Future USS Cleveland Sailors Attend Commissioning Week Events

May 15, 2026 | By Navy Lt. j.g. Rachael Jones, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet |

Sailors assigned to the future USS Cleveland, the 16th and final Freedom-variant littoral combat ship to be built and commissioned for the Navy, arrived in their namesake city May 9 to launch a week of community engagement and celebration leading up to the ship's commissioning tomorrow.

Throughout the week, Cleveland sailors participated in a variety of community events including a Zach Bryan concert, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation Community Day at North Coast Harbor, a NASA Glenn Research Center tour and visits to the Baseball Heritage Museum and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Cleveland sailors were also recognized on the court of downtown Cleveland's Rocket Arena during a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game and at a Cleveland City Council meeting on May 11.

"Honestly, being engaged with the community this week has been tremendously amazing," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Deja Jackson, a native of Cleveland and a hull maintenance technician assigned to the future USS Cleveland. "If we could do this every day, I'd be over the moon for the opportunity."

During commissioning week, the crew of the future USS Cleveland led ship tours for local students and community members. These guided tours provided a rare, firsthand look at one of the Navy's newest warships and an opportunity to interact directly with sailors.

"One of the greatest highlights of commissioning a U.S. Navy ship in its namesake city is seeing the crew and the community come together as one team," said Navy Cmdr. Bruce Hallett, commanding officer of the future USS Cleveland. "Our sailors are honored to welcome the people of Cleveland aboard for tours and to participate in events throughout the city during commissioning week. These engagements strengthen the bond between the ship and the community we proudly represent, while showcasing the dedication, professionalism and pride of the sailors who wear the name Cleveland on their uniforms."

The commissioning ceremony will be livestreamed online at http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/37601, beginning at 9:45 a.m. EST, and the ceremony starts at 10 a.m. EST tomorrow.

This is the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city of Cleveland. The first was a cruiser commissioned in 1903 that served during World War I. The second was the lead ship of its class of light cruisers, which earned 13 battle stars during World War II. The third was the amphibious transport dock, which served from 1967 to 2011, providing critical support during the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Storm and various humanitarian missions.

Navy Announces Commissioning of the Future USS Cleveland

May 15, 2026 |

The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Honorable Hung Cao, acting Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Additional speakers are set to include the Honorable Jon Husted, U.S. Senator from Ohio; the Honorable Shontel Brown, U.S. Representative from Ohio; the Honorable Justin Bibb, Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio; Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Ms. Stephanie Hill, President Rotary and Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin.

Robyn Modly, the wife of former acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, is the ship's sponsor. In keeping with Navy tradition, she will give the crew the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!" With the hoisting of the colors and commissioning pennant, acting Secretary Cao will formally place the ship in active service.

LCS 31 is the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city of Cleveland. The first was a cruiser (C-19) commissioned in 1903 that served during World War I. The second was the lead ship of her class of light cruisers, USS Cleveland (CL-55), which earned 13 battle stars for its service during World War II. The third was the Austin-class amphibious transport dock, USS Cleveland (LPD 7), which served from 1967 to 2011, providing critical support during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and various humanitarian missions.

The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independence, designed and built by two industry teams. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom-variant team, the odd-numbered hulls, in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Following its commissioning, USS Cleveland will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused warships designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants equipped to defeat challenges in the world's littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.

The commissioning of USS Cleveland underscores the Navy's commitment to building America's Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally. That mission continues – and intensifies. We operate forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability delivery, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer.

The commissioning ceremony will stream on the Defense Video Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) at http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/37601. The live stream will begin at 9:50 a.m. EDT, and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. EDT on May 16.

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342.

439th Airlift Wing Airman Earns Academy Appointment Through LEAD Program

May 15, 2026 | By Timothy R Jensen, 439th Airlift Wing |

The dream of becoming an astronaut usually begins by looking at the stars, but for Air Force Senior Airman Kendall Cubero, the journey to the cockpit and beyond started with a pair of electrician's tools in his hands at Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts. 

Cubero, an electrician assigned to the electrical and environmental shop, 439th Maintenance Squadron, was recently selected for the highly competitive Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program, earning a coveted appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. The LEAD program allows unit commanders to nominate the top junior enlisted personnel for entry into the academy or its preparatory school. Unlike civilian applicants who require a congressional nomination, LEAD candidates rely on the endorsement of their chain of command. 

Cubero, a New Jersey native who moved to Massachusetts for an Air Reserve technician position, initially joined the Air Force to learn a trade and earn military tuition assistance benefits. However, the goal of becoming an officer was always lingering. 

