Morning Brief: USS Harry S. Truman and USS Stout Return After Intense 8-Month Combat Deployment

Welcome to Monday! Begin your day with SOFREP’s Morning Brief, offering the latest news on defense and global affairs for June 2, 2025. The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and Stout (DDG-55) returned from an 8-month deployment marked by heavy combat against Houthi forces, friendly fire, and aircraft losses. In Gaza, 31 Palestinians were killed near an aid site as ceasefire talks falter. Ukraine hit Russian bomber bases deep in Siberia, escalating the war. Explosions in western Russia derailed trains, killing seven. The UK announced a defense overhaul to counter Russian threats. Myanmar’s junta extended its ceasefire despite ongoing strikes. China warned the US over Taiwan remarks, accusing it of stoking Indo-Pacific tensions.

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USS Harry S. Truman and USS Stout Return After Intense 8-Month Combat Deployment

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG-55) returned to Norfolk after an eight-month deployment that included heavy combat operations in the Red Sea.

The Truman Carrier Strike Group played a leading role in Operation Rough Rider, a 52-day air campaign targeting Yemen’s Houthi forces, launching over 1,000 strikes and expending more than 1.1 million pounds of ordnance.

Cmdr. Desmond Walker of USS Stout described the deployment as his first experience in combat, praising his crew’s readiness. Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, strike group commander, emphasized the relentless operational tempo, calling it unlike anything in his career.

The deployment saw intense engagement with Houthi cruise and ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones that targeted American warships and commercial shipping.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) continues 24/7 operations against the Iran-backed Houthis #HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/6FcZHKG4HY

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 21, 2025

Truman’s deployment was marked by multiple mishaps.

A friendly fire incident in December saw the cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) shoot down a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet. In February, Truman collided with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal, damaging its hull and delaying its return to the Red Sea.

The US Navy replaced Truman’s commanding officer, bringing in Capt. Christopher “Chowdah” Hill, who oversaw the carrier during Operation Rough Rider.

Truman lost three F/A-18s during the deployment—one to friendly fire, one due to an evasive maneuver on April 28, and another due to an arresting wire failure during landing. All aviators ejected safely.

The deployment lasted 251 days, extending a trend of long East Coast carrier missions. US Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Daryl Caudle acknowledged the strain these operations place on crews and equipment, emphasizing the need to assess the sustainability of such high demand on carrier strike groups.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, addressed the crew of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) today as they returned to Naval Station Norfolk following an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

Watch what he had to say ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/AjvMY7MG8X

— U.S. Fleet Forces (@USFleetForces) June 1, 2025

Truman now heads to Newport News Shipbuilding for its scheduled multi-year refueling and complex overhaul.

The Navy aims to improve overhaul efficiency following extended delays with previous carriers. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is set to be the next East Coast carrier to deploy.

At Least 31 Killed, Over 170 Wounded Near Gaza Aid Site as Ceasefire Talks Falter

At least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 170 wounded early Sunday near an Israeli-backed aid distribution site in Rafah, Gaza, after witnesses reported Israeli forces opened fire on crowds gathering before dawn.

The incident marks the deadliest around the controversial new aid system, which international agencies have condemned for violating humanitarian principles.

Witnesses and medics said Israeli gunfire, including from naval ships, tanks, and drones, targeted civilians approaching the site, with many victims suffering upper-body gunshot wounds.

Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the death toll and said most of the wounded were men, a shift from previous attacks that primarily affected women and children. The International Committee of the Red Cross called it the single largest influx of casualties to its Rafah field hospital since it opened over a year ago.

The moment Israeli forces in tanks opened fire on hundreds of desperate Palestinians who gathered at the so called “Global Humanitarian Foundation” to receive food; at least 31 killed & 200 injured. The latest centre apparently built on the site where 15 paramedics were killed pic.twitter.com/Jy617L75Kt

— basement films (@Basement_Films) June 1, 2025

Israel’s military denied firing on civilians and claimed it only used warning shots against “suspects,” while also accusing Hamas of obstructing aid efforts.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by Israel and the United States, insisted its aid was delivered “without incident” and dismissed reports of chaos as false.

The new aid system, criticized by the United Nations and aid groups, requires Palestinians to reach specific distribution points controlled by Israeli forces. Critics say it creates “engineered scarcity” and endangers civilians.

