Signers of the Declaration of Independence: New York

June 19, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. The 56 delegates who signed the formal break from Britain are all considered Founding Fathers; four represented New York.   

The New York delegates included William Floyd, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston and Lewis Morris. Their signatures are grouped on the top second column from the right of the document.  

William Floyd 

Floyd was born on Dec. 17, 1734, in the town of Brookhaven on Long Island, New York, to Nicoll and Tabitha Floyd. He was the oldest of nine children. 

When his parents died in 1755, Floyd inherited the family's wealthy estate and took responsibility for his siblings; he was a successful farmer and local politician. In 1760, he married Hannah Jones. They had three children: Nicoll, Mary and Catherine. After his wife died in 1781, he married Joanna Strong in 1784, and they had two children: Ann and Elizabeth. 

During the Revolutionary War, Floyd served as a major general in the New York militia. The British seized Floyd's land and house shortly after the declaration was signed and used it for a military staging area for the remaining seven years of the war. Floyd served as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress. After the war, Floyd served several terms in the New York State Senate and in the first Congress under the U.S. Constitution. 

Floyd died Aug. 4, 1821, at the age of 85, and is buried at the Westernville Cemetery in Oneida County, New York. 

The town of Floyd, New York, is named for him, as are several schools in New York and the William Floyd Parkway in Brookhaven. 

In 1976, the William Floyd Estate was donated to the National Park Service and is open to the public. 

Francis Lewis 

Lewis was born in Llandaff, Wales, March 21, 1713, the only child of Morgan and Anne Lewis. However, they both died in 1718, when Lewis was 5, and he was raised by his aunt. 

Lewis was educated in Scotland and London. As a young man, he chose a career as a merchant, which entailed extensive travel to other countries, including the American colonies. He sold the land that he had inherited from his father to finance his travels. 

Lewis married Elizabeth Annesley in 1745, and they had seven children. During the French and Indian War, 1754 to 1763, he was an aide to British Army Col. James Mercer, the commander of Fort Oswego, New York. In 1756, French forces besieged the fort. Lewis and many others were taken prisoner to French Canada and then to France, where he was eventually freed in a prisoner exchange after seven years in captivity. 

He resumed his merchant business after the war, settling down in what is now Queens, New York. He became involved in local politics, helping to organize the Sons of Liberty in 1765, and served as a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress. 

During the Revolutionary War, he supplied the Continental Army with clothing, weapons and provisions. In 1776, his home was destroyed by the British, and his wife, Elizabeth, was captured and held as a prisoner for several months; she was released in a prisoner swap and died in 1779. 

Lewis died Dec. 31, 1802, and is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City. 

His name and legacy live on throughout New York City. In Queens, a park, a masonic lodge and a high school all bear his name, as does Francis Lewis Boulevard — a major thoroughfare that runs the entirety of the borough. 

Philip Livingston 

Livingston was born Jan. 15, 1716, in Albany, New York, to Philip and Catharine Livingston. He had a brother named William. 

In 1737, he graduated from Yale College in Connecticut and apprenticed as a merchant under his father's supervision. He eventually moved to New York City, where he worked in trade with the British West Indies.   

In 1740, he married Christina Ten Broeck, and they had nine children. 

By the middle of the 18th century, Livingston served as a New York City alderman and then held other positions in the colonial government. During the summer of 1776, the British took his two homes, using one as a barracks and the other as a Royal Navy hospital. 

In 1777, he was appointed to the New York State Senate and served as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress. 

Livingston died June 12, 1778, and is buried in the Prospect Hill Cemetery in York, Pennsylvania. He was buried there because that is where he died suddenly while attending a session of the Second Continental Congress. 

Livingston Avenue and Philip Livingston Magnet Academy, both in Albany, New York, are named for him. 

Lewis Morris 

Morris was born in Westchester County, New York, April 8, 1726, to Lewis and Katrintje in what is now the Bronx, New York; he had two younger brothers and an older sister. They lived on a large agricultural estate and were well off.  

After his mother died in 1731, Morris' father married Sarah Gouverneur, and the couple had three children. Morris was tutored at home until age 16. He attended Yale College in Connecticut and graduated in 1746; he returned home to help his father manage the estate.  

He married Mary Walton in 1749, and they had 10 children. 

In 1760, Morris was appointed a judge of the Court of Admiralty and, in 1769, became a member of New York's Colonial Assembly.  

In 1775, he was elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. Shortly after signing the Declaration of Independence, the British ransacked Morris' estate and slaughtered his cattle. He resigned from Congress in 1777 and returned home to restore his property and other farmlands destroyed by the British. He was an advocate for agriculture and education during his two terms as a state senator, 1777-1781 and 1784-1788. 

Morris died Jan. 22, 1798, and is buried in a family vault below St. Ann's Episcopal Church in the Bronx. 

This is the third installment in a series of articles about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. The 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress, representing the 13 colonies, are all considered Founding Fathers.

Team Army Opens 2026 Warrior Games With Eight Powerlifting Medals

June 17, 2026 | By Vernishia Vaughn, Army Recovery Care Program |

Team Army opened the first day of competition at the 2026 Warrior Games in San Antonio with wins in powerlifting, earning eight medals while demonstrating that the greatest victories often extend far beyond the podium. 

