USS Forrestal Fire July, 29 1967

Navy Unmanned Vehicle

Navy Unmanned Vehicle

Today´s Top News 21 July 2010

Secretary Gates said Wednesday's tour of the DMZ is a message to North Korea. Also, servicemembers are asked to complete a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" survey.

Carrier Arrives in ROK

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Republic of Korea Wednesday to take part in the joint exercise "Invincible Spirit".

Iraqi Forces Doing Well

General Ray Odierno says he is pleased with the performance of the Iraqi security forces.

Gates in the ROK

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, along with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, made an historic trip Wednesday to the demilitarized zone separating the Republic of Korea from North Korea.

Alliance with the ROK

Defense Secretary Gates and Secretary of State Clinton spoke about the U.S. - Republic of Korea alliance while visiting Seoul, South Korea.

Mullen at Camp Red Cloud

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen visited troops at Camp Red Cloud in the Republic of Korea Wednesday where he answered questions at a town hall.

Unmanned Aircraft

The Illinois Army National Guard recently trained on the ''Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle'' which will be used during natural disasters.

START Hearing

General Kevin Chilton told lawmakers Tuesday America's nuclear arsenal is both safe and effective.

Gates at DMZ

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited U.S. troops stationed at the Korean demilitarized zone Wednesday.

Today´s Top News 20 July 2010

U.S. and Republic of Korea troops train together, and the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account is being revised for military spouses.

Obama Nominates Clapper

The Senate Intelligence Committee considers retired Lieutenant General James Clapper to be the nation's 4th Director of National Intelligence.

My CAA

The defense department is rolling out a revised version of a popular career program for spouses, called ''MyCAA''.

Gates in ROK

The U.S. and the Republic of Korea will begin a series of joint military exercises this weekend.

USS Iwo Jima

USS Iwo Jima began a 4-month ''Continuing Promise 2010'' mission to 7 Latin American and Caribbean nations.

Visiting ROK and N. Korea

Defense Secretary Gates and Secretary of State Clinton will visit the demilitarized zone dividing the Republic of Korea and North Korea on Wednesday.

End of An Era

The Air Force is deactivating the 71st Fighter Squadron, part of a service-wide restructuring plan.

Clinton Arrives in Kabul

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday for talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai ahead of an international aid conference.

Military Exercises

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the defense minister of the Republic of Korea announced the two nations will begin a series of military exercises this Sunday.

Today´s Top News 19 July 2010

The National Guard is sending 1200 troops to the U.S. border with Mexico and Defense Secretary Robert Gates is meeting with top officials in the Republic of Korea.

Oil Spill Update

Changing wind patterns are moving oil toward the Mississippi Delta, so cleanup efforts are moving there as well.

Guard to the Border

Twelve hundred National Guard troops will begin heading for the U.S. border with Mexico next month.

Kabul Suicide Attack

Several Afghan civilians were killed and others were injured in a suicide attack Sunday in Kabul.

Fort Jackson Turns 93

Soldiers and family members celebrate the 93rd birthday of Fort Jackson, NC.

Gates in South Korea

Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in the Republic of Korea Monday for meetings with top ROK officials.

Oil Cleanup Continues

Pentagon officials say they're providing ongoing support to contain the Gulf of Mexico oil leak and clean up the spill.

Coast Guard Rescues 8

The Coast Guard rescues 8 fishermen in North Carolina. They were able to activate their emergency locator, radio distress calls, and shoot flares which aided in their rescue.

Cambodia Exercises

Nearly 700 troops took part in joint military exercises in Cambodia on Saturday.

Kabul Aid Conference

NATO and Afghan forces are stepping up security in the Afghan capital of Kabul ahead of an international conference scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Today´s Top News 16 July 2010

For now, the oil leak into the Gulf of Mexico has been stopped, and some servicemembers are bringing mementos in their carry-on luggage that create issues at the airport.

Imprisoning Corrupt Afghans

Military officials say the Afghan people are increasingly standing up to corrupt countrymen and are sending them to prison.

New Crops in Afghanistan

Farmers in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, are experimenting with new crops, like watermelon, peas and squash.

Airline Security Issues

Some servicemembers are packing mementos in their luggage that are creating security issues at airports, like inert grenades and used M-60 fuse igniters.

Enrolling Kindergarteners

Enrolling kindergarteners in DoD schools is easier with a little preparation. Visit www.dodea.edu for information.

