Madam Speaker: A famous first joins the national collection

Today we welcomed a new first into our collection, with objects donated by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who in 2007 became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Gavel Nancy Pelosi received and used at the 2007 ceremony in which she was sworn in as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ex-defense contractor pleads guilty from accepting kickbacks from Afghanistan business

A former government contractor pleaded guilty Monday to accepting illegal kickbacks from an Afghan company in exchange for assistance in obtaining U.S. government subcontracts, the Department of Justice said. Christopher McCray , 55, of Jonesboro, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of accepting illegal kickbacks.

China says defence budget to rise 8.1 per cent in 2018

The figure released in a report Monday to the ceremonial National People's Congress is an increase in the growth rate from last year, when finance ministry officials said the budget was rising 7 budget after the United States, which is in a class of its own with a proposed budget of $716 billion for next year. "We will stick to the Chinese path in strengthening our armed forces, advance all aspects of military training and war preparedness," Premier Li Keqiang said as he read a report to nearly 3,000 delegates at the Great Hall of the People.

The United States Must Continue To Punish Syria For Using Chemical Weapons On Civilians

The primary goals of American foreign policy is to make our citizens, friends and allies secure and to make our adversaries think twice. There are moments in history when well-timed, well-placed military action will have the effect of causing fear - and moments that, if allowed to pass by, ensure the opposite.

China says defense budget to rise to $173 billion in 2018

China's defense budget will rise 8 percent to 1.1 trillion yuan this year as the country is preparing to launch its second aircraft carrier, integrating stealth fighters into its air force and fielding an array of advanced missiles able to attack air and sea targets at vast distances. The figure released in a report Monday to the National People's Congress is an increase from last year, when finance ministry officials told the Associated Press the budget was rising 7 percent to 1.044 trillion yuan .

US aircraft carrier in Vietnam for time since end of Vietnam War

For the first time since the end of the Vietnam War more than four decades ago, a US Navy aircraft carrier will set anchor in the country Monday. Publicly, the United States has portrayed the four-day visit by the USS Carl Vinson and its contingent of 5,000 sailors and aviators as an historic opportunity to enhance the budding friendship that has emerged between the two former foes.

One man’s journey from a job at Como Zoo to learning military life in San Diego

U.S. Marine Corps private Thomas Doyle, right, of St. Paul, stands with fellow privates Adam Kovaks, left, of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Xavier Baugus of St. Paul during boot camp in San Diego on Feb. 20, 2018. All three were scheduled to graduate Marine boot camp on March 2. They have 10 days off after graduation, then return for additional training.

Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Mine…

SMi reports: Europe's leading conference on maritime robotic systems will discuss Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Mine Countermeasures London, United Kingdom, March 04, 2018 -- -- Europe's leading conference on maritime robotic systems will take place on 16th and 17th May in London. Unmanned Maritime Systems 2018 promises to provide a valuable forum for anyone looking to enhance their unmanned capability.

US aircraft carrier to arrive in Vietnam for historic visit

Hanoi, March 4 : A US Navy aircraft carrier will set anchor in Vietnam on Monday, for the first time since the end of the Vietnam War more than four decades ago, the media reported. The four-day visit by the USS Carl Vinson and its contingent of 5,000 sailors and aviators has been deemed as a historic opportunity to enhance the budding friendship that has emerged between the two former foes, reports CNN.

Austal Delivers Its 12th LCS

Austal USA delivered its seventh Independence-variant littoral combat ship to the U.S. Navy on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The future USS Manchester will be the twelfth LCS to enter the fleet . "We're so excited to deliver another LCS to the fleet," said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle.

Abu Dhabi Airports Signs MOU with San Bernardino International Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi Airports today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with San Bernardino International Airport Authority linking Al Bateen Executive Airport with San Bernardino International Airport in San Bernardino, California, USA. The MOU was signed by Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports and Michael Burrows, Executive Director of San Bernardino International Airport Authority, during Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2018.

Deltamarin Bags Ro-pax Design Contract

The Deltamarin design philosophy is about seeing the big picture, and making even the smallest details suit your operation. Photo courtesy Deltamarin Deltamarin Ltd has signed a contract with Chinese Guangzhou Shipyard International Co, Ltd for consultancy and engineering services for the DFDS ro-pax ferries.

US steps up lethal aide to Ukraine: 210 anti-tank missiles

The Trump administration told Congress on Thursday that it plans to sell Ukraine 210 anti-tank missiles to help it defend its territory from Russia, in a major escalation of U.S. lethal assistance to Ukraine's military. The long-awaited move, which lawmakers of both parties have been urging for years, deepens America's involvement in the military conflict and may further strain relations with Moscow.