A few pieces of U.S. weaponry will not close the cross-Strait military power gap, and they will definitely not stop the historical trend of China’s reunification, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Thursday. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry on the United States’ new plan to sell arms to China’s Taiwan region, reportedly including the surface-to-air missile system and radar system. The U.S. arms sales to Taiwan severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and send very wrong signals to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, Zhang said. “The United States has reneged on its own promise and is intensifying efforts to arm Taiwan, emboldening the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and pushing Taiwan closer toward the abyss of military conflict,” the spokesperson stated. It has been proven time and again that “Taiwan independence” separatists and foreign interference are the sources of chaos that undermine the status quo, cause cross-Strait crises, and disrupt regional stability, Zhang said. The spokesperson reiterated that the Chinese military will improve its combat readiness continuously, comprehensively enhance its capability to fight and win, and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity firmly.
The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of India- US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in December 2023. This will be second exercise of the year between Indian and the US Army, the previous being Exercise YUDH ABHYAS 2024, conducted at Rajasthan in September 2024.
Contingents of both the countries taking part in the joint exercise will comprise 45 personnel each. The Indian Army contingent will be represented by Special Forces units and the US Army contingent will be represented by Green Berets of US.
Aim of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint Special Forces Operations in desert/ semi desert environment. The exercise will focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.
Drills/ aspects to be rehearsed during the exercise will include planning a Joint Team Mission, Reconnaissance Mission, employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems, execution of Special Operations, actions of Joint Terminal Attack Controller and Psychological Warfare in Special Operations.
Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR will enable the two sides to share their best practices and experiences for conduct of joint Special Forces Operations. The exercise will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the countries.
The Department of Defence (DOD) achieved a 100% disposal rate of all identified targets which focused on productivity, environmental responsibility, and efficient space utilisation under the Special Campaign 4.0. The Campaign, unfolded over two phases—the preparation phase (September 15–30) and the implementation phase (October 02–31) targeted both cleanliness and efficiency in order to enhance workplace productivity.
DOD took the following steps during the campaign:
Addressed Grievances and Streamlined Processes:45 references from MPs/VIPs and 169 public grievances via CPGRAMS were resolved. Additionally, 10 processes were simplified.
File Review and Disposal:Out of 45,870 reviewed files, 12,186 were successfully weeded out.
Revenue Generation and Space Optimisation:The Department generated Rs 25.68 lakh through the disposal of obsolete equipment. This exercise also freed up 2.66 lakh square feet of space.
The Campaign included extensive people-centric engagement across 3,832 locations, involving various organisations under the DOD, such as: Controller General of Defence Accounts, Border Roads Organisation, Military Hospitals, Directorate General of National Cadet Corps, Indian Coast Guard, Sainik Schools, Canteen Stores Department, the Cantonments along with the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.
DOD implemented several innovative practices in line with environmental responsibility with efforts to eradicate mosquito-breeding areas and set-up awareness workshops for waste segregation. Additionally, Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) were transformed into plantation sites, and composting facilities for dry leaves were set up in parks.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling spearheaded multiple projects, including:
Sewage Treatment Plant– ‘Swachhata Se Samriddhi’: The plant, with a capacity to treat 1,000 litres of wastewater daily, recycles this water for flush systems within the institute, representing a yearly impact of 365,000 litres.
Rainwater Harvesting Facility: With a capacity of 1.8 lakh litres, the rainwater facility reduces dependency on external water sources, supporting water conservation in stressed areas.
Creative Waste Repurposing: HMI transformed damaged mountaineering gear into decorative pieces, blending sustainability with artistic expression.
In Sainik School Amaravatinagar, recycling bins made from repurposed barrels were re-painted with colourful designs and placed in prominent locations around the campus. This initiative led to significant reduction in litter around the school grounds.
In future, DOD plans to showcase these sustainable practices during the Good Governance Week 2024 to promote a message of environmental stewardship and innovation.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as Defence Secretary at South Block in New Delhi on November 01, 2024. He is a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, who had assumed the charge of the Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) on August 20, 2024.
Before taking charge, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. “The nation will remain forever indebted to our brave soldiers who make the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. Their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice is a source of strength & inspiration for us to make India a safe and prosperous nation,” he said.
Earlier, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh was holding the charge of Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 24, 2023 to August 20, 2024. Prior to that, he held the post of Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
The officer has held many other important positions in the Union Government as Director, Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development, Commissioner (Lands) – DDA, Joint Secretary – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Joint Secretary – Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare and Chief Vigilance Officer – Food Corporation of India. He has also held important positions in the State Government as Secretary, Urban Development and lately as Finance Secretary, Government of Kerala.
Shri RK Singh succeeds Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, who superannuated from service on October 31, 2024.
The Indian Army contingent comprising 25 personnel departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to take part in the 9thedition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24. The Exercise will be conducted from 1stto 12thof November 2024.
The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Indonesian contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented by Indonesian Special Forces Kopassus.
The aim of Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is to acquaint both the sides with each other’s operating procedures, enhance mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies. The Exercise is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen bond between two armies through conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills.
The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations, orientation to advance special forces skills, sharing of information on weapon, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures. Joint Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 will also involve jointly practicing Special Forces Operations in Jungle terrain, strikes on terrorist camps and a Validation Exercise integrating basic and advance special forces skills apart from gaining an insight into the lifestyle and culture of both countries to foster military cooperation.
