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John Vandiver

Gate 3 at Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Germany. A suspicious item, possibly unexploded World War II-era ordnance, was found outside the barracks on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017.<br>Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes
Gate 3 at Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Germany. A suspicious item, possibly unexploded World War II-era ordnance, was found outside the barracks on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017.<br>Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes

Army: No imminent threat to US troops after report of planned terror attack in Germany

U.S. Army Europe investigators found no “imminent threat” to personnel after an intelligence report of a potential terror attack led to heightened security at U.S. bases in Germany during the weekend.

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The Army paid hackers more than $275,000 for detecting vulnerabilities on public military websites in a ''Hack the Army 2.0'' competition.<br>U.S. Army
The Army paid hackers more than $275,000 for detecting vulnerabilities on public military websites in a ''Hack the Army 2.0'' competition.<br>U.S. Army

Hackers earn $275,000 in ‘bug bounties’ after finding security flaws on Army websites

The Army paid hackers more than $275,000 for detecting vulnerabilities in popular military websites, which defense officials say is a step toward creating a more secure cyberspace.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion storm a fjord in Namsos, Norway, in March 2016, during Exercise Cold Response16. About 7,500 American troops will take part in Cold Response this year, about 3,000 less than originally planned.<br>Brianna Gaudi/U.S. Marine Corps
Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion storm a fjord in Namsos, Norway, in March 2016, during Exercise Cold Response16. About 7,500 American troops will take part in Cold Response this year, about 3,000 less than originally planned.<br>Brianna Gaudi/U.S. Marine Corps

US troops slated for big Arctic exercise get shifted to other missions

About 3,000 U.S. troops slated to take part in an upcoming cold weather exercise in Norway in early March have been diverted to other missions. Some 7,500 U.S. troops are still expected to take part in the Norwegian-led Cold Response exercise.

U.S. Army Sgt. Don Baldwin, 1-186th Infantry Battalion, Oregon National Guard, points to the horizon while explaining items of interest to look out for during a security patrol in Somalia, on December 3, 2019.<br>Nick Kibbey/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army Sgt. Don Baldwin, 1-186th Infantry Battalion, Oregon National Guard, points to the horizon while explaining items of interest to look out for during a security patrol in Somalia, on December 3, 2019.<br>Nick Kibbey/U.S. Air Force

US troops’ ‘incredible heroism’ was key to repelling deadly Kenya attack, AFRICOM says

“We had a very small U.S. force following the initial attack absolutely repel the al-Shabab attackers away from the airfield. And they did that under fire,” said Gen. William Gayler, AFRICOM’s director of operations.

U.S. soldiers with the Massachusetts Army National Guard train soldiers with the Rapid Intervention Battalion, a Djiboutian army elite military force, near Djibouti City, Djibouti, June 2019. <br>Daniel Hernandez/U.S Air Force
U.S. soldiers with the Massachusetts Army National Guard train soldiers with the Rapid Intervention Battalion, a Djiboutian army elite military force, near Djibouti City, Djibouti, June 2019. <br>Daniel Hernandez/U.S Air Force

Russia and China would fill gap created by large US pullout from Africa, lawmakers warn Pentagon

A group of bipartisan lawmakers has cautioned the Pentagon against large troop reductions in Africa, arguing that Russia and China would fill the vacuum that would be created by a smaller U.S. presence on the continent.

A fundraising effort has been launched to sculpt a bronze bust of D-Day veteran Charles Shay. The sculpture would be placed at an existing memorial to Native Americans later this year at Omaha Beach.<br>GoFundMe
A fundraising effort has been launched to sculpt a bronze bust of D-Day veteran Charles Shay. The sculpture would be placed at an existing memorial to Native Americans later this year at Omaha Beach.<br>GoFundMe

Omaha Beach sculpture planned for D-Day veteran who now calls Normandy home

Overlooking Omaha Beach is a small memorial to honor Native American troops who took part in the Normandy invasion more than 75 years ago, and now a group of French locals want to add to it.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler Torr, center, an air adviser with the 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, gives instructions to a Niger armed forces soldier during a training exercise on Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, July 10, 2019, as a translator, right, interprets. <br>Devin Boyer/U.S. Air Force
Tech. Sgt. Tyler Torr, center, an air adviser with the 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, gives instructions to a Niger armed forces soldier during a training exercise on Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, July 10, 2019, as a translator, right, interprets. <br>Devin Boyer/U.S. Air Force

Pentagon mulling cuts to force in Africa, Milley says

The Pentagon is considering plans to reduce the number of troops it has in Africa so they can be redeployed to other missions, including a larger role in the Pacific, the military’s top officer said.

