Latest news with #PatrickHusted
NHK
15-06-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Military parade held in Washington amid calls for counter protests
US President Donald Trump's administration held a large-scale military parade in Washington on Saturday. The timing coincides with Trump's 79th birthday, and has sparked calls for counter protests across the United States. The parade began at 7:30 p.m. and proceeded on a route from near the Lincoln Memorial to the south side of the White House. The US Army says the parade features about 150 military vehicles, including Abrams tanks, and some 50 aircraft, including Blackhawk helicopters. An estimated 6,700 soldiers are participating. US media say this was the first major military parade in Washington since President George H. W. Bush staged one after the Gulf War in 1991. A spokesperson for the Army, Lt. Col. Patrick Husted, told NHK that the parade is very important because it celebrates the army's 250 years of service and sacrifice to the US. He said he expects it would be a great event. The US Army estimates the parade will cost up to 45 million dollars. That has drawn criticism from those who say it is a misuse of military resources and some who call it a politicization of the armed forces. There are concerns about possible clashes as protests billed as "No Kings" rallies have been planned for more than 2,000 places across the United States.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Military parade set for Saturday
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Washington, D.C. is gearing up for one of the largest military parades in recent history as the U.S. Army marks its 250th anniversary this Saturday. The celebration will feature thousands of troops, tanks rolling through the streets, and dramatic aircraft flyovers above the National Mall. 'Being part of the Army's 250th is an amazing opportunity especially to represent the First Infantry Division,' said Major Brandt Murphy, who will be among the soldiers marching down Constitution Avenue. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Husted added: 'You don't see tanks drive down the streets in D.C., so that in itself is going to be very, very cool.' Preparations are underway not only for the parade, but also for a massive security operation. Fencing and security checkpoints now line the National Mall as the Secret Service and local authorities brace for large crowds and a potential visit from former President Donald Trump. 'I'm from Dallas, Texas,' said Jaslyn Jackson, one of many spectators arriving in D.C. ahead of the parade. 'I just want to see how it turns out — the crowds, the energy, and who shows up.' Mary Walker, a Capitol Hill resident, says her family is especially excited, 'We've got a two-year-old boy who's very excited to see tanks and helicopters and celebrate the Army.' Not everyone is thrilled with the military display. Critics have raised concerns about the optics of tanks in the capital, and the cost. 'I think that's pretty ominous, right?' said Rachael Harvender, visiting from Vermont. 'It's not something we're used to on American turf, so it puts a little bit of a spooky feel over it.' Despite the criticism and a projected price tag in the tens of millions of dollars, organizers insist the celebration is a once-in-a-generation moment to honor the Army's legacy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Preps for 250th birthday of the Army underway
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – This weekend, the nation's capital will host a major celebration honoring the 250th birthday of the United States Army and it's shaping up to be one of the biggest military parades in recent memory. The event will bring together troops from across the country, featuring soldiers from every major command, historic military reenactors, marching bands, armored vehicles, and helicopters flying in tight formation above the National Mall. For Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Sugg, participating in the flyover is more than just duty it's the realization of a lifelong dream. 'When I was three, four years old, when we would go to an air show I would lock myself in aircrafts,' he said. 'Now, I'll be flying in formation, making it look pretty for everybody on the ground.' Lt. Col. Patrick Husted promises the spectacle will be unforgettable: 'It'll be big, it'll be loud and be really, very, very cool.' Flying overhead will be Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, with pilots like Victoria Robinson leading the formation. 'I'll be in the lead Black Hawk flying over the parade,' she said. Helicopter pilots say they've trained for everything even unpredictable weather. 'There are certain limitations, we need to stay clear of clouds and keep to the altitude restrictions for the national capital region,' said Army pilot Colton Curry. The public is invited to line Constitution Avenue to witness the spectacle. The White House is calling on veterans, military families, and future soldiers to take part in the historic moment. However, the celebration hasn't come without criticism. Some local leaders and watchdog groups have raised concerns over the parade's estimated $45 million cost and potential wear-and-tear on D.C. roads. Still, organizers say the focus is on honoring the legacy of the U.S. Army and inspiring the next generation of service members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Army suspends helicopter flights near Reagan National airport after DOT's complaints about safety
