Latest news with #USSHarryS.Truman
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pentagon orders review of base moves, and more military news
TGIF! If you are a service member or a military family member, you are painfully aware of just how often troops are required to move. Now, the Pentagon is giving the military branches until Sept. 25 to come up with plans to limit the number of permanent change of station, or PCS moves, that are not absolutely essential. The military spends about $5 billion per year on PCS moves, but now wants to drastically cut that by 50% starting in fiscal year 2030. The toll taken on troops and families by constant moves has been an issue over the years. Project 2025, the policy blueprint produced by the Heritage Foundation think tank, recommended that the Defense Department evaluate 'the military family holistically when considering change-of-station moves.' More recently, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith said that Marines should be able to stay at their current duty stations if they want to, instead of being forced to move every few years. 'If you want to stay at Camp Pendleton, your spouse has good employment, you're happy in your home there, and you know the terrain and you know the training, why can't you stay there for nine, or 10 or 12 years?' Smith said on May 1 during the annual Modern Day Marine exhibition in Washington, D.C. 'I'm not saying you should stay there for your entire 30-year career, but we don't have to move you every three years.' Of course, there's more news. Here's your weekly rundown. Huge Somalia airstrikes. Planes from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman dropped 124,000 pounds of ordnance within two minutes during Feb. 1 airstrikes against the Islamic State group, or ISIS, in Somalia, a defense official told Task & Purpose. Within the past two years, ISIS-Somalia has grown from about 500 to roughly 1,500 members, of which an estimated 60% are foreign fighters, said Kelly Cahalan, a spokeswoman for U.S. Africa Command, which has conducted 33 airstrikes so far this year in Somalia against both ISIS and al-Shabab, a terrorist group that has pledged allegiance to al-Qaida. National Guard unit goes analog. The Missouri Air National Guard's 139th Operations Group conducted flight operations without computers or cell phones as part of an exercise that simulated a cyber attack. Airmen relied on other forms of communication, including sticky notes, dry erase boards, and smoke signals. Better late than never. After more than a decade of delays, the first Littoral Combat Ship equipped to neutralize sea mines has arrived in Bahrain, USNI News has reported. The Navy plans to eventually replace its Avenger-class minesweepers, which date back to the 1980s and have wooden hulls coated in fiberglass. Air Force sends message to China. The B-52H, B-1B, B-2, F-22. F-15C, F-16C, and A-10 flew together for the first time during a recent airshow in Miami. 'Did it send a signal to our nation's enemies, including China? Absolutely,' said retired Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger, who previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for forces transformation and resources. Ukraine denies attacking Putin's helicopter. Ukrainian officials have denied a claim by a Russian commander that Ukrainian drones attacked Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter when he visited a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region on May 20. The commander, Maj. Gen. Yuri Dashkin, told Russian media, 'We simultaneously waged an anti-aircraft battle and ensured the safety of the president's helicopter in the air.' 'Loss of confidence' — North Korea-style. North Korea has arrested four officials after one of the country's newest warships capsized during its May 21 launch. North Korean state-run media claims the 5,000-ton vessel was not seriously damaged and attempts to right the ship are underway. Thank you all for reading! Jeff Schogol
Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
USS Harry S. Truman Retreats From Red Sea After Multiple Mishaps And Ceasefire With Houthis
The USS Harry S. Truman has exited the Red Sea after a turbulent deployment marked by multiple setbacks at the hands of Houthi fighters in Yemen. The aircraft carrier faced mechanical failures, aviation losses, and operational strain while stationed in one of the region's most volatile theaters. Watch full report Read More
Time of India
19-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
After suffering a major blow and losing three state-of-the-art fighter jets, U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is finally returning home
What happened during the USS Harry S. Truman's Red Sea deployment? How did the USS Truman lose three fighter jets? Live Events Collision in the Mediterranean: In mid-February, the carrier collided with a large commercial vessel near Port Said, Egypt. The impact caused damage to the ship, forcing it to pull into a US naval base for repairs. This incident led to the firing of Truman's commanding officer, although details of the collision remain limited. Jet and tow tractor fall overboard: Later, in April, while the ship was back in the Red Sea, a fighter jet and a tow tractor fell into the ocean. The F/A-18 was being moved in the hangar bay when the accident happened. A sailor narrowly escaped injury after jumping out of the cockpit moments before the aircraft slipped overboard. Reports suggested the ship was taking evasive action at the time, which may have contributed to the mishap. Arresting cable failure: Just over a week later, another F/A-18 crashed into the sea during a landing attempt. The arresting cable — a key safety system used to stop aircraft as they land on the deck — snapped, failing to catch the tailhook of the fighter jet. Thankfully, both pilots ejected and were rescued by helicopter. Why was the USS Truman deployed to the Red Sea? What's next for the USS Harry S. Truman? What does this mean for future US Navy operations? FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is finally heading home after a long and difficult deployment in the Red Sea. The ship, which had been involved in combat operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, lost three fighter jets during its mission and also suffered a collision with a commercial vessel. Now, after months at sea and multiple incidents, Truman has left the Red Sea and is sailing