Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers Collide During Air Show In Idaho Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129, based in Whidbey Island, Washington, collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho on Sunday. The incident occurred during an aerial demonstration, prompting the immediate cancellation of the remainder of the event and a lockdown of the base. All four crew members ejected safely, with officials confirming they were in stable condition. The crash is under investigation by the Navy, which will lead the probe. Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, stated that the collision involved two EA-18G Growlers, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems. The aircraft were performing a routine demonstration when the collision happened. Umayam noted that the crash was under investigation, though no details about the cause were immediately released. Kim Sykes, marketing director for Silver Wings of Idaho, which organized the air show, confirmed that no civilians were injured. "Everyone is safe and I think that's the most important thing," Sykes said. The base issued a social media update stating it was locked down following the crash, and the event was halted to ensure safety. Eyewitnesses described the collision as unusual. A local videographer, Ogden, captured the incident, noting that the planes appeared to remain connected in midair before falling to the ground. Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti speculated that the unique collision dynamics may have allowed the crews to eject safely. "It looks like they struck each other in a very unique fashion to cause them to remain intact and kind of stick to each other," Guzzetti said.#us_navy #electronic_attack_squadron_129 #mountain_home_air_force_base #silver_wings_of_idaho #gunfighter_skies
Navy Awards $282.9M FF(X) Frigate Contract to HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding The U.S. Navy has awarded a $282.9 million contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division to conduct lead yard work for the new FF(X) frigate program. The contract, announced on Tuesday, involves designing and preparing materials for the first ship in the class, which is based on the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter (NSC) hull. The Navy emphasized that the work will conclude by April 2028, marking a critical step toward transitioning the project from design to production. This decision follows the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program by former Navy Secretary John Phelan in 2025. The Navy opted instead to pursue a new frigate design derived from the NSC Legend-class hull, which is already under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The choice to use the NSC platform was driven by its proven reliability and the need to expedite development, as the Navy aims to have the lead ship operational by 2028. The FY 2027 budget submission, released last week, outlines the procurement plan for the FF(X) class. The Navy projects purchasing one frigate in fiscal year 2027, another in 2029, and two in 2031. The lead ship is expected to be delivered to the Navy by June 2030, with the first two vessels being built through sole-source contracts. Subsequent ships will be procured via competitive bidding to expand the industrial base and increase production rates. The contract includes provisions for long-lead material procurement and pre-production efforts to ensure a smooth transition to construction.#us_navy #huntington_ingalls_industries #ingalls_shipbuilding #pascagoula_mississippi #ns_c_legend_class
U.S. Navy Aims to Launch First FF(X) Frigate by 2028 The U.S. Navy has outlined its plans for the FF(X) program in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget documentation, setting a target to have the first frigate in the water by the first quarter of fiscal year 2029, which corresponds to late 2028. The program’s timeline envisions the delivery of the first vessel by the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2030, approximately four years after the program’s initiation. This would mark one of the shortest delivery timelines in recent U.S. Navy history, reflecting the service’s emphasis on rapid deployment. To achieve this accelerated schedule, the Navy has opted to leverage components from the canceled 11th ship of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Legend-class cutters. The FF(X) design is based on these vessels, allowing for a streamlined initial design and construction process. This approach has significantly reduced the time required for development, as the similarities between the Legend-class and the FF(X) enable the reuse of existing systems and infrastructure. Funding for the FF(X) program in fiscal year 2027 is allocated at approximately $1.429 billion to procure the lead ship, with an additional $212 million designated for research and development. The R&D budget is focused on validating ship systems, including combat systems, planning future tests, integrating modular payloads, and coordinating with unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Design studies for the second flight of the frigates are also underway, ensuring the program remains adaptable to evolving operational requirements. The FF(X) Flight 1 configuration is expected to form the basis for at least the first two vessels, with minimal modifications to the National Security Cutter baseline.#us_navy #ffx_program #legend_class_cutters #rolling_airframe_missile #sp_s_77_radar
