David Vergun

Gainesville

Associate Editor and Writer, Department of Defense and Contributor at Freelance

Writer-Editor for the @DeptofDefense at the Pentagon

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Articles

Technology for OEM Design Engineers

1 week ago | nelsonpub.com | David Vergun

Marines wade ashore on Okinawa, Japan, April 1,1945. [Credit: U.S. Navy]By David Vergun, United States Department of DefenseThe Battle of Okinawa, code named Operation Iceberg, was World War II's largest and bloodiest battle in the Pacific Theater. The landings on the Japanese island by joint U.S. and Allied forces took place 80 years ago, April 1, 1945, lasting until June 22, 1945. It was the last major battle of the war. Army Lt. Gen.
China's Military Buildup Threatens Indo-Pacific Region Security

1 week ago | 315aw.afrc.af.mil | David Vergun

Published April 9, 2025 By David Vergun DOD News China is undertaking an unprecedented military buildup, developing a large and advanced arsenal of nuclear, conventional, cyber and space capabilities, said John Noh, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, who testified today at a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington.
China's Military Buildup Threatens Indo-Pacific Region Security

2 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

China is undertaking an unprecedented military buildup, developing a large and advanced arsenal of nuclear, conventional, cyber and space capabilities, said John Noh, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, who testified today at a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington.
Museum Educates Public on Military, Civil Aviation

2 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

The Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, strives to provide the public with a greater knowledge of military and civilian aircraft, said John Bezosky, director of restoration and industrial programs at the museum.
DOD Leaders Highlight Need for Increased NATO Defense Spending

2 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

To ensure an effective alliance, NATO needs to generate and field forces necessary to provide credible deterrence, increase military spending and take the lead in supporting Ukraine's defense requirements, said Katherine Thompson, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, who testified today at a House Armed Services Committee posture hearing in Washington. "Allies are taking steps to that effect.
Operation Eagle Pull Demonstrates Successful Evacuation of Noncombatants

2 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

U.S. citizens and local nationals were evacuated by helicopter from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during Operation Eagle Pull, which occurred 50 years ago, April 12, 1975. The operation became necessary as the communist military group Khmer Rouge surrounded the capital of Phnom Penh to overthrow the U.S.-backed Khmer Republic government. Planning for the evacuation started months earlier. On Jan.
No. 1 U.S. Tennis Star Served in the Navy During World War II

2 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

Navy Lt. Joe Hunt won the 1943 U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York City while on leave from the Navy in early September of that year. He is the only man in history to win the U.S. national boys' (then 15-and-under), juniors' (18-and-under), collegiate and U.S. men's singles titles. Hunt also played football at the U.S. Naval Academy, winning a game ball in the 1941 Army-Navy game after beating Army 14-6 in Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1941.
U.S. Special Ops Conduct Combined Training With Panama, Formalize Commitment

2 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

Recent security engagements between U.S. and Panamanian forces culminated in the first official U.S.-Panama special operations forces talks, Feb. 18, 2025. The talks, along with concurrent joint combined exchange training exercises, underscore a decades-long bilateral partnership and highlight the global impact of U.S. special operations forces.
Hegseth Speaks to Troops, NFL Players About Service and Warrior Ethos

3 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

Today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recognized Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones and Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins for visiting troops abroad and carrying on their parents' legacy of service. The secretary held a video teleconference from the Pentagon as they visited with members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, in a USO-sponsored visit. Each player comes from a family tradition of service.
Leaders Describe Host of Threats to Homeland, Steps to Mitigate Them

3 weeks ago | defense.gov | David Vergun

The Defense Department's No. 1 priority is defending the homeland, said Rafael F. Leonardo, who is performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and hemispheric affairs. Leonardo testified on a panel today at the House Armed Services Committee on U.S. military posture and national security challenges in North and South America.