An Air Force F-16 crashed at Balad AB, Iraq during its takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15 (Baghdad time). The pilot ejected safely. The Viper was slated for a close air support mission at the time of the accident, which is under investigation.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.