The powerlifting medalists included: 1st Lt. Jani Merritt, gold; Staff Sgt. Chelsea Scott, gold; Staff Sgt. Nate Mateo, gold; Sgt. Tukiau Salanoa-Tuioti, gold; Capt. Channda Mitchell, gold; Capt. Jake Malven, silver; retired Sgt. 1st Class Valerie Watkins, bronze and retired Capt. Tony Smith, bronze. 

While the medals reflected exceptional performances on the platform, the stories behind them highlighted the perseverance, support and sense of community that define the Warrior Games experience as well as the Army Recovery Care Program's commitment to helping wounded, ill and injured soldiers recover and thrive. 

Mateo, a second-time Warrior Games competitor, said he shares his gold medal with family, who traveled nearly 24 hours from Saipan to cheer him on in San Antonio. He said seeing his family and friends in the stands served as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely a journey taken alone.   

"My wife, Regina, and my family have been with me from the start," Mateo said. "I wouldn't have been where I am today if it wasn't for her. She’s been keeping me in the right state of mind and reminding me of all we have accomplished together through this journey." 

Returning to the Warrior Games with another year of training and experience behind him, Mateo said the lessons from coaches and teammates have prepared him mentally and physically while inspiring him to pay that support forward. 

"Everything I learned and experienced last year followed me into this year," he said. "This year, my goal is to return that favor by encouraging, mentoring and supporting everyone on Team Army." 

For first-time competitor Scott, a gold medal was meaningful, but the relationships forged throughout recovery proved even more valuable. 

"Winning a gold medal at my first Warrior Games is something I'm incredibly proud of, but what this experience represents goes far beyond the medal itself," she said. "Recovery can sometimes feel isolating, but being part of this team continuously reminds me that I'm not alone." 

Scott credits adaptive sports and the Army Recovery Care Program with helping her regain confidence and discover new ways to challenge herself as she navigates recovery. 

"They showed me that recovery is not just about healing, and it's certainly not linear," she said. "It's about finding new ways to grow, push your limits and continue doing the things you love." 

Smith also made his Warrior Games debut June 13, earning a bronze medal after overcoming doubts and trusting the preparation that brought him to the platform. 

"I was excited, but I was also nervous," he said. "After losing a significant amount of weight over the past few months, I was the lightest competitor in my division. There were definitely moments of doubt, but I trusted my training, my coaches and the support system that helped me get there." 

Looking beyond the medal itself, Smith said the Warrior Games reinforced lessons that will remain with him long after the competition ends. 

"This journey taught me that recovery is a process, not an event," he said. "More than anything, I learned the importance of community. None of us accomplish things alone. While I'm proud of the bronze medal, I'm even more grateful for the lessons this experience has reinforced: trust the process, lean on your support system and never count yourself out." 

The Army Recovery Care Program uses adaptive sports and reconditioning activities to assist wounded, ill and injured soldiers build confidence, resilience and community throughout their recovery journeys. On the opening day of competition, Team Army's powerlifting performance reflected not only athletic achievement but also the determination to keep moving forward despite injury, illness and adversity. 

As the 2026 Warrior Games continue throughout the week, Team Army competitors will carry that same united spirit into every event, proving that while medals are earned on the field of play, recovery itself is the greatest victory.

Drone Dominance Program Receives First Order, Gauntlet II Gets Underway

June 17, 2026 | By Defense Innovation Unit Public Affairs |

Drone Dominance Program Gauntlet Phase II qualifiers conclude this week at Camp Grayling, Michigan. This high-stakes test pits 49 companies and 79 unique unmanned aerial systems against rigorous mission scenarios, including long-range strikes and close-quarters tactical assaults. Each company brought 20 drones to take on the challenge. 

The qualifier event is a critical test for a battlefield that is evolving at an unprecedented pace and showcased how the War Department is answering the call with radical innovation. 

The Drone Dominance Program is a $1.1 billion, two-year effort to execute President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order 14307, which articulated the urgent need for the department to procure, integrate and train with low-cost, high-performing drones manufactured in the U.S.  

The goal of the program is to rapidly arm combat units with a massive, scalable fleet of low-cost, expendable one-way attack drones. The effort is also expected to increase the flow of private capital into the U.S. industrial base, while simultaneously driving down costs. 

Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of War and jointly administered by the Defense Innovation Unit and Test Resource Management Center, the Drone Dominance Program is at the forefront of the department's pivot to a challenge-based acquisition approach. It also means shifting from slow, multiyear cycles to agile, six-month sprints.   

The program is putting technology to the test in a series of four gauntlet phases — demanding, realistic challenges designed to identify the most resilient and effective drone platforms.  

At the conclusion of each phase, selected drone technologies are fast-tracked for large-scale production, ensuring warfighters are equipped with a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield. 

"This is an urgent matter," said Owen West, DIU director. "Our adversaries are scaling their UAS technology, tactics and industries at an alarming rate. Following Secretary of War [Pete] Hegseth's orders, we are acting decisively to develop new defensive and offensive capabilities to match these threats." 

West noted that the department is already seeing results.  

The first batch of drones was accepted, with nearly 2,000 additional units shipped to the services and thousands more ramping up for fulfillment.  

