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Navy Secretary Fired after Feud over Trump’s ‘Golden Fleet’ with Pentagon Leaders, Including Hegseth

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Secretary of the Navy John Phelan was fired Wednesday after months of feuding with his Pentagon bosses, particularly over his handling of President Trump’s “Golden Fleet” shipbuilding initiative.

Tensions between Phelan, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy War Secretary Stephen Feinberg had been simmering for months, according to the New York Times and a Republican source.

Phelan didn’t get along with Pentagon brass and his management and leadership style was “incongruent” with Hegseth and Feinberg, one GOP source familiar with the fired Navy secretary’s standing at the Pentagon told The Post.

“The administration really wanted to accelerate the shipbuilding program because of the president’s agenda … and the secretary seemed incapable of accomplishing those goals and he wasn’t well liked,” the source said. “When you combine incompetence with arrogance it usually doesn’t end well.”

Feinberg had been gradually diverting responsibility for the major project away from Phelan, the New York Times reported. (Read more from “Navy Secretary Fired after Feud over Trump’s ‘Golden Fleet’ with Pentagon Leaders, Including Hegseth” HERE)

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

Navy Scraps Biden-Era ‘Climate Action’ Plan, Returns Focus To Warfighting

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The U.S. Navy officially scrapped a Biden-era “climate action” plan for the force on Tuesday, signifying the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to refocus the military towards warfighting.

“Today, I’m focusing on the warfighters first, and I’m rescinding the Biden administration’s climate action program. Our focus needs to be on lethality and our warfighters,” Navy Secretary John Phelan announced in a video message.

Released in May 2022, the Climate Action 2030 program contained a series of actions and goals the Department of the Navy (DON) has taken or planned to undertake to tackle what Biden Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro characterized as the “urgency of the climate crisis.” In the document’s opening foreword, Del Toro claimed the Navy and Marine Corps “are in the crosshairs of the climate crisis,” and that “[c]limate change is one of the most destabilizing forces of our time, exacerbating other national security concerns and posing serious readiness challenges.”

The action plan identified two “performance goals,” one of which included the DON’s stated aim of reducing “greenhouse gas emissions and draw[ing] greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere to stabilize ecosystems, and achieve, as an enterprise, [President Biden’s] commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as other targets.” (Read more from “Navy Scraps Biden-Era ‘Climate Action’ Plan, Returns Focus To Warfighting” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

U.S. Navy Cruiser Accidentally Shoots Down U.S. Fighter Jet in Red Sea

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In a rare and concerning incident over the Red Sea, the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser, accidentally shot down a U.S. fighter jet early on Sunday morning, marking what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described as “an apparent case of friendly fire.”

The incident involved an F-18 fighter jet, which was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, part of a U.S. Navy strike group currently deployed in the region. According to CENTCOM, the two Navy pilots onboard the F-18 managed to eject safely before the jet was shot down. One of the pilots sustained minor injuries, but both were rescued and returned to safety. CENTCOM confirmed that the incident was not caused by hostile fire, and a full investigation is now underway to determine how the accident occurred.

The USS Gettysburg is part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which is currently stationed in the Red Sea as part of ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. While CENTCOM provided few details on the exact circumstances of the accident, the timing and location suggest the incident may be linked to the tense security environment in the region.

The Truman Carrier Strike Group is engaged in multiple missions, including the protection of international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, as well as support for Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Additionally, U.S. forces are actively involved in countering missile and drone attacks from the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

CENTCOM has previously pointed to the complexity of the environment, where incoming missile and drone threats from the Houthis have given sailors only seconds to react. It’s possible that the fast-paced nature of these operations, combined with the proximity of friendly and hostile forces, contributed to the tragic mistake.

The U.S. military has been involved in a number of operations in the region, particularly in response to the growing threats from the Houthis. On the day before the accidental shootdown, U.S. warplanes conducted airstrikes on a missile facility in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, targeting a site reportedly used by the Houthis to launch attacks against U.S. and international interests in the region.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have increasingly escalated their efforts to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea and launch strikes against U.S. and Saudi targets. Following the shootdown of the F-18, the group’s spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for launching eight drones and 17 cruise missiles at U.S. military assets, including the jet. However, CENTCOM has unequivocally stated that the downing of the F-18 was due to friendly fire, not a Houthi attack.

While the investigation into the accident is still in its early stages, CENTCOM has emphasized that the shootdown was not the result of hostile action. The U.S. military’s response to the incident will likely include a thorough review of operational protocols and communication systems aboard the USS Gettysburg and within the broader strike group.