Army Technology

Army Vice Chief of Staff, GEN Peter Chiarelli says keeping up with changing technology is something the Army needs to focus on in the future.

Troops Return to TN

Troops from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment returned from Iraq to Rockwood, TN, and were greeted by friends and family with a warm welcome.

Oil Cleanup

Coast Guardsmen team up with the Army National Guard for oil spotting missions in the Gulf. They're working to contain the oil before it hits shore.

BP Caps Oil Well

BP has put a new, temporary cap on the ruptured oil well. Oil has stopped flowing into the Gulf of Mexico for first time in nearly three months.

Today´s Top News 15 July 2010

A U.S. commander in Afghanistan predicts rapid progress in the Helmand River Valley, and U.S. forces in Iraq hand over Camp Cropper to the Iraqi government.

Our Afghan Partners

The commander of Regional Command Southwest says our work in Helmand Province is aligned with our Afghan partners.

MajGen Mills Briefing

A U.S. commander in Afghanistan says he expects progress in the Central Helmand River Valley to expand rapidly in the months ahead.

Art Therapy

The Department of Veterans Affairs has been exploring new ways to help patients heal - especially those dealing with the invisible scars of war.

Operation Purple Camp

Military kids gather at a camp tailored to children of deployed or recently deployed servicemembers.

Camp Cropper Transfer

U.S. forces in Iraq have transferred control of the Camp Cropper prison facility back to the Iraqi government.

Free Bridal Gowns

A bridal shop in suburban Chicago is giving away free wedding gowns to women marrying troops who have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

First "2 plus 2" Meeting

Defense Secretary Gates and Secretary of State Clinton meet with top ROK officals in Seoul, South Korea.

Military Suicides

The growing problem of suicide in the military got attention on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

Morrell on Defense Budget

Defense officials say some Army and Marine Corps accounts could run out of money next month without passage of a supplemental funding bill by Congress.

Today's Top News 14 July 2010

Five ISAF members died following IED and small arms attacks, and General Petraeus is proposing Afghanistan turn to local community policing.

Security for Afghanistan

General David Petraeus is proposing Afghanistan turn to local community police forces - not militias - to secure the streets.

Morrell Briefing

Defense Department officials say upcoming military exercises between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea in the Yellow Sea are being criticized by China.

Helping a Hero

The organization ''Helping A Hero'' gave a severely injured Marine a new home as a show of appreciation for service to his country.

Vet Grave Medallion

The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a new medallion to be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a veteran.

Fire in Camp Pendleton

A brush fire, apparently caused by a training exercise, burned across some 27,000 acres at Camp Pendleton, CA. However, officials said Tuesday it had been 60 percent contained.

Operation New Dawn

With the help of U.S. troops, Iraqi security forces launched a major offensive Monday against al-Qaida in Kirkuk, Iraq.

No More C-17s

Defense Department officials told lawmakers Tuesday the U.S. military has enough C-17s in its fleet to provide airlift capability for years to come.

Today´s Top News 13 July 2010

The deputy commander of ISAF comments on the killings of three British troops by an Afghan soldier, and the Afghan border police seize more than 100,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate.

DoD Recruiting Numbers

The DoD has announced its recruiting and retention numbers for the month of June.

Afghan Trainers

The Commander of the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan says a critical component of the Afghan strategy is Afghan-led security.

ISAF Troops Killed

The deputy commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan says Tuesday's killings of three British troops by an Afghan soldier could lead to a serious breach of trust.

Coast Guard Station Fire

Authorities are looking for the cause of a fire that damaged a U.S. Coast Guard station on Martha's Vineyard Monday.

Haiti Six Months Later

U.S. troops are still hard at work in Haiti six months after an earthquake devastated the nation.

USS Iwo Jima Deploys

USS Iwo Jima departed Naval Station Norfolk Monday for a four-month deployment as part of a large humanitarian operation called ''Continuing Promise''.

DoD Selects HRF States

The Defense Department has selected the final eight states that will host Homeland Response Forces in FY 2012.

ISAF Shootings

Afghan and International Security Force officials are investigating the deaths of three ISAF servicemembers who may have been fired on by an Afghan army soldier.

Explosive Ordnanace Disposal

Today's Top News 12 July 2010

There's more federal help for veterans suffering from PTSD, and the U.S. hands over Camp Bucca to the Iraqis.

