and respond to threats in its surrounding waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boarding Team led joint underway and shoreside operations alongside local agencies, March 18-22. Teams engaged 12 vessel contacts and completed six small vessel security boardings, while a joint patrol of the port of Saipan marked the first combined shoreside operation between the Coast Guard and local customs and biosecurity.

The operation also brought together key agency leaders for the first time. Boarding team members met with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement representative, the assistant director of the Northern Mariana Islands' Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the newly appointed chief of the Saipan Marine Unit — reinforcing direct lines of communication and cooperation that strengthen maritime domain awareness across the commonwealth's waters and surrounding exclusive economic zone.

"The Marianas sit at the center of Western Pacific maritime activity: commercial traffic, fishing, small vessels moving between islands," said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Thomas Forames-Su, supervisor of the boarding team. "These operations are about more than boardings. We're strengthening the relationships and shared awareness that let us and our partners act faster and more cohesively."

Maritime domain awareness is a shared responsibility across federal, local and community stakeholders. The islands' economy depends heavily on the free flow of maritime commerce, fishing and tourism, all of which require safe, well-monitored waters. Joint operations, like this one, strengthen the network of agencies and protect those interests every day.

Building on the momentum from these operations, the Coast Guard and local partners are planning additional joint patrols, dockside security boardings and coordinated cutter operations, like the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Frederick Hatch's recent patrol, in the waters around Saipan and to the north. Agencies are also working to deepen communication protocols and formalize interagency coordination agreements to expand joint response capabilities across the region.

Leaders Say Nuclear Forces, Space Domain Paramount to National Security

March 26, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Protecting America's space systems is essential for national security because so many military capabilities rely on them — including precision navigation, global communications, missile warning and real-time intelligence, said Space Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, who testified today in Washington before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Space systems were critical to mission success in recent operations, including Midnight Hammer, Absolute Resolve and currently Epic Fury, he said.

"Should an adversary degrade or destroy our space capabilities, the joint force's ability to fight as it is sized and designed would be immediately and materially impacted," Whiting said, adding that opponents are moving at an alarming pace, developing and deploying capabilities to deny the War Department the use of space.

China's space presence has grown exponentially, operating over 1,300 active satellites, a 667% increase since 2015, including more than 510 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites.

They are using these capabilities to integrate military, space-enabled effects and fielding weapons designed to outmaneuver and destroy U.S. satellites, he said.

Russia has capabilities designed to disrupt U.S. space assets, "including the potential placement of a nuclear weapon [in] orbit — the single greatest threat to our space architecture," Whiting said. "Armed conflict in space is not inevitable, but should deterrence fail, the integrated space power of our team will provide a decisive advantage."

The general listed his top funding priorities for fiscal year 2027, which include fielding integrated space fires, active protection of satellites, enhancing battlespace awareness, building an integrated command and control system, and providing sufficient cyber defenses for the space domain.

The command is making good progress in moving its headquarters from Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado to Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, he said.

Navy Adm. Richard A. Correll, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, who also testified today, said that the nation's nuclear forces are the foundation of national security.

"Stratcom and its components stand ready, not seeking out confrontation, but deterring strategic attack and underpinning all Department of War operational plans," the admiral said.

The challenge is to deter great power conflict and manage the complexities of deterring multiple nuclear competitors simultaneously, all while adapting to rapid technological change and advancements, Correll said.

Some of those challenges include cyber threats, counter-U.S. space capabilities, a contested electromagnetic spectrum, novel enemy missile systems and supply chain issues.

"As we bring the B-21 [Raider] bomber, the Columbia-class submarines and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system online, we will ensure the credibility of our deterrence for decades to come," he said.