Photo credit: Flickr

Navy Admits DOD Will Shell Out Funds For Obscure Environmental Initiative With No Impact On Military Readiness

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A little-known environmental provision in the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has no impact on military operations, but will instead serve to “protect the native vegetation,” a Navy spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a statement Tuesday.

The nearly $884 billion defense bill passed by the U.S. Senate Wednesday includes an initiative to “manage, control and interdict the coconut rhinoceros beetle” — an invasive species of insect that bore holes into the canopies of palm trees — “on military installations in Hawaii.” By the Navy’s own admission, the initiative’s purpose is to preserve vegetation, and thus is effectively unrelated to the Department of Defense’s (DOD) stated mission “to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation’s security.”

“While coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) don’t pose an operational threat to Navy installations in Hawaii, the invasive insects cause significant harm to the environment,” a spokesperson from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii told the DCNF. “CRB damage and kill palm trees, including the native loulou-hiwa palm (Pritchardia martii), and have potential to significantly reduce coconut production and palm stands … It was important for the Navy to fund projects related to CRB control to protect the native vegetation on Oahu.”

The spokesperson justified the effort on the grounds the Navy is meant to serve as a “steward” of the environment, adding that “biosecurity has become an increasing priority and preventing new introductions of invasive species is critical.” Biosecurity became a DOD priority under former President Barack Obama in 2015, when the agency completed the Regional Biosecurity Plan (RBP) to limit the potential for invasive species to be spread in the Pacific as part of “the environmental impact analysis for a plan to potentially relocate military personnel from a base in Okinawa, Japan.” (Read more from “Navy Admits DOD Will Shell Out Funds For Obscure Environmental Initiative With No Impact On Military Readiness” HERE)

‘Celebrating Diversity’: Biden’s Army, Navy Nominees Pushed DEI Ideology While In Uniform

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Army and Navy officials recently promoted by President Joe Biden pushed neo-Marxist ideology in the military, The Federalist has learned.

According to a Nov. 15 Pentagon press release, Biden promoted Army Cols. Peter L. Gilbert and Antwan L. Dunmyer to the rank of brigadier general. Gilbert served as commander of the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Fort Liberty (formerly known as Fort Bragg) in North Carolina, while Dunmyer served as the deputy commander of operations for the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

The Federalist has learned that both individuals have promoted ideas affiliated with so-called “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI), an offshoot of neo-Marxist ideology, in their capacities as military officials. As The Federalist previously reported, DEI is a poisonous left-wing framework that dismisses merit and instead discriminates based on characteristics such as skin color and sex.

In early 2021, Gilbert recorded a video message commemorating Black History Month that was posted to the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade’s Facebook page. The Army official served with the brigade from July 2020 to July 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile.

After recognizing the contributions of black Americans in the military throughout U.S. history, Gilbert touted how the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade is “dedicated” to championing “diversity,” which he contended contributes to the force’s overall effectiveness. (Read more from “‘Celebrating Diversity’: Biden’s Army, Navy Nominees Pushed DEI Ideology While In Uniform” HERE)

‘Burning Through People’: US Navy Considers Drastic Measure Over Manpower Shortage: Report

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The U.S. Navy is reportedly considering drastic measures to tackle manpower shortage, sources told USNI News.

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is reportedly facing operational challenges due to a shortage of qualified civilian mariners. This prompted a strategic plan to sideline 17 Navy support ships, USNI News reported, citing three people familiar with deliberations. This proposal, termed as a “force generation reset,” reportedly aims to alleviate the staffing strain by putting two Lewis and Clark-class replenishment ships, one fleet oiler, twelve Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF) and two expeditionary sea bases into extended maintenance while reassigning their crews to other vessels.

The two forward-deployed expeditionary sea bases identified in the plan are the USS Lewis Puller (ESB-3) and USS Herschel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4), two sources told USNI news. These vessels have been pivotal in regional naval operations, including counter-smuggling and special operations, the outlet noted. The reallocation of their crews has reportedly been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stringent onboard restrictions, USNI News stated.

This move is necessitated by a staffing shortfall that could potentially reduce the MSC’s demand for mariners by as many as 700 billets, the outlet noted. The draft plan is reportedly awaiting approval from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. It currently operates 4,500 billets with a mariner-to-billet ratio of about 1.27, the outlet stated. This ratio is not operationally sound, two MSC master mariners told the outlet. (Read more from “‘Burning Through People’: US Navy Considers Drastic Measure Over Manpower Shortage: Report” HERE)

WOKE MILITARY: U.S. Navy Special Warfare Command Posts Pride Month Graphic, Limits Replies

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The United States Navy Special Warfare Command — the command overseeing U.S. Navy SEALs and other Navy special operations forces — celebrated Pride Month with a special graphic posted on its Facebook page on June 1.