The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
Camp Foster, Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravo Okinawa, Japan, 29 October 2024. In November 2021, BUMED adopted the “Charlie Mike” signal flags to convey our posture of “Rendering Assistance” to our warfighters. These flags convey that we are keeping our warfighters in the fight and ensuring they are operationally ready for that next mission. In Semaphore, Rendering Assistance is communicated by an Answer Pennant and two Flags — “Charlie” and “Mike.” These signal flags will help guide us forward as we continue to deliver operational medical capabilities to our Sailors and Marines. – Navy Medicine
Navy Medicine was one of the critical lines of effort for the Keen Sword 25 Exercise. Keen Sword is the latest in a series of joint-bilateral field training exercises designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of JSDF and U.S. forces. The U.S.-Japan alliance is built on shared interests and values and a commitment to freedom and human rights. Both countries are focused on ensuring regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including building new partnerships, and strengthening multilateral cooperation. Service members from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard will conduct training with their JSDF counterparts alongside Australian and Canadian partners throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa prefecture, and its surrounding waters. U.S. Pacific Fleet
An EMF is designed to be a mobile medical facility that can conduct medical operations like an actual hospital. They have operating rooms, lab capabilities, radiology, and ICUs. The EMF Bravo Triad is made up of the Commanding Officer, Capt. Ian Fowler, Executive Officer Capt. Shannan Rotruck, and Command Master Chief Shannon Bia. EMF Bravo’s deployment for Keen Sword 2025 reinforces the commitment to operational readiness and the enduring U.S.-Japan alliance, which is crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. EMF Bravo provides medical support to the warfighter. EMF Bravo ensures that U.S. forces are medically ready and can provide care in any environment, from combat casualty care to humanitarian assistance. EMF Bravos’ role enhances interoperability with Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and other allied forces, ensuring seamless medical support in joint operations.
EMF Bravo is a Combat-Ready Medical Force. The unit is a critical asset, ready to support military operations by providing medical support anytime, anywhere, ensuring the health and readiness of our forces. EMF Bravo provides support for Joint and Multinational Exercises. The team’s participation in Keen Sword 2025 demonstrates the ability to operate alongside Japanese and other allied medical teams, showcasing the ability to provide seamless care in joint operations. EMF Bravo is prepared for a wide range of contingencies, including combat medical support, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
The exercise generated a lot of media interest. Local Japanese news outlets were eager to be involved in a media event that gave both Japanese and U.S. reporters and broadcasters unfettered access to the EMF leadership and subject matter experts responsible for coordinating the efforts. The press asked many questions, and everyone who witnessed the seamless integration of the JSDF and U.S. health services knew that in the event of an emergency, natural disaster, or other contingencies, the Japanese and U.S. military and civilian population would receive the most advanced and capable military healthcare delivery in the world!
The continuum of care brought the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa into the exercise, which simulated a mass casualty scenario incorporating planning to move injured personnel from Role 2 to Role 3. A prolonged mass casualty scenario then opens up third—and fourth-order effects that lead to a bed expansion plan that transforms the Multi-Service Ward. The constant demand for blood products triggers a blood request, activating a walking blood bank.
These combined exercises allow multiple organizations to come together, and each apply practice to purpose pointing out areas that work well and teams excel, as well as finding areas of concern that can then be targeted for training and reassessment long before the real-world need occurs. The Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) did just that throughout the Keen Sword event. When you walked through the controlled chaos of EMF Bravo you quickly noticed that there were more than one group working together in complete unison. The JSDF and U.S. personnel were working together elbow to elbow to save lives. It did not matter what force or nationality they came from once Navy Medicine received them at EMF Bravo the patient would then begin to transition through the patient triage and diagnostic process. EMF Bravos’ deployment for Keen Sword 2025 reinforces the commitment to operational readiness and the enduring U.S.-Japan alliance, which is crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Okinawa (USNMRTCO) supports the Defense Health Agency’s U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa (USNHO) as the largest OCONUS Navy Medicine medical treatment facility and stands at the ready to respond to contingency operations to support the INDOPACOM region. It is a critical regional asset for direct care delivery, regional referrals, and medical contingency operations. The staff of USNHO understands their vital role as pre-positioned, forward-deployed naval forces within the first island chain, aligned and in support of the joint military commands and operations.
Trey Savitz, Public Affairs Officer U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan Comm: 011-81-971-7024 DSN: (315) 646-7024 isaac.s.savitz.civ@health.mil
NEWBURGH, Ind., Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Energy Systems Group (ESG), a leading provider of sustainable infrastructure and energy services, is proud to announce it has received the Platinum Medallion Award in the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Program, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su. This prestigious recognition honors ESG’s ongoing commitment to recruiting, hiring, and developing veterans and transitioning service members. ESG has now achieved Medallion recognition for the second consecutive year.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans. ESG was among an elite group of companies across the country awarded Platinum status, representing a strong commitment to building a workforce enriched by the skills and experiences of former military personnel.
“We are honored to receive the prestigious 2024 HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award,” said Steve Craig, President of Energy Systems Group. “We are committed to engaging and employing veterans and service members across ESG. Their skills, leadership, and resilience are invaluable to our team, and together, we’re building a dedicated workforce that reflects the values of service to our country.”
Supporting Veterans Beyond Recruitment
Since its founding in 1994, ESG has welcomed many veterans and active-duty reservists to its team, including new hires from the Navy, Air Force, and Army. ESG’s support for veterans goes beyond hiring: initiatives include the formation of an employee-led Veteran & Military Resource Group (VMRG), which provides veterans and military members with leadership training and development resources. Through VMRG, ESG offers a forum for veterans to connect, grow, and contribute their unique strengths to ESG’s mission.
Joe Simonelli, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.), ESG’s Department of Defense Engagement Executive and a 2024 finalist for the National Veterans Council’s Distinguished Service Awards, emphasized the impact of ESG’s support for veterans: “Joining ESG has been a seamless transition from military service to a career where my values align with the company’s mission. ESG’s commitment to veterans isn’t just about recruitment; it’s about creating pathways for professional growth and leadership that allow us to continue serving in meaningful ways.”
