Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force, along with the Royal Air Force and Australian Defence Force, conducted a joint military exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, simulating combat against Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. Over 100 aircraft and 3000 military personnel participated in the 'Red Flag' exercise, which included the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B simulating tactics of the Chinese J-35. This exercise is part of ongoing military preparations to counter high-tech adversaries.

The 157th Air Refueling Wing conducted a nuclear operational readiness exercise at Pease from February 5–8, testing its aerial refueling capabilities in support of the U.S. nuclear deterrence mission. The exercise involved the KC-46A Pegasus and focused on validating procedures and command-and-control processes. Despite severe winter conditions, the unit reported no injuries and successfully executed operations under time constraints.

Adm. Daryl Caudle advocates for the U.S. Navy to utilize smaller, newer assets for missions instead of large aircraft carriers, focusing on the Caribbean and Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln have been redeployed to support operations against Nicolás Maduro and rising tensions with Iran, respectively. Caudle's strategy emphasizes tailored naval groups and the use of drones to enhance operational flexibility.

The U.S. Navy, alongside 25,000 personnel from 26 nations, participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016 exercise from June 30 to August 4, 2016, in the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The exercise featured over 40 ships and submarines, and more than 200 aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, which demonstrated its multirole capabilities essential for naval operations. This event underscored the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.

The Pentagon awarded Purple Hearts to Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom for their actions during an ambush in Washington, D.C., in November 2023. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe is recovering. The attack, described as an act of terror, involved a suspected gunman who has been charged with murder and assault.

Staff Sgt. Billy Scafidel of the 7th Engineer Support Battalion rescued a Marine driver trapped in a submerged vehicle at Camp Pendleton, California, on February 6, 2024. He used a hammer to break the windshield and pull the driver to safety. For his heroic actions, Scafidel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during a ceremony at the base.

The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, fought valiantly in World War I under French command, participating in key battles and suffering significant casualties. Despite their bravery and contributions, they faced racial discrimination both during and after the war, receiving few American honors for their service. The regiment's legacy highlights the struggles of Black soldiers for recognition and equality in the U.S. military.

In 2024, Iran launched drone and cruise missile attacks against critical infrastructure in Israel, marking the first sustained state-on-state drone conflict in the Middle East. Israel responded with advanced UAS platforms and layered air defenses. The conflict highlighted the strategic importance of persistent ISR and precision targeting, prompting regional nations to reassess their airpower strategies and invest in systems like the MQ-9B and Gambit Series for enhanced military capabilities.

U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines conducted a simulated battle exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, California. Media reports inaccurately claimed that U.S. Marines suffered a humiliating surrender, which was debunked by military officials emphasizing the exercise's focus on readiness and interoperability. This incident highlights the risks of misinformation affecting allied military cooperation.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted training with tactical jet skis for interdiction operations in San Diego and Coronado Beach on January 14-15, 2023. This training is part of the Coast Guard's Office of Rapid Response and Prototyping program, aimed at enhancing drug interdiction capabilities. The Coast Guard has seized over 200,000 lbs. of cocaine in the eastern Pacific since launching Operation Pacific Viper.

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl performance on February 6, 2021, due to operational tasking. Katie Spencer stated that the aircraft were reassigned to meet increased military demands. The F-22s have been involved in recent significant operations, including monitoring potential threats.

Multi-national Special Operations Forces participated in a submarine insertion exercise with the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, on July 9, 2018, during RIMPAC 2018. The exercise involved 25,000 personnel, 46 ships, and 5 submarines, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy's new USS Arizona (SSN-803) equipped with the Virginia Payload Module. This module enhances the submarine's firepower and operational flexibility.

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl flyover on February 6, 2025, due to operational requirements. The aircraft were redeployed for combat missions amid increasing military pressure on Iran. Recent actions involving the F-22s include participation in operations against Iran, while indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported a slight decrease in veteran suicides in 2023, with 6,398 veterans taking their own lives, down from 6,442 in 2022. Despite this decrease, the suicide rate among veterans increased to 35.2 per 100,000, more than double that of non-veteran adults. Contributing factors include homelessness and traumatic brain injury, with the VA investing $571 million in suicide prevention efforts.

Eight military aircraft, including B-1 Lancers and F/A-18 Super Hornets, conducted a joint flyover during the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The operation, involving both the U.S. Air Force and Navy, was meticulously timed to coincide with the National Anthem. Pilots emphasized the importance of precision and coordination in this rare display of military capability.

Two National Guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, were shot in Washington, D.C. on November 27, 2025, with Beckstrom succumbing to her injuries. They are set to receive the Purple Heart for their service. The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, attacked the members outside a Metro station before being restrained. The incident highlights the ongoing presence of National Guard troops in the capital as part of a federal mission.

NORAD is conducting an airspace intercept exercise to secure the airspace over Levi's Stadium during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The operation involves coordination with federal, state, and local authorities to enforce temporary flight restrictions and ensure safety. NORAD will monitor the restricted airspace using established air defense procedures to prevent unauthorized aircraft from entering the area.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct the Iron Fist 26 military exercise in February 2026 in the Southwestern Islands of Japan, involving approximately 1550 personnel. This exercise signifies a strategic shift in the U.S.-Japan alliance, responding to heightened tensions in the region, particularly from North Korea's missile threats. It aims to enhance joint operational capabilities and strengthen regional defense posture.

Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...

F-22 Raptors were reassigned from the Super Bowl LX flyover at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, due to operational needs, with F-16s from Fresno Air National Guard Base stepping in. The flyover, featuring B-1 Lancer bombers and F-35C Lightning fighters, serves as a training exercise for aircrews and symbolizes the collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, a slight decrease from 2022, but the suicide rate among veterans increased to 35.2 per 100,000. The VA continues to implement suicide prevention initiatives, with a focus on at-risk groups, including young veterans and those with mental health issues. Despite the overall decline, the report highlights ongoing challenges in addressing veteran suicides, emphasizing the need for improved access to mental health care and support services.