Inside the Navy highlights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Navy:

1. MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CA -- The Marine Corps is taking a more hands-on approach when conducting its latest advanced technology exercise focused on a rifle company operating in an urban environment.

Full Story: Marines use different model for exercise on operating in urban environment

2. The omnibus appropriations bill passed by the House and Senate calls for reports to be delivered later this year about two major Navy programs.

Full Story: Congress mandates reports on strike fighter inventory, DDG-51

3. The Navy is taking the first concrete step toward a two-ship carrier purchase by releasing a request for proposals last week to Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding to analyze the potential cost savings.

Full Story: Geurts: Navy issues RFP to analyze savings in two-ship carrier buy

4. The Missile Defense Agency is exploring whether the Navy's newest interceptor -- originally designed to intercept medium- and intermediate-range threats -- can extend its reach to strike intercontinental ballistic missiles, a new gambit to bolster defense of the United States from North Korean ballistic missile threats.

Full Story: MDA exploring potential of SM-3 Block IIA against ICBM threat