Following a highly successful Phase I, which saw the purchase of 30,000 drones, the department is gearing up for the next major milestone. 

"As directed by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we have begun to equip our warfighters with the best drones in the world," said Travis Metz, DIU deputy director. "We have ordered 30,000, which are being delivered now and will be ordering 60,000 more in September, all based on competitive events and moving supply chains to the United States as we progress." 

By fostering fierce commercial competition via a public leaderboard, the department aims to scale production from 30,000 to 150,000 units per phase, ultimately dropping the target unit cost from $5,000 to approximately $3,000. By 2027, the Drone Dominance Program intends to field more than 200,000 lethal, artificial intelligence-enabled drones, ensuring the U.S. military executes a technological leapfrog to secure an enduring edge over our adversaries. 

Gauntlet II will kick off later this summer, during which entrants must bring 120 drones as the competition expands into night operations and more complex urban and confined environments.

Crush the Mountain, Ace the Test

June 18, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Adam Enbal, 501st Combat Support Wing |

The sound of running shoes crunching against gravel echoed through the forest as airmen made their way up the hillside.

Some focused on maintaining their pace. Others kept their eyes on the runner ahead. The climb was steep, but nobody stopped.

Below them, the city slowly came into view.

Airmen assigned to the 426th Air Base Squadron, 501st Combat Support Wing, in Stavanger, Norway, regularly take to the trails surrounding the nearby NATO Joint Warfare Centre as part of a mountain run that has become a staple of squadron life.

The run has been a tradition for several years, but leaders recently began timing participants as the Air Force transitioned to its new 2-mile fitness assessment. Overlooking the city, the squadron found a natural training ground just outside its workplace.

"We believed that consistent physical fitness drives performance, morale and unit cohesion," said Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel A. Hayes, outgoing commander of the squadron. "Particularly valuable during Norway's long, dark winters."

The route has also sparked friendly competition throughout the squadron.

"The competitiveness brings out the best in all of us because we want to win," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bryan K. Genobles, superintendent of the Financial Analysis Flight, 501st Combat Support Wing.

According to Hayes, airmen have consistently improved their 2-mile runs since the squadron began timing them.

"Our mountain runs are intentionally harder than what the standard track will give you," he said. "We developed the motto: 'If you can crush the mountain, you'll ace the test.'"

The run also gives new squadron airmen a goal to reach for as they attempt to run down people in front of them, effectively making themselves and the unit better, Genobles said.

According to Hayes, the shared challenge has helped new members integrate into the squadron more quickly, while strengthening relationships throughout the unit.

The tradition continues after the run ends with airmen gathering for lunch, giving them an opportunity to relax, compare times and spend a moment together outside the workplace.

"The Norwegians have a saying: 'There's no bad weather, only bad clothes,'" Hayes said. "By embracing the environment's natural challenges, we prepare airmen not only to thrive on the Air Force fitness assessment but, more importantly, to build sustainable health and resilience."

For Hayes, who recently completed his final mountain run before relinquishing command, the people he served alongside stand out above all else.

"I will most remember the great camaraderie we had together, both in the office and on the mountain," he said. "That is a special team of people that I feel lucky to have been part of."

As the final runners crossed the finish line during the morning June run and conversations shifted from race times to lunch plans, the trail grew quiet once again. The mountain remained, waiting for the next group of airmen ready to take on the climb.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, International Partners Commence Fleet Exercise 250

June 16, 2026 | By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet |

Ships from 17 allied and partner nations arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, to prepare for Fleet Exercise 250, June 14-15.

Beginning today, the multinational maritime exercise will commence for the first time in the Norfolk area and in the Atlantic Ocean. A special reception aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima will serve as an opening event. The large-scale exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and test the integrated forces in a dynamic, multidomain training environment.

The exercise will bring together 31 warships, multinational aircraft and their crews to conduct a series of structured training events at sea. The training will focus on a full spectrum of naval warfare, including antiair, antisubmarine and amphibious operations, culminating in a scenario-driven event against a dynamic adversary.

The primary goal is to build cohesiveness, validate tactical procedures and strengthen the collective capabilities of the participating forces in a simulated combat environment.

"Fleet Exercise [250] is a tremendous opportunity to bring together a powerful, multinational force," said Navy Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet. "Training and operating as an integrated team sharpens our competitive edge and demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Atlantic."

The exercise is divided into two main phases: harbor phase, today through June 21, and the at-sea phase, June 22-29.

During harbor phase, participating forces will assemble at Naval Station Norfolk for final planning, briefings and integration. The at-sea execution will see ships get underway to conduct a series of training events, a fleet formation photo exercise and a final battle problem.

The exercise runs concurrently with several public events in Norfolk, including the 50th Annual Norfolk Harbor Fest, Virginia SAIL 250 and Norfolk Fleet Week. These events will feature public tours of visiting warships and international tall ships, alongside a grand Parade of Sail, offering the public a unique opportunity to engage with sailors and mariners from around the world.

Participating nations in the exercise include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Senegal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Following the exercise, many participating units — joined by the historic tall ships — will sail to New York City to take part in the International Naval Review 250 from July 3-8.