ESG’s commitment to veterans is integral to its identity as an employer of choice for veterans entering civilian careers. The range of perspectives, technical expertise, and resilience veterans bring strengthens ESG’s team and deepens its commitment to providing top-tier energy solutions across the nation.
About Energy Systems Group
Energy Systems Group (ESG) is a leading sustainable energy solutions provider specializing in energy efficiency, sustainability, resiliency, and infrastructure improvement solutions in the government, education, healthcare, commercial, and industrial sectors. Energy Systems Group also offers a full range of sustainable infrastructure solutions, including waste-to-energy, distributed generation, and renewable energy.
For information about ESG careers and how veterans can bring their unique backgrounds to a mission-driven organization, visit EnergySystemsGroup.com/careers.
About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program:
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on January 31, 2025. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Raed Al Saleh, Founder and Head of Syria Civil Defence, popularly known as the White Helmets. Administrator Power and Saleh discussed the White Helmets’ ten years of humanitarian and civic action in Syria, including responding to the February 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake, rescuing nearly 3,000 people from under the rubble in Idlib and northern Aleppo. Administrator Power reiterated USAID’s support for the White Helmets’ mission and commitment to investing in locally-led development as a way to help strengthen the response to humanitarian crises around the world.
Investigation findings: A U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation determined that Crystal Enterprises Inc. failed to pay the required prevailing wage and health and welfare benefits to employees working at a U.S. Air Force training center dining facility on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, a violation of the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act. By doing so, the employer also paid workers lower rates of pay for holidays and sick leave and vacation time used.
Recoveries: $109,127 in back wages for 55 employees.
Quote: “Government contracts come with stipulations to ensure workers are paid correctly, and employers must adhere to those requirements when bidding on and obtaining those contracts. This includes ensuring the proper job classifications and rates of pay are followed,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Vilma Bell in Orlando, Florida. “These workers provided the critical labor needed to feed service men and women on this military base. They deserve to take home every dollar they earn.”
“Employers with questions about the standards required of them when they enter into federally funded contracts can contact us for help or find government contract compliance assistance information on our website,” Bell added.
Background: The U.S. Air Force subcontracted Crystal Enterprises Inc. to perform full food services at the training center dining facility on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. Workers and employers can call the division confidentially with questions or concerns – regardless of where they are from – and the division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. Help ensure hours worked and pay are accurate by downloading the department’s Android and iOS Timesheet App for free in English or Spanish.
The Service Contract Act requires contractors and subcontractors performing services on prime contracts in excess of $2,500 to pay their workers employed under the contract no less than the local prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today recognized more than 800 employers for their commitment to employing and supporting the nation’s service members by presenting them with the 2024 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Medallion Award.
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez announced these 838 U.S. employers during an online ceremony. The event also featured award recipients who shared their views on the importance of hiring, retaining and professionally developing the nation’s veterans and the valuable contributions they make.
“The U.S. Department of Labor congratulates the newest recipients of the HIRE Vets Medallion Award and thanks them for their commitment to our nation’s veterans,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “In 2024, we recognize 838 companies that understand that military veterans possess unique skills that strengthen their organizations and our nation’s economy.”
Presented annually, the HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal-level program recognizing veteran employment and employers. Employers have hired nearly 370,000 veterans since the program’s inception, including more than 71,000 veterans hired by 2024’s medallion honorees in the past two years.
“The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the federal government’s only veteran-hiring award. Recipients must meet high standards and demonstrate significant accomplishments in support of our nation’s veterans,” said Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez. “We appreciate their hard work and commitment to providing our nation’s veterans with meaningful employment.”
View the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards ceremony.
Employers, learn more about the award and how to apply.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Vickie Sakamoto, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant State Fire Marshal at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE.) Sakamoto has been Assistant Deputy Director at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection since 2024 and has served in several positions there since 1989, including Division Chief, Deputy State Fire Marshal – Supervisor, Deputy State Fire Marshal III – Specialist and Deputy State Fire Marshal. Sakamoto was a Fire Prevention Technician at the Florin Fire Protection District from 1986 to 1989. She is a member of Northern California Fire Prevention Officers. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $200,004. Sakamoto is a Democrat.
Donald Butz, of Carlsbad, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Butz has been Fire Chief at the Lakeside Fire Protection District since 2016. He was an Instructor at the San Diego County Office of Education from 2013 to 2021. Butz was a Fire Chief at the Viejas Fire Department from 2005 to 2016. He was a Deputy Fire Chief at the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District from 1999 to 2005. Butz is Vice President of the Fire Districts Association of California, an ex officio board member at the American Red Cross, a committee member of the SDG&E Wildfire Safety Community Advisory Council, and a member of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Phoenix. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Butz is registered without party preference.
Zoraida Diaz, of Hercules, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Diaz has been Fire Chief for the City of Fremont since 2023. She was a Deputy Fire Chief at the City of Fremont Fire Department from 2021 to 2023. Diaz was an Assistant Chief of Operations for the Oakland Fire Department from 2020 to 2021. She was Battalion Chief at the City of Oakland Fire Department from 2015 to 2020. Diaz is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the California Fire Chiefs Association. She earned a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Diaz is a Democrat.
Janet Ruiz, of Oceanside, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Ruiz has been Director of Strategic Communication at the Insurance Information Institute since 2015. She was Director of Communications at the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company from 2006 to 2014. Ruiz was a Public Affairs Specialist for State Farm Insurance from 1989 to 2006. She is a member of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society. Ruiz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Communications from Thomas Edison State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Ruiz is registered without party preference.
