Here are the top five U.S. military news stories from the past 24 hours:

1. USS Bataan in the Mediterranean: The USS Bataan, an amphibious warship, now leads the U.S. task force in the eastern Mediterranean, reflecting the U.S. Navy’s strategy to maintain dominance in the Middle East and respond to potential regional conflicts. The warship, along with two support ships, houses a combined force of nearly 2,500 Marines and sailors.
2. Court-Martial for Army Physician: Maj. Michael Stockin, an Army physician, will face a court-martial for 54 sexual abuse allegations. This marks the first instance of a soldier being prosecuted by the Army’s Office of Special Trial Counsel, which was established under a new law removing commanders from decision-making in certain criminal cases.
3. Marine Corps Radio Upgrade: The Marine Corps is upgrading its radios to prevent sophisticated adversaries from eavesdropping. This is part of a broader effort to enhance the security and effectiveness of military communications.
4. Japanese Shipyards to Repair Navy Warships: The U.S. Navy has announced that Japanese shipyards will be used for repairing its warships. This move signifies the deepening military cooperation between the United States and Japan.
5. VA PTSD Claim Rejections: A study has found that U.S. veterans with PTSD stemming from military sexual trauma are more likely to have their disability claims denied compared to those with combat-related PTSD claims.

These stories highlight significant developments in the U.S. military, ranging from strategic deployments and legal changes to advancements in technology and veterans’ affairs.