Source: United States Navy
To strengthen collaboration with industry, while enhancing warfighter readiness and lethality, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) — to include the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and ONR’s international arm, ONR Global — will host an exhibit at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition, April 19-22, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Source: United States Navy
SAN DIEGO (April 15, 2026) — As NASA’s Artemis II crew returned to Earth following their historic mission around the moon, a team of Navy Medicine professionals stood ready in the Pacific Ocean to receive them—prepared for anything from a routine recovery to a life-threatening emergency
Source: United States Airforce
Airmen from the 120th Airlift Wing conducted a solemn C-130H transport mission April 15, bringing the remains of U.S. Army Pvt. Harry David Bordner back to Montana, where he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Butte.
Source: United States Navy
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) was announced as a recipient of the fiscal year 2025 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Afloat Safety Award. The selectees for this award are recognized for significant contributions to Navy safety and occupational health.
Source: United States Army
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VICENZA, Italy – A three-person tiger team launched in February 2025 has helped transform U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) into the Army’s premier battle lab in Africa. The team now helps the command lead by transforming operational data into fast, actionable decisions.
The team integrates machine learning to fuse information from external sources. This platform replaces fragmented workflows with automated decision support for commanders, enhancing real-time situational awareness.
The push for this system began after an extended joint task force operation spanning multiple geographic combatant commands. A subsequent after-action review revealed severe data silos and a fractured information environment across the staff.
“Staff relied on scattered PowerPoints and inconsistent network drives, causing widespread confusion,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Ong, the SETAF-AF influence branch chief. “We lacked a central location for all parties to determine the actual ground truth.”
In response, SETAF-AF’s G3 operations directorate tasked Ong to lead a “tiger team.” Starting with three staff members, a limited budget and no dedicated engineering support, they studied data-mature commands like U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command. The team borrowed use cases and adapted strategic-level tools to fit operational requirements.
“It felt like being a substitute teacher,” Ong said. “You read the lesson a day ahead and then try to teach the rest of the staff the next day.”
Over the past year, the team built or tailored approximately a dozen tools to make users more efficient. For example, the “Scribe” tool uses artificial intelligence to transcribe meetings, identify speakers and generate action items for staff officers.
SETAF-AF Smart Search enables staff members to query command-specific classified documents without exposing sensitive data to external AI models. Its success has prompted other commands to develop their own tailored versions.
A tailored decision support matrix gives a commander a structured, data-driven framework to evaluate operational courses of action using live feeds. Rather than sifting through disconnected reports, that commander sees competing options ranked side by side against near real-time data, enabling faster, more confident decisions.
This platform dismantles historical information silos and automates manual analytical processes. Its tools slash the time required for administrative tasks and compresses workflows that once took trained staff members days to complete into minutes.
Across every tool, Ong’s team prioritizes machine-human teaming, ensuring that automation focuses on data aggregation and pattern recognition, while the user reviews, interprets and decides.
“We created tools that flag important activity in near real time, cutting analyst time from hours to minutes,” Ong said. “The commander gets intelligence while it is still actionable.”
The team’s solutions have reached far beyond SETAF-AF, and U.S. Africa Command has since explored integrating Scribe into key meetings across its staff.
Ong’s team also acts as a force multiplier for subordinate units. When a unit under U.S. Army Europe and Africa identified a meeting-transcription requirement, the SETAF-AF tiger team built and delivered the capability. According to Ong, fulfilling this capability request saved the unit over 40 hours of internal development time.
“Our mission requires us to stay adaptable,” Ong said. “Handling multiple operations at once forces us to find smarter ways to work.”
By December 2025, internal demand outpaced the original mandate of the tiger team. The team transitioned into a permanent subordinate component of the newly established Advanced Capabilities Directorate, where it was rebranded as the Operations Data Division. The overall directorate serves as the command’s front door for the innovation ecosystem, translating senior-leader vision into battlefield-ready capabilities through technical scouting and coordination with industry and academia.
Today, the Operational Data Division comprises five people organized into two sections: operations research and systems analysis officers who verify and structure incoming data, and platform builders who develop applications. To extend its reach, the team supports dedicated platform builders within each staff section across the command, creating a distributed network that ensures continuity and operational ownership.
