Maritime Medical Response: 129th Rescue Wing Stabilizes Mariner 700 Nautical Miles Offshore

Sept. 25, 2025 | By Air Force Master Sgt. Joseph Prouse, 129th Rescue Wing |

A Guardian Angel pararescue team assigned to the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, stabilized a Filipino mariner aboard the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship Grand Vega after reports of stroke-like symptoms during a two-day search and rescue operation approximately 700 nautical miles off the California coast. 

U.S. Coast Guard District 11 relayed the alert in coordination with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. The Grand Vega was crewed primarily by Filipino mariners. 

The wing launched an HC-130J Combat King II on Sept. 18, carrying five Guardian Angel team members — pararescuemen and a combat rescue officer — to plan for various sea state contingencies and ensure the team could access the ship upon arrival. Pre-mission planning emphasized multiple insertion options for varying sea states to ensure patient care would not be delayed by conditions. 

Four pararescuemen conducted a maritime parachute insertion with a boat package, accessed the vessel, and moved below deck to assess and stabilize the patient for transfer. A follow-on recovery package launched from Moffett Air National Guard Base the next morning. The package included one HH-60G Pave Hawk and one HH-60W Jolly Green II, while an additional HC-130J provided command-and-control and air-to-air refueling support. 

"This mission demonstrates disciplined planning, swift insertion and expert patient care at an extreme distance," said Air Force Maj. Coda Brown, 129th Operations Group. "Our Guardian Angel teams, rotary-wing crews and HC-130J aircrews integrate seamlessly with the U.S. Coast Guard to save lives when both minutes and miles matter."  

Brown noted that interagency cooperation is critical to maritime safety and security in the Pacific region. 

The patient was hoisted to a helicopter and transported to Stanford Hospital, where local paramedics were staged at the landing zone to complete the handoff for a higher level of care. Officials said the rapid transfer is expected to improve the patient's outcome. 

"I am incredibly grateful to be part of this mission, but most importantly, I am happy the patient received the care he needed, and all members returned home safely," said a pararescueman with the 131st Rescue Squadron. 

Unit officials said the operation is recorded as the wing's first life saved with the HH-60W and possibly the final life saved with the HH-60G, marking a conversion milestone for the 129th Rescue Wing. Unit leaders said this achievement underscores the wing's ongoing commitment to modernizing its fleet and maintaining high operational readiness, adding that the response reinforces the 129th Rescue Wing's enduring ties with key partner nations and allies, including the Philippines, and demonstrates the unit's commitment to saving lives. The mission's strategic effects build Pacific proficiency and validate the wing's vital role in the region. 

Behind the scenes, maintainers, weather and intelligence professionals, aircrew flight equipment specialists, logistics personnel, communications experts, command post staff and medical specialists enabled the response. 

The 129th Rescue Wing provides worldwide combat search and rescue, as well as civil search and rescue capabilities. The wing operates HH-60G/HH-60W helicopters, HC-130J aircraft and Guardian Angel teams in support of joint and interagency partners, including the Coast Guard. 

The mission marks the wing's 1,169th life saved.

Security Forces in Alaska Take Part in Specialized Training

Sept. 26, 2025 | By Air Force Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson |

Eight airmen assigned to the 673rd Security Forces Squadron participated in a Fly Away Security Team training course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 15-19.

 
Fly Away Security Team training is a five-day, 40-hour course that challenges airmen physically and mentally to enhance their lethality while protecting aircraft, aircrew, cargo and distinguished visitors during operations on austere airfields. 
 
They aid in humanitarian missions and War Department operations; their missions typically involve providing a security perimeter around aircraft at unsecured, foreign airfields.

 
"Fly Away Security is a certification that should carry a lot of weight — it is not for your average security forces member," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Davis, 673rd Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of small unmanned aircraft systems. "Here at [Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson], we hold the FAST to a higher standard, and we train them at a higher standard; we train them to win." 
 
