Obama hits back at McCain over Iraq
Getty Images
Presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Barack Obama speaks during the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Orlando, Florida.
|
National Guard training overhaul is costly
WASHINGTON, 11:50 a.m. Aug. 19 (AP)
The Pentagon is determined to overhaul both training and active duty tours for the Army National Guard, but finding a way to give these part-time soldiers more time at home will cost over $128 million, The Associated Press has learned.
After struggling for more than a year and a half to condense the training process, Guard leaders have managed to chop months off the time that citizen soldiers must spend away from their jobs and families due to deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan.
CAMP PENDLETON, Aug. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Marine lawyer has sought judicial reform: When Colby Vokey joined the Marine Corps, he didn't plan on becoming a prominent and sometimes divisive figure in the military's legal system.
WASHINGTON, 6:30 a.m. Aug. 19 (REUTERS)
U.S. Navy reverses course, to buy 3rd DDG-1000 ship: The U.S. Navy has bowed to congressional pressure and confirmed it will buy a third DDG-1000 destroyer as part of the fiscal 2009 budget, as initially planned, instead of canceling the $29 billion program after just two ships.
MOSCOW, 6:22 a.m. Aug. 19 (REUTERS)
Russia cancels U.S. navy visit to Russia-RIA: Russia's navy said on Tuesday it had cancelled a September visit by a United States navy frigate to a port in Russia's Far Eastern region of Kamchatka, RIA news agency reported.
MIRAMAR, Aug. 17 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Opening of military cemetery delayed again to February 2012: The long-delayed opening of a new military cemetery at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station has been pushed back 18 more months, but a senior Department of Veterans Affairs official said the latest timeline is one he is sure the VA can meet.
7:07 a.m. Aug. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
State Department honors reservist from San Marcos: SAN MARCOS: An Army reservist from San Marcos has received a high-level award from the U.S. State Department for her work as a civil affairs officer in Iraq.
SEOUL, South Korea, 4:22 a.m. Aug. 18 (AP)
U.S., South Korea kick off annual military exercise: South Korea and the United States kicked off annual joint military drills Monday with a focus on preparing Seoul to retake wartime command of its forces from Washington in 2012.
Aug. 15 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Marines, Navy aim to remove stigma of mental health issues: The Navy and Marine Corps will roll out a program next month that's designed to take the stigma out of mental health ailments by describing them as largely brief challenges instead of lifelong disorders.
WASHINGTON, 3:22 p.m. Aug. 15 (AP)
Airlines back off extra bag fees for military: Many of the nation's largest airlines have begun giving military personnel on official travel a pass on expensive baggage fees when they carry heavy duffel bags stuffed with combat gear.
SAN DIEGO, 1:42 p.m. Aug. 15 (SIGNONSANDIEGO)
USS George Washington gets its orders: The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which has been docked in San Diego for several months while undergoing repairs stemming from a fire, will depart on Thursday for Japan, Navy officials said Friday.
11:00 a.m. Aug. 15 (REUTERS)
Guantanamo trial may proceed without defendant: GUANTANAMO BAY U.S. NAVAL BASE, Cuba – An accused al Qaeda videographer abandoned his hearing in the U.S. war crimes court at Guantanamo Friday, setting up what could be a fast trial with no defendant and no defense.
WASHINGTON, 10:37 a.m. Aug. 15 (AP)
U.S.: Quds, Hezbollah training hit squads in Iran: Iraqi Shiite assassination teams are being trained in at least four locations in Iran by Tehran's elite Quds force and Lebanese Hezbollah and are planning to return to Iraq in the next few months to kill specific Iraqi officials as well as U.S. and Iraqi troops, according to intelligence gleaned from captured militia fighters and other sources in Iraq.
WASHINGTON, 1:32 a.m. Aug. 15 (AP)
Pentagon moves cautiously in Georgia conflict: If ever there was a sign of the limits of American military power, it was the scene of U.S. aircraft delivering blankets and medicine to a beleaguered Georgia under invasion by Russia tanks.
WASHINGTON, 3:16 p.m. Aug. 14 (AP)
Northrop CEO: Boeing got what it wanted on tanker: Despite supporters' claims that the competition is biased against it, Boeing got what it wanted from newly released Pentagon guidelines for a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract, according to the chief executive of rival bidder Northrop Grumman.
FORT BRAGG, N.C., 10:53 a.m. Aug. 14 (AP)
Soldier hoped accused leader wouldn't be reported: A Green Beret testified Thursday that his team sergeant, who faces possible court-martial in the killing and mutilation of an Afghan civilian, is a man he'd want by his side during battle.