"The big dream is becoming a pilot," Cubero said. "I remember seeing this program, but it was completely out of my mind until my wing leadership sent an email about it." 

Applying was a rigorous process and Cubero admitted he initially had doubts about his chances, noting that the academy only accepts about 1,000 students each year. 

"It was kind of like a coin toss," he said. "There are people from all over the country that are smarter than me, more athletic than me, just better than me in every single shape or form." 

Despite this humility, his unit recognized his potential early on. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Kirk, who supervises Cubero, saw his drive from day one. 

"Cubero has a great personality and is a highly motivated individual," Kirk said. "When he joined our shop, he hit the ground running and quickly became a key member of our team." 

To help Cubero reach his goal, Kirk ensured he had the backing he needed at the shop level to balance the mission with the demanding application requirements. 

"I tried to be a good mentor and assisted him to the best of my ability," he said. "I gave him ample time to navigate the long application process and pursue his dreams." 

Cubero's advice to other junior enlisted members aiming for similar heights is simple: start working hard the day you arrive. 

"You have to ask yourself what you need to change to get to that point," he said. "One of the things that helped was just setting up a meeting with my supervisor and building a plan to reach those goals." 

Looking ahead, Cubero plans to carry the lessons he learned as an enlisted maintainer into the officer ranks. He aims to emulate the "selfless leadership" modeled by his current commander. 

"Leadership is about serving those you are in command of and helping them advance their careers, just as my leadership did for me," Cubero said. "Because of them, I'm able to achieve heights I never thought possible. If I'm given a position of leadership in the future, that's exactly what I want to do to cultivate the next generation." 

As Cubero prepares to trade his tools for a cadet uniform, his journey serves as a reminder of the Air Force's foundational strength. The Air Force Reserve is ultimately about its people; airmen like Cubero who choose to serve, stay ready and bring lethality to the fight. 

Africom Commander Says Continent at 'Crossroads' of Global Commerce, Security

May 14, 2026 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, updated Congress on the security environment of the world's second largest continent during a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington today. 

During his opening remarks, Anderson described Africa as a continent ascending on the world stage. However, he said it faces a precarious situation due to bad actors operating throughout the region.  

"Africa sits at the crossroads of global commerce and security, bridging the strategic terrain between the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific. It's the world's supplier of critical minerals for advanced defense systems, and home to 12 of the world's 20 fastest-growing economies," Anderson said, adding that Africa will account for a third of the global working-age population by 2050. 

Despite progress across the continent, Anderson noted that terror networks throughout the region are also on the ascent.  

"The epicenter of global terrorism is in Africa. ISIS leadership is African; al-Qaida's economic engine is in Africa — both of these groups share the will and intent to strike our homeland," Anderson said, adding that ISIS and al-Qaida's affiliates are now showing increased connectivity.  

As an example, Anderson said a nexus has developed between al-Qaida's East African affiliate, al-Shabab, and the Iranian-sponsored Houthis — the terror group that spent two years attacking U.S. and British warships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea between October 2023 and October 2025.  

As of late 2025, the State Department's foreign terrorist organization list recognizes at least 10 terror groups operating on the African continent, with six of them being ISIS affiliates. 

To counter the terror threat, Anderson said Africom is prioritizing relationships with willing and capable partners throughout the region and supporting them with capabilities that only the U.S. military can provide. 

"These efforts have driven ISIS leaders in Somalia underground, disrupting their command and control of the global ISIS network," he said. 

However, Anderson noted that a 75% reduction in Africom's regional posture across the continent over the past decade — coupled with a drawdown of allies in the region — has led to an "intelligence black hole" for the command and its allies and partners. 

"Africom's lack of expeditionary capabilities and diminished force posture compromise our crisis response. In a crisis, we can always surge assets, but you cannot surge trust," Anderson told the committee.  

In addition to the terror threat Africa faces, Anderson also said that U.S. adversaries, like China and Russia, have also demonstrated malign intent toward Africa.  

"China views Africa as a second continent, securing control over critical minerals and infrastructure [and] potentially boxing [the U.S.] out of resources that energize our industrial base," Anderson said. 

He added that Africa currently serves as Russian President Vladimir Putin's "purse," where Russia exploits instability to extract resources — including human lives — to fuel the country's war against Ukraine. 

