Maggie Ybarra

Pentagon to jettison property in Europe

The Pentagon will shed 21 European facilities from its inventory, spanning from small recreational facilities — a golf course and a skeet range — to air bases and NATO buildings.

Iran invites Russian defense minister to Tehran

Iran has invited Russia's defense minister to visit Tehran in what a top Iranian official said was meant as a "clear message" to the United States about the regional balance of power.

Navy pushes Congress on fleet modernization

The Navy is pushing back against a House Republican's effort to quash the modernization of its missile cruiser fleet, essentially saying the benefits of the plan outweigh congressional concerns that the fleet will be diminished during the upgrades.

U.S. seeks information-sharing agreement with Japan, South Korea

The United States is attempting to lay the groundwork for an information-sharing system with Japan and South Korea to supplement a missile defense system that would guard against an unpredictable, nuclear-capable North Korea.

Pentagon adds drone in search for schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram

The Pentagon is adding a second drone to a multinational mission to locate and retrieve more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped weeks ago by Islamist group Boko Haram.

Chinese general: Pivot causing havoc in region

A top Chinese general says a Pentagon strategic plan is causing disarray in the Pacific region by enabling allies of the United States to make false allegations and overstep their boundaries.

Andrews eyed for new Air Force operations headquarters

The Air Force is eyeing Maryland's Joint Base Andrews as the possible location for a new center that would oversee base operations for the service's major commands, according to internal Pentagon documents.

Rep. Miller calls for bipartisan commission to study VA access-to-care issues

Air Force draft consolidation plan would strip top generals of authority over base operations

Senior Air Force leaders have drafted a budget-driven plan that would strip the three- and four-star generals who oversee major commands of their authority to manage their bases.

Pentagon: No drones to help Nigerian girls, but U.S. State Dept. will provide experts

The U.S. military does not plan to use high-tech unmanned aircraft to assist the Nigerian government as it attempts to recover hundreds of missing girls that were abducted by a militant Islamist group during a boarding school raid, a Pentagon official said.

Belarus eyes its own intervention in Ukraine turmoil

Belarus is considering joining Russia in asserting its right to protect its citizens trapped amid the turmoil of the Ukraine crisis.

Eric Shinseki subpoenaed by House Veterans Affairs Committee

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki will testify next week before a Senate committee in the wake of allegations that dozens of veterans died while waiting to receive medical attention.

Phone robotics used to develop compact missile

A miniature missile that features a brain built with off-the-shelf commercial cellphone parts is poised to shake up the munitions industry.

American Legion calls for ouster of VA secretary Shinseki

The head of the American Legion on Monday took the extraordinary step of calling for the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki and two top deputies in the wake of reports that dozens of veterans have died while waiting to receive medical attention at a VA facility in Phoenix.

Hagel presses NATO allies for more defense spending

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel implored America's NATO allies to increase their defense amid Russian aggression toward its neighbors and expressed frustration that the United States is disproportionally footing the bill for the organization.

Rep. Mike Turner asks why Obama has ignored Ukraine’s urgent needs list

A congressman with close ties to NATO wants the Obama administration to explain why it has failed to answer Ukraine's urgent cry for military support.

U.S., Russia bolster communications to prevent accidental confrontation

With tensions between Washington and Moscow soaring over the crisis in Ukraine, top defense officials on both sides have been quietly working on enhancing communications to prevent a sudden or accidental U.S.-Russian military confrontation in the region.

Europe, Asia plan to spend big on drone development

By 2022, the United States is projected to spend less than half the worldwide total on drone research and development, as other countries — principally in Asia — step up production of own unmanned aircraft, according to a report by national security consulting firm Forecast International.

Hagel asks Russians to declare their intentions in Ukraine

Hagel posed the question when he spoke to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu by phone Monday, according to Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby. During that conversation, Shoigu assured Hagel that Russian forces will not invade Ukraine.

Breedlove adds briefing for House lawmakers to Capitol Hill agenda

House members will have an opportunity for a closed-door meeting Thursday with Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Philip Breedlove, who was previously scheduled to meet only with Senate lawmakers.