Yvette Roland, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the State Bar Court of California, where she has served since 2014. Roland was a Partner at Duane Morris LLP from 2006 to 2014 and at Hancock, Rothert & Bunshoft LLP from 1990 to 2005. Roland was an Associate at Baker & Hostetler/McCutchen, Black, Verleger & Shea from 1986 to 1990. She was a Law Clerk for the Honorable Terry J. Hatter, Jr. at the U.S. District Court, Central District of California from 1985 to 1986. Roland was a Law Clerk for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in 1981. She is a member of the National Council of Lawyer Disciplinary Boards, the California Association of Black Lawyers, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the John M. Langston Bar Association. Roland earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, a Master of Education degree from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English from the University of California, Riverside. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $222,772. Roland is a Democrat.
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Firefighters are continuing to check homes and properties in the area where a tornado affected an area of Mangawhai earlier this morning.
Fire and Emergency NZ started to receive 111 calls from about 3am, Northland District Manager Wipari Henwood said.
Reports included people needing to be rescued from damaged property, rooves lifted from buildings, trees fallen onto homes, windows blown in and fallen power lines, as well as trees blocking roads.
Most of the calls have been from people in the Molesworth Drive and Old Waipu Road area, with a couple from Langs Beach and Ruakaka reporting wind damage.
“Our initial response prioritised the calls that related to life safety. Firefighters extricated two patients and handed them into the care of St John,” Wipari Henwood said.
“We are now working through all the calls for help with property damage and making systematic checks of homes in the wider area.”
Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team has been deployed from Auckland and will help with damage assessments.
Crews from seven brigades have responded to about 16 calls so far.
Cordons are in place on Moir St and Molesworth Drive and power is still out in the area. People should treat all power lines as live and stay well away from the area so emergency services can move freely.
Fire and Emergency continues to work with Police, St John and Civil Defence Northland in the coordinated response to the tornado.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
January 24, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Tonight, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces—released the following statement after voting against Pete Hegseth’s nomination to serve as Secretary of Defense. After the U.S. Senate voted 50-50, Hegseth was confirmed by a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance in favor of his nomination.
“Throughout his nomination process, Pete Hegseth proved again and again that he does not have the qualifications, the breadth of knowledge or the moral fiber to lead the greatest military on the face of the earth. Managing our nation’s largest and most complex organization, the 3 million personnel who fall under its umbrella and our nearly $900 billion defense budget takes a serious candidate. Yet, it is deeply shameful that tonight—despite shouting from the rooftops that they wanted to bring meritocracy back to our military—nearly every Republican chose to confirm someone who so obviously lacks the merits to serve as our Secretary of Defense. And our brave servicemembers, our military readiness and our national security will pay the price.
“Not only does Pete Hegseth lack the experience to do the job, the mountain of abuse and sexual misconduct allegations that have come to light further underscores how unfit he is to uphold good order and discipline in our Armed Forces. Rank and file members of our great military would be held accountable for the actions Mr. Hegseth has allegedly committed and would not be able to serve, much less be promoted. It is insulting to ask our servicemembers to uphold the absolute highest standards, only to turn around and lower the standards for Pete Hegseth to lead them.
“I’m deeply concerned by the message that confirming someone as unqualified as Pete Hegseth is sending to our servicemembers—including the brave women in combat who, unlike Mr. Hegseth, have earned their roles—as well as our adversaries around the world. Our nation deserves better. In the months and years ahead, I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure our Armed Forces are as strong as possible.”
Last week, Duckworth delivered an impassioned speech on the Senate floor slamming U.S. Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth for his lack of experience and qualifications to lead the Department of Defense. Speaking next to a framed copy of the Soldier’s Creed—a copy that hangs over her desk in the Senate and hung above her bed during her recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center after the helicopter she co-piloted was shot down—Duckworth underscored that it would be insulting to ask our servicemembers to train and perform to the absolute highest standards if the Senate confirms a Secretary of Defense who is wholly unprepared and unqualified to lead them in any way.
During his confirmation hearing, Duckworth demonstrated some of the areas where Mr. Hegseth lacks the experience or knowledge that a serious Defense Secretary nominee should have, grilling him on basic questions that he failed to answer. She asked him if he ever led an audit. He would not confirm. She asked him to describe at least one of the main international security agreements a Secretary of Defense is responsible for leading. He could not name any. She asked him to name at least one nation that is a part of ASEAN, an organization with several member states who have mutual defense treaties, alliances or enhanced defense cooperation agreements with the U.S. None of the three countries he named were correct.
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, is visiting Saudi Arabia on 25 and 26 January. After arriving in Jeddah earlier today, President Meloni greeted the crew aboard the Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian Navy’s historical training ship which set sail from Genoa on 1 July 2023 for a tour around the world, stopping at 35 ports in 5 continents.
It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.
The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.
o We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.
o We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.
o We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.
All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.
I have committed my life to warfighters and their families. Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time. Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.
Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!
Source: The White House
ENFORCING THE HYDE AMENDMENT: On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion.
The Order recognizes that, for nearly five decades, Congress has enacted the Hyde Amendment and a series of additional laws to protect taxpayers from being forced to pay for abortion. Contrary to this longstanding commonsense policy, the previous administration embedded federal funding of elective abortion in a wide variety of government programs.
To restore this longstanding policy, the Order rescinds two executive orders from President Biden that violate the Hyde Amendment:
Executive Order 14076 imposed a whole-of-government effort to promote and fund abortion and to politicize enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
Federal statutes protecting access to emergency medical care for pregnant women under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) remain in full effect.
Executive Order 14079 recategorized abortion as “healthcare” in order to provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions. This included using Medicaid funding to pay for travel costs for elective abortions.
ENDING FEDERAL FUNDING OF ABORTION OVERSEAS: President Donald J. Trump also signed a Presidential Memorandum reinstating the Mexico City Policy to stop the use of federal taxpayer dollars for abortion overseas.
The President’s policy from 2017 is reinstated to ensure that no U.S. taxpayer money supports foreign organizations that perform or actively promote abortion in other nations.