The Army on Monday said it has suspended helicopter flights into the Pentagon, following an incident last week involving a military helicopter flying near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that prompted air traffic controllers to divert two commercial flights that had been attempting to land. The suspension affects helicopter operations out of the 12th Aviation Battalion, which is tasked with evacuating political VIPs during an emergency, pending an internal inquiry, said Lt. Col. Patrick Husted, spokesperson for the unit that oversees Army operations within the nation's capital. A Black Hawk helicopter from that same battalion collided with an airliner near Reagan National earlier this year, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft. According to an email sent by an FAA official Friday, an Army helicopter — also a Black Hawk — 'took a scenic route around the Pentagon versus proceeding directly from the west to the heliport' on Thursday, prompting controllers at Reagan National to call for passenger planes to twice abort their landings. The incident sparked the the ire of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who on Friday took to social media to call the flight "unacceptable" — and said he'd be talking to the Defense Department 'to ask why the hell our rules were disregarded.' Operations at the airport have been under intense scrutiny since the January crash, and its cause remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. At Duffy's direction, DOT has already shuttered some helicopter flight routes near the airport, and managers in the control tower at the airport have been reassigned. Last week's incident additionally sparked bipartisan outrage among lawmakers who are also probing the disaster, among other close calls concerning the airport. 'The Army is once again putting the traveling public at risk,' Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in an X post Friday. He added that he's 'committed' to crafting legislation that would protect Reagan National travelers. The FAA on Monday did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Army decision to suspend Pentagon flights. Following the incident, the Army said it had conducted the Thursday helicopter flight 'in accordance with published FAA flight routes.' Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, U.S. Army spokesperson, said that Pentagon controllers directed the helicopter to perform a go-around, flying over the helipad — which then prompted Reagan National controllers to take action to 'ensure the appropriate deconfliction of airspace.' Goldfedib said the Army 'remains committed to aviation safety and conducting flight operations within all approved guidelines and procedures' as the incident remains under investigation.
Politico
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Army suspends helicopter flights near Reagan National airport after DOT's complaints about safety
The Army on Monday said it has suspended helicopter flights into the Pentagon, following an incident last week involving a military helicopter flying near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that prompted air traffic controllers to divert two commercial flights that had been attempting to land. The suspension affects helicopter operations out of the 12th Aviation Battalion, which is tasked with evacuating political VIPs during an emergency, pending an internal inquiry, said Lt. Col. Patrick Husted, spokesperson for the unit that oversees Army operations within the nation's capital. A Black Hawk helicopter from that same battalion collided with an airliner near Reagan National earlier this year, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft. According to an email sent by an FAA official Friday , an Army helicopter — also a Black Hawk — 'took a scenic route around the Pentagon versus proceeding directly from the west to the heliport' on Thursday, prompting controllers at Reagan National to call for passenger planes to twice abort their landings. The incident sparked the the ire of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who on Friday took to social media to call the flight 'unacceptable' — and said he'd be talking to the Defense Department 'to ask why the hell our rules were disregarded.' Operations at the airport have been under intense scrutiny since the January crash, and its cause remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. At Duffy's direction, DOT has already shuttered some helicopter flight routes near the airport, and managers in the control tower at the airport have been reassigned. Last week's incident additionally sparked bipartisan outrage among lawmakers who are also probing the disaster , among other close calls concerning the airport . 'The Army is once again putting the traveling public at risk,' Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in an X post Friday . He added that he's 'committed' to crafting legislation that would protect Reagan National travelers. The FAA on Monday did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Army decision to suspend Pentagon flights. Following the incident, the Army said it had conducted the Thursday helicopter flight 'in accordance with published FAA flight routes.' Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, U.S. Army spokesperson, said that Pentagon controllers directed the helicopter to perform a go-around, flying over the helipad — which then prompted Reagan National controllers to take action to 'ensure the appropriate deconfliction of airspace.' Goldfedib said the Army 'remains committed to aviation safety and conducting flight operations within all approved guidelines and procedures' as the incident remains under investigation.
