On The Radar: Navy Running Out of Cash, Ford Strike Group Returns Home

Here's what's on the radar in military life this week. The U.S. Navy is warning it may have to scale back training and operations within weeks without additional funding. This as costs tied to the Iran conflict continue to climb. Lawmakers were told the war has already cost nearly $29 billion, while heavy missile use is also straining U.S. stockpiles. In response, the Pentagon is now moving to rapidly buy more than 10,000 lower-cost missiles to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, heartwarming homecomings as aircraft from the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group are back in the U.S. after a record 322-day deployment, the longest post-Vietnam War deployment for a U.S. carrier. The air wing launched more than 11,500 flight operations across multiple combat missions. Meanwhile, the carrier itself and its sailors expected to return to Norfolk any day. For the first time ever, the Coast Guard is rolling out a service-wide fitness test, something other branches have had for decades. The twice-yearly test includes pushups, planks, and cardio. Officials say it's all about raising readiness across the force. And Top Gun is back in theaters for its 40th anniversary, complete with limited-edition Maverick & Goose flight helmet popcorn buckets. And yes, a third film already in the works. What we know so far and why fans are all in, you can read more on betterinlife.com. That's your briefing. Make sure to follow along so you never miss what's on the radar.