"While [Fleet Exercise] 250 provides critical at-sea training that enhances our combined capabilities, it also sets the stage for a historic celebration at the International Naval Review in New York City," Perry said. "The interoperability we forge here in [Virginia] ensures that when this magnificent multinational fleet arrives to commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, it will stand as a powerful symbol of enduring global partnerships and our shared commitment to the seas."

USV Swarm Demonstrates Maritime Security Capabilities During Exercise Salaknib 26

June 17, 2026 | By Army Staff Sgt. Erik Warren, 28th Public Affairs Detachment |

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division partnered with Philippine Army forces and industry representatives during Exercise Salaknib 2026 to demonstrate how autonomous maritime systems can enhance security and protect critical transportation operations in contested environments.

The maritime screen operation, conducted in the waters of the Casiguran Sound in the northeastern part of Luzon, Philippines, showcased the ability of U.S. and Philippine forces to integrate emerging technology into combined operations while strengthening interoperability between the longtime allies.

At the center of the mission were unmanned surface vessels, or USVs, operated by soldiers assigned to the 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. They deployed a swarm of autonomous boats to establish a security screen across the waterway as a U.S. Army logistics support vessel approached the port.

The mission supported the more than 260-mile movement of Philippine Army vehicles and personnel, including armored personnel carriers, using the logistics support vessel. As the vessel transited the sound, the autonomous boats spread across a wide perimeter, continuously monitoring the maritime environment and relaying information to onshore personnel.

The operation demonstrated how autonomous systems can extend situational awareness beyond what traditional means can provide, enabling commanders to gain a clearer understanding of activity across the area of operations.

"I think it's great to integrate this emerging technology in these exercises; it builds trust in the U.S. and partner soldiers," said Ben Outlaw, an industry partner representative supporting the operation. "It also allows us to showcase and validate our systems interoperability between next-gen command and control nodes across all partner nations."

These boats provide situational awareness to commanders with their ability to find, fix, target, kill and confirm. With the information the USV provides, the commander's decision-making process is compressed from hours to seconds.

The maritime screen mission highlighted the growing role autonomous technologies can play in future military operations. Rather than relying solely on manned platforms, commanders can use multiple autonomous vessels operating simultaneously to maintain persistent awareness across large maritime areas.

During the operation, the USVs autonomously navigated while using onboard sensors to detect and report potential threats or anomalies within the operating area. Information collected by the vessels was transmitted in near real time, a capability that will allow commanders to maintain continuous awareness of the maritime domain and make informed decisions.

For soldiers operating the systems, the exercise provided valuable experience integrating advanced technology into a multinational environment.

"I've really enjoyed working with the USVs during Salaknib 2026," said Army Pvt. Caleb Hannah, exercise participant assigned to the 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion.

The team deployed the autonomous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance boats to provide security for landing craft. The systems escorted the logistics support vessel to port from about 6 miles out, allowing Philippine vehicles to roll onto the dock.

Exercise Salaknib 2026 provides U.S. and Philippine forces with opportunities to train in partnership across multiple domains, enhancing readiness and strengthening the alliance between the two nations. The maritime screen mission served as an example of how emerging technologies can be integrated into combined operations to improve security, increase operational flexibility and expand commanders' options during future contingencies.

Marine Corps Opens 2026 Warrior Games With Strong Showing

June 16, 2026 | By Yvonne Reed-Carlock, Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment |

Team Marine Corps opened the competition at the 2026 Warrior Games June 13, with a strong showing in powerlifting and an exhibition pickleball competition, earning 10 medals and setting the tone for the week ahead. 

The opening day featured a powerlifting competition at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, where Team Marine Corps athletes captured two gold, four silver and four bronze medals.

Master Sgt. Stevan Ball earned a gold in the men's 97-kilogram division, while Staff Sgt. Brett Meil captured gold in the men's 107-kilogram division. For Meil, a Texas native, the victory came in front of a host of family members, including his wife and 20-month-old son.  

Earlier this week, Meil said participating in the Warrior Games is important because of the sense of belonging he finds among fellow competitors, making his gold-medal performance especially meaningful, being close to home. 

Ball, a communications chief recovering from multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and dual hip surgeries, credits adaptive sports with helping to restore his purpose while also providing an avenue to display resilience throughout his recovery. 

Silver medals were earned by Staff Sgt. Marshal Ivy, Staff Sgt. Morgan Rempel, veteran Giavanna Vicario and Lance Cpl. Calbert Martinez. Bronze medals went to Capt. Gabriela Ortiz, Maj. Kim Yen Soto, Master Sgt. Modesto Garcia and Pfc. Baltazar Torresjara. 

In the women's 55-kilogram division, Vicario and Ortiz shared the podium for Team Marine Corps. Every Team Marine Corps woman who competed in powerlifting earned a medal during the opening day of competition. 

For Ortiz, the bronze-medal performance came during her first Warrior Games competition and in front of a hometown crowd. The San Antonio native was supported by her parents and members of her unit as she helped Team Marine Corps open the games with a strong showing. 

"It was amazing," Ortiz said. "All the females got a medal. That was the strongest thing I've seen." 

Vicario, competing in her second Warrior Games after earning 11 medals during the 2025 competition, said medaling in the first competition of the week meant a great deal and helped set the tone for the remainder of the event. 

Soto, Team Marine Corps' captain, also opened the week on the podium with a bronze-medal performance, while Garcia earned bronze in the men's 88-kilogram division. 

