America Is Going Back To The Moon – Here’s What’s Different This Time

PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF (PDB): Key milestones in NASA’s Artemis moon program. An ambitious space program sees the U.S. endeavor to return humans to moon’s surface, as well as construct the first ever moon base.

Artemis II: Inside the Moon mission to fly humans further than ever.

Why the Artemis II Astronauts Will Be Wearing Orange.

Orion Suit Equipped to Expect the Unexpected on Artemis Missions.

Space Force’s role in NASA’s Artemis II mission is same as any other launch it supports. Space Launch Delta 45, which oversees operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., will ensure launch is safe and base is secure, and will monitor weather risks in advance.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of the top defense news of the last couple of days from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.

THE PDB – Not the President’s Daily Briefing, but almost as good – PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF:

HOMELAND DEFENSE

Sightings of unidentified drones around Fort McNair, DC Army base where War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio live, have prompted consideration of deploying anti-drone lasers.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Marines warn of ICE presence at Parris Island boot camp events. Citing “increased force protection measures,” visitors to graduations and family days at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, can expect federal agents checking on their lawful immigration status.

Ammunition technician specialist Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, has been federally indicted for stealing, and trying to sell Javelin Missile Systems, AT4 antitank weapons and ammunition.

DEFENSE POLITICS

Hegseth lifts suspensions of Army helicopter crews who flew over Kid Rock’s Nashville home. They are no longer facing disciplinary action. Two Apache gunships enroute to training were seen on video hovering momentarily near swimming pool at Rock’s mountain home, as Rock saluted and waved.

US POWER OVERSEAS

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its strike group departed Naval Station Norfolk for regularly scheduled deployment, may replace USS Ford in Middle East.

USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, composed of three warships and 2,500 Marines that left San Diego last week, arrive in Hawaii on way to possible Middle East mission.

First contingent of U.S. fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighters arrived at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, permanent replacements for F-16 Fighting Falcons stationed there.

IRAN CAMPAIGN

Hegseth said diplomatic talks to end conflict with Iran are “gaining strength” and U.S. military’s job is to maintain military pressure and compel Tehran to make deal.

U.S. attacks Iranian nuclear site while Tehran hits oil tanker off Dubai coast. President Trump also lashed out at allies unwilling to support U.S. war effort against Iran, telling them to “go get your own oil” and saying it was not America’s job to secure Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth says neither he nor Trump will rule out option of using U.S. ground troops against Iran as soldiers from 82nd Airborne Division and Marines arrive in Middle East.

Trump is threatening to deploy ground troops to seize critical oil infrastructure on Iran’s Kharg Island, a gambit that some say would risk U.S. lives but still fail to end war. But more likely would end it.

‘Very good package.’ Chief of naval operations is confident in Navy’s mine countermeasure capabilities in face of potential mine warfare in Iran.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to target U.S. tech and defense companies operating in Middle East if U.S. and Israel continue to target Iranian leadership.

U.S. military has fired more Tomahawk missiles during month-old Operation Epic Fury than any other military campaign in history.

“Finishing the mission” is imperative in Iran. There is deep-seated moral injury when military sacrifices are rendered for nothing by leadership that lacks resolve to finish the mission. As campaigns to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities continue, we are at crossroads that demands strategic courage to see this war through to its conclusion.

Hegseth made secret wartime trip to Middle East to meet U.S. troops.

WAR’S REGIONAL/GLOBAL IMPACT

Second chokepoint at Bab al-Mandeb Strait: another key shipping route under threat by Iran-backed Houthis.

“Nuclear facilities on both [the Iranian and Israeli] sides have been targeted. If nuclear reactor like [Iran’s] Bushehr [nuclear power plant] were hit there’s significant risk of meltdown and leaks of radioactive materials that would affect all countries in Middle East, and U.S service members.

Israeli strikes hit near Beirut’s airport road as UN Security Council met after three peacekeepers were killed. Israeli Defense Minister said troops would occupy parts of southern Lebanon post-war, prompting Beirut to warn of Israel’s “clear intention” to impose new occupation.

Bad call. U.S. military aircraft heading from U.S. to Middle East have been refused permission to stop at air base in Italy.

Air Force E-3 Sentry radar plane damaged by Iranian attack at airbase in Saudi Arabia is significant loss and harms military’s battlespace awareness for missions in Middle East and beyond. Yet, it was being retired soon.

CHINA THREAT

China and Pakistan present new Iran deal: Ceasefire for opening Hormuz.

Trump’s Iran war critics fail to understand China threat. Detractors have it exactly the wrong way around: The harder Iran is to beat, the more it proves this war had to be fought — and fought now.

RUSSIA THREAT/UKRAINE WAR

Russian military transport plane crashes in occupied Crimea, killing 29.

INTERNATIONAL

Tensions surge in final stretch of Hungarian election, as polls suggest that the opposition Tisza party could end Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule.

US MILITARY

Army reduced mandatory cybersecurity training to once every five years, axing an annual requirement and making individual commanders responsible for preparing their personnel for digital defense.

Navy spent six months resurrecting one-of-a-kind high-energy laser weapon that previously graced bow of warship for new military exercise last year.

Air Force pilot of F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter from Nellis Air Force Base safely ejected before jet crashed north of base near Las Vegas.

Report found that 471 service members died by suicide in calendar year 2024, down from 531 in 2023.

FOR MORE DETAILED, UNCENSORED, INTELLIGENCE, AND ANALYSIS FROM PAUL CRESPO, SUBSCRIBE TO HIS SUBSTACK.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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