Tony

“Cutting SNAP exemptions for veterans is an unacceptable betrayal. Research consistently shows that military and veteran families face food insecurity at alarming rates. While Congress bipartisanly acknowledged these struggles, giving lower-enlisted service members a much-needed pay raise in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, these proposed SNAP cuts directly contradict that progress. They ignore the unique challenges veterans face, from service-connected disabilities to navigating the transition to civilian life. SNAP isn’t a handout; it’s a vital lifeline that keeps food on the table for those who serve,” Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) said in a statement.

The consortium includes groups like Quaker House and The Center on Conscience & War, which assists service members with applications for conscientious objector status, and has seen a similar uptick in requests for help. So far this year, the center has helped 30 service members submit applications — more than they typically submit in an entire year. A high percentage of these applications are usually successfully accepted, according to the center.

A U.S. Navy reservist has pleaded guilty to paying for a civilian contractor at Naval Air Station Jacksonville to create bogus Navy ID cards for two Chinese immigrants, one in the country illegally. Raymond Andres Zumba, 27, could face up to 15 years behind bars for bribery of a public official, the charge he admitted to July 2 in Jacksonville’s federal court.

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- The U.S. Navy Sailor who died in a parachute training mission out of the Porterville airport in Tulare County has been identified as Noah Tobin. Tobin was a Special Warfare Boat Operator 2nd Class who was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare command.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the European Union’s top diplomat that Beijing can’t accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine as this could allow the United States to turn its full attention to China, an official briefed on the talks said, contradicting Beijing’s public position of neutrality in the conflict.

The one Big Bloat bill... On July 3rd, Congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—sweeping, regressive legislation that will upend the American health care and tax systems. Drawing on estimates of Senate legislation published by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), a new Center for American Progress analysis finds that the bill’s Medicaid cuts for low-income families and its tax giveaways to the top 1 percent of earners are roughly equal in size: approximately $1 trillion over the next decade.

The Defense Department held up a shipment of U.S. weapons for Ukraine this week over what officials said were concerns about its low stockpiles. But an analysis by senior military officers found that the aid package would not jeopardize the American military’s own ammunition supplies, according to three U.S. officials. The move to halt the weapons shipment blindsided the State Department, members of Congress, officials in Kyiv and European allies, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter.