In addition to powerlifting, Team Marine Corps athletes participated in the inaugural Warrior Games pickleball exhibition. The team featured retired Gunnery Sgt. Gabriela Carbajal, Lance Cpl. Yates Cooper Jr., veteran Arion Klein and Staff Sgt. Jacob Wolfe, a Marine Corps reservist. The exhibition marked the introduction of pickleball to the Warrior Games, highlighting the continued evolution of adaptive sports opportunities available to wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans. 

The day was not without adversity. Lance Cpl. Brandon Ndashi suffered an injury prior to the competition and was unable to participate. His teammates rallied around him while continuing to represent the Marine Corps with determination and competitive spirit throughout the day. 

The Warrior Games bring together wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from across the War Department to compete in adaptive sports while promoting recovery, rehabilitation and camaraderie. Team Marine Corps athletes demonstrated those values throughout the opening day, experiencing recovery in real time while competing alongside fellow wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.

Army Marksmanship Unit Marks 70 Years of Precision, Innovation, Service

June 15, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit |

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit was officially established Feb. 16, 1956 — an event that would shape the trajectory of American marksmanship for generations. 

Seventy years later, the unit stands as the Army's premier authority on marksmanship training, small-arms expertise and competitive excellence. Its legacy is defined not only by medals and records, but also by its enduring impact on Army readiness, research, doctrine and lethality. 

The unit's founding purpose was clear from the beginning. In a Nov. 17, 1955, letter to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor, Army Gen. John E. Dahlquist, commander of the Continental Army Command, set the foundation for the unit's creation. 

"In proportion to its resources, Army leadership in the field of competitive marksmanship on national and international scales should be absolute and unquestioned," Dahlquist wrote, adding that, at the time, there was a perception the Russian army could shoot as well as their Olympic team and could outshoot all other armies. 

Dahlquist wrote that impression needed to be eliminated by the U.S. Army winning international rifle and pistol competitions.  

As the unit developed, its mission expanded. In a Sept. 23, 1991, letter, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Edwin H. Burba Jr. emphasized the importance of marksmanship. 

"The proficient use of individual service weapons is the most important skill of the soldier," Burba wrote. "The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is the [U.S. Army Forces Command] standard bearer for effective marksmanship training."  

That vision has guided the unit for seven decades, shaping it into the only organization of its kind within the Army. That founding vision quickly evolved into a broader mission that continues to define the unit today. 

The unit's competitive, training and research missions make it a singular asset. Its competitive teams serve as a real-world test bed, validating training techniques and materiel solutions that shape Army doctrine, small-arms development and lethality initiatives. Since the 1950s, the unit has supported major small-arms programs across the War Department, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security, often providing technical expertise, hand-loaded ammunition and rapid development capability. 

Supporting Research Across the Army  

For more than 30 years, the unit has partnered with key Army research centers to produce several notable advancements, including: 

• 6.8 mm reduced-range ammunition — cutting surface danger zones by 40–50%. 
• Sniper propellant testing — identifying reliable American-made alternatives during supply chain disruptions. 
• Shock-absorbing concrete testing — supporting shoot-house material evaluation. 

These efforts, along with the unit's contributions to the next-generation squad weapon, reinforce the unit's role as a technical enabler for Army modernization. Beginning in 2012, unit engineers helped shape future small-arms requirements and delivered developmental cartridge concepts that informed the Army's ballistic direction.  

Between 2019-2021, unit soldiers and civilians supported multiple phases of the next-generation squad weapon evaluation, including sampling, training support, mobility assessments, user feedback and fire-control system input. Today, the unit continues to support fielding and user training across the force. 

Driving Innovation Through Competition  

Competition has always been central to the unit's identity. Beyond medals, these events serve as a proving ground for new ideas. Innovations first tested by unit soldiers have later appeared in the special operations community, including: 

•  .277 USA and .264 USA cartridges — influencing the Army's adoption of the 6.8 mm combat caliber. 
• Lightweight intermediate caliber cartridge rifle development — early versions produced by the unit. 
• .375 EnABELR sniper system — increasing first-round hit probability at extreme distances. 

Another part of the unit's mission is marketing, which involves conducting marksmanship clinics, supervising interservice shooting competitions, maintaining excellence in competition records, representing the Army in national and international events and supporting public engagements. 

Training the Force  

The unit's most enduring contribution is training soldiers. Each year, the unit conducts about 80 training missions, providing hands-on instruction to more than 4,000 soldiers and influencing tens of thousands more. The training has led to 40% increases in lethal hit rates and 50% improvements in marksmanship fluency, delivered at a cost of about $200 per soldier. 

In 2024, Marine Corps Col. James Rose, Marine Raider Regiment commanding officer, praised the unit's support, noting its unmatched instruction and direct impact on sniper lethality. 

Over the past three years, the team has worked with the Department of Tactics, Training and Doctrine to refine small-arms doctrine. The unit also authored the "Small Arms Gold Book," a companion reference supporting the Integrated Weapons Training Strategy. 

Advancing Soldier Lethality Through Science  

Unit soldiers frequently serve as test subjects in biomechanical and physiological studies comparing novice and expert shooters. Recent findings showed expert shooters were 18% more accurate, 50% more stable and 35% slower in rotational movement. 