through the Mediterranean on its way back to Norfolk, to a US defense official who spoke to Business Insider on Monday, the carrier is currently in the Mediterranean Sea, though the exact date of its return to homeport remains deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman was part of US military efforts in the Middle East, particularly in supporting Operation Rough Rider — a bombing campaign targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Truman was one of two aircraft carriers involved in the operation, which began earlier this year and lasted several weeks before the Biden administration decided to pause the mission in early its time in the region, the carrier participated in intense operations, launching air missions and maintaining a naval presence in a critical conflict zone. But the mission wasn't without Truman's deployment turned disastrous when the ship lost three F/A-18 fighter jets in separate incidents, raising serious safety USS Harry S. Truman was deployed to the Red Sea as part of a broader US strategy to counter threats in the Middle East. Its presence was meant to show force and maintain stability in waters that have seen increased missile and drone attacks by Houthi forces. The ship's operations supported airstrikes during Operation Rough Rider, where US forces targeted launch sites, radar systems, and other military assets in mission placed the crew under high pressure for months, especially as tensions escalated and attacks on commercial vessels in the region intensified. Truman's deployment underscored the risks US naval forces face during such combat that USS Harry S. Truman is on its way back to Norfolk, the Navy will likely conduct a full review of the deployment, including the aircraft losses and the earlier collision. Investigations are expected to examine the sequence of accidents, operational decision-making, and whether safety protocols need return of the Truman leaves USS Carl Vinson as the only US aircraft carrier currently operating in the region. The Vinson is equipped with the F-35C stealth fighter, a newer, more advanced aircraft designed for carrier operations, which may influence future carrier deployment troubled deployment could have long-term implications. The loss of three fighter jets — each valued at tens of millions of dollars — and damage to a $6 billion aircraft carrier raises concerns about operational readiness and safety at sea. It also highlights the challenges of maintaining a strong military presence in conflict-prone waters like the Red US military strategy continues to evolve, the Navy may adjust deployment cycles, training standards, and equipment handling to prevent similar incidents. For now, the focus is on safely bringing Truman and her crew home after one of the most eventful deployments in recent carrier lost three fighter jets and had a serious exact return date is still unknown, but it's currently in the Mediterranean.
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- General
- Business Insider
A US Navy aircraft carrier's disastrous Red Sea deployment with 3 fighter jet losses is finally coming to an end
The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is at last making its way home after an eventful extended deployment that saw the ship participate in combat operations against the Iran-backed Houthis but also lose three aircraft. A US defense official told Business Insider on Monday that the Truman had left the Red Sea and is now in the Mediterranean Sea on its way home. It's unclear when, exactly, the carrier will arrive back at its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia. NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples wrote on social media earlier that Truman and its strike group were participating in maritime exercises in the Mediterranean. Open-source intelligence accounts spotted the carrier heading north in the Suez Canal over the weekend. The Truman entered the Middle East in December and experienced a string of unfortunate mishaps over the following months, including the loss of three F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, which are estimated to cost roughly $60 million apiece. In late December, the missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of Truman's strike group, shot down an F/A-18 over the Red Sea in what the US military described as an "apparent case of friendly fire." The details of that incident remain limited. In mid-February, the Truman collided with a large commercial vessel in the Mediterranean, near Egypt's Port Said. The carrier was damaged and had to sail to a US naval base for repairs. That incident led to the firing of the ship's commanding officer. Several months later, in late April, when Truman was back in the Red Sea, an F/A-18 and a tow tractor fell overboard while the fighter jet was actively under tow in the carrier's hangar bay. A sailor was forced to jump from the cockpit just before the plane went into the water. Some reports indicated the ship was taking evasive action at the time of the incident. A little over a week later, in early May, an F/A-18 was landing on the flight deck of the Truman when the arresting cable, the thick black wires used to catch the tailhook on the back of carrier-based aircraft and slow them down, unexpectedly failed. The fighter jet went overboard. Both naval aviators safely ejected and were rescued by a helicopter. The Truman was one of two Navy aircraft carriers that participated in combat operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen during the military's weekslong bombing campaign known as Operation Rough Rider, which the Trump administration abruptly put on pause earlier this month. Truman's departure from the Red Sea means that only one aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, is left in the Middle East. The Vinson features a mixed air wing that includes the fifth-generation F-35C, a stealth fighter made for carrier operations.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Five Signs of Growing Risk of US War With Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The relationship between the United States and Iran has become increasingly volatile in recent weeks, marked by a series of military provocations, stalled nuclear talks, and shifting diplomatic dynamics. Both nations continue to face off over issues ranging from Iran's nuclear ambitions to its expanding military capabilities and influence in the Middle East. While both sides have expressed a desire to avoid full-scale war, several developments suggest the risk of direct conflict is rising. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why it Matters The growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran are largely due to the strain on nuclear negotiations, escalating military developments, and proxy conflicts. As both nations brace for potential confrontation, Iran's military advancements are seen as significant steps in its strategy to counter U.S. influence. At the same time, diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions have shown little sign of progress, with the latest round of talks between Washington and Tehran expected in the coming days. Deadlock increases the likelihood that both sides could turn to military action as a means to resolve their disagreements. Soldiers march during a military parade to mark Iran's annual Army Day in Tehran on April 18, 2025. Soldiers march during a military parade to mark Iran's annual Army Day in Tehran on April 18, 2025. Atta Kenare/AP Photo What To Know The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has taken a hardline "maximum pressure" approach toward Iran, while Iran's leadership has consistently stated its readiness to defend the country against any military aggression. Tensions have also been exacerbated by Iranian-backed attacks on U.S. allies and military assets in the region. Here are five signs that the risk of conflict is increasing: 1. U.S. Deployments The U.S. has significantly bolstered its military presence in the region in a clear signal of growing concern over Iran's regional ambitions. In May 2025, four B-52 bombers were deployed to Diego Garcia, a U.S. base in the Indian Ocean roughly 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometers) from Iran. The base also houses six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers as part of an ongoing Bomber Task Force mission. Meanwhile, two aircraft carriers—the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson—have been operating in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, respectively. These deployments underscore Washington's increased state of readiness and serve as a forceful message of deterrence aimed at Tehran. This photograph captured on May 8, 2025, by the U.S.'s Landsat 8 satellite shows U.S. Air Force bombers and other support aircraft parked at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American air base in... This photograph captured on May 8, 2025, by the U.S.'s Landsat 8 satellite shows U.S. Air Force bombers and other support aircraft parked at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American air base in the British Indian Ocean Territory, or Chagos Islands. More U.S. Geological Survey 2. Iran's Military Advancements Iran, in turn, has responded with notable enhancements to its own military posture, particularly in asymmetric warfare capabilities. As U.S. forces expand their footprint, Iran recently unveiled an underground drone base. This facility, built to house reconnaissance drones such as the Mohajer-6, enables Iran to monitor U.S. naval movements in the Persian Gulf. The base's fortified, subterranean design signals Tehran's intent to survive potential airstrikes and prepare for sustained conflict. At the same time, Iran has introduced the Qassem Basir missile, a medium-range ballistic system with a 750 mile (1,200 kilometer) reach. Engineered to evade interception by U.S. defenses such as THAAD, the missile presents a direct challenge to Western military dominance and poses a potential threat to regional allies like Israel. 3. The Israel Factor Israel's role in the confrontation is growing increasingly pronounced. Long wary of Iran's expanding military reach, Israel has signaled its readiness to act unilaterally if needed. The recent explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port has fueled suspicions of Israeli involvement, reinforcing concerns about covert operations — although Iranian authorities said it was due to negligence. In a pointed warning, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "Whoever harms us – we will strike back sevenfold," directly linking Iran to proxy attacks and vowing full retaliation. Katz also emphasized Israel's right to act independently: "Israel must be able to defend itself on its own against any threat and any enemy." A Russian-made S-300 air defense system is carried on a truck during a parade commemorating Iran's National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran,... A Russian-made S-300 air defense system is carried on a truck during a parade commemorating Iran's National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025. More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo 4. Trump's Middle East Visit Adding to the geopolitical backdrop, Trump is set to embark on a regional diplomatic tour with visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip is intended to reinforce alliances and confront growing security challenges, particularly those posed by Iran's rising military assertiveness. However, the omission of Israel from the itinerary is striking, given its strategic importance to U.S. policy in the region. Whether this reflects a tactical shift or a move to de-escalate tensions with Iran remains uncertain. 5. Nuclear Talks Parallel to military maneuvers, diplomatic efforts continue but remain precarious. The fourth round of nuclear talks—originally delayed—is now scheduled for Sunday in Oman. However, fundamental disagreements persist: the U.S. demands a halt to uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, while Iran maintains its right to peaceful nuclear development and says it has no intention of buiding nuclear weapons. With trust eroding and little progress made, the diplomatic window appears to be narrowing, heightening the risk that regional tensions could tip into open conflict. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP Photo What Happens Next As military tensions rise and diplomacy struggles, the U.S. and Iran stand at a pivotal moment. A breakdown in nuclear talks could lead to more sanctions or military action from Washington, while Tehran is likely to keep expanding its arsenal and using proxy forces to pressure U.S. allies. With both sides hardening their positions, the risk of open conflict is growing, and the coming weeks may determine whether de-escalation is possible—or if confrontation becomes inevitable.
