The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
June 18, 2026
NDTA–USTRANSCOM FALL MEETING
Register Today
October 26-29, 2026
Register today for the 14th annual NDTA–USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting, October 26-29, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Join government, military, and industry partners at this welcoming venue to learn, share ideas, find solutions and explore this year’s theme: “Delivering Hope, Projecting Lethality — Theater to Globe.” The Fall Meeting includes general sessions, meetings, an expo hall, and Transportation Academy. Transportation Academy offers more than 60 classes covering relevant logistics and transportation topics designed to promote professional development, training, and education. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for registrants attending the full program. Learn more on the registration page. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
(www.transportation.gov) U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new USDOT initiative to bolster America’s supply chains for American businesses and families. The American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative will launch a high-visibility dashboard connecting major hubs like the Port of Los Angeles directly to ocean carriers, trucking companies, railroads, and retailers like Walmart.
A more transparent supply chain will accelerate cargo processing, lower logistics costs, and empower America’s transportation workforce. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
(www.transportation.gov) U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duff y announced a $626.7 million investment into America’s infrastructure, with a priority for large-scale projects over $150 million. For the first time, USDOT is prioritizing projects that connect America’s roads with commercial spaceports to accelerate the growth of our aerospace sector and expanding commercial truck parking for American truckers. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Shipping Industry Welcomes Iran Deal but Warns Strait of Hormuz Reopening Will Take Time
By Mike Schuler
(gcaptain.com) The global shipping industry welcomed news of a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in and around the Strait of Hormuz, but maritime organizations cautioned Monday that major operational and security questions remain unresolved before commercial traffic can safely return to normal.
The agreement calls for an end to hostilities, the lifting of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Qatari-donated Air Force One Now Sports Red, White and Blue Paint Job
(www.militarytimes.com) The Qatari Boeing 747-8i aircraft gifted to the United States to serve as an interim Air Force One is now donning the red, white, and blue livery.
Qatar donated the controversial gift in May 2025 after President Donald Trump aired his dissatisfaction over Boeing’s delays to deliver two new VC-25B aircraft. The replacement of the current Air Force One, originally slated for 2024, is expected in 2028. […READ MORE…]
NDTA COMMITTEE NEWS
NDTA Europe & Africa Regional Committee Networking Dinner
8 July 2026, Luxembourg
The NDTA Europe & Africa Regional Committee is excited to announce and host a networking dinner on 8 July 2026, the evening before NATO Support & Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Transportation Industry Day, in Luxembourg. Last year, this event was a great success with more than 90 people, including many of the attendees from across the commercial transportation industry and NATO member governments and militaries will also attend the NDTA event.
Location: 1 Rue Nicolas VA Werveke, L-2725 Hollerich, Luxembourg @1800 onwards
Registration and Sponsorship – Click Here
2026 NDTA TEXAS REGIONAL MEETING
POWERING THE FUTURE OF MILITARY MOBILITY
August 26-27, 2026
Mission Training Complex (MTC)
Fort Hood, Texas
Military Community Engagement Event
Wednesday, August 26
Join us for a complimentary military networking event at the MTC before the NDTA Texas Regional Meeting starts on August 27. Here, you can connect with service members and military families with industry partners, educational institutions, veteran-focused organizations, and career transition services. Registration is not required to participate.
2026 NDTA Texas Regional Meeting
Thursday, August 27
The 2026 NDTA Texas Regional Meeting, hosted collaboratively at the MTC by the NDTA Texas Chapters, will bring together military leaders, government agencies, transportation professionals, and industry partners to discuss military mobility, logistics, infrastructure, and innovation. The event will highlight modernization efforts, emerging technologies, transportation operations, and public-private partnerships that support mission readiness across Texas and beyond.
Registration is required to attend this meeting. For information regarding registration, speakers, sponsorship opportunities, and agenda topics, click here.
