Source: United States Navy
NEWPORT, RI— In his first visit to the professional military education institution, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) summer graduation ceremony onboard Naval Station Newport, June 13.
Source: United States Spaceforce
In this week’s look Around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink delivers a commencement address to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s class of 2025, the T-7A Red Hawk is the future of pilot training, and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are ready for the Atlantic hurricane season.
Source: United States Airforce
The Department of the Air Force has opened a public comment period to detail recent updates to the background and methodology for Support of Military Families 2025 scorecards for spouse employment and public education surrounding DAF installations.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today released the following statement:
“President Trump came into office promising to ‘end the endless foreign wars.’ Tonight, he took steps that could drag the United States into another one, without consulting Congress, without a clear strategy, without regard to the consistent conclusions of the intelligence community, and without explaining to the American people what’s at stake.
“There is no question that Iran poses a serious threat to regional stability, and the United States must remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security and in ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. But launching direct military strikes without authorization from or consultation with Congress raises urgent questions: What is the president’s objective? How is he measuring success? And what’s the plan to prevent this from dragging our country into another open-ended conflict in the Middle East that costs American lives and resources for years to come?
“The Constitution makes clear that the power to authorize war lies with Congress. There are more than 40,000 U.S. servicemembers deployed across the region, as well as American diplomats, contractors, and aid workers, and the safety of our personnel must be paramount. With American lives and our national security on the line, any action that could draw the United States into a broader conflict demands transparency, accountability, and a clear strategy. So far, the president has offered none of these.
“The American people deserve more than vague rhetoric and unilateral decisions that could set off a wider war. The president must come before Congress immediately to articulate clear strategic objectives and lay out how he plans to protect American lives and ensure we are not once again drawn into a costly, unnecessary, and avoidable conflict.”
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday hailed US President Donald Trump following coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, calling the military action a bold and historic move that could reshape the future of the Middle East.
In a video address after the strikes, Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the heavily fortified Fordow site, as well as installations at Natanz and Esfahan. The Israeli leader reiterated the long-standing motto shared by both leaders: “Peace through strength”.
“First comes strength, then comes peace,” Netanyahu said. “Tonight, President Trump and the United States demonstrated immense strength. This is a decisive and bold action that will be remembered in history.”
The US military reportedly deployed six bunker-buster bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility and launched 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Natanz and Esfahan, as part of what has been described as a highly successful mission. The operation, reportedly codenamed “Rising Lion”, was aimed at neutralising what the US sees as imminent nuclear threats posed by Iran.
“President Trump, congratulations. Your courageous leadership and decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites with the overwhelming power of the United States is a pivotal moment,” Netanyahu said. “This action, in my view, denies the world’s most dangerous regime access to the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s role in countering regional threats but acknowledged that the US operation far exceeded anything any nation could have executed. “History will record this as the moment when a line was drawn. President Trump acted not just for American security, but for the safety of the entire world,” he added.
Meanwhile, Trump posted on his platform, Truth Social, confirming the airstrikes and stating, “A full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow… All planes are safely on their way home.” He called the mission a success and praised the American military, saying, “There is no other force on Earth that could have accomplished this.”
In his post, Trump emphasised that “now is the time for peace” and announced he would address the nation at 10 p.m. local time to discuss the operation in detail. Describing the moment as historic for the US, Israel, and the world, Trump called on Iran to “end this war” and reconsider its nuclear ambitions in the wake of the military response.
(With inputs from IANS)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)
“I applaud President Trump for taking bold and decisive action to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. The Islamic Republic has long posed a grave threat to global stability, and this strike sends an unmistakable message: the United States will not tolerate rogue regimes developing weapons of mass destruction.
For decades, Iran’s leaders have openly chanted ‘Death to America’ while funding terrorism and threatening our allies. Those words are not just rhetoric—they represent a dangerous agenda that must be taken seriously.
This operation not only protects our national security interests, but also strengthens the safety of our allies in the Middle East—especially Israel—and helps secure a more stable future for the region. I am proud to stand with President Trump and our military for taking swift and necessary steps to defend peace through strength.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to U.S. strikes against Iran.
“Today’s U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites represent strong, decisive action fully within President Trump’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief. By targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, the Administration has significantly degraded Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and disrupted a looming threat to global security.
“This action was not taken lightly, but with resolve, responsibility, and in pursuit of a more stable and peaceful future. By reducing Iran’s capacity to develop a nuclear weapon, these strikes send a clear and unmistakable message: America will act swiftly and with precision to defend our national interests and those of our allies.
“Now is the time for Iran to reassess its path and choose negotiation over provocation. While diplomacy should always remain our preferred path, I fully support President Trump’s use of legitimate, constitutional authority to protect the United States and prevent a far greater conflict down the road.”
###
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
US President Donald Trump declared that America had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran and warned Tehran of further precision strikes unless it ended its confrontation with Israel.
The targeted locations reportedly include the highly fortified Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities.
Addressing a media briefing just hours after the strikes on Saturday (US time), Trump stated, “This cannot continue. There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days. There are many targets left.”
“Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal, but if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” he added.