During the upcoming African Lion 26 exercise, the team will use the system to build shared situational awareness with over 40 partners and allies. This massive multinational effort validates the sensor-to-shooter loop, features multilanguage reporting generation and reinforces interoperability across Africa.
“The idea is to have all our partners and allies in one room looking at the same sheet of music,” Ong said.
For a command managing missions from crisis response to multinational exercises, the Advanced Capabilities Directorate proves the value of bottom-up innovation.
Related Stories
SETAF-AF stands up Advanced Capabilities Directorate to drive innovation, data, decision dominance | Jan. 15, 2026
Inside how SETAF-AF will turn innovation into capability during African Lion 26 | Feb. 19, 2026
SETAF-AF showcases cutting-edge solutions at African Land Forces Summit 2026 | April 2, 2026
About African Lion
African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.
African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS
Source: United States Army
EDGEWOOD, Md. — Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers conducted medical evacuation training with two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, integrating local law enforcement K-9 units during an exercise at Lauderick Creek Military Reservation, April 1.
The training brought together about 30 participants from Company C, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Police, along with eight police dogs. The exercise aimed to improve interagency coordination and prepare medics and aviators to treat both handlers and K-9s in complex emergency scenarios — a capability not routinely trained for.
“While I was deployed to Kosovo in 2021, there was a K-9 unit there, and I had been tasked with creating a K-9 medical bag. I remember feeling that the training I had up to that point was inadequate for what I would need if there was an actual emergency involving a K-9,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joanna Adams, flight medic noncommissioned officer assigned to Company C, 1-169th Aviation Regiment. “After I came back from deployment, I started looking into getting training for my unit with K-9s.”
Two scenarios were conducted simultaneously, exposing participants to a range of operational and medical challenges.
One scenario focused on familiarizing K-9s with helicopter operations, including noise, rotor wash and environmental stressors. Guardsmen executed hoist operations with Montgomery County officers using a rescue seat and a plastic stretcher for non-ambulatory patients, while ground crews controlled a tagline to stabilize the load.
The second scenario introduced a complex tactical medical situation involving Cecil County officers and their K-9s. In the simulation, a K-9 and its handler were injured by a hostile drone strike, while a detained suspect sustained a bite wound during an escape attempt. Medics assessed and triaged patients under stress before evacuating them by air. During the flight, crews treated the handler’s injuries and dressed the K-9’s simulated wounds.
“Our medics and crew chiefs enjoyed being able to use skills that we do not get to use very often, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with these civilian units,” said Adams. “The most rewarding thing I learned was that even when things were not going 100% the way I had planned, everyone was still learning, and sometimes the deviations were better than what the original plan was in the first place.”
The event built on previous collaboration with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office last summer, when K-9 teams received initial aircraft familiarization and practiced hoist operations using a basket lift.
During the training, law enforcement officers also shared techniques for safely disengaging a K-9 from a bite and responding if a medic is accidentally bitten while rendering aid.
“Not only do we have the fortune of building strong foundations in the units we serve in and are able to effect change over many years, but we also directly impact the community we live in,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Colin Winand, flight paramedic noncommissioned officer assigned to Company C, 1-169th Aviation Regiment. “Knowing that I can assist my neighbors while completing missions makes the desired outcome that more important.”
Treating both K-9s and their handlers requires specialized knowledge, including assessing vital signs and understanding the effectiveness of medications for working dogs. The training gave medics and aviators a rare opportunity to practice those skills in realistic conditions.
“It was really great to work with the police dogs and their handlers before a real-world emergency,” said Adams. “Knowing what works and what doesn’t is really important when working with animals before a bad day happens. I was really impressed with the dogs and the officers. They are very well-trained, so it makes it easy to work with them and determine best practices so we can be ready to respond for our state and nation when we are needed.”
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. — The Washington Army National Guard launched its inaugural Executive Officer Course April 11–12, equipping junior officers with the skills and clarity needed to strengthen company-level operations across the force.
