Thursday, February 5, 2026

Today in DOW: Feb. 5, 2026

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Department of War: Today in DOW
Today in DOW: Feb. 5, 2026
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Contracts for Feb. 2, 2026, Through Feb. 4, 2026

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Department of War: Contracts
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FOR RELEASE AT 5 PM ET
Contracts For Feb. 4, 2026

ARMY

Accurate Energetic Systems LLC,* McEwen, Tennessee (W519TC-26-D-0003); Nammo Perry Inc., Perry, Florida (W519TC-26-D-0004); and Spectra Technologies LLC,* Camden, Arkansas (W519TC-26-D-0005), will compete for each order of the $377,724,957 firm-fixed-price contract for TNT and plastic-bonded explosive N-9 supplementary charges. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

OST Inc., McLean, Virginia, was awarded an $81,908,096 time-and-materials contract for systems engineering and technical assistance services in support of the Capability Program Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 14, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-26-F-A025). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, New Jersey, was awarded a $67,509,371 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide sustainment, contractor logistics support, and programmatic activities in support of fleet-wide mid-range capability, including integrated logistics support and field service representative support. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 1, 2029. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $35,068,149 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-26-C-0009). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

AMTEC Corp.,* Janesville, Wisconsin, was awarded a $49,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for 40mm grenade ammunition integration, fabrication, and testing support requirements. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-26-D-0004). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Odin Environmental Solutions LLC, Roseville, California, was awarded a $28,975,505 firm-fixed-price contract for the Mount St. Helens Sediment Retention Structure Crest Raise, which will hold sediment back from running downstream. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Cowlitz County, Washington, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2028. Fiscal 2026 civil construction funds in the amount of $28,975,505 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, is the contracting activity (W9127N-26-C-A011). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

APTIM Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to provide all required preventive and corrective maintenance services, emergency repair, and records management for petroleum facilities and systems. The amount of this action is $20,868,574, with a total cumulative face value of $77,729,609. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Japan, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2029. Fiscal 2026 Defense Working Capital Funds in the amount of $20,868,574 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-26-C-A002). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Texas Workforce Commission, Austin, Texas, was awarded a $14,837,637 modification (P00007) to contract W9124J-20-D-0012 for full food services under the Army Food Program, providing dining facility management, food receiving and storage, food preparation, food serving, remote site feeding, and facility sanitation. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $89,475,421. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2027. Army 418th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 31, 2026)

Stratus Security Management Inc.,* Detroit, Michigan, was awarded a $14,011,929 firm-fixed-price contract for the performance of armed security guard services. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, civil funds in the amount of $2,643,761 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is the contracting activity (W911XK-26-C-A005). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Koontz Electric Co. Inc., Morrilton, Arkansas, was awarded a $13,987,789 firm-fixed-price contract for a 15kV dam switchgear upgrade. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Peck, Montana, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2026 Western States Power Corp. funds in the amount of $13,987,789 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is the contracting activity (W9128F-26-C-A012). (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026)

C.J. Mahan Construction Co. LLC, Urbancrest, Ohio, was awarded a $13,620,720 firm-fixed-price contract for dam tow haulage system replacement. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Emsworth, Pennsylvania; and Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2029. Fiscal 2026 civil construction funds in the amount of $13,620,720 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, is the contracting activity (W911WN-26-C-A001). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Delta Solutions and Services Bowhead LLC, Springfield, Virginia, was awarded a $12,956,431 time-and-materials contract for programmatic support. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-26-F-0039). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $11,994,680 modification (P00014) to contract W56HZV-21-C-0072 for contractor logistics support services to sustain M1A1SA Abrams tanks and M88A1/A2 recovery vehicles. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $90,954,439. Work will be performed in Camp Taji, Iraq, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2026. Fiscal 2026 Foreign Military Sales (Iraq) funds in the amount of $11,994,680 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026)

Torch Research LLC,* Leawood, Kansas, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the Victor Software as a Solution Program. The amount of this action is $11,972,629, with a total cumulative face value of $43,930,459. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $11,972,629 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-26-C-A008). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $11,339,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new procurement warehouse consisting of a fully sprinklered, single-story, pre-engineered metal building with a loading dock area, high bay open warehouse space, small office area, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing spaces. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Aiken, South Carolina, with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2027. Fiscal 2024 weapons activities, Department of Energy funds in the amount of $11,339,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, is the contracting activity (W912HP-26-C-A003). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026)

