MARCH 20, 2026 - U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet departed Manila, Philippines following a planned port visit March 16-20, 2026. During the visit, U.S. 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge hosted U.S. and Philippine military and government distinguished visitors aboard the U.S. Navy’s oldest operational warship. U.S. Embassy of Philippines … [Read more...]

MARCH 18, 2026 – The Department of the Navy (DON) today announced the establishment of five Portfolio Acquisition Executive organizations: PAE Industrial Operations, PAE Marine Corps, PAE Maritime, PAE Strategic Systems Programs and PAE Undersea. With these directives, the Navy is fully engaged in making the PAE model the new operational standard for the acquisition enterprise, … [Read more...]

MARCH 17, 2026 – A Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific artificial intelligence program is poised to help guide the development of a new generation of American-made microchips, following a high-level summit hosted by the University of Arizona on Feb. 18. A new coalition of leaders from academia, venture capital, and the semiconductor industry has identified a NIWC … [Read more...]

MARCH 17, 2026 – Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) got underway from Naval Station Norfolk March 16, 2026, to begin operations in support of its scheduled deployment. The ship’s departure comes after months of training, maintenance, and certification events. “The crew is ready and this ship brings significant combat capabilities to the … [Read more...]

MARCH 16, 2026 - As the chaos of World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima unfolded, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Francis Junior Pierce refused to leave any wounded men behind. The hospital corpsman showed fearlessness throughout the turmoil. That valor led him to receive the Medal of Honor. Pierce was born Dec. 7, 1924, in Earlville, Iowa, to Frank and Rose Pierce. He grew up on a … [Read more...]