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Erik Slavin

Erik Slavin is the bureau chief for the European and Middle Eastern theaters of operation. Slavin previously reported on military matters in the Pacific region from Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.


A U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 flies over the Persian Gulf in April 2016. Navy officials said a Russian SU-27 fighter jet flew dangerously close to a Navy EP-3 Aries in international airspace over the Black Sea, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018.<br>U.S. NAVY
A U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 flies over the Persian Gulf in April 2016. Navy officials said a Russian SU-27 fighter jet flew dangerously close to a Navy EP-3 Aries in international airspace over the Black Sea, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018.<br>U.S. NAVY

Russian jet flies dangerously close to Navy aircraft during Black Sea operations

Two unsafe passes by a Russian fighter jet put a U.S. military aircraft at risk during flight operations over the Black Sea, Navy officials said Monday.

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In July 1946, the German cruiser Prinz Eugen survived damaged but relatively intact during the Baker nuclear test at Bikini Atoll. On Oct. 15, 2018, Navy divers from Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 1 finished removing most of the oil from the capsized World War II ship.<br>Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In July 1946, the German cruiser Prinz Eugen survived damaged but relatively intact during the Baker nuclear test at Bikini Atoll. On Oct. 15, 2018, Navy divers from Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 1 finished removing most of the oil from the capsized World War II ship.<br>Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Navy recovers fuel from sunken ship once used for atomic bomb practice

Navy divers finished recovering an estimated 250,000 gallons of oil Monday from a captured warship that survived World War II and two atomic bomb tests before sinking 72 years ago.

Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV<br>U.S. Air Force
Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV<br>U.S. Air Force

Air Force general to retire after probe finds misconduct

Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV will retire on Dec. 1, after not being allowed to pin on his second star and receiving a letter of admonishment, an Air Force spokeswoman said in response to a Stars and Stripes query Thursday.

Fleet Master Chief Russell Smith.<br>U.S. Navy
Fleet Master Chief Russell Smith.<br>U.S. Navy

Navy names new top enlisted leader

Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Russell Smith's selection comes following the announced retirement of Steven Giordano as the Navy’s top enlisted leader in June, amid allegations that he fostered a hostile work environment in his office.

Julius "Henry" Pieper, left, and Ludwig "Louie" Pieper are shown in this undated World War II-era photo. <br>Courtesy of Creston, Neb., Q125 History Book
Julius "Henry" Pieper, left, and Ludwig "Louie" Pieper are shown in this undated World War II-era photo. <br>Courtesy of Creston, Neb., Q125 History Book

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Death at sea separated these twins 74 years ago. Now they're back together.

The brothers' burial together in Normandy is a culmination of improbable events that included the review of a grave marked “unknown” in Belgium, a high school history project, a military forensics team review and a family gathering in Nebraska.

Kubasaki High School at Camp Foster, Okinawa.<br>Courtesy of DODEA
Kubasaki High School at Camp Foster, Okinawa.<br>Courtesy of DODEA

Possible shooter threat cancels classes at Okinawa base schools

Schools officials later reported no serious threats at either Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster or at Kadena High School at Kadena Air Base after threatening graffiti sparked fears of potential shooting incidents.

The future USS Delbert D. Black will be christened at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. <br>U.S. Navy
The future USS Delbert D. Black will be christened at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. <br>U.S. Navy

Navy to christen first ship named after top enlisted leader

The first ship to bear the name of a master chief petty officer of the Navy will be christened at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., on Saturday.

The stateroom of the USS Fitzgerald's stateroom as seen from the exterior of the ship after its collision on June 21, 2017.<br>U.S. Navy
The stateroom of the USS Fitzgerald's stateroom as seen from the exterior of the ship after its collision on June 21, 2017.<br>U.S. Navy

Report: Bridge, crewmembers' errors led to deaths aboard 2 Navy destroyers

The two collisions that killed a combined 17 sailors aboard the destroyers USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain resulted from sailors not following procedures and lack of communication between officers and the rest of the ship, a Navy report released Wednesday concluded.

Keisuke Ohta, manager of Bar Sea Guardian II at the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Japan, holds the bottle found by construction workers during the hotel's recent renovation. Inside the bottle is the business card for Lt. Col. Eugene J. McNamara, a guest during the post-World War II occupation. The hotel would like to find McNamara's family.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
Keisuke Ohta, manager of Bar Sea Guardian II at the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Japan, holds the bottle found by construction workers during the hotel's recent renovation. Inside the bottle is the business card for Lt. Col. Eugene J. McNamara, a guest during the post-World War II occupation. The hotel would like to find McNamara's family.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

Card in a bottle sparks 70-year-old Army mystery in Japan

Using a whiskey bottle, a business card and some rudimentary carpentry, Lt. Col. Eugene J. McNamara found a way to be remembered.

