Rapid Alerts

BALTIC SEA - USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) became the first U.S. warship to organically integrate and operate Link 22 while underway in the Baltic Region during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2026.

Link 22, a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications suite, provides the U.S. and NATO a comprehensive tactical image, enabling faster threat identification, more informed decision-making, and greater coalition interoperability to increase combat effectiveness.

The software, upgraded in March 2026, was implemented between Mount Whitney and the FGS Hamburg while operating in the Baltic Sea to deliver full tactical connectivity improving overall efficiency of communications.

“Link 22 is a highly complex system, representing the Navy's newest and most advanced tactical data link.” said Cmdr. Michael Arnold, Mount Whitney’s communication systems officer. “By successfully establishing this connection, the technicians aboard Mount Whitney and Hamburg became the first to organically bring up Link 22 entirely without outside technical support."

The technological capabilities of the system allow Mount Whitney and our NATO Allies access to each other’s situational analysis, strengthening warfighting effectiveness.

"As the Sixth Fleet Flag ship, Team 20’s mission is command-and-control" said Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of Mount Whitney. "Link 22 enhances our communications scope with NATO, keeping us ready on all fronts."

The successful integration of Link 22 aboard Mount Whitney exemplifies the Navy's innovation and commitment to modernizing critical tactical data networks, significantly amplifying the reach and effectiveness of maritime capabilities.

Mount Whitney is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region.

For more information contact U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs @mailto:sixthflt-pao@us.navy.mil or find additional information and imagery on DVIDS at http://www.dishing.net/unit/USSMWLCC-20

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - A team of eight paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division returned last month from Mongolia, where they spent nearly 30 days training a Mongolian Armed Forces infantry platoon in American tactics ahead of a major joint exercise in Alaska.

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - The MUCHETE started off as a side project, said its creator Greg Stunzenas, but it has turned into one of the military’s finest blasts mitigators, and a pride of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center. Short for Multi-Use Charge Housings for Enhanced Target Effect, the MUCHETE is a special housing built to decrease blast overpressure, the unseen rippling force after an explosion which can easily cause traumatic injuries if unm...

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen assigned to the  93d Air Ground Operations Wing demonstrated the expanding capabilities of the TACP career field during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 26-2, integrating with joint forces to execute traditional Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) duties, while also conducting reconnaissance operations in austere environments. RF-A, a Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)-directed and Joint National Training Center (JNTC) accredited Joint Exercise, provides realistic a...

SANTA RITA, Guam  - The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands reset a modified Port Heavy Weather Condition (PHWC) WHISKEY for the Port of Tinian, effective at noon ChST on Friday, July 10, reopening the port to daylight-only commercial traffic and cargo operations. All operators must coordinate operations with the Commonwealth Ports Authority. Following assessments Thursday and Friday, including work by an aids to navigation positioner deployed ...

Bare feet shuffle across the mats inside G.J. Denich Gym as pairs of service members practice sweeps, escapes and submissions. Experienced practitioners pause to coach beginners before the room transitions into live sparring, where every round becomes an exercise in problem-solving, perseverance and trust.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (July 6, 2026) - Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following deployment, July 6, 2026. During the deployment, Mississippi’s crew performed a wide range of submarine operations to deter aggression and support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

During the year-long mobilization, the Military Police personnel augmented security force operations at the installation’s Ground Base Interceptor site. The unit provided critical site security, enabling tactical forces to deter sabotage, espionage, theft, and damage, while identifying and eliminating hostile threats to a site of strategic national importance.

A Soldier who was apprehended in the United Kingdom after fleeing the United States three years ago was convicted by a military jury for desertion during his trial July 1 at the Fort Leonard Wood Courtroom. Spc. Oliver E. Board, 33, a combat medic assigned to the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital, was also convicted of larceny and providing a false official statement. The military judge sentenced him to 326 days of confinement, a $3,925 fine with an additional 180 days of confinement if...

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. - For the first time in a decade, the 90th Missile Wing hosted a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadet encampment on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, from June 7 to 14, 2026.

To advance further in the CAP program, cadets must attend an encampment, a week-long intensive training experience designed to immerse them in a structured, military-style environment.

Upon arrival at F.E. Warren, the cadets were welcomed by Col. Terrance Holmes, 90 MW commander, and a member of CAP.

"We were honored to host the Civil Air Patrol encampment at F.E. Warren Air Force Base," said Col. Terrance Holmes, commander of the 90th Missile Wing. "These young men and women represent the future of leadership and service in our nation. Opportunities like this allow us to share our mission, showcase the dedication of our Airmen and help inspire the next generation to pursue service to others."

Cadets were accommodated in tents provided and set up by the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES). The generators to the tents were fueled by the 90th Logistics and Readiness Squadron.

Throughout their time on base, cadets engaged with 90 MW units and gained insight on F.E. Warren’s nuclear deterrence mission. The 90 CES Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight, the 90th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog flight and 37th Helicopter Squadron performed demonstrations for the cadets, teaching them about military operations.

The skills cadets gain from programs like this and from experiencing a military base firsthand, help prepare them for the real world and their future careers.

“We have cadets from across the nation here,” said CAP Col. Rodney Burnett, Wyoming Wing commander. “What we’re teaching them is not only followership, but they are also learning leadership and leadership techniques.”

SANTA RITA, Guam  - The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands reset Port Heavy Weather Condition (PHWC) WHISKEY for the Port of Saipan, effective 9 a.m. ChST on July 8, reopening the port to 24/7 commercial traffic and cargo operations without waterway restrictions. All operators must coordinate with the Commonwealth Ports Authority. A Hawai’i-based U.S. Coast Guard dive team working from a Station Apra Harbor 45-foot Response Boat-Medium began work on ...

