Source: United States Navy
MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands — The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) conducted a port visit for an Independence Day celebration in Majuro, July 9-13.
Defense News in Brief: REFORPAC 2025: US, JASDF medics conduct aeromedical evacuation training
Source: United States Spaceforce
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 35th Medical Group, partnered with the 36th Airlift Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Misawa Medical Squadron, to conduct a mass casualty exercise and subject matter expert exchange during REFORPAC 2025.
Defense News in Brief: USS John L. Canley and Royal New Zealand Navy Conduct Talisman Sabre AUV Operations
Source: United States Navy
GLADSTONE, Australia — Sailors from the Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy and the U.S. Navy embarked the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) to conduct integrated mine countermeasures operations during exercise Talisman Sabre, July 13-19, 2025
Defense News in Brief: USNS Comfort Arrives in Limón, Costa Rica for CP25
Source: United States Navy
LIMÓN, Costa Rica – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Limón, Costa Rica, July 24, 2025, for the fifth mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25). This visit marks the sixth CP mission stop to Costa Rica since its inception in 2007, and the third visit aboard Comfort in support of CP.
Defense News in Brief: SecAF visits Asia-Pacific to strengthen alliances, assess readiness
Source: United States Spaceforce
Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink departed July 24 on his first international trip as SecAF, traveling throughout the U.S. Asia-Pacific area of responsibility to reinforce international partnerships and meet with Airmen and Guardians supporting the 2025 Department-Level Exercise.
Defense News in Brief: Around the Air Force: Global Teamwork for REFORPAC, Rapid Global Mobility, Modernizing GPS
Source: United States Spaceforce
In this week’s look around the Air Force, personnel, equipment and aircraft surge into the Indo-Pacific theatre for Resolute Force Pacific, AMC provides the logistical foundation for the Department-Level Exercise series, and Space Operations Command takes steps to modernize GPS.
Defense News in Brief: USS Thomas Hudner Returns from Deployment to 4th and 6th Fleet
Source: United States Navy
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) returned to Naval Station Mayport July 23, concluding a five-month deployment across multiple geographic theaters, including the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.
USS Thomas Hudner Returns from Deployment to 4th and 6th Fleet
The crew departed Feb. 18, 2025, with their mission focused on strengthening international maritime security and relations with partner nations in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. Shortly after arrival on station, Thomas Hudner welcomed the Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, who recognized Thomas Hudner’s high-performing Sailors during his tour of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Guantanamo Bay facilities.
Upon departing NSA Guantanamo Bay, Thomas Hudner conducted trilateral operations in the Caribbean Sea with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the United Kingdom Royal Navy River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Medway (P 223) and the Royal Netherlands Navy Holland-class offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen (P843), enhancing interoperability among Allied naval forces. Thomas Hudner also conducted freedom of navigation operations off the coast of Cuba, reinforcing the U.S. Navy’s commitment to unity, security, and stability in the Caribbean, Central and South American maritime regions.
“The crew of Thomas Hudner has consistently proven their unwavering commitment in safeguarding America’s national security interests and maintaining the U.S. Navy’s maritime dominance worldwide,” said Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, commanding officer of Thomas Hudner. “I could not be more proud of my team!”
Throughout their deployment in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, Thomas Hudner’s crew trained and engaged in a variety of activities, from maritime security operations to joint exercises with Allied and partner navies in the European theater.
Thomas Hudner participated in several notable exercises, including Formidable Shield 2025, executed alongside 11 NATO Allies in the North and Norwegian Seas and North Atlantic Ocean. During Formidable Shield 2025, Thomas Hudner executed joint, live-fire Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) training utilizing NATO command and control reporting structures to enhance interoperability among Allied naval forces.
Thomas Hudner also conducted several port visits and collaborative operations with Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain and Greece, reinforcing the U.S. Navy’s commitment to unity, security and stability in the region. During the 81st anniversary of D-Day landings in Normandy, Thomas Hudner also had the honor of representing the U.S. Navy and hosting a reception with Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and various other distinguished government and military leaders in the European theater.
Following operations in U.S. 6th Fleet’s northern flank, Thomas Hudner was assigned to conduct national tasking in the Eastern Mediterranean supporting Operation Cobalt Shield. Through this mission, Thomas Hudner successfully conducted maritime security operations and promoted regional stability while executing ballistic missile defense operations.
Thomas Hudner served as the flagship for multiple distinguished visitors throughout her deployment, including the Honorable Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary; Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Adm. Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander, U.S. Southern Command; Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; and members of the German, French and Royal navies.
“Over the course of a five-month deployment, USS Thomas Hudner and her exceptional crew exemplified the strength of American naval power and international cooperation,” said Capt. Aaron Anderson, Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. “Their efforts reflect the strength of our commitment to maritime security and cooperation with our Allies.”
Thomas Hudner is a multi-mission air warfare, undersea warfare, naval surface fire support, surface warfare and ballistic missile defense surface combatant capable of supporting carrier battle groups and amphibious forces, operating independently, or operating as the flagship of a surface action group.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests.
For more U.S. 2nd Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X – @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/commander-u-s-2nd-fleet.
Defense News in Brief: Operation Healthy Tennessee: Where readiness meets relief
Source: United States Airforce
The IRT program is a unique U.S. DoD initiative that enhances military readiness through hands-on, real-world training while delivering critical services to communities in need.
“This is a great opportunity to not only get services that the community may not be able to afford but they can see what the military provides”, said Cathy Swafford, Rhea County community lead. “You can tell that [the military members] just really want to serve their community and give back.”
