Analysis & Reports

The USS Guitarro sank at dock in Mare Island on May 15, 1969, due to negligence during construction. Two teams ballasted the submarine simultaneously without coordination, leading to flooding. The submarine was refloated three days later, with damages estimated between $15.2 million and $21.85 million. An investigation found that the sinking was caused by the negligence of shipyard employees, prompting recommendations for improved safety protocols in naval construction.

A Louisiana National Guard soldier left an M4 carbine unattended in a hotel bathroom during Mardi Gras security patrols on February 8, 2026. The weapon was discovered by a civilian in the French Quarter, prompting an internal investigation by military officials. Approximately 350 troops were deployed to New Orleans for security operations during the event.

The 3rd Marine Wing and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force conducted the Steel Knight 25 exercise in Southern California from December 1-14, 2025, testing distributed operations and kill web concepts. The exercise highlighted the importance of logistics and the need for rapid adaptation in contested environments. Key innovations included the S²D framework for force insertion and the emphasis on digital interoperability.

The U.S. Navy is establishing Information Warfare Squadron Two and plans to create Squadron Nine to enhance operational capabilities and readiness at sea. This initiative aims to improve information warfare lethality within carrier strike groups, ensuring personnel maintain a persistent presence throughout deployment cycles. Senior information warfare officers will also be assigned to destroyers to drive expertise to the tactical edge.

On June 12, 1944, soldiers at Camp Forest in Tennessee exchanged letters with loved ones, providing emotional support during World War II. Joseph Brenner, part of the U.S. Army’s 740th Field Artillery Battery, received letters from his wife, Norma, which included a kiss mark. The Veterans History Project highlights the importance of these letters in maintaining morale among troops, with many soldiers, including Pfc. Sumner Grant and Ralph Samuel Jaffe, sharing their experiences through correspondence.

On February 12, U.S. Customs and Border Protection used military-grade laser equipment to shoot down multiple aerial targets identified as party balloons near El Paso International Airport. Following the incident, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction for the airspace, affecting flights below 18,000 feet for up to 10 days. The event led to confusion and blame within the Trump administration regarding inter-departmental coordination.

The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East in response to threats from Iran's anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) and China's advanced A2/AD capabilities. This deployment follows concerns that China's satellite intelligence is enhancing Iran's targeting capabilities against U.S. naval forces. Analysts warn that the increasing vulnerability of U.S. aircraft carriers could lead to significant military challenges in potential conflicts.

The U.S. Navy will begin experimenting with new pairings of unmanned vessels and carrier strike groups in 2026, deploying a medium unmanned surface vessel alongside the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. This initiative aims to create tailored force pairings to enhance operational flexibility and effectiveness. Future plans include integrating small unmanned vessels with littoral combat ships for reconnaissance missions, aligning with the Navy's strategic framework for customizable forces.

Corporal Ralyn Hill rescued a downed pilot, 2nd Lt. Wellford MacFadden Jr., on October 7, 1918, near Dannevoux Hill, France, during World War I. Despite facing heavy enemy fire, Hill successfully carried the injured pilot back to safety. For his bravery, Hill was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 22, 1919. MacFadden later died from his injuries, but Hill's courageous act remains significant.

SR-71 pilot David Peters recounted a flight from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to Beale AFB in California, departing at 10:00 AM and landing 17.5 hours earlier due to the aircraft's speed. The flight included refueling stops and showcased the Blackbird's capabilities, allowing the pilots to arrive in time for happy hour despite the significant distance covered.

The Pentagon permitted U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deploy an anti-drone laser in El Paso, Texas, leading to a temporary closure of the airspace by the FAA due to safety concerns. This action was taken in response to incursions by Mexican cartel drones. The airspace closure lasted only a few hours, causing significant disruption for travelers. Local officials reported a lack of prior notification regarding the closure, raising concerns about coordination between federal agencies.

Yuma Proving Ground police enforced regulations against trespassers on the military test range in Arizona, which spans 1,300 square miles. The area is used for live-fire training and testing of experimental technology, posing significant dangers to unauthorized visitors. Officials noted a persistent issue with trespassing, particularly during the winter tourist season, despite long-standing no trespassing signs. The military anticipates a $45 million cleanup for unexploded ordnance by 2045.

U.S. President Trump is considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Iran's Foreign Minister stated the country is preparing for potential conflict while remaining committed to diplomatic solutions. Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Trump to discuss Iran's nuclear program and regional security concerns. U.S. military assets, including Patriot missiles, are being positioned in the region.

The U.S. Navy is preparing for potential military action against Iran, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush to the region. Over 80 cargo flights have bolstered air defenses, and coalition forces, including the Royal Air Force, are positioned for possible airstrikes. Israeli PM Netanyahu is pushing for a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, indicating a significant escalation in military readiness.

Mark Twain served briefly as a second lieutenant in the Marion Rangers during the American Civil War in the summer of 1861. His military service lasted only two weeks before he resigned, humorously noting his greater knowledge of retreating. This period of service is a lesser-known aspect of his life, overshadowed by his later literary achievements.

NATO initiated operation Arctic Sentry to strengthen its military posture in the Arctic, following increased tensions regarding Greenland. Denmark has enhanced its military presence and invited allies, including the UK, to participate. The UK plans to double its troop deployment in Norway to 2,000 over three years, reflecting concerns over Russian and Chinese activities in the region.

NATO launched operation Arctic Sentry to enhance its military presence in the Arctic, following increased tensions regarding Greenland. Denmark has escalated its military activities in the region, inviting allies like the UK and France to participate. The UK plans to double its troop deployment in Norway to 2,000 over three years, reflecting a collective response to perceived threats from Russia and China. This operation aims to consolidate NATO's defense efforts in the high north under a unified command.

The U.S. military has taken control of nearly 200 miles of land along the Texas-Mexico border for security operations. This includes two new militarized areas along the Rio Grande, enhancing military presence and enforcement against illegal crossings. The Air Force announced these changes recently, following previous control over the final 250 miles of the border.

The SR-71 Blackbird, operated by the U.S. Air Force, flew from Kadena Air Base in Japan to Beale AFB in California, landing 17.5 hours before its scheduled departure. This high-speed aircraft, capable of exceeding Mach 3, was never shot down and was designed for rapid intelligence gathering during the Cold War. Its operational costs and the rise of satellite technology ultimately led to its retirement.

Mexican cartel drones breached U.S. airspace on Wednesday, leading to a temporary closure of El Paso International Airport in Texas. The Department of Defense acted to disable the drones, and officials confirmed there was no threat to commercial travel. The FAA announced the grounding of flights for security reasons, which was lifted hours later, allowing normal operations to resume.