THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
"Marine killed, 6 hurt in second fatal rollover in a month at Camp Pendleton"
By Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times
9 MAY 2019
LOS ANGELES — One Marine died and six others were injured Thursday in the second fatal rollover accident reported in the past month at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego.
The Marine, whose name has not been released, died when a light armored vehicle rolled over during training about 9 a.m.
The six injured Marines were evacuated to a hospital.
None of them was seriously hurt, according to a statement released by the 1st Marine Division Press Office.
The Marines are from the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
Officials are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
“This is a tragic event and our thoughts are with the family, friends and the unit at this difficult time,” a statement from the 1st Marine Division read.
It was the second fatal rollover accident in the past month at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps’ largest West Coast expeditionary training facility, which encompasses more than 125,000 acres of Southern California terrain, according to the base’s website.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Braica, a member of the Marine Raider unit of the Special Operations Command, was injured April 13 during a tactical vehicle training exercise when an MRZR, an off-road, four-person vehicle, rolled over.
Braica died the following day.
Camp Pendleton is one of the U.S. Department of Defense’s busiest installations and offers a broad spectrum of training facilities for many active and reserve Marine, Army and Navy units, as well as national, state and local agencies, according to the base’s website.
More than 38,000 military family members live at the base’s housing complexes.
The base’s daytime population is an estimated 70,000 military and civilian personnel.
———
(Times staff writer Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.)
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/marine ... P17#page=2
THE DOD
Re: THE DOD
USA TODAY
"F-16 fighter jet crashes into warehouse near March Air Reserve Base in California"
Palm Springs Desert Sun
17 MAY 2019
MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — An F-16 fighter jet crashed into a warehouse west of March Air Reserve Base in Southern California on Thursday.
The pilot was able to walk after ejecting from the jet, according to reports from the scene.
A dozen people were hosed off for exposure to debris before being taken to hospitals for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries, state fire Capt. Fernando Herrera said.
The crash happened as the pilot was landing following a routine training mission, March Air Reserve Base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday said.
Witnesses reported seeing the jet shutter and roll moments before it plummeted to the ground.
“The pilot was having hydraulic problems,” Holliday said.
“He started losing control of the aircraft.”
The armed Fighting Falcon, a part of the 114th Fighter Wing based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, went down about 3:45 p.m. and crashed into the See Water Inc. warehouse near Interstate 215.
The air base commander, Col. Melissa Coburn, declined to describe the aircraft’s armament.
Interstate 215, which runs between the base and the warehouse, was closed in both directions, backing up rush-hour traffic for miles.
The F-16 pancaked onto the roof of the 500,000-square-foot building, causing a fire that triggered the on-site sprinkler system, containing the flames, according to reports from the scene.
March is home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, an Air Force Reserve component that utilizes mammoth C-17 transports, KC-135 refueling aircraft and C-130 transports.
The base is home to the Air Force Reserve Command's Fourth Air Force Headquarters and various units of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, California Air National Guard and California Army National Guard.
Television news showed a large hole in the roof and sprinklers on inside the building about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.
The jet's cockpit canopy was on a runway and a parachute had settled in a nearby field.
Maj. Perry Covington, a spokesman at March Air Reserve Base, was unsure why the jet was in California.
"The pilot did eject and is OK," Covington said.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/f-16-f ... P17#page=2
"F-16 fighter jet crashes into warehouse near March Air Reserve Base in California"
Palm Springs Desert Sun
17 MAY 2019
MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — An F-16 fighter jet crashed into a warehouse west of March Air Reserve Base in Southern California on Thursday.
The pilot was able to walk after ejecting from the jet, according to reports from the scene.
A dozen people were hosed off for exposure to debris before being taken to hospitals for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries, state fire Capt. Fernando Herrera said.
The crash happened as the pilot was landing following a routine training mission, March Air Reserve Base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday said.
Witnesses reported seeing the jet shutter and roll moments before it plummeted to the ground.
“The pilot was having hydraulic problems,” Holliday said.
“He started losing control of the aircraft.”
The armed Fighting Falcon, a part of the 114th Fighter Wing based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, went down about 3:45 p.m. and crashed into the See Water Inc. warehouse near Interstate 215.
The air base commander, Col. Melissa Coburn, declined to describe the aircraft’s armament.
