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Everything posted by Tony
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.”
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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.”
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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Naval School of Music (NAVSOM) celebrated its 90th birthday June 26, 2025, with a special meal and cake cutting ceremony held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, followed by a graduation ceremony which saw six of the Navy and Marine Corps newest musicians and warfighters graduate primed and ready for the fleet. The school, which opened its doors in June 1935 in Washington, D.C., initially began operating in conjunction with the United States Navy Band before becoming an independent activity in 1942. “Today, we’re excited to celebrate all that we’ve contributed to the defense of our nation for the past nine decades. Every day we continue to write history here at this incredible institution,” said Cmdr. Diane Nichols, who currently serves as the 20th NAVSOM commanding officer. “For 90 years, we’ve proudly trained Sailors and Marines who go on to perform in ports, cities, and towns overseas, expertly demonstrating our unwavering commitment to security, stability, and peace.”
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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 262022Z JUN 25 MID180001821938U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 054/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/JUN// SUBJ/ENLISTED APPLICATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY CLASS OF 2030// REF/A/DOC/MANMED/06FEB23// REF/B/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// REF/C/DOC/MCO/29OCT15// NARR/REF A IS NAVMED P-117, MANUAL OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. REF B IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. REF C IS MARINE CORPS ORDER 1040.43B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS.// RMKS/1. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is seeking top performing, energetic Sailors and Marines from the Active and Reserve Components who have demonstrated strong leadership for admission to the USNA Class of 2030. Among each USNA class is a corps of prior-enlisted Sailors and Marines who infuse peer-level fleet experience into the Brigade of Midshipmen. Years from now, these young men and women from all walks of life will lead our fleet. Commanding Officers (CO) are encouraged to identify motivated enlisted personnel who meet the criteria and may be good candidates for selection to the USNA. 2. Successful candidates will be top-quality Sailors and Marines who fit the following profile: a. Academics (1) Possess a strong high school grade point average indicating the potential to succeed at the USNA. Fleet applicants ranked in the top 40 percent of their high school class are typically considered competitive. (2) Typically completed 4 years of mathematics, including a strong foundation in geometry, algebra, and pre- calculus, 4 years of English, and 1 year of chemistry. Additionally, physics, history, and 2 years of a foreign language are strongly recommended. Continued education since high school is vital; candidates are encouraged to strengthen their application with college courses that include calculus, English, writing, and sciences. (3) Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores taken within the last 2 years. Applicants should aim to score above 500 in reading (verbal) and above 550 in math, with a combined minimum of 1050. For applicants who have taken the American College Test (ACT) within the last 2 years, scores of 22 in English and 24 in Math are recommended. Potential candidates with SAT or ACT scores that are older than two years should inform the USNA Fleet Coordinator the reason the tests were not taken. Extensions will not be granted without valid justification and proper documentation from the candidate's command. b. Top performers who have demonstrated or possess strong leadership (e.g., past and present Command Junior Sailors/Bluejackets of the Quarter/Year, top 20 percent performers in "A" and "C" schools, class leaders, Honor Guard members, and community volunteers). c. Good moral character and unquestionable loyalty to the United States, as determined by a command interview and military recommendations. d. No record of disciplinary action under Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice, or conviction by civil court (except minor traffic violations) during the 3 years preceding application for admission. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. e. Outstanding physical fitness. In addition to passing the candidate fitness assessment in the USNA application, candidates need to have demonstrated the ability to pass the USNA physical fitness requirements within the last year. The USNA physical readiness test standards (minimum passing scores) are: (1) Push-ups (2 minutes): 71 (Male), 39 (Female). (2) Front Plank: 2 minutes and 40 seconds (2:40) (Male), 2 minutes and 30 seconds (2:30) (Female) (3) 1.5 Mile Run: 10 minutes and 30 seconds (10:30) (Male), 13 minutes and 15 seconds (13:15) (Female). f. Must not have passed their 23rd birthday on 1 July of the year of admission to USNA. No age waivers will be considered. g. Must not be married, pregnant, or have incurred obligations of parenthood. h. United States Citizen by Induction Day (I-Day). 3. Candidates with superior academic performance and strong military backgrounds may receive direct appointments to the USNA. Top performers who need to strengthen their academic background may be selected to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, RI for 1 year and receive an appointment to the USNA the following year. 4. Personnel selected to attend the USNA or NAPS must be medically qualified by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) to be commissioned as an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps. Once candidates begin submitting application documents, their name will be sent to DoDMERB for the physical and eye exams. The candidate will be contacted by Department of Defense Medical Exam Testing System, the DoDMERB contractor, with information on where to receive the physical and eye exams. The candidate will be contacted by the USNA Fleet Coordinator with information on how to get the physical and eye exam completed at their own military treatment facility, as an alternative. Reference (a) provides medical standards. 