Despite the challenges Africom currently faces — including the reduced geographical footprint in the region and funding that is a small fraction of the War Department's overall budget — Anderson said the command continues to think and operate differently, while maximizing every taxpayer dollar to deliver an outsized return on investment.  

"Africom continues to leverage low-cost, high-yield activities to amplify our impact on the continent," he said. 

He cited examples, such as Africom's International Military Education and Training program, which provides funds for international personnel to attend U.S. military professional training programs.  

He also mentioned the success of the National Guard's State Partnership Program, which creates long-term, people-to-people ties between U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia and partners — including African nations — supporting both military and civilian sectors. 

In terms of materiel, Anderson said that Africom needs investment in nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and innovative force protection programs that enable willing and capable partners to conduct experimentation with emerging technologies, so as to be able to respond to crises at the time and point of need. 

Anderson concluded his remarks on a positive note. 

"Africa is a continent of opportunities, not only crises," he told the committee. 

"With the continued support of this committee, I can assure you that every dollar you authorize for Africom will contribute directly to the security, safety and prosperity of the United States."

Air Force Reserve Wing Assists in Downed Aircraft Rescue off Florida Coast

May 14, 2026 |Air Force Reserve Command |

Air Force Reserve airmen assigned to the 920th Rescue Wing assisted in the rescue of 11 survivors from a downed civilian aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 80 miles east of Melbourne, Florida, May 12, 2026.  

An emergency locator transmitter signal from a small aircraft alerted Coast Guard Southeast District watch standers to a potential distress situation that morning. 

At the time of the alert, a 920th Rescue Wing HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter crew was already airborne conducting a routine training mission. The crew was redirected to assist in the search and rescue effort after receiving a request to investigate the transmitter signal. 

Working alongside interagency partners, including the Coast Guard and additional Air Force rescue assets, the wing aircrew helped locate and recover 11 Bahamian adults from a life raft near the downed aircraft.  

The helicopter crew hoisted all 11 survivors and transported them to awaiting emergency medical services at Melbourne Orlando International Airport. All survivors were reported in stable condition. 

"This rescue highlights the readiness, professionalism and interoperability our airmen train for every day," said Air Force Col. Chadd Bloomstine, 920th Operations Group commander. "They immediately transitioned from training to real-world rescue operations alongside our Coast Guard and interagency partners. We are proud to have played a role in bringing 11 people home safely." 

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-27 Spartan aircrew and an HC-130J Combat King II aircrew from Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, also assisted in locating the downed aircraft and nearby life raft. 

The civilian aircraft reportedly departed Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, and was en route to Freeport, Bahamas, when it experienced engine failure. Bahamian authorities will investigate the cause of the incident. 

The 920th Rescue Wing, the Air Force Reserve's only combat search and rescue wing, routinely conducts rescue operations and training missions in support of civil authorities, national defense objectives and humanitarian response efforts.

Joint Statement for the 28th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

May 13, 2026 |

The U.S. Department of War and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense held the 28th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on May 12-13, 2026, in Washington.

Mr. John Noh, assistant secretary of war for Indo-Pacific security affairs, and Dr. Jay Finch, acting deputy assistant secretary of war for East Asia, led the U.S. delegation. Deputy minister for national defense policy, Mr. Kim Hong-Cheol, led the ROK delegation. Key senior U.S. and ROK defense and foreign affairs officials also participated in the dialogue.

During the meeting, both sides assessed the overall defense cooperation of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, and exchanged perspectives on policy directions that enhance the Alliance's combined defense posture. The two sides shared the desire to actively pursue cooperation to implement the areas of defense cooperation within the Joint Fact Sheet between the U.S. and the ROK presidents last November and the 57th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique.

They assessed that the KIDD laid a foundation for practical cooperation to further solidify the Alliance and looked forward to further deepening cooperation to achieve shared security goals on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region.

Washington National Guard Aviation Crews Train for Wildfire Season

May 12, 2026 | By Army Capt. Andrew Phommavongsay, 122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element |

Aviation crews assigned to the 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, Washington Army National Guard, partnered with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue to conduct water bucket training near Puyallup, Washington, May 7, preparing for the state's wildfire season.

Throughout the exercise, firefighters and aviation crews rehearsed aerial wildfire response operations, practicing water bucket drops, air-to-ground communication procedures and coordination between firefighters and aircrews.

Using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, aircrews conducted multiple water drops while firefighters on the ground coordinated target locations and evaluated each drop's effectiveness. The training focused on communication, timing and precision in environments that can quickly become hazardous during wildfire response operations.