SNC Gives Details Of Its Clean-Sheet Freedom Trainer Offering To The U.S. Navy The U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition to replace the T-45 Goshawk is nearing a pivotal decision point as the service issues its Final Request For Proposals. This marks a critical phase in the effort to acquire 216 modern jet trainers for the next generation of naval aviators. SNC, a defense contractor, has detailed its Clean-Sheet Freedom Trainer offering, emphasizing its capabilities and strategic advantages in the competition. SNC’s Team Freedom, which includes partnerships with Northrop Grumman, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., and CAE, aims to deliver an integrated training system combining advanced production, manufacturing, and synthetic training expertise. Jon Piatt, SNC’s executive vice president, highlighted the team’s ability to meet the Navy’s aggressive timeline while ensuring reliability and innovation. The Navy’s training model is undergoing significant changes, driven by advancements in automated carrier landing technologies and simulation environments. A major shift involves the removal of carrier qualifications from the T-45 syllabus, one of the most substantial training reforms in decades. For the UJTS, the Navy has eliminated the requirement for Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) to touchdown, instead mandating only FCLP-to-wave off. This change allows trainers designed for land-based operations to meet the wave-off profile without structural upgrades typical of Navy aircraft. However, it raises concerns about the long-term impact on aviator proficiency and the effectiveness of teaching foundational carrier skills without actual touchdown repetition. FCLP has traditionally been essential for preparing naval aviators for carrier operations.#us_navy #northrop_grumman #snc #general_atomics_aeronautical_systems_inc #cae
U.S. Navy’s Next-Generation Trainer Competition Narrowing The competition to develop the U.S. Navy’s next-generation trainer aircraft has seen a significant reduction in participants as Lockheed Martin officially withdrew from the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. The decision, announced on April 23, follows the Navy’s release of its final request for proposals (RFP) in March. Lockheed had previously partnered with Korean Aerospace Industries to submit a modified version of the T-50 trainer for consideration. The company cited a strategic reassessment as the reason for its withdrawal, emphasizing its commitment to other training solutions and its belief in the T-50’s capabilities. The Navy aims to replace its aging fleet of Boeing BAE T-45 Goshawk trainers with 216 new aircraft, with a contract award planned for March 2027. The remaining contenders include Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk, a joint effort by Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo featuring the Beechcraft M-346N, and a team led by Sierra Nevada Corporation, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., and Northrop Grumman offering the Freedom trainer. The competition now focuses on selecting the most cost-effective and operationally suitable platform to meet the Navy’s evolving training needs. A key aspect of the RFP is the Navy’s decision to eliminate the requirement for carrier-representative landings during the evaluation phase. Instead, the service will rely on simulators and other advanced systems to assess the trainers’ performance. The RFP sets a maximum price of $1.7 billion for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD), which includes up to seven low-rate initial production aircraft. This budget cap reflects the Navy’s emphasis on balancing cost efficiency with the need for a robust, future-ready training program.#boeing #us_navy #lockheed_martin #undergraduate_jet_training_system #t_7a_red_hawk
Why Are Some Ships Still Passing Through the Strait of Hormuz During the US Blockade? The United States has declared its blockade of Iranian ports as fully implemented, effectively halting most of Tehran’s economic activity within days. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the blockade has stopped nearly all international trade by sea, citing that 90% of Iran’s economy relies on maritime commerce. According to CENTCOM, no vessels have bypassed the blockade since its enforcement, though reports suggest some commercial traffic is still transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, remains a critical route for 20% of global oil exports and 80% of Iran’s oil shipments. The confusion arises from the legal and operational boundaries of the blockade. While the US has targeted Iranian ports—both inside and outside the Strait—international waterways like the Hormuz are not subject to unilateral blockades under maritime law. This means ships not directly linked to Iran’s economy may still pass through the strait. Additionally, US forces have the capability to intercept vessels carrying Iranian-linked cargo even after they leave the region. For example, oil tankers have been seized in the Indian Ocean, thousands of miles from their origin, demonstrating the reach of the enforcement effort. Analysts emphasize that modern technology allows the US to monitor and intercept ships at great distances. Former Navy Captain Carl Schuster noted that the 12+ warships involved in the blockade are largely stationed far from the strait, equipped with advanced tracking and reconnaissance systems.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #us_navy #institute_for_the_study_of_war
