Top stories
US strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program up to 2 years, DOD says
“We’re thinking probably closer to two years — like degraded their program by two years,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Wednesday.
Pentagon creates new military border zone in Arizona
The fourth national defense area created along the US-Mexico border will be an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in the Sonora Desert.
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Chinese nationals charged with spying on US Navy
The DOJ said two Chinese nationals spied on Navy sailors and bases for China's intelligence agency and attempted to recruit service members as assets.
Senate passes Trump’s major policy bill with $150 billion for the DOD
Funding included in the bill would go toward shipbuilding, the Golden Dome homeland missile defense project, munitions and other key Pentagon priorities.
Pentagon awards $5 billion contract to speed up ship manufacturing
The Navy continues to be under immense pressure to hasten the process of shipbuilding and modernize methods of repair and manufacturing.
Navy destroyers intercepted Iranian missiles, service confirms
The U.S. 6th Fleet positioned five Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean to provide defense support to Israel.
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Veterans
Illinois veteran bestowed military honors nearly a decade after death
An extraordinary cold case investigation revealed a formerly unidentified ward of the state to be a Women's Army Corps veteran.
Honolulu water agency sues US Navy over Red Hill fuel spill damage
The suit estimates it is costing $1.2 billion for the Board of Water Supply to clean up and protect Oʻahu’s drinking water wells.
Ukraine arms freeze part of wider military aid review, Pentagon says
The decision to pause the delivery of some munitions to Ukraine "was made to put America's interest first," a White House spokesperson said.
Top enlisted Marine takes a swipe at Audie Murphy’s uniform regs
The top enlisted Marine faced a sea of roasters on Army and Marine Reddit pages after he took a swipe at WWII combat soldier Audie Murphy.
In other news
The toilet paper war: A submariner’s battle against bureaucracy
In 1942, Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack battled for his boat to receive what he deemed a basic necessity: toilet paper.
VIDEOS
Advanced Marine reconnaissance vehicles are on the way - here's what they look like
Check out the two designs competing to be the Marines new advance recon vehicle - and learn about what capabilities they offer on this edition of Gear Scout.
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Sea-Air-Space 2025 Coverage
Defense News is reporting on the top headlines and news coming out of Navy League’s annual show.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
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MORE STORIES
Nearly two years later, Afghan allies still left hoping for help
Advocates worry that Congress may never pass reforms needed to help Afghan allies safely escape the Taliban and resettle in America.
Opinion
Banning gender affirming care impacts service members and families
Conservative lawmakers are trying to turn back the clock, when it’s clear the majority of Americans, and troops themselves, support transgender troops.
By Bree Fram
Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to WWII aviation radioman
Aviation Radioman 3rd Class Peter L. Smith carried out more than 150 combat/support missions in the Pacific with Torpedo Squadron 28 during World War II.
By Diana Stancy
While awaiting confirmation, acting CNO urges fleet to stay the course
While still technically the vice chief of naval operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti assumed the duties of acting chief of naval operations on Aug. 14.
9 best places to cry inside the Pentagon
Working at the Pentagon, home to the U.S. Department of Defense, is not exactly an easy job.
By Sarah Sicard
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy thanks Danes in person for F-16s
Denmark and the Netherlands announced that they will provide Kyiv with F-16 warplanes that could be delivered around the end of the year.
By Jan M. Olsen, The Associated Press
North Korea launches cruise missiles as US, South Korea launch drills
The tests came three days after U.S., South Korea and Japanese leaders met and agreed to increase cooperation on their ballistic missile defenses.
Navy relieves commanding officer of USS Howard
Cmdr. Kenji Igawa was relieved “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,” the Navy said.
By Diana Stancy
Special warfare chief warrant officers eligible for $90,000 bonus
The Navy has stressed the value of retention bonuses in keeping experienced sailors.
By Diana Stancy
US, Japan and South Korea boost security ties over China’s objections
Details about the new “duty to consult” commitment emerged as President Joe Biden prepared to welcome South Korean and Japanese leaders to Camp David.
By Aamer Madhani and Darlene Superville, AP