Interstate 215, which runs between the base and the warehouse, was closed in both directions, backing up rush-hour traffic for miles.
The F-16 pancaked onto the roof of the 500,000-square-foot building, causing a fire that triggered the on-site sprinkler system, containing the flames, according to reports from the scene.
March is home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, an Air Force Reserve component that utilizes mammoth C-17 transports, KC-135 refueling aircraft and C-130 transports.
The base is home to the Air Force Reserve Command's Fourth Air Force Headquarters and various units of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, California Air National Guard and California Army National Guard.
Television news showed a large hole in the roof and sprinklers on inside the building about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.
The jet's cockpit canopy was on a runway and a parachute had settled in a nearby field.
Maj. Perry Covington, a spokesman at March Air Reserve Base, was unsure why the jet was in California.
"The pilot did eject and is OK," Covington said.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/f-16-f ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
FOX NEWS
"US military vehicle hit by roadside bomb in Niger, officials say"
Frank Miles
9 JUNE 2019
A roadside bomb exploded damaging a U.S. military vehicle struck in the West African country of Niger, but no one was killed, U.S. Africa Command told Fox News on Sunday.
U.S. officials confirmed a tactical vehicle was damaged in Saturday's explosion but said the cause was “undetermined at this time.”
U.S. Africa Command told Fox News: “A U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MAT-V) activated an improvised explosive device (IED) while entering a firing range in the vicinity of Ouallam, Niger.”
Its statement added: “U.S. and Nigerien partner forces were conducting a training exercise when the explosion occurred.”
Ouallam, in western Niger, is not far from where four U.S. soldiers died during an October 2017 ambush.
The attack by Islamic militants also killed four Nigerien soldiers in the joint patrol force.
The ambush drew attention to the U.S. military’s role in training troops in Niger.
The Pentagon said in November that it planned to reduce its counterterrorism forces in Africa over the next several years.
The move would be in line with the Trump administration's belief that the main challenge to U.S. security and prosperity is strategic competition with China and Russia rather than threats from extremist groups like the Islamic State group.
U.S. Africa Command told Fox News: “Niger is a vital partner in the fight against violent extremist organizations."
"U.S. forces are in Niger to work by, with, and through Nigerien partners to promote stability and security while enabling them to address their security threats.”
Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
"US military vehicle hit by roadside bomb in Niger, officials say"
Frank Miles
9 JUNE 2019
A roadside bomb exploded damaging a U.S. military vehicle struck in the West African country of Niger, but no one was killed, U.S. Africa Command told Fox News on Sunday.
U.S. officials confirmed a tactical vehicle was damaged in Saturday's explosion but said the cause was “undetermined at this time.”
U.S. Africa Command told Fox News: “A U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MAT-V) activated an improvised explosive device (IED) while entering a firing range in the vicinity of Ouallam, Niger.”
Its statement added: “U.S. and Nigerien partner forces were conducting a training exercise when the explosion occurred.”
Ouallam, in western Niger, is not far from where four U.S. soldiers died during an October 2017 ambush.
The attack by Islamic militants also killed four Nigerien soldiers in the joint patrol force.
The ambush drew attention to the U.S. military’s role in training troops in Niger.
The Pentagon said in November that it planned to reduce its counterterrorism forces in Africa over the next several years.
The move would be in line with the Trump administration's belief that the main challenge to U.S. security and prosperity is strategic competition with China and Russia rather than threats from extremist groups like the Islamic State group.
U.S. Africa Command told Fox News: “Niger is a vital partner in the fight against violent extremist organizations."
"U.S. forces are in Niger to work by, with, and through Nigerien partners to promote stability and security while enabling them to address their security threats.”
Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
ABC NEWS
"US to send 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East as tensions escalate with Iran"
18 JUNE 2019
The United States is sending 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The decision follows last week's attack on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman that the U.S. blamed on Tehran, with the Pentagon releasing new images on Monday that officials said show Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members removing an unexploded mine from one of the ship's hulls.
"In response to a request from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for additional forces, and with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and in consultation with the White House, I have authorized approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East," acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a statement on Monday.
The additional personnel are mostly part of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and force protection units, a U.S. official told ABC News.