The USS Shiloh in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region on March 23, 2014.<br>David Flewellyn/U.S. Navy photo
The USS Shiloh in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region on March 23, 2014.<br>David Flewellyn/U.S. Navy photo

Search for missing USS Shiloh sailor suspended after exhaustive effort

The Navy and Japan Coast Guard suspended their search at midnight Sunday for a USS Shiloh sailor who officials say likely fell overboard in the Western Pacific this past week.

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka shut down Ikego Elementary School's water fountains and began providing bottled water in April.<br>Courtesy of DODEA
Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka shut down Ikego Elementary School's water fountains and began providing bottled water in April.<br>Courtesy of DODEA

Lead detected in water at Navy elementary school in Japan

Water fixtures at the Navy’s Ikego Elementary School in Japan have again registered high levels of lead, though officials say families thus far appear to be unaffected following voluntary blood testing.

The USS Carl Vinson conducts operations alongside the USS Ronald Reagan in the Sea of Japan June 1, 2017. <br>Z.A. Landers/U.S. Navy
The USS Carl Vinson conducts operations alongside the USS Ronald Reagan in the Sea of Japan June 1, 2017. <br>Z.A. Landers/U.S. Navy

Reagan, Vinson carrier groups team with Japanese off Korean Peninsula; Nimitz on its way

The USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson strike groups operated in formation alongside Japanese forces in waters near the Korean Peninsula Thursday, marking the largest display yet of naval power in response to North Korea’s recent ballistic missile tests.

Attorney Tim Bilecki announces the not-guilty verdict his client, Navy Lt. Stephen Kimball, received during an attempted sexual assault trial in Yokosuka, Japan, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.<br>Bilecki & Tippon/Facebook
Attorney Tim Bilecki announces the not-guilty verdict his client, Navy Lt. Stephen Kimball, received during an attempted sexual assault trial in Yokosuka, Japan, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.<br>Bilecki & Tippon/Facebook

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Navy officer cleared of attempted teen sex-assault charges by military jury

A Navy officer accused of attempted sexual assault of a minor following an Okinawa sting operation was acquitted of five related charges by a court martial jury on Thursday.

Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, shown here in 2016 talking with a reporter in Albuquerque, N.M., was nominated by the Navy to assume command of the U.S. 7th Fleet on May 17, 2017. <br>Mickey Treigle/U.S. Navy photo
Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, shown here in 2016 talking with a reporter in Albuquerque, N.M., was nominated by the Navy to assume command of the U.S. 7th Fleet on May 17, 2017. <br>Mickey Treigle/U.S. Navy photo

Sawyer nominated to head Yokosuka-based 7th Fleet

Rear Adm. Phillip Sawyer is currently the deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, headquartered in Hawaii. His experience includes command of Pacific Fleet’s submarine forces, as well as an earlier command of the Yokosuka-based submarine Group 7.

Aryanna Abriam, 10, right, and Ailani Abriam, 4, left, wave goodbye to their father as the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan prepares to depart Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Tuesday, May 16, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
Aryanna Abriam, 10, right, and Ailani Abriam, 4, left, wave goodbye to their father as the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan prepares to depart Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Tuesday, May 16, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

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USS Ronald Reagan now underway on patrol amid uncertainty in Asia

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan departed its Yokosuka homeport Tuesday for a scheduled patrol of the Asia-Pacific region, amid concerns about North Korea and questions about how the White House will address China’s claims to the South China Sea.

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan transits waters surrounding the Korean peninsula during Exercise Invincible Spirit in October.<br>Nathan Burke/U.S. Navy
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan transits waters surrounding the Korean peninsula during Exercise Invincible Spirit in October.<br>Nathan Burke/U.S. Navy

USS Ronald Reagan patrol delayed by repair issue

The USS Ronald Reagan’s departure has been delayed due to an unspecified issue aboard the aircraft carrier, Navy officials said Monday.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur transits the South China Sea as part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, Oct. 13, 2016.<br>Diana Quinlan/U.S. Navy
The guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur transits the South China Sea as part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, Oct. 13, 2016.<br>Diana Quinlan/U.S. Navy

Despite Navy requests, no operations near disputed South China Sea islands

The U.S. military hasn’t announced any freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea since last year, signaling a break from earlier Trump administration rhetoric on curbing China’s ambitions.