The UN and World Food Program warned Gaza is at risk of famine as Israeli restrictions and lawlessness hamper aid delivery.

Gaza is the ‘hungriest place on Earth,’ and its entire population is at risk of famine, warns the UN, as desperate Palestinians are shot at, starved, and forced from their homes by the Israeli forces https://t.co/QbOIXqbjVS pic.twitter.com/csCDLp4Y4z

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 31, 2025

Later Sunday, Israeli shelling struck tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis, killing three and injuring 30. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks stalled after Hamas requested changes to a US-brokered proposal. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt continue efforts to secure a 60-day truce leading to a permanent ceasefire.

Since the war began on October 7, over 54,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to local health officials. The conflict erupted after Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages in a surprise cross-border attack. An estimated 58 hostages remain in captivity.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Nuclear Bomber Bases Deep Inside Siberia

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack Sunday targeting Russian nuclear-capable long-range bombers at the Belaya air base in Siberia—more than 4,300 kilometers (2,670 miles) from the front lines—in what marks Kyiv’s deepest strike inside Russian territory to date.

According to a Ukrainian intelligence official, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) coordinated the attack on over 40 military aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers used to launch long-range missile strikes on Ukraine.

The coordinated operation, reportedly supervised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also targeted airbases in Olenya near Finland, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo east of Moscow.

Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk delivered a report regarding today’s operation. An absolutely brilliant result. A result achieved solely by Ukraine. One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution. Our most long-range… pic.twitter.com/oN41NFYyfw

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025

The attack allegedly damaged up to $2 billion worth of Russian aircraft.

Ukrainian operatives concealed drones inside wooden sheds transported by truck to airbase perimeters. Once in place, the drones were launched via remote activation.

Video footage shared by Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev, though not confirming damage to strategic bombers, showed drones overhead and smoke plumes near the Belaya airbase. He acknowledged it was the first drone attack of its kind in that part of Siberia.

“Drones attacked a military unit in the Irkutsk region,” said the region’s governor, Igor Kobzev.

“It is now known that the attack on the military unit in the village of Srednyy was carried out by drones. The first in Siberia.” One drone struck an old building in Novomaltynsk.… pic.twitter.com/D11Tp7PISk

— Belsat in English (@Belsat_Eng) June 1, 2025

Additionally, local officials confirmed a Ukrainian drone strike near the Olenya base in Russia’s Murmansk region, another site hosting strategic aviation. If confirmed, these strikes reflect a major escalation in Ukraine’s long-range capabilities and a bold effort to hit Russia’s nuclear delivery infrastructure far from the battlefield.

Explosions Collapse Two Bridges, Derail Trains in Western Russia; At Least Seven Dead

Explosions in western Russia overnight caused two separate bridge collapses, derailing a passenger and a freight train, Russian officials said Sunday.

The first incident occurred in the Bryansk region, where a bridge collapsed onto a moving passenger train, killing seven people, including the train’s driver, and injuring dozens more.

Hours later, in the neighboring Kursk region, a second bridge collapsed under a freight train, derailing cars and sparking a fire. No casualties were reported in the second incident, according to local authorities.

Two bridges collapsed overnight in Western Russia, one onto a railway track in the Bryansk Oblast which caused a passenger train to crash and derail, killing at least 7 and injuring dozens; while the second bridge collapse occurred in the Kursk Oblast and caused a Russian cargo… pic.twitter.com/TbGb5bjxSV

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 1, 2025

Russia’s Investigative Committee initially attributed both collapses to explosions and announced terrorism investigations, but later removed references to explosions from its public statements without explanation.

Photos from the scenes showed extensive wreckage, including mangled train cars and collapsed concrete. Some injured passengers were airlifted to Moscow. Bryansk authorities declared three days of mourning starting Monday.

👀 The condition of the bridge in Bryansk region pic.twitter.com/UA0EDXlV3z

— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) June 1, 2025

Elsewhere in Bryansk, Moscow Railway inspectors found further track damage, though it remains unclear if it is related. Ukrainian military intelligence claimed a Russian military freight train en route to Crimea was destroyed, but did not take credit for the bridge attacks or link them to its operations.

The incidents come amid heightened tension and sabotage claims, as Russia continues its war in Ukraine and maintains control over the annexed Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.