During the course, students undergo combat and hands-on training. They work through real-world simulations, demonstrating skills they have learned throughout the week. Some of the training included peer-on-peer wrestling, baton evaluation and flightline training with a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron.

"We train our members to go out to these austere locations or airfields that do not have adequate security," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam Stanley, 673rd Security Forces Squadron base defense noncommissioned officer in charge. "They have been trusted in protecting personnel and assets to provide a safer environment within their area of responsibility." 
 
The 673rd Security Forces Squadron conducts FAST training courses multiple times a year, not only for its own members but also for other Air Force units. They plan to expand the program to enhance security for airfields and aircraft.

Green to Gold: Alaska Guardsman Embarks on Path to Leadership

Sept. 26, 2025 | By Army Pfc. Azavyon McFarland, Alaska National Guard |

The leaves aren't the only thing changing in Alaska this fall. For Cadet Gabriel Gravel, an Alaska National Guardsman attending the University of Alaska Anchorage, transformation is also happening on his journey from enlisted soldier to officer candidate through the Army's Green to Gold program.

Gravel joined fellow ROTC cadets from his school, as well as the University of Alaska Fairbanks, for the annual joint fall field training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 17-20. During the multiday event, cadets were challenged with land navigation, patrolling and obstacle courses, all while developing the leadership traits needed to earn a commission. 

The Green to Gold program provides enlisted soldiers with the opportunity to pursue a college degree while preparing to become Army officers. For Gravel, the transition builds on years of exposure to the Army, first in Junior ROTC, then as an enlisted soldier before stepping into the cadet role. 

"When I was in JROTC, I talked to senior and retired officers — lieutenant colonels and majors," he said. "I picked their brains, and it led me toward something I wanted to do." 

Additionally, Gravel said his enlisted experience provides an advantage in ROTC training and defines the type of officer he wants to become.

"I want to be a humble officer [who] can work together with [noncommissioned officers]," he said. "Overall, officers' knowledge complements NCOs' skills." 

That perspective guided him through the field training exercise as he leaned on lessons learned from the enlisted side of the Army. The exercise reminded Gravel that leadership is about teamwork, not individual achievement.

"No matter how you think — it should end up with one common goal and you're all going to get it done together," he said. 

Gravel credits his peers for building his confidence, even when facing obstacles like the rope climb. 

"By the end of the [exercise], I was way more confident," he said. "Everybody trusted me more than I trusted myself." 

Looking back, Gravel said the experience reinforced both humility and resilience. He encourages other cadets to embrace the challenge. 

"Don't be afraid to embrace the suck," he said. "It might be raining, it might be 120 degrees, but the best thing is that you're doing it with other cadets next to you." 

Ultimately, for Gravel, the Green to Gold program is more than a path to a commission. It is a journey where lessons from enlisted service meet the challenges of officer training, shaping a leader who values trust, teamwork and courage. 

"They are going to rely on me, so I have to believe in myself to achieve the mission," he said. "No matter what, I'll always do what's necessary for both me and my battle buddies to accomplish our mission." 

U.S. Navy to Christen Future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr.

SEPT. 26, 2025 The U.S. Navy will christen the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) on Saturday, September 27, at 10:30 a.m. (EST).

The principal address will be delivered by Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith; Additional speakers include Governor of Maine, Janet Mills; U.S. Senator of Maine Angus King; Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, Jason Potter; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, Vice Adm. Brad Skillman; Medal of Honor Recipient, Col. Harvey C. Barnum, Jr.; and President of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Chuck Krugh.

In a time-honored tradition, ship sponsors Janet Wilson Taylor, daughter of the namesake and Susan J. Rabern, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.

The ship is named after Gen. Louis Hugh Wilson Jr., a World War II and Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Guam. Following his service in Vietnam, he served as the 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979.

The christening of DDG 126 symbolizes the Navy's 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy's enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power.

Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. Future destroyers Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), William Charette (DDG 130), Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), John E. Kilmer (DDG 134), Richard G. Lugar (DDG 136), and J. William Middendorf (DDG 138) are also in production at BIW.

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

VA Awards $84 Million in Grants to Aid Homeless and At-Risk Veterans

 September 24, 2025

WASHINGTON — In a major push to address veteran homelessness, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is allocating $84 million in grants to 176 nonprofit and community organizations nationwide. 

The funding is evenly split: $42 million is earmarked for legal services, while another $42 million is dedicated to case management.

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Legal Services: Preventing Evictions, Resolving Disputes

The legal services grants will be channeled through the VA’s Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants program.  Veterans will receive support in areas such as:

• Landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction

• Family law matters (child support, custody proceedings) and estate planning

• Securing state and federal benefits

• Legal defense in criminal proceedings (e.g. warrants, fines, driver’s license issues)

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Case Management: Supporting Housing Stability

The case management portion of the grants is administered via the VA’s Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, which focuses on helping formerly homeless or at-risk veterans maintain stable housing. 

Approximately 100 new case manager roles will be funded. These professionals will:

• Assist veterans in identifying and securing suitable housing

• Conduct home visits to monitor housing stability and service needs

• Support veterans’ access to education and empowerment resources 

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Context and Reaction

VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the urgency of the initiative:

“No one who served our nation in uniform should go without shelter. These grants will provide crucial support and services to help thousands of Veterans on their journey back to self-sufficiency.” 

The announcement arrives amid signs of progress: a 2024 VA point-in-time count reported 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness — a record low and a 7.5 percent decline from 2023 levels. ) The decline is part of a long-term trend: since 2010, veteran homelessness has dropped by more than half, according to analysis cited by Newsweek.

Advocacy groups such as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) have long pushed for stronger legal aid and wraparound support for veterans, noting that legal troubles and unstable housing often go hand in hand.

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What Veterans Can Do

Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing can:

• Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) 

• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website for eligibility information, grant awardee lists, and other support resources

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This funding round joins a broader VA effort: recently the department awarded $818 million to support veteran homelessness through similar programs in fiscal year 2026.

Department of War Approves $90 Million in Grants Under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program

Sept. 24, 2025 |

Today, the Department of War awarded ten Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grants from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, totaling approximately $90 million. DCIP is a competitive program for states, territories, and communities to undertake infrastructure enhancements to support military value, the training of cadets at independent "covered educational institutions," installation resiliency, and/or family quality of life that benefits their local installations.

On August 15, the Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment instructed the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to invite grant applications for ten projects based on a competitive ranking of all proposed projects in response to a May 27, 2025, DCIP Notice of Funding Opportunity.  

These awards derive from Fiscal Year 2025 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $59.9 million in non-federal funding, for a total investment of approximately $150 million. 

"Enhanced partnerships with state and local communities are critical to the success of our installations and their missions," said Mr. Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment. "The Defense Community Infrastructure Program continues to play a vital role in building and maintain these successful partnerships. This year's program continues to build on the Department's efforts to invest in critical infrastructure with our defense communities to enable the readiness and lethality of our installations." 

The Fiscal Year 2025 grant awards are as follows: 

$14 million federal grant to North Slope Borough, Alaska, to undertake a $23.5 million project to install high-speed fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure to Point Barrow Long Range Radar Site. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

$2.6 million federal grant to Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc., Alaska, to undertake a $2.7 million project to install critical electrical infrastructure to the Murphy Dome Long Range Radar Site. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

$13 million federal grant to Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc., Alaska, to undertake a $13.3 million project to construct a new switching substation, upgrade an existing substation, and improve communication systems. This project supports the readiness and lethality of Eielson Air Force Base. 

$7 million federal grant to North County Fire Protection District, California, to undertake a $13.9 million project to construct a fire station that will enhance emergency response resources and mitigate impacts of wildfires on training and mission readiness. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Marine Corps Camp Pendleton and Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Detachment Fallbrook.

