Latest news with #SSNs
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Voices: I'm a former submariner – here's what you need to know about Britain's new nuclear fleet
During the Cold War, and for a short time following the collapse of the Soviet empire, the United Kingdom had a fleet of submarines: the strategic deterrent, the hunter-killer fleet boats, and the diesel submarine flotillas. We could justly say that we could act – independently and with our allies – across the world, and in any theatre of war. Yet following the end of the Cold War, political decisions were made on the assumption that we no longer needed such capable forces; the peace had been won. We lost all of our diesel submarines with one sweep of the political pen; we reduced the number of SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) from a combined force of 13 Swiftsure and Trafalgar class, replacing them with highly effective but limited numbers of the Astute class (seven in total); we whittled down the shore support that would keep the boats we had at sea for longer. We stopped investing in the shore facilities that would support our submarines and provide a decent home for our submariners. Numbers matter – it is a stark and irrefutable fact. From early in the last decade, it has become self-evident that there is a resurgent Russia. The military has known this for a considerable amount of time, and submariners never believed that the Cold War had ended. Unfortunately, most politicians have felt it unpalatable to accept the truth of the in-house briefings and the obvious facts. In reality, we have needed to make significant steps towards re-arming and increasing our fleet capability for a decade or more. This week's announcement, therefore, of the intent to procure 12 replacement SSNs for the Astute class vessels, is a very welcome political acknowledgement of a military reality – and may, in time, bring us back somewhere towards where we need to be to fulfil our standing obligations, nationally, internationally, and reactively. Increases in capability are important – they keep you at the cutting edge of war fighting and able to stand up in the most challenging of arenas – but so are raw numbers. You can have the most capable ship in the world, but if you only have one, it is vulnerable, either to mechanical failure or to enemy action. Only with numbers do you have some sort of tactical resilience and the ability to show that you can project maritime power and influence beyond your own borders. Over the past few years, the Royal Navy has suffered from a well-publicised lack of available Astute-class subs. While the reasons for this are complicated, a significant factor is the sparing strategy adopted by the Ministry of Defence. Without a decent cache of spares, a routine mechanical issue becomes an operational showstopper. A flotilla of seven SSNs provides some (but arguably nowhere near enough) strategic resilience to respond to international maritime demands. Once you have a submarine on a long maintenance period, two on short maintenance periods, two on operational stand-down periods and one with a short-term defect, you very quickly run out altogether. When balanced against the above availability, the permanent operational demands of having a submarine ready to protect home waters, plus one ready to deploy to protect longer-distance interests and one potentially supporting carrier-group operations or Nato exercises, means that there is no surge capacity or room for contingent operations. What this new announcement must not become is a short-term political statement that fails to materialise as a result of budgetary constraints. To give our fleet the tools to do the job of defending our nation, we must have at least 12 hunter-killer submarines. A further discussion could then be had about strengthening our strategic deterrent flotilla, and the rest of our maritime, land, and air-defence offering. The sledgehammer of Putin's military stance has finally cracked the UK's political nut. Let us hope that we turn this intent into a reality, sign the contracts, and start the process that will regrow our defensive capability into something that can properly deter and protect our nation from an increasingly risky maritime environment. David Bessell is a former career command-qualified submariner
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Digital social security cards are finally coming; here's when you'll be able to access yours online and what it means for you
Social Security Administration will launch digital access to Social Security numbers. This will start early summer 2025. People can securely view their SSN online through the 'My Social Security' account. This service helps those who lost their card. Lee Dudek says this improves public service and ensures data security. Traditional methods will still be available for those who need them. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No More Waiting for a Card in the Mail Access Your SSN From Your Smartphone Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs As a key move toward modernization, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing digital access to Social Security numbers (SSNs) this summer, which would avoid the necessity of the old-fashioned physical card, as per a new offering seeks to provide a more secure, convenient option for people who need easy access to their SSN, according to in early summer 2025 , people with a "My Social Security" account will be able to securely look at their SSN online using the SSA's portal, as per the Marca report. The new digital capability would be useful for people who've lost their SSN card or just want to have an easy way to get it. With this service, customers are able to log into their accounts and see their SSN directly from their phone, so they don't have to go in person or wait for a replacement card, as per Acting Commissioner, Lee Dudek said, "This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure," as quoted in the those eager to tap into their digital SSN, the process begins with having an active "My Social Security" account. After logging in, account holders will be able to view their SSN securely and at their convenience right on their smartphones, according to the report. The SSA believes this step will make services more streamlined and limit the vulnerabilities of lost or stolen cards, as per this online access will be a game-changer for many, the SSA assured that the traditional methods will always be an option for those who want or require them, according to the a secure way to view your Social Security number (SSN) online, and no need for a physical card, as per the in early summer 2025, if you have a "My Social Security" account.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to over $1 million in welfare fraud