CAMP PENDLETON, 3:47 p.m. Aug. 13 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Cheney visits Camp Pendleton: Vice President Dick Cheney made a brief visit to Camp Pendleton on Wednesday before heading to Orange County for a fundraiser.
WASHINGTON, 3:02 p.m. Aug. 13 (AP)
Army major pleads guilty in $5.8M bribery deal: An Army major pleaded guilty to bribery charges Wednesday and admitted he had a $5.8 million deal to steer military contracts for bottled water and other supplies to favored companies.
2:58 p.m. Aug. 13 (AP)
Military sexual assault coordinator to testify: WASHINGTON –The military's sexual assault prevention coordinator, barred by Defense officials from testifying before Congress last month, has gotten permission to appear at a hearing on the topic, a House committee said Wednesday.
CAMP PENDLETON, Aug. 14 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Cheney drops by base for tour of operations: Vice President Dick Cheney made a brief visit to Camp Pendleton yesterday before heading to Orange County for a fundraiser. He flew on Air Force Two from a campaign stop in Colorado and reached the base at 2:22 p.m.
Aug. 13 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Families sue SDG&E over 2004 accident that killed 4 Marines: Four years ago, a group of Marines was practicing low-level flying techniques in a helicopter near Camp Pendleton, maneuvers used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan.
GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba, 10:57 a.m. Aug. 13 (AP)
Adviser to Guantanamo trials faces more criticism: A Pentagon official who oversees the Guantanamo war crimes tribunals faced new internal criticism Wednesday as a prison commander accused him of bullying subordinates and trying to rush forward with trials.
TORONTO, 11:17 a.m. Aug. 13 (AP)
U.S. army deserter ordered deported from Canada: A U.S. Army specialist who fled Fort Bragg for Canada after learning his unit was to be deployed to Iraq was ordered deported Wednesday.
7:33 p.m. Aug. 12
Navy has another high-profile firing:The commander of a Navy air reconnaissance squadron that provides the president and the defense secretary the airborne ability to command and control the nation's nuclear submarines, bombers and missile silos has been relieved of duty, the Navy said Tuesday.
FORT BRAGG, N.C., 1:18 p.m. Aug. 12 (AP)
Green Beret: Leader shot, mutilated Afghan man: The leader of an Army special forces team “grinned” as he held the ear of an Afghan man he suspected of being an insurgent after he shot him and left his body in the desert, a Green Beret testified Tuesday.
SAN DIEGO, 6:08 p.m. Aug. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Conference here targets military stress issues: The body, mind and soul of troops and their families form the new battlefield in the fight against combat stress, numerous speakers told about 800 mental-health experts and high-ranking officers Tuesday during a national conference in downtown San Diego.
SAN FRANCISCO, 4:27 p.m. Aug. 12 (AP)
Navy agrees to limit use of some sonar systems: The U.S. Navy agreed in a settlement approved Tuesday to limit where it operates certain sonar systems criticized by environmentalists as a threat to whales and other marine mammals.
CHICAGO, 1:00 p.m. Aug. 12 (AP)
After combat, citizen soldiers turning to alcohol: National Guard and Reserve combat troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to develop drinking problems than active-duty soldiers, a new military study suggests.
CAMP PENDLETON, 12:34 p.m. Aug. 8 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Marines to court-martial sergeant in Fallujah captive's death: The Marine Corps announced Friday that it will court-martial Sgt. Ryan Weemer, who is accused of killing an unarmed captive during combat in Fallujah, Iraq, in late 2004.
WASHINGTON, 1:51 p.m. Aug. 11 (AP)
Boeing, Northrop meeting DOD on $35B tanker deal: Boeing is slated to meet with Pentagon officials Tuesday over the latest phase of a disputed $35 billion tanker contract as the company prepares its response to what some lawmakers and analysts have said are new guidelines that favor the larger plane of rival Northrop Grumman.
LAS VEGAS, 12:31 a.m. Aug. 11 (AP)
India to join Air Force training exercises in Nev.: India's military pilots are expected to participate for the first time in Air Force training exercises above the Nevada desert, marking another step in steadily improving U.S. relations with the Asian subcontinent nation since the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.
CAMP PENDLETON MARINE CORPS BASE, 7:44 p.m. Aug. 8 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Human remains found at Pendleton: The remains of a man believed to have been dead for four to five months were found on base by a Marine who was performing grounds maintenance, officials said Friday.
CORONADO, 6:05 p.m. Aug. 8 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Navy training flights scheduled through Aug. 24: If you live in South Bay and think you hear a lot more Navy aircraft overhead than usual this month, it won't be your imagination.
