How Pigeons Helped U.S. Navy Blimps Hunt German U-Boats in World War II
The U.S. Navy’s use of pigeons began decades before World War II, but the birds found their most critical mission during the war—flying messages from submarine-hunting blimps during a time when radio silence was essential.
Firing Artillery Over Interstate 5 Considered Unusual for Camp Pendleton, Some Experts Say
A simulated beach assault in which artillery was fired from the sand toward the interior of the sprawling base was intended to be a capstone demonstration of the capabilities of the Marine Corps
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
Tuesday marks National Reptile Awareness Day, a time to appreciate the cold-blooded creatures that have slithered, crawled and snapped their way through human history. For the U.S. military, that appreciation runs deeper than curiosity. From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. These creatures represent qualities service...[Read More]
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
Tuesday marks National Reptile Awareness Day, a time to appreciate the cold-blooded creatures that have slithered, crawled and snapped their way through human history. For the U.S. military, that appreciation runs deeper than curiosity. From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. These creatures represent qualities service...[Read More]
A new, unvarnished account of the deadly German U-boat war
The post-war narrative of the German U-boat efforts follows several stages: the first “Happy Time,” followed by the second “Happy Time,” and then utter destruction by the Allies. In reality, the history is unsurprisingly more complicated than that — as are the humans who waged the war. In his latest book, “Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War‚” eminent scholar Roger Moorhouse peers deeper into the...[Read More]
Iraq keeping some US military advisers due to IS threat in Syria
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister said Monday that a small contingent of U.S. military advisers will remain in the country for now to coordinate with U.S. forces in neighboring Syria combating the Islamic State group. Washington and Baghdad agreed last year to wind down a U.S.-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq by this September, with U.S. forces departing some bases where they have been stationed. I...[Read More]
The Real WWI Submarine Heist That Mirrors “The Hunt for Red October”
On Oct. 3-4, 1914, Lt. Angelo Belloni seized control of submarine F-43 at the Muggiano shipyards near La Spezia, Italy. The coastal submarine, originally built for the Russian Navy and designated to become the Svyatoi Georgjy, never made it to its intended customer. Belloni convinced about 15 sailors under his command they were embarking on a secret mission. They believed him. His actual plan was ...[Read More]
US returning survivors of strike to home countries, Trump says
Two survivors of a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat last week will be sent to their countries of origin after reportedly being rescued by the U.S. military, President Donald Trump announced Saturday. The U.S. destroyed a submarine allegedly carrying narcotics in the Caribbean on Thursday, killing two and also leaving two survivors, according to Trump. It is believed to be the ...[Read More]
US returning survivors of strike to home countries, Trump says
Two survivors of a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat last week will be sent to their countries of origin after reportedly being rescued by the U.S. military, President Donald Trump announced Saturday. The U.S. destroyed a submarine allegedly carrying narcotics in the Caribbean on Thursday, killing two and also leaving two survivors, according to Trump. It is believed to be the ...[Read More]
Trump Backs Retired Navy SEAL in His Quest to Oust Kentucky Rep. Massie in Republican Primary
Retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein has not entered the race, but he said he would reveal his plans soon while praising President Donald Trump for “an amazing job” on securing the border and lowering taxes.
Fleet at Risk as Navy Struggles to Refill Missile Stores
Between October 2023 and January 2025, Navy ships fired more defensive missiles at incoming Houthi drones and rockets than they used in three decades following Desert Storm. They also launched hundreds of offensive strike missiles at Houthi positions in Yemen.
What U.S. Forces Face as Venezuela Puts Russian-Armed Military on Wartime Alert
The 10,000 U.S. troops now operating in the Caribbean were sent to interdict drug boats. But Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s Sept. 30 state of external emergency fundamentally changed what they’re facing: a military on full wartime alert, equipped with Russian air defenses and anti-ship missiles, backed by what Maduro claims is a militia of over 8 million members.