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Okinoerabu, Japan. (February 14, 2025): It was during the Revolutionary War that the first American ship was sunk by sea mines, wooden kegs filled with gun powder. Ever since, ship captains have dreaded colliding with these underwater menaces. Today, however, they can send a “Super Stallion” to hunt them down and kill them. In this photo by Captain Pawel Puczko, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes part in joint operations with Japan’s Self Defense Forces. The Japanese have acquired eleven Super Stallions of their own and train regularly with the Marines in counter-mining operations.
Built by Sikorsky Aircraft specifically for the Marines, the Super Stallion entered service in 1981 and is one of the largest helicopters in service. Able to operate off Navy ships, the CH-53E version is designed for airborne mine detection and countermeasures. It is also a heavy lift chopper that can be used for ship-to-shore transport and for vertical on-board delivery of supplies. It can carry up to fifty-five troops or a sixteen-ton payload fifty-nautical miles. An extremely capable aircraft, the Super Stallion can be refueled in-flight, even when hovering, which increases its range and ability to loiter over a target. What makes the MH-53E version special is its digital flight-control system specifically designed to haul minesweeping gear.
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Philippine Sea. (February 12, 2025): During World War II, American Sailors valiantly battled to save their ship after Kamikaze attacks by forming “damage control” parties. Despite the chaotic situation, these teams of highly trained Seaman seemed to do the impossible, bringing their vessel back from the dead. In this photo by MC1 Ryre Arciaga, Retail Services Specialist 2nd Class James Rivera participates in a structural damage and flooding control drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble.
Every ship in the Navy designates a group of Sailors who are specifically trained to quickly contain damage from fires, flooding, or other emergencies. Their primary goal is to restore a ship’s structural integrity and its ability to operate as quickly as possible. To accomplish this, damage control parties train with specialized equipment to battle fires, seal leaks, and structurally stabilize the ship.
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PENTAGON, (Feb. 20, 2025): During a recorded, on-camera address from the Pentagon today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed his priorities of strengthening the military by cutting fiscal fraud, waste and abuse at DOD while also finding ways to refocus the department's budget.
Hegseth began his remarks stating the Defense Department owes the American people transparency related to steps DOD is taking to accomplish its mission while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
"We shoot straight with you. We want you, the American people — the taxpayers — to understand why we're making the decisions that we're making here," Hegseth said, adding that DOD is working as quickly as possible to execute the priorities of achieving peace through strength by rebuilding the military, restoring the warrior ethos and reestablishing deterrence.
Read more: HEGSETH ADDRESSES STRENGTHENING MILITARY BY CUTTING EXCESS, REFOCUSING DOD BUDGET
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Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (February 4, 2025): It can fly over 12,000 miles non-stop and drop a bomb in a terrorists’ back yard. Those who fly it say it is one sweet ride. In this photo by Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg, Captain Chase Loving with the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron climbs aboard a B-1B Lancer to begin a mission during Bomber Task Force 25-1. The mission was a non-stop flight from the continental U.S. to Guam lasting more than 31 hours and spanned 12,456 miles. It was intended as a demonstration of the plane’s ability to strike any target, anywhere in the world.
Based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, the 34th Expeditionary is the 4th-oldest active squadron in the Air Force, entering service at the start of World War I. This storied unit has served in every American conflict since.
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San Diego, California. (January 24, 2025): They are the glue that holds a unit together by providing the vital conduit between enlisted troops and the officers who lead them. In short, the non-commissioned officer is the backbone of any successful military. In this photo by Seaman Apprentice Eliora Sims, Chief Petty Officer Si Zhao's wife and son pin him during a ceremony aboard the USS Tripoli.
A Navy Pinning Ceremony celebrates the promotion of First-Class Petty Officers to the rank of Chief, a significant milestone in their careers. In a tradition dating to 1893, family members and fellow Sailors come together to recognize the hard work and dedication of the new Chiefs as they join the ranks of senior leadership.
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Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2025): Due to their discipline and precision, the Silent Drill Platoon is the personification of Marine Corps excellence. The Platoon is a twenty-four-person drill team that conducts dazzling performances for audiences around the country. So, how do you become a member of such a storied unit? In this photo by Lance Corporal Christopher Prelle, the newest members of this elite group pose for a photo after the culmination of Silent Drill Selection. Candidates must pass a six-week course on advanced drill and ceremony and also train at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona to perfect their routines. After the grueling physical training and countless hours spent perfecting the art of military drill, these Marines will earn their “black shirts” and a spot in this elite tradition.
The platoon is known for its unique exhibition involving the precise handling of weapons. In a remarkable display of exactness, members execute a series of calculated drill movements with hand-polished, M-1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. The routine concludes with a striking rifle inspection sequence demonstrating elaborate rifle spins and tosses.