$5.7 million federal grant to the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, Connecticut, to undertake a project to replace 11,700 linear feet of a water main to enhance water supply infrastructure. This project supports the readiness and lethality of Submarine Base New London.

$4.8 million federal grant to the Port Authority of Guam to undertake a $6.9 million project to execute near-term structural and safety upgrades to stabilize the pier, extend its operational life, and maintain critical functionality. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Joint Region Marianas.

$10 million federal grant to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma, to undertake a $35.8 million project to reconstruct a segment of US-69 and replace the Peaceable Creek bridge. The project supports the readiness and lethality of McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.

$11.9 million federal grant to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia, to undertake a $29.9 million project to construct a waterline. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads.

$20 million to Kitsap County Public Works, Washington, to undertake a $40 million project to construct a 1.4 million gallon per day anaerobic digester, yard piping, and a digester control building. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Naval Base Kitsap.

$300,000 federal grant to the City of Everett, Washington, to undertake a $800,000 project to construct a police boathouse facility. The project supports the readiness and lethality of Naval Station Everett.

Groundbreaking on these projects may commence once all environmental requirements have been met.  

The Defense Community Infrastructure Program is authorized under 10 U.S. Code § 2391.

National Guard Exceeds 2025 Recruiting Goals

Sept. 24, 2025 | By Army Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, National Guard Bureau |

Amid a historic surge in military recruiting, the National Guard exceeded its fiscal year 2025 goals, reflecting a broader trend of robust enlistment across the U.S. military. 

Since November 2024, the War Department has achieved its strongest recruiting performance in 30 years, with fiscal year-to-date accessions as of the end of August reaching 106% of active-duty targets.  

The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard have combined to enlist almost 50,000 new members this fiscal year as of this month, bringing total National Guard end strength to over 433,000, surpassing each component's goals and marking one of the most successful recruiting years in over a decade. 

"Young Americans are eager to serve," said Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, National Guard Bureau chief. "Today's recruits are seeking long-term value, and the National Guard delivers through career training and hands-on, practical experience in more than 200 career specialties. 

"The guard provides a path to service that offers balance with civilian careers and allows our soldiers and airmen to live locally and serve globally," he said. "We're not just preparing new recruits to serve; we're preparing them to lead and succeed." 

Nordhaus emphasized the guard's value, providing 20% of the joint force at 4% of the DOW budget, and its core missions — defending the homeland, supporting the fight, building partnerships and supporting warfighters and their families — which demand wide-ranging skill sets. He noted that the National Guard aligns with the Interim National Defense Strategy Guidance, which prioritizes homeland defense, deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region and burden sharing with allies and partners. 

"The guard is central to President [Donald J.] Trump's vision of peace through strength and Secretary [Pete] Hegseth's focus on restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence," Nordhaus said. "Recruits are proving they're energized to contribute to that." 

In March, the Army National Guard launched a new marketing campaign to attract young people to part-time service. The campaign, "Uncommon is Calling," highlights the dual lives of guardsmen, who balance civilian careers with essential roles during emergencies and national crises. It emphasizes the unique opportunities for personal and professional growth available within the guard. 

Striking the civilian-military balance is exactly what attracted Army Spc. Bruno DaSilva, who is assigned to the 1060th Transportation Company of the Massachusetts National Guard. 

"Outside of the National Guard, I have my own company … I'm in the insurance business," DaSilva said. "In the National Guard, I can serve my country and run my business at the same time." 

The Army National Guard has focused most of these marketing ads online and on digital streaming services, with some spots airing on traditional television. 

Army Col. Timothy Smith, chief of the Army National Guard's Strength Maintenance Division, said the campaign has helped deliver new awareness of the opportunities of serving in the Army National Guard. 

"The branding refresh of 'Uncommon is Calling' brings a fresh perspective to the unique dual mission of the Army National Guard," he said. "The campaign highlights the most uncommon, exciting and meaningful part-time job out there: serving in the Army National Guard." 