American rotational soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division salute during the national anthem at a welcoming ceremony for them in Zagan, Poland, in 2017. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
American rotational soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division salute during the national anthem at a welcoming ceremony for them in Zagan, Poland, in 2017. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

2020 VISION

Negotiations between Washington, Poland continue into 2020 regarding deployment of additional US troops

The U.S. and Poland are still trying to figure out how to beef up the American military mission in the country after more than a year of negotiations, but 2020 could be the year when the long-discussed initiative gets put into action.

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Thresher has been selected as the next command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany.<br>U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Thresher has been selected as the next command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany.<br>U.S. Marine Corps

Marine to serve as AFRICOM’s new senior enlisted leader

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Thresher has been tapped to serve as the next senior enlisted leader of U.S. Africa Command, the military announced Thursday.

President Donald Trump speaks to service members during a visit to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 26, 2018. Trump proposed expanding NATO to include the Middle East and suggested calling it NATO-ME.<br>Leland White/U.S. Army National Guard
President Donald Trump speaks to service members during a visit to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 26, 2018. Trump proposed expanding NATO to include the Middle East and suggested calling it NATO-ME.<br>Leland White/U.S. Army National Guard

‘What a beautiful name’: Ever the brand-builder, Trump comes up with moniker for expanded NATO

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he raised the idea of an expanded NATO role in the Middle East, and the idea of NATO-ME, to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Henry Mayfield holds a picture of his son, Army Spc. Henry Mayfield Jr., who was killed in an attack on a military base in Kenya.<br>TNS
Henry Mayfield holds a picture of his son, Army Spc. Henry Mayfield Jr., who was killed in an attack on a military base in Kenya.<br>TNS

AFRICOM boss orders senior officers to Kenya to investigate deadly attacks

The AFRICOM contingent that Townsend sent to Kenya includes Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, who leads the Djibouti-based Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and AFRICOM’s head of logistics Brig. Gen. Leonard Kosinski.

A Spanish trainer goes over techniques to detect improvised explosive devices with an Iraqi soldier at the Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, in 2018. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg responded to a request by President Donald Trump that European alliance members become more involved in the Middle East by saying on Jan. 9, 2020, that the alliance can do more in the volatile region.<br>Antonio Lewis/U.S. Army
A Spanish trainer goes over techniques to detect improvised explosive devices with an Iraqi soldier at the Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, in 2018. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg responded to a request by President Donald Trump that European alliance members become more involved in the Middle East by saying on Jan. 9, 2020, that the alliance can do more in the volatile region.<br>Antonio Lewis/U.S. Army

Allies could do more in Mideast, NATO chief says after Trump calls on members to step up

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday the alliance can do more in the Middle East but stopped short of detailing how allies might satisfy President Donald Trump’s demand that they become more involved in the region.

A mover packs household goods onto a truck in Kaiserslautern, Germany. According to an Inspector General investigation, almost half of household good shipments arrive late and 20% are damaged or lost.<br>Stars and Stripes
A mover packs household goods onto a truck in Kaiserslautern, Germany. According to an Inspector General investigation, almost half of household good shipments arrive late and 20% are damaged or lost.<br>Stars and Stripes

Damages, losses and late arrivals plague military household goods shipments, IG says

The Defense Department is the largest customer in the personal property shipping industry, representing about 15% of all domestic and international moves.

Dustin Harrison was among three Americans killed in an early morning attack Jan. 5, 2020, in Kenya after a military base was overrun by al-Shabab fighters. <br>Facebook
Dustin Harrison was among three Americans killed in an early morning attack Jan. 5, 2020, in Kenya after a military base was overrun by al-Shabab fighters. <br>Facebook

Pilot from Tucson among those killed in Kenya attack

An Arizona man contracted to fly aircraft for the U.S. military one of three Americans killed by Somali militants.

