1 00:00:03,490 --> 00:00:05,490 All right . Well , good afternoon , 2 00:00:05,490 --> 00:00:07,546 everyone and thank you very much for 3 00:00:07,546 --> 00:00:09,657 your patience . I do have quite a bit 4 00:00:09,657 --> 00:00:11,990 to cover today . So thank you , advance . 5 00:00:11,990 --> 00:00:14,640 Uh Well , I go through some detailed 6 00:00:14,649 --> 00:00:16,760 information here . First of all , let 7 00:00:16,760 --> 00:00:18,982 me address the ongoing situation in the 8 00:00:18,982 --> 00:00:20,871 Middle East and the Department of 9 00:00:20,871 --> 00:00:23,038 Defense Response and then I'll discuss 10 00:00:23,038 --> 00:00:25,260 the reports of drone attacks against us 11 00:00:25,260 --> 00:00:28,069 facilities in Iraq and Syria . Uh As 12 00:00:28,079 --> 00:00:31,100 you are all aware , Secretary Austin 13 00:00:31,110 --> 00:00:33,054 recently directed several steps to 14 00:00:33,054 --> 00:00:35,277 strengthen dod posture in the region to 15 00:00:35,277 --> 00:00:37,443 bolster regional deterrence efforts to 16 00:00:37,450 --> 00:00:40,409 include deploying the US SF Ford 17 00:00:40,419 --> 00:00:42,419 carrier strike group to the Eastern 18 00:00:42,419 --> 00:00:44,308 Mediterranean along with the US S 19 00:00:44,308 --> 00:00:46,308 Eisenhower currently underway in en 20 00:00:46,308 --> 00:00:48,252 route . Additionally , we are also 21 00:00:48,252 --> 00:00:50,475 enhancing our fighter aircraft presence 22 00:00:50,475 --> 00:00:52,308 in the central command region to 23 00:00:52,308 --> 00:00:54,909 provide additional capabilities by 24 00:00:54,919 --> 00:00:56,919 posturing these US naval assets and 25 00:00:56,919 --> 00:00:59,252 advanced fighter aircraft in the region . 26 00:00:59,252 --> 00:01:01,270 We aim to send a strong message 27 00:01:01,279 --> 00:01:04,389 intended to deter a wider conflict to 28 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:06,289 bolster regional stability and of 29 00:01:06,289 --> 00:01:08,456 course , to make it clear that we will 30 00:01:08,456 --> 00:01:10,233 protect and defend our national 31 00:01:10,233 --> 00:01:12,456 security interests to that end the crew 32 00:01:12,456 --> 00:01:14,511 of the guided missile destroyer US S 33 00:01:14,511 --> 00:01:16,567 Carney operating in the Northern Red 34 00:01:16,567 --> 00:01:18,567 Sea earlier today , shot down three 35 00:01:18,567 --> 00:01:20,789 land attack cruise missiles and several 36 00:01:20,789 --> 00:01:22,789 drones that were launched by Houthi 37 00:01:22,789 --> 00:01:25,089 forces in Yemen . This action was a 38 00:01:25,099 --> 00:01:27,349 demonstration of the integrated air and 39 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:29,416 missile defense architecture that we 40 00:01:29,416 --> 00:01:31,582 have built in the Middle East and that 41 00:01:31,582 --> 00:01:33,582 we are prepared to utilize whenever 42 00:01:33,582 --> 00:01:35,693 necessary to protect our partners and 43 00:01:35,693 --> 00:01:37,971 our interests in this important region . 44 00:01:38,050 --> 00:01:40,250 There were no casualties to us forces 45 00:01:40,260 --> 00:01:42,038 and none that we know of to any 46 00:01:42,038 --> 00:01:44,470 civilians on the ground . Information 47 00:01:44,480 --> 00:01:46,647 about these engagements is still being 48 00:01:46,647 --> 00:01:48,869 processed and we cannot say for certain 49 00:01:48,869 --> 00:01:50,869 what these missiles and drones were 50 00:01:50,869 --> 00:01:53,091 targeting , but they were launched from 51 00:01:53,091 --> 00:01:55,202 Yemen heading north along the Red Sea 52 00:01:55,202 --> 00:01:57,424 potentially towards targets in Israel . 