The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
June 9, 2021
We are pleased to announce that the annual NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting is returning to in-person. Co-sponsored by the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), this event is your opportunity to meet and engage with influential thought leaders in government, military and the private sector. […READ MORE…]
Content by NAVAIR Public Affairs, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security
The MQ-25™ program successfully conducted the first-ever aerial refueling operations between a manned receiver aircraft and unmanned tanker June 4 from MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois. The successful flight demonstrated that the MQ-25 Stingray’s ability to fulfill its tanker mission using the Navy’s standard probe-and-drogue aerial refueling method. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Federal agencies and the nation’s critical infrastructures—such as energy, transportation systems, communications, and financial services—are dependent on information technology systems to carry out operations. The security of these systems and the data they use is vital to public confidence and national security, prosperity, and well-being. […READ MORE…]
Rocket Cargo Delivery Gets Big Boost
By U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
Department of the Air Force announced Friday its fourth Vanguard program focused on Rocket Cargo signaling another step toward someday using rockets to deliver cargo for the Department of Defense (DOD).
U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is partnering with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to explore commercial capabilities in the field of space travel for global logistics. […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Picks
America’s Allies and Enemies Will Take Note of Biden’s Low-Priority Defense Budget
(The Hill) It has not gone without notice that the word “defense” did not appear and that there was no mention of “great power competition” in the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) “Fact Sheet” that accompanied the release of the fiscal year 2022 budget. How allies, partners, and adversaries will interpret the absence of any mention of classic concepts of national security is anyone’s guess.
White House Launches Task Force to Address Supply Chain Disruptions
(NBC News) The White House announced Tuesday that it will establish a task force to address supply chain challenges in key sectors where “a mismatch between supply and demand has been evident.” The task force will focus on “homebuilding and construction, semiconductors, transportation, and agriculture and food” and will be led by the secretaries of commerce, agriculture and transportation, the White House said.
Despite Retention Issues, Most Truck Drivers Not Looking for Work
(Transport Topics) The majority of truck drivers are not actively looking for a new job, but a robust recruiting environment makes it easy for them to find one should they want to make a move, a recent industry survey found. The survey also found that addressing the issues that matter to drivers can help fleets retain those they have.
Space Force Seeks $832 Million in Classified Spending, New Missions and More in Annual Wish List
(C4ISRNet) The U.S. Space Force is asking Congress for $832 million over its $17.4 billion budget request for its unfunded priority list, an annual wish list of spending every service sends lawmakers. The request includes additional funding for dozens of programs, repairs to Space Force facilities, and $279 million in classified spending to “develop a warfighting punch.”
What is the Shipping Cycle — and Can It Ever Be Tamed?
(American Shipper) Talk about the future of ocean shipping and it always comes back to the cycle. When is this horrific tanker down-cycle going to end? Did investors buy the tanker stocks too early? How high can this crazy container-shipping up-cycle actually go? When will containerized cargo shippers ever get relief? Is this finally the start of the elusive dry bulk upswing? And inevitably, the bigger question: Can shipping cycles ever be tamed or broken?
CWTSatoTravel’s Compass Newsletter is a Traveler Must Read
(CWTSatoTravel) The summer issue of CWTSatoTravel’s Compass newsletter is now available and is a true must-read for anyone considering travel in the near (and not so near) future. Check out articles on summer car rental tips, preparing for digital health passports, and TSA’s Real ID extension, among other topics.
ARC & JAXPORT Support USMC Readiness
(American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier [ARC]) ARC and the JAXPORT provided operational support and oversight for the load of two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys on the M/V ARC Independence. The operation took place at the Blount Island Terminal at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida for delivery to Rota, Spain.
AIT Worldwide Logistics Acquires Industrial-Focused Customs Broker Multimodal International, Ltd.
(AIT Worldwide Logistics) AIT has announced the acquisition of Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Multimodal International, Ltd., a licensed US Customs broker with four decades of experience. The purchase expands AIT’s customs clearance expertise across automotive, chemical commodities, trade lanes.
Amtrak Customers Can Tour the Country for One Low Fare with USA Rail Pass
(Amtrak) With the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass, Amtrak is introducing a new and affordable way to take a multi-segment train journey across America. This new offering allows customers to take up to ten rides to see the country and explore sights at many of Amtrak’s 500 destinations. And, now through June 22, Amtrak is offering a special discount.
NIB Releases Latest Edition of Opportunity Magazine
(National Industries for the Blind [NIB]) The latest edition of the NIB’s Opportunity magazine is available. It includes articles on the organization’s work in a DOD public-private talent exchange, highlights new products, and more.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.