Sam LaGrone

About Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.

Recent Posts By the Author


Carrier USS Nimitz Pulls into San Diego Ahead of Deployment; Truman Could Return to Norfolk Soon

Carrier USS Nimitz Pulls into San Diego Ahead of Deployment; Truman Could Return to Norfolk Soon

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An E-2C Hawkeye from the Sun Kings of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) during a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) on May 15, 2020. US Navy Photo

This post has been updated to correct a statement from U.S. 3rd Fleet on which date the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group completed COMPTUEX.

USS Nimitz (CVN-71) is pier-side in California after completing its final series of exercises ahead of a planned deployment to the Western Pacific, USNI News has learned. Read More →

USS Theodore Roosevelt Back in Guam Picking up Remaining Sailors Before Resuming Deployment

USS Theodore Roosevelt Back in Guam Picking up Remaining Sailors Before Resuming Deployment

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USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) flies a replica of Capt. Oliver Hazard Perry’s ‘Don’t Give Up the Ship’ flag as Theodore Roosevelt approaches Apra Harbor, Guam on June 3, 2020. US Navy Photo

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and its embarked air wing are ready to go back on deployment after completing carrier qualifications, following a two-month fight against a COVID-19 outbreak on the carrier, U.S. 7th Fleet announced. Read More →

Navy Concludes Experienced Pilot's 'Brief Lapse of Judgement' Root Cause of 'Star Wars' Canyon Crash

Navy Concludes Experienced Pilot’s ‘Brief Lapse of Judgement’ Root Cause of ‘Star Wars’ Canyon Crash

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An undated photo of the Super Hornet that crashed on July 31, 2019 into the Rainbow Canyon at the Death Valley National Park. US Navy Photo

An experienced pilot’s split-second lapse in judgment is the likely cause of a 2019 F/A-18E Super Hornet crash in Death Valley National Park, Calif., the Navy concluded in a command investigation obtained by USNI News. Read More →

Carrier Theodore Roosevelt COVID-19 Outbreak Investigation Complete, CNO Now Reviewing Report

Carrier Theodore Roosevelt COVID-19 Outbreak Investigation Complete, CNO Now Reviewing Report

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Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), run on the pier of Naval Base Guam, May 8, 2020. US Navy Photo

An investigation into the circumstances around the March COVID-19 outbreak aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) has been handed over to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday for review, Navy officials told USNI News on Wednesday. Read More →

Navy Probing Security Response to NAS Corpus Christi Gun Battle, Debunks Meme on Female Sailor

Navy Probing Security Response to NAS Corpus Christi Gun Battle, Debunks Meme on Female Sailor

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NCIS agents investigate the gun battle at the North Gate of NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 21, 2020. NCIS Photo

This post has been updated to include an additional statement from the FBI.

The Navy is investigating the security force response to last Thursday’s gun battle at the gate of a Texas naval air station, Navy officials confirmed to USNI News on Tuesday. Read More →

UPDATED: FBI Says NAS Corpus Christi Gun Battle is 'Terrorism-Related', 2nd Person of Interest at Large

UPDATED: FBI Says NAS Corpus Christi Gun Battle is ‘Terrorism-Related’, 2nd Person of Interest at Large

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Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Leah Greeves briefing reporters on Thursday. Image via KPRC2

This post was updated with a map and statement from the FBI.

The FBI is investigating an early morning shooting at a Texas naval air station as an act of terrorism and searching for a second “person of interest” related to the incident, the agency announced on Thursday. Read More →

USS Theodore Roosevelt Back Underway 2 Months After COVID Outbreak

USS Theodore Roosevelt Back Underway 2 Months After COVID Outbreak

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USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is moored pier side at Naval Base Guam on May 15, 2020. US Navy Photo

This post has been updated with a statement from the Navy.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is underway for the first time since its deployment was interrupted for 55 days to battle a COVID-19 outbreak that infected almost a quarter of the crew, USNI has learned. Read More →