Vid of the F-35 Alaska crash

The Air Force has published details on the F-35 crash in Alaska earlier this year. Water in hydraulic fluid froze resulting in landing gear issues, and further the gear strut did not fully extend leading to the weight on wheels sensors telling the fly by wire system the plane was… pic.twitter.com/ynPYNnGRwo

— Scott Manley (@DJSnM) August 26, 2025

11th Airborne Division demonstrates extreme environment readiness in Alaska via Army.mil

Thanks to Dom van der Goore for the link!

So the Army now has an "organic" swim capability.  Don't underestimate it either, the Royal Marines use similar vehicles to swim to shore (or they did at one time)...

Trump Says Xi Assured Him China Will Not Invade Taiwan During His Presidency via ZeroHedge

 via ZH

Trump made the remarks during a nearly 30-minute-long interview with Fox News’ Brett Baier which was filmed on Air Force One and aired while the president was in Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I will never do it as long as you’re president; President Xi told me that, and I said, well, I appreciate that,” Trump said.

The guarantee does not extend to future administrations, the president noted.

“But he also said, but I am very patient, and China is very patient,” Trump said. “Say, well, that’s up to you, but it better not happen now.”

It remains unclear when Xi made the remarks.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment before publication.

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island territory, is viewed by Beijing as a breakaway province. Its freedom remains a volatile point of contention in U.S.-China relations. 

The United States guarantees defensive arms to Taipei under the Taiwan Relations Act.  

Xi has vowed to achieve “reunification” with the island by any means necessary, and he’s ramped up military exercises in the waters around the island. 

Optimism that the president’s foreign policy agenda will deter China’s aggression is a recurring theme in the administration’s first 200 days.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC host Andrew Ross Sorkin in March that China will stay out of Taiwan.

“I follow President Trump’s lead, and he is confident that President Xi will not make that move during his presidency,” Bessent said.

Here 

Not really shocked by this.  I personally believe China is seeking PERFECT victory. I believe that they're seeking to become so powerful militarily that making any move to defend Taiwan will be out of the question.

They want to take over Taiwan without having to fire a shot (at the US and allied countries).

A few more years of US/Western decline and they'll be setup perfectly.

Its not within the next couple of years but it will be before 2030.  Paraphrasing Xi?China can act on their own timeline.  Our pivot to the Pacific ain't causing them any pause.  Besides.  Ukraine and Israel are bleeding us dry of warstock.

155th Security Forces Squadron participate in a Deployment for Training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

Alaska based Coast Guard aviators showcase rescue demonstration during multi-agency hoist symposium...Photos by Alejandro Pena

Note. Time to upgrade the Coast Guard. First we need a division of the force. A law enforcement branch that will remain under homeland security and a military side that is partnered full time with the Navy. With this division you will see the Coast Guard acquire new capabilities such as long range large scale rescue at sea that will require new equipment...LIKE SEA PLANES!!! They will also get the older Burkes that are life extended and dump all the short ranged helos in favor of at least BlackHawks. Current cutters will go with the law enforcement branch along with the short range helos. Future ice breakers will go with the military side of the house. A minor reorganization will add combat power to the Navy and will provide the Coast Guard with the ability to conduct TRUE grey zone operations with the ability to flex into combat ops while still protecting the homeland.