Dead Drop: Week of October 5

NOT TO GET ALL HUNG UP about the civilian leadership of the U.S. Navy – but people keep pointing out odd things to us. Earlier we noted press reports that the Secretary of Defense/War Pete Hegseth fired the civilian chief of staff to the Secretary of the Navy. It seemed odd that – if firing were merited – the Secretary of the Navy John Phelan wasn’t the guy to do it. Now observers have spotted that the newly confirmed Under Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, posted on X yesterday photos of himself being sworn into office by Hegseth. Among the post-oath shots was one with members of the Cao clan and Hegseth, but nowhere to be seen was Secretary of the Navy Phelan. Phelan has been active on X today – posting photos from yesterday’s event in Norfolk marking the 250th birthday of the USN – and bragging about how lethal and deadly the Navy is, but so far, there has been dead silence from him about the arrival of his new top deputy.

AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON: On October 1, The Kyiv Post reported that Russian forces have begun training assault teams to conduct combat on horseback. And the horses were getting training too – so as not to be spooked by gunfire and explosions on the battlefield. A Russian military blogger bragged on Telegram that “Horses see well at night, don’t need roads to accelerate on the final approach, and their instincts can, reportedly, help them avoid mines.” And he added: “I am sure we will soon witness the historic return of the Russian cavalry to the ranks.” On Saturday, video was posted online showing a Ukrainian drone appearing to eliminate a Russian cavalry soldier standing next to his trusty steed. Despite their instincts, apparently horses can’t avoid drones.