"Air assets have become a critical asset in fighting these fires," a Central Pierce Fire and Rescue spokesperson said. "These are very fast-moving fires, especially when the weather's playing into it with the wind, and it's extremely difficult for us on the ground and extremely hazardous sometimes for us to get even close enough to attempt to extinguish these fires."

Fire officials said helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft often provide firefighters additional access and suppression capabilities in areas that may be difficult or unsafe for crews operating on the ground.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jarin Trakel, 1st Battalion company standardization instructor pilot, emphasized the recurring partnership helps firefighters and aviation crews build familiarity and communication before responding to real-world emergencies.

"We kind of try to bridge that gap by putting a face to the radio before anything actually happens," Trakel said. "That way they know what to expect when they call the Washington [National] Guard."

The joint training also allows both organizations to better understand each other's capabilities, communication procedures and operational limitations before responding to wildfire incidents together, he said.

For Washington Army National Guard aviation crews, water bucket operations require annual certification and recurring proficiency training to ensure pilots and crew members remain prepared to respond when activated in support of wildfire suppression missions across the state.

Trakel described these operations as one of the more demanding aviation mission sets conducted during domestic training.

"This is kind of the varsity league of training," he said. "The aircraft, we put it pretty close to its limitations when we're picking water up, moving the aircraft around in tight spaces, at low airspeed with a high-power setting."

He added that the mission requires experienced crews, constant communication and coordination between pilots, crew chiefs and firefighters on the ground. During real wildfire responses, military aviation crews often integrate with multiple civilian rotary-wing aircraft operating from the same water sources and flight paths.

"It takes a lot of coordination," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Martin Hays, battalion aviation mission survivability officer. "You're dealing with firefighters on the ground and additional weight with the water bucket."

Hays said wildfire response operations remain one of the more demanding domestic missions conducted by guard aviation crews, due to terrain, smoke, wind conditions and the coordination required between ground personnel and aircraft.

During the exercise, firefighters and aircrews practiced identifying targets, coordinating water-drop locations and maintaining positive communication throughout the operation.

"The first thing that we do is try to identify our ground contact to make sure we have positive communication with the crews," said the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue battalion commander. "Obviously, the priority is actually stopping any forward progress toward residential structures or life hazards."

Fire officials said the partnership has continued to grow through recurring joint training opportunities between firefighters and guard aviation crews.

"It's extremely rare to find helicopters that are willing to train with us," a firefighter said. "We decided this was a great opportunity for us to get some training out of this, too."

Since 2012, the Washington National Guard has supported wildfire suppression efforts throughout the state alongside the Washington Department of Natural Resources. In 2024 alone, aviation crews flew more than 75 firefighting hours and dropped nearly 300,000 gallons of water in support of multiple wildfire responses. According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, 1.2 million gallons of water were delivered by aviation assets, with an average response time of 16 minutes, in 2025.

In recent years, Washington Army National Guard aviation crews have been activated to support wildfire response operations across the state.

"The more we get to go out and do this, the better," Trakel said. "It just makes us safer, more capable to give back to the state when called upon."

As wildfire season approaches, guard aviators and firefighters continue strengthening partnerships and operational readiness to protect communities statewide.

U.S., Multinational Allies Launch Exercise Salaknib's Second Phase in the Philippines

May 13, 2026 |25th Infantry Division |

The Army's 25th Infantry Division, in close partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and multinational allies, officially launched the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable Exercise, May 8. 

Operating as Part II of the bilateral Exercise Salaknib, JPMRC-X continues through May 20. This rotation brings an immersive combat training center experience directly into the Indo-Pacific theater, allowing forces to train in the complex, archipelagic environments where they operate. 

"Our alliance with the Philippines is steeped in history for over 75 years as the oldest treaty ally," said New Zealand Army Col. Aidan Shattock, deputy commanding general for interoperability of the 25th Infantry Division. "This is playing out with deep trust and understanding as we rehearse together during Operation Pathways."

During JPMRC-X, the 25th Infantry Division will execute complex, multidomain operations. The exercise is designed to strengthen the division's tactical proficiency and partner interoperability through rigorous, realistic training across diverse, challenging terrain. 

The training rotation features the 25th Infantry Division's role as the spearhead of Army modernization. Participating units will leverage human-centered technology, including the integration of unmanned aircraft systems to enhance situational awareness and the fielding of the Army's next-generation squad weapons, the M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, to advance squad-level modernization and mission effectiveness. 