Utilitiesman 1st Class Steven Schumacher stands at attention after being presented the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at the Silver Strand Training Complex in San Diego, June 27. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded by the Department of the Navy, recognizing acts of heroism that exemplify unwavering dedication in the absence of enemy conflict. While returning to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado after conducting nighttime maritime training off the coast of Southern California, Schumacher and his team's vessel struck a submerged jetty, resulting in injuries among the crew, including one Sailor who was thrown into the water facedown, and unconscious. Despite sustaining injuries himself, Schumacher dove into the water to retrieve his teammate and brought him back to the vessel, where he was able to receive care from trained medical Sailors. His swift and decisive actions demonstrated teamwork and resilience, and bravery - reflecting the valor and dedication that define the U.S. Navy and Naval Special Warfare (NSW). NSW provides maritime special operations force capabilities to enable Joint Force lethality and survivability inside denied and contested areas.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 031209Z JUL 25 MID120002053849U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// NAVADMIN 142/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JUL// SUBJ/CALL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 COMMAND SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER SELECTION BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND APPLICATIONS// REF/A/DOC/BUPERS/29MAR25// REF/B/DOC/OPNAV/16JUL21// NARR/REF A IS BUPERSINST 1401.5D, SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDANCE FOR U.S. NAVY SELECTION BOARDS. REF B IS OPNAVINST 1306.2K, COMMAND SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER PROGRAM// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces guidance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Command Senior Enlisted Leader Selection (CSEL) Board. The CSEL board consists of Command Master Chiefs (CMDCM) and Command Senior Chiefs (CMDCS). The deadline to apply for the CSEL program and to be considered by the board is 15 October 2025. 2. Board Membership. Members will be selected from within the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy leadership mess (Fleet Master Chiefs, Force Master Chiefs, and CMDCMs assigned to Flag or General Officers) and notified of their selection as a board member from Navy Personnel Command (PERS-8). Any board member who believes that he or she cannot, in good conscience, perform his or her duties as a member of the board without prejudice or partiality must request relief when notified. Board membership criteria are contained in reference (a). 3. Board Eligibility Criteria. Candidates must have at a minimum, an adjudicated final secret security clearance. Frocked or selected E8 and E9 are eligible to submit. Senior Enlisted Marketplace (SEM) screened E9 candidates interested in the CSEL program will submit a package in their current pay grade (E8) and lose their screen eligibility if selected for CMDCS. SEM screened E8 candidates are not eligible for the CSEL program. There are no Time-in-Service (TIS) waivers or Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) operational waivers for noncompletion. Reference (b) contains the eligibility requirements to apply for the CMDCM and CMDCS selection board with the following updates: a. Active Component (AC) E9 personnel will not have less than 16 years or greater than 28 years TIS total as of 31 December 2025. b. AC E8 personnel will not have less than 16 years or greater than 24 years total TIS as of 31 December 2025. c. Selected Reserve (SELRES) personnel drilling with pay and Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR): (1) TAR E9 personnel will not have less than 16 years or greater than 28 years total TIS as of 31 December 2025. Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS) will be used. (2) SELRES E9 personnel will not have less than 16 years of total qualifying years of service or greater than 28 years Length of Service (LOS) as of 31 December 2025 (indicated in Navy Reserve Readiness Module (NRRM)). To maintain a distributable inventory and community health controls, SELRES who are on definite recall orders are not eligible for conversion unless they will complete orders by 31 December 2025. SELRES who are mobilized remain eligible. (3) TAR E8 personnel will not have less than 16 years or greater than 24 years total TIS as of 31 December 2025. TAFMS will be used. (4) SELRES E8 personnel will not have less than 16 years of total qualifying years of service or greater than 24 years LOS as of 31 December 2025 (as indicated in NRRM). To maintain distributable inventory and community health controls, SELRES who are on definite recall orders are not eligible for conversion unless they will complete orders by 31 December 2025. SELRES who are mobilized remain eligible. d. All TAR and SELRES candidates (including closed loop ratings and TAR serving at AC commands) must obtain the Navy Reserve Force Master Chief's (FORCM) validation prior to submission. Candidate packages are due to the Office of the Chief of Navy Reserve, FORCM no later than 1 October 2025 to ensure total service calculations are validated in advance of the 15 October 2025 deadline. All TAR and SELRES candidate packages will be sent from the Navy Reserve FORCM to the Director, Command Senior Enlisted Management Office (DCSELMO) via encrypted e-mail to cselboard@us.navy.mil. 4. For record review and communication with the CMDCM and CMDCS Selection Board, submit packages via encrypted e-mail to cselboard@us.navy.mil no later than 15 October 2025. Do not use the electronic submission of selection board documents via BUPERS Online to submit packages. Use the subject line, annotated in paragraph 8, for the email subject line and the name and title of the attached single pdf package. Additionally, the full name of the candidate and full Social Security Number (SSN) (full SSN marked on top right of each page) must be on all pages of the package. The package requirements contained in reference (b), are modified as follows, and will only include: a. Cover letter. Submit the cover letter in a signed standard memorandum format to include the board number (annotated in paragraph with branch class in parentheses, i.e. AC, SELRES, TAR, or closed loop. In the body of the cover letter, provide candidate's full name, full SSN, work and personal phone numbers, and work and personal email addresses. b. Conditional release for all nuclear-trained and all non- nuclear submarine ratings, as outlined in reference (b). c. Copy of Command Senior Enlisted Leader Screening (NAVPERS 1306/95, Rev. 05-2025), with all signatures completed. d. Enlisted Personnel Action Request (NAVPERS 1306/7). e. If the Navy Enlisted Classification code 8SEA is not in the candidate's personnel data summary, a copy of the graduation certificate from the SEA or other service equivalent is required. f. Any missing documentation from the candidate's Official Military Personnel File (for example, a missing evaluation or award, or documented completion of a degree). Letters of Recommendation, World-wide assignable Administrative Remarks (NAVPER 1070/613), physical fitness assessment summary and career summary letters will not be accepted. 5. Trouble with the file encryption or certificates or any other communication errors do not justify a late package. If candidate does not receive an email within 72 hours confirming receipt of package, contact DCSELMO at cselboard@us.navy.mil. 6. Candidates selected under the CSEL selection board can expect to execute orders to their first CMDCS or CMDCM tour as early as 1 October 2026. Candidates will have to negotiate for orders within the first 12 months following the announcing NAVADMIN. Selected CSELs outside of the normal Projected Rotation Date (PRD) will have their PRDs manually adjusted by the Career Management Pillar (PERS4) to ensure completion of a minimum of 12 months onboard their current command. 7. Alternates will be selected by the CMDCM and CMDCS selection board and contacted by the CSEL detailer if billets become available and distributable inventory has been depleted. 8. Candidates should submit packages in a single pdf with a subject line (cover letter, email and pdf attachment will use the same subject line) using the applicable format below: a. AC CMDCM Selection Board: FY27 Active CMDCM Selection Board #125 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. b. SELRES CMDCM Selection Board: FY27 SELRES CMDCM Selection Board #125 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. c. TAR CMDCM Selection Board: FY27 TAR CMDCM Selection Board #125 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. d. Closed Loop CMDCM Selection Board (SO, SB, ND, EOD, AC Seabee, RC Seabee): FY27 Closed Loop CMDCM Selection Board #125 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. e. AC CMDCS Selection Board: FY27 Active CMDCS Selection Board #126 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. f. SELRES CMDCS Selection Board: FY27 SELRES CMDCS Selection Board #126 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. g. TAR CMDCS Selection Board: FY27 TAR CMDCS Selection Board #126 ICO RATE LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MI. 9. Points of contact: a. AC: CMDCM Anna Wood, D-CSELMO, at (703) 695-5594/DSN 664 or via e-mail at cselboard@us.navy.mil. b. TAR and SELRES: CMDCM Nicole Rios at (703) 695-3976 or via e-mail at nicole.c.rios.mil@us.navy.mil. 10. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 11. Released by Ms. Lisa M. St. Andre, Acting N1./// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ NAVADMIN 142/25