Designed to prepare company executive officers for their critical role within the command team, the two-day course focused on practical training, standardized processes and the tools needed to execute a commander’s intent — addressing a long-standing gap in how new XOs transition into the position.
The training brought together primarily new lieutenants from across the state, many arriving eager to support their units but unsure how to fully integrate into company-level operations. By the end of the course, that uncertainty had largely been replaced with clarity and confidence.
“Students came in wanting to help but not always understanding where they fit,” said Capt. Brandon Roth, XO course officer in charge. “They left with a clear understanding that the XO is not just a supporting role, but a pivotal leader responsible for resourcing operations and enabling mission success.”
The curriculum covered key XO responsibilities, including logistics, legal processes, command discipline programs and administrative requirements. Instruction came from a mix of field-grade officers, noncommissioned officers and warrant officers who shared practical, real-world experience.
The course also gave junior officers a rare opportunity to connect across units and specialties, allowing them to exchange challenges, solutions and best practices while building a network that extends beyond the classroom.
“The networking alone was huge,” said Roth. “You don’t often get the chance to sit down with other XOs and talk through how things actually work in the units.”
Participant feedback indicated the course met its intent of improving confidence and readiness. Attendees also recommended adding more hands-on training and practical exercises, expanding access to key systems, and opening the course to platoon leaders and officers projected to serve as XOs.
Course leaders agreed.
“The most significant takeaway is the clear and urgent need for this course,” said Roth. “Attendees consistently expressed that this knowledge is essential and that without it, new XOs are not fully prepared for the scope of their duties.”
Washington Army National Guard leadership is considering making the XO Course a mandatory requirement for all newly assigned company executive officers, with potential expansion to include all newly commissioned lieutenants. As the program evolves, future iterations are expected to incorporate more interactive training, enhanced resource guides, and expanded networking opportunities, further strengthening the next generation of leaders and ensuring units across the state remain ready, capable, and mission-focused.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers conducted medical evacuation training with two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, integrating local law enforcement K-9 units during an exercise at Lauderick Creek Military Reservation, April 1.
The training brought together about 30 participants from Company C, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Police, along with eight police dogs. The exercise aimed to improve interagency coordination and prepare medics and aviators to treat both handlers and K-9s in complex emergency scenarios — a capability not routinely trained for.
“While I was deployed to Kosovo in 2021, there was a K-9 unit there, and I had been tasked with creating a K-9 medical bag. I remember feeling that the training I had up to that point was inadequate for what I would need if there was an actual emergency involving a K-9,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joanna Adams, flight medic noncommissioned officer assigned to Company C, 1-169th Aviation Regiment. “After I came back from deployment, I started looking into getting training for my unit with K-9s.”
Two scenarios were conducted simultaneously, exposing participants to a range of operational and medical challenges.
One scenario focused on familiarizing K-9s with helicopter operations, including noise, rotor wash and environmental stressors. Guardsmen executed hoist operations with Montgomery County officers using a rescue seat and a plastic stretcher for non-ambulatory patients, while ground crews controlled a tagline to stabilize the load.
The second scenario introduced a complex tactical medical situation involving Cecil County officers and their K-9s. In the simulation, a K-9 and its handler were injured by a hostile drone strike, while a detained suspect sustained a bite wound during an escape attempt. Medics assessed and triaged patients under stress before evacuating them by air. During the flight, crews treated the handler’s injuries and dressed the K-9’s simulated wounds.
“Our medics and crew chiefs enjoyed being able to use skills that we do not get to use very often, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with these civilian units,” said Adams. “The most rewarding thing I learned was that even when things were not going 100% the way I had planned, everyone was still learning, and sometimes the deviations were better than what the original plan was in the first place.”
The event built on previous collaboration with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office last summer, when K-9 teams received initial aircraft familiarization and practiced hoist operations using a basket lift.
During the training, law enforcement officers also shared techniques for safely disengaging a K-9 from a bite and responding if a medic is accidentally bitten while rendering aid.
