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John Vandiver

The Pentagon is again in budget analyst crosshairs as the Defense Department budget accounts for almost half of U.S. discretionary spending.<br>Andy Dunaway/U.S. Air Force
The Pentagon is again in budget analyst crosshairs as the Defense Department budget accounts for almost half of U.S. discretionary spending.<br>Andy Dunaway/U.S. Air Force

Capping troop pay, higher Tricare fees among theoretical options for reducing deficit in report

Congressional budget analysts have 121 ideas for reducing the ballooning U.S. deficit, and 16 of them target Pentagon programs, ranging from long-term pay caps for servicemembers and higher Tricare premiums to spending less on weapons systems.

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The Army is testing new combat boots in a push to better compete with the more comfortable commercial brands favored by many soldiers for their lightness. Here, a soldier from the 1-114th Infantry Regiment stands in the mud holding 7.62mm ammunition during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 6, 2018.<br>Matt Hecht/U.S. Army
The Army is testing new combat boots in a push to better compete with the more comfortable commercial brands favored by many soldiers for their lightness. Here, a soldier from the 1-114th Infantry Regiment stands in the mud holding 7.62mm ammunition during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 6, 2018.<br>Matt Hecht/U.S. Army

Army looks to give its old combat boot the boot

The Army is testing new combat boots that are lighter and have more flexible leather. If any of the prototypes are chosen, it would be the first significant change to the service's basic boots in years.

U.S. Air Force personnel unload equipment from a C-17 Globemaster III for use during the transport of Rwandan soldiers in Bangui, Central African Republic in 2014 in support of an African Union effort to quell violence. Now, Russia is getting more involved in the country, where there is discussion about a possible Russian base. <br>Tom Byrd/U.S. Army
U.S. Air Force personnel unload equipment from a C-17 Globemaster III for use during the transport of Rwandan soldiers in Bangui, Central African Republic in 2014 in support of an African Union effort to quell violence. Now, Russia is getting more involved in the country, where there is discussion about a possible Russian base. <br>Tom Byrd/U.S. Army

Russian base in central Africa on the table while US refocuses its strategy

Russian troops are already active in the Central African Republic, where they train local forces in combat techniques as part of an agreement reached in 2018. The next step could be a military base, Russian state media reported.

A new law in Stuttgart, which also applies to servicemembers, bans older diesel cars within city limits.<br>John Vandiver/ Stars and Stripes
A new law in Stuttgart, which also applies to servicemembers, bans older diesel cars within city limits.<br>John Vandiver/ Stars and Stripes

Troops driving older diesel cars may want to sell as Stuttgart ban takes effect

Drivers of diesel vehicles in the Stuttgart military community may want to consider selling their cars to troops in other parts of Germany as a new environmental law barring many of them takes effect in the city.

Army paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division rest during jungle warfare school in Gabon on June 16, 2016. The military in Gabon attempted an apparent coup on Jan. 7, 2019. A small contingent of U.S. servicemembers are in the country amid concerns of violence in neighboring Congo following an election there.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
Army paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division rest during jungle warfare school in Gabon on June 16, 2016. The military in Gabon attempted an apparent coup on Jan. 7, 2019. A small contingent of U.S. servicemembers are in the country amid concerns of violence in neighboring Congo following an election there.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

US troops in Gabon remain focused on Congo despite local coup attempt

A coup attempt in the central African nation hasn’t yet changed the mission of U.S. troops deployed there last week in response to potential violence in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, U.S. Africa Command said Monday.

Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander of U.S. Africa Command, speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto at the Mogadishu airport Nov. 27, 2018. During his visit, Waldhauser also met with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. The Pentagon denied Monday that there is a plan to reduce its mission in Somalia and cease airstrikes against militants in the country. <br>Nick Scott/U.S. Navy
Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander of U.S. Africa Command, speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto at the Mogadishu airport Nov. 27, 2018. During his visit, Waldhauser also met with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. The Pentagon denied Monday that there is a plan to reduce its mission in Somalia and cease airstrikes against militants in the country. <br>Nick Scott/U.S. Navy

Somalia combat operations to continue despite reports, Pentagon says

The Pentagon denied reports of a looming drawdown in Somalia, saying there is no plan to cut back the mission in a country where U.S. Africa Command continues to carry out airstrikes.