5. Up to 170 active and reserve personnel may be appointed to the USNA each year. The deadline to apply to the class of 2030 is 31 December 2025. The deadline for all completed application documents is 31 January 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible. Packages completed before 31 January 2026 will be reviewed by the admissions board as soon as they are received. Packages will not be reviewed without the CO's endorsement. References (b) and (c) provide guidance. 6. An applicant becomes an official candidate by submitting a preliminary application online at https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/index.php#fndtnpanel1-Steps-for. A follow-on email to the fleet applicant will provide them with a candidate number and instructions for completing the full application. The USNA operates on a rolling admissions process and fleet applicants are encouraged to complete their applications early to improve competitiveness. Key components to the USNA application include: a. Personal Essay b. Candidate Fitness Assessment c. High school transcript d. Extracurricular activities validation e. College entrance exam scores (SAT/ACT) f. Enlisted Military Recommendation (LPO/CPO/DLCPO) g. Officer Military Recommendation (OIC/DIVO/DEPT HEAD) h. Commanding Officer Endorsement 7. Direct application questions to the Fleet Liaison at (410) 293-1839/DSN 281-1839 or fleet@usna.edu, or write to: USNA, Candidate Guidance Office, Halsey Field House, 52 King George St, Annapolis, MD 21402-1318, Attn: Fleet Liaison. 8. Additional information about the USNA may be obtained at https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/Active-Duty-Service-Applicants.php. 9. Released by the Honorable John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/
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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 262028Z JUN 25 MID180001821944U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 055/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/JUN// SUBJ/COMMANDER'S INTENT GUIDANCE FOR INTEGRATED SUICIDE PREVENTION// RMKS/1. In the pursuit of national security objectives, the sustainment of Sailors and Marines is paramount to optimizing Quality of Service and enhancing mission readiness capabilities. Even under demanding operational tempos, leaders must create opportunities for their Service Members to rest, recharge, and reconnect. 2. Establishing routines and healthy habits increases individual well-being, resilience, and warfighter readiness. Therefore, I urge all Navy and Marine Corps commanders to emphasize the following three elements in their commander's intent guidance, to the extent practicable within mission requirements: a. Predictable Schedules: Maintain regular duty schedules and support Sailors, Marines, and their families during unexpected shifts, and, whenever possible, prioritize advance leave requests. b. Focused Communication: Limit after-hours and off- shift communications to mission-critical or safety-related matters. c. Restorative Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep opportunities (as outlined in Department of Defense Instruction 1010.10, "Health Promotion and Disease Prevention," Change 3, 16 May 2022). 3. I encourage all leaders to recognize that the health and well-being of our personnel is a force multiplier for mission success. Cultivating healthy command climates is crucial for mitigating stressors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, so commanders must find that vital balance between operational needs and the welfare of their Sailors and Marines. 4. The integration of these three components is essential to the maintenance of optimal resilience and mission readiness necessary for the protection of the Nation. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the health of our Navy and Marine Corps family. 5. If you or someone you know is in crisis, resources for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support are available 24/7, 365. a. The National Suicide Hotline: Dial 988 b. The Veterans/Military Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1) or Text 838255/ https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/: +1 844-702-5495 or DSN 988/Southwest Asia: +1 855-422-7719 or DSN 988/Pacific: +1 844-702-5493 or DSN 988 c. Psychological Health Outreach Program (PHOP): 1-866- 578-PHOP(7467), for Navy and Marine Reservists and their families. d. Military OneSource: 800-342-9647/ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/. e. Vet Centers: 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387)/ https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/. f. DON Civilian Employee Assistance Program (DONCEAP): 844-DONCEAP (1-844-366-2327)/TTY: 888-262- 7848/International: 866-829- 0270/ https://www.magellanascend.com/. g. Local resources: Fleet and Family Support Centers, Marine and Family Services, Military Family Life Counselors, Deployed Resiliency Counselors, Deployment Readiness Coordinators, chaplains, Operational Stress Control and Readiness Teams, and your leadership. 6. Released by the Honorable John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) — The mother of a sailor who disappeared from Naval Station Norfolk and was found dead in a Norfolk neighborhood is in Washington D.C. Wednesday demanding transparency and accountability from the U.S. Navy. Angelina Resendiz was initially reported missing May 29 and was last seen in her barracks at Naval Station Norfolk around 10 a.m., according to the Navy. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service confirmed June 10 the body found in Norfolk was that of Resendiz.
