Top stories
Epic Fury has Navy rethinking carrier deployment tempo
The record-breaking deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford has reopened the debate about how the Navy should structure deployments and time at home.
US forces disable Iranian-flagged tankers trying to cross blockade
This week, U.S. forces around the Strait of Hormuz have launched strikes against Iranian military facilities and disabled missiles launched by the IRGC.
Latest
Trump administration releases first tranche of ‘never-before-seen’ UFO files
“With these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, ‘WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?’” Trump wrote, adding, “Have Fun and Enjoy!"
US and Iran exchange fire as Trump says war will ‘be over quickly’
U.S. forces launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian military facilities Thursday after Iran fired missiles and drones at three U.S. Navy vessels.
Presidential Fitness Test to be required at Defense Department schools
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Presidential Fitness Test would soon be mandatory in the DoD's 161 K-12 schools.
Military moves to issue medical disqualifications earlier in the recruitment process
The military will prescreen prospective recruits for 28 medical conditions that are highly unlikely to receive enlistment waivers.
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Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon seeks additional funding as cost of Iran war tops $29 billion
The increase from $25 billion just two weeks ago reflects “updated repair and replacement of equipment costs,” along with the “general operational costs."
Former NFL tight end convicted for Medicare, VA fraud scheme
He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a yearslong plot that cost Medicare and VA nearly $200 million.
US, partner nations sink two decommissioned ships during Exercise Balikatan
A two-day strike saw the sinking of two vessels, utilizing land, sea and air platforms from the U.S., Philippine, Japanese and Canadian forces.
Poll: Americans don’t think Trump has explained Iran war goals
One in three Republicans and almost all Democrats said Trump has not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.”
In other news
Trump says war on Iran not ‘done’ — but concerns rise about munitions shortages
While Trump notified Congress on May 1 that Epic Fury had been terminated, he later said it was procedural and didn't mean an end to all military actions.
VIDEOS
The shape of shipbuilding for the US Navy | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.12.26
Prominent shipbuilders lay out their ideas for meeting the U.S. Navy’s demand for faster production at Sea-Air-Space 2026. Plus, Anduril’s new subsea drone.
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Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
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.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
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MORE STORIES
Seabees prep for chilly conditions in upcoming Norway deployment
The Seabee training reflects the U.S. military's intense focus on preparing for a potential Arctic fight.
By Diana Stancy
Witches be crazy: How one WWII ship led to the UK’s last witch trial
One particular séance in 1941 attracted the attention of the British War Office.
Costs, wait times up for military families after pharmacy cyberattack
Tricare beneficiaries asked to shoulder the entire cost of their prescriptions in the wake of a cyberattack have options to save money or be reimbursed.
By Karen Jowers
VA sets new goal of housing 41,000 veterans in 2024
Veterans Affairs officials have set a goal to surpass the number of veterans they helped find permanent housing last year.
Services were slow to process COVID vaccine exemptions, watchdog finds
A Pentagon evaluation found some services taking too long to process COVID vaccine exemption paperwork.
VA-sponsored psychedelics studies get green light in FY24 budget
There are currently eight psychedelic therapy trials taking place across the country through the VA.
By Zamone Perez
Navy launches Women’s Initiatives Team to aid retention, recruitment
The Women's Initiatives Team is part of an effort to identify and eliminate potential barriers for women across the service.
By Diana Stancy
Vets, cops should teach firearm storage safety to troops, study finds
Fellow service members and veterans were also highly rated as credible educators.
Navy ousts USS Ohio commanding officer
The prospective commanding officer is now stepping in to lead the submarine.
By Diana Stancy
What Navy destroyers bring to the Red Sea fight
Navy destroyers are being tested at an unprecedented rate in the Middle East.
By Zamone Perez