Retired Marine Maj. Fred Galvin speaks during a briefing on Capitol Hill in February 2017. Galvin was the commander of a Marine Corps special operations unit in Afghanistan and was accused of firing indiscriminately after a car bomb attack on March 4, 2007. Galvin was exonerated and now has been recommended for a higher rank in retirement, with back pay.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Retired Marine Maj. Fred Galvin speaks during a briefing on Capitol Hill in February 2017. Galvin was the commander of a Marine Corps special operations unit in Afghanistan and was accused of firing indiscriminately after a car bomb attack on March 4, 2007. Galvin was exonerated and now has been recommended for a higher rank in retirement, with back pay.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Marine deemed falsely accused of war crimes is recommended for higher retired rank

A retired Marine Corps officer whose career was damaged after his unit was falsely accused in 2007 of war crimes in Afghanistan should have his rank elevated and be awarded back pay for damages, a Navy board has determined.

Tourists and Muscovites stroll across Red Square, with St. Basil's Cathedral on the left and the Kremlin with the Spassky tower at right. U.S. European Command confirmed that a directive still stands that advises military personnel to refrain from all non-business travel to Russia unless it is for a family emergency.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Tourists and Muscovites stroll across Red Square, with St. Basil's Cathedral on the left and the Kremlin with the Spassky tower at right. U.S. European Command confirmed that a directive still stands that advises military personnel to refrain from all non-business travel to Russia unless it is for a family emergency.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Servicemember advisory to avoid Russia travel remains in effect following Marine veteran’s arrest

U.S. troops are advised not to travel to Russia, where a Marine Corps veteran accused of spying has been detained by authorities and where security services have a history of harassing American military personnel visiting on vacation.

An Air Force C-130 Hercules taxis on the Joint Multinational Readiness Center's short takeoff and landing strip during an exercise at the Hohenfels training area, Germany, June 16, 2016. A recent Defense Department Inspector General report said that poor oversight has caused delays in U.S. European Command's "base in a box" plan.<br>Lloyd Villanueva/U.S. Army
An Air Force C-130 Hercules taxis on the Joint Multinational Readiness Center's short takeoff and landing strip during an exercise at the Hohenfels training area, Germany, June 16, 2016. A recent Defense Department Inspector General report said that poor oversight has caused delays in U.S. European Command's "base in a box" plan.<br>Lloyd Villanueva/U.S. Army

Air Force ‘base in a box’ plan delayed because of poor management, IG says

A plan to stand up 24 mobile air base kits — part of a $797 million program to bolster American air power in Europe — has been hampered by vague deadlines and insufficient oversight, according to an IG report.

German and Lithuanian soldiers participate in Engineer Thunder in 2017. Germany recently announced it wants to beef up its military with foreign citizens. <br>Jane Schmidt/ Bundeswehr
German and Lithuanian soldiers participate in Engineer Thunder in 2017. Germany recently announced it wants to beef up its military with foreign citizens. <br>Jane Schmidt/ Bundeswehr

Germany wants Poles, Italians and Romanians to beef up its military

The German military, plagued by a shortage of recruits, is considering accepting foreign citizens to help fill out the ranks, the country’s top soldier said Thursday.

President Donald Trump autographs a hat at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
President Donald Trump autographs a hat at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

Nothing improper about airmen displaying pro-Trump merchandise at Ramstein, Air Force says

U.S. Air Forces Europe said troops holding “Make America Great Again” hats during President Donald Trump’s visit Thursday to Ramstein Air Base were not in violation of military rules that prohibit taking part in partisan activities while in uniform.

Gavin Kisby, a student at Stuttgart High School, earned all 137 Boy Scout merit badges earlier this year. While the Scouts don't keep official track of those who have achieved the feat, it is widely regarded in Scout circles as extremely rare.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Gavin Kisby, a student at Stuttgart High School, earned all 137 Boy Scout merit badges earlier this year. While the Scouts don't keep official track of those who have achieved the feat, it is widely regarded in Scout circles as extremely rare.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Stuttgart student marks rare achievement after earning every merit badge the Scouts offer

Stuttgart High School student Gavin Kisby recently received his last merit badge after successfully water skiing around St. Leoner Lake near Heidelberg.

