Top stories
Jet landing on USS Truman goes overboard, forcing pilots to eject
The incident, in which the pilots were safely recovered, marks the third time since December that an F/A-18 assigned to the carrier Truman has been lost.
Ill-fated Gaza pier mission lacked sufficient training, equipment: IG
The Defense Department's Gaza pier mission resulted in 62 personnel being injured and at least $31 million in damages, federal investigators found.
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Special operators want electronic attack and firepower for watercraft
Officials want kinetic and nonkinetic weapons for a variety of vessels.
Supreme Court allows transgender military ban to take effect, for now
The high court moved to allow President Donald Trump's administration to enforce a ban on transgender troops while legal challenges proceed.
DOD working on recipe to improve food on military bases
The DOD is working on a coordinated attack to address food problems on bases.
Navy relieves commander of New Hampshire Reserve center
Cmdr. Joseph Dearing was relieved as NRC Manchester CO “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” the Navy said.
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Military History
Europe marks 80th anniversary of World War II’s end
This V-E Day marks the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender to Allied forces.
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
Trump proclaims Thursday as day for US to celebrate victory in WWII
Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday designating May 8, 2025, as a “day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.” It is not a federal holiday.
DOD educator unions sue Trump over collective bargaining rights
Unions representing DOD educators are challenging President Trump's executive order excluding federal workers from collective bargaining.
In other news
Opinion
I sounded the alarm on burn pits — now I see smoke at the VA
The impact of VA Secretary Collins' staffing cuts remains hazy, not unlike the downwind side of a burn pit, Dan Clare of DAV argues in this op-ed.
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Securing sensitive facilities in modern times | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.3.25
In a world of swiftly-advancing tech, how do businesses and government agencies secure their facilities? Two experts talk through strategies.
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Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
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MORE STORIES
Lawmaker: Hold commanders accountable for timely transition assistance
Should VA be in charge of the Transition Assistance Program for service members?
By Karen Jowers
VA hopes to end mandatory overtime for its claims processors
Staffers have been required to work up to 4 hours a week, or more than two extra days each month, to clear backlogged and overdue disability claims.
Marine who embraced Boogaloo beliefs pleads guilty in Jan. 6 case
Marine Corps Cpl. Micah Coomer is the first active-duty service member to be convicted of participating in the Capitol riot.
Russia fires cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets
Kyiv officials said defense systems shot down 29 of 30 cruise missiles Russia fired against various parts of the country.
By Susie Blann, AP
Biden, Japan’s prime minister meet ahead of G-7 summit
President Joe Biden met privately with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before joining the Group of Seven gathering of major industrialized nations.
By Josh Boak and Zeke Miller
Rights group documents abuses since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan
A U.K.-based rights group launched an interactive map documenting human rights abuses since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan.
Australia to provide surveillance drones to Philippines
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also says her country is considering whether to take part in joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea.
West Point grad writes emotional letter to his Plebe self
“If there’s one thing I hope you’d do differently, it’s spend less time caring about school.”
By Sarah Sicard