UK to Restore War-Fighting Readiness Amid Rising Russian Threats, Defense Review Says

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Sunday to restore the UK’s war-fighting readiness, with a major defense strategy overhaul due Monday in response to rising global threats — particularly from Russia.

Writing in The Sun, Starmer said the Strategic Defense Review will serve as “a blueprint for strength and security for decades to come,” centered on increasing weapons production and national defense capacity.

UK PM Keir Starmer has warned the UK must be prepared to confront and defeat hostile states with modern military capabilities, as his gov’t unveils a $2bn plan to build at least six new weapons factories https://t.co/lGaDeZFfxv pic.twitter.com/M8T3zCArzg

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 1, 2025

Defense Secretary John Healey cited daily cyberattacks and growing Russian aggression as key factors prompting the review. He also warned of new nuclear threats and heightened global tensions.

The Ministry of Defense plans to create an “always on” munitions manufacturing base and scale up weapons stockpiles to meet future conflict demands.

The government has committed to raising defense spending from 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) to 2.5% by 2027 and eventually to 3% by 2029, partially funded by cuts to foreign aid. As part of the plan, £1.5 billion ($2 billion) will go toward building six new munitions and energetics factories and acquiring 7,000 domestically produced long-range weapons, supporting 1,800 jobs.

An additional £1 billion will fund a new “cyber command” to enhance battlefield integration.

The strategy, led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, highlights a “new era of threat,” shaped by the convergence of drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare. The review identifies Russia as the most immediate danger, while also flagging China, Iran, and North Korea as strategic threats — a “deadly quartet” reportedly acting in greater coordination.

Myanmar Junta Extends Ceasefire Amid Accusations of Air Strikes

Myanmar’s military junta has extended its post-earthquake ceasefire until June 30, citing the need to support rehabilitation and reconstruction in areas devastated by the March quake that killed nearly 3,800 people.

The truce, first announced following the disaster, has been repeatedly extended, but conflict monitors report continued air strikes and clashes on multiple fronts.

In a statement over the weekend, the junta said the ceasefire would aid rebuilding damaged infrastructure and facilitate preparations for a general election, which it claims will take place by December or January — the first since the 2021 military coup. However, the military warned it would continue to retaliate against attacks from ethnic armed organizations and anti-coup forces.

🇲🇲 Good news for peace and progress! The Tatmadaw has extended the nationwide ceasefire until June 30 🎉 to focus on rebuilding quake-hit areas, ensure free & fair elections, and speed up national development. #MyanmarFactCheck honour stability leads the way to lasting peace! 🌿 pic.twitter.com/lIzxYVf6LA

— Thet Zaw (@msthetzaw) June 1, 2025

The ceasefire extension comes after Malaysia, which currently chairs ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), urged broader implementation of the truce during a recent regional meeting.

ASEAN has so far failed to broker a peaceful resolution to Myanmar’s escalating civil conflict.

China Warns US Over Taiwan Comments, Accuses Washington of Destabilizing Indo-Pacific

China issued a stern warning to the United States on Sunday, saying Washington “should not play with fire” over Taiwan, following remarks by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a security summit in Singapore.

Beijing said it lodged formal protests after Hegseth warned that China was “credibly preparing” for military action against Taiwan and “rehearsing for the real deal.”

In response, China’s foreign ministry condemned the comments and reiterated that Taiwan is a “domestic matter,” rejecting any foreign interference. The ministry called Hegseth’s statements provocative and accused the US of using Taiwan as a “bargaining chip” to contain China.

Hegseth also criticized Beijing for militarizing disputed areas in the South China Sea, calling China’s actions illegal under international law.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Negative Comments on China at the Shangri-La Dialogue

Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality of… pic.twitter.com/PaO14RW6kE

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) June 1, 2025

China rejected the accusation, claiming there are no threats to navigation in the region and insisting its actions are lawful.

Beijing further accused the US of turning the Indo-Pacific into a “powder keg” by deploying weapons in the region. The diplomatic clash underscores deepening tensions over Taiwan and maritime sovereignty as China ramps up its military posture and the US reinforces alliances across Asia.

Sources: News Agencies, The Associated Press, USNI News

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Editor’s Note: A correction has been made under the Myanmar Junta headline to address an error. We apologize for any confusion.