The U.S. has already accelerated the deployment to the Middle East of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and sent B-52 bombers after what it said were credible threats by Iran against U.S. forces and interests in the region.
Since then, the U.S. has sent an additional 1,500 troops and increased defensive capabilities to continue to help deter Iran.
"The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region," Shanahan said.
"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," the statement continued.
"The action today is being taken to ensure the safety and welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region and to protect our national interests."
"We will continue to monitor the situation diligently and make adjustments to force levels as necessary given intelligence reporting and credible threats."
Iran attempted to shoot down a U.S. drone that was surveilling the attack on one of two tankers hit in the Gulf of Oman last week, CENTCOM said.
The attempt missed the MQ-9 Reaper by "approximately one kilometer."
The U.S. has also blamed Iran for an attack on four commercial vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in May.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that Congress must be briefed on the plans.
"Americans must have no illusions about the Iranian regime, and must remain committed to holding Iran accountable for its dangerous activities in the region."
"But we must be strong, smart and strategic – not reckless and rash – in how to proceed," Pelosi said in a statement.
"The Congress must be immediately briefed on the Administration’s decisions and plans."
"This deeply concerning decision may escalate the situation with Iran and risk serious miscalculations on either side."
"Diplomacy is needed to defuse tensions, therefore America must continue to consult with our allies so that we do not make the region less safe," the statement added.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
"US to send 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East as tensions escalate with Iran"
18 JUNE 2019
The United States is sending 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The decision follows last week's attack on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman that the U.S. blamed on Tehran, with the Pentagon releasing new images on Monday that officials said show Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members removing an unexploded mine from one of the ship's hulls.
"In response to a request from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for additional forces, and with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and in consultation with the White House, I have authorized approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East," acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a statement on Monday.
The additional personnel are mostly part of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and force protection units, a U.S. official told ABC News.
The U.S. has already accelerated the deployment to the Middle East of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and sent B-52 bombers after what it said were credible threats by Iran against U.S. forces and interests in the region.
Since then, the U.S. has sent an additional 1,500 troops and increased defensive capabilities to continue to help deter Iran.
"The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region," Shanahan said.
"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," the statement continued.
"The action today is being taken to ensure the safety and welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region and to protect our national interests."
"We will continue to monitor the situation diligently and make adjustments to force levels as necessary given intelligence reporting and credible threats."
Iran attempted to shoot down a U.S. drone that was surveilling the attack on one of two tankers hit in the Gulf of Oman last week, CENTCOM said.
The attempt missed the MQ-9 Reaper by "approximately one kilometer."
The U.S. has also blamed Iran for an attack on four commercial vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in May.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that Congress must be briefed on the plans.
"Americans must have no illusions about the Iranian regime, and must remain committed to holding Iran accountable for its dangerous activities in the region."
"But we must be strong, smart and strategic – not reckless and rash – in how to proceed," Pelosi said in a statement.
"The Congress must be immediately briefed on the Administration’s decisions and plans."
"This deeply concerning decision may escalate the situation with Iran and risk serious miscalculations on either side."
"Diplomacy is needed to defuse tensions, therefore America must continue to consult with our allies so that we do not make the region less safe," the statement added.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
USA TODAY
"2 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan; Taliban says they died in an ambush"
Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY
Published 10:13 a.m. ET June 26, 2019 | Updated 1:20 p.m. ET June 26, 2019
Two U.S. service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the American-led NATO mission in Afghanistan said in a statement.
The identities of the soldiers were being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The statement did not offer any details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths.
A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the two service members were killed in an ambush in eastern Wardak Province, the New York Times reported.
The deaths occurred one day after an unannounced visit to Kabul, the Afghan capital, by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is holding direct talks with the Taliban in Doha, the Qatari capital.
The seventh round of the talks are scheduled to begin on Saturday.
"We've made clear to the Taliban that we're prepared to remove our forces."
"I want to be clear, we've not yet agreed on a timeline to do so," Pompeo told reporters during an unannounced stop in Afghanistan on Tuesday.
The presence of troops in Afghanistan is "conditions-based, he said.
The Taliban refuse to talk directly with the Afghan government, which it considers a puppet of the U.S.
More than 2,400 U.S. service personnel have died in Afghanistan since the U.S.-led coalition invaded the country after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.