Editor’s Picks
Space Force Orders Two More GPS Satellites from Lockheed Martin for $514 Million
The U.S. Space Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $514 million contract to build two additional GPS 3F satellites. GPS 3F is the military’s next-generation navigation constellation designed to improve resilience against jamming and other electronic threats.
Lockheed Martin said June 15 the award covers GPS 3F satellites 23 and 24, bringing the total number of GPS 3F spacecraft under contract to 14.
Under ‘Drone Dominance’ Push, Pentagon Begins Receiving Small Drones
(breakingdefense.com) The Pentagon has begun accepting small, one-way attack drones as part of its larger push to boost production and provide every squad with the weapon later this year, according to the program’s website.
The Department of Defense has ordered a total of 20,000 small, first-person view (FPV) drones from 10 of the top 11 vendors that competed in its Gauntlet 1 competition, according to the Drone Dominance “Leadership” website.
Corsair Drone Boat Plucked the Downed Apache Crew Out of the Gulf of Oman
(www.twz.com) S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed a Saronic Corsair was the uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that rescued the crew of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache out of the Gulf of Oman overnight. President Donald Trump has also now said Iranian forces downed the attack helicopter and promised a response. This is the first known instance of a drone boat being used to recover personnel as part of a search and rescue mission.
Marine Corps Looks to Equip Armored Vehicles with 360-degree Cameras
(www.marinecorpstimes.com) The U.S. Marine Corps is looking for 360-degree camera systems to fit on the LAV-25 and other armored vehicles to allow crews to operate their vehicles – and enjoy full situational awareness – even while buttoned up with the hatches closed. The service is looking for fully integrated, turnkey systems that provide “complete situational awareness,” according to the Request for Information.
Only 1 in 4 F-35s is Fully Mission Capable, GAO Finds
(www.airforcetimes.com) The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness rates continued to decline through fiscal 2025, with the fleet’s full mission capable rate falling to 25%, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.
The mission capable rate, which measures the percentage of time that aircraft can perform at least one of their tasked missions, dropped from 67% in fiscal 2021 to 44% in fiscal 2025.
Coast Guard Enhances Maritime Safety and Security Posture for World Cup
As cities across North America prepare to host the World Cup, the Coast Guard is implementing enhanced safety and security measures alongside international, federal, state, and local partners. The Coast Guard will have an increased presence during the next several weeks near Washington State ports, waterways, fan zones, and the shared maritime border with Canada.
Boeing Completes Initial Testing of Improved Remote Vision System for KC-46A Pegasus
(theaviationist.com) In a major milestone for the troubled KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueler program, Boeing announced on Jun. 3, 2026, that it has completed the first phase of flight testing of the problematic Remote Vision System 2.0. The camera-enabled RVS used to visualize the telescopic boom had been afflicted by a series of video feed quality issues and unusual light sensitivity, making refueling operations risky.
Freeman Holdings Group Is Expanding Hangar Capacity in Key U.S. Markets
(freemanholdingsgroup.com) Luxury FBO brand Million Air’s largest licensee, Freeman Holdings Group, announced development plans of three new state-of-the-art hangars at Million Air St. George (KSGU), Million Air Moses Lake (KMWH), and Million Air Orlando (KSFB), further expanding its real estate footprint and elevating service capabilities across key markets.
The hangars at Million Air Moses Lake and Million Air St. George are slated for completion in January 2027, while Million Air Orlando anticipates completion of its hangar in August 2026.
USMMI Expands Fleet with Addition of HATTERAS TRADER
(www.usmmi.com) U.S. Marine Management (USMMI) announced the addition of HATTERAS TRADER to its growing fleet. The vessel represents a significant milestone as USMMI’s first Jones Act tanker, and first vessel dedicated to pure commercial trade.
This achievement follows USMMI’s qualification as a coastwise citizen in conjunction with Maritime Partner’s purchase of the company in 2023. It was a key event which established USMMI’s eligibility to participate in Jones Act trade.
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