Pre-Commissioning Unit Independence (LCS 2) will be commissioned Jan. 16. Advanced technology, unique manning, and a very recognizable tri-hull � at first glance, nearly everything about Independence's steep angles, high bridge, and aluminum construction appears to be the first of its kind.

Members of the 60th and 349th Air Mobility wings conducted the base's first mass launch of nine aircraft Dec.

Climate and altitude commonly inhibits the optimal effectiveness of servicemembers in many theater operations. In the mountainous country of Afghanistan in particular, servicemembers are asked to perform at thousands of feet above sea level, oftentimes hindering their cognitive and physical performance. At the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division in Natick, Mass., researchers are studying the causes and medical effects of high-altitude exposure.

DJIBOUTI, Djibouti – The Africa Partnership Station East mission kicked off Jan. 5 with the high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) and USS Nicholas (FFG 47) pulling into port here. "APS is about strengthening partnerships and enhancing long-standing relationships to improve partner-nations' maritime safety and security," said Capt. Jim Tranoris, commander, APS East. "Our visit to Djibouti, and the training that will be conducted between our maritime services is a continuation of that lasting relationship.

The Kosovo Force will transition from about 14,000 to 10,000 NATO forces by Jan. 31, due to improvements in security, said the commander of Multi-National Task Force-East. Brig. Gen.

Only hours after departing for its 2010 deployment, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) diverted from flight operations to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in a rescue at sea the night of Jan. 2, saving the life of a stranded mariner. Responding to a vessel-in-distress call, the U.S. Coast Guard requested Eisenhower's aid in the successful extraction of a man whose sailboat had capsized in rough waters approximately 300 miles off the coast of Elizabeth City, N.C.

The first C-130J Super Hercules mission in support of U.S. Air Forces Africa, or 17th Air Force, opened up doors to a future partnership of support between the 86th Airlift Wing and upcoming missions into Africa. The mission's aircraft commander, Maj. Robert May of the 37th Airlift Squadron, and his crew were tasked to fly into Mali Dec. 19 to bring home 17 troops who were assisting with training Malian forces. The significance of this mission is two-fold, Major May said. "First, we now recognize the capability of the J-model aircraft," he said.

For most of us, the end of one year and the beginning of another is a time to reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future.  This past year, my FOX News team and I were embedded with America’s finest: the men and women of our Armed Forces, during our 16th trip to report on the fight against radical Islamic terror. It has been my great blessing to have spent most of my life in the company of real American heroes, all our soldiers, sail

As New Yorkers and visitors gear up for New Year's Eve celebrations, the citizen-Soldiers of the New York National Guard remain on duty in support of homeland security missions across the state. At the direction of New York Gov.