Author Archive

Caitlin M. Kenney

Staff Reporter, Defense One

Caitlin M. Kenney
Caitlin M. Kenney is staff reporter at Defense One, where she writes about the Navy and Marine Corps. She has covered the U.S. military for several years across the country, previously as a Pentagon reporter for Stars and Stripes. She’s a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Exclusive Policy

Top Marine outlines priorities for next four years

In his first interview since shedding the “acting” label, commandant cites people, modernization, and organic mobility as top areas of focus.

Policy

US finally labels military takeover in Niger a coup

The declaration comes three months after the country’s president was overthrown.

Threats

Pentagon: US downed Turkish drone when it became ‘potential threat’

Top defense and military leaders spoke to their Turkish counterparts on Thursday.

Policy

Ukraine aid pool dwindles as Senate heads for break

Congress must act if arms flow is to continue unimpeded, Pentagon spokesperson said.

Science & Tech

Navy’s 2-year-old robot task force eyes more AI

A 4th Fleet version of TF59 is in the works, and its lessons are headed to the Pacific as well.

Defense Systems

NSA to stand up AI security center

Securing AI means preventing it “from learning, doing, and revealing the wrong thing,” Gen. Paul Nakasone said.

Policy

Shutdown would be 'extremely disruptive' to defense production, workforce, acquisition chief says

“Can you imagine if the Chinese had something like this, where their government would shut down every few years?” Bill LaPlante said Tuesday.

Science & Tech

New board will help Navy ‘absorb’ new tech into real-world ops

Science and Technology Board will examine “issues posed by the development of generative artificial intelligence”—like ChatGPT—as well as a range of other technologies.

Policy

Senate moves to vote on three top nominees. But will more follow?

The majority leader had hoped that GOP’s Tuberville would lift his blanket hold.

Threats

Marines pause aviation operations after crashes, missing jet

Authorities found a debris field north of Charleston on Monday evening, more than 24 hours after an F-35B disappeared.

Policy

It may take years for US military to recover from senator's hold, acting Navy chief says

Adm. Lisa Franchetti also urged lawmakers to avoid a shutdown or lengthy continuing resolution.

Policy

Navy’s plans for three new submarines could be held up by budget drama

Secretary Del Toro has also directed an initiative to find efficiencies within new budget caps.

Policy

Senators trade barbs about promotion holds during hearing for Air Force chief nominee

Gen. David Allvin, tapped to replace Gen. CQ Brown as leader of the Air Force, is one of hundreds of officers in limbo.

Policy

Uncertainty at the top blurs Marine Corps’ work on 2025 budget

Like the Army and Navy, the Corps is without a confirmed chief, thanks to a GOP senator’s hold.

Policy

Marines to appoint a safety general

After deadly crashes, acting commandant bumps Corps’ Safety Division up to one-star status.

Policy

A year after China cut mil-to-mil contacts with US, a hint of thaw?

INDOPACOM commander met with Chinese military delegation, Pentagon confirms.

Policy

Marines order safety review after deadly Osprey crash

DOD: too early to say whether Sunday’s incident was related to earlier ‘hard clutch’ problem.

Threats

Three Marines killed, 20 injured in Osprey crash

The squadron’s executive officer, a pilot, and a crew chief died in the crash in Australia.

Policy

US to train Ukrainian pilots, maintainers on F-16s this fall

The pilots will go through English language training before getting into the cockpit.

Threats

Hundreds of DOD personnel supporting Maui recovery efforts

Death toll in the devastating wildfires has risen to 111, with more than 1,000 people still missing.