53 00:01:57,424 --> 00:01:59,591 Our defensive response was one that we 54 00:01:59,591 --> 00:02:01,813 would have taken for any similar threat 55 00:02:01,813 --> 00:02:04,036 in the region where we're able to do so 56 00:02:04,036 --> 00:02:06,091 against our interest , personnel and 57 00:02:06,091 --> 00:02:07,980 our partners . This attack may be 58 00:02:07,980 --> 00:02:09,591 ongoing . So if we have more 59 00:02:09,591 --> 00:02:11,647 information to share , we will . But 60 00:02:11,647 --> 00:02:13,980 again , as the secretary has made clear , 61 00:02:13,980 --> 00:02:16,036 we have the capability to defend our 62 00:02:16,036 --> 00:02:18,202 broader interests in the region and to 63 00:02:18,202 --> 00:02:20,313 deter regional escalation and broader 64 00:02:20,313 --> 00:02:22,369 expansion of the conflict that began 65 00:02:22,369 --> 00:02:24,536 with Hamas attack on Israeli civilians 66 00:02:24,536 --> 00:02:26,758 on October 7th . The crew of the Carney 67 00:02:26,758 --> 00:02:28,980 did just that and across the force , we 68 00:02:28,980 --> 00:02:30,869 will remain vigilant to any other 69 00:02:30,869 --> 00:02:32,924 potential threats . And while I'm on 70 00:02:32,924 --> 00:02:35,036 the topic of threats , let me provide 71 00:02:35,036 --> 00:02:37,036 an update on the reports of several 72 00:02:37,036 --> 00:02:39,147 drone attacks against us . Facilities 73 00:02:39,147 --> 00:02:41,149 in Iraq and Syria . Early yesterday 74 00:02:41,160 --> 00:02:43,649 morning , Syria time October 18th , the 75 00:02:43,970 --> 00:02:46,199 ATTA garrison in Syria was targeted by 76 00:02:46,210 --> 00:02:49,330 two drones . Us and coalition forces 77 00:02:49,339 --> 00:02:51,450 engaged one drone destroying it while 78 00:02:51,450 --> 00:02:53,339 the other drone impacted the base 79 00:02:53,339 --> 00:02:55,061 resulting in minor injuries to 80 00:02:55,061 --> 00:02:58,100 coalition forces . Also the same war in 81 00:02:58,110 --> 00:03:00,277 Iraq , early warning systems indicated 82 00:03:00,277 --> 00:03:02,166 a possible threat approaching the 83 00:03:02,166 --> 00:03:04,332 airbase at Al Assad and base personnel 84 00:03:04,332 --> 00:03:06,277 sheltered in place as a protective 85 00:03:06,277 --> 00:03:08,500 measure though no attack occurred . 86 00:03:08,509 --> 00:03:10,630 Sadly , a US civilian contractor 87 00:03:10,639 --> 00:03:12,869 suffered a cardiac episode while 88 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:14,824 sheltering and passed away shortly 89 00:03:14,824 --> 00:03:17,047 thereafter . And our deepest sympathies 90 00:03:17,047 --> 00:03:19,324 and condolences are with the loved one , 91 00:03:19,324 --> 00:03:21,547 loved ones of the individual who passed 92 00:03:21,547 --> 00:03:23,769 away . And as you know , the day before 93 00:03:23,769 --> 00:03:25,824 on October 17th , us military forces 94 00:03:25,824 --> 00:03:27,936 defended against three drones near us 95 00:03:27,936 --> 00:03:31,000 and coalition forces in Iraq in western 96 00:03:31,009 --> 00:03:33,500 Iraq at Al Assad Air Base , us forces 97 00:03:33,509 --> 00:03:35,620 engaged two drones destroying one and 98 00:03:35,620 --> 00:03:37,869 damaging the second resulting in minor 99 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:39,602 injuries to coalition forces . 100 00:03:40,399 --> 00:03:42,343 Separately . In northern Iraq , us 101 00:03:42,343 --> 00:03:44,399 forces engaged and destroyed a drone 102 00:03:44,399 --> 00:03:46,399 near Bashir Airbase resulting in no 103 00:03:46,399 --> 00:03:48,566 injuries or damage . And while I'm not 104 00:03:48,566 --> 00:03:50,343 going to forecast any potential 105 00:03:50,343 --> 00:03:52,510 response to these attacks , I will say 106 00:03:52,510 --> 00:03:54,732 that we will take all necessary actions 107 00:03:54,732 --> 00:03:56,750 to defend us and coalition forces 108 00:03:56,809 --> 00:03:59,699 against any threat , any response 109 00:03:59,710 --> 00:04:01,766 should one occur will come at a time 110 00:04:01,766 --> 00:04:04,050 and a manner of our choosing . Now , in 111 00:04:04,059 --> 00:04:05,837 light of all of this activity , 112 00:04:05,837 --> 00:04:08,003 Secretary Austin continues to actively 113 00:04:08,003 --> 00:04:09,837 engage with his counterparts and 114 00:04:09,837 --> 00:04:12,115 leaders within the Middle East . Today , 115 00:04:12,115 --> 00:04:14,399 he conducted a series of calls which 116 00:04:14,410 --> 00:04:16,688 included discussions with his highness , 117 00:04:16,688 --> 00:04:18,854 President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed of 118 00:04:18,854 --> 00:04:21,021 the United Arab Emirates , Amir Sheikh 119 00:04:21,021 --> 00:04:23,369 Tamim of Qatar