Inland Dredging Company LLC, Dyersburg, Tennessee, was awarded a $10,270,400 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance pipeline dredging of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from High Island to Causeway with Chocolate Bayou in Galveston, Chambers, and Brazoria counties, Texas. Work will be performed in Galveston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 15, 2026. Fiscal 2026 construction, Corps of Engineers, Civil funds in the amount of $10,270,400 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is the contracting activity (W912HY-26-C-A010). (Awarded Feb. 3, 20216)

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Buffalo, New York, has been awarded a $249,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries for Joint Threat Emitter production end-items. This contract provides for spares, support equipment, testing, training, and additional support services. Work will be performed at Buffalo, New York; and various foreign locations, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2033. This contract involves FMS to U.S. partner countries. This award is the result of a source-directed sole-source acquisition. Royal Saudi Air Force funds in the amount of $12,014 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8210-26-D-B001). (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026)

Starfish Space Inc., Kent, Washington, has been awarded a $54,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for an Otter Space Vehicle and operations support. This contract provides for manufacturing of the Otter Space Vehicle and two option years for operational support. Work will be performed at Kent, Washington, and is expected to be complete by June 30, 2030. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 procurement funds in the amount of $48,500,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8811-26-C-B001). (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026)

Deloitte Consulting LLP, Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $26,187,333 firm-fixed-price modification (P00017) to a contract (FA7014-25-F-0145) for technical support services for Air Force A4 IT systems. Work will be performed at Washington, D.C., and if all options are exercised work is expected to be completed April 24, 2030. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and two offers were received. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,248,473 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Blue Halo LLC, Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a maximum $19,954,302 contract for advanced frameworks for human biological modeling. This contract provides for next-generation models and, through data integration and databasing and artificial intelligence and machine learning, creates systems to provide flexible modular systems for modeling human biology. Work will be performed at Dayton, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by February 3, 2029, or 3 February 2031 if options are accepted. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 funds in the amount of $1,154,419 are being obligated at the time of award. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA238426CB028). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Liverpool, New York, is awarded a $249,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for spares, repairs, engineering services, and depot stand-up support for Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block Two Electronic Support Anti-Ship Missile Defense System integration. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be completed by February 2031. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $344,788 will be obligated at the time of award, of which none expires at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured via the System for Award Management website. The contract is a sole-source award under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016426DWM41). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Kay and Associates Inc., Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was awarded a $165,935,469 modification (P00015) to a previously awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable contract (N0042122C0013). This modification exercises an option to provide maintenance, operation, and management support services for the F/A-18 organizational level, intermediate level, and missile maintenance repair and storage facilities for the government of Kuwait. Work will be performed in undisclosed locations in Kuwait and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $86,567,735 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 29, 2026)

WSP-BV Southeast JV, Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for multi-discipline architectural and engineering design and related services in support of waterfront projects. Work will be performed at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of operations and is expected to be completed by January 2031. The contract will be funded at the time of award of each task order. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website, with five offers received. NAVFAC Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-26-D-0001). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Tetra Tech/Mason & Hangar JV, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for architect-engineer services. This contract provides for planning, design, and engineering services to support project types throughout the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility and is expected to be completed by February 2031. The contract will be funded at the time of award of each task order. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov website, with 18 offers received. NAVFAC Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-26-D-0011). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems Inc., Sacramento, California, is awarded a $61,068,139 modification (P00018) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0021). This modification exercises options to procure full rate production Lot Seven of the BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets and 70 Rocket-Assisted Takeoff attachment kits, as well as associated technical and administrative data in support of weapons system test and evaluation and fleet training for the Navy. Work will be performed in, Sacramento, California (50%); Dallas, Texas (20%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (5%); Blacksburg, Virigina (4%); Santa Ana, California (2%); Newton, Kansas (2%); Concord, California (2%); Milwaukie, Oregon (2%); Chatsworth, California (2%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (11%), and is expected to be completed in August 2028. Fiscal 2024 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $872,402; fiscal 2025 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $ $3,489,608; and fiscal 2026 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $56,706,129, will be obligated at the time of award, $872,402 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Aerovironment Inc., Simi Valley, California, is awarded a $23,956,873 firm-fixed-price order (N6833526F0005) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6833524G0056). This order is to perform applied research and development of computer vision and machine learning algorithms and related video/imagery processing software, facilitate transition into operational systems, and provide maintenance and support of deployed instances of these technologies. This contract will include applied research and advanced technology development of concepts for integrating computer vision capabilities with Uncrewed Surface Vessel and other unmanned systems to enable advanced autonomous and swarming behaviors. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California (11%); Port Heneme, California (11%); San Diego, California (11%); Norfolk, Virgina (11%); Dahlgren, Virgina (11%); Centreville, Virgina (11%); Dugway Proving Ground, Utah (11%); Atlanta, Georgia (11%); and Baltimore, Maryland (12%), and is expected to be completed in February 2031. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,812,074 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Detyens Shipyard Inc.,* North Charleston, South Carolina, is awarded a $19,473,441 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220526C1207) for 88-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T-AO 206). This contract includes a base work package and three unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $19,715,351. Work will be performed in North Charleston, South Carolina, beginning Feb. 20, 2026, and is expected to be completed by May 18, 2026. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $19,473,441 are obligated and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Government wide Point of Entry website and four offers received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220526C1207). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Alabama Shipyard LLC,* Mobile, Alabama, was awarded a $14,629,165 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220526C1206) for a 73-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command's replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188). This contract includes a base work package and three unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $14,899,577. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, beginning March 26, 2026, and is expected to be completed by June 6, 2026. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,629,165 are obligated and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Government wide Point of Entry website and three offers were received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220526C1206). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Outdoor Venture Cooperation-Engineered Solutions LLC, Stearns, Kentucky, is awarded a $12,293,636 delivery order to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-25-D-5002) for Multi-Refrigerant TRICON (MRT) production units, MRT Training Systems, and to provide instructor, key personnel and new equipment training. Work will be performed in Stearns, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Contract funds in the amount of $12,293,636 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition under authority 15 U.S. Code 638(r)(4). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-F-5308). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Kimball & Thompson Produce Co.,* Lowell, Arkansas (SPE300-26-D-P449, $150,000,000); and GoFresh LLC,* Tulsa, Oklahoma (SPE300-26-D-S786, $48,000,000), have each been awarded a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE300-24-R-0015 for fresh fruit and vegetable items. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. These are five-year contracts with no option periods. Location of performance is Oklahoma, with a Feb. 1, 2031, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Department of Agriculture. Type of appropriation is Fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)
 
