Analysis & Reports

Captain Tamara Lawrence has been appointed as the new chief of information for the U.S. Navy in Washington. She will oversee public affairs programs and is expected to shape Navy communications. This marks a shift in the selection process, allowing captains and Marine Corps colonels to be considered for the role, which has traditionally been held by rear admirals.

In 1968, a U.S. Air Force SR-71 Blackbird crew in Montana conducted a fuel dump to test anti-missile tactics. The attempt to ignite the fuel trail failed, resulting in a 5-mile-long contrail that revealed the aircraft's position. This incident highlighted the challenges of maintaining stealth during high-speed reconnaissance missions.

A fishing charter recovered a U.S. military LUCAS drone off the Florida coast near Eglin Air Force Base on September 17. The drone had gone down during routine testing and was found floating by fishermen. After confirming it was a military drone, the fishermen returned it to shore, where it was taken into military possession.

Captain Luke Graves of the USAF's 8th Tactical Fighter Wing conducted a nighttime mission in 1969 to strike an anti-aircraft site near the Bird's Head, North Vietnam. During the operation, he maneuvered his F-4 Phantom fighter beneath a refueling tanker to avoid a collision in severe thunderstorms. The mission was completed successfully despite the adverse weather conditions and enemy fire.

General George Patton delivered a poignant speech in Boston on June 7, 1945, emphasizing the valor of soldiers and the importance of their service over mourning their deaths. His remarks were made during a state dinner honoring his leadership of the Third Army, which had recently fought in Europe. Patton's reflections have since become a significant part of American military remembrance.

The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call on September 18, 2023, during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The aircraft, which served for over 40 years, is being replaced by the EA-37B Compass Call, based on the Gulfstream G550. The new aircraft will enhance electronic warfare capabilities and is set to have a fleet of 22 units, with Italy as the first export customer.

Four Chinese research vessels conducted research patrols in the U.S. Arctic in 2026, operating in maritime zones around Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands and Bering Strait. The U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring these activities closely, as they may provide China with military advantages. The trend of regular Chinese presence in the Arctic raises concerns about potential military implications and the need for the U.S. to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities.

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Alexander the Great engaged in military campaigns to suppress rebellions in Thessaly and Illyria, employing tactical deception and surprise attacks. After defeating King Cleitus of Illyria, he swiftly marched to Thebes to quell a revolt, burning the city as a warning. These actions were crucial in securing his rule over Greece.

George Washington emphasized the importance of military preparedness for peace during his address to Congress in New York City on January 8, 1790. He argued that a strong national defense was essential to deter potential aggressors and maintain independence. Washington's experiences in the Revolutionary War shaped his views on the necessity of a capable military to protect the newly formed republic.

The Pentagon requested defense companies to propose faster weapons production and delivery schedules by August 26, 2023, in response to declining U.S. weapon inventories during the Iran war. Lockheed Martin announced significant investments to expand munitions production, while framework agreements were established to boost production of critical components for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. The Pentagon aims to triple PAC-3 and quadruple THAAD production capacity as part of its fiscal 2028 budget request.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has continuously produced the Ruger 10/22 rifle since its launch on March 24, 1964, with estimates of production reaching between 7 to 10 million units. The rifle features a unique 10-round rotary magazine and has a significant aftermarket, allowing users to build complete rifles without original Ruger parts. The 10/22 remains popular for recreational shooting and small game hunting.

The U.S. is monitoring four Chinese research vessels conducting operations in the Arctic, including areas off Alaska and the North Pole, in 2026. Concerns have been raised regarding potential military advantages and mineral exploitation by China. The vessels remained in international waters but did not notify the U.S. of their presence, prompting security concerns from U.S. officials.

The Malian army evacuated two companies from Dioura on September 21, 2026, following intense fighting with JNIM, which claimed significant casualties. Nearly 100 Malian soldiers and five members of the Russian Africa Corps were reported killed. The JNIM's strategy appears focused on eroding the Malian state's ability to maintain remote positions, highlighting vulnerabilities in the region.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Homeland Defense Board on September 11, 2023, to provide military guidance for homeland security missions. The board will consist of up to 20 members, including the Secretary of Defense and military representatives, and aims to address gaps in military advice for domestic security. This initiative is a response to increasing threats from peer and rogue-state adversaries.

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, a parasite fighter designed to operate from the B-36 Peacemaker, underwent testing at the Muroc Air Test Center in California in 1948. The program faced challenges, particularly in recovering the Goblin to the mothership, leading to its cancellation in 1949 after accumulating only 2 hours and 19 minutes of flight time. Only two prototypes were produced, and the concept was ultimately rendered obsolete by advancements in midair refueling.

The U.S. Air Force announced it will achieve its goal of producing 1,500 pilots annually to address a shortfall of over 2,000 aviators. This goal, set to be reached by September 15, 2023, is part of a long-term strategy to resolve the pilot deficit, which may take 15 to 20 years. The Air Force has implemented a new training model and is exploring the consolidation of training onto the T-7 Red Hawk platform, while also considering the impact of autonomous platforms on pilot requirements.

Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are set to sign a security agreement in New York on Tuesday, placing Arctic security under NATO's oversight. The deal aims to address U.S. security interests while respecting Greenland's sovereignty. Danish officials have indicated that NATO will play a significant role in Arctic security, following pressure from the U.S. government regarding Greenland's defense.

U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit operated the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) in the U.S. Central Command area from September 2-6. This mobile counter-drone system is designed to detect and defeat small drones threatening forward forces. The unit, consisting of approximately 2,500 Marines, has been deployed in response to ongoing conflicts in the region since February 2023.

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters were deployed from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, as part of Operation ARCTIC VANGUARD, running from September 13 to 26, 2023. The operation aims to test the movement of combat aircraft to Arctic locations under austere conditions, with support from the Royal Canadian Air Force. F-35A fighters from the Wisconsin Air National Guard also conducted missions in Greenland during this operation.

The U.S. Air Force inactivated four A-10 units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on September 18, 2023, marking the end of the A-10 legacy at the base. The ceremony was attended by military personnel, families, and community members, with Col. Jose Cabrera presiding. Historical memorabilia from the units will be sent to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.