Aug. 8 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
S.D.-based ship Mercy is in Papua New Guinea:The San Diego-based hospital ship Mercy arrived Monday in Papua New Guinea, the fourth stop on its five-nation humanitarian mission in the southwestern Pacific.
WASHINGTON, 3:24 p.m. Aug. 7 (REUTERS)
U.S. plans surveillance buildup in Iraq, Afghanistan: The U.S. Defense Department plans to spend $2.2 billion on a new fleet of spy planes and unmanned drones for Iraq and Afghanistan that would greatly enhance the ability of U.S. forces to track militants, officials said Thursday.
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, 2:40 p.m. Aug. 7 (AP)
Remote-control warriors suffer war stress too: Working in an air-conditioned trailer nicknamed the Dumpster, Predator pilots peer into Iraq through a bank of computers, operating by remote-control the drone via keyboard and chat software – and occasionally unleashing missiles on enemy fighters.
WASHINGTON, 1:57 p.m. Aug. 6 (AP)
Bidding starts anew for $35B Air Force tanker deal: The Pentagon opened a second round of bidding Wednesday for a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract following an error-plagued first attempt that featured bitter competition between Northrop Grumman Corp. and Boeing Co.
9:43 a.m. Aug. 7 (AP)
PART VI: An ambush produces a hero: It all looked as if a video game had come to life. Through his night vision goggles, Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg saw the insurgents scurrying from berms to canals. Some popped up, ran a few yards, then fell to the Americans' gunfire. But others kept advancing toward his convoy.
9:00 p.m. Aug. 6 (AP)
PART V: Joy over survival, tears at extension: Christmas Day arrived – and for two 1st Brigade Combat Team soldiers, there was a gift like no other: their very survival.
MADISON, Wis., 1:36 a.m. Aug. 7 (AP)
Court rejects suit opposing religion in vets care: Taxpayers cannot sue the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for incorporating religion into its health care programs for the nation's veterans, an appeals court has ruled.
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii, 1:02 a.m. Aug. 7 (AP)
Pacific Air Force breaking in new F-22s on Guam: The U.S. Air Force has been breaking in its new fleet of F-22s – the world's most advanced fighter jet – this summer by sending five of the planes from cool and dry Alaska to hot and humid Guam for the first time.
LEXINGTON, Ky., 2:35 p.m. Aug. 6 (AP)
Ky. weapons depot reports second mustard gas leak: Officials at a chemical weapons stockpile in Kentucky suspect rising summer temperatures are partly responsible for the second mustard gas leak in less than two weeks after the storage site went three years without one.
WASHINGTON, 4:11 p.m. Aug. 5 (REUTERS)
Pentagon to test unclassified alternative to Talon: The Pentagon, which closed its Talon intelligence database nearly a year ago amid concerns about domestic spying, will soon begin testing an unclassified alternative for tracking possible threats to U.S. military bases, officials said Tuesday.
WASHINGTON, 5:26 p.m. Aug. 5 (AP)
DIA's new mission adds to intel arsenal: The Defense Intelligence Agency, long a home for intelligence analysis, is joining the spy vs. spy game.
WASHINGTON, 7:31 a.m. Aug. 5 (REUTERS)
U.S. adds 26 days to Marines' tours in Afghanistan: More than 1,200 Marines deployed to train Afghan security forces have had their tours of duty extended by 26 days, the Marine Corps said.
Aug. 4 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Film follows one family's countdown to deployment: SAN DIEGO – Alyson Mellish and Amanda Raymond understand each other quite well. They're twin sisters, and they're Navy wives.
9:01 p.m. Aug. 4 (AP)
PART III: A funeral and a birth: The Ferris wheel at the Minnesota State Fair offered a bird's-eye view of an end-of-summer, mid-American ritual. From the top, you could see the places where 4-H kids showed off their prized hogs and cows, where farmers ogled gleaming tractors, and where throngs lined up for food-of-every-kind-on-a-stick.
WASHINGTON, 1:18 p.m. Aug. 4 (REUTERS)
Pentagon closes controversial intelligence unit: The Pentagon Monday said it was closing a controversial intelligence office that had raised concerns about domestic spying by the military after the Sept. 11 attacks.
9:08 p.m. Aug. 3 (AP)
Part II: Welcome to Iraq, and a long separation: The phone call surprised Katie Kriesel, so soon after her husband, John, shipped out. “Where are you?” she asked.
5:41 p.m. Aug. 1
Internet film informs military families on trials of deployment: Alyson Mellish and Amanda Raymond understand each other quite well. They're twin sisters, and they're both Navy wives.
