Casualties from USS Monitor Sinking
By Harold Hutchison

The Department of the Navy announced that members of the public are invited to attend the interment of two crewmen recovered from the wreck of USS Monitor. The sailors were killed when the vessel sank on 31 December, 1862.

Rapid Response Earns Soldier’s Medal
By Harold Hutchison

Staff Sgt. Tyrone A. Mitchell was running an errand on 20 May, 2012 when he came across an overturned vehicle. A surrounding haze lead to the belief that there might be a possible fire. But he did not hesitate.

Making his way to the vehicle, Mitchell broke open the rear window, got into the car, and then pulled the unconscious driver to safety. Emergency personnel arrived to treat the injured driver. SSG Mitchell also suffered lacerations while carrying out the rescue.

Video by 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Notification Sent to Congress
By Harold Hutchison

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has sent notice to Congress that DOD will be furloughing civilian employees should sequestration pass.

“In the event of sequestration, we will do everything we can to be able to continue to perform our core mission of providing for the security of the United States,” Panetta wrote in a memo to Congress, “but there is no mistaking that the rigid nature of the cuts forced upon this department, and their scale, will result in a serious erosion of readiness across the force.”

We Need the Distinguished Warfare Medal
By Harold Hutchison

A NEW MEDAL STIRS THE POT
It is the year 2025 – America is at war with China due to treaty commitments to Japan and the Philippines. On the opening day of the war, an Air Force Technical Sergeant working at the National Security Agency is able to halt a Chinese cyber-attack targeting the Ground-Based Interceptors based in California and Alaska. As a result, China’s effort to wipe out the Pacific Fleet’s carriers in San Diego with an ICBM strike is halted.

Video by 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Annual Exercise Kicks Off in Thailand
By Harold Hutchison

The 32nd iteration of Operation Cobra Gold 2013 has begun in Thailand. The joint exercise in Southeast Asia kicked off with 15 nations participating.

Two Carriers Receive Honor
By Harold Hutchison

The United States Navy awarded two carriers the Battle “E” award. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) were recognized for their service over the last year.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower received its award after a year in which it carried out a six-month deployment to the Fifth Fleet, during which it supported Operation Enduring Freedom. The carrier’s awards in 2012 also included a dozen departmental efficiency awards.

GOP May Have 41 Votes to Block Nomination
By Harold Hutchison

Former Senator Chuck Hagel’s nomination may not have enough votes to defeat a filibuster by Senate Republicans, Senator David Vitter said. The nomination is the first of a Defense Secretary to be filibustered in history. In 1989, the nomination of Senator John Tower was defeated.