Iranian authorities on Jan. 12 detained 10 US sailors and two riverine patrol boats after the boats drifted into Iranian waters. A US defense official speaking on background said the US military lost contact with the craft while they were en route from Kuwait to Bahrain. “We subsequently have been in communication with Iranian authorities, who have informed us of the safety and well-being of our personnel. We have received assurances the sailors will promptly be allowed to continue their journey,” according to the official. NBC News reported the incident happened near Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf. One of the riverine boats experienced mechanical trouble and ran aground, and the sailors were picked up by Iranian authorities, according to the report. Secretary of State John Kerry immediately contacted Iranian officials to discuss the situation and press for the release of the sailors. “The 10 American sailors detained by Iran volunteered to go in harm’s way, and their safety should be foremost in our minds tonight. These servicemembers must be released immediately and without further incident,” said Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s seapower and projection forces panel. “Here at home, we should all be reminded of the unstable situation in the Middle East and the dangers our men and women in uniform volunteer to face on a daily basis.”
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.