The coalition sought to crush the Taliban and hunt down al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
The U.S. makes up the overwhelming majority of 14,000 coalition troops in Afghanistan.
About 100,000 troops were stationed there at the height of the war.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/wor ... 569137001/
"2 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan; Taliban says they died in an ambush"
Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY
Published 10:13 a.m. ET June 26, 2019 | Updated 1:20 p.m. ET June 26, 2019
Two U.S. service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the American-led NATO mission in Afghanistan said in a statement.
The identities of the soldiers were being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The statement did not offer any details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths.
A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the two service members were killed in an ambush in eastern Wardak Province, the New York Times reported.
The deaths occurred one day after an unannounced visit to Kabul, the Afghan capital, by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is holding direct talks with the Taliban in Doha, the Qatari capital.
The seventh round of the talks are scheduled to begin on Saturday.
"We've made clear to the Taliban that we're prepared to remove our forces."
"I want to be clear, we've not yet agreed on a timeline to do so," Pompeo told reporters during an unannounced stop in Afghanistan on Tuesday.
The presence of troops in Afghanistan is "conditions-based, he said.
The Taliban refuse to talk directly with the Afghan government, which it considers a puppet of the U.S.
More than 2,400 U.S. service personnel have died in Afghanistan since the U.S.-led coalition invaded the country after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.
The coalition sought to crush the Taliban and hunt down al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
The U.S. makes up the overwhelming majority of 14,000 coalition troops in Afghanistan.
About 100,000 troops were stationed there at the height of the war.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/wor ... 569137001/
Re: THE DOD
ABC NEWS
"US service member killed in Afghanistan"
13 JULY 2019
A U.S. service member was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.
The announcement was made in a statement by NATO's Operation Resolute Support, but offered no further details about how the service member was killed.
"In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service member killed in action is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," officials said in a statement.
The death was the first by a service member in Afghanistan this month.
The most recent service member death in Afghanistan was on June 30, which came during a non-combat incident.
He was identified as 31-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Elliott Robbins of Ogden, Utah.
Two U.S. service member were killed on June 26 when attacked by the Taliban under small arms fire in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.
They were identified as Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, 32, from Heilbronn, Germany, and Sgt. James G. Johnston, 24, from Trumansburg, New York.
The death on Saturday was the 10th U.S. service member to die under hostile fire and the 12th overall this year.
Aleem Agha contributed to this report.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
"US service member killed in Afghanistan"
13 JULY 2019
A U.S. service member was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.
The announcement was made in a statement by NATO's Operation Resolute Support, but offered no further details about how the service member was killed.
"In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service member killed in action is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," officials said in a statement.
The death was the first by a service member in Afghanistan this month.
The most recent service member death in Afghanistan was on June 30, which came during a non-combat incident.
He was identified as 31-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Elliott Robbins of Ogden, Utah.
Two U.S. service member were killed on June 26 when attacked by the Taliban under small arms fire in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.
They were identified as Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, 32, from Heilbronn, Germany, and Sgt. James G. Johnston, 24, from Trumansburg, New York.
The death on Saturday was the 10th U.S. service member to die under hostile fire and the 12th overall this year.
Aleem Agha contributed to this report.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
CNN
"US Navy SEAL team ordered home from ISIS fight due to alleged misbehavior"
By Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne, CNN
25 JULY 2019
The US military is taking the rare step of sending home an elite team of Navy SEALs from Iraq due to "a perceived deterioration of good order and discipline" that caused a military commander to lose "confidence in the team's ability to accomplish the mission."
"The commander of the Special Operations Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (in Iraq) ordered the early redeployment of a SEAL Team platoon to San Diego due to a perceived deterioration of good order and discipline within the team during non-operational periods," US Special Operations Command said in a statement Wednesday.
"The Commander lost confidence in the team's ability to accomplish the mission," the statement added.
A US Defense Department official familiar with the situation told CNN that the unusual step of sending the team home was due to allegations regarding the consumption of alcohol during their downtime, which is a violation of general orders issued to troops participating in overseas campaigns.
The official added that there is no evidence the alcohol consumption happened on missions and there is no evidence of drug use.
A fact-finding investigation has been initiated.
US Special Operations Forces in Iraq have been helping to combat the remnants of ISIS, which continues to operate in the area despite the terror group's loss of territory.