Aiding Veterans with PTSD

The VA is making it easier for veterans to receive compensation benefits for post traumatic stress disorder.

F-22 Raptors Arrive in HI

Airmen at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, held an F-22 arrival ceremony Friday to honor the arrival of the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft.

Wind Tunnel Nine

Scientists and experts in hypersonics are working to accelerate the ''end game'' in conflicts for the warrior of the future.

Troops return

Troops from the 278th returned home to Greeneville, Tennessee, from Iraq, cutting their year-long deployment in half.

Typhoon Preps

The emergency operations center at Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan is starting early - preparing for the upcoming typhoon season.

OK Mast Dedication

The mast from USS Oklahoma was unveiled Saturday at a museum in Muskogee, OK. The mast had been at the bottom of Pearl Harbor since the Oklahoma was sunk in 1941.

Afghan Forces Buildup

Military officials say the goal of building the Afghan security forces to more than 300,000 troops is ahead of schedule.

U.S. Turnsover Camp Bucca

U.S. forces handed over control of Camp Bucca in Basra, Iraq, to Iraqi authorities on Sunday.

Help for PTSD

The Department of Veterans Affairs will be taking steps to make it easier for those suffering from PTSD to receive federal benefits.

Today's Top News 09 July 2010

The Coast Guard suspended the search for two passengers still missing after their duck boat collided with a barge Wednesday near Philadelphia.

Landstuhl Fisher House

Defense officials are in the planning phase of combining Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Air Force Medical Clinic on Ramstein Air Base in Germany into one location.

U.S. Afghan Attack

U.S. and Afghan Soldiers on patrol came under fire from insurgents Thursday in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

EMMA Program

Military doctors say a new device is showing very positive results in keeping Wounded Warriors on top of their medications.

Flood Evacuations

Nearly 50 Texas National Guard troops deployed along the Rio Grande Friday to help with evacuations as heavy rains sent floodwaters to record levels.

Three Servicemen Statue

Officials from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and the National Park Service spent the last several weeks restoring the Three Servicemen statue in Washington, DC.

Cyber Security Symposium

VADM Carl Mauney, the Deputy Commander of USSTRATCOM, says the DOD is working on the framework for long-term solutions in computer network security.

Duck Boat Latest

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for two passengers still missing after a duck boat collided with a barge Wednesday on the Delaware River in Philadelphia.

DADT Survey

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is urging servicemembers to complete the survey reagarding the repeal of the military's ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy.

Gates Recommends Mattis

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Thursday he is recommending President Obama nominate General James Mattis as Commander, U.S. Central Command.

Today´s Top News 08 July 2010

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says a memo he issued last week is not new guidance for DOD interaction with the media, but reaffirmation of current policy not being follow properly.

SECDEF on Memo

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says a memo he issued last week is not new guidance for DOD interaction with the media, but reaffirmation of current policy not being follow properly.

Troops Return

More than 400 Soldiers with the First Infantry Division are back home in Fort Riley, Kansas after nearly a year's deployment to Iraq.

Wireless Intercom

Aircraft loading crews say a new wireless system is improving communication and efficiency.

Duck Boat Rescue

U.S. Navy Sailors from Special Boat Team 20 helped rescue nine people after their tour boat collided with a barge in the Delaware River near Philadelphia, PA.

Texas Flood Response

Dozens of Texas National Guardsmen are on duty in the Rio Grande valley where residents are dealing with heavy rain and flooding.

Navy Blimp Heads to Gulf

A Navy airship, used to detect oil and direct skimming vessels, is expected to arrive in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.

Mabus in New Orleans

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus joined Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and other state officials on a helicopter tour of the Gulf oil spill.

USCG Rescue

Coast Guard crews successfully rescued nearly 40 people Wednesday after two boats collided in the Delaware River near Philadelphia.

Coast Guard Chopper Crash

Investigations are underway into the crash of a Coast Guard helicopter off the coast of Washington State Wednesday that killed three of the four crewmembers on board.

Today's Top News 07 July 2010

The DoD is e-mailing surveys to 200,000 Active Duty and 200,000 Guard and Reserve servicemembers, seeking their feedback on the potential impact of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Soldier Facing Charges

A Soldier in Iraq faces charges for releasing classified information to an unauthorized third party in connection with a helicopter shooting in 2007.