ST. PAUL, Minn., 9:07 a.m. Aug. 2 (AP)
The long haul begins: In the end, Chad Malmberg put his framed Silver Star on the wall and stowed away his helmet, some old uniforms and the dusty combat boots he had worn in the Iraqi desert.
SAN DIEGO, 11:59 a.m. Aug. 1 (SIGNONSANDIEGO)
Tarawa ships out on possible last deployment: The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa left Naval Station San Diego Friday for what could be its last deployment before being decommissioned next year.
Aug. 1 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
For the record: A story and headline on Page B1 yesterday about the two top officers aboard the aircraft carrier George Washington said they were dismissed. It would have been clearer to say they were relieved of those duties and reassigned.
BEIJING, 8:38 a.m. Aug. 1 (AP)
China defense could be $360 billion a year by 2020: China's defense spending is on track to reach $360 billion a year by 2020 if annual increases continue at their current pace, an analyst with defense consultancy Jane's said Friday.
WASHINGTON, 10:24 a.m. July 31 (AP)
Gates: Military's priority is to defeat extremists: The military's top priority is to defeat al-Qaeda and other extremists, but winning the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan alone will not achieve that, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says in a new defense policy document.
WASHINGTON, 10:18 a.m. July 31 (AP)
$500 monthly bonus for extended enlistees voted: Soldiers forced to stay in Iraq and Afghanistan past their enlistment may be getting an extra $500 a month “special pay” for their trouble.
WASHINGTON, 1:57 p.m. July 31 (AP)
House takes up bill that boosts veterans spending: The House was taking up its first spending bill Thursday after weeks of delays that have left efforts to pass next year's Cabinet budgets in shambles.
SAN DIEGO, 3:40 p.m. July 30 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Carrier's chief officers relieved of duty: The commander and the executive officer of the aircraft carrier George Washington have been relieved of duty in connection with the May 22 fire that injured 37 sailors and caused an estimated $70 million in damage, Navy officials said Wednesday.
LAS VEGAS, 6:01 p.m. July 30 (AP)
F-15 crashes in Nevada during training, killing 1: An F-15 fighter jet crashed during training over the Nevada desert Wednesday, killing one pilot and injuring another.
SAN DIEGO, July 31 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Navy dismisses ship's top two officers: SAN DIEGO
–
Navy officials dismissed the top two officers aboard the aircraft carrier George Washington yesterday after investigators linked a massive fire May 22 to one or more sailors who carelessly smoked around flammable materials.
7:19 a.m. July 30 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Reagan, four other ships in Japan for port visits: The San Diego-based aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan and four other ships from its strike group arrived in Japan on Monday for port visits, the Navy said.
SAN DIEGO, 1:17 p.m. July 29 (AP)
Prosecutors appeal dismissal of Haditha charges: Prosecutors appealed a judge's dismissal of charges against a Marine officer accused of failing to investigate the killings of 24 Iraqis, a defense attorney said Tuesday.
RALEIGH, N.C., 6:57 a.m. July 30 (AP)
Suspect in NC pregnant soldier's death in custody: A suspect is in custody, but authorities aren't saying much about the death of a pregnant soldier whose body was found in a motel bathtub in Fayetteville more than a month ago.
6:46 a.m. July 30 (AP)
A look at slayings of 3 military women in 7 months: Three women in the military have been found slain near North Carolina military camps in the past seven months:
HONOLULU, 6:53 p.m. July 29 (AP)
Hawaii, California troops train with island locals: Hawaii and California National Guard troops are joining Big Island police and fire units for a week of training and exercises to deal with a terrorist attack or a major hazardous material release.
WASHINGTON, 6:46 p.m. July 29 (AP)
House OKs benefits for military 'sole survivors': Jason Hubbard and his two younger brothers all served in Iraq. He was the only one to return home alive.
ARLINGTON, Va., 2:32 p.m. July 29 (AP)
Iwo Jima flag raiser gets citizenship papers: For more than 60 years the Marine Corps has proudly told the story of Sgt. Michael Strank and the five other warriors who raised the flag at Iwo Jima.
HONOLULU, 2:20 a.m. July 29 (AP)
PETA asks military to end testing on animals: Animal-rights activists want the U.S. to stop using animals as subjects to help train its military, calling the medical and trauma exercises cruel and a disservice to the troops.
FAIRFIELD, 11:18 a.m. July 29 (AP)
Air Force fugitive enters plea in wife's slaying: A former Travis Air Force Base sergeant has admitted killing his pregnant wife with a hammer in 1994.