S By S Studio Inc.,** Brooklyn, New York, has been awarded a maximum $28,737,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for various types of physical fitness shorts. This was a competitive acquisition with six responses received. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Feb. 2, 2030. Using military services are Air Force and Space Force. Type of appropriation is Fiscal 2026 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (SPE1C1-26-D-0023). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026)

Sanofi Vaccines US Inc., Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $13,128,247 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for injectable influenza vaccines. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Feb. 3, 2027. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DP-26-D-0004).

DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

Carefusion Solutions LLC, San Diego, California, is awarded Option Year Two of a firm-fixed-price contract (HT001124C0015) to provide continued pharmacy inpatient automation solution-enterprise support. The total contract value of this option exercise is $14,422,506. Work will be performed at San Diego, California; and at military medical treatment facilities worldwide. Operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,070,203 are subject to availability of funds for fiscal year 2026. Procurement funds in the amount of $5,352,302 are obligated for fiscal 2025-2027. The contract was procured under 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) and regulatory authority, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and was executed on July 1, 2024. The period of performance is Feb. 1, 2026, to Jan. 31, 2027. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 28, 2026.)

*Small business
**Women-owned small business

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Meet the Military Athletes Competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics

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U.S. Department of War: Feature
Meet the Military Athletes Competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics
Feb. 4, 2026 | By Katie Lange

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are fast approaching. As always, there's a contingent of U.S. military athletes who have qualified to represent their country on the biggest sports stage in the world.

While this Olympics will not feature any athletes from the Navy or Marine Corps, there are plenty of World Class Athlete Program participants from the Army and Air Force — including one who was named as a flagbearer for the opening ceremony.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is looking forward to speaking with several of these athletes during morale calls ahead of the games.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis: Skeleton

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis, 37, of Princeton, New Jersey, ranks 16th in the world in skeleton, a daring sliding sport in which athletes lie head-first and face-down on a small sled as they fly down a steep, icy track. Curtis happens to be the sport's top-ranked U.S. athlete.

Being athletic is a bit of a Curtis family trait. Her father, John, was an All-American football player, while her two brothers also played college sports. At Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, Curtis competed in the heptathlon and won the event at the 2011 Penn Relays.

Soon after graduating in 2012, one of her coaches introduced her to bobsled, which she tried out for in 2013. But during her training, she saw skeleton athletes practicing and decided to switch to that sport.

When she's not racing, Curtis serves her country and trains at Aviano Air Base, Italy, where she works in information management. She joined the Air Force and its World Class Athlete Program in August 2020 to support her career as an athlete, which seems to have paid off. Her talents took her to the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, where she became the first Black athlete to represent Team USA in skeleton.

Just last month, Curtis earned silver at an International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation World Cup event in St. Moritz-Celerina, Switzerland, climbing her way to the podium after initially being in ninth place. In the same competition in December 2022, she came in third. She's also raced in multiple world cup and international competitions, consistently ranking among the top competitors.

