Navy removes the head of its drone program just 8 months into her tenure
Eight months after her appointment as the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotic and Autonomous Systems in December 2025, Rebecca J. Gassler was removed from the position on Wednesday, per a Navy release. In addition to the removal, the service announced the establishment of the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, aimed at correcting “years of fragmented req...[Read More]
U.S. 4th Fleet Hosts Multinational Forces for PANAMAX 2026
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is hosting the Combined Force Maritime Component Command (CFMCC) portion of the annual exercise PANAMAX from Aug. 3-12. Exercise PANAMAX 2026 is a U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)-sponsored exercise that provides crucial training opportunities for partner nations to build the capability to plan and conduct complex multinational operations. PANAMAX ...[Read More]
Uncharted Waters with Rear Admiral Waters – Episode 22
In this episode, we explore The Strike Group, the Navy’s new flagship virtual reality experience. Heidi LaRochelle from VML and Allen Owens from N9 join us to provide an inside look at the development process, highlighting the key improvements and innovative features that make this recruiting asset a standout. Tune in to learn how this immersive tool is redefining the Navy’s approach t...[Read More]
Uncharted Waters with Rear Admiral Waters – Episode 19
In this episode, Chief Totimeh takes RADM Waters back to school! Joined by the NORU/N7 Team of CAPT Stockton, NCCM Whalen, and NCCM Drake, they discuss the importance and emphasis being placed on the schoolhouse, metrics for success shared across the enterprise, National Inspection Team (NIT) best practices and lessons learned, the new revamped I-Stop process, and the future of the school house as...[Read More]
Uncharted Waters with Rear Admiral Waters – Episode 21
In this episode of Uncharted Waters, we are joined by Master Chief Jermaine Brown and ABH1 Reymond Rallos as they dive into their inspiring recruiting journeys. From overcoming challenges to building successful careers in the Navy, they share the secrets behind their resilience, leadership, and commitment to service. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, motivation, and the drive to navig...[Read More]
US Navy, Saildrone to use unmanned systems in expanded counternarcotics role
Following the recent announcement that a Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vehicle directly aided the U.S. Navy during a drug interdiction in the Caribbean that led to the seizure of more than $81 million worth of cocaine, the Navy has awarded the California-based company a $16.3 million task order to extend operations of the Voyager fleet in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, according to a rece...[Read More]
Acting Secretary of the Navy launches new academic year at the U.S. Naval War College
NEWPORT, R.I. – The Honorable Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy, delivered keynote remarks as the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) began its 2026-2027 academic year with two ceremonies, Aug. 3-4.
Sixteen Indo-Pacific Maritime Forces Commence 25th SEACAT Exercise
SINGAPORE – Maritime forces from 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, including the U.S. Navy, and personnel from non-governmental and international organizations, kicked off the 25th iteration of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) in Singapore Aug. 4, 2026.
Virginia returns home from deployment
GROTON, Conn.– The first-in-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), under the command of Cmdr. Jeremy Wheelis, returned to Naval Submarine Base New London Monday, Aug. 3, completing a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
US used ‘virtually all’ long-range precision missiles during Iran war, sources say
The U.S. Army has used up much of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during America’s five-month war with Iran, according to three people familiar with the data, raising concerns about the military’s readiness for future conflicts. The missiles are principally the Army’s surface-to-surface weapons, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrS...[Read More]
House Oversight Democrats seek records behind Pentagon changes to Iran war casualty database
Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform are investigating changes made to the Defense Department’s official casualty database, demanding records they say are needed to determine why four U.S. soldiers briefly disappeared from the Pentagon’s public Iran war casualty count before being reclassified under a newly created category. In a letter shared exclusively with Milita...[Read More]
US Navy is reclassifying 19 Virginia-class submarines to reflect increased attack capabilities
The U.S. Navy announced on Monday that it is reclassifying planned nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines to differentiate them from past generations with a less lethal munitions package. The service changed the designation for 19 boats equipped with the Virginia Payload Module from “fast-attack submarines” to “guided missile submarines.” “Reclassifying Virginia Payload Module-equipped submarin...[Read More]