Elements of the USS Carl Vinson strike group trained with allies west of the Korean peninsula and south of Japan in March.<br> Z.A. Landers/U.S. Navy photo
Elements of the USS Carl Vinson strike group trained with allies west of the Korean peninsula and south of Japan in March.<br> Z.A. Landers/U.S. Navy photo

Vinson strike group aircraft, ships train while drawing closer to Korean Peninsula

Elements of the USS Carl Vinson strike group trained with allies west of the Korean Peninsula and south of Japan on Wednesday, as the United States continues to watch for signs of an imminent nuclear weapons test from North Korea.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Indian Ocean, Saturday, April 15, 2017.<br>Matt Brown/U.S. Navy
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Indian Ocean, Saturday, April 15, 2017.<br>Matt Brown/U.S. Navy

Pence: Carrier group will arrive near Korean Peninsula within days

The USS Carl Vinson strike group will be near South Korea “in a matter of days,” Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday as concerns over a potential North Korean nuclear weapons test continue to mount in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vice President Mike Pence poses for a selfie with servicemembers aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.<br>Tyler Hlavac/Stars and Stripes
Vice President Mike Pence poses for a selfie with servicemembers aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.<br>Tyler Hlavac/Stars and Stripes

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Pence in Japan: ‘All options are on the table’ regarding North Korea

Vice President Mike Pence said “all options are on the table” as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear-weapons and ballistic-missile programs, during a speech Wednesday aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Sunda Strait off Indonesia, Saturday, April 15, 2017.<br>Sean Castellano/U.S. Navy photo
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Sunda Strait off Indonesia, Saturday, April 15, 2017.<br>Sean Castellano/U.S. Navy photo

Carl Vinson strike group seen near Indonesia, not the Korean peninsula

If the USS Carl Vinson strike group is heading to the Korean peninsula, it is taking its time.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participate in a photo exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers in the Philippine Sea March 28, 2017.<br>Matt Brown/U.S. Navy photo
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participate in a photo exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers in the Philippine Sea March 28, 2017.<br>Matt Brown/U.S. Navy photo

In show of force, Carl Vinson strike group returns to Korean peninsula

The Carl Vinson strike group is moving toward the Korean Peninsula amid heightened concerns that North Korea could soon conduct a major weapons test.

A family moves into a new home near Camp Lejeune, N.C., in this undated Marine Corps photo.<br>Courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps
A family moves into a new home near Camp Lejeune, N.C., in this undated Marine Corps photo.<br>Courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps

Budget woes mean less lead time for military family moves

Military families are already faced with less time to move to their next assignments and may see movements delayed if Congress does not take action, service officials told Stars and Stripes this week.

Hiroshi Imazu, second right, Chairman of Research Commission on Security of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) submits a proposal on missile defense to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, flanked by former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, second left, head of LDP panel, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Thursday, March 30, 2017.<br>Eugene Hoshiko/AP
Hiroshi Imazu, second right, Chairman of Research Commission on Security of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) submits a proposal on missile defense to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, flanked by former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, second left, head of LDP panel, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Thursday, March 30, 2017.<br>Eugene Hoshiko/AP

Japan considers missiles to deter N. Korea, strengthen US alliance

A Liberal Democratic Party defense panel said Wednesday that Japan should consider purchasing cruise missiles, along with stronger missile-defense measures, “to further improve deterrence and response as part of the Japan-U.S. alliance."

The USS Ronald Reagan in port at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Friday, March 31, 2017. <br>Tyler Hlavac/Stars and Stripes
The USS Ronald Reagan in port at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Friday, March 31, 2017. <br>Tyler Hlavac/Stars and Stripes

Civilian identified after death aboard USS Ronald Reagan

A civilian contractor who died recently after an incident aboard the USS Ronald Reagan has been identified as George Gozdziak, his company and Navy officials said Friday.

Patrick Picker and Lashawnta Jenkins pose aboard the USNS Fall River in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, March 8, 2017. The former servicemembers work for as civilian mariners for the Navy's Military Sealift Command.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
Patrick Picker and Lashawnta Jenkins pose aboard the USNS Fall River in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, March 8, 2017. The former servicemembers work for as civilian mariners for the Navy's Military Sealift Command.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

Navy’s civilian fleet offers former sailors 2nd chance to serve

About 7,000 civilians work for Military Sealift Command, a fleet with a $3 billion annual budget and more daily missions than many of the world’s active-duty sea services.

The USNS Fall River moors at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka as part of the Pacific Partnership 2017 exercise this month.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
The USNS Fall River moors at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka as part of the Pacific Partnership 2017 exercise this month.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

Island nation in Indian Ocean now a big draw for US, China

The answer to why a state-of-the-art port exists in a remote part of one of Asia’s smallest nations lies a short distance out in the Indian Ocean.

Sgt. 1st Class David Matthews, based at Fort Bragg, N.C., takes a selfie with children at a school on Sri Lanka's rural south coast during the Pacific Partnership 2017 exercise, March 7, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
Sgt. 1st Class David Matthews, based at Fort Bragg, N.C., takes a selfie with children at a school on Sri Lanka's rural south coast during the Pacific Partnership 2017 exercise, March 7, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

Offering goodwill, US cultivates partnership in South Asia

The line began forming hours before sunrise at Kirinda Peripheral Hospital, in a rural, south coast town known mostly by the nation’s big-city folk for its nearby elephant sanctuary. The Sri Lankan, U.S. and Australian military teams expected about 400 patients to show up. By afternoon, there were well over 1,000.

China responded cautiously to reports that the helicopter destroyer JS Izumo, shown here in an undated photo, may transit the South China Sea in May. <br>COURTESY OF JAPAN MARITIME SELF-DEFENSE FORCE
China responded cautiously to reports that the helicopter destroyer JS Izumo, shown here in an undated photo, may transit the South China Sea in May. <br>COURTESY OF JAPAN MARITIME SELF-DEFENSE FORCE

Report of Japan training with US Navy in South China Sea draws Beijing’s notice

China reacted cautiously on Tuesday to reports that Japan’s largest warship may deploy on a three-month patrol to include training with the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea.

A panel of civilian and military officials answer questions during the Women, Peace and Security conference, part of the Navy-led Pacific Partnership exercise in Matara, Sri Lanka, Thursday, March 9, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
A panel of civilian and military officials answer questions during the Women, Peace and Security conference, part of the Navy-led Pacific Partnership exercise in Matara, Sri Lanka, Thursday, March 9, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

Panel: Women needed for effective post-conflict, humanitarian operations

A discussion at the Navy-led Pacific Partnership exercise suggested that, by involving women in military missions and humanitarian operations — particularly in nations where gender inequality runs highest — militaries can ensure lasting peace in war-torn regions.

An airman looks for trapped survivors at Sendai Airport, Japan, March 16, 2011, days after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and related tsunami stuck the region.<br>Samuel Morse/U.S. Air Force photo
An airman looks for trapped survivors at Sendai Airport, Japan, March 16, 2011, days after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and related tsunami stuck the region.<br>Samuel Morse/U.S. Air Force photo

As 3/11 anniversary nears, US bases in Japan manage risk of another major quake

If a major natural disaster occurs, each base in Japan will handle communication and safety measures in its own way. But much of what they will do is a result of lessons learned from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

A woman accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from a casino at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, in 2015 was charged with theft of public money in federal court on Monday, March 6, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes
A woman accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from a casino at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, in 2015 was charged with theft of public money in federal court on Monday, March 6, 2017.<br>Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes

Civilian charged after $100K theft from Yokosuka base casino

NCIS officials long suspected Cynthia Lopez Creseni's involvement in stealing nearly $100,000 from a Yokosuka Naval Base casino in 2015. She intially fled to her native Philippines, but was later arrested after overstaying a visa in the United States.

The USS Coronado, a littoral combat ship, conducts drills in the South China Sea, Feb. 1, 2017.<br>Amy Ressler/U.S. Navy photo
The USS Coronado, a littoral combat ship, conducts drills in the South China Sea, Feb. 1, 2017.<br>Amy Ressler/U.S. Navy photo

US challenges 22 countries over excessive sea claims

The United States challenged the maritime claims of allies and rivals alike with freedom-of-navigation operations aimed at 22 countries last year, according to a Defense Department report released Monday in Washington.

Capt. Joseph Carrigan was relieved due to “loss of confidence” in his ability to command by Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 70, according to a Navy statement from U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii on Wednesday.<br>U.S. Navy photo
Capt. Joseph Carrigan was relieved due to “loss of confidence” in his ability to command by Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 70, according to a Navy statement from U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii on Wednesday.<br>U.S. Navy photo

USS Antietam commander relieved of duty following ship grounding

Capt. Joseph Carrigan’s relief comes after Antietam ran aground on shoals just outside Yokosuka Naval Base on Jan. 31, leaking an estimated 1,100 gallons of hydraulic fluid into the bay.

Financier Philip Bilden announced the decision to withdraw from consideration for Navy secretary through a Pentagon statement Sunday evening in Washington. <br>Courtesy of Philip Bilden/Wikkicommons
Financier Philip Bilden announced the decision to withdraw from consideration for Navy secretary through a Pentagon statement Sunday evening in Washington. <br>Courtesy of Philip Bilden/Wikkicommons

Bilden withdraws as Navy secretary nominee

The Trump administration’s nominee for Navy secretary has withdrawn from consideration, citing conflicts over ethics requirements that would require him to sell his investments.

A Marine waits to guide MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during their takeoff from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa.<br>Jessica Collins/U.S. Marine Corps photo
A Marine waits to guide MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during their takeoff from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa.<br>Jessica Collins/U.S. Marine Corps photo

Japanese think tank argues for moving Marines off Okinawa

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit could leave Okinawa without sacrificing its value as a security provider in the Asia-Pacific, a Japanese think tank said following a study of alternatives to building a new runway opposed by the island’s governor.