Navy Commissions USS Ted Stevens, Honoring Senator's Defense Advocacy

Oct. 5, 2026 | By Navy Ensign Dylan Barron, Commander, U.S. Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet |

The Navy commissioned its newest destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens, into active service during a formal ceremony in Whittier, Alaska, Oct. 3.

The commissioning marks an immediate, decisive leap in naval warfighting readiness and surface fleet lethality. As the second Flight III destroyer, the ship provides combatant commanders with unmatched integrated air and missile defense capabilities, directly supporting War Department priorities to enforce maritime dominance, secure contested sea lanes and project credible deterrence worldwide. 

The ship and its commissioning location honor the legacy of the late Sen. Ted Stevens, a decorated combat aviator and lifelong champion for the state of Alaska and the nation's armed forces. Selecting the strategic deep-water port of Whittier highlights Alaska's enduring maritime significance and the historic partnership between the state and the Navy.

"Woosh-Jee-een" is a phrase in the southeast Alaskan indigenous language Tlingit meaning "working together" or "pulling together," reflecting the spirit of partnership between the Navy, the Stevens family, the crew and the people of Alaska. 

Stevens served as an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, flying hazardous transport missions over "The Hump" in the China-Burma-India theater, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. After the war, he played an instrumental role in securing Alaska's statehood in 1959.  

During four decades in the U.S. Senate, from 1968 to 2009, he served as president pro tempore and president pro tempore emeritus, dedicating his career to modernizing the armed forces, bolstering national security, and ensuring warfighters were equipped to fight and win.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao highlighted the significance of the crew's role in bringing the ship to life as it began its commissioned service. 

"[The] USS Ted Stevens is no longer preparing to join the fleet. Today, Ted Stevens is the fleet," Cao said. "Today, [the] USS Ted Stevens stands ready to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and when called upon, fight and win." 

During the ceremony, the ship's sponsors, Catherine Ann Stevens, the late senator's wife, and his daughters, Susan Stevens Covich and Lily Stevens Becker, gave the traditional naval order: "Man our ship and bring her to life!"  

At that command, the commissioning crew ran aboard to man the rails, set the first watch and bring the warship's advanced combat systems to full operational status. 

"I am deeply honored and proud to be your sponsor, along with my mother and sister," Becker said. "As you wake up every day, know that we and every person here believe in you to take care of this ship, take care of each other, and to uphold the peace and safety of our nation." 

The ship's motto, "Lead with Courage," serves as an operational mandate that reflects Stevens' wartime bravery and channels it into the aggressive combat posture required of today's surface warriors.

"To my crew, my shipmates, the men and women who are the heart and soul of this great ship, you have exceeded all expectations," said Navy Capt. Mary Katey Hayes, the USS Ted Stevens commanding officer. "We are ready to answer our nation's call. We are ready to defend freedom, whether the winds of war blow near the rugged coast of Alaska, or in the far reaches of the globe." 

From the Pacific campaigns of World War II to modern Arctic maritime operations, the Navy and Alaska share a deep commitment to homeland defense. The commissioning in Whittier emphasizes the Navy's persistent operational presence in high-latitude environments to deter northern flank aggression and safeguard critical maritime routes. 

The USS Ted Stevens is built around the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, delivering a generational leap in simultaneous antiair warfare and ballistic missile defense. Featuring enhanced electrical power distribution and expanded cooling capacity, the destroyer is engineered to operate in high-threat environments and integrate seamlessly with joint and coalition forces. 

Following post-commissioning operations, the USS Ted Stevens will transit to its permanent home port in Norfolk, Virginia, fully prepared to deploy worldwide.

Marines Enhance Anti-Ship Tactics in Hawaii

Oct. 6, 2026 | By Marine Corps Capt. Duncan Stoner, 3rd Marine Division |

Marines assigned to the 3rd Littoral Combat Team Medium-Range Missile Battery conducted a two-part training evolution at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Sept. 28-Oct. 2, to build proficiency in modernized artillery operations, distributed command and control, and foundational field skills. 

The training supported the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment's mission to secure key maritime terrain, synchronize combined-joint fires, and protect critical sea lanes across complex littoral environments. For the battery, the exercise enhanced the individual and collective skills required to employ the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and provide organic, precision maritime fires to support combined and joint force operations. 

"The [Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System] is a critical component of the Marine Corps' force design initiatives to meet the needs of the modern battlespace," said Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Cook, the battery operations officer. "As a highly capable, mobile and survivable system, it can effectively deny maritime threats access to critical waterways from distributed and austere sites." 

Platoons in the battery completed two courses of instruction designed to reinforce readiness through realistic, scenario-driven training. The first course focused on basic artillery tactics, and the second course developed core field skills through patrolling, fire team attacks, tactical combat casualty care and local security training. 

During the exercise, Marines conducted command and control at both the battery and platoon levels while planning for operations and establishing operations centers. These distributed nodes enabled leaders to coordinate movement, process targeting information and direct simulated firing missions through each phase of the training. 