U.S. European Command's Gen. Philip Breedlove stands atop an Abrams tank to meet with U.S. soldiers taking part in training at the Zagan Training Area in Poland on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015. A task force led by Breedlove, now retired from the military, is recommending a beefed up American military force in Poland, home-porting Navy destroyers in Denmark and other steps to muscle up against a Russian military that has allies outgunned in the east.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
U.S. European Command's Gen. Philip Breedlove stands atop an Abrams tank to meet with U.S. soldiers taking part in training at the Zagan Training Area in Poland on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015. A task force led by Breedlove, now retired from the military, is recommending a beefed up American military force in Poland, home-porting Navy destroyers in Denmark and other steps to muscle up against a Russian military that has allies outgunned in the east.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Former Europe commander calls for larger Poland presence to blunt Russian ambitions

Gen. Philip Breedlove, who led U.S. European Command and served as NATO supreme allied commander until retiring in 2016, warned in a new report that alliance “trip-wire” forces in the Baltics and Poland could be overrun if attacked.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis talks with Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, during the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Oct. 4, 2018.<br>NATO
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis talks with Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, during the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Oct. 4, 2018.<br>NATO

Analysis

NATO watchers ask what’s next following planned Afghanistan cuts, Syria pullout

Following President Donald Trump’s unexpected decision to pull troops from Syria and reports of a plan to cut half the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, the question now swirling in security circles is what mission could be next.

The Christmas Garden Stuttgart at the Wilhelma zoo features a holiday season light show with 25 displays. The exhibition ends Jan. 6, 2019.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The Christmas Garden Stuttgart at the Wilhelma zoo features a holiday season light show with 25 displays. The exhibition ends Jan. 6, 2019.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Christmas Garden Stuttgart brightens up popular zoo with holiday-themed displays

The picturesque Wilhelma zoo is one of the most popular destinations in Stuttgart, and this holiday season it got an added jolt of loveliness.

Turkish officials detained a U.S. servicemember in connection with accusations he has links to a U.S.-based Turkish cleric the Ankara government regards as an enemy, local media reported Thursday. <br>
Turkish officials detained a U.S. servicemember in connection with accusations he has links to a U.S.-based Turkish cleric the Ankara government regards as an enemy, local media reported Thursday. <br>

US soldier detained by Turkish officials at Istanbul airport has been released

A U.S. servicemember, detained this week by Turkish officials over accusations he has links to a U.S.-based Turkish cleric considered an enemy by Ankara, has been released.

<br>U.S. Navy
<br>U.S. Navy

Larger Europe mission for Navy is possible to counter Russian activity, Navy undersecretary says

The U.S. Navy will need to do more to counter Russia’s increasing military activity, the service’s number two civilian said Tuesday, a move that could increase the service’s profile in a region where the Army and Air Force have stationed large forces for decades.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, prepares to board an MV-22 Osprey on his way to a site near At-Tanf Garrison, Syria, Sept. 7, 2018. The White House announced Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, that U.S. forces will start withdrawing from Syria after defeating the Islamic State in the country. <br>Carlos Lopez/U.S. Marine Corps
A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, prepares to board an MV-22 Osprey on his way to a site near At-Tanf Garrison, Syria, Sept. 7, 2018. The White House announced Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, that U.S. forces will start withdrawing from Syria after defeating the Islamic State in the country. <br>Carlos Lopez/U.S. Marine Corps

White House says troops are leaving Syria, claims victory over ISIS

President Donald Trump has begun withdrawing U.S. forces from Syria, the White House announced Wednesday, declaring victory over Islamic State fighters in the country despite ongoing skirmishes and concerns from others in Washington that the terrorist group might mount a comeback.

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division walk toward UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters during exercise Combined Resolve XI in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Dec. 5, 2018. The Army has negotiated refunds for about 250 soldiers from the unit who bought airline tickets before their vacations were approved by a higher command.<br>Matthew J. Marcellus/U.S. Army
Soldiers assigned to the 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division walk toward UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters during exercise Combined Resolve XI in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Dec. 5, 2018. The Army has negotiated refunds for about 250 soldiers from the unit who bought airline tickets before their vacations were approved by a higher command.<br>Matthew J. Marcellus/U.S. Army

Hundreds of soldiers in Europe to get ticket refunds after holiday leave snafu

The Army has negotiated refunds for the majority of the 250 soldiers on rotation in Europe who had bought airline tickets home for the holidays before learning the leave granted by their unit hadn’t been approved at higher levels.

U.S. AFRICOM air strikes killed 60 insurgents over two days in Somalia.<br>AFRICOM
U.S. AFRICOM air strikes killed 60 insurgents over two days in Somalia.<br>AFRICOM

US airstrikes kill 62 militants in Somalia

The attacks bring 2018’s strike total in Somalia to 45 — eclipsing last year’s tally of 35, AFRICOM said.