These insights help shape training techniques across the Army. 

From its founding in 1956 to its 70th anniversary, the unit has remained the Army's premier authority on marksmanship. Its influence spans competitive shooting, soldier training, small-arms development, doctrinal refinement and cutting-edge research.  

As the unit enters its eighth decade, its mission remains unchanged and more vital than ever: advancing marksmanship, empowering the warfighter and ensuring the Army maintains its competitive edge.

Warrior Games Week Marks New Chapter for Army Veteran

June 15, 2026 | By Vernishia Vaughn, Army Recovery Care Program |

When retired Army Staff Sgt. Gene Calantoc lost his leg in 2020, he was introduced to adaptive sports and competed in the 2024 Warrior Games. Now, two years later, he's back as a stronger competitor. 

During his first games, Calantoc said he was still learning how to move through adaptive sports with speed, skill and confidence. This year, competing with Team Army at the 2026 Warrior Games, he returned with experience, a stronger voice on the basketball court and a deeper understanding of what recovery can become when family, teammates and purpose move with him.  

Calantoc served 10 years in the Army, and in 2020, his life changed following a motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his left leg. His recovery began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making an already difficult journey more challenging for him and his family.  

In 2024, Calantoc was assigned to a Soldier Recovery Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, which is where he was introduced to adaptive sports. 

"I was quick and fast with my wheelchair, but I didn't know the game," he said. 

Since then, Calantoc has continued to play wheelchair basketball with the San Antonio Spurs and has attended adaptive sports camps to sharpen his skills. The added experience helped him become more vocal, confident and intentional during competition.  

"Now, I know what to do on the court," he said. "It's a lot of communication and knowing your role."  

His wife, Miho Calantoc, said the difference between 2024 and 2026 is visible. 

"He's less nervous than he was when he first competed," she said. "He's more verbal and communicates more with the team. He takes initiative in making sure the team is together."  

For Calantoc, adaptive sports have become more than competition. They help him stay active, connected and focused. His motto — "Stay true. When life knocks you down, rise stronger and keep moving forward" — reflects the mindset he continues to carry through recovery.  

"That motto is big for me," he said. "There's a day where I'll get depressed, but that's only one day. Every day is a new day."  

Following the 2026 Warrior Games, Calantoc plans to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Detroit next month. He said adaptive sports help him remain connected to others.  

"I've got adaptive sports, and it keeps me busy," he said. "It keeps me smiling and enjoying life."  

Miho Calantoc said she has watched the way adaptive sports have changed her husband and their family.  

"It's amazing," she said. "We've been in a dark space, and adaptive sports brings him so much light. It's such a blessing to see the difference when he is competing and how brightly he shines."  

The week leading up to the Warrior Games also brought another milestone for the Calantoc family. They received an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible home, a moment both Calantoc and his wife described as life-changing.  

"Thinking about it still makes me cry," Calantoc said. "I really wasn't expecting it."  

For the family, the home represents more than a new address. It represents safety, independence and relief after years of navigating a house that was not built for Calantoc's needs.  

"A lot of times, I'll take a shower [and] I'll slip and fall," Calantoc said. "This house our family received is really going to change my life; it's going to make it easier for me."  

Miho Calantoc said the home is an answered prayer from her side of the recovery journey as his spouse.  

"As a caregiver, there was a lot of worry from my end, especially in the restroom or bathtub," she said. "I know he's a very independent person. Just him being able to get back that independence is so heartwarming for him and for myself."  

For Calantoc, having his wife and children with him during the Warrior Games adds meaning to every event.  

"When my family is here, that's big support," he said. "I want to say 'thank you' to my wife and my kids [for] being here, supporting me. It's huge."  

Miho Calantoc said watching their father compete has become a lesson in resilience for their children.   

"They know Dad's got it, so we got it, too," she said. "He shows them that you can do anything when you put your mind to it."  

Calantoc said he tries to pass that same lesson on to others in the adaptive sports community.

He tells them, "Try all these adaptive sports. You don't know what you can do until you try it."

Warrior Games week represents more than competition for the Calantoc family. It's another step forward in a recovery journey that has touched their lives, a competitor returning with confidence and a family beginning a new chapter in a home built to support the independence he continues to reclaim.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Pvt. Joe Gandara

 June 15, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Army Pvt. Joe Gandara was a paratrooper who fought in France during World War II. Little is known about him other than that he was the son of Mexican immigrants. However, his bravery and selflessness earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor — nearly 70 years after he sacrificed himself to save his battle buddies.

Gandara was born to Jose Melendez and Ramona Orrantia Gandara, April 25, 1924, in Santa Monica, California. He had two brothers, Edward and Rudolph. 

After graduating from Santa Monica High School, Gandara enlisted in the Army two months before his 19th birthday, Feb. 20, 1943. Following paratrooper training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he boarded a troopship to England. 

Gandara was assigned to the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. His unit, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, trained for the upcoming invasion of France near Nottingham, England. He parachuted into Normandy, France, during the D-Day invasion, June 6, 1944. 

Three days later, near the village of Amfreville, his unit came under heavy enemy fire, pinning the men down for a period of four hours.  

