Defense News in Brief: Medal of Honor Recipient Royce Williams Returns to Pensacola to Welcome Navy’s Newest Student Naval Aviators

Source: United States Navy

The oldest living Medal of Honor recipient returned July 15 to the base where he earned his wings of gold, joining Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) to congratulate 29 student naval aviators who completed Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) training, the first milestone on the path to those same wings.

Defense News in Brief: AI in Action — NPS Marine Develops “Odyssey” to Manage Complex Projects, Tackle Workload

Source: United States Navy

When Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) computer science student U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kyle Hicks heard a fellow research team member vent about the difficulty of coordinating the complex, interconnected efforts of their project, he didn’t blink an eye. Rather, through his own initiative, Hicks built an artificial intelligence (AI) powered program management tool he coined “Odyssey” to help manage the overwhelming workload.

Defense News in Brief: U.S. Navy Announces Award of Vessel Construction Manager Contract to Accelerate Medium Landing Ship Acquisition

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy has awarded a $2.2 billion contract to TOTE Services LLC for Vessel Construction Management to oversee the acquisition of the new Medium Landing Ships (LSM). This contract will maximize commercial practices to accelerate delivery, improve cost discipline, and expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. The first LSM is anticipated for delivery in fall of 2029.

Defense News in Brief: USS Mississippi (SSN 782) Returns Home from Deployment

Source: United States Navy

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (July 6, 2026) – Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following deployment, July 6, 2026. During the deployment, Mississippi’s crew performed a wide range of submarine operations to deter aggression and support a free and open Pacific.

Defense News in Brief: USS San Antonio Assumes Relief Mission in Venezuela

Source: United States Navy

Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ongoing disaster relief efforts, the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) arrived pierside in La Guaira on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The San Antonio seamlessly relieved the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) as the primary maritime component center in support of the Department of State-led humanitarian assistance mission following the devastating June 24 earthquakes.