Special Operations Command said that "commanders have worked to mitigate the operational impact" of sending the SEAL platoon home.
"To mitigate potential impacts of this redeployment, other (Naval Spacial Warfare) personnel are available to complete the assigned operational requirements," Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence told CNN.
"Naval Special Warfare insists on a culture where ethical adherence is equally important as tactical proficiency."
"Good order and discipline is critical to the mission -- the loss of confidence outweighed potential," she added.
US Special Operations Command said, "All Department of Defense personnel are expected to uphold proven standards and to comply with laws and regulations."
"Alleged violations are thoroughly investigated."
The news comes amid other allegations of misbehavior against Navy SEALs and other Special Operations Forces personnel.
Asked about the apparent increase in instances of misbehavior, Special Operations Command's senior enlisted adviser told reporters that the command had conducted a congressionally mandated review.
"Do we have an issue?"
"No, we have challenges, we have fraying, but are these things systemic?"
"No, after a hard look," US Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Smith told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
"Is there room for improvement?"
"Is any one ethical breach too much?"
"Yes," Smith added.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
"US Navy SEAL team ordered home from ISIS fight due to alleged misbehavior"
By Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne, CNN
25 JULY 2019
The US military is taking the rare step of sending home an elite team of Navy SEALs from Iraq due to "a perceived deterioration of good order and discipline" that caused a military commander to lose "confidence in the team's ability to accomplish the mission."
"The commander of the Special Operations Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (in Iraq) ordered the early redeployment of a SEAL Team platoon to San Diego due to a perceived deterioration of good order and discipline within the team during non-operational periods," US Special Operations Command said in a statement Wednesday.
"The Commander lost confidence in the team's ability to accomplish the mission," the statement added.
A US Defense Department official familiar with the situation told CNN that the unusual step of sending the team home was due to allegations regarding the consumption of alcohol during their downtime, which is a violation of general orders issued to troops participating in overseas campaigns.
The official added that there is no evidence the alcohol consumption happened on missions and there is no evidence of drug use.
A fact-finding investigation has been initiated.
US Special Operations Forces in Iraq have been helping to combat the remnants of ISIS, which continues to operate in the area despite the terror group's loss of territory.
Special Operations Command said that "commanders have worked to mitigate the operational impact" of sending the SEAL platoon home.
"To mitigate potential impacts of this redeployment, other (Naval Spacial Warfare) personnel are available to complete the assigned operational requirements," Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence told CNN.
"Naval Special Warfare insists on a culture where ethical adherence is equally important as tactical proficiency."
"Good order and discipline is critical to the mission -- the loss of confidence outweighed potential," she added.
US Special Operations Command said, "All Department of Defense personnel are expected to uphold proven standards and to comply with laws and regulations."
"Alleged violations are thoroughly investigated."
The news comes amid other allegations of misbehavior against Navy SEALs and other Special Operations Forces personnel.
Asked about the apparent increase in instances of misbehavior, Special Operations Command's senior enlisted adviser told reporters that the command had conducted a congressionally mandated review.
"Do we have an issue?"
"No, we have challenges, we have fraying, but are these things systemic?"
"No, after a hard look," US Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Smith told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
"Is there room for improvement?"
"Is any one ethical breach too much?"
"Yes," Smith added.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
CNN
"US Navy F/A-18 has crashed in California"
By Ryan Browne and Zachary Cohen, CNN
1 AUGUST 2019
A US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet jet crashed Wednesday in Death Valley National Park, at a spot known to aviation enthusiasts as Star Wars Canyon, according to park spokesman Patrick Taylor, who told CNN that seven visitors suffered minor injuries as a result.
As a general rule, military jets are not allowed to fly over national parks, but an exception was made over this section of Death Valley when it became a national park 25 years ago.
In fact, Taylor said, that particular vista is a popular place to watch military training flights.
The crash occurred east of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California, according to the Navy.
"Search and rescue personnel are on scene and the status of the pilot is currently unknown," Lt. Cmdr. Lydia Bock, a spokesperson for the Joint Strike Fighter Wing, said in a statement.
"The cause of the crash is currently under investigation," Bock added.
The F/A-18 had been assigned to the "Vigilantes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
US Naval Air Forces had issued a tweet earlier Wednesday confirming a crash had taken place.
