Radar Sweep
Historic Nomination of First Black Service Chief to Move Forward after Lawmaker Lifts Secret Hold
As the country is gripped by civil unrest over racial injustice and the death of George Floyd, the U.S. Senate has been poised to confirm the first black chief of a military service branch. But the nomination was being quietly delayed by one senator as leverage in a basing decision for the KC-46 aerial refueling tanker.
Trump Expected to Keep Esper on Despite News Conference Flap, Sources Say
President Donald Trump on June 4 appeared to be standing down for now on firing Defense Secretary Mark Esper, said sources familiar with the situation, after threatening to do so the day before.
Snapshot: DOD and COVID-19
Here's a look at how the Defense Department is being impacted by and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air Force Preparing for Furloughed Commercial Pilots to Request Return to Duty
Nearly 200 pilots have chosen to stay in the U.S. Air Force as major airlines operate in a limited capacity during the COVID-19 outbreak, sharply reducing the number of commercial flights around the world. While the service is still gathering data, "171 pilots have been approved to stay past their original retirement or separation dates" since March, Air Force spokeswoman Maj. Malinda Singleton said in an email June 4.
DOD Reviewing New Data on Pandemic Impact on Space Industry Suppliers
The Pentagon’s Space Acquisition Council is reviewing early results of a survey of space industry suppliers that asked companies to identify specific impacts of the coronavirus crisis on their businesses.
Faster Acquisition
The Air Force is leveraging emerging technologies and new legislation to accelerate acquisition decisions and streamline sustainment. Read more here.
U.S. Air Force Begins Search to Replace General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper in 2030
The U.S. Air Force has formally launched its search for an unmanned air vehicle to replace the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper beginning in 2030.
Army Reservist, Navy and Air Force Vets Plotted to Terrorize Vegas Protests, Prosecutors Charge
Three Nevada men with military experience and a connection to a loose movement of right-wing extremists advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government have been arrested on terrorism-related charges in what authorities say was a conspiracy to spark violence during recent protests in Las Vegas.
Iran Frees American, U.S. Allows Dual Citizen to Visit Iran in Deal
A U.S. Navy veteran who said he contracted the coronavirus while detained in Iran since 2018 was freed June 4 as part of a deal in which the United States allowed an Iranian-American physician to visit Iran, his lawyer and a U.S. official said. Iran’s decision to release American Michael White and the U.S. move to let dual citizen Majid Taheri visit Iran, both of which were confirmed by Iran’s foreign minister, appeared to be a rare instance of U.S.-Iranian cooperation.
The XB-70 Looks Like a Giant Metal Swan in This Incredible Shot Taken from a Chase Plane
The aircraft in this photo collided with a civilian registered F-104N flown by famous test pilot Joe Walker, who tragically died in the accident during a photo flight.