Russian forces strike two airfields in western Ukraine as invasion expands

Russian troops launched long-range ballistic missiles Friday at two airfields in western Ukraine, which could indicate invasion forces are preparing to push deeper into that region of the country, chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

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Pentagon likely to look eastward if it brings US Army tanks back to Europe

If Russia’s war on Ukraine prompts the Pentagon to send tank brigades back to Europe, it may need to look east instead.

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Army grants first religious waiver for soldier seeking coronavirus vaccine exemption

The Army for the first time granted a soldier a permanent religion-based exemption from taking the mandatory coronavirus vaccine, according to new service data published Friday.

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Painful news reveals bond between US sailor and mentor in Naples

Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Smith, amid uncertainty about his future and grief over his father’s death, found hope from a fellow sailor who shared an unknown bond: They were family.

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Gas prices surge well past $5 per gallon at US bases in Germany

The cost of gas at U.S. bases in Germany soared by more than $1 a gallon Friday, following an Army and Air Force Exchange Service announcement that fuel prices may be adjusted as often as daily instead of weekly.

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Second former soldier convicted of murder in death of Army veteran in Washington state

A jury has found a second former Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier guilty of killing an Army veteran whose body was discovered brutally beaten in rural Washington state nearly two years ago, according to Kittitas County prosecutors.

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Fort Stewart-based soldiers get their Bavarian breakfast in Grafenwoehr

Sausages and a big pretzel — exactly what you’d expect from a traditional Bavarian meal — awaited Fort Stewart, Ga.-based soldiers on Friday morning, courtesy of the state’s governor.

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New COVID-19 cases show weekly decline in Japan, including on US bases

The coronavirus may not be on the run in Japan but its grip is loosening in the capital city and at U.S. military installations across the country.

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South Korea’s next president is ‘welcomed news’ for US foreign policy, experts say

South Korean president-elect Yoon Seok-youl has had a relatively short career in politics, but his policy vision sheds some light on how military relations with the U.S. may shape up during his five-year term.

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US Marines, Japanese troops brush up old partnership for a new Pacific era

U.S. Marines piled out of their landing craft and onto the rocky shore near Mount Fuji to simulate an amphibious landing Wednesday, part of monthlong exercises.

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Navy reinstates bachelor’s degree program to diversify its pool of officer candidates

The Navy, as part of a move since summer 2020 to diversify its ranks, has reinstated its Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program, partly as a means of attracting officer candidates from minority communities.

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