WASHINGTON, 8:26 a.m. July 29 (AP)
Bush: Former Army cook's crimes warrant execution: President Bush could have commuted the death sentence of Ronald A. Gray, a former Army cook convicted of multiple rapes and murders.
SAN DIEGO, 1:30 p.m. July 28 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Navy commander relieved of command after running ship aground: The skipper of the San Diego-based Pearl Harbor has been relieved of command after the amphibious landing-dock ship ran aground last week in the Persian Gulf, Navy officials said Monday.
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska, 6:41 p.m. July 28 (AP)
Air Force officer in Alaska dies in likely suicide: The officer who commands an air force wing in Alaska has died of a gunshot wound that likely was self-inflicted, authorities said Monday.
WASHINGTON, 5:25 p.m. July 28 (AP)
Bush OKs execution of Army death row prisoner: President Bush on Monday approved the execution of an Army private, the first time in over a half-century that a president has affirmed a death sentence for a member of the U.S. military.
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska, 5:44 p.m. July 28 (AP)
Brigadier general dies of gunshot wound: An Air Force brigadier general died of a gunshot wound that likely was self-inflicted, a spokesman said Monday.
WASHINGTON, 2:37 p.m. July 28 (AP)
Top Air Force acquisition official resigns: A senior Air Force acquisition official resigned Monday, less than two months after the surprise ousting of the service's top military and civilian leaders.
WASHINGTON, 8:02 a.m. July 28 (AP)
Air Force exec resigns, cites leader changes: The Air Force's logistics chief has resigned, saying that the recent leadership shake up by Defense Secretary Robert Gates has hurt his ability to do his job.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 8:56 a.m. July 28 (AP)
Brigadier General dead of gunshot wound: Military officials say an Air Force brigadier general has died of a gunshot wound at his home on Elmendorf Air Force Base.
LONDON, 6:42 a.m. July 28 (AP)
UK: No prosecution over journalist death in Iraq: Prosecutors said Monday there was not enough proof to charge anyone in the death of a British journalist in southern Iraq during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion though forensic evidence suggests he was killed by American forces.
July 26 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Local Green Beret gave his life to save a buddy: An Army Green Beret from Imperial Beach died because he chose to save a comrade from drowning last month in Afghanistan, the surviving soldier said.
7:24 a.m. July 28 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Help needed to fill packs for wounded veterans: EL CAJON: Volunteers are being sought to assemble backpacks for wounded veterans. Volunteers will gather at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the VFW Post in El Cajon, 136 Chambers St. Lunch will be provided.
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, 8:31 a.m. July 25 (AP)
Lawyers say secret evidence shows bin Laden driver faced late-night interrogations: Lawyers for a Guantanamo prisoner said Friday that he was subjected to late-night interrogations, raising doubts about statements used against him in his war crimes trial.
SANTA ANA, 12:34 p.m. July 25 (AP)
Marine pleads innocent to murder of comrade: A Marine has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of a Camp Pendleton comrade who prosecutors allege was killed in a dispute over stolen drug money.
CAMP PENDLETON, 6:06 p.m. July 24 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Charges dropped against Marine sniper in Iraq shootings: The Marine Corps on Thursday dropped all charges against a Camp Pendleton sniper accused of wrongly shooting two men he thought were planting roadside bombs in Iraq.
July 25 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Marines dismiss charges vs. sniper in Iraq killings: CAMP PENDLETON: The Marine Corps has dropped all charges against a sniper accused of wrongly killing two men he believed were planting roadside bombs in Iraq.
SAN DIEGO, 7:06 p.m. July 24 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Stolen drug money at center of Marine killing in OC: Two Marines apparently killed one of their Camp Pendleton comrades in a dispute over stolen drug money, prosecutors said Thursday.
WASHINGTON, July 24
House panel hears opposing views on gay ban in military: Opponents of the ban on gays openly serving in the military used the first hearing on the issue in 15 years to argue that times have changed and the nation no longer can afford to exclude anyone based on sexual orientation.
PORTLAND, Maine, 1:01 a.m. July 24 (AP)
Cost big factor in decision to sack destroyer: Growing costs and vulnerability to anti-ship missiles sank the Navy's once-heralded “stealth destroyer,” a highly advanced warship designed to slip close to the shore unnoticed and pummel targets with big guns.
WASHINGTON, 5:00 a.m. July 23 (REUTERS)
More U.S. troops may help but not solve Afghanistan: Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain and President Bush all agree on one thing – more U.S. troops should go to Afghanistan. But would they make much difference?
CINCINNATI, 8:20 a.m. July 24 (REUTERS)
Veterans, military service little issue in U.S. vote: Ohio military veteran Robert Rigsby believes U.S. presidents need military experience. So does retired autoworker Mike Artz. But even as America wages two wars, neither man can decide whom to support in November's presidential election.
