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DVIDS / U.S. DoD

U.S. Navy completes test flights of turbojet-powered JDAM Long Range (JDAM-LR), extending carrier air-wing standoff strike to ~2

The U.S. Navy demonstrated the JDAM Long Range (JDAM-LR) variant on early-April test flights, using a powered evolution of JDAM to deliver a cruise-missile-like standoff capability. Across two events, the turbojet-powered weapon flew about 200 nautical miles, supporting a new option for affordable, producible long-range carrier strike.

2026-04-20T06:11:33.155146-07:00

Associated Press

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days

2026-04-15T15:15:08.188569-07:00

Air & Space Forces Mag

U.S. blockade of Iran underpins maritime surveillance with 100+ aircraft, helicopters, fighters and scalable force presence

2026-04-14T18:34:49.157520-07:00

Reuters

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

2026-03-30T12:10:15.027889-07:00

News Timeline

DVIDS / U.S. DoD

U.S. Navy completes test flights of turbojet-powered JDAM Long Range (JDAM-LR), extending carrier air-wing standoff strike to ~2 The U.S. Navy demonstrated the JDAM Long Range (JDAM-LR) variant on early-April test flights, using a powered evolution of JDAM to deliver a cruise-missile-like standoff capability. Across two events, the turbojet-powered weapon flew about 200 nautical miles, supporting a new option for affordable, producible long-range carrier strike.

2026-04-20T06:11:33.155146-07:00

U.S. Navy completes test flights of turbojet-powered JDAM Long Range (JDAM-LR), extending carrier air-wing standoff strike to ~2

aviationnews.eu

China’s Fujian aircraft carrier on track for full operational capability by end-2026, bolstering carrier aviation reach Reports citing Chinese state media and military analysts say the Type 003/001A follow-on carrier Fujian—China’s third aircraft carrier—could achieve full operational capability by the end of 2026. The vessel is described as the newest and largest in the fleet, introducing catapults while expanding China’s naval power and global reach.

2026-04-19T15:09:24.204125-07:00

China’s Fujian aircraft carrier on track for full operational capability by end-2026, bolstering carrier aviation reach

Associated Press

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days The Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), has completed 296 days of deployment—breaking the longest post-Vietnam War-era deployment record. The carrier’s run began with its departure from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025.

2026-04-15T15:15:08.188569-07:00

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days

Air & Space Forces Mag

U.S. blockade of Iran underpins maritime surveillance with 100+ aircraft, helicopters, fighters and scalable force presence Reporting outlines how the U.S. naval blockade effort against Iran is supported by large-scale airpower to surveil the seas and protect maritime assets. The operation is described as relying on warships and a mix of helicopters, jet fighters, and other combat-capable forces to enforce access control, including potential boarding support from aircraft.

2026-04-14T18:34:49.157520-07:00

U.S. blockade of Iran underpins maritime surveillance with 100+ aircraft, helicopters, fighters and scalable force presence

Wall Street Journal

U.S. blockade of Iran begins with 15+ warships, including carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and escort surface combatants The U.S. says its maritime blockade of Iranian ports is now officially under way, supported by more than 15 warships in the Persian Gulf. The task force includes the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, guided-missile destroyers, and an amphibious assault ship, though officials have not yet provided basic enforcement details such as the final ship count.

2026-04-13T09:12:44.675848-07:00

U.S. blockade of Iran begins with 15+ warships, including carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and escort surface combatants

Bloomberg

USS Gerald R. Ford Withdrawn from Middle East After Laundry-room Fire, Exposing Wider Readiness Shortfalls The USS Gerald R. Ford has left the Middle East and docked in Crete after a laundry-room fire forced the carrier to withdraw, exposing broader readiness and maintenance issues across the ship. The incident underscores operational strain during extended deployments and raises questions about carrier availability in the region.

2026-03-31T13:12:30.332570-07:00

USS Gerald R. Ford Withdrawn from Middle East After Laundry-room Fire, Exposing Wider Readiness Shortfalls

Reuters

US Navy: Virginia‑class subs, carrier and frigates delayed years by labor and supply‑chain shortfalls The U.S. Navy warned Tuesday that construction of Virginia‑class attack submarines, a new aircraft carrier and a class of frigates is now years behind schedule because of skilled labor shortages, design problems and pandemic‑related supply‑chain disruptions, forcing longer timelines for delivery and fleet recapitalization.

2026-03-30T21:12:38.663435-07:00

US Navy: Virginia‑class subs, carrier and frigates delayed years by labor and supply‑chain shortfalls

Reuters

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate Thousands from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division — including its ~3,000‑strong [Immediate Response Force](source:20a7daef-b128-4966-959c-92d5ca76e240) — have arrived in the Middle East, expanding options for operations against Iran. The deployment follows U.S. strikes since Feb. 28 and contemplates actions such as seizing Kharg Island or securing the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-03-30T12:10:15.027889-07:00

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

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Aircraft Carrier News

U.S. Navy completes test flights of turbojet-powered JDAM Long Range (JDAM-LR), extending carrier air-wing standoff strike to ~2

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days

U.S. blockade of Iran underpins maritime surveillance with 100+ aircraft, helicopters, fighters and scalable force presence

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

News Timeline