The first Trump Administration also extended this policy to global health assistance. A 2020 report by the United States Agency for International Development found that this life-affirming policy in no way diminished women’s health around the world.
PROTECTING TAXPAYERS FROM FUNDING ABORTION: For the first time in nearly fifty years, President Trump returned the issue of life to a vote of the people, from within the States.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 (2022), overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the power to regulate issues of life and safety to the people. Three of the justices deciding the case were appointed by President Trump.
Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force violations of faith and conscience or impede the ability of states to determine life policies through a vote of the people.
For example, under President Biden, the Department of Defense reimbursed abortion-related travel expenses, the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed hospitals to provide abortions, and the Department of Health and Human Services paid for abortions for illegal immigrants.
PRESIDENT TRUMP PROMISED AND DELIVERED: President Trump promised to protect and defend a vote of the people, from within the states, on the issue of life. Today’s executive actions build on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration to support the sanctity of every human life and prevent taxpayer funding of abortion. Select highlights of the first Trump Administration’s work include:
Reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to fund abortion globally.
Issued a rule preventing Title X taxpayer funding from subsiding the abortion industry.
Cut all funding to the United Nations Population Fund, which supports coercive abortion and forced sterilization.
Signed legislation overturning the previous administration’s regulation that prohibited states from defunding abortion facilities as part of their family planning programs.
Fully enforced the separate payment requirement for abortion coverage in Obamacare exchange plans.
Stopped the Federal funding of fetal tissue research.
Worked to protect healthcare entities and individuals’ conscience rights, ensuring that no medical professional is forced to participate in an abortion in violation of their beliefs.
Issued an executive order reinforcing the requirement that all hospitals in the United States provide medical treatment or an emergency transfer for infants who are in need of emergency medical care—regardless of prematurity or disability.
Led a coalition of countries to sign the Geneva Consensus Declaration, declaring that there is no international right to abortion and committing to protecting women’s health.
First president in history to attend the March for Life.
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of the Department of Defense.
“Instead of addressing legitimate concerns about his qualifications, Pete Hegseth has repeatedly deflected tough questions and failed to demonstrate he has the experience or temperament required for this critical position. We need steady and accountable leadership to lead the world’s best fighting forces. Pete Hegseth should not be that leader.”
NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG), relating to the proposed merger with Omnicom Group Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Interpublic shareholders will own 39.4% of the combined company.
Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTS), relating to the proposed merger with Lucero Energy Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, Vitesse stockholders are expected to own approximately 80% of the Company and Lucero shareholders are expected to own 20%.
Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVTE), relating to a proposed merger with Jade Biosciences. Under the terms of the agreement, pre-merger Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company, while pre-merger Jade stockholders are expected to own approximately 98.4% of the combined entity.
Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (NASDAQ:MHLD), relating to the proposed merger with Kestrel Group LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, each issued and outstanding common share of Maiden will be converted into the right to receive one common share in the combined company.
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Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.
The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.
o We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.
o We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.
o We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.
All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.
I have committed my life to warfighters and their families. Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time. Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.
Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!
A co-founder of a national Palestinian solidarity network in Aotearoa New Zealand today praised the “heroic” resilience and sacrifice of the people of Gaza in the face of Israel’s ruthless attempt to destroy the besieged enclave of more than 2 million people.
Speaking at the first solidarity rally in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau since the fragile ceasefire came into force last Sunday, Janfrie Wakim of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) also paid tribute to New Zealand protesters who have supported the Palestine cause for the 68th week.
“Thank you all for coming to this rally — the first since 7 October 2023 when no bombs are dropping on Gaza,” she declared.
“The ceasefire in Gaza is fragile but let’s celebrate the success of the resistance, the resilience, and the fortitude — the sumud [steadfastness] — of the heroic Palestinian people.
“Israel has failed. It has not achieved its aims — in the longest war [15 weeks] in its history — even with $40 billion in aid from the United States. It has failed to depopulate the north of Gaza, it has a crumbling economy, and 1 million Israelis [out if 9 million] have left already.”
Wakim said that the resistance and success in defeating Israel’s “deadly objectives” had come at a “terrible cost”.
“We mourn those with families here and in Gaza and now in the West Bank who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives — 47,000 people killed, 18,000 of them children, thousands unaccounted for in the rubble and over 100,000 injured.
Grieving for journalists, humanitarian workers “We grieve for but salute the journalists and the humanitarian workers who have been murdered serving humanity.”
Janfrie Wakim speaking at today’s Palestine rally in Tamaki Makaurau. Video: APR
She said the genocide had been enabled by the wealthiest countries in the world and the Western media — “including our own with few exceptions”.
“Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel would not have been able to commit its atrocities,” Wakim said.
“And now while we celebrate the ceasefire there’s been an escalation on the West Bank — air strikes, drones, snipers, ethnic cleansing in Jenin with homes and infrastructure being demolished.
“Checkpoints have doubled to over 900 — sealing off communities. And still the Palestinians resist.
“And we must too. Solidarity. Unity of purpose is all important. Bury egos. Let humanity triumph.”
Palestinian liberation advocate Janfrie Wakim . . . “Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel could not have been able to commit its atrocities.” Image: David Robie/APR
90-year-old supporter During her short speech, Wakim introduced to the crowd the first Palestinian she had met in New Zealand, Ghazi Dassouki, who is now aged 90.
She met him at a Continuing Education seminar at the University of Auckland in 1986 that addressed the topic of “The Palestine Question”. It shocked the establishment of the time with Zionist complaints and intimidation of staff which prevented any similar academic event until 2006.
Wakim called for justice for the Palestinians.
“Freedom from occupation. Liberation from apartheid. And peace at last after 76 years of subjugation and oppression by Israel and its allies,” she said
She called on supporters to listen to what was being suggested for local action — “do what suits your situation and energy. Our task is to persist, as Howard Zinn put it”.