"At approximately 10:00 a.m PST an F/A-18E crashed near @NAWS_CL. Search-and-rescue efforts are underway," Naval Air Forces tweeted from its verified Twitter account.
A spokesperson for the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Carma Roper, told CNN that they were helping to secure the area until the military arrived on scene.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California and is approximately 125 miles north of Los Angeles.
The F/A-18 strike fighter forms the backbone of the Navy's jet fleet and the Super Hornet variant became operational in 2001.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-nav ... P17#page=2
"US Navy F/A-18 has crashed in California"
By Ryan Browne and Zachary Cohen, CNN
1 AUGUST 2019
A US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet jet crashed Wednesday in Death Valley National Park, at a spot known to aviation enthusiasts as Star Wars Canyon, according to park spokesman Patrick Taylor, who told CNN that seven visitors suffered minor injuries as a result.
As a general rule, military jets are not allowed to fly over national parks, but an exception was made over this section of Death Valley when it became a national park 25 years ago.
In fact, Taylor said, that particular vista is a popular place to watch military training flights.
The crash occurred east of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California, according to the Navy.
"Search and rescue personnel are on scene and the status of the pilot is currently unknown," Lt. Cmdr. Lydia Bock, a spokesperson for the Joint Strike Fighter Wing, said in a statement.
"The cause of the crash is currently under investigation," Bock added.
The F/A-18 had been assigned to the "Vigilantes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
US Naval Air Forces had issued a tweet earlier Wednesday confirming a crash had taken place.
"At approximately 10:00 a.m PST an F/A-18E crashed near @NAWS_CL. Search-and-rescue efforts are underway," Naval Air Forces tweeted from its verified Twitter account.
A spokesperson for the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Carma Roper, told CNN that they were helping to secure the area until the military arrived on scene.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California and is approximately 125 miles north of Los Angeles.
The F/A-18 strike fighter forms the backbone of the Navy's jet fleet and the Super Hornet variant became operational in 2001.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-nav ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
CNN
"Top US Navy SEAL tells commanders in light of misconduct: 'We have a problem'"
By Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon Correspondent
2 AUGUST 2019
The top US Navy SEAL recently sent a blistering letter to the force, writing in boldface type, "We have a problem," following several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by the US Navy's elite service members, CNN has learned.
Rear Adm. Collin Green has given commanders until August 7 to detail the problems they see and provide recommendations on how they will ensure troops are engaging in ethical and professional behavior.
The letter -- dated July 25 and exclusively obtained by CNN -- comes in the wake of several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by SEALs.
"I don't know yet if we have a culture problem, I do know that we have a good order and discipline problem that must be addressed immediately," Green said.
Although Green, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, does not mention specific incidents, the letter comes on the heels of an entire SEAL team being sent home from Iraq following allegations of sexual assault and drinking alcohol during their down time -- which is against regulations.
Another case involved an internal Navy investigation that found members of SEAL Team 10 allegedly abused cocaine and other illicit substances while they were stationed in Virginia last year.
The members were subsequently disciplined.
Green said in the letter that "some of our subordinate formations have failed to maintain good order and discipline and as a result and for good reason," the culture of the Navy's special operations forces "is being questioned."
Concerns raised at highest levels of the Pentagon
The incidents are rising to the highest levels of the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week spoke to the head of all special operations forces, Gen. Richard Clarke, about recent ethics violations in the military and how they are being addressed.
"They discussed some of the recent cases that have emerged in the special operations community."
"They share the concerns," Jonathan Hoffman, Esper's spokesman told CNN.
Clarke is expected to also send his own memo to the force on ethics and call for a renewed focus on ensuring all special operations forces behave appropriately.
CNN has spoken to several military officials who say they don't believe there has necessarily been an increase in incidents of bad behavior, but they have to ensure none of the incidents are tolerated even if they don't rise to the level of full criminal investigations.
After the most recent series of misconduct cases, including alleged illegal activity by two Navy SEALS teams, the Navy leadership at the Pentagon above the SEALs may step in and issue new directives on compliance with ethics standards, even as the SEALs potentially face criminal military charges, according to a senior Navy official.
"There is a cultural and ethics issue in the SEAL community," the senior Navy official told CNN.