Don't Ask Don't Tell

The DoD is emailing surveys to 200,000 active duty and 200,000 Guard and Reserve servicemembers, seeking their feedback on the potential impact of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Veterans Health Care

With a younger and increasingly female generation of war veterans seeking health care, the V.A. is looking at ways to improve the quality of care for that demographic.

Afghan Force Alignment

Military officials say a realignment of forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, will provide better command and control efficiency for ISAF troops.

LTG Rodriguez Briefing

The deputy commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan says Afghan forces have taken the lead in securing many of the country's most important events.

Oil Containment Ops

Coast Guard officials say tropical weather continues to hamper oil containment operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Kandahar Security

U.S. and Afghan troops are intensifying security operations this week in Kandahar Province.

SECDEF Memo

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has issued a memo to senior defense leaders reiterating the need for leaders to take media engagements seriously and to stay within their level of knowledge.

Afghan Troops Killed

NATO officials are confirming International Security Forces in Afghanistan mistakenly attacked Afghan troops Wednesday in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni Province.

Today´s Top News 06 July 2010

More than 150 servicemembers were naturalized as U.S. citizens during a ceremony on Independence Day in Iraq.

Navy Airship to Gulf

The Navy's MZ3A airship is on its way to the Gulf Coast to support the largest oil spill response in U.S. history.

Iraq Naturalization

More than 150 U.S. troops were naturalized as American citizens on Independence Day in Iraq.

Independence Day Salutes

The service and sacrifice of the U.S. military were saluted around the world this Independence Day.

Mullen and USO

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen hosted a USO care package stuffing party Friday at the Pentagon.

Tar Balls in Texas

Tar balls from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have begun washing ashore in Texas.

GEN Petraeus Statement

The new U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan is rallying his troops, calling the effort there a contest of wills which coalition forces must resolve to win.

This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is especially dear to my family. For us, it is not just our nation's birthday. It is the day Michelle and I became parents 12 years ago. And I can't wait to watch the fireworks with Malia on her birthday tonight, as we do every year.

As we celebrate the profound pride of being American, today is a time to honor the women and men in our armed forces, whose immeasurable bravery and sacrifice have made our country what it is today.

That sacrifice is shared with husbands and wives, with sons and daughters, with fathers and mothers, who are asked to wait at home as their loved ones protect our nation. Their heroism, too, has helped pave the path of our freedom.

Even before we moved into the White House, Michelle was a champion for those military families. She has witnessed their struggles, and she has made it her personal mission to fight for them. On this Fourth of July, she recorded a personal message, commemorating our nation's birthday and paying tribute to these families.

Please take a minute to watch Michelle's video -- and join us as we honor our military families here and abroad:

http://my.democrats.org/July4th

>From all of us, happy Independence Day.

Thank you, and may God bless America.

President Barack Obama

July 4th, 2010

Obama Praises Troops in Independence Day Message

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2010 - In his Independence Day message, President Barack Obama praised American troops, and acknowledged the heroism of those who have fallen in the line of duty and their families. The full text of the message follows:

Today we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of a great experiment, American democracy.

In every corner of our country, we recall the valor and vision of patriots from Thirteen Colonies who declared independence from a powerful empire and gave birth to a new Nation.

We gather in town centers and wave flags in parades not only to recall this history we share, but also to honor the vibrant and enduring spirit of America established on this day.

For those gallant first Americans, such a Nation as ours may have seemed like an unattainable dream. Their concept was revolutionary: a government of, by, and for the people. Yet, our Founders' tenacity, resolve, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds became the bedrock of our country.

That essence has permeated our land and inspired generations of Americans to explore, discover, and redefine the outer reaches of our infinite potential. It has become the foundation of the American dream.

This dream has not come without tremendous cost. From the farmers and tradesmen who served in militias during our American Revolution to the present day women and men protecting our Nation around the world, the sacrifices of our Armed Forces have been extraordinary.

Today we pay tribute to our servicemembers, many of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We also acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of their loving families. It is their heroism that has paved the remarkable path of freedom's march.

Just as this day serves as a reminder of the immeasurable bravery of those who have made America what it is today, it also renews in us the solemn duty we share to ensure our Nation lives up to its promise.

We must not simply commemorate the work begun over two and a quarter centuries ago; we are called to join together, hoist their mantle upon our shoulders, and carry that spirit of service into tomorrow.

