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USS Abraham Lincoln Begins Transit to Middle East

Published 9 days ago • 5 min read

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Major Developments

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

 

US Forces Seize Seventh Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker

U.S. troops boarded and seized the Liberian-flagged tanker Sagitta in the Caribbean, marking the seventh vessel tied to Venezuela captured under the White House’s campaign targeting the country’s illicit oil trade.

The U.S. Southern Command said the Sagitta was operating in defiance of President Donald Trump’s quarantine on sanctioned ships and was taken “without incident.” The tanker, owned by a Hong Kong-based firm, had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. under an executive order linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (Read More)​

USS Abraham Lincoln Leaves Western Pacific for Middle East Deployment

The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has departed the western Pacific, sailing through the Strait of Malacca toward the Indian Ocean amid rising tensions with Iran and reports of a potential Middle East redeployment.

Tracking data shows the carrier transiting near Indonesia’s Sumatra Island with destroyers Spruance, Michael Murphy, and Frank E. Petersen Jr. Its departure leaves the USS George Washington, homeported in Japan since November 2024, as the only U.S. aircraft carrier remaining in the western Pacific. (Read More)​

US Defense Bill Includes Funding for Ukraine and NATO Security

Lawmakers unveiled a $839 billion full-year defense spending bill on Tuesday, providing the Pentagon roughly $8 billion more than requested by the Trump administration. The legislation funds advanced military programs, including $3.9 billion for sixth-generation aircraft, $7.6 billion for 47 F-35s and $27.2 billion for 17 Navy ships.

The bill also includes $400 million for a European capacity building program that could support Ukraine, and $200 million for the Baltic Security Initiative to provide aid and training to NATO’s eastern front. (Read More)​

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Approve with Confidence. Execute with Precision.

​Our client is looking for a SARs Development Director to lead Source Approval Request (SARs) initiatives across the company. This role requires someone who can work independently, navigate DLA and government procurement processes, and deliver results that drive enterprise growth.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify and execute SARs opportunities that support company strategy
  • Build, submit, and manage SARs packages through approval
  • Coordinate with internal teams and external suppliers
  • Ensure all activities comply with government and DLA requirements

Preferred Background:

Five to seven years of SARs development experience with a strong record of approvals. Solid understanding of government contracting and DLA practices required.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fully onsite.

The Tear Line

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ Syria has given Kurdish forces four days to accept integration into the central government following a declared ceasefire. The order comes amid swift government advances and the apparent withdrawal of U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces’ hold over territory. (Read More)​

➤ The U.S. plans to reduce roughly 200 personnel at key NATO command and intelligence bodies, including positions in military planning, intelligence, and special operations. A NATO official said the adjustments are routine and overall U.S. troop levels in Europe remain high. (Read More)​

➤ Footage from Afipsky in Russia’s Krasnodar region shows the aftermath of a failed Russian air defense missile launch. Streets are littered with debris, and multiple homes have been damaged. (Read More)​

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ Britain has approved a massive new Chinese Embassy in central London, despite concerns from lawmakers over potential security risks. The site at Royal Mint Court, purchased by China for £225 million ($301 million), is set to become the largest Chinese Embassy in Europe. (Read More)​

➤ The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has issued a security alert urging Americans to exercise “increased caution” after gangs carried out coordinated attacks on police and seized control of prisons. Travelers are advised to avoid crowds, monitor local media, and maintain a low profile. (Read More)​

➤ The UK will go ahead with plans to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite Donald Trump calling it an “act of great stupidity” and claiming it was one reason he wants to take over Greenland. (Read More)​

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ A “Dorito-shaped” aircraft with a sharply triangular profile was photographed in restricted airspace near Area 51 on January 14. Observers note it resembles an unexplained platform previously spotted over Wichita in 2014. (Read More)​

➤ The British Army’s upgraded Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank has completed crewed live firing, marking a key milestone for the £800 million ($1.08 billion) program set to deliver 148 vehicles. Rheinmetall said the tank will undergo further trials as it moves toward operational service. (Read More)​

➤ A video released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense shows a new long-range anti-ship cruise missile, currently called the “island defense missile,” performing a series of barrel rolls during testing. Japanese authorities have not yet confirmed the missile’s intended maximum range. (Read More)​

SPONSORED

Ownership. Compliance. Growth.  

We’re looking for a SARs Development Director to take ownership of Source Approval Request initiatives that support our government and commercial programs.

​This role is perfect for someone who knows SARs inside and out, understands DLA and government procurement, and can manage approvals from start to finish. You’ll work with internal teams and suppliers to build solid SARs packages that drive growth while staying compliant.

Candidates should have five or more years of SARs experience with proven approvals and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Special Interest

SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ China is turning cities like Baotou into integrated industrial hubs, connecting rare-earth mining with high-tech production of magnets, motors, drones, eVTOL aircraft, and robotics, creating supply chains the U.S. cannot match.

➤ NASA will deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) in 2030, ending nearly three decades of continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit as the agency shifts focus to developing privately operated commercial space stations. The ISS has hosted more than 4,000 experiments since November 2000.

➤ Russia has sentenced American Charles Wayne Zimmerman to five years in prison for illegally transporting weapons on his private yacht from July 2024 to June 2025. His sister says he was detained in international waters and is urging the U.S. to formally designate him as wrongfully detained by Russia.

On this day in history: On January 21, 1976, the Concorde made aviation history as the first supersonic commercial passenger aircraft took flight simultaneously from London's Heathrow and Paris's Orly airports. Flying at 1,350 miles per hour, faster than the speed of sound, these revolutionary jets represented a 12-year Anglo-French engineering collaboration that dramatically transformed international air travel.
Special Interest

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think the US withdrawal from Ain al-Asad Airbase was the right call?

  1. Yes (50.8%)​
  2. No (30.8%)
  3. Unsure (18.4%)
Job Board

ASSIGNMENTS

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All Source Intelligence Analyst Defense Division Remote, US
Armorer Defense Division Remote, US
Austere Medic Defense Division Remote, US
Comms & Command Systems Instructor Defense Division Remote, US
Critical Care Medical Provider Defense Division Remote, US
Intl. Humanitarian Security Officer Defense Division Worldwide
Interpreter Defense Division Remote, US
Security Director Defense Division Remote, US
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Targeter Defense Division Remote, US
Business Development
SARs Development Director 100K - 120K Fort Lauderdale, FL

SPONSORED

Looking for a SARs Development Director with hands-on experience in Source Approval Requests, government procurement, and DLA compliance.

Must have 5–7 years of SARs development experience, strong approval track record, and the ability to manage submissions independently.

Fort Lauderdale, FL | Onsite
U.S. citizenship required

​Apply today to help drive compliant sourcing and enterprise growth →

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About SOFX: We are an independent media and communications technology company reporting on the conflicts, security, and technology issues impacting your lives and businesses. SOFX was founded by former Special Operations & Intelligence Professionals not Career Journalists or Big Tech / Big Media.

Have feedback for us? We want to hear any and all comments you may have. Contact us at editor@sofx.com​.​

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