A German soldier examines another soldier during aeromedical training in Iraq in May 2019. Some allies have begun pulling their forces out of Iraq because of security concerns in the country. Germany will send 30 of its 120 soldiers in Iraq to Jordan and Kuwait.<br>Alison Carr/U.S. Army
A German soldier examines another soldier during aeromedical training in Iraq in May 2019. Some allies have begun pulling their forces out of Iraq because of security concerns in the country. Germany will send 30 of its 120 soldiers in Iraq to Jordan and Kuwait.<br>Alison Carr/U.S. Army

Germany, other NATO allies move soldiers out of central Iraq

The move comes after the alliance suspended a mission to train Iraqi forces.

Long distance runner Dustin Johnson, a Navy veteran, began a journey on foot Jan. 1, 2020, from Stuttgart to Berlin to raise awareness about veteran suicide. In the middle of a more than 16,000-mile quest to circumnavigate the globe, Johnson injured his ankle after a car swerved and left him sliding down an icy ditch. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Long distance runner Dustin Johnson, a Navy veteran, began a journey on foot Jan. 1, 2020, from Stuttgart to Berlin to raise awareness about veteran suicide. In the middle of a more than 16,000-mile quest to circumnavigate the globe, Johnson injured his ankle after a car swerved and left him sliding down an icy ditch. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Icy German roads and Australian wildfires derail Navy vet’s world run

An accident forced a stop to Dustin Johnson's attempt to become the first American to run around the world.

Spc. Henry Mayfield Jr., 23, seen here with his mother Carmoneta Horton-Mayfield, was among three Americans killed in an early morning attack Jan. 5, 2020, in Kenya after their military base was overrun by al-Shabab fighters. <br>Facebook
Spc. Henry Mayfield Jr., 23, seen here with his mother Carmoneta Horton-Mayfield, was among three Americans killed in an early morning attack Jan. 5, 2020, in Kenya after their military base was overrun by al-Shabab fighters. <br>Facebook

Army specialist from Chicago area was among three Americans killed in Kenya attack

Spc. Henry Mayfield Jr., 23, from the Chicago suburb of Hazel Crest, was killed in the Sunday morning attack, his family told Chicago’s NBC affiliate.

U.S. Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrive at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 2, 2020. The division is slated to play a big role in the upcoming Defender Europe exercise, but unrest in the Middle East could throw a wrench into plans for the biggest military exercise in Europe in 25 years.<br>Daniel Martinez/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrive at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 2, 2020. The division is slated to play a big role in the upcoming Defender Europe exercise, but unrest in the Middle East could throw a wrench into plans for the biggest military exercise in Europe in 25 years.<br>Daniel Martinez/U.S. Air Force

Middle East crisis could mean adjustments to Europe’s largest military exercise in decades

Large exercises in Europe and the Pacific are part of a Pentagon strategy to shift focus away from the Middle East and prioritize “great power competition” with Russia and China.

U.S. AFRICOM logo<br>
U.S. AFRICOM logo<br>

AFRICOM: US service member, two contractors killed in attack on Kenya base

One U.S. servicemember and two Defense Department contractors were killed Sunday in Kenya after their military base came under attack y al-Qaida-aligned militants, U.S. Africa Command said.

Belarus military members exit an Mi-8 helicopter during a training exercise, in an undated photo. Belarus defense chief Oleg Belokonev said his country is open to participating in joint exercises with NATO.<br>Belarus Ministry of Defense
Belarus military members exit an Mi-8 helicopter during a training exercise, in an undated photo. Belarus defense chief Oleg Belokonev said his country is open to participating in joint exercises with NATO.<br>Belarus Ministry of Defense

Russia’s close ally Belarus explores working closer with NATO

Defense chief Oleg Belokonev recently told local media his country should be regarded in similar terms as Serbia — a country with close ties to Russia but one with a military training connection to NATO.

Navy veteran Dustin Johnson warms up at Stuttgart's Killesberg Park, where on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, he began a 420 mile run to Berlin. Johnson is trying to complete the journey without sleep or stopping for rest over a six-day span. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Navy veteran Dustin Johnson warms up at Stuttgart's Killesberg Park, where on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, he began a 420 mile run to Berlin. Johnson is trying to complete the journey without sleep or stopping for rest over a six-day span. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Navy vet runs the world to raise suicide prevention awareness

An attempt at setting a record for the longest nonstop journey on foot is just part of Dustin Johnson's effort to raise awareness about preventing veteran suicides by running extraordinary distances.