MOSCOW, 7:37 a.m. July 24 (REUTERS)
Russia plans no military bases abroad – reports: Russia said on Thursday it had no plans to open any military bases abroad and denied a newspaper report that it might deploy nuclear-capable bombers in Cuba in retaliation to a planned U.S. missile shield in Europe.
WASHINGTON, 9:42 a.m. July 23 (AP)
Senators question oversight of contracts in Iraq: A key Democratic senator on Wednesday said the Bush administration and Pentagon leaders failed to properly plan for troop support in Iraq, leading to billions of lost taxpayer dollars, theft and fraud.
WASHINGTON, 12:42 p.m. July 22 (AP)
Air Force must regain public's trust, nominees say: The two men nominated to replace the ousted Air Force leadership said Tuesday they'll work to restore trust and confidence in the beleaguered service, under fire for poor handling of its nuclear duties and other missteps.
7:23 a.m. July 22 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Personnel from aircraft wing return from Iraq: MIRAMAR: More than 150 service members from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing returned to Miramar Marine Corps Air Station last night after completing a deployment to Iraq.
CHULA VISTA, July 22 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
VA counseling center is coming to Chula Vista:Chula Vista will be the site of one of 39 new Department of Veterans Affairs counseling centers for recent combat veterans and their families, VA officials said last week.
CHULA VISTA, July 21 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Veterans Affairs planning to open counseling center: Chula Vista will be the site of one of 39 new Department of Veterans Affairs counseling centers for recent combat veterans and their families, VA officials said last week.
WASHINGTON, 2:35 p.m. July 21 (AP)
Gates questions combat training by contractors: Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to know why his military uses private contractors for combat and security training, and how widespread the practice is.
WASHINGTON, 7:50 a.m. July 20 (AP)
Mullen worries about troop withdrawal timeline: A fixed timetable for withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq could jeopardize political and economic progress, the Pentagon's top military officer said Sunday.
BAGHDAD, 6:47 a.m. July 19 (AP)
U.S. general: al-Qaeda may be easing effort in Iraq: Senior leaders of al-Qaeda may be diverting fighters from the war in Iraq to the Afghan frontier area, the top American commander in Iraq told The Associated Press on Saturday.
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., 9:16 a.m. July 19 (AP)
As wars lengthen, toll on military families mounts: Far from the combat zones, the strains and separations of no-end-in-sight wars are taking an ever-growing toll on military families despite the armed services' earnest efforts to help.
9:16 a.m. July 19 (AP)
Some tragic cases involving soldiers back from war: There have been several horrific incidents shattering families of soldiers returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among them:
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, 8:01 a.m. July 19 (AP)
Afghan violence kills 14, including NATO soldier: Afghan troops clashed with Taliban insurgents attacking a supply convoy for NATO troops, killing nine militants, officials said Saturday, while roadside bombs killed a NATO soldier in a separate convoy and four policemen.
TOKYO, 3:41 a.m. July 19 (REUTERS)
Japan residents protest against U.S. warship plan: More than 10,000 people marched by a U.S. navy base near Tokyo on Saturday, calling for the Japanese government to stop the deployment of a nuclear-powered warship for the first time to Japan, rally organisers said.
FORT RILEY, Kan., 1:38 a.m. July 16 (AP)
Army's 1st Division celebrates at Fort Riley: Thousands of soldiers laced up running shoes instead of boots and hit the asphalt to help celebrate the Army's oldest division and honor members who have died in combat.
WASHINGTON, 11:26 a.m. July 18 (REUTERS)
A new travel style for Pentagon VIPs? It's SLICC: They sound like first-rate in-flight accommodations – leather chairs, a 37-inch flat-screen monitor, bed, couch, table – all the comfort a traveling VIP could want.
TOKYO, 5:03 a.m. July 18 (REUTERS)
Japan local assembly rejects U.S. military plan: Lawmakers in Okinawa, southern Japan, passed a non-binding resolution on Friday against a government plan to relocate a U.S. military base, a move that could affect local negotiations on the realignment.
July 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
2 Marines charged in secrets theft ring:The Marine Corps is charging two of its own in connection with a theft ring that involved the stealing of secret files on potential terrorists. The widening investigation already has produced one conviction.
July 17 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Naval Air Station worker gets major NAACP award: CORONADO: A longtime worker at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado won a major award during the annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Navy said.