A servicemember inspects a red blood cell unit before placing it in a box to be shipped. On Dec. 17, 2018, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany said an employee is under investigation for potentially threatening the hospital's blood supply.<br>James Hodgman/U.S. Air Force
A servicemember inspects a red blood cell unit before placing it in a box to be shipped. On Dec. 17, 2018, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany said an employee is under investigation for potentially threatening the hospital's blood supply.<br>James Hodgman/U.S. Air Force

Landstuhl hospital employee investigated over suspected threat to blood supply

The medical center is the European home to the Armed Services Blood Program, which collects blood and other blood products at donation centers at up to three mobile drives throughout Europe each week.

Kosovo Security Force noncommissioned officers stand in formation at their senior NCO course graduation ceremony at a KSF base in Ferizaj, Kosovo. NATO will reconsider its support to it gives to Kosovo's security forces after the country's decision Friday to take a step toward forming an army.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Kosovo Security Force noncommissioned officers stand in formation at their senior NCO course graduation ceremony at a KSF base in Ferizaj, Kosovo. NATO will reconsider its support to it gives to Kosovo's security forces after the country's decision Friday to take a step toward forming an army.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

NATO troubled by plan for Kosovo army, which US backs

NATO will reconsider the support it gives Kosovo’s security forces after the country’s decision Friday to take a step toward forming an army, laying bare a disagreement between the military alliance and the United States.

Col. W. Scott Gallaway, front, commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, leads the formation July 2, 2018, during a ceremony at Ansbach's Storck Barracks Airfield. <br>U.S. Army
Col. W. Scott Gallaway, front, commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, leads the formation July 2, 2018, during a ceremony at Ansbach's Storck Barracks Airfield. <br>U.S. Army

Hundreds of soldiers thought they had holiday leave. Now the Army’s trying to help them cancel their tickets.

Scores of soldiers deployed to Europe could be on the hook after purchasing airline tickets home for the holidays, only to learn that their leave was never fully approved.

During the winter months, a seasonal menu at Zeppelino's in Stuttgart features different goose dishes. Here is a goose breast served with ginger-flavored chickpeas.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
During the winter months, a seasonal menu at Zeppelino's in Stuttgart features different goose dishes. Here is a goose breast served with ginger-flavored chickpeas.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Very good, but not great, food at Stuttgart’s swanky Zeppelino’s

After a quick glance at the menu, I knew just what I wanted — the roasted venison served in a lingonberry sauce, with a side of brussels sprouts and hazelnut spaetzle.

National Security Advisor John Bolton unveils the Trump Administration's Africa Strategy at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.<br>Cliff Owen/AP
National Security Advisor John Bolton unveils the Trump Administration's Africa Strategy at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.<br>Cliff Owen/AP

New White House strategy in Africa focuses on countering Chinese, Russian influences

Africa is a strategic battleground where countering China and Russia’s growing influence will be the top U.S. priority, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Thursday as he unveiled the Trump administration’s new approach on the continent.

Gen. Tony Thomas, commander U.S. Special Operations Command, called for an internal review following a series of misconduct allegations. Courtesy USSOCOM<br>Courtesy USSOCOM
Gen. Tony Thomas, commander U.S. Special Operations Command, called for an internal review following a series of misconduct allegations. Courtesy USSOCOM<br>Courtesy USSOCOM

Special operations boss calls for change amid troop misconduct allegations

The head of U.S. special operations forces has issued a call to action after a series of high-profile instances of misconduct revealed a damaged culture of discipline in the ranks.

Place Kléber, the central square of Strasbourg, France, and the Christmas market in 2017.<br>Travis Pinson
Place Kléber, the central square of Strasbourg, France, and the Christmas market in 2017.<br>Travis Pinson

US troops in Europe told to check in after deadly Christmas market attack

So far there is no sign that any members of the American military community were among those killed or injured in the attack that killed three and injured at least 12 in Strasbourg, France.

Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russian armed forces chief of staff, are seated behind their respective flags in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 19, 2018. The two will meet in Baku again today.<br>Courtesy of EUCOM
Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russian armed forces chief of staff, are seated behind their respective flags in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 19, 2018. The two will meet in Baku again today.<br>Courtesy of EUCOM

EUCOM commander holds talks with Russian defense chief

Uncertainty about Russia’s next moves in Ukraine are likely to loom over the talks, which come after Russia’s recent attack on Ukrainian ships and a threat from the U.S. to quit a key nuclear treaty with Moscow.