Curtis has a master's degree from Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, and is married with one daughter.

Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca: Bobsled

Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca, 34, of Bethel, Maine, will compete in the two-man and four-man bobsled events in Milan Cortina. This will be his second Olympics, having competed in the 2022 Beijing Games, where his four-man team placed 13th. His experience as an Olympian may be why he was named as one of the two U.S. flagbearers for the opening ceremony alongside veteran speed skater Erin Jackson.

Del Duca grew up as a world-class athlete, earning accolades as a high school state champion in alpine skiing before becoming a sprinter and long jumper at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine.

According to the Team USA website, Del Duca joined the U.S. Bobsled Team as a brakeman after college in 2016, but after failing to make the 2018 Olympics, he switched to pilot. That's also what brought him into the Army World Class Athlete Program, which he joined shortly after enlisting in 2019 as an infantryman. Del Duca said he witnessed the unit's discipline and leadership and thought it would upgrade his training. It turns out, he was right.

"I've learned so much about leadership, team building, accountability, setting standards, scheduling, punctuality — big things and small things that matter when you're part of a group working toward a common goal," Del Duca told Army writer Steve Warns.

At the March 2025 International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation World Championships in Lake Placid, New York, where Del Duca happens to train, he piloted his team to a fourth-place finish in two-man and four-man bobsled events. He told Warns he's excited for what's to come in Italy.

"When the cameras and lights are on, I find another gear," he said. "I push better and focus harder because the competition demands it. There are so many great teams, and everyone has to have their best day."

Del Duca is married with two sons.

Army Spc. Sean Doherty: Biathlon

Army Spc. Sean Doherty, of Center Conway, New Hampshire, might be the most experienced military athlete this year, as he will compete on his fourth Olympic team in as many as six events.

Doherty began competing in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, at age 12. By the time he was 18, he was competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, becoming the first teenager and the youngest U.S. athlete to compete in the sport.

In 2018, Doherty enlisted in the Army as a carpentry and masonry specialist and is now a member of the Vermont National Guard. However, he didn't join the WCAP until after he competed in the 2022 Beijing Games. Now 30, Doherty said the experiences he's had with the WCAP continue to shape him.

"WCAP supports you not just as an athlete, but as a person and a soldier," he told Warns. "They care about my athletic performance, but they also care about my development as a whole person, and I'm grateful for that."

Doherty trains at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont, which is home to the Army Mountain Warfare School. Outside of biathlon, he's an avid hunter, archer, fisherman and woodworker.

Army Spc. Azaria Hill: Bobsled

Army Spc. Azaria Hill, 27, of Santa Clarita, California, comes from a family of Olympians. She's the daughter of track and field star Denean Howard-Hill, a three-time Olympian who won gold and two silver medals; and Virgil Hill Sr., who earned the silver medal for boxing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Hill's aunt, Sherri Howard, is also a three-time Olympic medalist in track and field relay competitions.

"I just knew ever since I was a little girl ... I wanted to be like my mom and aunt," she said in her Team USA biography.

Hill was a sprinter on the track and field team at California State University, Long Beach, California, before finishing her college athletic career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While there, she met U.S. bobsled pilot Kaysha Love, who competed in the 2022 Beijing Games. Love talked Hill into trying out for the bobsled brakewoman position after graduation.

Hill first competed with Love for Team USA in bobsled at the North American Cup in Lake Placid, New York, November 2023, finishing in first place. The pair went on to finish fourth at the 2024 IBSF World Championships.

Hearing the WCAP could provide benefits to support her athletic and professional career, Hill enlisted in 2024 as a motor transport operator and joined the unit.

"It provides resources, such as going back to school to obtain my master's and helping to become an officer," Hill said. "We work on all aspects of ourselves, not just athletics. They make sure we stay on top of classes and training, even overseas. They push us to grow professionally and athletically."

Like Del Duca, Hill is stationed in Lake Placid, New York.

Army Pvt. Spencer Howe: Pairs Figure Skating

Army Pvt. Spencer Howe, 29, of Los Angeles, followed his sister into the sport of figure skating starting at age 9. By the time he was 18, he'd transitioned from a solo skater to pairs and was making a name for himself.

Unfortunately, in the spring of 2023, Howe needed surgery to repair a torn labrum, and it took a lot of time for him to recover before he could make a serious return to the sport.

During that downtime, Howe learned about the WCAP program. So, he enlisted in February 2025 as a motor transport operator and joined the unit shortly thereafter. He's the first figure skater to be a part of the program.