Gandara voluntarily advanced alone toward the enemy position. Firing his machine gun from his hip as he moved forward, he destroyed three hostile machine guns before he was killed, according to his Medal of Honor citation. 

Gandara was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. However, nearly 70 years later, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor as part of the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, which called for a review of Jewish and Hispanic American veterans from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars to ensure that no prejudice was shown to those deserving the Medal of Honor.

President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to Gandara's niece, Miriam Adams, during a ceremony at the White House, March 18, 2014.

"This ceremony reminds us of one of the enduring qualities that makes America great — that makes us exceptional. No nation is perfect, but here in America, we confront our imperfections and face a sometimes-painful past — including the truth that some of these soldiers fought and died for a country that did not always see them as equal," Obama said. 

Following the end of World War II, Gandara was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, California. However, his legacy lives on in his hometown and throughout the Army. 

In 2016, Los Angeles named a Metro Rail station after him near the neighborhood where Gandara grew up, and a year later, Santa Monica dedicated a park in his memory.

In May 2016, a statue of Gandara was included in a memorial to the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Normandy. 

The 82nd Airborne Division selected Gandara as one of the 20 soldiers in its 2018 inaugural class of the All American Hall of Fame, and in 2023, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, named a street after him. 

Michigan Army National Guard Uses UAS to Train for Tomorrow's Battlefield

June 12, 2026 | By Sgt. Kaitlyn Jernigan, 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element |

Nine soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, participated in a two-week unmanned aerial system program that began May 31, 2026, as the Michigan National Guard expands its UAS training initiative.

The Michigan National Guard's UAS program provides service members with no prior experience the training needed to understand regulations, develop flight proficiency and safely operate unmanned aerial systems in support of unit missions. Once certified, operators can utilize and integrate UAS into their units. The training can also tailor instruction to specific unit capabilities, including drone-strike simulations.

"The goal of this training is to expose [service members] to the challenges and opportunities provided by a piece of equipment like that," said Army Maj. Brandon Shortner, the battalion's executive officer. "That's making such an impact on the modern battlefield."

Students began in the classroom for an overview of regulations and systems before moving to flight simulators. Once proficient, they transitioned to field training with a level one UAS, the smallest drone class, maneuvering through an obstacle course that replicates real-world conditions. Instructors adapted the course difficulty based on mission requirements and individual skills.

"Every unit has a different mission set, and every mission set will require a different platform," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aric Petersen, UAS Training Center supervisor for the Michigan National Guard.

After demonstrating competence on the level one drone, the soldiers will progress to live-fire training to learn demolitions and how to arm the platforms.

In February, the War Department designated the Michigan National Guard's Camp Grayling as the nation's first national range for deep uncrewed aerial systems training, resulting in an increased emphasis on UAS training and capability development across the force. Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard training facility in the U.S.

"It's an incredible honor to be part of a small group of individuals selected to do this," said Army Spc. Aleksandr Blain, an infantry team leader assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment. "We are looking forward to developing these skills."

Blain was the first of the trained 126th Infantry Regiment drone pilots to execute a drone strike using a first-person view drone June 10. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Burr, an infantry platoon sergeant assigned to the battalion, assisted Blain with the strike as the drone navigator. The navigator role is critical to ensuring UASs reach targets accurately and safely.

The strike was completed using a two-drone hunter-killer team composed of an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform used to crosstalk with the pilots to confirm targets prior to the strike and a first-person-view system equipped with a fixed-angle camera, giving operators a real-time view from the aircraft's perspective.

The drone is flown entirely by the pilot, enabling precise maneuverability and continued operation in contested environments where GPS may be unavailable or degraded.

The first-person-view drones are piloted completely by manual control, so they find what is called acrobatic mode, which means the pilot has full control over the drone; it doesn't hover.

The two-week training course not only enhanced the unit's tactical performance but also boosted morale among the small group of participants.

"Being on the cusp of innovation is always fun," Blain said. "It's uncharted territory."

Carrying the Torch: 815th Airlift Squadron Assumes Airlift Mission in Africa

June 11, 2026 | By Air Force Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie, 406th Air Expeditionary Wing |

There was no formal ceremony marking the transition at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. No guidon passed from one commander to another. Instead, a moment represented something larger; the passing of a torch that lights the path of Air Force airlift across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

After months of operations throughout Africa, airmen assigned to the Minnesota Air National Guard 133rd Airlift Wing concluded a historic deployment for their wing as airmen assigned to the Air Force Reserve 815th Airlift Squadron, known as the Flying Jennies, carry on the torch for the next rotation. 
 
For the 133rd Airlift Wing, the deployment carried significance as the wing's final planned deployment with the Air Force C-130H3 Hercules. It concludes a 30-year era of trusted service with the C-130H model aircraft, which is being replaced across the wing by the newer C-130J model as part of the Minnesota Air National Guard's ongoing modernization efforts. 
 
"The men and women of the 133rd Airlift Wing are closing out a truly historic deployment," said Air Force Lt. Col. Denny Paulsen, outgoing commander of 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. "The significance of this being our final planned deployment with the C-130H model added meaning to every mission and fueled an elevated level of motivation across our team."

The 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, under the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, carries a high operational tempo, being the sole Air Force airlift capability for the African continent. The mission demands no-fail execution, ensuring cargo and personnel reach their destinations on time.

