AlaDefense.com

First Lady, Secretary of Defense to visit Maxwell Air Force Base

September 11, 2024

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AIR FORCE, ARMY, MARINES, NAVY

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery on Friday and will accompany First Lady Jill Biden to highlight the new universal pre-kindergarten program being implemented at Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. Austin also will conduct a troop engagement and give remarks announcing the fourth…
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B.L. Harbert chosen for renovations to Barksdale weapons generation facility

September 11, 2024

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CONTRACTS

Barksdale Air Force Base (DOD photo) Birmingham-based B.L. Harbert International LLC, a major defense and civilian contractor developing high-profile projects around the globe, received a contract modification bringing to $220 million its award for work on a weapons generation facility in Louisiana. The contract is for renovations to the facility, which is located at Barksdale…
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War Dogs: How WWI led to the Military Working Dog Program

September 9, 2024

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ARMY, MARINES

Editor’s note: Canine training for service dogs assisting the U.S. military, Homeland Security Agency and law enforcement, among others, is an active research-and-development initiative in Alabama, including among academia and private contractors. The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, for example, in 2022 was awarded a five-year, $24 million contract by Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to…
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Big names don Austal USA’s big stage for USNS Lansing ceremony

September 8, 2024

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NAVY

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (Austal USA photo) By Troy Turner [email protected] MOBILE – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl were among the speakers on stage Friday to help Austal USA celebrate the beginning of construction on the Expeditionary Fast Transport series-finale vessel,…
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Alabama F-35s participate in Northern Lightning 2024

August 19, 2024

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AIR FORCE

MONTGOMERY – F-35 fighter jets from the Alabama Air National Guard 187th Fighter Wing recently participated in the Northern Lightning training exercise, designed to enhance the readiness of approximately 1,100 Airmen, Soldiers and Marines from more than 19 military units. The 187th is based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, and it is one of only…
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Austal USA eyes steady growth with new production facility, and more new ships

August 17, 2024

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COAST GUARD, CONTRACTS, NAVY

By Troy Turner [email protected] MOBILE – Austal USA continues to have a productive summer as it works to fulfill multi-ship contracts with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, and in early July the shipbuilder made news by breaking ground for a new final-assembly facility. The facility, scheduled to be complete and fully operational by summer…
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Alabama readies for a quantum leap, with Huntsville-based Davidson leading the way

August 14, 2024

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AIR FORCE, ARMY, CYBERSECURITY, MARINES, NAVY, SPACE FORCE

By Troy Turner [email protected] HUNTSVILLE – Quantum computing, a technology combination capable of being superior to and advancing basic artificial intelligence applications, is coming to Alabama; and with it, opportunities to study and develop state-of-the-art computer abilities, including future classified support for the Department of Defense. Exciting new opportunities also will exist for recruitment from…
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Army helicopter instructor killed, student injured in Fort Novosel crash

August 7, 2024

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ARMY

An AH-64 Apache flies over the Fort Novosel post run on April 12, 2024. (Photo by Brittany Trumbull) By Troy Turner [email protected] FORT NOVOSEL, Alabama — An Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed Wednesday during routine flight training, killing the instructor and injuring the student. Fort Novosel, previously known as Fort Rucker, is located in south Alabama…
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Army SMD commander supports creation of a space-specialty MOS; a sign of the times

August 7, 2024

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AIR FORCE, ARMY, OPINION

Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey (U.S. Army photo by Carrie Campbell) ANALYSIS By Troy Turner [email protected] HUNTSVILLE – The commanding general of the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command is advocating for the creation of a new, space-specific MOS; or mission occupation specialty, which in civilian terms is akin to a job description. The idea…
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U.S. Air Force chooses Maxwell AFB to host Warrant Officer Training School

August 1, 2024

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AIR FORCE, ARMY

By Troy Turner [email protected] MONTGOMERY – Maxwell Air Force Base, already the hub for much of the U.S. Air Force’s most strategic educational and training programs as host to Air University, soon will welcome the first cohort of 78 Airmen to attend the newly created Warrant Officer Training School. The initial class represents a return…
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A battleship, a cruiser and a contest among state troopers

July 29, 2024

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NAVY

By Troy Turner [email protected] It’s unlikely that the World War II sailors who once sailed on the USS Alabama battleship ever envisioned their vessel being the backdrop for a national contest on what state has the best trooper land cruiser, but there it is. The American Association of State Troopers hosted the “2024 Best-Looking Cruiser…
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Maxwell AFB, 42nd Air Base Wing welcome new commander

July 24, 2024

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AIR FORCE, SPACE FORCE

By Troy Turner [email protected] and Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger Air Force Public Affairs MONTGOMERY – Maxwell Air Force Base, which plays a critical role in advanced training and education of American military aviation leadership, welcomed a new commander Wednesday to the 42nd Air Base Wing, Maxwell’s host unit. Col. Shamekia N. Toliver assumed…
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