"Exercises like JPMRC-X demonstrate our enduring commitment as the land partner of choice, strengthen our allies and deter aggression together," Shattock said. 

In addition to bilateral operations with the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division, JPMRC-X includes the integration of multinational partners from Australia, New Zealand and Japan. This international coalition demonstrates a united, enduring commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

All operations during JPMRC-X are conducted in close coordination with the Philippine government and local officials to ensure the safety of the civilian population and promote the strong, enduring U.S.-Philippine partnership. 

Exercise Salaknib highlights the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance, enhancing interoperability and readiness through combined arms operations, multidomain integration and humanitarian assistance efforts to support regional stability. 

Department of War Enhances Lethal Strike Capacity Through Partnership With New Entrants

May 13, 2026 |

The Department of War has reached new framework agreements with a slate of disruptive new entrants and commercial innovators to aggressively expand the United States military's strike capabilities. Agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 will launch the Low-Cost Containerized Missles (LCCM) program, while a parallel agreement with Castelion advances an initiative to scale low-cost hypersonic solutions. These agreements will rapidly field effective and affordable kinetic mass for the Joint Force at scale, acting directly on the mandate from President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to strengthen America's military with an unequivocally lethal Arsenal of Freedom.

The new frameworks for LCCM will drive a fast-paced experimentation and assessment campaign that will culminate in a Military Utility Assessment by the sponsoring Service Components. Designed to move at the speed of commercial industry, the agreements establish the terms for future firm-fixed-price production contracts. This effort positions the Department to procure over 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles across these portfolios in just three years, starting in 2027. The Department is creating a pathway for rapid and repeatable production of high-volume, lethal strike capabilities. The agreements include firm fixed material-unit costs for production lots in 2027 through 2029.

Concurrently, once Castelion achieves testing and validation, the Department will award a two-year multi-year procurement contract for a minimum of 500 Blackbeard missiles annually, with options to extend for up to five years. To further encourage Castelion's self-funded facility expansion, the Department is actively seeking the necessary authorizations and appropriations to purchase over 12,000 Blackbeard missiles over five years.

Across these framework agreements, several of these new vendors will reach production scale without direct Department investment, reflecting a new model of commercial partnership that rewards speed, innovation, and private sector capital investment.

The experimentation and assessment campaign for LCCM will be led by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, with the Army Program Acquisition Executive Fires serving as the transition partner and acquisition lead for procurement. To kickstart this initiative, the Department will procure test missiles from all four LCCM companies starting in June 2026, laying the groundwork for the assessment phase of the program. These agreements were developed in close coordination with the United States Air Force Program Acquisition Executive Weapons, the Test Resource Management Center and multiple components across the War Department, including the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

"We will deliver affordable mass for our warfighters at unprecedented speed," said Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael. "In concert with establishing a clear demand signal, these Framework Agreements commit American industry to on-time, on-cost delivery and investment in R&D and facilities. This commercial style of partnership is fully aligned with Secretary Hegseth's Acquisition Transformation Strategy."

This approach reflects a deliberate effort to expand the munitions industrial base, working with industry partners capable of delivering lethal capability at the speed required by the Joint Force. It reinforces the Department's staunch commitment to scalable production pathways that can surge when needed.

"Today's announcement is the latest sign that our Acquisition Transformation Strategy is delivering on its promise to rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom," said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "We are moving beyond the traditional prime contractors to expand our industrial base, accelerating testing timelines, and sending a clear, long-term demand signal to innovative new entrants."

May 13, 2026 |

Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez released the following statement:

The U.S. Department of War today is announcing three important personnel decisions that strengthen its leadership team with experienced and dedicated professionals. These elevations reflect the Department's commitment to placing highly qualified individuals in critical roles to advance national security priorities and support the Secretary of War's mission.

Patrick Weaver has been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of War.
Matt Dobson has been appointed Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War.
Tami Radabaugh has been appointed Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War.

Each individual brings a proven track record of excellence, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to public service. Their appointments will enhance operational effectiveness, provide expert counsel on key policy matters, and help drive the Department's efforts to maintain a ready and capable force.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fort Bragg Hosts NASCAR Driver Austin Dillon for Mission 600 Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 11, 2026 |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After college, Fournet married the former Marilyn Miller.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fournet is buried in the Kinder Cemetery in Kinder. 

Utah National Guard Integrates Air, Ground Capabilities During Exercise Wolverine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forging Tactical Readiness During Iron Ascent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 7, 2026 |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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