This could have been good news, if Trump had followed a different path. The surprise savings could have been refunded to the Treasury, or rerouted to some other military program—say, to fund more munitions for Ukraine, which the Defense Department has halted, supposedly because of shortages in our own stockpiles, or (here’s a novel idea) to fill some of the gaps caused by the Trump budget’s drastic cuts in domestic programs. But no, the money—at least $400 million over the next few years, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to me—will be spent on...

Amid rapid changes in naval warfare, a ship today could find itself suddenly facing a swarm of small, fast, uncrewed vessels ready to strike hard right at the waterline — a potentially critical hit. With this growing threat in mind, the US Navy is training warships to defend against attacks by hostile drone boats.

National security requires the best military and legal advice possible. The nominees, once confirmed, deserve to assume office with legitimacy, not under a cloud of political suspicion. If the firings and the process to select new judge advocates general go unexamined and unanswered, the question becomes not only what happened, but why a coequal branch of government failed to find out.

Many of the Trump Administration’s recent actions, from its deployment of the National Guard and the Marines to Los Angeles to its military parade on June 14—which ostensibly commemorated the U.S. Army’s 250th year, but also happened to fall on the president’s birthday—threaten to politicize America’s military and erode civil-military relations. In a speech at Fort Bragg, President Donald Trump attacked several Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and former President Joe Biden, at times urging the crowd to boo his opponents. Such actions can create the impression that the military is currently serving partisan, not national, interests.

Two Chinese nationals face serious charges after they allegedly acted as agents of the People's Republic of China’s government to collect intelligence about U.S. Navy service members and bases, while also recruiting other military members to carry out tasks for the country’s main foreign intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security (MSS). The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Chinese national Yuance Chen, who resides in Happy Valley, Oregon, and Liren Lai, who traveled to Houston on a tourist visa in April 2025, were arrested on Friday. Both individuals face charges of overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence tasks in the U.S. on behalf of the Ministry of State Security.

(Hampton Roads) Naval Station Norfolk - July 15 | 0830 - 1630 Naval Air Station Oceana - July 16 | 0830 - 1630 Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - July 17 | 0900 - 1215 Damn Neck Annex - July 17 | 1330 - 1630