“Not only do we have the fortune of building strong foundations in the units we serve in and are able to effect change over many years, but we also directly impact the community we live in,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Colin Winand, flight paramedic noncommissioned officer assigned to Company C, 1-169th Aviation Regiment. “Knowing that I can assist my neighbors while completing missions makes the desired outcome that more important.”
Treating both K-9s and their handlers requires specialized knowledge, including assessing vital signs and understanding the effectiveness of medications for working dogs. The training gave medics and aviators a rare opportunity to practice those skills in realistic conditions.
“It was really great to work with the police dogs and their handlers before a real-world emergency,” said Adams. “Knowing what works and what doesn’t is really important when working with animals before a bad day happens. I was really impressed with the dogs and the officers. They are very well-trained, so it makes it easy to work with them and determine best practices so we can be ready to respond for our state and nation when we are needed.”
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
ARCADIA, Wis. – Soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Facility at Camp Douglas conducted small UAS training at the Arcadia Armory April 1.
The training marked the organization’s first use of statewide Class G airspace recently authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, for small UAS training operations.
In addition to the FAA authorization, the National Guard Bureau issued an amendment to the Wisconsin National Guard Airborne Imagery Proper Use Memorandum. The memo requires intelligence oversight to protect the constitutional and privacy rights of Wisconsin citizens and states that all UAS activities must comply with U.S. executive orders, laws, statutes, directives and policies.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan Olson, UAS operations technician for NGB’s Air and Space Division, relayed that the bureau’s role in Wisconsin’s expanded small UAS airspace was primarily providing the coordination and support necessary for the successful approval of the authorization.
“Wisconsin demonstrated that broad, multi‑airspace UAS authority could be safely granted, responsibly managed and effectively executed at the state level,” said Olson. “As similar authorizations are pursued across other states, we anticipate improved training flexibility, reduced administrative burden and a more consistent operating framework for National Guard small UAS activities nationwide.”
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lucas Gordon, the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s UAS operating facility commander, emphasized the importance of securing the expanded training airspace, given the significant role commercial drones have played in both domestic operations and modern warfare.
“The infantry company here in Arcadia could utilize an asset like that for force protection or reconnaissance of an area that they might traverse,” said Gordon. “The ability to see over distant terrain features directly contributes to the safety of our Soldiers.”
Prior to the new FAA authorization, Wisconsin National Guard UAS training was restricted to the airspace over Fort McCoy, Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center and Hardwood Air-to-Ground Weapons Range. Under the new allocation, training can be accomplished at 24 locations throughout the state, with an additional eight currently undergoing the authorization process.
“For units as far away as Spooner, Wisconsin, for example, how many hours away is the closest of those three places to allow soldiers to train to this critical skill set?” said Gordon.
According to Gordon, maintaining proficiency for traditional Guardsmen requires considerable preplanning and highly efficient use of limited training time.
“Maintaining individual currency with small UAS operations requires a flight evaluation twice annually,” he said. “The goal is to train instructors who can conduct those evaluations at home-station armories.”
Sgt. Skylor Olson, UAS instructor-operator, and Staff Sgt. Jesus Rivera, UAS squad leader, is assigned to the UAS operating facility at Camp Douglas. Both accompanied Gordon to the Arcadia Armory to conduct small UAS training in the newly authorized airspace for the first time.
Rivera explained that the Army recently merged two UAS positions into the combined Tactical UAS Operator/Maintainer military occupational specialty. He believed that the additional training airspace would significantly benefit the growing career field.
“Whether for commercial, law enforcement or military applications, I believe the use of small UAS will continue to grow,” said Rivera. “They represent the future of our career field, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany – Leadership from U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and the Joint Multinational Readiness Center took time to honor the dedication of volunteers in the Hohenfels community during a ceremony April 14, 2026 at the Community Activity Center.
In numeric terms, the volunteers within U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria contributed a total of 63,346 volunteer hours in 2025, which, at an estimated value of $34 per hour, contributed $2.2 million of service to the community.
For the Hohenfels community, 141 volunteer gave 13,572 hours.
Angela Lane, deputy garrison manager at Hohenfels, conveyed to the audience the qualitative impact volunteers made to the community.