The artillery portion required Marines to conduct reconnaissance, select and occupy positions, establish security and execute rapid displacements. Marines also trained on the ship interdiction system's fire mission processing and procedures, reinforcing the communication, coordination and technical proficiency necessary to employ anti-ship capabilities. 

"The training emphasized readiness through realistic scenarios that required Marines to execute the same fundamental tasks they may be called upon to perform across demanding maritime terrain," Cook said. "By rehearsing command and control, position occupation, fire mission processing and field skills, we strengthened the battery's ability to operate as a team and provide a flexible maritime fires option to the combined or joint force." 

By combining artillery-specific training with basic fieldcraft, the 3rd Littoral Combat Team's battery continued developing disciplined, adaptable Marines prepared to support the regiment's ability to operate across littoral terrain and contribute to maritime security and coastal defense. 

Initially fielded to the regiment in 2024 and as a cornerstone of the Marine Corps' force design initiative, the ship interdiction system provides joint force commanders with an expeditionary, survivable ground-based, anti-ship platform at extended ranges. Since receiving the system, the regiment has deployed the ship interdiction system to the Philippines during multilateral exercises like Balikatan and Kamandag to enhance interoperability while training shoulder to shoulder with regional allies and partners.

Air Test, Evaluation Squadron Provides Integral Capabilities During Exercise Gray Flag

Oct. 6, 2026 | By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class John Jarrett, Naval Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 |

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve Dua, an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, stands in front of an E-2D Hawkeye tactical aircraft during Exercise Gray Flag at Naval Base Ventura County, California, last month. As a qualified plane captain, he has many responsibilities, including daily maintenance and servicing to ensure the aircraft is mission ready.  

On this day, he oversees an E-2 on the ground, conducting preflight inspections and coordinating with the pilots and maintenance crew as they prepare to support simulated aerial maritime combat scenarios along the Pacific coast during the joint force exercise. 

"Gray Flag provides an important opportunity to hone the capabilities of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and set the stage for future developments. Our sailors' tireless efforts on the ground, our aircrew's commitment to extensive flight operations and the dedicated support of the [E-2 program office] team make this possible," said Navy Capt. John Coleman, squadron commanding officer. "This effort advances a core objective of operational test — prevent discovery in combat." 

On an active flight line, voice communication is impossible — but words aren't necessary. Squadron crews rely on a standardized, visual vocabulary to launch their aircraft safely and on schedule.  

Dua rapidly spins his right arm in a circle to signal to the pilots inside the aircraft to start the propellers. The left turbo propeller's engine hums as the blades start spinning through the humid Southern California haze. Dua signals for the next propeller to start.  

The propulsion from both props makes the aircraft shake side to side, pulling at the chains attached to its underside. The propellers at full blast resemble a loud hum of angry killer bees. The aircraft is affectionately nicknamed "The Hummer." 

"The experience of being a plane captain is unreal," Dua said. "We have to rely on our hand signals because the propellers are so loud." 

Preflight checks require coordinated efforts between the plane captain, the pilot and the maintenance crew. Sailors assigned to the squadron's E-2 maintenance detachment are stationed around the aircraft and wait for signals from Dua.  

A sailor on the aircraft's rear verifies operation of the four vertical stabilizers and three movable rudders. These are uniquely adapted to maintain directional stability under the disturbed airflow caused by the E-2's large 24-foot overhead radar rotodome. 

The sailor gives Dua a thumbs up after he visually confirms the checks. Sailors on the left and right of the aircraft fold out the 80-foot wings, while others swiftly duck under the aircraft and remove chains that anchor it to the flight line. The E-2 begins to taxi for takeoff, guided by Dua, who directed the entire process. He salutes the pilots as he enthusiastically sends them off. 

"Being a plane captain means I'm responsible for the safety of others," he said. "Part of my job is communicating everything the pilot says to the ground crew and what the ground says up to the pilots." 

The E-2D is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management aircraft. It is a twin-engine, five-crew member, high-wing turboprop aircraft with a 24-foot-diameter radar mounted on the upper fuselage.  

An integral component of the carrier strike group air wing, the E-2 uses computerized radar, identification systems and electronic surveillance sensors to provide early warning and threat analysis against potentially hostile air and surface targets. The aircraft's mission capabilities make it a unique addition to a carrier group, providing real-time information on adversaries from its high perch with a maximum ceiling of 30,000 feet. 

During Gray Flag, the squadron detached its E-2Ds with the maintenance team. The squadron reviews and disseminates new antisubmarine warfare and surface warfare tactics and procedures for fleet use, serving as the model manager for these tactical publications and their implementation across fleet forces.  

The joint exercise, hosted by Naval Test Wing Pacific, is a unique opportunity to introduce and integrate new mission systems between early warning and strike fighter platforms. 

The E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office, or PMA-231, manages the E-2 test program. They manage acquisition, development and sustainment of the E-2 platform. The aircraft's system software configuration is in operational testing, and Gray Flag is a critical component of that testing. PMA-231 is ultimately accountable for fielding the system. 

