The real ‘Viper’: This Top Gun instructor notched a rare combat feat
Rear Adm. Kenneth W. “Pete” Pettigrew’s Vietnam success made him the only Top Gun instructor to put his training to practical use against an enemy plane.
Pentagon & Congress
Hegseth confirmed as next defense secretary by narrow Senate vote
Hegseth's confirmation vote was the narrowest ever for a defense secretary nominee.
Trump tariffs could backfire on military, some experts warn
Defense programs, particularly shipbuilding, will experience high costs and delays if the administration's tariffs target crucial materials, analysts said.
Trump order blocks families of US troops from leaving Afghanistan
Some US service members with family members now trapped in Afghanistan feel "betrayed," one advocate said.
Mariner suing government for rape on USNS Carson City speaks out
A judge told Dominguez she must petition the Labor Department for worker’s comp. Her lawyers maintain that rape does not belong on a list of job risks.
Released Army vet in Jan. 6 case must get court permission to enter DC
The order applies to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and three other Army veterans also convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.
VA places 60 staff on leave after shutting down DEI offices
The moves come after a White House executive order mandating an end to federal equity and inclusion efforts.
The World War II destroyer escort that fought like a battleship
Many acts of heroism occurred during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, including a remarkable fight by the destroyer escort Samuel B Roberts.
US troops arriving in Texas, California to support border security
It's the first batch of troops deployed to the border following President Trump’s executive order demanding an immediate crackdown on immigration.
Lawmaker: Tricare West problems ‘actively harming military readiness’
A Washington lawmaker wants answers from the Defense Health Agency about what it's doing to address problems plaguing the TriWest transition.
Facing desperate odds, soldiers’ Vietnam stand led to Medals of Honor
Although minor in size, the battle at Firebase Maureen was nonetheless major in ferocity — enough to produce two Medal of Honor recipients.
Outgoing DOD family official: ‘Don’t forget who you’re working for’
Patricia Barron connected with – and listened to – military spouses during her four years as head of DOD family policy.
US Air Force eyes Cyprus air base as humanitarian staging post
Cyprus has acted as a transit point for the repatriation of foreign nationals fleeing conflict in the Middle East and for shipments of Gaza aid.
How the Army’s first Hispanic 4-star distinguished himself in 2 wars
Gen. Richard Cavazos was a believer in the moral ascendency of leaders, achieved by earning the faith and trust of those he led.
More than 300k VA health jobs exempted from White House hiring freeze
About two-thirds of Veterans Affairs jobs will be excluded from a White House order blocking new hiring.
After 106 years, Black South African WWI troops honored with memorial
While South Africa has several memorials dedicated to white soldiers who died in the world wars, Black servicemen’s contributions were ignored for decades.
Remains of pilot lost over Vietnam nearly 60 years ago identified
Lt. Col. Donald Downing was piloting an F-4C Phantom II aircraft during a night mission when his plane disappeared in a fireball.