U.S. Africa Command has launched 63 airstrikes in Somalia this year compared to 47 in 2018.<br>AFRICOM
U.S. Africa Command has launched 63 airstrikes in Somalia this year compared to 47 in 2018.<br>AFRICOM

AFRICOM ends 2019 with record number of strikes in Somalia

The majority of U.S. military strikes in Somalia have been directed at the al-Shabab terrorist group, which is aligned with al-Qaida and seeks to overthrow the country’s U.S.-backed central government.

Incoming commander of the Sabalauski Air Assault School, Capt. Kevin Gibbons, gives a speech during his change of command ceremony, March 6, 2019. A recently published Rand Corp report says company-level leaders work an average of 12.5 hours a day.<br>Grant Ligon/U.S. Army
Incoming commander of the Sabalauski Air Assault School, Capt. Kevin Gibbons, gives a speech during his change of command ceremony, March 6, 2019. A recently published Rand Corp report says company-level leaders work an average of 12.5 hours a day.<br>Grant Ligon/U.S. Army

‘You’re constantly playing Whack-a-Mole’: Army company commanders are overburdened, report says

Army company-level leaders are overwhelmed by their workloads in part because they’re reluctant to push back against excessive demands made on them by leadership, a new study suggests.

A shipment of 54 new Humvees arrived in Djibouti this week, as part of a $31 million train-and-equip partnership between the U.S. government and the Djiboutian military. The military vehicles will be delivered to the Djibouti armed forces for use by its new Rapid Intervention Battalion.<br>U.S. Embassy Djibouti
A shipment of 54 new Humvees arrived in Djibouti this week, as part of a $31 million train-and-equip partnership between the U.S. government and the Djiboutian military. The military vehicles will be delivered to the Djibouti armed forces for use by its new Rapid Intervention Battalion.<br>U.S. Embassy Djibouti

US delivers Humvees to Djibouti’s military as part of $31-million training effort

The delivery comes as the U.S. vies with China for influence in Djibouti, a former French colony on the Horn of Africa that hosts China’s first overseas military base.

The Pentagon must now track race and ethnicity in military court criminal sentencings to address disparities, according to a provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act just passed by Congress.<br>Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon must now track race and ethnicity in military court criminal sentencings to address disparities, according to a provision in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act just passed by Congress.<br>Stars and Stripes

Lawmakers order military courts to track race of accused troops amid bias concerns

A defense bill expected to be signed by President Donald Trump calls for reforms after a government investigation found that the rate at which men and some minorities were investigated and tried for crimes was disproportionate with their representation in the military.

Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.<br>Duncan Wood/U.S. Air Force
Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.<br>Duncan Wood/U.S. Air Force

Space Force might call Colorado its new main hub

The establishment of the Space Force, a top priority for President Donald Trump, marks the first time in more than 70 years that a new military service has been formed.

A Hellenic air force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft soars during a flying training deployment at Souda Bay, Greece, Jan. 28, 2016. Greek air force pilots scrambled to intercept Turkish fighter planes that illegally entered Greek airspace 40 times on Dec. 17, 2019.<br>Christopher Ruano/U.S. Air Force
A Hellenic air force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft soars during a flying training deployment at Souda Bay, Greece, Jan. 28, 2016. Greek air force pilots scrambled to intercept Turkish fighter planes that illegally entered Greek airspace 40 times on Dec. 17, 2019.<br>Christopher Ruano/U.S. Air Force

Turkey breaches airspace of Greece 40 times in a day, triggering mock dogfights between the NATO allies

Dogfights between the two NATO members are relatively commonplace and risky. Several Greek pilots have been killed in aviation accidents while intercepting Turkish jets in Greek airspace.

Helen Patton, granddaughter of Gen. George S. Patton, talks to Battle of the Bulge veterans before the commemorations at the Luxembourg American Cemetery marking the 75th anniversary of the battle, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. The general is buried at the cemetery.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Helen Patton, granddaughter of Gen. George S. Patton, talks to Battle of the Bulge veterans before the commemorations at the Luxembourg American Cemetery marking the 75th anniversary of the battle, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. The general is buried at the cemetery.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

‘The fate of the free world rested on their shoulders’: Esper honors Battle of the Bulge war dead

Defense Secretary Mark Esper and European leaders gathered Monday at the Luxembourg American Cemetery to honor those killed in the Battle of the Bulge, and to thank veterans on hand to mark the 75th anniversary of the pivotal battle.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, to close military bases to the U.S. if sanctions are imposed. <br>Government of Turkey/Facebook
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, to close military bases to the U.S. if sanctions are imposed. <br>Government of Turkey/Facebook

Turkey's president says he could close Incirlik Air Base over US sanctions

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said sanctions might lead him to close to Incirlik, where the U.S. stores nuclear bombs, and Kurecik, which houses a key radar for NATO missile defense efforts in Europe.

