Source: United States Airforce
U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons, partnered with Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron for exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena and Naha Air Bases.
Defense News in Brief: Around the Air Force: Funding the Force, Optimizing Capabilities, Defending the Homeland
Source: United States Airforce
In this week’s look Around the Air Force, Department of the Air Force leaders testify before a Senate defense subcommittee on the 2026 fiscal year budget, prioritizing defending the homeland and bolstering defenses in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defense News in Brief: Littoral Combat Ships – Mission Modules
Source: United States Navy
The primary missions for the LCS include countering diesel submarine threats, littoral mine threats and surface threats, such as small surface craft attacks, to assure maritime access for joint forces.
Defense News in Brief: Littoral Combat Ships – Surface Warfare Mission Package
Source: United States Navy
The Surface Warfare (SUW) Mission Package (MP) installed on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) provides fleet protection from small boats and other asymmetrical threats. The SUW MP can also be used to provide operational security in interdiction missions against terrorist suspects and high seas pirates and can provide defense against shore attacks while operating in the littorals. These capabilities, when joined together, permit the ship’s crew and the fleet commander to operate with confidence and address threats to the fleet while operating in the littorals and in constrictive environments. The SUW MP augments the core LCS sensor and weapons capabilities with gun, missile and aviation systems, providing a layered defense capability for rapidly detecting, tracking and prosecuting small boat threats. Ultimately, this MP enhances the safety of the Sailors while permitting the mission commander to maintain operational flexibility.
Defense News in Brief: Littoral Combat Ships – Mine Countermeasures Mission Package
Source: United States Navy
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile and networked surface combatant optimized for operating in the littorals. The primary missions for the LCS include countering submarine, surface and mine threats to assure maritime access for joint forces.
Defense News in Brief: Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV)
Source: United States Navy
Designated on Oct. 8, 2018 as an ACAT II Program of Record, the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) is a long endurance, semi-autonomous, diesel-powered, all-aluminum surface craft that supports the employment of various MCM payloads.
Defense News in Brief: Allied forces conclude Atlantic Trident 25 in Finland
Source: United States Airforce
U.S., U.K., French and Finnish forces partnered in Atlantic Trident 25, a two-week, tactical and operational training exercise held across multiple locations in Finland June 16-27.
Defense News in Brief: RFA 25-2: US, allied forces advance joint training, strengthen readiness
Source: United States Airforce
The exercise brought together more than 1,500 service members and over 70 aircraft from the United States and three allied nations, all focused on improving interoperability, refining combat tactics and strengthening regional readiness.
Defense News in Brief: Continuing Promise 2025 Mission Update: Ecuador
Source: United States Navy
The USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is now scheduled to conduct its Continuing Promise 2025 mission stop in Manta, Ecuador from July 4-10, instead of the previously planned July 12-19. Adjusting the mission dates allows the USNS Comfort to maintain readiness to support U.S. Navy global operations while delivering important humanitarian assistance. The U.S. Navy is committed to working with Ecuador to promote public health, security, and prosperity.
Defense News in Brief: Department of Navy Top Scientists, Engineers Recognized for Excellence
Source: United States Navy
WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of the Navy recognized the finest in Navy and Marine Corps science and engineering June 25 at the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN RD&A) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers awards ceremony. Dr. Brett A. Seidle, Acting ASN(RD&A) and Mr. Peter C. Reddy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test, and Engineering (DASN(RDT&E)), personally recognized top scientists and engineers from across the Department of the Navy (DON) and highlighted their incredible accomplishments.