Last month, during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Howe and his skating partner of seven years, Emily Chan, qualified for the Olympic team for the first time. Howe told Warns that they finished eighth in the short program but secured their spot on the team by placing third in the free skate.

"We're grateful and honored," he said afterward. "Being able to serve my country and participate in my sport at the same time is an unbelievable opportunity that I am incredibly grateful to have."

Howe said his initial military training helped shape him into a better athlete.

"I started looking at skating from a soldier's perspective and not just an athlete," Howe said. "Taking on the responsibility to compete at the highest level — not just for Team USA but also for the Army — is a different level of commitment."

After continuing his education, Howe eventually wants to join the Chaplain Corps.

In his spare time, Howe coaches figure skating and hockey at The Skating Club of Boston, near where he and Chan train.

Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin: Biathlon

In her first Olympics in 2022, Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin placed seventh in the women's 15-kilometer individual biathlon — the highest finish for an American in biathlon history. Irwin is now the top female athlete for the U.S. Biathlon Team, and she could compete in six events in Milan.

Irwin, 33, of Pulaski, Wisconsin, is a human resource specialist with the Vermont National Guard. She enlisted in the Army in 2019 and competed for the National Guard Biathlon Team in the 2022 Games. In 2023, she joined the WCAP for its consistent support, which she said has made all the difference in both careers.

"With WCAP, I have full-time orders, full-time benefits and direct access to resources," Irwin said. "Being both a platoon sergeant and an athlete have pushed me to learn a lot.

Growing up, Irwin wanted to be a track and field athlete. She picked up cross-country skiing in the winter during high school to stay in shape between the fall cross-country and spring track and field seasons. Irwin then went to Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, where she competed in all three sports.

After college, Irwin tried her hand at a professional skiing career. She didn't get started in biathlon until she was 25, when a fellow cross-country skier talked her into attending a talent camp. She told Team USA she instantly fell in love with the sport.

"It has been an honor to be able to represent my country as both a U.S. Olympian and a U.S. Army soldier," she said. "I hope to inspire the next generation to serve and represent our country, too."

Outside of biathlon, Irwin enjoys knitting, baking, puzzles and music.

Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Jones: Bobsled

Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Jones, 29, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a brakewoman in the two-woman bobsled event. After competition this January in the St. Moritz World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the first-time Olympian can now say she's a gold-medal champion.

In high school, Jones was a standout basketball player and a two-time state champion in the 4x100-meter relay. She went on to become a sprinter for Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she was a five-time individual conference champion.

Jones' success led five-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor to reach out, encouraging her to try out for the U.S. bobsled team. Jones took that advice. In the years since, she's competed in world championships and made the National World Cup team.

Jones enlisted in the Air Force in April 2023 as a material management specialist. She joined the WCAP to help bring stability to her busy life filled with work, training and raising her daughter, Jade.

"They allowed me to … have the support from the military as far as pay and benefits so I can truly focus on my sport. Then, on the back end of my contract, I give my time back, which is fine with me because I want a career in the military," she told the Amsterdam News out of New York City.

Just last month, Jones and her teammate, Kaillie Armbruster-Humphries, earned gold at the aforementioned IBSF World Cup two-woman bobsled race in St. Moritz, Switzerland. A few weeks later, they took silver at another IBSF World Cup race in Germany.

"[The] Olympics has always been a dream I've had. Now I can achieve those dreams by representing my country while being an airman," she said in her Air Force biography.

Jones trains in Lake Placid, New York.

Army Sgt. Ben Loomis: Nordic Combined

Army Sgt. Ben Loomis, 27, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, will compete in his third Olympics in the Nordic Combined event, which combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Loomis competed in the 2022 Beijing Games and the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in South Korea.

According to Nordic Combined USA, Loomis started ski jumping at age 5. His talents grew so quickly that, at 15, he moved to Park City, Utah, to find higher-caliber training and competition.

In 2019, after high school, Loomis enlisted in the Utah National Guard as a motor transport operator to join the WCAP for its opportunities. He told the Army that training for his sport requires power, endurance and strength — physical traits that are also required to carry out his military duties.

"Being an athlete and a soldier go hand in hand," Loomis said. "What I've learned in the military has helped my athletic career, and my athletic background has helped me as a soldier."

He said his experience in the military has been incredibly positive.

"I want to stay in after my athletic career, maybe even for a full career," Loomis said. "My reasons for joining and my reasons for staying are completely different now."

After earning silver in the 2016 Youth Olympic Games, Loomis was named the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's Nordic combined athlete of the year. He's been a member of four world championship teams, and his brother, Adam, is also a former world champion in the sport.

When Loomis isn't on the snow, he enjoys hiking, fishing, biking and water skiing.

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