“When we organise with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress,” she said.
“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
Introduced to the Auckland protest crowd today . . . Ghazi Dassouki, who is now aged 90.
As a symbol for peace and justice in Palestine, slices of water melon and dates were handed out to the crowd.
Calls to block NZ visits by IDF soldiers Among many nationwide rallies across Aotearoa New Zealand this weekend, were many calls for the government to suspend entry to the country from soldiers in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
“New Zealand should not be providing rest and recreation for Israeli soldiers fresh from the genocide in Gaza,” said PSNA national chair John Minto.
“We wouldn’t allow Russian soldiers to come here for rest and recreation from the invasion of Ukraine so why would we accept soldiers from the genocidal, apartheid state of Israel?”
As well as the working holiday visa, since 2019 Israelis have been able to enter New Zealand for three months without needing a visa at all.
This visa-waiver is used by Israeli soldiers for “rest and recreation” from the genocide in Gaza.
Minto stressed that IDF soldiers had killed at least 47,000 Palestinians — 70 percent of them women and children.
“All these red flags for genocide have been visible for months but the government is still giving the green light to those involved in war crimes to enter New Zealand,” Minto said.
Last month, PSNA again wrote to the government asking for the suspension of travel to New Zealand for all Israeli soldiers and reservists.
Meanwhile, 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails have been set free under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Seventy of them will be deported to countries in the region, reports Al Jazeera.
Masses of people have congregated in Ramallah, celebrating the return of the released Palestinian prisoners.
A huge crowd waved Palestinian flags, shouted slogans and captured the joyful scene with their phones and live footage shows.
The release came after Palestinian fighters earlier handed over four female Israeli soldiers who had been held in Gaza to the International Red Cross in Palestine Square.
The smiling and waving soldiers appeared to be in good health and were in high spirits.
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
January 24, 2025
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense:
“Pete Hegseth is woefully unqualified to serve as the Secretary of Defense. His history of misconduct is disqualifying on its own, and his personal beliefs on the role of women in combat and the laws of war are an insult to our men and women in uniform. Pete Hegseth’s main qualification for this job is his commitment to pursuing a brazenly political agenda at the behest of President Trump and his confirmation will come at a serious cost to U.S. national security.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHENYANG, Jan. 25 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Northern Theater Command ahead of the Spring Festival.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended festive greetings to service personnel of the PLA and the People’s Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of militia and reserve forces, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, falls on Jan. 29 this year.
As we wrap up the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the critical messaging our Cyber Warriors have shared this month and reiterate the key ways we can all contribute to safeguarding our Navy’s information and communications technology. Every member of the Navy team – active and reserve Sailors and Navy civilians – is integral to the Navy’s cybersecurity efforts and ensuring America’s Warfighting Navy remains the world’s pre-eminent warfighting force.
The growing threats from adversaries in the cyber domain are real and rapidly evolving. These threats have direct and significant implications for our operational readiness, with the potential to affect our ability to fight and win in a cyber-contested environment. To ensure we remain ready to defend our Nation, our information systems must deliver secure, interoperable, and effective mission performance during peacetime and sustained combat operations.
Every day, our adversaries seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the systems you rely on to execute our national security objectives. It’s our responsibility to identify and reduce those vulnerabilities. Whether you’re operating ships, submarines, or shore-based infrastructure, understanding the cyber risks within our systems and actively working to mitigate them is essential. We must always remain vigilant, reporting any cyber threats we encounter and acting quickly to neutralize them.
Our greatest strength in this fight is our people – you are our true secret weapon. Our Sailors and Navy civilians are our most valuable assets in defending against cyber threats, and it’s up to each of us to contribute. By practicing good cyber hygiene, continually educating ourselves on emerging threats, and empowering our shipmates with the knowledge and tools they need, we fortify our collective defense.
Every day each of us stands as the first line of defense in protecting our Nation’s critical information systems and networks. Whether at home, at work, or while deployed, the choices we make online can have far-reaching impacts on our Navy’s readiness and operational security.
I urge all of you to stay vigilant and stay informed on the evolving cyber landscape. Together, through awareness, education, and teamwork, we can uphold our Navy’s—and our Nation’s—high standard of cybersecurity.
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited Newport, R.I., to meet with students and Navy leadership, Oct. 30.
While addressing students and staff at Surface Warfare Schools Command, Kilby stressed the achievements and lessons learned the schoolhouse has played since the Navy’s role in the Red Sea.
“In the last year, this community has witnessed firsthand the importance of what you learn at SWSC,” said Kilby. “It’s proved that you are ready to response in crisis and able to adapt to the longest sustained attacks at sea we’ve seen since World War II.”
“This may not be the high-end fight, but the speed and scale of response will carry lessons learned for the Navy throughout our Fleet,” he continued. “I could not be more proud and more impressed with the work being done here.”
SWSC’s mission is to ready sea-bound warriors to serve on surface combatants as officers, enlisted engineers and enlisted navigation professionals in order to fulfill the Navy’s mission to maintain global maritime superiority.
The school maintains state-of-the-art technology in classrooms and trainers to ensure the surface warfare community remains ready for any fight to defend our nation and freedom of the seas.
“You are all a critical piece of executing CNO’s NAVPLAN,” said Kilby. “Whether it’s from ensuring our Sailor’s Quality of Service to maintaining our platforms, you are the leaders out there getting it done. I thank you for your sacrifice and ownership entering this new level of responsibility and accountability… congratulations.”
The SEA is the Navy’s only professional military education institution dedicated to senior enlisted personnel, focusing on management, leadership, national security and physical fitness.
NLEC provides training for the foundational principles of ethical leadership across the naval profession, guiding the development of leaders who possess a deep, unwavering sense of responsibility, authority, and accountability.
