https://www.commondef.com Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:04:01+0000 en-us hourly 1 https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/thunderbird-360-camera-captures-pilots-stunning-escape-from-doomed-f-16/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103734 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Common Defense Staff A canopy mounted camera captured a Thunderbird pilot’s escape, parachute deployment and the F-16’s fiery impact within seconds. Investigators blamed an engine flaw while clearing the pilot and maintenance crews of responsibility. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/1st-infantry-division-soldiers-deploy-to-lithuania-as-nato-guards-against-russia/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103731 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, is heading to Lithuania for a routine NATO rotation as regional officials monitor increased Russian drone incidents, airspace violations and other hybrid activity. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/armys-top-drill-sergeant-shatters-the-screaming-stereotype-empathy-matters/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103728 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Frank Guy Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year Kevin Harrington says effective basic training requires more than shouting, combining demanding standards and weapons instruction with coaching, mentorship and empathy for recruits facing difficult transitions. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/pentagon-casualty-math-ignites-a-crisis-of-trust/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103743 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Common Defense Staff The Pentagon says 19 service members have died and just over 830 have been wounded since the Iran war began, but disputed classifications, delayed reporting, and additional regional deaths have intensified demands for a clearer accounting. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/navy-study-reveals-the-ships-where-sailor-burnout-hits-hardest/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103749 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Vicki Schwarmer Survey data from nearly 16,000 sailors reveals sharp differences in burnout, stress, sleep debt, and nap frequency across Navy ship classes, while researchers say targeted naps may help crews manage fatigue when adequate nightly sleep is unavailable. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/frozen-arctic-outpost-set-to-become-key-u-s-foothold-under-new-greenland-deal/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103769 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Frank Guy A newly signed agreement could bring U.S. troops to Mestersvig, an isolated Greenland outpost overlooking the strategically vital GIUK gap, where brutal weather, deep snow and prolonged winter darkness define daily operations. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/montford-point-marine-and-baseball-pioneer-bill-greason-celebrates-102-remarkable-years/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103777 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Bethany Loveland At 102, Montford Point Marine Bill Greason remains a living symbol of service, faith and perseverance after surviving Iwo Jima, breaking baseball barriers, entering the ministry and continuing to support fellow veterans. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/marines-launch-hunt-for-heat-tough-parris-island-bulldog-recruit/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103780 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett Parris Island wants a female English bulldog puppy with the temperament, markings and genetic tolerance needed for mascot duty in South Carolina’s heat and humidity. Vendor responses are due Oct. 1, with delivery planned for December. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/navy-shipyard-overhaul-risks-billions-as-watchdog-blasts-oversight-failure/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103768 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Common Defense Staff A federal watchdog says the Navy’s more than $200 billion shipyard overhaul lacks regular cost, risk and performance reviews, potentially leaving Congress with incomplete information as the service modernizes four facilities over more than 50 years. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/inside-trumps-military-spouse-commissions-high-stakes-first-meeting/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103760 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Frank Guy Trump’s new Military Spouse Commission opened with policy discussions covering employment, healthcare, childcare and military transition, while highlighting an executive order, a medical attendance memorandum and a five location childcare pilot. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/8-sailors-survived-suicide-attempts-across-lincoln-strike-group-cao-reveals/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103759 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed eight suicide attempts across the Lincoln strike group as sailors, families and mental health professionals raised concerns about care, morale and lengthy waits during the carrier’s extended Middle East deployment. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/sensitive-military-data-and-social-security-numbers-exposed-in-security-breach/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103752 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Vicki Schwarmer Unauthorized users accessed unencrypted Social Security numbers and military personnel information through a vulnerable DMDC file sharing system. Approximately four million Department of War personnel may be affected, though the full scope remains unclear. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/china-holds-sensitive-f-35-stealth-parts-after-baffling-hong-kong-diversion/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103562 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett China has not returned sensitive F-35 components diverted to Hong Kong during shipment from Australia, prompting recovery efforts, congressional scrutiny and an investigation into how the stealth aircraft parts ended up in Chinese government possession. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/sailors-give-uss-georgia-a-final-heartfelt-farewell-before-retirement/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103514 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett After more than 40 years of service, USS Georgia is heading toward decommissioning as sailors remember the demanding missions, enduring friendships and hard earned lessons that defined life aboard the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/navy-destroyers-face-punishing-middle-east-test-as-demands-surge/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103517 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Bethany Loveland Navy destroyers are carrying heavy Middle East demands while prolonged overhauls, labor overruns, aging ships, spare parts shortages and deferred maintenance continue squeezing the surface fleet’s ability to stay on schedule. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/marines-set-for-1-66-daily-boost-in-danger-pay/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103520 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett Starting Oct. 1, eligible Marines will receive $9.16 per day in imminent danger pay, while hostile fire pay doubles to $450 monthly. The Marine Corps is the first service to move unilaterally on the higher rates. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/last-operational-hh-60g-pave-hawk-ends-storied-service-with-final-flight/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103501 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Common Defense Staff The last operational HH-60G Pave Hawk has retired after decades of combat rescue and disaster response missions, closing a storied chapter as the Air Force transitions to the advanced HH-60W Jolly Green II. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/cia-warns-europe-of-suspected-russian-drone-strikes-from-mediterranean-ships/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103524 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Frank Guy A CIA assessment reportedly warned that Gerbera drones concealed aboard commercial vessels could be launched from Mediterranean waters toward Spain, France or Italy, as European countries confront growing concerns about suspected Russian drone and sabotage activity. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/greenland-welcomes-u-s-military-pact-but-trust-in-washington-remains-on-thin-ice/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103489 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett A new military pact could restore a broader U.S. presence in Greenland and reopen former bases, but residents and officials say Washington must protect traditional livelihoods and rebuild trust damaged during the annexation dispute. https://www.commondef.com/2026/09/army-awards-palantir-48-1m-to-overhaul-ammunition-management/ https://www.commondef.com/?p=103498 2026-09-25T18:40:36+00:00 Julian Dorsett The Army selected Palantir for a $48.1 million ammunition software overhaul that will consolidate nine legacy platforms, improve forecasting and track munitions across planning, procurement, storage, distribution, expenditure and final disposition.