"Senior Navy leaders are keenly interested in how this problem is going to be addressed."
New actions could involve Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and the Chief of Naval Operations.
Congress is also beginning to question how the US military is dealing with these incidents.
The admiral picked to come in as the next Chief of Naval Operations was asked about this at his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.
"It's especially important in combat that those values be maintained for all the reasons that we understand so well," Vice Adm. Michael Gilday told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
He said he was committed to "getting a better understanding of those issues, to holding people accountable if and where they need to be held accountable, to getting after the root causes and ensure that if there is a problem with the culture with the community, that that is addressed very, very quickly and very firmly."
In early July, a military court decided Navy SEAL team leader Eddie Gallagher, a one-time member of SEAL Team 7, would be demoted in rank and have his pay reduced for posing for a photo with a dead ISIS prisoner while he was serving in Iraq.
Another SEAL was sentenced in June for his role in the 2017 death of Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar, a Green Beret, in Bamako, Mali.
Systemic problems?
Gilday promised the committee that if he is confirmed he will take a "deeper look" at the SEAL community.
Some military officials question if these incidents, such as Gallagher's case, are happening because of the pressures special operations forces have been under for the last nearly two decades with constant deployments on the most dangerous missions.
But many, like David Lapan, a retired Marine colonel, reject that notion.
"Yes, they are being asked to go out and kill as part of their jobs but they are supposed to be able to do it with discipline and do it in ways that don't allow them to lose their bearing and lose their discipline," Lapan said.
Whether it is a systemic problem or not, the community appears to be taking the misconduct seriously.
"These ethical breaches effect the entire command and effect the credibility of our entire force," said US Special Operations Command Chief Master Sgt. Greg Smith.
There are also growing concerns in the Marine Corps of troops adhering to ethics and cultural standards.
Recently 18 Marines and one sailor were arrested at Camp Pendleton, California, over allegations on human smuggling.
Gen. David Berger, the new Marine Corps. commandant, said he was "troubled by the extent to which drug abuse is a characteristic of new recruits and the fact that the vast majority of recruits require drug waivers for enlistment."
He also said over the last ten years more than 25,000 Marines were dismissed from the service for misconduct, and drug and alcohol offenses.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/top-us ... P17#page=2
"Top US Navy SEAL tells commanders in light of misconduct: 'We have a problem'"
By Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon Correspondent
2 AUGUST 2019
The top US Navy SEAL recently sent a blistering letter to the force, writing in boldface type, "We have a problem," following several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by the US Navy's elite service members, CNN has learned.
Rear Adm. Collin Green has given commanders until August 7 to detail the problems they see and provide recommendations on how they will ensure troops are engaging in ethical and professional behavior.
The letter -- dated July 25 and exclusively obtained by CNN -- comes in the wake of several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by SEALs.
"I don't know yet if we have a culture problem, I do know that we have a good order and discipline problem that must be addressed immediately," Green said.
Although Green, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, does not mention specific incidents, the letter comes on the heels of an entire SEAL team being sent home from Iraq following allegations of sexual assault and drinking alcohol during their down time -- which is against regulations.
Another case involved an internal Navy investigation that found members of SEAL Team 10 allegedly abused cocaine and other illicit substances while they were stationed in Virginia last year.
The members were subsequently disciplined.
Green said in the letter that "some of our subordinate formations have failed to maintain good order and discipline and as a result and for good reason," the culture of the Navy's special operations forces "is being questioned."
Concerns raised at highest levels of the Pentagon
The incidents are rising to the highest levels of the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week spoke to the head of all special operations forces, Gen. Richard Clarke, about recent ethics violations in the military and how they are being addressed.
"They discussed some of the recent cases that have emerged in the special operations community."
"They share the concerns," Jonathan Hoffman, Esper's spokesman told CNN.
Clarke is expected to also send his own memo to the force on ethics and call for a renewed focus on ensuring all special operations forces behave appropriately.
CNN has spoken to several military officials who say they don't believe there has necessarily been an increase in incidents of bad behavior, but they have to ensure none of the incidents are tolerated even if they don't rise to the level of full criminal investigations.
After the most recent series of misconduct cases, including alleged illegal activity by two Navy SEALS teams, the Navy leadership at the Pentagon above the SEALs may step in and issue new directives on compliance with ethics standards, even as the SEALs potentially face criminal military charges, according to a senior Navy official.
