The Naval Brief: Drones seized again; Defueling Red Hill faster; More weapons, aid for Ukraine; and more...

Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.

Another drone theft attempt. It seems Iranian forces really want to get ahold of the Saildrone used by the Navy in Mideast waters—they’ve now failed for a second time to steal two more in the Red Sea, Defense One reports. An Iranian navy ship took the drones out of the water and the sailors tried to hide them under tarps before finally handing them back to two U.S. destroyers several hours later.

Updated Red Hill defueling assessment. The Defense Department has an updated plan to completely defuel the troubled Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii by July 2024, earlier than they initially assessed. “The new timeline reflects the DOD’s commitment to defuel Red Hill safely while consolidating and accelerating work at every opportunity,” a statement said. “The team condensed the repair timeline, determined certain activities could be conducted in parallel, and reduced the duration of the final phase of defueling from 8 months to approximately 5 months.”

Aid for Ukraine. More than six months into the war in Ukraine, President Joe Biden has approved another $675 million in weapons and $1 billion in financial support for the country, as well as $1 billion in aid for the region, Defense One reports from Germany. The new weapons package includes more 105mm howitzers, grenade launchers, and humvees. 

Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1923, the Navy suffered the largest loss of ships during peacetime in what is now known as the Honda Point Disaster. 

From Defense One

Marines Hone Future Concepts with Dune Buggies, Liaison Officers, and Many Radios // Caitlin M. Kenney

The giant RIMPAC exercise helped the Corps test their newest type of agile unit within a multinational force.

US Trained Ukrainian Missileers Who Sunk Russian Warship, Pentagon Official Says // Marcus Weisgerber

Bill LaPlante also praised the quick "innovation" that delivered truck-mounted Harpoon missiles to Ukraine.

US Should Place Multiyear Munitions Orders to Protect Supply, Pentagon Arms Chief Says // Marcus Weisgerber

Meanwhile, service officials are working with Pentagon leaders on 18-month plans to supply Ukraine.