Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 13)

Navy

Fire breaks out aboard USS Indianapolis, leaving 7 with minor injuries

Seven shipboard personnel were evaluated at local hospitals for minor injuries and cleared to return to the ship on Wednesday, a Navy spokesperson said.

Marine Corps

Marines had multiple firefights while defending US embassy in Haiti, commander says

“There were multiple engagements at the embassy in Haiti, in which we received and returned fire,” said Col. Tom “Banshee” Trimble, who led the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Military Branches

All military recruits are once again required to get flu shots

After a trainee died following a flu outbreak at Air Force basic training, the Pentagon issued exceptions to "safeguard at-risk populations."

News

Naval Academy brings back short haircuts for new female midshipmen

The U.S. Naval Academy is once again requiring women to cut their hair short, a regulation that goes back to the first class of women in 1976.

News

AI is meant to speed up ‘kill chain,’ not control it, commanders say

“The critical distinction is between AI supporting the kill chain and AI controlling the kill chain.”

Army

Last soldier out of Afghanistan now the latest general to step down

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to Task & Purpose that Gen. Christopher Donahue will soon relinquish command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

News

A third of military families report $500 or less in emergency savings

Emergency savings are commonly looked at as an indicator for whether households can bounce back from unexpected costs or crises.

Marine Corps

Marines in Okinawa receive anti-ship and counter-drone weapons systems

One expert described the NMESIS anti-ship system as the "backbone" of the Marine Littoral Regiment.

Coast Guard

Coast Guard helicopter crashes in southern Alaska

Four people were onboard the MH-60 Jayhawk when it went down during a training flight.

Air Force

Air Force technical sergeants see highest promotion rate in 5 years

One of every four eligible staff sergeants will get to sew on an extra stripe in 2026, the highest rate since 2021.

News

VA chief vows to fire employee accused of abusing Marine veteran at state facility

The incident allegedly took place at the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose and drew the attention and condemnation of the department’s top official.

Space Force

Space Force to test new mess dress uniform this fall

The Space Force is testing its new mess dress uniform for guardians to wear for formal occasions.

Africa

US carries out days of airstrikes in Somalia after a month’s pause

A week of strikes targeted al-Shabab in renewed fighting against the militant group.

Army

Army forms new command to create a ‘covering force’ in the Pacific

The new formation combines the 7th Infantry Division and 1st Multi-Domain Task Force into one command. 

News

VA ends gender identity-based programs, messaging and activities

The new directive reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators as just care coordinators, with advocates and workers concerned for what it means for veterans’ treatment.

Air Force

Air Force relocates recon drone squadron to Japan

Three of the Air Force’s large RQ-4 Global Hawk drones will be permanently stationed in Yokota Air Base.

History

Revolutionary War soldier identified after 246 years

Pvt. John Pumphrey was one of 14 soldiers whose remains were found in 2022.

Iran

Navy lifts blockade, will keep ships around the Strait of Hormuz

American forces will stay in the area to monitor the ceasefire, U.S. Central Command said.

Air Force

Flu outbreak leaves nearly 160 Air Force trainees sick

The three-week-long outbreak at Joint-Base San Antonio-Lackland comes two months after the Department of Defense ended its flu vaccine mandate.

Army

Three officers who overcame desperate odds receive Medals of Honor

Two Marines who served heroically in Vietnam and an Army officer who used his body to shield a soldier in Afghanistan received the award.