Army Pvt. Ethan Walling enlisted in the Virginia National Guard this summer to serve as a motor transport operator. He said serving in the guard fulfills a lifelong dream. 

"It has always been my dream to be in the military," Walling said. "Since I was 7 years old, I would play with my miniature Army men, and I would always tell my mom that I was going to join one day. After talking with a National Guard recruiter and hearing that I could receive federal and state benefits, I knew that the guard was my calling." 

Walling said the guard has given him "purpose, pride and opportunity," and he is excited to see how the journey shapes his future. 

"The National Guard has been nothing short of a family since the beginning, and I believe I have finally found the perfect balance between serving my country, supporting my community and pursuing my personal goals," he said. 

In addition to the marketing campaign, Smith also credits the recruiters in every state, three territories and Washington — collectively known as "the 54." 

"Our recruiters' dedication across the 54 drives this success," he said. "Their hard work is the bedrock of our readiness. The organization has made recruiting and end strength priorities because if you can't fill your end strength, you can't be ready; they're tied together. Our readiness starts with our recruiters." 

The Army National Guard has surpassed 328,000 soldiers in end strength — the total number of authorized service members needed to meet mission requirements. Smith highlighted the Army's Future Soldier Preparatory Course as another initiative that has also helped the Army National Guard attract potential soldiers. 

Through the course, the Army provides focused academic and fitness instruction for those who have the desire to work hard to achieve Army standards. The program is a bridge to basic training and, ultimately, assignment to a unit. To date, nearly 7,000 Army National Guard recruits have successfully entered basic training through the future soldier course. 

In March, Nordhaus and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines visited the future soldier course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to meet with National Guard cadres and trainees. 

"We're a team of teams," Raines told a group of trainees who had completed the program. "And we need every committed American who wants to serve, even if they aren't meeting the standards when they make that decision. This program helps them reach their potential and ensures we have high-quality soldiers in our formations, because the standards won't change." 

Raines also praised the Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program, established in the mid-2000s to reduce attrition and prepare recruits for basic combat training and follow-on advanced individual training. Army National Guard recruiting and retention battalions operate sustainment program sites in every state, territory and Washington. 

"Everybody has a place in the National Guard," he said. "We will find you a place where you can serve your community, your state, your territory or district and our nation." 

The Air National Guard also beat its fiscal year recruiting goals and is on track to surpass 105,000 airmen by the end of the fiscal year. Air Force Col. Daniel Curtin, Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention director, said recent Air National Guard recruiting success is driven by numerous indicators. 

"It's a lot of things," Curtin said. "We've had 19 consecutive months of year-over-year increases in new accessions. The recruiting environment is strong … and we have worked diligently to establish a culture of excellence and opportunity that appeals to potential recruits. The results are evident." 

Curtin explained that the Air National Guard is working to centralize recruiting efforts within each state, territory and Washington. Previously, Air National Guard recruiting operational alignment varied. Some operated under a wing, or a force support squadron, while others worked under a state's joint forces headquarters. Now, Air National Guard recruiting headquarters will operate as separate flights or squadrons, dedicated solely to recruiting and retention. 

"The biggest thing we are trying to do is create a structure where you have a single officer that is responsible for the recruiting force in that state or territory," Curtin said. "It is a formally appointed commander responsible for recruiting. That's probably the most important thing that we're driving out of this, because that allows us to do a lot of other things." 

Curtin added that he believes that the most important initiative in FY25 was the strategic investment in personnel and infrastructure, specifically the funding of 150 temporary recruiting support positions and 210 temporary unit manning document positions.  

"These roles have been critical in enhancing recruiting operations, including production activities, marketing, medical support, training, and administrative efficiency. By bolstering the recruiting command structure and providing targeted resources, the [Air National Guard] has created a robust framework that directly supports its historic accession achievements." 

Nordhaus said he is excited about this year's recruiting numbers and emphasized that the National Guard needs to maintain this momentum. 