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The specific vessel that fired the missiles has not yet been identified, but Secretary of the Navy John Phelan confirmed to lawmakers in a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing Tuesday that it was an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine that had “performed exceptionally, causing significant damage to Iran’s nuclear capacity.”
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FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties. “Signing up for Medicare three or four months before your 65th birthday is important to ensure a seamless transition to TRICARE For Life,” said Anne Breslin, TFL program manager, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Medicare and TRICARE will then work together to help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.”
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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 261520Z JUN 25 MID120002037130U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// NAVADMIN 139/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N00/AUG// SUBJ/2024 FLEET AWARD WINNERS// REF/A/DOC/CNO/14MAR2016// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 3590.11G// RMKS/1. It is a pleasure to announce the winners of the 2024 Fleet Awards. 2. The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy awards recipients for their outstanding improvement in battle efficiency. The 2024 winners are: a. U.S. Fleet Forces: USS LABOON (DDG 58) b. Pacific Fleet: USS MICHAEL MURPHY (DDG 112) 3. The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award recognizes superior performance in the battle efficiency competition. The 2024 winners are: a. U.S. Fleet Forces: USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) b. Pacific Fleet: USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) 4. I commend the winning crews for their exemplary dedication to battle efficiency and warfighting. BRAVO ZULU! 5. Released by VADM Michael E. Boyle, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED/
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Congressman Tim Burchett recently claimed an unnamed admiral told him of an underwater UFO “as large as a football field, moving at hundreds of miles per hour.” The renewed focus on Sycamore Knoll coincides with a new release by Jeremy Corbell, a filmmaker and investigative journalist known for covering military-documented UFOs, as per the outlet. He recently shared new video footage taken aboard the USS Jackson in 2023, which shows what he described as a “self-luminous, wingless, tailless” craft emerging from the Pacific Ocean.
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Two Chinese international students have been arrested for illegally flying a drone near the Korean Fleet Command in southern Busan and photographing a U.S. aircraft carrier—an act authorities say constitutes a serious breach of national security. One of the suspects has been charged with “providing benefit to an enemy state under Article 98 of the Criminal Act,” a rarely applied charge against a foreign national.
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WASHINGTON, June 25 (Reuters) - The Pentagon will create two new military zones along the border with Mexico, U.S. officials said on Wednesday, a move that allows troops to temporarily detain migrants or trespassers. President Donald Trump's administration has hailed its actions along the border, including the deployment of active duty troops, as the reason for a sharp decline in crossings by undocumented migrants. Trump made voters' concerns about immigration a cornerstone of his 2024 re-election bid.
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CFL/ACFLs, PRIMS “incomplete” error - PFA Cycle data will result in incomplete if the waiver is entered after the BCA and PRT. Waivers must be entered before PFA data, or it will result in incomplete. CFLs and ACFLs have edit capabilities. Steps to accomplish edits can be found in either online CFL or ACFL Training course by typing "edit bca" or "edit prt" in the search feature. CFL/ACFL roles have a limited number of edits on correcting PFA data. This option is provided to assist CFL/ACFLs in fixing errors such as data entry errors, correcting bad day PRTs and editing medical waivers. Once edit limits have been reached, any additional corrections to the official PFA record are to be submitted to My Navy Career Center (MNCC) via letter of correction (LOC), endorsed by the CO as indicated in PRP Guide 1.
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But Collins did not disclose whether the three workers assigned to the VA’s Washington office from DOGE — the group formed by tech billionaire Elon Musk — have authority and permission to review the medical records of veterans. Because he is a Doge bootlicker... Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-06-24/va-secretary-veterans-doge-budget-cuts-18228563.html Source - Stars and Stripes