Iran has publicly identified two US Navy officers it holds responsible for a missile strike on a school in Minab that killed around 175 people, intensifying its accusations against Washington. The Iranian embassy in India, South Africa, and Nigeria released images of the officers and named them as Leigh R Tate, commanding officer, and Jeffrey E York, executive officer of the USS Spruance. In a post on X, the embassy alleged that the two officers authorized the launch of Tomahawk missiles on three occasions, leading to the deadly strike on February 28. The Iranian Embassy in India stated in a post on X: “Remember these two criminals. Leigh R Tate, the commander, and Jeffrey E York, the executive officer of the USS Spruance, who ordered the launch of Tomahawk missiles three times, killing 168 innocent children at a school in Minab.” Similarly, the embassy in South Africa shared a similar post questioning whether the officers had children of their own, asking, “Don’t they have children of their own?” The embassy in Nigeria also expressed outrage, wondering how the officers could sleep at night after their actions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School as a “calculated, phased assault” carried out on the first day of the conflict. He claimed more than 175 students and teachers were killed in what he termed a deliberate attack. However, a US military investigation has pointed to a possible error. According to a report by The New York Times, preliminary findings suggested the strike may have resulted from outdated intelligence data used to determine target coordinates. The missile was reportedly intended for an Iranian military facility located next to the elementary school, which was previously part of the same complex.#iran #us_navy #uss_spruance #leigh_r_tate #jeffrey_e_york
Iran Fires Missile At US Navy Warship Abraham Lincoln Hours After Navy’s Warning Iran claimed it fired cruise missiles at the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, forcing the warship to alter its course, as part of a broader effort to assert control over its maritime territory. The statement, released by Iranian state television, described the attack as a demonstration of Tehran’s ability to challenge US naval presence in the region. According to the report, the Iranian Navy’s Qader cruise missiles targeted the carrier, prompting it to change position. Iranian officials warned that further strikes could occur if the US carrier group approaches within range of its missile systems. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, stated that the movements of the US carrier strike group are “constantly being monitored” and that any hostile actions would be met with “powerful strikes” by Iran’s naval forces. The operation, as per state media, was intended to counter potential threats posed by the US-led fleet operating in the Persian Gulf. The incident occurred amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, and resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, in the initial stages of the war. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the region as part of US military operations alongside Israel. This is not the first time the carrier has been targeted in Iranian claims. On March 6, Iranian state television reported that drones launched by the Revolutionary Guards struck the Lincoln, though the Pentagon denied the report, stating the missiles “didn’t even come close” to the vessel. The United States currently maintains two aircraft carriers in the Middle East, supporting its military operations in the area.#iran #us_navy #uss_abraham_lincoln #iranian_navy #shahram_irani
The grim choice facing the Trump administration: Economic or naval collapse? The Trump administration is currently trapped between the specter of a global economic recession and a naval catastrophe. As the conflict with Iran intensifies, the world’s energy arteries are constricting to a point of “nonlinearity,” where every day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed doesn’t just double the economic pain—it multiplies it exponentially. The administration is working to resolve the oil crisis on several fronts: It’s scrambling to organize a complex military operation to restart the flow of oil tankers through the strait while determining ways to alleviate prices by taking action in the markets. It also launched a PR campaign to assure the public that any pain at the pump is likely to be short term. Yet inside the Pentagon and the West Wing, the math is becoming grim. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, has surged past $100 a barrel. The lack of oil flowing through the global market has slowed production to a crawl and is rapidly approaching the tipping point where major producers shut it down altogether due to storage constraints. Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE are shutting off wells as storage tanks overflow. Once these wells go dark, they cannot simply be flipped back on, creating a looming supply crater that would create a cascading effect on the global economy. Workers walk across pipelines at the Rumaila oil field. “These kinds of market conditions, if they last or get worse, are going to force a reality where there’s going to have to be a reconsideration of the scale and scope of this operation,” a former senior administration official told CNN. “There is an urgent need for a near-term solution, and the White House is aware of that fact.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #trump_administration #us_navy #kwait