A green beret with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) practices patrolling techniques with Nigerien soldiers during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, Feb. 28, 2017. 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) is regionally aligned to North and West Africa.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army
A green beret with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) practices patrolling techniques with Nigerien soldiers during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, Feb. 28, 2017. 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) is regionally aligned to North and West Africa.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army

One French servicemember dead, one American injured in Niger accident

The U.S. military is investigating a deadly accident involving U.S. and French troops in Niger that left one French servicemember dead and an American injured, U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday.

A soldier with the 3rd Special Forces Group uses rock drills to explain small unit tactics to Senegalese soldiers during a training exercise earlier this year in Niger. Since the 2017 ambush the killed four U.S. soldiers in the country, the U.S. military has struggled to reach consensus on which leaders should be blamed for poor mission planning.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army
A soldier with the 3rd Special Forces Group uses rock drills to explain small unit tactics to Senegalese soldiers during a training exercise earlier this year in Niger. Since the 2017 ambush the killed four U.S. soldiers in the country, the U.S. military has struggled to reach consensus on which leaders should be blamed for poor mission planning.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army

Army rescinds reprimand for Niger ambush that left four dead, report says

The Army has rescinded the reprimand of Capt. Michael Perozeni, a Green Beret who led troops during the deadly October 2017 ambush in Niger that left four U.S. soldiers dead, the New York Times reported.

An OC-135B Open Skies aircraft takes off at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The Open Skies is an observation aircraft used for treaty support to enhance stability and cooperative security. The U.S. military conducted a surveillance flight over Ukraine on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, the Pentagon said.<br>Josh Plueger/U.S. Air Force
An OC-135B Open Skies aircraft takes off at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The Open Skies is an observation aircraft used for treaty support to enhance stability and cooperative security. The U.S. military conducted a surveillance flight over Ukraine on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, the Pentagon said.<br>Josh Plueger/U.S. Air Force

US military conducts Open Skies observation flight over Ukraine

The U.S. military conducted an “extraordinary” surveillance flight over Ukraine on Thursday in response to Russia’s recent attack on Ukrainian ships, the Pentagon said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg talks to the media before the start of the NATO foreign ministerial meetings at the organization's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Courtesy of NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg talks to the media before the start of the NATO foreign ministerial meetings at the organization's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Courtesy of NATO

Brace for more Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, NATO chief says

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that security conditions could worsen in Afghanistan, where casualty rates have increased in a war that is now in its 18th year.

A general view of a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Francisco Seco/AP
A general view of a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Francisco Seco/AP

US threatens to quit nuclear accord if Russia doesn't comply with terms within 60 days

Russia has 60 days to come into compliance with a key nuclear treaty or else Washington will begin the process of quitting the landmark accord, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivers keynote remarks at the George Marshall Fund of the United States in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec.4, 2018. Pompeo is in Brussels for NATO foreign ministerial meetings.<br>State Department screengrab
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivers keynote remarks at the George Marshall Fund of the United States in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec.4, 2018. Pompeo is in Brussels for NATO foreign ministerial meetings.<br>State Department screengrab

US asks Europe to ‘show leadership’ following Russian sea attack

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge NATO allies during talks in Brussels on Tuesday to take a tougher stance against Russia after last week’s attack on Ukrainian vessels and Moscow’s alleged violation of a key nuclear weapons treaty.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter and the command and control ship USS Mount Whitney sail in the Black Sea during exercise Sea Breeze on July 13, 2018. Ukraine?s president urged NATO to send warships into the neighboring Sea of Azov, but the alliance has shown no interest in forcing its way into waters under Russian control.<br>Justin Stumberg/U.S. Navy
The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter and the command and control ship USS Mount Whitney sail in the Black Sea during exercise Sea Breeze on July 13, 2018. Ukraine?s president urged NATO to send warships into the neighboring Sea of Azov, but the alliance has shown no interest in forcing its way into waters under Russian control.<br>Justin Stumberg/U.S. Navy

Despite calls from Ukraine no signs of US, allied ships heading to Sea of Azov

Ukraine’s president urged NATO on Thursday to send warships into the Sea of Azov, as President Donald Trump announced he was canceling a planned meeting with Russia's president over the seizure of Ukrainian ships and crews this week.

U.S. Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, Nov. 27, 2018. <br>Nick Scott/U.S. Navy
U.S. Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, Nov. 27, 2018. <br>Nick Scott/U.S. Navy

AFRICOM boss travels to Somalia for high-level talks

America’s top commander for Africa made a rare visit to war-torn Somalia, meeting with local leaders to discuss security in a country where U.S. forces quietly serve in a fight against militants.