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Virginia welcomed USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) July 7 in advance of its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Following the carrier’s historic 326-day deployment, including operations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Seas, this marks Gerald R. Ford’s first regularly scheduled availability at a public shipyard as well as the first time a Ford-class aircraft carrier has been serviced at NNSY.

TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed a new round of offensive strikes against Iran, July 7, hitting over 80 targets with precision munitions as an immediate response to Iran's latest attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland - Service members from across the NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group-Poland came together for a day of teamwork, competition, and skill-building during a soccer clinic hosted by Armed Forces Entertainment's Heat Wave tour. Featuring three U.S. professional women's soccer players, Ashley Nicks, Domi Richardson, and Jamia Fields, the event gave U.S. Soldiers and allied partners the opportunity to sharpen their skills while strengthening relationships through...

SATTAHIP, Thailand (July 6, 2026) The United States deepened its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific this week as U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Marine Corps forces joined maritime partners from Thailand and Canada in Sattahip to open the 32nd iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2026, July 6-15.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, SPAIN (July 6, 2026) - At approximately 11:10 p.m. Central European Time on July 2, a class alpha fire was reported in the southwest area of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain near the base’s golf course. Naval Station Rota Fire and Emergency Services immediately responded to the scene. The fire was reported as contained at 4:17 a.m. on July 3 and a fire watch was established. The fire was officially declared extinguished at approximately 7 a.m. on July 5.

The fire impacted around two acres of land on the base. No injuries were reported and no damage to government property was sustained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

NAVSTA Rota remains fully mission capable and committed to supporting the fleet, warfighters, and our community.

For more information about NAVSTA Rota and to remain up-to-date on base information and news, go to the installation’s website at https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVSTA-Rota/ or follow the installation Naval Station Rota, Spain on Facebook, @navstarotaspain on Instagram, or @NAVSTA_Rota on X.

A joint team of evaluators, aircrew and maintenance personnel conducted a U.S. Air Force Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) Event Zero at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, marking a significant milestone in B-1B Lancer rapid weapons system integration.

Fifty years after raising the national colors in Guam for America’s bicentennial, retired Navy Cmdr. Allan Riggs returned to the island July 4 to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday alongside a new generation of submariners. Riggs has now participated in morning colors from Guam during both America’s 200th and 250th birthday celebrations, a distinction spanning half a century of submarine history.

Sixteen Soldiers from the 512th Movement Control Company returned to the homes in the Caribbean after an 11-month deployment to the CENTCOM area, greeted warmly by family and the community. Their roles as Transportation Management Coordinators were crucial to military operations in the Middle East, and their homecoming is celebrated just in time for Independence Day.

The basketball tournament was part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Games, a series of athletic tournaments, ranging from soccer to water polo, designed to build comradery during RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest maritime exercise that takes place every two years off the coast of Hawaii.

News Release July 3, 2026 Coast Guard Great Lakes Public Affairs 216-902-6020/D9PublicAffairs@uscg.mil

Update: Coast Guard suspends search efforts for missing 11-year-old boater in Lake Erie

DETROIT - The Coast Guard suspended its search at 8:43 a.m. Saturday for the missing 11- year-old boater in western Lake Erie.

Missing is an 11-year-old girl last seen wearing a green bathing suit or white jersey, believed to be aboard a vessel that was found unmanned and adrift in western Lake Erie.

Coast Guard Sector Detroit watchstanders were notified at 11 a.m. Thursday that partner agencies were investigating an incident they believed to be connected to the missing 11-year-old girl.

Coast Guard and partner agency crews searched air and water, covering approximately 256 square nautical miles. Crews conducted continuous overnight searches. Search and Rescue crews involved in the search:

- Coast Guard Air Station Detroit - Coast Guard Station Marblehead - Coast Guard Station Toledo - Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Customs and Border Protection - Jerusalem Fire Department - Toledo Fire Department.

Local law enforcement is investigating the situation.

For any questions regarding the case, please contact the Lucas County Sheriff's Office at 419-213-4921.

Maritime forces from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) conducted Pacific Atlas 26-1 off the coast of Japan, June 15-19.

Pacific Atlas 26-1 is an inaugural logistics demonstration exercise, designed to validate communications, logistics procedures, and sustainment concepts that support strategic deterrence and operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific. This exercise series is enabled by decades of interoperable training of logistical capabilities between the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

“The successful completion of this iteration of Pacific Atlas reinforces our collective capability to sustain distributed maritime operations,” said USCG Capt. Brian Whisler, commanding officer of Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757). “Executing complex logistics maneuvers like vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with JMSDF demonstrates the high level of bilateral interoperability we have achieved with our Japanese counterparts.”

During the exercise, JCG Shunko-class patrol vessel Yumihari (PLH 44) and Midgett conducted a VERTREP, transferring valuable materials at sea via aircraft to demonstrate agile sustainment capabilities.

Following the maritime phase, subject matter experts from all three services held an exchange ashore in Japan. These sessions allowed participants to review logistics data and share best practices, further enhancing the shared operational skill sets required for long-term regional stability.

Participating forces included one anti-submarine patrol helicopter from JMSDF Fleet Air Squadron (HS) 21, Yumihari and Midgett.

Bilateral operations such as Pacific Atlas provide valuable opportunities to enhance and showcase combined readiness. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard regularly operate alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific as a demonstration of our shared commitment to a free and open region.

For this exercise, Midgett operated under tactical command of Commander Destroyer Squadron 15 to train interoperability and demonstrate coordination between U.S. and partner nation forces.

Pacific Atlas is a series of demonstrations of allied logistics interoperability, signaling collective capability to sustain distributed maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.