Author: Tony Grist

SAN DIEGO — The first face the Artemis II crew will see upon their return to Earth will be the face of a U.S. Navy Sailor. Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Wang, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Laddy Aldridge, Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Steve Kapala make up the dive medical team who will be the first to open the Orion capsule upon its return to Earth, make initial medical assessments of the Artemis II crew, and assist them out of the capsule safely and efficiently. They will provide initial one-on-one assistance to Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid…

Luminae Shooters Belt Designed with a rigid Carbon insert, the Shooters Belt offers 2″ of height which accommodates two rows of MOLLE compatible slots. It includes a rigid Velcro inner trouser belt and Austrialpin Cobra Buckle. Key Features: Lightweight, extremely rigid construction 2″ width for perfect MOLLE compatibility No pouch play or unwanted movement Carbon composite internal insert for zero downward compression Maintains integrity when wet or submerged Made with official Crye MultiCam fabrics IRR compliant Designed with UK specialist unit input Tested on multiple operations before release Made in the UK by skilled staff 1″ Cobra buckle with integrated…

Here at SOFREP we get a good amount of gear for testing and review. By and large, most is pretty good.  If gear is well-made, built to serve a purpose, and functional, someone is going to use and enjoy it, and I often pass along good gear to people who will use it more than I.  We also get gear that becomes part of our daily rotation, the kind of stuff we reach for and use because it just works, and that stays with me.  The 5.11 V.XI Sigurd Shirt falls squarely into that second category. I’ve been wearing mine…

As the two-week ceasefire in the Iran War entered its third day Friday, it remained unclear whether the Iranian delegation would head to Islamabad for scheduled talks with the United States. The uncertainty comes after Israel launched its largest bombing campaign yet against Lebanon. The 10-point plan to end the war, proposed by Iran and accepted by President Donald Trump Tuesday, included an end to all Israeli strikes against Lebanon. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that the Islamabad talks would not proceed unless Washington halted Israeli strikes on Lebanon. The spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said that “any talks are conditional upon…

Ferro Concepts – TRAK Bag The TRAK (Tactical Rope Access Kit) Bag is a streamlined, purpose-built solution for lightweight rope operations, personal escape, and hasty rescues. Optimized for high mobility where weight and bulk must be minimized, it provides a compact platform for maintaining rope and essential hardware in a readily deployable state. From vertical urban movement to jungle environments and roof-top breaches, the TRAK Bag delivers immediate access when seconds count. Available in MultiCam and Black. ferroconcepts.com/products/trak-bag Read the full article here

H&K Launches VP9CC New for 2026 is the VP9CC, a no-compromise, fully-featured micro-compact from our factory in Oberndorf, Germany. Every VP9CC comes standard with six interchangeable backstraps for a truly custom fit. Optics equipped models feature a mounted Vortex Defender CCW-Vortex’s newest, top-of-the-line, micro-sized closed-emitter pistol optic. Optics ready models benefit from a new mounting system that allows all optics to be mounted lower than on standard plate systems. And of course, HK’s legendary reliability and durability come at no extra charge. The VP9CC meets or exceeds all NATO and HK standards for pistols of all sizes. You will find…

In a brief statement Thursday, Melania Trump denied ever having a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, using her rare public statement to reject what she called “false smears” and fabricated images circulating online. Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox Speaking briefly at the White House, the first lady said she first encountered Epstein in 2000 at an event she attended with Donald Trump and said she had no knowledge at the time of his criminal conduct. She also said Epstein did not introduce her to her future husband and described a previously disclosed 2002…

The U.S. inflation rate increased sharply in March, according to the latest report by the Bureau for Labor Statistics. The energy shock from the Iran war pushed consumer prices to their highest level in nearly two years, with the Consumer Price Index rising 3.3 percent from a year earlier, up from 2.4 percent in February, in line with economists’ projections.  Energy prices surged 10.9 percent from the previous month, led by a 21.2 percent jump in gasoline, the biggest monthly increase since federal tracking began in 1967. Brent crude climbed from $73 a barrel before the conflict to $95.88 on…

10 April, 2026, REDMOND, WA — B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer and aerospace applications worldwide has announced the retirement of Master Prototype Machinist, Paul Phelps, after more than three decades of service. Phelps, whose craftsmanship has been a cornerstone of the company’s success, joined B.E. Meyers & Co. in 1991, during a critical moment in the company’s history, when it transitioned from its initial focus on night vision devices toward specialized and advanced laser systems. Over the course of his 35-year career with B.E. Meyers & Co.,…

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Shadow Pack The FirstSpear SHADOW PACK is built to move weapons without advertising it. It discreetly carries short rifles, sub-guns, and shotguns inside a low-profile, non-tactical exterior that blends in where loud gear doesn’t belong. Designed for plain-clothes, surveillance, and urban work, it keeps capability close without drawing a second look. Adjustable shoulder straps and a quick-release sternum strap keep it secure on the move and gone when it needs to be. Internal and external pockets keep mags, tools, and essentials organized and within reach. A rear zippered compartment keeps small essentials secure and out of sight,…