Ohio State University President to Resign Following Disclosure of Inappropriate Relationship The Ohio State University will soon be led by a new president after the board of trustees accepted the resignation of Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., the institution’s 17th leader. Carter, who assumed the role in January 2024, announced his decision to step down following the disclosure of an “inappropriate relationship” with an individual who sought public resources to support her personal business. In a statement released by the university, Carter acknowledged his mistake, stating, “For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University. I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.” The board confirmed that Carter had voluntarily offered his resignation, citing the nature of the relationship as a critical factor in his decision. Carter’s tenure at Ohio State followed his previous role as president of the University of Nebraska, where he served from 2020 to 2024. Before his academic leadership positions, he served as a former Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. The university’s board expressed appreciation for his contributions during his time in office, noting his efforts to advance the institution’s mission and growth. The board emphasized that it would provide updates on the transition process in the coming days, though specific details about the next president or timeline for the search were not disclosed. Carter’s statement concluded with gratitude for the university community, stating, “Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community.#ohio_state_university #walter_ted_carter_jr #board_of_trustees #university_of_nebraska #us_navy
European stock markets rally after report of ‘secret outreach’ by Iran to try to end war European stock markets surged on Wednesday following a report that Iran is engaging in a "secret outreach" to end the war in the Middle East, reversing earlier losses. The UK’s FTSE 100 climbed over 50 points, while the pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 1.2%, with Germany’s DAX gaining 1.3%, France’s CAC 40 up 0.8%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB increasing 1.7%. The report, published by the New York Times, claimed that Iranian operatives from the Ministry of Intelligence contacted the CIA days after the conflict began, offering to discuss terms for a ceasefire. However, officials remain skeptical about the feasibility of such talks in the short term, citing doubts over Iran’s readiness and the impact of Israeli strikes that have eliminated many senior Iranian officials. The market rebound followed a sharp decline in global indices earlier in the week, driven by fears of prolonged conflict. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.1%, while the Nasdaq rose 0.5% and the S&P 500 edged up 0.15%. The US dollar weakened by 0.2% as investors shifted away from safe-haven assets, and oil prices retreated, with Brent crude dropping to around $81.20 after a previous 3% gain. European natural gas futures also reversed earlier gains, falling 9.5% after a 60% surge over two days. Rabobank’s energy strategist Florence Schmit noted that while the report suggests Iranian openness to dialogue, a return to pre-March price levels would depend on a cessation of attacks. The Middle East conflict has severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, with shipping through the waterway nearly halted. The world’s largest liquefied natural gas plant in Qatar remains closed, exacerbating concerns about a potential supply crisis.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #new_york_times #cnn #us_navy
US Navy May Escort Oil Tankers Through Hormuz Amid Rising Energy Prices President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, marking one of the administration’s most aggressive moves to address soaring energy prices linked to the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran. The decision comes as tensions in the Middle East threaten critical shipping routes, with global crude prices surging following attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure and Iranian retaliation against Israeli and US forces. Trump ordered the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf, aiming to stabilize energy markets. The DFC, established in 2019, partners with private investors to support projects in developing nations. However, industry experts remain skeptical about whether military escorts and financial assurances will curb price spikes, as the conflict has already disrupted oil exports from the region. The war has led to significant disruptions in Middle Eastern oil shipments, with Tehran attacking ships and energy facilities, closing navigation in the Gulf, and halting production in countries like Qatar and Iraq. Global oil and gas prices have risen sharply, exacerbating economic concerns worldwide. Markets have reacted with volatility, with the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo dropping 1.7% and the Kospi in Seoul falling 3.1% on Wednesday. Wall Street, however, is expected to open flat. Trump emphasized his commitment to ensuring the free flow of energy, stating, “No matter what, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy to the world.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #us_navy #us_international_development_finance_corporation