“When services are provided by our volunteers to support each organization, our Soldiers – warfighters – can focus on their mission, confidently knowing their Families will be cared for and supported,” said Angela Lane, deputy garrison manager for Hohenfels, said to the audience at the ceremony. “Through your selfless actions, you demonstrate the profound impact one person can have, which leads to motivating others to serve. You have created a domino effect of generosity, building a powerful culture of service that will be remembered for years to come.”
Seth Kloss, the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation for the garrison, also spoke on the occasion.
“Through selfless dedication and honorable service, your efforts contribute to community cohesion and enhance the quality of life to those of us who surround you, our community, the Army and our country,” he said. “For all the awe-inspiring work you do to support USAG Bavaria, in the Hohenfels training area, we thank you.”
The volunteers contributed their time and efforts to several organizations (USO, the American Red Cross, the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club, parent-teacher organizations, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, scouting organizations, Veterans of Foreign Wars), and these organizations in turn submitted nomination packets to Army Community Service for review. Volunteers are grouped into different categories – service members, civilians and retirees, and Family members. The packets are scrubbed of identities, and the panel members assess the strengths of the different volunteers and rank them.
During the ceremony, USAG Bavaria Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Boersma conferred certificates of appreciation to each volunteer nominee. After Boersma presented all the nominees in a particular category with their certificate, the master of ceremonies read the winner, who then received a plaque.
The winners of two different categories came from the same family. Sgt. Hunter Edstrom Fairbanks, a Soldier with B Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, earned Soldier volunteer of the year during the ceremony. His wife, Allicia Edstrom Fairbanks earned Family volunteer of the year.
Hunter volunteers with the Girl Scouts, the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club, the Hohenfels Community Pantry and his company’s Soldier and Family Readiness Group. The HCSC nominated Hunter, who contributed to clubhouse maintenance, helped set up and set down special events, and coordinated Soldier volunteers for the club. He gave almost 200 hours of volunteer time.
Allicia was nominated by B Co.’s Soldier and Family Readiness Group, where she serves as the advisor and treasurer. She also volunteers with the Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club, she oversees the operations of the Hohenfels Community Pantry, and she helps with the hospitality programs of the local chapter of Protestant Women of the Chapel. Her volunteer time totaled 926.75 hours.
“I like to see the community thrive and what we can do for the community,” Allicia said during the reception after the ceremony. “But of course, getting a pat on the back never hurts.”
“Like her,” said Hunter, referring to Allicia’s answer, “I do not do it for recognition at all. I just – it feels good for me to do it every single day and help out the community.”
“With Hohenfels being so small, everybody knows everybody,” Allicia continued. “There’s always something you can do that – chances are – it’s going to make someone else’s experience or life easier or better, even if it’s the tiniest thing.”
The Edstrom-Fairbanks family, which includes a daughter who won for Family volunteer of the year the previous year, are returning to Fort Drum, New York in the U.S. this year.
Bellanira Stafford earned the title of civilian / retiree volunteer of the year. The HCSC nominated her for fulfilling multiple roles, as a second vice president, as a worker in the back of the Hohenfels Thrift Shop, as an organizer of the Fall Bazaar. The citation stated she “consistently demonstrated a positive, flexible, and service-driven mindset, reliably arriving prepared on time, and willing to assist wherever needed.” She dedicated 176 hours to the club and community.
“I was not expecting the recognition because when I sign up for volunteering, it’s coming from my heart,” Stafford said. “It’s my responsibility as a spouse, a veteran, retiree that served the country for 30 years.”
Originally from Whittier, California and arriving to Hohenfels from Fort Irwin, California, Stafford realized the benefits of volunteering are not limited merely to personal or community wellbeing; volunteering is also a valuable networking tool.
“It doesn’t matter whether you volunteer to the Red Cross, to the spouses club, to the thrift store, to the commissary,” she said. “When you find a way to contribute and give back, it feels so good.”
The nominees and winners from the ceremony are as follows:
Active-duty category:
Civilian / retiree category:
Family category:
For further photos from the event, visit the USAG Bavaria Flickr album at https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagbavaria/albums/72177720333117510.