Kilby also met with Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, president of the U.S. Naval War College (NWC), at the institution’s Newport campus where the NAVPLAN was announced earlier this year.
Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today’s decision makers, educating tomorrow’s leaders, and engaging partners and allies on all matters of naval power in order to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war.
Naval Station Newport is home to 50 different commands and is the Navy’s premier site for training and educating officers, officer candidates, senior enlisted personnel and midshipman candidates into future leaders, as well as testing and evaluating advanced undersea warfare and development systems.
WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced on October 31 that the Department of the Navy plans to operate 12 Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) Flight I Destroyers beyond their 35-year expected service life.
The decision, based upon a hull-by-hull evaluation of ship material condition, combat capability, technical feasibility and lifecycle maintenance requirements, will result in an additional 48 ship-years of cumulative ship service life in the 2028 to 2035 timeframe. The Navy has proposed DDG service life extension funding in the FY26 budget request, and will update the shipbuilding plan accordingly.
“Extending these highly-capable, well-maintained destroyers will further bolster our numbers as new construction warships join the Fleet,” said Secretary Del Toro. “It also speaks to their enduring role in projecting power globally, and most recently in the Red Sea, their proven ability to defend themselves, as well as our allies, partners and friends from missile and drone attacks.”
At the Secretary’s request, the Navy conducted a thorough evaluation of each DDG-51 Flight I ship (DDG 51-71) over the past ten months, and determined the 12 destroyers could and should remain operational beyond their expected service life. The final determination of each ship’s service life is based on maximizing the service life of each ship before it required another extensive and costly docking availability.
The service life extensions meet the intent of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and the CNO’s NAVPLAN which directs the Navy to “get more ready players on the field.”
“Today’s budget constrained environment requires the Navy to make prioritized investments to keep more ready players on the field,” said Adm. Franchetti. “The Navy is actively pulling the right levers to maintain and grow its Battle Force Inventory to support the United States’s global interests in peace and to win decisively in conflict.”
The Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer is critical to the Navy’s mission and has proven itself most capable in contested environments, like the Red Sea.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Oct. 31 — An article on promoting high-quality and sufficient employment by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will be published on Friday.
The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s 21st issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.
For Fiscal Year 2025, the Navy has set a target to recruit 40,600 new Sailors. This reflects the growing needs of the Navy as it continues to modernize and strengthen its capabilities.
While the Navy is confident in achieving this target, it acknowledges several challenges ahead. The labor market remains competitive, with military service being just one of many career options for young Americans. The Navy recognizes the need to refine its messaging to ensure recruits understand the Navy as a premier choice for professional development, education, and service to the country.
Moreover, evolving societal expectations around work-life balance and career flexibility will require the Navy to adapt its offerings to remain competitive. The Navy is also preparing to address demographic shifts and the unique expectations of Generation Z, who consume information and make career decisions differently from previous generations. The Navy will continue leveraging digital platforms, personalized outreach, and social media to connect with this new generation of recruits.
In FY25, the Navy will continue recruiting individuals of the highest caliber who meet the Navy’s culture, mission, and specific roles, offering them the breadth and depth of opportunities that stretch from the depths of the sea to the heights of the stars. The Navy seeks recruits who align with the Navy’s core values and who can meet the physical, mental, and career expectations that come with military service. This approach aims to improve long-term retention, job satisfaction, and overall unit cohesion, ensuring that the Navy is not only well-staffed but also well-prepared to thrive in the future.
Looking forward to FY25, Rear Adm. James Waters, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, expressed optimism: “We are building on the foundation of success from FY24 while tackling new challenges head-on. With the strategies we’ve implemented, the talent we have in place, and the support from leadership, I’m confident that we’ll meet our goals and continue to bring in the best and brightest to serve our nation.”
To learn about careers, joining the Navy, and the latest incentives, visit https://www.navy.com.
Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions, Navy Recruiting Reserve Command, and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the world. Their mission is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.
For more news from Navy Recruiting Command, go to https://www.cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on X (@USNRecruiter), Instagram (@USNRecruiter), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/comnavcruitcom), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CommanderNavyRecruitingCommand).
NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HUMAN Security, Inc., the global cybersecurity leader in disrupting bot attacks and preventing digital fraud and abuse, announced today that its Satori Threat Intelligence and Research team has uncovered a complex fraud operation called Phish ‘n’ Ships that stole tens of millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers hunting for hard-to-find items.
Named for the operation’s ability to phish consumers of their payment card information while not shipping them the items they believe they paid for, the scheme centered on fake web shops that abuse digital payment providers to steal consumers’ money and payment card information. The Satori team identified over 1,000 infected websites used by the threat actors to stage fake product links, which redirected to 200+ fake webshops with 121 still active during the investigation. Through consultations with the affected payment processors, Phish ’n’ Ships has been disrupted: the fake product listings that made up a key source of traffic to the fake web stores have been removed by Google from the search results, and the threat actors’ accounts have been removed from the payment processor platforms. Dozens of storefronts were taken down in collaboration with HUMAN partners. However, the operation is still active, and Satori researchers continue to monitor the threat actors for new evolutions of the scheme.
“Phish ‘n’ Ships is especially devious because it stole tens of millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers hunting for hard-to-find items,” said Gavin Reid, Chief Information Security Officer at HUMAN. “We’ve estimated that hundreds of thousands of consumers were victimized over the past five years due to this scheme. Especially during the holiday season when more consumers will be online shopping for gifts, helping our clients protect their customers from threats like these is paramount.”
The scheme reinforces the role digital advertising plays in fraud, since ads and sponsored search listings lead unsuspecting consumers to fake web stores. The threat actors behind Phish ‘n’ Ships used well-known vulnerabilities to infect over 1,000 websites and stage fake product listings that reached the top of search results in Dutch, English, French, and German. The techniques used included coordination of search results, SEO poisoning and cashing out with fake shops.