Two security forces airmen patrol the runway at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in November 2015. Turkey has threatened to kick the U.S. off the base and restrict access to another if Congress imposes sanctions on Turkey for invading northern Syria.<br>Air Force News Agency
Two security forces airmen patrol the runway at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in November 2015. Turkey has threatened to kick the U.S. off the base and restrict access to another if Congress imposes sanctions on Turkey for invading northern Syria.<br>Air Force News Agency

Turkey warns sanctions could jeopardize US access to Incirlik Air Base

Turkey could kick the U.S. out of Incirlik Air Base if Washington moves forward with sanctions linked to Ankara’s incursion into Syria and the purchase of Russian weaponry, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Donald Trump attend the NATO summit in London on Dec. 4, 2019. Turkey said it may block a NATO defense plan for the Baltics and Poland if allies do not designate Kurdish YPG forces as terrorists.<br>NATO
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Donald Trump attend the NATO summit in London on Dec. 4, 2019. Turkey said it may block a NATO defense plan for the Baltics and Poland if allies do not designate Kurdish YPG forces as terrorists.<br>NATO

Turkey warns again it will block NATO defense plan over Kurdish issue

Turkey said it will block the plan unless allies develop a security arrangement for the alliance’s southern flank that would brand Kurdish YPG forces who fought alongside Americans as terrorists.

Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (seen here at a Capitol Hill hearing in April, 2019) says he "isn't buying" that whoever shot down a U.S. drone over Libya last month, using a Russian air defense system, doesn't know where it is. Townsend said Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, the U.S. wants the drone back.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (seen here at a Capitol Hill hearing in April, 2019) says he "isn't buying" that whoever shot down a U.S. drone over Libya last month, using a Russian air defense system, doesn't know where it is. Townsend said Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, the U.S. wants the drone back.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

AFRICOM calls for return of drone downed by Russian weapon system over Libya

The U.S. wants back a drone that was shot down over Libya last month by a Russian air defense system believed to have been operated by mercenaries or militiamen, U.S. Africa Command said Monday.

The Burger Place, in Stuttgart's Zuffenhausen section, is a Canadian themed eatery with a large burger menu.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The Burger Place, in Stuttgart's Zuffenhausen section, is a Canadian themed eatery with a large burger menu.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Burger Place serves up Canadian specialty

The french fry, which belongs with ketchup, gets defiled in so many ways.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at 10 Downing St. for an informal dinner hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.<br>NATO
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at 10 Downing St. for an informal dinner hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.<br>NATO

Amid threats, rifts and Trump’s criticism, NATO passes Baltic defense plan and celebrates higher spending

President Donald Trump and fellow NATO leaders approved a defense plan for the Baltics and Poland on Wednesday, overcoming resistance from Turkey, which had threatened to block it unless other alliance members designated Kurdish fighters in Syria as terrorists.

U.S. President Donald Trump listens to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as he answers a question following a meeting at Winfield House in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, ahead of the NATO summit marking the alliance's 70th anniversary.<br>NATO
U.S. President Donald Trump listens to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as he answers a question following a meeting at Winfield House in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, ahead of the NATO summit marking the alliance's 70th anniversary.<br>NATO

In tense exchange with Trump, Macron stands by his ‘very, very nasty’ comments about NATO

President Donald Trump called out his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, saying France needs American military protection more than others and that Macron’s recent critical comments about the NATO alliance were “disrespectful and dangerous.”

An F/A-18E Super Hornet lands on the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The Truman strike group is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet's area of responsibility.<br>Victoria Sutton/U.S. Navy
An F/A-18E Super Hornet lands on the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The Truman strike group is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet's area of responsibility.<br>Victoria Sutton/U.S. Navy

Truman carrier group begins Europe mission

The deployment is the first since the Nimitz-class carrier underwent months of repairs to its electrical system, forcing its strike group to deploy without it.