"The source of our strength is the fearsome deterrence of our warfighter talent — the men and women of the National Guard," he said. "While we exceeded our goals with historic levels of recruiting this year, we cannot take our foot off the accelerator. We must continue recruiting the next generation of elite warfighters while retaining our most skilled and talented soldiers and airmen." 

From Combat Veteran to TV Star

Sept. 23, 2025 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Actor Larry Wilcox, best known for his leading role as a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer and later as a captain in the TV series CHiPs, which aired from 1977 to 1983, was also a Marine Corps combat veteran.

In May 1967, Wilcox went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. 

He served as a field artilleryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, from 1967 to 1970. 

Those years included a 13-month deployment to South Vietnam, where he served in the northernmost region of the country, in places such as Dong Ha, Con Thien and the demilitarized zone bordering North Vietnam.  

Also, he fought in the Tet Offensive, which started Jan. 30, 1968, and lasted until September 1968.

Like many Vietnam War veterans, Wilcox's homecoming was not joyous. 

"My memories of my returning home to San Francisco were ugly, and I did not understand why people spat on you for risking your life," he said, referring to people at the airport. 

 During his final year of military service, he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, where he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1973. 

Wilcox, born Aug. 8, 1947, in San Diego, still lives there. 

His older brother, Randy, also served in the Marine Corps, including during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

Hegseth Hosts Canadian Counterpart at Pentagon for Bilateral Discussion

 Sept. 22, 2025 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth today hosted the Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty for a bilateral discussion at the Pentagon. 

Canada is one of the United States' closest defense partners as both nations share responsibility for defense of North America through the North American Aerospace Defense Command. 

"Our great nations have served together in many wars. ... And today our warfighters continue that, serving together through joint exercises, defending the homeland and really the only binational command of its kind, which is NORAD," Hegseth said. 

The secretary said the work at North American Aerospace Defense Command is important for the defense of North America, but also that there's much that can be done between the U.S. and Canada to modernize its operations. 

"The threats to North America require a strong U.S.-Canada defense relationship — there's no doubt," Hegseth said. "And I know Canada has committed at the [NATO] summit to increasing defense spending to 5% of [gross domestic product] by 2035, which is incredible to see. A very strong step." 

The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in June an additional $9.3 billion in defense investments, McGuinty said. These investments bring Canada's commitment to defense to 2% of its GDP "a full five years ahead of schedule." 

McGuinty said the increase in spending is not just about budgets. 

"It's a game changer," he said. "These investments are building combat-ready forces, recruiting and retaining the best, modernizing critical infrastructure on 33 bases, upgrading our cyber [and] our digital defense, [and] sharpening our ability to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with folks like you." 

Canada, like the U.S., is also working to strengthen its defense industrial base, McGuinty said. 

"We're launching a major defense industrial strategy for the country; cutting through red tape to deliver faster, improving resilience, securing access to vital resources, like critical minerals — turns out, we have lots of those," he said. "These hard power capabilities are going to ensure we're ready to strike back and defend whenever and wherever we need." 

While Canada is stepping up its defense involvement in both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, McGuinty said homeland defense in North America, in partnership with the U.S., remains the top priority. 

"Defending North America remains our top priority," McGuinty said. "That starts in the Arctic — our shared front line. Canada is locked in to protect the north, its people, its environment and its strategic advantage. It's where our sovereignty, our national security and our partnership with the U.S. comes together strongest. So, from NORAD modernization to Arctic surveillance and infrastructure, we're taking major and fast, bold, decisive action to shore up our collective defense." 

Senior Air Force Leader Recounts Recent Successes, Underscores Need to Outpace Adversaries

 Sept. 22, 2025 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

During a keynote address at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Maryland, today, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin spoke of the service's recent successes — both real-world and exercise-based — while also underscoring the importance of keeping a winning pace when facing our nation's adversaries. 