"There is a cultural and ethics issue in the SEAL community," the senior Navy official told CNN.
"Senior Navy leaders are keenly interested in how this problem is going to be addressed."
New actions could involve Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and the Chief of Naval Operations.
Congress is also beginning to question how the US military is dealing with these incidents.
The admiral picked to come in as the next Chief of Naval Operations was asked about this at his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.
"It's especially important in combat that those values be maintained for all the reasons that we understand so well," Vice Adm. Michael Gilday told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
He said he was committed to "getting a better understanding of those issues, to holding people accountable if and where they need to be held accountable, to getting after the root causes and ensure that if there is a problem with the culture with the community, that that is addressed very, very quickly and very firmly."
In early July, a military court decided Navy SEAL team leader Eddie Gallagher, a one-time member of SEAL Team 7, would be demoted in rank and have his pay reduced for posing for a photo with a dead ISIS prisoner while he was serving in Iraq.
Another SEAL was sentenced in June for his role in the 2017 death of Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar, a Green Beret, in Bamako, Mali.
Systemic problems?
Gilday promised the committee that if he is confirmed he will take a "deeper look" at the SEAL community.
Some military officials question if these incidents, such as Gallagher's case, are happening because of the pressures special operations forces have been under for the last nearly two decades with constant deployments on the most dangerous missions.
But many, like David Lapan, a retired Marine colonel, reject that notion.
"Yes, they are being asked to go out and kill as part of their jobs but they are supposed to be able to do it with discipline and do it in ways that don't allow them to lose their bearing and lose their discipline," Lapan said.
Whether it is a systemic problem or not, the community appears to be taking the misconduct seriously.
"These ethical breaches effect the entire command and effect the credibility of our entire force," said US Special Operations Command Chief Master Sgt. Greg Smith.
There are also growing concerns in the Marine Corps of troops adhering to ethics and cultural standards.
Recently 18 Marines and one sailor were arrested at Camp Pendleton, California, over allegations on human smuggling.
Gen. David Berger, the new Marine Corps. commandant, said he was "troubled by the extent to which drug abuse is a characteristic of new recruits and the fact that the vast majority of recruits require drug waivers for enlistment."
He also said over the last ten years more than 25,000 Marines were dismissed from the service for misconduct, and drug and alcohol offenses.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/top-us ... P17#page=2
Re: THE DOD
ABC NEWS
"US service member killed during combat operation in Iraq"
11 AUGUST 2019
A United States service member who was advising Iraqi security forces was killed Saturday in the northern Nineveh province of Iraq, according to the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
“One U.S. service member died today during an Iraqi Security Force mission in Ninewah province, Iraq, while advising and accompanying the (Iraqi security forces) during a planned operation,” the statement said.
The name of the service member will be withheld until notification of next of kin, the statement said.
Approximately 5,000 troops are currently stationed in Iraq as part of a security agreement with the Iraqi government to train, advise, and assist the country’s troops in the fight against Islamic State, which overran large parts of Iraq in 2014.
Iraqi forces have recently launched operations in the country's north to weed out remnants of Islamic State group.
This is the first combat-related death of an American service member in Iraq this year.
Two American service members and a Defense Department civilian were killed in Manbij, Syria in January as part of the US-led coalition fighting ISIS there.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2
"US service member killed during combat operation in Iraq"
11 AUGUST 2019
A United States service member who was advising Iraqi security forces was killed Saturday in the northern Nineveh province of Iraq, according to the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
“One U.S. service member died today during an Iraqi Security Force mission in Ninewah province, Iraq, while advising and accompanying the (Iraqi security forces) during a planned operation,” the statement said.
The name of the service member will be withheld until notification of next of kin, the statement said.
Approximately 5,000 troops are currently stationed in Iraq as part of a security agreement with the Iraqi government to train, advise, and assist the country’s troops in the fight against Islamic State, which overran large parts of Iraq in 2014.
Iraqi forces have recently launched operations in the country's north to weed out remnants of Islamic State group.
This is the first combat-related death of an American service member in Iraq this year.
Two American service members and a Defense Department civilian were killed in Manbij, Syria in January as part of the US-led coalition fighting ISIS there.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us- ... P17#page=2