News 6 Mashup: Aug. 10, 2020
Here are the top stories for the week of Aug. 10, 2020, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:
Navy’s First Black Female Tactical Aircraft Pilot
Lieutenant j.g. Madeline Swegle is the Navy’s first Black female tactical aircraft pilot. She received her “wings of gold” in July after completing the basic helicopter training with 25 classmates.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work harder and fly high performance jet aircraft in the fleet,” said Swegle. “It would’ve been nice to see someone who looked like me in this role; I never intended to be the first. I hope it’s encouraging to other people.”
NBC News reported that only 1.9% of Navy aircraft fighting unit pilots are Black.
Swegle is assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington. She will be training as an EA-18G Growler pilot, said NBC News.
U.S. to Withdraw 12,000 Troops from Germany
Reuters.com reported on a plan to withdraw 12,000 U.S. troops from Germany, or about one-third of the current force stationed there. About half of the troops will remain in Europe, but be moved to new locations.
Reuters reported, “Defense Secretary Mark Esper … said the military’s plan would prevent the troop movements from undermining NATO and its efforts to deter Russian intervention, following Moscow’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.” It is estimated to take multiple years to complete the troop changes due to budget constraints.
Most Underused Veterans Benefits by State
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently published a blog with the most underused veterans benefits by state. Delaware, for example, offers discounted hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses. Nevada offers veterans preference for businesses who identify as veteran-owned. You can find a list of the bonuses and benefits offered in your state by going here.
Army National Guard: Reorganizing into Eight Divisions
The Army National Guard is reorganizing into eight divisions, according to Military.com. This change comes in response to concerns of a near-peer threat that would require full divisions to fight. Near-peer threat concerns are currently focused on Russia and China, a shift from the past 20 years of fighting terrorist organizations. Military.com also reported that the change would allow National Guard soldiers access to more career and promotion opportunities.
This Week in History
From Aug. 9 to Aug. 12, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, created the Atlantic Charter, the precursor to the United Nations. By 1942, 26 governments met and signed the “Declaration by United Nations” which pledged support to the Atlantic Charter’s eight principles. Read more about this historic document at History.com