Allvin led off his remarks discussing the complexity of the Air Force's successful execution of Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 21 mission during which numerous Air Force assets inflicted significant damage on Iran's nuclear program at three separate sites. 

Regarding that mission, Allvin said it wasn't just the precision of the weapons and capabilities that stood out, but it was also the airmen who handled the complexity of the operation with great skill and professionalism. 

"It was a complex and imaginative mission that was designed, but with that complexity came unforeseen issues that came up in front of our airmen — over and over and over again," Allvin said. 

"And, in a story that will never really, truly be told in public, our airmen were unbelievable," he continued, adding that Air Force personnel properly assessed risk, understood what their roles were and knew what it would take to execute the mission successfully.  

Allvin also spoke highly of Exercise Resolute Force Pacific, a large-scale event conducted July 10-Aug. 8, which he described as the largest Air Force-led exercise in the Indo-Pacific region since the Cold War. 

"What set this exercise apart was the scope and the scale and the complexity [involving] transitioning from the types of fights we've done to the types of fights we don't want to have to do, but need to prevail [in] if we do," Allvin said.  

While discussing the Air Force's current state of readiness, Allvin said it's essential to constantly be asking whether the service is going fast enough and reaching deep enough to meet the challenges of the day. 

"In this environment, with the consequences on the other side of it, we have to beware of the familiar [and] be cautious about the warm blanket of the comfortable," Allvin said, adding that it's necessary to keep up a quick pace of readiness because U.S. adversaries aren't slowing down.

To illustrate his point, Allvin circled back to Operation Midnight Hammer, stating that, in the aftermath of the operation, Iran likely went straight to work on fortifying its nuclear program and making it less vulnerable to attack. 

"You can believe they probably got after it immediately … and we've got to respond to that," Allvin said.  

Returning to the topic of pacing, Allvin said merely moving at the "speed of relevance" is not adequate enough to meet present-day challenges. 

"Last time I checked, our mission says 'fly, fight and win.' … So, if you want to know what the pace is, that's the pace. We have to move out at the pace to win, and if we're not getting there, then we need to find another gear," he said. 

Allvin ended his remarks by calling himself an optimist, saying he believes the Air Force will continue to keep the pace to win because of the constant influx of talented, skilled, innovative and ready airmen who are consistently joining the ranks on a regular basis. 

He also praised industry partners and entrepreneurs who are working to deliver the materiel the Air Force needs. 

"And what the nation needs is one Air Force, integrated, aligned, focused [and] ready to fight; the nation needs more Air Force [with] more capability, more capacity [and] more options for the president; and the nation needs your Air Force moving out at a pace to win," Allvin concluded.

War Department Continues Nuclear Modernization

Sept. 22, 2025 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

In light of the changing global security landscape, the War Department is considering how to approach modern-era deterrence differently, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Brandon D. Parker, director of global operations at U.S. Strategic Command.  

Parker spoke today about modernizing the nuclear triad at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Maryland. 

"We see a lot of promise, both in the programs of record, but also in the legacy systems that we have existing today," he said. "So, while we go through that modernization process, it's equally important that we sustain the capabilities that we have today so that we can continue to deter and, if necessary, respond." 

The programs of record include the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, Columbia-class submarines and nuclear command, control and communications upgrades. 

The legacy systems include the Minuteman III ICBM, the B-52H Stratofortress bomber, the B-2 Spirit bomber and the NC3, which links space-based capabilities. 

Modernization of NC3, Parker said, will include incorporating cybersecurity, designing it to integrate with existing and future systems, and incorporating data analytics tools, automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence to aid operators. 

"The nuclear triad is the bedrock of our national defense. There's no element of U.S. military power that can replace the unique deterrence characteristics of nuclear forces," he said. 

The triad provides a wide range of options to the president, Parker added. 

The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review reaffirmed the nation's commitment to a safe, secure, effective, nuclear force posture, which includes all three legs of the triad, he said, referring to submarines, bombers and land-based missiles that can deliver nuclear weapons.