and Saudi Arabia 120 00:04:23,380 --> 00:04:25,670 Minister of Defense Khalid Bin Salman , 121 00:04:25,839 --> 00:04:28,720 also Secretary Austin also spoke with 122 00:04:28,730 --> 00:04:30,690 Israeli Minister of Defense y of 123 00:04:30,750 --> 00:04:32,980 Gallant just a few moments ago . And 124 00:04:32,989 --> 00:04:35,239 during these calls , he reiterated us 125 00:04:35,250 --> 00:04:37,679 support for Israel's right to defend 126 00:04:37,690 --> 00:04:40,109 itself from terrorist attacks and also 127 00:04:40,119 --> 00:04:41,786 underscored the importance of 128 00:04:41,786 --> 00:04:43,952 safeguarding innocent civilians , both 129 00:04:43,952 --> 00:04:46,589 Palestinian and Israeli . He emphasized 130 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:48,799 again that any country or any group 131 00:04:49,040 --> 00:04:51,262 thinking about trying to take advantage 132 00:04:51,262 --> 00:04:53,318 of the situation in Israel to try to 133 00:04:53,318 --> 00:04:55,429 widen the conflict should think twice 134 00:04:55,429 --> 00:04:57,651 and not doubt the resolve of the United 135 00:04:57,651 --> 00:05:00,269 States . It is our aim to avoid any 136 00:05:00,279 --> 00:05:02,501 regional expansion of Israel's conflict 137 00:05:02,501 --> 00:05:04,501 with Hamas , but we stand ready and 138 00:05:04,501 --> 00:05:06,446 prepared to protect and defend our 139 00:05:06,446 --> 00:05:08,612 partners and our interests and we will 140 00:05:08,612 --> 00:05:10,790 act to do so . Readouts of these calls 141 00:05:10,799 --> 00:05:13,021 will be posted to the dod website later 142 00:05:13,029 --> 00:05:16,019 today and with respect to us support to 143 00:05:16,029 --> 00:05:17,807 Israel . The first shipments of 144 00:05:17,807 --> 00:05:19,973 military aid including munitions began 145 00:05:19,973 --> 00:05:21,807 arriving in Israel last week and 146 00:05:21,807 --> 00:05:23,751 continue to arrive on a near daily 147 00:05:23,751 --> 00:05:26,350 basis . This assistance is comprised of 148 00:05:26,359 --> 00:05:28,359 capabilities requested by Israel to 149 00:05:28,359 --> 00:05:30,850 include precision guided munitions such 150 00:05:30,859 --> 00:05:32,803 as joint direct attack munitions , 151 00:05:32,803 --> 00:05:35,589 small diameter bombs , 155 millimeter 152 00:05:35,600 --> 00:05:37,322 artillery ammunition and other 153 00:05:37,322 --> 00:05:39,739 categories of critical equipment . In 154 00:05:39,750 --> 00:05:41,917 addition , iron dome interceptors from 155 00:05:41,917 --> 00:05:44,029 stocks that the United States has in 156 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:46,160 country have been quickly provided to 157 00:05:46,170 --> 00:05:48,540 Israel and in the days ahead will be 158 00:05:48,549 --> 00:05:50,160 flowing additional iron dome 159 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:52,160 interceptors so that Israel has the 160 00:05:52,160 --> 00:05:54,100 capabilities . They need to us to 161 00:05:54,109 --> 00:05:56,399 sustain their iron dome defense systems 162 00:05:56,630 --> 00:05:58,630 and protect their citi citizens and 163 00:05:58,630 --> 00:06:02,299 cities from rocket attacks . We will 164 00:06:02,309 --> 00:06:04,420 leverage several avenues available to 165 00:06:04,420 --> 00:06:06,531 us to include our stocks and industry 166 00:06:06,531 --> 00:06:08,476 channels that reinforce the United 167 00:06:08,476 --> 00:06:10,642 States unwavering and ironclad support 168 00:06:10,642 --> 00:06:12,865 for both the Israeli Defense Forces and 169 00:06:12,865 --> 00:06:14,920 the Israeli people . As always , the 170 00:06:14,920 --> 00:06:17,087 Department of Defense will continue to 171 00:06:17,087 --> 00:06:18,920 support plan and undertake these 172 00:06:18,920 --> 00:06:20,976 critical missions professionally and 173 00:06:20,976 --> 00:06:23,142 with the inherent right to protect our 174 00:06:23,142 --> 00:06:25,365 force . And with that , I will be happy 175 00:06:25,365 --> 00:06:24,940 to take your questions . We'll start 176 00:06:24,950 --> 00:06:28,359 with A P TAA . Thank you . Could you 177 00:06:28,369 --> 00:06:30,829 also talk about uh apparently there's a 178 