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From great power competition to U.S. Navy reorganization, here are the top stories from this year. (And click here to see what made the 2017 list!)
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Another US Navy ballistic missile intercept reportedly fails in Hawaii
If confirmed, it would mark the second unsuccessful test of the Raytheon missile. It also deals a setback to U.S. missile defense efforts as North Korea makes seemingly daily progress on it goal of striking the U.S. mainland with nuclear-armed missiles.
By David B. Larter
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The US is running out of bombs — and it may soon struggle to make more
America's best weapons now rely on parts from an increasingly shrinking industrial base — and in some cases, is totally reliant on Chinese-made materials.
By Aaron Mehta
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Flying blind and freezing: Navy investigating terrifying EA-18G Growler flight
By the time the flight was over, two elite pilots with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine were being rushed for medical treatment, and the Navy was dealing with yet another failure of the EA-18G Growler’s environmental control system.
By David B. Larter
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Poking the bear: US Air Force builds in Russia’s backyard
The U.S. Air Force is quietly ramping up investments that will enable it to deploy to allied bases in Eastern Europe and operate close to Russia’s western flank.
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The US Navy is going to need a bigger boat, and it’s getting ready to buy one
The U.S. surface Navy is moving rapidly toward buying a new large surface ship that will replace the aging cruisers.
By David B. Larter
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Troubling US Navy review finds widespread shortfalls in basic seamanship
The evaluations raise questions about the level of ship handling that in-training junior officers get both prior to their arrival at their first command and after they arrive.
By David B. Larter
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US Navy canceling program to turn gas-guzzling destroyers into hybrids
The Navy is canceling a program to install fuel-efficient hybrid electric drives in 34 destroyers, leaving only one destroyer with the technology
By David B. Larter
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The Pentagon is planning for war with China and Russia — can it handle both?
War with China and war with Russia would have some overlapping qualities, but the Pentagon needs to figure out how and where to invest to deal with both.
By Aaron Mehta
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US Navy pressing toward major reorg that could strip Pacific Fleet of authorities
The organizational change could strip U.S. Pacific Fleet of some or all of its manning, training and equipping functions and consolidate that power under U.S. Fleet Forces Command on the East Coast.
By David B. Larter
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Jim Mattis’ ‘dynamic force employment’ concept just got real for the US Navy
Truman’s abbreviated deployment to Europe is a radical step toward the ultimate goal of restoring readiness so forces can be ready for a major conflict on short notice.
By David B. Larter
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Behemoth Golden Dome may face lackluster scrutiny in Trump’s Pentagon
Hegseth's decision to shutter DOT&E was at least partially triggered by the office's plans to oversee Golden Dome's test plans, sources told Defense News.

DOGE can now review most unclassified Pentagon contracts
In a new memo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said DOGE may now offer input on solicitations, requirements and cost estimates for most new contracts.

Leidos acquires cyber company Kudu Dynamics
The finalized deal comes as Leidos is implementing a new “NorthStar” strategy that identifies cyber as one of five primary growth areas for the company.

Navy wants AI tools to boost data processing, resource distribution
In notice this week, DIU said it is looking for AI and machine learning tools that can speed up data processing at the Navy’s Marine Operations Centers.