Their efforts included supporting operations driving security, economic, humanitarian and anti-terrorism efforts designated among Africom's highest priorities, earning recognition from senior leaders across the Horn of Africa. 
 
"This deployment brought an operations tempo and urgency that exceeded what is typical," Paulsen said. "The dedication, professionalism and skill of our squadron were on full display through multiple high-visibility operations that demanded absolute precision." 
 
According to Paulsen, the 133rd Airlift Wing leaves behind a legacy built from decades of service with the C-130H, capping a deployment that showcased the aircraft's enduring value and the professionalism of the airmen who flew and maintained it. 
 
"All of Minnesota can be proud of what the airmen of the 133rd Airlift Squadron have accomplished," Paulsen said. "Their performance has left a lasting mark on our state and on the legacy of the C-130H." 
 
Now, the Flying Jennies assigned to the Air Force Reserve 815th Airlift Squadron from Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, take the reins. Flying the Air Force C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the airmen and airframe bring expanded airlift capabilities and a history of operational excellence. 
 
Under the leadership of Air Force Lt. Col. Stephanie Brown, incoming commander of the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, the squadron arrives ready to provide tactical airlift, contingency operations, aeromedical evacuation and rapid mobility support to increase operational capability across Africa. 

 
"The airmen and team of the 815th Airlift Squadron stand ready to support the Africom and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa area of responsibility," Brown said. "This deployment is the culmination of a two-year Air Force's force generation 'level 300' training plan and Air Force Reserve Command certification." 
 
That two-year preparation consisted of a series of highly complex, joint and international exercises to stress test their tactical capabilities to ensure the team was ready to sustain full-spectrum readiness in their area of responsibility. 
 
The transition reflects one team completing its chapter while another immediately carries the mission forward. The final C-130H crews of the 133rd Airlift Wing passed the torch to the Flying Jennies to continue redefining responsive air mobility support for the joint force, allies and partners across the African continent.

Task Force Civil Affairs Team Conducts Subject Matter Expert Exchange in Libya

June 11, 2026 | By Army Sgt. 1st Class Shane Klestinski, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa |

Soldiers assigned to the Civil Affairs Team Libya, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, conducted a military-to-military subject matter expert exchange with representatives of the Libyan National Army and the Government of National Unity in Benghazi, Libya, May 19-22.

This exchange was the first in what the civil affairs team plans to be a series of exchanges with partner forces representing the two distinct political entities that currently control Libya. Through the end of the fiscal year, exchanges with both the LNA and the GNU will occur monthly. This gives the civil affairs team a place from which to witness a new chapter in Libya's evolving history.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has experienced vast security improvements, according to U.S. Army Maj. Miles Dunning, civil affairs team lead.

Dunning explained that various governments recognize the LNA as Libya's legitimate government, while others recognize the GNU, but the preferred end state is a unified Libya with a combined armed forces' capability to combat terrorism in the region.

"What we're trying to do as [U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa] — and specifically civil affairs — is get both entities to the negotiating table with the overall goal to unify Libya under one government," Dunning said. "The way we do that at [the task force], at the civil affairs level, is by conducting military-to-military exchanges with both partner forces … to facilitate a space where those partner forces can come together, cooperate and have face-to-face conversations through knowledge exchanges."

Twenty-one military officers, ranging from O-3 to O-6, represented both groups. Dunning noted that both partner forces seemed interested in making progress toward a stronger, more stable country.

"They get along together very well from what we've seen," Dunning said. "Both parties are amenable to a lasting peace and are eager to work with each other to continue these exchanges in the future. From what we observed, both partner forces were very cordial."

This event also marked the first time a task force has conducted an exchange with partner forces in Libya. Dunning emphasized that it represented a pivotal step in building relationships between the military forces of the U.S., LNA and GNU.

"It is specifically [the task force] that has been tasked to do these military-to-military exchanges with Libyan partners," Dunning said. "We are the only conventional U.S. Army force that has a presence in Libya after this engagement."

As part of the U.S. contribution to the knowledge exchange, the civil affairs team discussed how the U.S. Army conducts combined arms operations. This conversation went on to include U.S. warfighting functions, the military decision-making process, troop leading procedures and the operations order.

During a tabletop exercise — the exchange's culminating event — partner forces received a scenario in which they were operating in a fictitious country, and they had to complete a road-clearance operation from one village to another. Given specific resources to complete this notional task, representatives from both partner forces described how they would accomplish the mission.

"Insights [from this exchange] will enable successful rapport building between the U.S. and both Libyan partner forces," Dunning said, adding, these exchanges offer a distinct opportunity to participate in open dialogue and will set the stage for future operations, increasing partner force cooperation and facilitating communication between the LNA and GNU.

Dunning noted that these exchanges increase the U.S.'s ability to work with a partner force by providing a better understanding of how they operate. In return, those partner forces receive a better understanding of how U.S. forces operate, which will improve combined operations in the future.

"This was a groundbreaking event, and it has been many years in the making with a lot of parties," Dunning said. "People have put in hundreds of man-hours to make this happen, and my team was very lucky to be tasked with this mission. It is the first time a conventional U.S. Army element from any organization has been to Libya in 16 years, so it was a big deal and a big first step in reestablishing a military relationship with Libya."