“Phish ‘n’ Ships underscores the value across the entire customer journey of a unified approach to digital fraud and abuse,” said Lindsay Kaye, Vice President of Threat Intelligence at HUMAN. “Components of the scheme targeted consumers at every stage in their buying journey, from seeing and clicking on an ad to arriving on and interacting with a web store to checking out through a payment provider integration. Understanding and stopping Phish ‘n’ Ships requires a full-spectrum plan of attack.”
HUMAN customers were not directly affected by this threat. Our Satori Threat Intelligence and Research team proactively hunts for—and disrupts—new and emerging threats like Phish ‘n’ Ships, protecting HUMAN customers from the impacts of digital fraud. HUMAN customers enjoy priority access to information about investigations like Phish ‘n’ Ships and benefit from the enhanced AI-derived capabilities of our Decision Engine.
About HUMAN
HUMAN is a leading cybersecurity company committed to protecting the integrity of the digital world. We ensure that every digital interaction, transaction, and connection is authentic, secure, and human. The Human Defense Platform safeguards the entire customer journey with high-fidelity decision-making that defends against bots, fraud, and digital threats. Each week, HUMAN verifies 20 trillion digital interactions, providing unparalleled telemetry data to enable rapid, effective responses to even the most sophisticated threats. Recognized by our customers as a G2 Leader, HUMAN continues to set the standard in cybersecurity. To ensure your digital connections are trusted, visit www.humansecurity.com
Every November, the United States takes a day to honor veterans for their service and sacrifices to their country. As Veteran’s Day 2024 approaches, HSC-26 reflects on a recent and unique opportunity to do just that while hosting retired Capt. Pete Lumianski and his wife Chris for a tour of his former squadron.
The couple now reside in Phoenix, Arizona, so the trip was inspired by the opportunity to visit friends and peers from their time in service who they don’t often have the option to visit, leading to a short stop in Norfolk to reminisce on Lumianski’s early days of service.
A U.S. Naval Academy graduate of the class of 1965, Lumianski arrived to his first fleet command, HC-4 Detachment Norfolk, in 1967 following the conclusion of flight school and the pinning of his “Wings of Gold”. Shortly after his arrival, the squadron was re-designated as HC-6, meeting various missions with multiple different helicopters.
“HC flying was a terrific start to my Navy career. There were three types of choppers on the flight line: H-34s, H-3s and H-46s, about 30 assigned pilots, many operational missions and lots of opportunities to head out to sea on board a variety of ships including destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers,” Lumianski said of his first sea tour.
He was designated as an aircraft commander for both the Sikorsky RH-3A Sea King and the UH-34 Sea Horse helicopters, executing mine countermeasures and combat support missions respectively, but also logged copilot time in the Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter executing vertical replenishment and logistics missions before he received orders back to flight school as an instructor at Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 8 in 1970.
“I loved my first operational flying assignment in Norfolk, a squadron with many diverse and odd-ball pilots assigned. The ready room was always a ‘Star Wars Bar Scene’ look-alike,” Lumianski expressed.
Lt. Maxwell Gray, a pilot currently assigned to HSC-26, assisted with the visit. Starting off in the ready room, he showed Lumianski and his wife various offices and work centers, maintenance spaces and projects as well as the paraloft, ending the tour with a static display of HSC-26’s current helicopter platform, the MH-60S Knighthawk.
“Meeting with Capt. Lumianski was a great honor and experience that I’ll never forget. His stories of flying the mighty H-3 were inspiring and I am grateful for the wisdom he shared,” Gray said of the experience. “I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my career.”
The hard work and dedication of squadron personnel were impossible to miss. Multiple aircraft in the hangar were in varying levels of assembly while maintenance personnel kept replacement parts as well as those which were to be returned to their airframes organized in easily identifiable locations. To the untrained eye it may have appeared chaotic, but Lumianski saw expertise, attention to detail and pride shine through.
“Overall, the hangar looked and sounded a lot like it was back in the 60’s: busy, mission-oriented, rugged, with well-worn, hard-working aircraft, and the assignment of lots of officers and enlisted to make things work,” Lumianski said. “I leave you feeling that the Navy is in good hands and the helicopter world is still a big contributor to the Navy’s readiness and success.”
Nowadays, Lumianski has dedicated himself to giving back to his local community and other Cold War veterans like himself by promoting a project that would bring unique Cold War monument to downtown Phoenix.
“I’ve been working on this project in Phoenix for the past 30 years, and we’re finally making significant progress with the city’s help,” Lumianski said.
As a plank owner of a special city-appointed group, the USS Phoenix (SSN 702) Commission, Lumianski has led an effort to ensure 65 tons of salvaged parts from the Cold War era Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine make their way to their namesake city. The project was created in an effort to help preserve history and allow visitors to “Learn, Honor and Remember” Cold War military Veterans of all services, as well as civilians serving in defense and national security areas for their contributions to ending the Cold War.
He feels it is truly a culmination of his life in service as a Cold War era naval aviator qualified and capable of executing the anti-submarine warfare mission, and a passion project that is nearing realization.
“I spent 27 years in the Navy, and overall had a tremendous and gratifying learning experience. The opportunities for using and growing my leadership and management skills, the accomplishment of developing and perfecting my operational and flying skills, the hard work and adventures of operational life, and most of all the fun, enjoyment and satisfaction of working with so many fine officers and enlisted persons over many years have all fixed and maintained my positive perspectives and attitudes about life,” Lumianski reflected. ”I owe a lot to my naval career, and greatly appreciate what it has done to and for me.”
The impact and legacy of Pete Lumianski will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the members of HSC-26 who were fortunate enough to meet him.