The graphic — which had rainbow colors and its official insignia with the words “dignity,” “service,” “respect,” equality,” and “pride” — was posted to its official Facebook. . .

The most-liked comment on the post was, “This is a slap in the face of every special warfare operator that has put their lives on the line for our nation.”

The second most-liked comment was, “Man this woke sh.. is like a cancer and needs to be handled and delt [sic] with as a threat to national security. Gone way too far.” . . .

Despite June also being Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, Navy Special Warfare Command posted its Pride Month post first and its PTSD Awareness Month post second. The command did not restrict comments on the latter post:

(Read more from “WOKE MILITARY: U.S. Navy Special Warfare Command Posts Pride Month Graphic, Limits Replies” HERE)

US Navy Warship and Commercial Vessels Attacked in Red Sea Amid Rising Tensions

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A U.S. Navy warship, the USS Carney (DDG-64), and multiple commercial vessels faced an attack on Sunday in the Red Sea, marking a potential escalation in maritime hostilities linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Pentagon confirmed the incident and stated they are aware of the attacks, with the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer, being among the targeted vessels. As of now, there is no indication that the USS Carney returned fire on the assailants.

According to an anonymous U.S. official, the attack reportedly began around 10 a.m. in Sanaa, Yemen, and persisted for up to five hours. The Pentagon has not disclosed the source of the hostile fire. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and are allied with Iran, have not yet commented on the incident. However, a Houthi terrorist spokesman hinted at an impending “important” statement.

This event follows a recent engagement where the USS Carney intercepted three land attack cruise missiles and multiple drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder described the earlier incident as a “demonstration” of American capabilities and commitment to safeguarding partners and interests in the region.

The British military reported a suspected drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea, providing no further details. Last month, Houthi terrorists seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, further heightening tensions in the region. The Houthi group’s actions underscore its alignment with Iran and its role in controlling Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

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U.S. Navy Foils Terrorist Hijacking Attempt of Israeli-Owned Tanker

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In a dramatic turn of events, a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Mason, successfully thwarted a terrorist hijacking attempt on the Liberian-flagged Central Park chemical tanker, which is owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Aden, where five armed gunmen attempted to seize control of the vessel.

Upon responding to a distress call from the tanker’s crew, the USS Mason intercepted the attempted hijacking, pursuing the ship towards Yemen. According to Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, warning shots were fired by the U.S. Navy personnel during the pursuit, leading to the apprehension of the five armed hijackers. The terrorists had reportedly boarded the tanker from a skiff, attempting to break into the ship’s Citadel (safe room) where the crew had secured themselves.

This marks the second hijacking attempt on the same vessel in recent days, with Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists previously making a similar effort. In this latest incident, a Japanese destroyer provided assistance to the USS Mason during the interdiction, while two Chinese Navy warships in the vicinity did not offer support.

Despite the hijackers’ attempt to gain access to the safe room, the crew remained secure, prompting the terrorists to exit the vessel and attempt an escape back to Yemen. The U.S. Navy personnel, along with the support of a U.S. helicopter gunship, successfully apprehended the hijackers, who are currently under questioning by the U.S. military under counter-piracy authorities. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by maritime vessels in the strategically vital waters of the Gulf of Aden.

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UFO Whistleblower ‘Disappointed’ With Mexico’s Display of ‘Non-Human Alien Corpses’

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The former Navy pilot who testified in front of U.S. Congress during the much-anticipated hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) over the summer called the display of two so-called non-human alien corpses in a Mexican congressional hearing “a huge step backwards for this issue.”

Mexico’s Congress made global headlines on Tuesday after alleged experts who study extraterrestrials unveiled 1,000-year-old “alien corpses” nestled in a glass display during its first hearing on UFOs. . .

“After the U.S. Congressional UFO hearing, I accepted an invitation to testify before the Mexican Congress hoping to keep up the momentum of government interest in pilot experiences with UAP,” Graves said. “Unfortunately, yesterday’s demonstration was a huge step backwards for this issue.”

“My testimony centered on sharing my experience and the UAP reports I hear from commercial and military aircrew through ASA’s witness program. I will continue to raise awareness of UAP as an urgent matter of aerospace safety, national security, and science, but I am deeply disappointed by this unsubstantiated stunt.”

Graves was one of three witnesses who addressed the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs during the hearing on UAPs in late July. He was joined by Retired Navy Commander David Fravor and decorated military veteran and intelligence official-turned-whistleblower David Grusch. (Read more from “UFO Whistleblower ‘Disappointed’ With Mexico’s Display of ‘Non-Human Alien Corpses” HERE)

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