The President asserted that the strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s “nuclear enrichment capacity and put a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts to renegotiate a nuclear agreement with Tehran — following the US withdrawal from the 2015 accord in 2018 – Trump has now thrown full support behind Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and high-ranking military officials, a campaign launched a little over a week ago.
In his statement, Trump extended gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done.”
The air conflict between the two nations erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise strike on Iran.
Israeli authorities claimed the offensive was a preemptive measure to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons – an ambition Iran has consistently denied.
The conflict has since raised tensions across the region, already on edge following Israel’s prolonged war in Gaza since October 2023.
The latest exchange has now drawn in the United States in a direct military capacity.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the strikes a “historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the World… Iran must now agree to end this war. Thank you!”
In another post, the US President praised American forces, writing, “There is not another military in the World that could have done this. Now is the time for peace! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Iranian state media confirmed that parts of the Fordow nuclear facility were hit in what it called “enemy strikes,” though further details on the extent of the damage remain limited.
(With inputs from IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
US President Donald Trump declared that America had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran and warned Tehran of further precision strikes unless it ended its confrontation with Israel.
The targeted locations reportedly include the highly fortified Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities.
Addressing a media briefing just hours after the strikes on Saturday (US time), Trump stated, “This cannot continue. There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days. There are many targets left.”
“Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal, but if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” he added.
The President asserted that the strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s “nuclear enrichment capacity and put a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts to renegotiate a nuclear agreement with Tehran — following the US withdrawal from the 2015 accord in 2018 – Trump has now thrown full support behind Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and high-ranking military officials, a campaign launched a little over a week ago.
In his statement, Trump extended gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team, like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done.”
The air conflict between the two nations erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise strike on Iran.
Israeli authorities claimed the offensive was a preemptive measure to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons – an ambition Iran has consistently denied.
The conflict has since raised tensions across the region, already on edge following Israel’s prolonged war in Gaza since October 2023.
The latest exchange has now drawn in the United States in a direct military capacity.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the strikes a “historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the World… Iran must now agree to end this war. Thank you!”
In another post, the US President praised American forces, writing, “There is not another military in the World that could have done this. Now is the time for peace! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Iranian state media confirmed that parts of the Fordow nuclear facility were hit in what it called “enemy strikes,” though further details on the extent of the damage remain limited.
(With inputs from IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
US stealth bombers were flying across the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, fueling speculation over their intended mission as President Donald Trump considers joining Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump says he will decide within two weeks on whether the US military will get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, while the president has kept the world guessing on his plans, veering from proposing a swift diplomatic solution to suggesting the US might join the fighting on Israel’s side.
Israeli forces launched fresh strikes against Iran’s critical port city of Bandar Abbas in southwestern Iran on Saturday, targeting what the military described as unmanned aerial vehicle depots and weapons facilities. The strategic significance of Bandar Abbas cannot be overstated – the city serves as Iran’s most important commercial gateway, housing the country’s main port, naval headquarters, and vital oil infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil trade passes. Earlier Saturday, Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iran, including against the Isfahan nuclear site, as Iran sent missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict between Iran and Israel is intensifying, drawing growing concern from regional powers and international observers.
In the latest escalation, Iran launched around 40 drones toward Israeli territory. In response, Israeli forces struck what they described as “dozens of military targets” in southwestern Iran. Among the sites hit was an emergency center in Khuzestan province, which, according to Iranian media, included a university reported to have been completely destroyed in the bombardment.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military posture in the region. The Pentagon has deployed B-2 stealth bombers from their base in Missouri to the Pacific. These long-range aircraft are capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker buster, a 14-ton conventional weapon designed to penetrate deep underground facilities, such as Iran’s fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site.
The conflict has prompted warnings from Iran-backed groups across West Asia, with Houthi forces cautioning the United States against military action targeting Tehran. The rebels specifically threatened to target American ships and warships in the Red Sea if Washington joins Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
An Iranian military spokesperson escalated tensions further by declaring that arms exports to Israel would be considered legitimate targets by Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have proven unsuccessful, with Iranian officials stating they would not engage in discussions with the United States while Israel’s bombing campaign continues.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
US stealth bombers were flying across the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, fueling speculation over their intended mission as President Donald Trump considers joining Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump says he will decide within two weeks on whether the US military will get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, while the president has kept the world guessing on his plans, veering from proposing a swift diplomatic solution to suggesting the US might join the fighting on Israel’s side.
Israeli forces launched fresh strikes against Iran’s critical port city of Bandar Abbas in southwestern Iran on Saturday, targeting what the military described as unmanned aerial vehicle depots and weapons facilities. The strategic significance of Bandar Abbas cannot be overstated – the city serves as Iran’s most important commercial gateway, housing the country’s main port, naval headquarters, and vital oil infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil trade passes. Earlier Saturday, Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iran, including against the Isfahan nuclear site, as Iran sent missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict between Iran and Israel is intensifying, drawing growing concern from regional powers and international observers.
