A new concept would allow a deployed carrier strike group's cruisers and destroyers to be swapped out with fresh ships during deployment. The Navy started distributing the uniforms in December 2022 to U.S. Fleet Forces units, including the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford. The Pentagon isn't considering withdrawing the extra troops anytime soon. Veteran Marine Lance Cpl. Joel David Beal was hit by a mortar round while attempting to destroy a Russian infantry vehicle, his commander said. The exercises involved more than 11,000 U.S. personnel who are on station there in case the Israel-Hamas war erupts into a larger conflict. The ship is underway to support operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, U.S. 6th Fleet said Wednesday. The carrier is being sent as part of an effort to "deter hostile actions against Israel," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. “The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group will depart from Norfolk, Va., in the coming week in line with its standard deployment schedule." Two Ukraine aid opponents want to become House speaker as the Senate leans toward passing a full-year aid package for Kyiv to last through the elections. Zelenskyy visited Washington hoping to secure more and better US aid for Ukraine. But many of his pleas fell on deaf ears as Republican opposition grows. Load More