Space Force Aligns for Wartime Footing with Third Tranche of PAEs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —   In the latest milestone of the ongoing Department of War-driven Acquisition Transformation, the Space Force has designated its third tranche of mission areas that will be assigned Portfolio Acquisition Executives including: Advanced Capabilities, Electromagnet...

By Eric G

POTD: The Universal Vulcan 440 – A Pump-Action M1 Carbine

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a hunting rifle built on a very familiar skeleton. This is the Universal Firearms Vulcan 440, made down in Hialeah, Florida in the mid-1960s. Universal earned its keep building commercial copies of the M1 Carbine from surplus and new parts, ...

By Sam.S

POTD: Needham Conversion Bridesburg Musket – 1of 5,020 Converted

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Needham conversion of a Bridesburg rifle-musket with an 1863-dated lock, one of approximately 5,020 Civil War muzzleloaders converted to breechloading centerfire using the Needham side-opening system. After the war the Army was sitting on an...

By Sam.S

Curtiss SB2C Helldiver — The Big-Tailed Beast

In 1937, the Curtiss SBC Helldiver entered service, but even at that point, the carrier-based two-seat scout/dive bomber was on the verge of being obsolete. Interestingly, it was also the second aircraft produced by Curtiss-Wright to earn the designation “Helldiver” after the United States Ma...

By Peter Suciu

Dale Dye: Why Marines Are Called “Devil Dogs”

It’s one of the most memorable monikers for a fighting force around, and its legend stems from a brutal battle fought more than a century ago. The term was reportedly adapted from the German Teufel Hunden, and applied to American Marines following the Battle of Belleau Wood during World Wa...

By Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret)

POTD: Merrimack Southerner Derringer – Double Struck Marking

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Merrimack Arms Southerner derringer manufactured 1866-1869 with double struck “SOUTHERNER” marking. Merrimack Arms & Manufacturing Company operated in Newburyport, Massachusetts during a brief window after the Civil War. The...

By Sam.S

POTD: Mauser Baby Luger Conversion – 1940 Pistol Cut to Pocket Size

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a 1940 Mauser Luger subsequently converted to “Baby Luger” configuration with 2-inch barrel. This represents a postwar conversion when surplus Lugers were modified for concealed carry. Baby Luger conversions became popular in the ...

By Sam.S

USS Hornet (CV-12): Carrier that Stung Japan

The USS Hornet (CV-12) stands as one of the most storied aircraft carriers in United States naval history, playing a decisive role in World War II as part of the Essex-class fleet. From its origins as a replacement for the lost USS Hornet (CV-8) to its participa...

By Peter Suciu

POTD: Remington Model 1861 Navy – 6,000 Made for Civil War Service

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Remington Model 1861 Navy percussion revolver manufactured circa 1862, one of about 6,000 produced. Traces of a cartouche remain on the left grip panel, indicating military acceptance. The Model 1861 was Remington’s .36 caliber Navy-si...

By Sam.S
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