THE PENTAGON — The fates of the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter and new frigate program are on hold as part of the Trump administration’s new defense budget request, USNI News has learned. The Trump administration has not yet decided whether it will move forward with F/A-XX, the Navy’s manned sixth-generation carrier fighter, or the Constellation-class frigate, Pentagon officials told reporters Thursday.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 301609Z JUN 25 MID120002045354U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// NAVADMIN 140/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JUN// SUBJ/2024 SHANNON M. KENT AWARD FOR LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR, LINGUISTS OF THE YEAR, AND COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT// REF/A/DOC/OPNAVINST 5400.46A/18MAY21// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 5400.46A, COMMAND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND AWARDS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence, Language Professionals, Linguists, and Command Language Program of the Year winners. 2. Congratulations to all nominees for their remarkable contributions, leveraging their foreign language expertise in service of our Navy and national objectives. It is my distinct pleasure to announce the 2024 Navy award winners: a. Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence: CTI1 Samanta Alvarenga, Navy Information Operations Command Georgia, Fort Eisenhower GA b. Senior Language Professional of the Year: CTIC(IW/SW) Neal Knudsvig, Information Warfare Training Command, Monterey CA c. Officer Language Professional of the Year: LCDR Warren Brookes, Defense Attach Office, Ascuncin Paraguay d. Civilian Language Professional of the Year: Mr. Stephen Ramirez, Navy Information Operations Command, Fort Eisenhower GA e. Linguist of the Year: EO2(EXW/SW) Hung Ho, Naval Construction Group ONE, Port Hueneme CA f. Officer Linguist of the Year: LT LaDonna Sales, NAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT, Jacksonville FL g. Civilian Linguist of the Year: Mr. Matthew Jennings, Office of Naval Intelligence, Suitland MD h. Command Language Program of the Year: Navy Information Operations Command Pacific (NIOC PAC), Wahiawa HI 3. As the winners of the Shannon M. Kent Award for Language Professional Excellence and Command Language Program of the Year, CTI1 Alvarenga and NIOC PAC will go on to compete at the Department of Defense level and will be recognized at the FY25 Advanced Command Language Program Manager Workshop, 9 to 11 September 2025. 4. Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture capabilities are vital to enhancing our Navy's warfighting effectiveness. The individuals recognized above, and those who competed alongside them, have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in using their language skills, regional expertise, and cultural knowledge to strengthen nation security, address both enduring and emerging threats, and foster lasting strategic partnerships. I commend their continued dedication and professionalism in advancing the Navy's mission. 5. Bravo Zulu to our award winners! 6. Released by Ms. Lisa M. St. Andre, Acting N1.//// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Demonstrating exceptional growth, dedication, and leadership, Petty Officer Second Class Margeaux Ozone from El Paso, Texas, has been selected as Naval Support Activity Philadelphia and Mechanicsburg Junior Sailor of the Year. Serving in the Funeral Honors office, Ozone is the command’s sole Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA), handling vital administrative tasks for all incoming and outgoing Sailors. She also supports the coordination and execution of over 900 funerals annually—placing her at the heart of two critical missions. “Before joining the Navy, I was very quiet and shy,” said Ozone. “My social anxiety was always at its peak. Being in the Navy taught me that being silent isn’t going to get me anywhere, especially in times when I need help.” Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Advancement came only after perseverance. “The first two times I took the exam, I failed miserably. The third time, I missed it by 1.5 points. Finally, fourth time being the charm, I excelled and passed by 21 points,” she recalled. “It reminded me that I should never give up, no matter how much the odds may seem against me.” Ozone’s leadership style has earned praise across the command. “Barking orders at Sailors and shutting them down when they are voicing their concerns isn’t going to make them trust or respect your leadership,” she said. Chief Machinist Mate Will Durham, Funeral Honors, Leading Chief Petty Officer, described her impact plainly, “Ozone keeps the whole ship moving. Someone has to make sure you’re getting paid correctly, make sure the right forms are filled at the right time, and sent to the right place, and she makes sure it gets done." Looking to the future, Ozone hopes to leave behind a legacy of dependability and determination. “I want to be remembered as a reliable and inspiring Sailor who contributed to a strong, cohesive unit,” she said. “Someone who consistently upheld the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.” Petty Officer Ozone’s recognition as Junior Sailor of the Year is a testament to her resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to the mission and her shipmates.

On the Fourth of July, celebrating Independence Day is also about celebrating the armed forces that made a free America possible. With a veteran population of almost 16 million people across the country, this celebration should serve as a reminder to truly honor the sacrifices these individuals made, moving beyond parades and flags, and advocating for meaningful policies that ensure the protection of the health and dignity of veterans.

The destroyers — USS Thomas Hudner, USS Arleigh Burke, USS The Sullivans, USS Oscar Austin, and USS Paul Ignatius — are equipped with high-end interceptors that are specifically designed for ballistic missile defense.

During a visit to Guam a few weeks ago, Navy Secretary John Phelan was so appalled by the condition of the barracks he toured that he ordered leadership to move out the Sailors and Marines who were living in them. Phelan said he initially thought the buildings were condemned because of their appearance—exposed wires, badly corroded plumbing, water damage, and mold in the rooms. Phelan’s findings and reaction prompted Vice Adm. Scott Gray, the head of Navy installations, to order a worldwide inspection of Navy barracks. In his email ordering the inspection, Gray attached photos from the Guam barracks and referred to their condition as “clearly neglected” and “unacceptable.” Gray also said the conditions are a failure of leadership.

WASHINGTON — At least three federal prosecutors who worked on cases against Jan. 6 rioters were fired Friday by the Justice Department, according to more than half a dozen current and former officials familiar with the dismissals. A copy of one of the dismissal letters seen by NBC News was signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, notifying the recipient that they were “removed from federal service effective immediately.” No reason for the removal was stated in the letter.

“Despite repeated requests in letters to the Secretary, questions at hearings, and dozens of emails to VA officials,” the senators wrote, “the Department has not provided a single briefing or a complete and accurate list of the contracts it has cancelled.” The senators are calling for a federal watchdog to investigate the Trump administration’s killing of hundreds of VA contracts. Among their concerns: ProPublica revealed DOGE used artificial intelligence to mark contracts as “munchable.”

U.S. lawmakers want an ammunition production and storage facility at a former American naval base in the Philippines. The move addresses concerns of the lack of a forward-based manufacturing hub in the Indo-Pacific. The House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee report on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, detailed the plan under procurement as “Indo-Pacific Ammunition Manufacturing.”