Defense News in Brief: Navy Week Sets Sail for Duluth

Source: United States Navy

The U.S. Navy is bringing Navy Week back to Duluth, Minnesota, from June 30-July 6, 2025. As part of a nationwide outreach effort, Duluth Navy Week will connect Sailors with the community through a variety of performances, educational events, and service projects.

Defense News in Brief: U.S. Navy Honors 80th Anniversary of Battle of Okinawa at Candle Lighting

Source: United States Navy

ITOMAN, OKINAWA, Japan (June 22, 2025) — U.S. Navy Sailors and family members joined local Okinawan volunteers at Peace Memorial Park on June 22 to prepare nearly 7,000 candles for a vigil on the eve of Okinawa Memorial Day. The event honored the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa — an 82-day conflict in 1945 that claimed more than 200,000 lives and stands as the deadliest battle of the Pacific theater during WWII.

Defense News in Brief: U.S. Marines and Sailors Commence Koa Moana 2

Source: United States Navy

KOROR, Palau – U.S. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, have arrived in Palau in support of Koa Moana 25. This recurring exercise to the Pacific Island region focuses on building partnerships and enhancing the health system of Compact of Free Association nations, specifically the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia

Defense News in Brief: NIWC Pacific Teams Enhance Joint Capabilities at Balikatan 2025

Source: United States Navy

SAN DIEGO – The combined team played a pivotal role in supporting the Maritime Strike (MARSTK) and technology transition portions of BK-25, directly contributing to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives. Partnering with Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division and Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Point Mugu, NIWC Pacific equipped a target vessel with instruments for weapons lethality and battle damage testing. These efforts included technical support and training initiatives to bolster the AFP’s operational readiness.