"We deliver airborne command and control systems to equip the carrier strike group to command the battlespace even when communications are disrupted," PMA-231 leadership said. "The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye empowers our warfighters to detect, decide and communicate faster than any adversary. By sustaining these aircraft at combat speed and leveraging the warfighting acquisition system, we ensure these platforms deliver a decisive advantage to achieve peace through strength." 

The squadron's role as the eyes in the sky during the training event was integral to the air wing aircraft's ability to perform realistic maneuvers simulating aerial maritime combat scenarios along the coast, allowing access to a 36,000-square-mile sea and air space, which is critical for testing and evaluating emerging technology in a realistic maritime environment.

New Clinical Guideline Helps Keep Women 'Optimized for the Fight'

Oct. 6, 2026 | By Andrew Ortuzar, Defense Health Agency |

The Department of Veterans Affairs and War Department have jointly released a clinical practice guideline to help clinicians provide improved care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. 

"We want both patients and clinicians to know there are safe and effective treatments for women who are experiencing bothersome symptoms of perimenopause and menopause," said Air Force Maj. Kathleen Pombier, chief of the Defense Health Agency's women's health clinical management team. "Individualized treatment is key. The focus needs to be on whole-person care." 

The guideline's recommendations cover diagnosis, menopausal symptom management and treatment safety. Topics include hot flashes, sleep problems, mood and cognitive changes, genitourinary symptoms, sexual dysfunction, bone health, weight management, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer risk. 

Supporting Military Readiness 

Women are an essential and growing part of the military force as well as the fastest-growing group among veterans and VA healthcare beneficiaries, Pombier said. The guideline provides a common framework for a continuity of care across both healthcare systems. 

"When we look at the VA, the average age of those patients is within the perimenopausal and menopausal range," said Army Col. Erin Keyser, director of medical education at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio. "This is a very important issue for these patients."

Perimenopause and menopause are natural life transitions during which a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently, and she is no longer able to become pregnant — with perimenopause referring to the time leading up to menopause, according to the National Institutes of Health. 

Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep, mood, cognition and daily functioning for some patients, ultimately impacting readiness, Pombier said. 

"When your sleep's affected, you're not going to do your job as well," she emphasized, adding that identifying and treating symptoms early helps women remain ready to serve. 

"By having clinicians identify symptoms earlier and recognize that it's not something women just have to deal with — it's actually something we can treat — it ensures we have every woman optimized for the fight," she said. 

Effective care can also reduce stigma and help women stay in the military and pursue leadership opportunities, Keyser said.  

Tailoring Treatment to Each Patient 

Treatment decisions should reflect each patient's symptoms, health history, preferences and risks, Pombier said.  

Diagnosis generally relies on symptoms and a discussion with the patient.  

For vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, the guideline addresses hormonal treatments including estrogen, progesterone and nonhormonal options, including certain antidepressants and gabapentin. Nonhormonal treatments may help women who cannot use systemic hormones or prefer other options.   

The guideline also addresses treatment for breast cancer survivors.  

"Many breast cancer survivors don't know local estrogen is still an option, even with a history of breast cancer," she said. "We also have multiple other nonhormonal options for this specific patient population which are covered in the [guideline]." 

Individualized treatment is key. The focus needs to be on whole-person care."

Air Force Maj. Kathleen Pombier, chief of the Defense Health Agency's women's health clinical management team

Other recommendations address sleep, mood, genitourinary and sexual-health concerns, which may arise during menopause.

"For sleep symptoms, we talk a lot about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, which is one of the strong evidence-based methods we can use to help women when they're struggling," Pombier said. 

She stressed that care must be individualized.  

"We need to recognize the midlife transition, talk to our patient, assess their symptoms, understand their priorities, review with them the risks and the benefits and ultimately use shared decision-making to figure out how we should best treat them," she said. 

Practical Tools for Clinicians 

The guideline includes four diagnostic and treatment flowcharts for diagnosis and a pocket card that matches symptoms with recommended treatments. 

Providers can use these tools during appointments to determine whether one treatment could address several concerns. 

The tools also help clinicians at remote military hospitals and clinics without an obstetrician or gynecologist on staff, Keyser said. The guideline directs providers to related clinical guidance when patients need further evaluation or treatment. 

"Everyone deserves to have high-quality care regardless of where they're stationed," she added. 

For Pombier, the shared standards support consistent care across specialties and help service members transition to VA care.  

The working group developed the recommendations using patient focus groups and systematic evidence reviews. It weighed evidence quality, benefits and harms, patient preferences and access to care.

"We wanted to be transparent on the basis for care," Pombier said. "Here is the evidence that we have, here is how strong or weak it is, but also here are the areas where we think we need more evidence before we can make firm recommendations." 

Keyser said the guideline demonstrates a commitment to addressing menopause-related concerns. 

"We are taking this subject seriously, and we care about the women in our healthcare system," she said. "We want to provide them high-quality care."