WASHINGTON, 11:49 a.m. July 16 (AP)
Investigators find abuse in gov't contract program: Companies collected tens of millions of dollars in government contracts by claiming to have main offices in poor neighborhoods that were actually empty duplexes, part-time offices and other ineligible locations, congressional investigators charge.
WASHINGTON, 11:15 a.m. July 16 (REUTERS)
U.S. looks to send more troops to Afghanistan soon: The United States is looking to send more troops to Afghanistan soon in the face of rising insurgent violence there, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.
CORONADO, 8:51 p.m. July 15 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Sailors aboard under-repair carrier getting all expense-paid summer in S.D.: Hey, who wouldn't love a paid, summerlong holiday in picturesque San Diego? The 2,800 sailors aboard the aircraft carrier George Washington are getting just that, although not all of them are loving it. They're staying in town after their ship caught fire May 22 and came to North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado for repairs.
CORONADO, July 16 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Caring for crew of damaged carrier: CORONADO
–
Hey, who wouldn't love a paid, summer-long holiday in picturesque San Diego?
The 2,800 sailors aboard the aircraft carrier George Washington are getting just that, although not all of them are loving it.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 3:27 p.m. July 15 (AP)
Canada deports U.S. soldier who fled Iraq war duty: A U.S. Army deserter who fled to Canada three years ago was deported Tuesday to America, marking the first time a resister to the U.S war effort in Iraq has been removed by Canadian authorities.
WASHINGTON, 3:53 p.m. July 15 (AP)
Misgivings aired about U.S. Africa Command: Some U.S. officials fear the U.S. military's new regional command in Africa is poorly defined and could usurp the State Department's role in U.S. foreign policy there, according to a congressional investigator.
WASHINGTON, 1:32 p.m. July 15 (AP)
Dems claim vets possibly shortchanged money owed: Tens of thousands of veterans may not have been paid money owed them by the government because of hasty efforts to clear a massive backlog of claims, House Democrats said Tuesday.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., 2:26 p.m. July 15 (AP)
Marines charged in nurse's slaying appear in court: It's a scene that's become all too familiar in North Carolina's military communities. For the third time in seven months, a young woman serving her nation has been slain at home, away from the dangers of combat.
7:24 a.m. July 15 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Reagan strike group visiting South Korea: The San Diego-based aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan and three escort ships arrived yesterday in South Korea for routine port visits, the Navy said.
CAMP PENDLETON, July 15 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Lesser charges suggested for sniper:
A Camp Pendleton sniper should not be tried for killing two men and seriously injuring at least one other last year in Iraq, the officer who presided over a fact-finding hearing said.
CAMP PENDLETON, 3:15 p.m. July 14 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Officer recommends against court-martial for Iraqi deaths: The officer who presided over a fact-finding hearing for Marine Sgt. John Winnick has recommended that he not be tried for shooting to death two men and seriously injuring at least one other last year in Iraq.
July 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Serving those who served: SAN DIEGO – Every summer, Veterans Village of San Diego builds a tent city next to Balboa Stadium to give homeless vets a break from the rigors of street life.
SAN FRANCISCO, 10:45 a.m. July 14 (AP)
Committee says fuzzy memories hurt Tillman probe: A congressional committee says it is impossible to determine what top Bush administration officials knew, and when, in the friendly fire death of Pat Tillman.
PROCTOR, Vt., 11:48 a.m. July 13 (AP)
World War II dog tag, ring returned to GI's family: The family of a missing World War II veteran finally has a bit of closure. Nearly six and a half decades after Felix Shostak's B-24 bomber was shot down over France, a twisted dog tag and a 1938 Proctor High School ring found last year at the crash site have been handed over to the turret gunner's family.
SAN DIEGO, 2:29 p.m. July 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Miramar copter squadron to remain in NoCal to fight fires: A helicopter squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar will remain in Northern California to aid local firefighters battling a 7,000-acre wildfire burning in Mendocino County.
July 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Navy region commander vows better ties to Tijuana: TIJUANA: The commander of Navy Region Southwest pledged closer cooperation with Tijuana's municipal government yesterday on a range of issues, including emergency management, security, transportation and the environment.
YOKOSUKA, Japan, 12:34 a.m. July 12 (AP)
New commander of U.S. Navy's 7th fleet assumes duty in Japan: The new commander of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet assumed his post overseeing the world's largest forward-deployed naval force in a ceremony Saturday at a port just south of Tokyo.
July 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Tape presented as evidence: CAMP PENDLETON – A Marine accused of helping to kill detainees during a 2004 battle in Fallujah, Iraq, seemed to confess during a taped interview that was replayed yesterday at Camp Pendleton.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., 11:27 a.m. July 11 (AP)
Former Pentagon worker sentenced in China spy case: A former Pentagon analyst was sentenced Friday to almost five years in prison for giving secret information about U.S.-Taiwan military relations to a New Orleans furniture salesman who turned out to be a Chinese spy.