In the latest escalation, Iran launched around 40 drones toward Israeli territory. In response, Israeli forces struck what they described as “dozens of military targets” in southwestern Iran. Among the sites hit was an emergency center in Khuzestan province, which, according to Iranian media, included a university reported to have been completely destroyed in the bombardment.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military posture in the region. The Pentagon has deployed B-2 stealth bombers from their base in Missouri to the Pacific. These long-range aircraft are capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker buster, a 14-ton conventional weapon designed to penetrate deep underground facilities, such as Iran’s fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site.
The conflict has prompted warnings from Iran-backed groups across West Asia, with Houthi forces cautioning the United States against military action targeting Tehran. The rebels specifically threatened to target American ships and warships in the Red Sea if Washington joins Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
An Iranian military spokesperson escalated tensions further by declaring that arms exports to Israel would be considered legitimate targets by Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have proven unsuccessful, with Iranian officials stating they would not engage in discussions with the United States while Israel’s bombing campaign continues.
Source: United States Navy
UTSKA, Poland – Commander, Task Force (CTF) 66, U.S. 6th Fleet’s purpose-built all-domain task force with the mission of integrating Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) into fleet operations, is participating in Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS) June 5-20, 2025.
Source: United States Navy
APRA HARBOR, Guam – The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Guam following a scheduled port visit, June 14-17. This port visit marked the first time Blue Ridge has visited Guam since 2020.
Source: United States Navy
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Today, the 127th birthday of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps was celebrated with honor and pride at the Defense Health Headquarters. The ceremony brought together Navy Medicine leadership and corpsmen to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Hospital Corps and their continuing impact across the fleet and around the world.
Source: United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea conducted a digital press briefing with the U.S. Department of State’s Asia Pacific Media Hub, November 24.
Source: United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti spoke during a panel while at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California on Dec. 2, 2023. The panel was “Laboratories of Learning,” and focused on innovation and technological breakthroughs in the Department of Defense. Speakers included: Representative Ken Calvert, U.S. House of Representatives; James Taiclet, Chairmen, President, and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation; Gen. David Allvin, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff; and the moderator, Jim Sciutto from CNN.
Source: United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti spoke during a panel while at the Paris Naval Conference in Paris, France on Jan. 24, 2024. The panel was “Future Challenges and Perspectives for Navies.” Speakers included: Chief of the French Navy Adm. Nicolas Vaujour; Royal Navy First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the United Kingdom Adm. Sir Ben Key; Adm. Enrico Credendino, Chief of the Italian Navy; and Vice-Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command, Indian Navy.
Source: United States Navy
WASHINGTON – The Navy program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants (PEO USC) was relieved May 27 due to a loss of confidence based on a complaint substantiated by an Office of the Naval Inspector General investigation.
Source: United States Navy
When most people hear the term “U.S. Navy Special Operations,” they typically think of Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams (SEALs), as the elite, unconventional warfare experts who endure the hardest training the U.S. military has to offer. But while SEALs are deserving of the high esteem in which they are held, the team often overshadows the other exclusive roles that comprise the Navy Special Ops community – Aviation Rescue Swimmers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, Hospital Corpsmen-Advanced Technical Field, Divers, and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen.
Source: United States Navy
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Holds Posture Hearing with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger on the Fiscal Year 2024 Navy and Marine Corps Budget Request, March 28, 2023.
Source: United States Navy
Amphibious warships are designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) and Ship to Objective Maneuver (STOM). They must be capable of sailing in harm’s way and enable rapid combat power buildup ashore in the face of opposition. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world.
Source: United States Navy
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Holds Posture Hearing with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger on the Fiscal Year 2024 Navy and Marine Corps Budget Request, March 29, 2023.
Source: United States Navy
Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.
Source: United States Navy
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants armed with capabilities to defeat challenges in the world’s littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.
Source: United States Navy
The Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship class is a highly flexible platform used across various military operations. ESB ships are mobile sea-based assets and are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability.
Source: United States Navy
CNO discussed the Navy’s Navigation Plan and Project 33 with Adm. (Ret.) James Foggo at the 3rd annual “America’s Future Fleet Symposium,” hosted by the Naval War College Foundation and the Center for Maritime Strategy, at the Navy League Headquarters in Arlington, Va.
Source: United States Navy
CNO discussed the Navy’s Navigation Plan and Project 33 with Adm. (Ret.) James Foggo at the 3rd annual “America’s Future Fleet Symposium,” hosted by the Naval War College Foundation and the Center for Maritime Strategy, at the Navy League Headquarters.
Source: United States Airforce
The Department of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Office, reached a critical milestone in piloting advanced nuclear energy technology with the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award to Oklo, Inc.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight released the following statement:
“President Trump is an impetuous and weak Commander in Chief. He has now double crossed his supporters. He had promised them he would not lead the Unites States into yet another forever war. He has learned nothing from the catastrophes of Iraq and Afghanistan—wars he condemned. President Trump has been lured by Prime Minister Netanyahu to join in his decades-old determination to have a regime change war in Iran. President Trump should not be subservient to Netanyahu, doing what he demands rather than what America First requires.
“This decision to go to war with Iran, without debate or Congressional authorization, is reckless and wrong. It weakens our national security.”
Source: United States Marines
A small detachment of approximately 100 logistics support Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) has started to relocate from Okinawa to Guam in line with the Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) on July 28, 2024.