The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
July 16, 2025
NDTA-USTRANSCOM FALL MEETING
Register Today
October 6-9, 2025
Be part of the Fall Meeting Roundtable discussion “A Global Supply Chain Strategy” moderated by Ms. Leigh E. Method, SES, performing the duties of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment
(PTDO PDASD(S)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. She will speak with a panel of experts about how a resilient global supply chain is vital to both national security and economic stability. For the U.S. government and military, it ensures access to critical resources and supports mission readiness worldwide. Industry relies on it for efficiency, cost control, and responsiveness to market demands. This session examines how government and industry are aligning strategies to strengthen supply chains, manage risk, and maintain operational continuity amid global challenges. […READ MORE…]
Trump’s Reversal: Pentagon to Send More Weapons to Ukraine After Pause
(The Hill) The Pentagon is expected to send more defensive weapons to Ukraine, a reversal from the Trump administration’s decision last week to halt shipments of some missiles and munitions. The update comes after President Trump, while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the US must send more weapons to Ukraine so the war-torn country can defend itself against Russia’s ongoing attacks. […READ MORE…]
US Container Imports Set to Fall as Trump Tariffs Loom, NRF Warns
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain.com) Import cargo volume at major US container ports is expected to experience a temporary rebound this month following a significant late spring decline but will likely fall again when previously paused tariffs take effect, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
The report shows US ports handled 1.95 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in May, representing an 11.8% drop from April and a 6.4% year-over-year decline. […READ MORE…]
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced $488 million in awards from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program for 30 projects across the country. The funding will support critical roadways, transit, rail, maritime, and aviation infrastructure improvements that improve safety, reduce congestion, and spur economic growth. […READ MORE…]
US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has designated 848 new miles of navigable waterways and approved 14 new sponsors for the US Marine Highway Program (USMHP). The network, which now covers 27,139 miles across 35 designated routes, supports US supply chains, critical infrastructure, and maritime workforce development. […READ MORE…]
US Military Ramps up Drone Warfare with Hegseth Directive
(The Hill) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a new directive to fast-track US drone production and “cut red tape,” he announced in a video posted to social media.
A new Pentagon memo outlined the US military’s need to keep pace as global military drone production has skyrocketed lately, and the war between Russia and Ukraine has revealed the increasing importance of using more drones for modern warfare. […READ MORE…]
Recently, the National Defense Transportation Association became aware of the decision to close the US Army Transportation Corps Museum at Ft. Eustis, Va. Although the details and timing are yet to be shared, the Army Transportation Museum Foundation (ATMF) is requesting individuals who are interested in preserving the Army Transportation Corps Museum to write letters and send emails to leaders requesting reconsideration. If interested, please review the ATMF’s request here.
In June, the Army Transportation Corps Museum joined NDTA as one of our Surface Force Projection Conference exhibitors at Chistopher Newport University. NDTA and the ATMF share a common mission focusing on logistics, transportation, education, and professional development. With that in mind, please review the attachment and consider supporting. As they said in the Army Transportation Corps, “Nothing happens until something moves!” Time to send your letters!
Attachments (documents referenced above):
Join NDTA JAX Chapter for Coffee & Connections
The NDTA Jacksonville (JAX) Chapter is proud to sponsor CSCMP’s “No Pressure Coffee Networking” at Bitty & Beau’s in San Marco, Fla, on Friday, July 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. It’s a casual coffee social for professionals across military, government, academia, and commercial logistics to connect, share insights, and build meaningful relationships in a relaxed setting. Learn more at https://www.ndtajax.com/upcoming-events
Editor’s Picks
Marines Testing ‘Narco Sub’ for Contested Logistics in the Indo-Pacific
(DefenseOne.com) In 2022, the Marine Corps asked Leidos for a stealthy, unmanned vessel to move heavy supplies undetected. Nine months later, the 65-foot Sea Specter emerged, part of the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel program. Resembling narco subs but engineered for safety and precision, it rides low to evade detection. As the US shifts focus to the Indo-Pacific, minimizing visibility during resupply missions is critical to avoid revealing troop positions or losing high-value, slow-moving assets to enemy attacks.
Air Force Again Changes Course on Tankers, Plans New ‘Production Extension’ Program
(BreakingDefense.com) Just two years after unveiling a new tanker strategy that would involve the development of a futuristic stealthy tanker, the Air Force is yet again shifting course for its air refueling fleet, and is now eyeing a novel program to extend tanker production — a move that could favor Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus.
KC-135 Tankers Set to Get Drone Launchers
(TWZ.com) The US Air Force has developed a means to launch small drones from its KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, and is now looking at adding that capability to the fleet. The service says the tankers could send out uncrewed aerial systems to help defend themselves from incoming threats and just provide useful additional situational awareness, as well as to potentially perform other missions in the future.
Super Quiet Special Operations Drones Being Modified to Launch Smaller Drones
(TWZ.com) US special operations Long Endurance Aircraft (LEA) surveillance drones, which are based on a popular civilian powered glider design, will gain the ability to launch smaller uncrewed aerial systems. An air-launched drone capability is a huge force multiplier for the ultra-quiet LEAs, with their innocuous outward appearance, that opens up the possibility of employing them in new ways, including using them to conduct kinetic strikes.
Army Tests Robotic Coyotes to Defend Fighter Jets
(ArmyTimes.com) “Robots versus birds” isn’t sci-fi—it’s the Army Corps of Engineers’ innovative response to a real threat. Their Engineer Research and Development Center is developing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to patrol airfields and scare off birds and wildlife. These animals pose serious risks to military aircraft, potentially causing millions in damage or endangering aircrew by flying into engines. The UGVs aim to protect vital aviation assets at home stations using automation rather than traditional, less effective deterrents.
Boeing Donates $200,000 to Support Flooding Recovery Efforts in Texas
(Boeing.com) Boeing is donating $200,000 from the Boeing Charitable Trust to assist with recovery and relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating flooding in central Texas. Funding will support the following organizations: $100,000 to Salvation Army San Antonio Area Command for emergency shelters and provide food, emotional support and health services to those impacted, and $100,000 to Kerr County Flood Relief Fund for trusted organizations in Kerrville providing rescue, relief and recovery efforts, and flood assistance.
Crowley Adds Newest LNG Ship to Fleet Expanding Caribbean and Central American Service
(Crowley.com) Crowley’s newest, LNG-powered containership Tiscapa began its inaugural service, adding faster, bigger options for timely ocean cargo transport around the US, Caribbean, and Central America.
Tiscapa features container capacity for 1,400 TEUs (20-ft. equivalent units), including 300 refrigerated units. The ship is designed to quickly and frequently deliver cargo while using lower emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) for fuel.
Green Motion Arrives in 30 Countries
Green Motion International announced the sale of its latest master country franchise in Sweden, increasing Green Motion’s country count to 30. Since the company’s inception in 2007, it has enjoyed tremendous growth with its unique brand positioning, capturing both leisure and corporate car hire customers.
Founder and CEO Richard Lowden said, “This is another tremendous milestone for Green Motion with us selling our first rent-a-car franchise within Scandinavia.”
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.