Operation Healthy Tennessee brought together service members across the joint force, fostering an environment to strengthen readiness while offering services such as medical, dental, optometry, nutrition counseling and veterinary care, all provided at no cost by credentialed professionals.
“We are providing a great level of service,” stated Maj. Ralph Garcia, Bledsoe County officer in charge. “It’s a collaborative joint effort to bring resources to underserved communities.”
The mission proved to be a powerful example of the program’s impact, making a strong contribution towards the IRT Program.
In just 10 days, two medical clinic locations served 2,000 patients and completed more than 15,000 medical, dental and optometry procedures. The veterinary team treated 677 pets, delivering services valued at $314,465. A specialized optometry team, assigned to the mission as part of a Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity, built and distributed more than 770 pairs of glasses for those in need.
The fair market value of all medical and veterinary services provided is totaled at $1.9 million.
“Training is such an important part of an IRT,” said Lt. Danielle Lloyd, Operation Healthy Tennessee officer in charge. “Although we are providing much needed medical care to this community, at the same time, we are training to make sure we are staying mission ready.”
The operation logged more than 25,000 training hours across categories including readiness, certification, clinic skills, ad-hoc tasks and hands-on training.
IRT missions, like Operation Healthy Tennessee, often represent a once-in-a-career opportunity, and participants are encouraged to fully embrace the collaborative environment, network with fellow service members and connect with the public to which we are caring for to maximize the experience.
“Now that we’ve had our last day of clinical care and we’re able to see the final numbers, it’s such a good feeling to see that we’ve helped so many community members,” Lloyd said. “There’s no better feeling than seeing someone who desperately needed care and being able to provide it at no cost.”
Defense News in Brief: Air Force stands up A6 for warfighter communications, cyber systems
Source: United States Airforce
The Department of the Air Force has created a new AF/A6 Deputy Chief of Staff office dedicated to warfighter communications and cyber systems.ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
This structure is designed to address operational communications and cyber needs effectively throughout the force.
The creation of the AF/A6 office separates the responsibilities for communications and cyber systems from the previous A2/6 framework, marking one of the most significant reorganizations of the Air Staff in over 30 years.
According to Air Force leaders, the change is designed to improve readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness by aligning resources and risk management with mission requirements.
“We created the A6 to ensure communications and cyber systems are available, secure and aligned with warfighter priorities,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “This office will help us focus resources and oversight where it matters most — supporting the mission in contested environments.”
The AF/A6 aligns with broader Department of Defense efforts to advance command and control capabilities, including the DAF Battle Network and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control. The office is also expected to provide enterprise-level advocacy on requirements, architecture and funding decisions.
Lt. Gen. Leah Lauderback, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, said the A6 will serve as a critical link between operational feedback and strategic planning.
“Standing up the A6 allows us to manage risk, prioritize limited resources and advocate for warfighter needs using data from across the enterprise,” Lauderback said. “It’s a necessary step to treat communications and cyber as the operational enablers they are.”
Maj. Gen. Michelle Edmondson has been appointed to serve as the first standalone Deputy Chief of Staff for AF/A6. Her experience in operations, training and strategic planning is expected to help the office’s focus on delivering integrated, resilient communications capabilities across domains.
“Our mission is to ensure warfighters have the reliable, secure communications they need to succeed in a complex and contested environment,” Edmondson said. “We’re building an enterprise that connects people, systems and decisions at the speed required by today’s operational demands.”
The office will coordinate with various stakeholders, including the department’s chief information officer, the principal cyber advisor, major command A6 offices, acquisition program offices and other operational and functional communities.
Officials emphasized the AF/A6 will be organized around a warfighter-centric model, designed to support current capabilities while informing future investment decisions and force design initiatives.
Defense News in Brief: US-Philippine Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Thunder 25-2
Source: United States Airforce
PACAF participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a unique platform that integrates U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhances interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership
engagements.CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) —
U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Force members participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a bilateral training conducted across multiple locations in the Philippines. The exercise aimed to strengthen partnerships and support the Philippine Air Force’s modernization efforts, promoting regional and global stability.
Established in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder provides a unique platform to integrate U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhance interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements. Cope Thunder 25-2 also marked the first time a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II squadron has deployed to the Philippines.
“It’s obvious that this isn’t a relationship that’s simply on paper,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler, 421st Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’ve been integrating with them for a long time, and their mentality and approach to operations is very similar to ours.”
Subject matter expert exchanges during the exercise enabled U.S. and Philippine Airmen in similar career fields to share best practices and effective techniques aimed at improving day-to-day operations for both forces. These exchanges included maintenance, firefighting, airfield operations, electromagnetic warfare and basic fighter maneuvers, with U.S. and Philippine pilots flying side by side.
“We worked closely with the PAF pilots, and it was clear they are professional and highly capable aviators that employ their weapon systems with skill and precision,” said Capt. Tobey Fisher, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A instructor pilot. “Additionally, this exercise afforded the 421st MGFE the opportunity to operate at a remote airfield with minimal support.”
The F-35A maintenance team supported Cope Thunder 25-2 with a lean, agile team, operating with roughly one-third of the personnel they typically have at their home station.
“It’s really cool to see such a small team come here and execute the mission,” said Maj. Clinton Bialcak, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron commander, referring to executing the F-35 maintenance mission. “I think everyone in the region, in the world and in the Department of Defense sees that we can do it and they can rely on us.”
The U.S. Air Force’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with regional allies and partners.