CAMP PENDLETON, 11:23 a.m. July 11 (AP)
Officer: Marines were told of prisoner rules: A Marine sergeant charged with murdering an unarmed Iraqi detained in Fallujah was instructed before invading the city that anyone taken into custody should be transferred from the front lines to holding facilities at a base, a military lawyer testified Friday.
SAN DIEGO, 7:10 a.m. July 11 (SIGNONSANDIEGO)
Annual 'Stand Down' for homeless vets begins: Hundreds of San Diego homeless veterans and their families will receive free shelter and social services today during the start of the "Stand Down for Homeless Veterans'' event.
CAMP PENDLETON, 12:21 p.m. July 10 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Court hears tape of Marine accused of Iraqi murder: A Camp Pendleton Marine who allegedly helped kill at least four detainees during a 2004 battle in Fallujah, Iraq, seemed to confess during a taped interview that was replayed Thursday.
WASHINGTON, 4:53 p.m. July 10 (AP)
Senate OKs promotions of Iraq generals: Notwithstanding months of partisan wrangling in Congress over the Iraq war, the Senate on Thursday handily confirmed Gen. David Petraeus as the top commander in the Middle East and Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno to replace Petraeus as the chief military officer in Iraq.
TOPEKA, Kan., 3:13 p.m. July 10 (AP)
Gov't wants atheist soldier's lawsuit dismissed: An atheist soldier who claims the military violates religious freedoms should have complained through the chain of command instead of civilian courts, the government said in arguing that his lawsuit should be dismissed.
CAMP PENDLETON, 12:22 a.m. July 10 (AP)
Marine charged in Iraqi's death goes to court: Marine Sgt. Ryan Weemer hoped his battle experience in Fallujah and other Iraqi hot zones would pave the way to a job in the Secret Service.
WASHINGTON, 9:01 p.m. July 9 (REUTERS)
Study urges long-term policies to influence Iran:  A military strike on Iran would be unlikely to force changes in Tehran's nuclear policy, the Rand research organization said Thursday in an analysis recommending long-term policies to deal with the country.
WASHINGTON, 1:37 a.m. July 10 (AP)
Bush turns to diplomacy to deter Iran: While keeping the military option on the table, the Bush administration is counting heavily on diplomacy including direct talks with Tehran as the best way to wean Iran away from building nuclear weapons.
WASHINGTON, 5:03 p.m. July 9 (AP)
House OKs homeless veterans bill amid veto threat: The House approved a homeless veterans housing bill overwhelmingly Wednesday, even though White House advisers warned they'd urge President Bush to veto it.
|
"Homefront in Focus"
By Beth Wilson
Congratulations and Welcome New Military Wives!: Congratulations to our new Navy (military) wives! Welcome to this new adventure - military spousedom. I just spent an hour on the phone with a new Navy wife who found...
| Multimedia |
 |
 Take a ride aboard Liberty Belle
The Liberty Foundation's B-17 Flying Fortress takes to the skies over San Diego.
Video | Flying info
 Iraq war dog comes to San Diego
Nubs, a German shepherd/border collie mix adopted by a Marine in Iraq, arrives at Lindbergh Field.
Video | Story
| Medals of Valor |
|
| Aboard U.S.S. Lincoln |
|
 Launching, landing and living aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lincoln.
Video
| San Diego At War |
|
 He fought in both Iraq wars and lost an eye – but not his spirit.
Video
| Miramar Air Show |
|
2006 Miramar Air Show photo gallery
A Russian classic flies over San Diego.
Cable-DSL
The FREE RealPlayer plug-in is necessary to play RealMedia.
| Alan Shepard |
|
 Navy supply ship Alan Shepard is christened.
Video | Slideshow
| Dolphin |
|
 Saying farewell to Dolphin, Navy's last diesel sub.
Slideshow | Story
| Camp Pendleton |
|
Michigan-based Marine reservists train for duty in Iraq.
Cable-DSL | 56k
Sergeant was slated for mid-tour visit home: Alejandro A. Dominguez loved the Army so much that he listed “my tank manual” as his favorite book on his MySpace page.
Help support America's troops and their families in and around San Diego County through Operation Homecoming.
| Interactive |
|
Urban Warfare: How U.S. troops fight in the streets (Flash)
 Nimitz-class: Guide to U.S. aircraft carriers (Flash)
| Related Links |
|
General military
Navy
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Air Force
Army
Other
|