(WHTM) — A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty to defrauding the United States Government of over $1 million in SNAP and Medicare benefits. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, James Sessoms, 60, of Philadelphia, pled guilty today to one count of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud, seven counts of false statements in connection with health care benefits, and seven counts of Social Security fraud. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The U.S. Attorney's Office says that in October of 2024, Sessoms was charged by indictment with those offenses after he used stolen identities and Social Security numbers (SSNs) to file for SNAP and Medicaid benefits. The Office says Sessoms sold the fraudulently acquired SNAP cards for profit at a local supermarket, stealing $1,063,633 in total benefits. The Office says Sessoms obtained or created the names, SSNs, and personally identifiable information for several fictitious persons, and obtained the names and personally identifiable information of other persons, including valid SSNs, which he placed on the applications for SNAP and Medical benefits, which were submitted to PA DHS under penalty of perjury. Sessoms also submitted false and fraudulent driver's licenses bearing his photograph under the fictitious and other persons' names to obtain these benefits. Sessoms also added purported family members, including his spouse and children, which caused more funds to be awarded for SNAP benefits, per the Attorney's Office. Sessoms is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21 and faces a maximum possible term of 90 years' imprisonment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leaders
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Trump Administration Removes Thousands of Immigrants from Social Security System
The Trump administration has reportedly added more than 6,000 immigrants to a federal database of deceased Social Security System recipients, cutting off their benefits and limiting their ability to work, according to U.S. media reports on Thursday. The Washington Post, citing a White House official, reported that this move is part of an effort to pressure undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country. This approach is in line with other hardline immigration policies implemented since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, including the transfer of over 200 suspected gang members to a high-security prison in El Salvador. Social Security Numbers In the United States, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are essential for tracking income, accessing welfare benefits, and verifying identity for employment and housing. Despite their undocumented status, many immigrants—particularly those who arrived under Biden-era policies allowing temporary entry to ease border pressure—possess valid SSNs. According to the White House official, individuals flagged as deceased in the Social Security system are effectively locked out of basic services, including employment, housing, banking, and government aid, making it nearly impossible for them to sustain a living. Media outlets also noted that the initiative to use the so-called 'death file' was led by staff within Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The New York Times reported that the first group of 6,300 affected individuals were classified as 'convicted criminals and suspected terrorists,' based on internal administration documents. However, both the Times and the Post indicated that this policy could be expanded to target a broader group of undocumented immigrants. This controversial use of the Social Security system follows another recent move by the administration to share taxpayer data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with immigration authorities. For years, millions of undocumented immigrants have contributed taxes, hoping it would support their cases for legal status and help fund large-scale programs like Social Security. Related Topics : Ministry of Interior Highlights Importance of Media Collaboration in Hajj System Saudi Arabia's Harvest 2023: Social Projects Supporting Women's Empowerment Food Security Challenges in the Kingdom: Opportunities & Solutions INTERVIEW-Saudi Arabia Plays Pivotal Role in Promoting Regional Stability: Dr. Hesham Alghannam Short link : Post Views: 7
Sharjah 24
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Trump administration cuts thousands off from Social Security
Adding the immigrants to the so-called "death file" is "aimed at putting pressure on the undocumented immigrants to leave the country," the Washington Post said, citing a White House official. Anti-immigration measures The policy aligns with other high-profile anti-immigration measures taken by Donald Trump's White House since his second term began, including sending more than 200 suspected gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are a key identifier for people in the United States, used to report earnings, establish eligibility for welfare benefits and other purposes. Hundreds of thousands of people who are in the country illegally nevertheless have a US Social Security Number. Many arrived during the Biden administration, which allowed certain people to enter temporarily as a way of reducing illegal border crossings. Dead list The White House official told the Washington Post that once people are listed as dead in the Social Security system, they will be shut out by many employers, landlords and banks as well as federal agencies -- essentially ending their ability to earn a living in the country. Media reported that the move to use the "death file" was spearheaded by staff from Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Undocumented migrants The New York Times reported that the initial group of 6,300 people was made up of "convicted criminals and 'suspected terrorists'. But both papers reported that the measure could soon be applied to many more undocumented migrants. Weaponising the Social Security system against undocumented migrants follows steps taken to share taxpayer information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with immigration authorities announced on Tuesday. Millions of undocumented migrants have long paid taxes as a way of boosting both their immigration cases and the financial health of massive US federal programmes such as Social Security.
