Navy

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72, lands on the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Dec. 17, 2019. The Navy had planned to decommission the carrier in 2024, but reversed that decision. GABRIELLE JOYNER/U.S.NAVY
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Navy’s timeline to build 355 ships hastened but feasibility questioned

The acting Secretary of the Navy in December directed the service to reach 355 or more ships — from aircraft carriers to unmanned submersibles — within 10 years, an accelerated timeline that trims...
Subic Bay in the Philippines was once home to thousands of U.S. sailors and their families before the Navy vacated its bases there in 1992. SETH ROBSON/STARS AND STRIPES
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Japan, Philippines to cooperate on development plan for US Navy’s former home at Subic Bay

Japan will help the Philippines redevelop the former U.S. naval base at Subic Bay, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald returns to Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, following a collision with a merchant vessel that killed seven sailors, June 17, 2017. PETER BURGHART/U.S. NAVY
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Report: Board finds no reason to separate USS Fitzgerald lieutenant for role in fatal collision

A Navy lieutenant faulted for her role in the USS Fitzgerald’s fatal collision will not be forced from the Navy but allowed to exit with an honorable discharge instead, a board of inquiry has decided.
U.S. Navy photo by Equipment Operator Constructionman Brandon Blevins/Released
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U.S. Navy Seabees replace sidewalks and repair a seawall on board Naval Base White Beach

Steelworker Constructionman Marshall Lybarger (left) and Builder Constructionman Jeffrey Crabtree, deployed with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, use the walk-behind saw to cut the sidewalk adjacent to the seawall.
Wearing a leather jacket similar to those now being made available to Navy surface warfare officers, Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, delivers the keynote address at a symposium on board Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 22, 2019. WOODY S. PASCHALL/U.S. NAVY
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Navy’s surface warfare officers will soon get to wear new leather jackets

Navy surface warfare officers will soon be issued new leather jackets to wear and show their expertise and create a sense of pride.
Builder 2nd Class Javaughn Reid
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NMCB-5 Simultaneously completes COMMEX, MOX

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 successfully completed a Major Combat Operations Readiness Exercise, consisting of a 48-hour Mount-Out Exercise (MOX) and Communication Exercise (COMMEX) on board Camp Shields, Okinawa, Dec. 20.
In a January, 2019 photo, recruits walk in formation wearing neck gaiters during a snowstorm at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.. SPENCER FLING/U.S. NAVY
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Navy uniform updates include neck gaiters, two-piece swimsuits for physical test

Sailors now have the option to wear a black neck gaiter during cold weather as well as a two-piece swim suit for the physical readiness test, among some of the uniform updates announced Monday by the Navy.
Navy Capt. Heather King, executive director of the TriService Nursing Research Program at the Uniformed Services University, details the process of ship-based global health engagement missions during the October 22, 2019, Medical Museum Science Café titled "Ship-Based Global Health Engagement Missions: Expanding Global Partnerships" at the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland. (NMHM photo)
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Ship-based Global Health Engagement

A hospital ship's primary mission is to provide care for our forces anywhere, anytime, anyplace. The secondary mission is humanitarian, civil assistance, and disaster response," said Navy Capt. Heather King, director of the Uniformed Services University Tri-Service Nursing Research Program.
An F/A-18 Super Hornet from Carrier Air Wing 5 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, takes part in field carrier landing practice at Iwo Jima, Japan, May 17, 2019. JAMES BOLINGER/STARS AND STRIPES
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Japan to pay $146 million for small island pegged to serve as Navy pilots’ training ground

The owner of a small island off the coast of Kyushu has agreed to sell the property to Japan, which plans to turn it into a site for U.S. naval aviators to practice carrier landings, the chief cabinet minister’s office announced Monday.
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Navy will launch new website Thursday to improve assignment process for sailors

The Navy has redesigned how sailors search and apply for billets with the upcoming launch of MyNavy Assignment on Thursday, the service announced.
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Taco rice is all the craze on Okinawa

Nothing says fast food in the south of Japan like “tako-raisu!” And 2019 marks the 35th birthday of this signature Okinawan dish, according to local lore.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Cuisine: Mexican

Looking for a burrito on Okinawa? Here's where to go!

Burritos are not common in Japan. To top that, putting one together can prove a challenge. 
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American

Okinawans love them some Spam

Spam, Spam, Spam – lovely Spam!
To most, it’s an old Monty Python skit. But if you’re on Okinawa, it’s a way of life.
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Cuisine: American, Pub

Okinawa's Wing King a tasty option for chicken

While many of your go-to restaurants for hot wings, a familiar game-day favorite, like Buffalo Wild Wings or Hoo ters, may not yet have a home in Okinawa, there is no need to feel disappointed. Wing King is here to help with those spicy cravings.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Cuisine: International

Okinawa's Forest Café Junon serves up hearty comfort food

Junon offers hearty comfort foods perfect after spending time underground. Choose from hamburger steak, taco rice, a “fish dish” and more. There are also both Japanese and English menus available.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American

On Okinawa, tasty sandwiches can be found at The Bros

Americans may be hard to please when it comes to sandwiches. Every U.S. state has its signature sandwich, and individuals often have their own favorites.