America again faces a daunting set of challenges, yet our history shows these are not insurmountable. We need only to draw upon the perseverance of those before us -- our Founders who declared and fought for their ideals; our ancestors who emigrated here and struggled to build a better future for their children; and our pioneers and entrepreneurs who blazed trails that have continually expanded our horizons. Their spirit -- our spirit -- will guide our Nation now and in our bright future.

On our Nation's birthday, may we come together in the enduring spirit of America to begin that work anew. I wish you all the best for a happy Fourth of July. May God Bless all those who serve, and may God Bless the United States of America.

BARACK OBAMA

Today´s Top News 02 July 2010

GEN David Petraeus arrives in Afghanistan to take command of U.S. and NATO force, and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus continues his tour of the oil damaged Gulf of Mexico.

IA Guard Deploys

Members of the Iowa National Guard's 734th Agri-Business Development Team departed Des Moines, IA Thursday for a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

Boston Navy Week

DNU Flash - Sailors from the USS Hawes (FFG 53) volunteer at a homeless veterans center during Boston Navy Week.

USS Freedom at RIMPAC

DNU Flash - USS Freedom (LCS 1) arrives at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for Rim of the Pacific 2010.

USS Mesa Verde Fire Drill

DNU Flash - USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) conducts a fire and rescue drill in the Arabian Gulf.

Cultural Exchange in Japan

DNU Flash - Sailors host a cultural exchange with Japanese preschoolers in Yokohama, Japan.

The USO is Kid Friendly

Military kids, who have a deployed parent, can get 2 free tickets to a Washington Nationals Baseball game July 4th.

Rota Triathlon

DNU Flash - Sailors from Naval Station Rota participate in a triathlon.

Headlines for Friday, July 2, 2010

DNU Flash - Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus releases an Independence Day message; NAVADMIN 210/10 highlights changes to the Naval Military Personnel Manual.

Armed Forces Boxing

Boxing is great exercise but there are serious medical dangers that can come with the fun of it.

Hurricane Affects Spill

The rough weather from Hurricane Alex is both a good and bad thing when it comes to the gulf oil spill.

Medical Training Campus

The military services consolidate the training of enlisted medics at the new Medical Education and Training Campus on Fort Sam Houston in Texas.

Rural Veteran Clinics

New technology allows you to visit the doctor without having to make that long drive to your V.A. medical center.

Warthogs Replace F-16s

The Indiana Air National Guard is replacing F-16s with Warthogs.

Absentee Voting

The Defense Department launched a new internet-based program to simplify absentee voting for service members.

Mabus in the Gulf

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is touring the Gulf Coast this week - checking on the damage from the massive oil spill.

BALTOPS 2010

DNU Flash - U.S. and Lativia work together during the Baltic Sea maritime exercise.

USS Ronald Reagan at RIMPAC 2010

DNU Flash - USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) pulls into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for Rim of the Pacific 2010.

Norfolk Scholarship Fundraiser

DNU Flash - Sailors support a chief petty officer scholarship fundraiser during a baseball game in Norfolk.

Naples Bicycle Safety Rodeo

DNU Flash - Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, hosts a bicycle safety rodeo.

Sec. Flournoy on India

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michelle Flournoy says the U.S.-India relationship is built on shared interests and values.

Headlines for Thursday, July 1, 2010

DNU Flash - Headlines from around the fleet: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West releases Fourth of July message; NAVADMIN 215/10 modifies performance and advancement eligibility for individual augmentees.

Boston Navy Week

DNU Flash - Navy Week kicks off with Harborfest in Boston.

Hurricane Hunters

Whenever a hurricane threatens the U.S., an Air Force Reserve unit is responsible for obtaining data for the National Hurricane Center.

Indiana Guardsmen Return

Indiana National Guardsmen received a warm welcome Tuesday afternoon as they returned from an Iraq deployment.

GEN Odierno Confirmed

The Senate has confirmed General Ray Odierno, the current commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq, to lead U.S. Joint Forces Command.

Hurricane Alex

Hurricane Alex made landfall Wednesday night just south of the Texas-Mexico border.

Civilian Casualties

General David Petraeus told NATO officials in Belgium Thursday nothing will change regarding the coalition's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties during military operations.

Arlington Cemetery Probe

Army leaders say they're doing all that is necessary and possible to fix problems with the records and remains of some 200 graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

GEN Petraeus in Brussels

General David Petraeus is wasting no time in his new role as the U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan.