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John Vandiver

Maj. Gen. David Tabor, left, head of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, looks at diving equipment during a visit to Serbia this week. <br>Facebook/U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
Maj. Gen. David Tabor, left, head of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, looks at diving equipment during a visit to Serbia this week. <br>Facebook/U.S. Special Operations Command Europe

US Special Forces train in Serbia, where China and Russia have strengthened military ties

A contingent of Green Berets arrived this week in Serbia, where U.S. military commanders are looking to strengthen ties even as Belgrade deepens its connections with rivals China and Russia.

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A screenshot from a U.S. Africa Command video shows airstrikes on an al-Shabab compound in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021. AFRICOM now needs White House approval to launch airstrikes against militants in the country, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials. <br>U.S. Africa Command
A screenshot from a U.S. Africa Command video shows airstrikes on an al-Shabab compound in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021. AFRICOM now needs White House approval to launch airstrikes against militants in the country, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials. <br>U.S. Africa Command

AFRICOM needs White House approval for airstrikes, report says

The restrictions were applied while the White House examines former President Donald Trump’s policy, which delegated decision-making on strikes to combatant commanders, unnamed U.S. officials said.

Two Mark VI patrol boats attached to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 maneuver near Apra Harbor, Guam, in 2019. The Defense Department announced March 1, 2021, that two patrol boats are included in a $125 million military assistance package for Ukraine. <br>John Philip Wagner Jr./U.S. Navy
Two Mark VI patrol boats attached to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 maneuver near Apra Harbor, Guam, in 2019. The Defense Department announced March 1, 2021, that two patrol boats are included in a $125 million military assistance package for Ukraine. <br>John Philip Wagner Jr./U.S. Navy

Pentagon sends $125 million in arms aid to Ukraine

The most recent equipment included two Mark IV patrol boats, tactical gear, radars and other equipment to improve command and control capabilities, medical treatment and combat evacuation.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, right, and U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, left, depart to visit the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, Oct. 26, 2018. Langley now commands U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa. <br>U.S. Central Command Public Affairs
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, right, and U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, left, depart to visit the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, Oct. 26, 2018. Langley now commands U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa. <br>U.S. Central Command Public Affairs

How an early promotion kept a young Black Marine on the path to become a general

Maj. Gen. Michael Langley said his decision to stick with the Marine Corps was based on trust won more than 30 years ago.

Three Chinese warships steam in formation during a training exercise in the South China Sea on Jan. 4, 2021. China spent the second most on defense worldwide, after the U.S., according to an International Institute for Strategic Studies report released Feb. 25, 2021. <br>Zhang Bin/Chinese defense ministry
Three Chinese warships steam in formation during a training exercise in the South China Sea on Jan. 4, 2021. China spent the second most on defense worldwide, after the U.S., according to an International Institute for Strategic Studies report released Feb. 25, 2021. <br>Zhang Bin/Chinese defense ministry

Global defense spending, led by US and China, hits new high

The U.S. and China led the growth in global defense spending, which hit a new high in 2020 despite the economic stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, a report said Thursday.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander, left, meets with Maj. Gen. William Gayler, U.S. Africa Command chief of staff, at AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 24, 2020, to discuss how the merger of USAREUR and U.S. Army Africa will benefit partner engagements in Africa. Cavoli said on Feb. 23, 2021, that the consolidation of the two commands has led to significantly faster contingency response times on both continents. <br>Patrick Loch/U.S. Africa Command
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander, left, meets with Maj. Gen. William Gayler, U.S. Africa Command chief of staff, at AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 24, 2020, to discuss how the merger of USAREUR and U.S. Army Africa will benefit partner engagements in Africa. Cavoli said on Feb. 23, 2021, that the consolidation of the two commands has led to significantly faster contingency response times on both continents. <br>Patrick Loch/U.S. Africa Command

Merged US Army Europe-Africa command boosts crisis response, general says

The consolidation of U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters is a “very big advance” that will enable troops to move more rapidly between continents in times of crisis, the general in charge of Army missions on the two continents said Tuesday.

''Stronger Together'' is the new U.S. Army Europe and Africa command slogan, replacing the nearly 7-year-old ''Strong Europe,'' the Army announced Friday. <br>U.S. Army Europe and Africa
''Stronger Together'' is the new U.S. Army Europe and Africa command slogan, replacing the nearly 7-year-old ''Strong Europe,'' the Army announced Friday. <br>U.S. Army Europe and Africa

Army 4-star headquarters has new motto for Europe, Africa mission

“Stronger Together” is the new command slogan, replacing the nearly 7-year-old guiding mantra of “Strong Europe,” the Army said.

Spanish troops salute during a transfer of authority ceremony in Iraq in December 2020. NATO allies agreed Feb. 18, 2021 to a large expansion of NATO's training mission in Iraq. The additional allied troops could ease some of the demands on U.S. forces in the country. <br>Travis Mueller/U.S. Army
Spanish troops salute during a transfer of authority ceremony in Iraq in December 2020. NATO allies agreed Feb. 18, 2021 to a large expansion of NATO's training mission in Iraq. The additional allied troops could ease some of the demands on U.S. forces in the country. <br>Travis Mueller/U.S. Army

NATO allies plan expansion of Iraq mission, possibly easing US security burden

The non-U.S. NATO mission will grow from its current 500 service members to about 4,000, and its efforts will extend to regions beyond the greater Baghdad area, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1 participate in avalanche search and rescue drills in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 1, 2021. Marines who had traveled to Norway for exercises that were canceled soon after their arrival last month will remain there for training, the service said Feb. 18, 2021. <br>Jesse K. Carter-Powell/U.S. Marine Corps
Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1 participate in avalanche search and rescue drills in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 1, 2021. Marines who had traveled to Norway for exercises that were canceled soon after their arrival last month will remain there for training, the service said Feb. 18, 2021. <br>Jesse K. Carter-Powell/U.S. Marine Corps

Marines resume Arctic training in Norway

About 1,000 U.S. Marines left in limbo in Norway after Arctic drills were canceled because of coronavirus concerns will now be staying on until spring, the Corps said Thursday.

President Joe Biden talks with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley at the Pentagon, Feb. 10, 2021. Austin will participate in his first NATO defense ministerial meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 17. <br>Lisa Ferdinando/Defense Department
President Joe Biden talks with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley at the Pentagon, Feb. 10, 2021. Austin will participate in his first NATO defense ministerial meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 17. <br>Lisa Ferdinando/Defense Department

Austin aims for new tone in first US post-Trump NATO meeting

The next decisions on forces in both Afghanistan and Europe “will be made in close consultation with our allies and partners,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

A NATO AGS RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. <br>Christian Traeger/German air force
A NATO AGS RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. <br>Christian Traeger/German air force

New drones at Sicily's Sigonella base extend NATO's surveillance reach

The addition of five Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft based at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily has been a decade in the making for the U.S.-led alliance.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 15, 2020.<br>NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 15, 2020.<br>NATO

NATO chief wants to change who pays for key missions

Militaries shouldn’t have to foot the whole bill when they deploy troops for NATO missions, the alliance’s top official said Monday ahead of high-level talks that will include a debate about overhauling how operations are paid for.

The German Finance Ministry in Berlin. The ministry said this week that the treaty that allows U.S. forces to operate in the country should protect American troops from having to pay local taxes. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
The German Finance Ministry in Berlin. The ministry said this week that the treaty that allows U.S. forces to operate in the country should protect American troops from having to pay local taxes. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

‘No double taxation’: Berlin weighs in on local German practice targeting US troops

The treaty that allows U.S. forces to operate in Germany protects them from having to pay German income taxes, the Federal Finance Ministry said this week.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyha, left, meets with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 9, 2021. During the visit, Shmyhal said work will soon begin on two Ukrainian naval bases, one in the Black Sea and one in the nearby Sea of Azov. <br>NATO
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyha, left, meets with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 9, 2021. During the visit, Shmyhal said work will soon begin on two Ukrainian naval bases, one in the Black Sea and one in the nearby Sea of Azov. <br>NATO

Ukraine plans Black Sea bases as US steps up presence in region

Ukraine is moving forward with plans to build two new naval bases in the Black Sea region, an area of tension with Russia that may see greater U.S. military and NATO involvement this year.

American flags stand in the ground Sept. 1, 2020, outside of the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., representative of veteran suicides. A recent Rand Corp. report said that disparities along racial and ethnic lines in regard to suicide attempts warrant Defense Department attention. <br> Hunter Hires/U.S. Air National Guard
American flags stand in the ground Sept. 1, 2020, outside of the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., representative of veteran suicides. A recent Rand Corp. report said that disparities along racial and ethnic lines in regard to suicide attempts warrant Defense Department attention. <br> Hunter Hires/U.S. Air National Guard

Service members in several minority groups more likely to attempt suicide, report finds

Although there were no widespread differences between races and ethnicities in terms of overall behavioral health, the disparities in attempted suicide rates warrant attention, the report said.

Then-Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli meets with U.S. Army troops at the Hohenfels training area, Germany, in August 2020. Now a 4-star general, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in a speech on Weds., Feb. 3, 2021, that the more long-range artillery and other advanced weaponry are needed in Europe to allow the U.S. and its allies to take on enemy forces in the event of a major conflict.<br>Joint Multinational Readiness Center
Then-Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli meets with U.S. Army troops at the Hohenfels training area, Germany, in August 2020. Now a 4-star general, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in a speech on Weds., Feb. 3, 2021, that the more long-range artillery and other advanced weaponry are needed in Europe to allow the U.S. and its allies to take on enemy forces in the event of a major conflict.<br>Joint Multinational Readiness Center

US needs to boost cyber, weapons capabilities in Europe to be able to win future conflicts, top general says

The U.S. military needs more long-range artillery and other advanced weaponry in Europe to be able to take on enemy forces in the event of a major conflict on the Continent, the top Army commander in Europe has said.

A person is tested for the coronavirus in 2020. The Army garrison in Stuttgart was once a coronavirus hot spot, but military officials say an aggressive mitigation effort has driven numbers down, comparing favorably with the outlying city. <br>Facebook/U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart
A person is tested for the coronavirus in 2020. The Army garrison in Stuttgart was once a coronavirus hot spot, but military officials say an aggressive mitigation effort has driven numbers down, comparing favorably with the outlying city. <br>Facebook/U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart

Same policy, different interpretations: Why some overseas bases share coronavirus data and others don't

A Pentagon policy that restricts what commands can share about coronavirus infection figures in their communities is causing confusion within U.S. base communities overseas.

In this screenshot, a Russian Su-24 jet flies low past the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea, Jan. 31, 2021. <br>Twitter/U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa
In this screenshot, a Russian Su-24 jet flies low past the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea, Jan. 31, 2021. <br>Twitter/U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

Russian jet flies low past USS Donald Cook in Black Sea

Watch a video the Navy says shows a Sukhoi Su-24 fighter-bomber screeching past a U.S. destroyer while it was operating in international waters.

The USS Donald Cook enters the Black Sea at night, Jan. 23, 2021. The U.S. Navy has three warships operating in the Black Sea as of Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. <br>Yoruk Isik
The USS Donald Cook enters the Black Sea at night, Jan. 23, 2021. The U.S. Navy has three warships operating in the Black Sea as of Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. <br>Yoruk Isik

Navy sends three ships into Black Sea as Russia takes notice

The destroyer USS Porter began its transit into the Black Sea on Thursday in support of NATO efforts, joining two other Navy vessels.

U.S. Army Health Clinic Stuttgart began inoculating health care workers and first responders with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, on Dec. 31, 2020 (shown here). Teachers in the area may have to return to the classroom starting the week of Feb. 1, 2021, without a vaccination as special operations troops in the area are ahead of them in line for the shot. <br>Becca Castellano/U.S. Army
U.S. Army Health Clinic Stuttgart began inoculating health care workers and first responders with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, on Dec. 31, 2020 (shown here). Teachers in the area may have to return to the classroom starting the week of Feb. 1, 2021, without a vaccination as special operations troops in the area are ahead of them in line for the shot. <br>Becca Castellano/U.S. Army

Teachers in Stuttgart awaiting coronavirus vaccines as DODEA considers reopening

Military units in the area have higher priority to receive limited supplies of the vaccine.

The American flag flies over the U.S. embassy in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. government has held talks with officials in Berlin to try to stop attempts by some German finance offices to collect income tax from American forces, a practice the military says violates an international treaty. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
The American flag flies over the U.S. embassy in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. government has held talks with officials in Berlin to try to stop attempts by some German finance offices to collect income tax from American forces, a practice the military says violates an international treaty. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

US government takes action to stop American troops from having income taxed in Germany

The Pentagon, along with State and Treasury departments, have put the U.S. Embassy in Berlin in charge of leading efforts to resolve the issue.

Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade traverse frigid terrain at Exercise Cold Response in Norway in 2016. The Army wants to set up a new Arctic brigade, Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville said this week. <br>Crista Mack/U.S. Army
Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade traverse frigid terrain at Exercise Cold Response in Norway in 2016. The Army wants to set up a new Arctic brigade, Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville said this week. <br>Crista Mack/U.S. Army

Army plans new ‘Arctic brigade’ as sea levels and competition rise

The Army wants a new Arctic-focused brigade and other operational forces to bolster its position in the High North, the service’s top general said this week.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, assigned to the15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, departs after in-flight refueling while supporting Operation Octave Quartz over Somalia, Jan. 5, 2021. The U.S. launched its first airstrike Jan. 18 on al-Qaida-aligned militants in Somalia since recently withdrawing its ground forces from the country. <br>Trevor T. McBride/U.S. Air Force
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, assigned to the15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, departs after in-flight refueling while supporting Operation Octave Quartz over Somalia, Jan. 5, 2021. The U.S. launched its first airstrike Jan. 18 on al-Qaida-aligned militants in Somalia since recently withdrawing its ground forces from the country. <br>Trevor T. McBride/U.S. Air Force

AFRICOM launches airstrike in Somalia shortly after troop pullout

AFRICOM said it bombed and destroyed an al-Shabab compound in southern Somalia on Monday, which came after attempts by the militants to target Somalia’s military leaders.

Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, presents a challenge coin to operations specialist Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Woods in the pilot house aboard the destroyer USS John Paul Jones, in the Persian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. <br>U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, presents a challenge coin to operations specialist Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Woods in the pilot house aboard the destroyer USS John Paul Jones, in the Persian Gulf, Jan. 13, 2021. <br>U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

Navy's top officer visits Nimitz group in Gulf amid Iran tensions

The Navy’s top officer visited a warship in the Persian Gulf this week after ongoing tensions with Iran led the Pentagon to extend an aircraft carrier group’s deployment to the region.

A U.S. Army soldier with the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade disembarks a C-130 Hercules at Nevatim Air Base, Israel, in 2019. Israel now falls under the responsibility of U.S. Central Command, taking over a job that for decades was the task of U.S. European Command, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 15, 2021.<br> Aaron Smith/U.S. Army
A U.S. Army soldier with the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade disembarks a C-130 Hercules at Nevatim Air Base, Israel, in 2019. Israel now falls under the responsibility of U.S. Central Command, taking over a job that for decades was the task of U.S. European Command, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 15, 2021.<br> Aaron Smith/U.S. Army

CENTCOM mission expands to include Israel

U.S. Central Command is now responsible for coordinating military activities with Israel, taking over a job that for decades was the task of U.S. European Command, The Wall Street Journal reported.

A roadside memorial of flowers and candles was created for a German teenager killed after a car crash with Tolman D. Roman Bahena, a Ramstein Air Base airman, near Weilerbach, Germany, in February 2019. Two local lawmakers say Germany should have more jurisdiction over criminal cases involving U.S. troops. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
A roadside memorial of flowers and candles was created for a German teenager killed after a car crash with Tolman D. Roman Bahena, a Ramstein Air Base airman, near Weilerbach, Germany, in February 2019. Two local lawmakers say Germany should have more jurisdiction over criminal cases involving U.S. troops. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Two German lawmakers urge greater control of criminal cases involving US troops

Two German lawmakers are calling for changes in an international treaty that leaves most criminal cases involving U.S. troops in the hands of the military justice system, saying local authorities should have more say in such matters.

The Kusel-Landstuhl tax office and some others contend that if U.S. personnel have motives for being in Germany other than just their jobs, they can be forced to pay local income taxes. The tax levies have upended long-standing interpretations of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and resulted in tax bills that have reached six figure sums for some in the military community. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
The Kusel-Landstuhl tax office and some others contend that if U.S. personnel have motives for being in Germany other than just their jobs, they can be forced to pay local income taxes. The tax levies have upended long-standing interpretations of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and resulted in tax bills that have reached six figure sums for some in the military community. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

German lawmaker raises objections over attempts to tax US forces

A key German lawmaker says it is “legally problematic” for local authorities to levy tax bills on U.S. forces and that Berlin must end double income taxation, which has financially devastated some military families.

The dakgalbi - chicken served with a spicy sauce - at Stuttgart's newest Korean restaurant, C1, delivers spicy heat to the palate, but probably nothing like you'd get in Seoul. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The dakgalbi - chicken served with a spicy sauce - at Stuttgart's newest Korean restaurant, C1, delivers spicy heat to the palate, but probably nothing like you'd get in Seoul. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

C1 restaurant in Stuttgart is just good, old-fashioned Korean food

With coronavirus cases climbing fast in early November and a second lockdown looming in Germany, there was no time to lose to try the newest Korean restaurant in Stuttgart.

Trump supporters, including one waving a Confederate flag, watch rioters storm the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the unrest and called for the results of the November election in the U.S. to be respected. <br>Robert Reid/Stars and Stripes
Trump supporters, including one waving a Confederate flag, watch rioters storm the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the unrest and called for the results of the November election in the U.S. to be respected. <br>Robert Reid/Stars and Stripes

‘Shocking scenes’: NATO chief voices alarm as rioters storm the US Capitol

Several diplomats and high-ranking military, government and NATO officials condemned the unrest at the Capitol.

Airmen assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, prepare to launch F-16C Fighting Falcons at Campia Turzii, Romania, in May 2019. The Air Force is moving 90 airmen and an unspecified number of MQ-9 Reaper drones to the Cold War-era base, boosting military capabilities in a region where Russia has been flexing its military muscle. <br>Andrew Layton/U.S. Air Force
Airmen assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, prepare to launch F-16C Fighting Falcons at Campia Turzii, Romania, in May 2019. The Air Force is moving 90 airmen and an unspecified number of MQ-9 Reaper drones to the Cold War-era base, boosting military capabilities in a region where Russia has been flexing its military muscle. <br>Andrew Layton/U.S. Air Force

Air Force moves drones, airmen to base in Romania

The Reapers will boost surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in the Black Sea region, where the U.S. has regularly accused Russia of dangerous intercepts of aircraft, and other incidents have caused tensions to flare.

Twelve service members died while serving overseas in designated combat zones in 2020, and one was killed in an attack by militants on a base in Kenya. <br>Stripes illustration
Twelve service members died while serving overseas in designated combat zones in 2020, and one was killed in an attack by militants on a base in Kenya. <br>Stripes illustration

Remembering service members who died in combat zones in Africa, Kosovo, Arabian peninsula region in 2020

The most deadly incident for American forces overseas last year was a helicopter crash in the Sinai Peninsula in November, in which five American troops died and one was injured.

The Turkish army will take the lead of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force on Jan. 1, 2021, placing thousands of soldiers on standby. <br>NATO
The Turkish army will take the lead of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force on Jan. 1, 2021, placing thousands of soldiers on standby. <br>NATO

Turkey takes command of NATO crisis response force

NATO touted the Turkish military’s ability to carry out the crisis response mission despite Ankara being at odds with members of the alliance, including the U.S., over its close ties to Russia.

A Russian Su-27 Flanker jet flies alongside a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber conducting operations over Black Sea international waters, Aug. 28, 2020. About 90% of the more than 400 NATO warplane scrambles in 2020 were connected to Russian military aircraft, marking a slight increase from 2019, the alliance says. Capture from U.S. Air Force video<br>Capture from U.S. Air Force videp
A Russian Su-27 Flanker jet flies alongside a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber conducting operations over Black Sea international waters, Aug. 28, 2020. About 90% of the more than 400 NATO warplane scrambles in 2020 were connected to Russian military aircraft, marking a slight increase from 2019, the alliance says. Capture from U.S. Air Force video<br>Capture from U.S. Air Force videp

NATO jets intercepted hundreds of Russian flights in 2020

NATO warplanes had to scramble more than 400 times across Europe in 2020, mostly to check Russian aircraft flying unannounced near allied air space, the U.S.-led alliance said Monday.

The U.S. Army fired three M982A1 Excalibur weapons from its Extended Range Cannon Artillery prototype, with one round striking a direct hit a target at a range of 43.5 miles, Dec. 19, 2020. <br>U.S. Army
The U.S. Army fired three M982A1 Excalibur weapons from its Extended Range Cannon Artillery prototype, with one round striking a direct hit a target at a range of 43.5 miles, Dec. 19, 2020. <br>U.S. Army

New Army cannon hits target 43 miles away in test

For the Army, extending the reach of its cannons is a priority as it seeks to counter advanced potential adversaries like Russia and China.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with the15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island in the Indian Ocean, Dec. 18, 2020. <br>Patrick Crosley/U.S. Navy
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with the15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island in the Indian Ocean, Dec. 18, 2020. <br>Patrick Crosley/U.S. Navy

US naval armada sent to Somalia to relocate 700 troops and gear

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which includes an array of support ships, joins the Navy’s USS Hershel “Woody” Williams off the coast of Somalia.

Nizar Farhat, 63, a former Defense Department official at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, has been charged with taking kickbacks to help a private contractor obtain $6.4 million in extra government payments. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Nizar Farhat, 63, a former Defense Department official at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, has been charged with taking kickbacks to help a private contractor obtain $6.4 million in extra government payments. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Former DOD official charged with taking kickbacks for work at US base in Djibouti

A former Defense Department official was charged in connection with allegations he received $34,000 in illegal gratuity from a private party while serving in a government position, the U.S. Attorney’s central district office in California said.