00:06:30,839 --> 00:06:33,679 new round of attacks at Al Assad that 179 00:06:33,690 --> 00:06:35,912 is occurring either now or has happened 180 00:06:35,912 --> 00:06:38,079 today . Do you have any information on 181 00:06:38,079 --> 00:06:40,190 that ? Yeah , thanks Tara . I've seen 182 00:06:40,190 --> 00:06:42,301 some reporting on that . I don't have 183 00:06:42,301 --> 00:06:44,468 any details to provide right now . But 184 00:06:44,468 --> 00:06:46,579 certainly as more information becomes 185 00:06:46,579 --> 00:06:48,746 available , we'll pass that along then 186 00:06:48,746 --> 00:06:50,746 more generally as this violence has 187 00:06:50,746 --> 00:06:52,746 uptick since the hospital bombing . 188 00:06:53,450 --> 00:06:55,783 What protection measures are you taking ? 189 00:06:55,783 --> 00:06:57,950 Particularly like for the forces in on 190 00:06:57,950 --> 00:07:00,172 top where there's been so much activity 191 00:07:00,172 --> 00:07:02,283 over the years as fighters have tried 192 00:07:02,283 --> 00:07:04,617 to move weapons and people to Hezbollah ? 193 00:07:04,739 --> 00:07:06,640 Yes , certainly we take force 194 00:07:06,649 --> 00:07:09,959 protection extremely seriously and we 195 00:07:09,970 --> 00:07:12,399 will continue to do so and not get into 196 00:07:12,410 --> 00:07:14,760 specific force protection measures . 197 00:07:14,769 --> 00:07:17,010 Other than uh again , when we have 198 00:07:17,019 --> 00:07:19,130 forces in harm's way , we're going to 199 00:07:19,130 --> 00:07:21,297 look at all possible efforts to ensure 200 00:07:21,297 --> 00:07:23,519 that they remain safe and are able to , 201 00:07:23,519 --> 00:07:25,519 to stay focused on their , on their 202 00:07:25,519 --> 00:07:27,686 mission . So this is something that we 203 00:07:27,686 --> 00:07:30,019 will continue to monitor . Um but again , 204 00:07:30,019 --> 00:07:31,686 um we are going to take force 205 00:07:31,686 --> 00:07:33,908 protection very seriously . Can you say 206 00:07:33,908 --> 00:07:35,797 like you've strengthened or taken 207 00:07:35,797 --> 00:07:37,963 additional force protection measures ? 208 00:07:37,963 --> 00:07:40,186 And are you seeing more activity , more 209 00:07:40,186 --> 00:07:40,059 drone activity like in the last couple 210 00:07:40,070 --> 00:07:42,237 of days than you have , you know , for 211 00:07:42,237 --> 00:07:44,070 the last few months ? And we are 212 00:07:44,070 --> 00:07:46,014 certainly taking appropriate force 213 00:07:46,014 --> 00:07:47,903 protection measures to ensure the 214 00:07:47,903 --> 00:07:50,070 safety of our troops . Again , I'm not 215 00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:52,181 going to get into specifics clearly , 216 00:07:52,181 --> 00:07:55,519 this is an uptick in terms of the types 217 00:07:55,529 --> 00:07:58,480 of drone activity we've seen in Iraq 218 00:07:58,489 --> 00:08:01,589 and Syria . But again , um , yeah , 219 00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:03,878 I'll just leave it at that . Thank you , 220 00:08:03,878 --> 00:08:05,989 Jeff . Hi , sir . This is a sensitive 221 00:08:05,989 --> 00:08:08,156 question . There's a lot of talk among 222 00:08:08,156 --> 00:08:10,267 special operations veterans that when 223 00:08:10,267 --> 00:08:12,489 President Biden went to Israel , he had 224 00:08:12,489 --> 00:08:14,378 a picture taken with some service 225 00:08:14,378 --> 00:08:16,711 members who look like special operators . 226 00:08:16,711 --> 00:08:18,878 Can the defense department confirm the 227 00:08:18,878 --> 00:08:21,044 the White House took this picture down 228 00:08:21,044 --> 00:08:22,933 that these were , in fact special 229 00:08:22,933 --> 00:08:25,044 operators . And if so , are they , is 230 00:08:25,044 --> 00:08:27,156 there a policy against having special 231 00:08:27,156 --> 00:08:29,211 operators have their picture taken ? 232 00:08:29,211 --> 00:08:31,378 Thanks Jeff . I'd have to refer you to 233 00:08:31,378 --> 00:08:31,125 the White house on that . I just don't 234 00:08:31,135 --> 00:08:33,357 have any information to provide . Thank 235 00:08:33,357 --> 00:08:35,835 you . Let me go here to Dan . Thank you , 236 00:08:35,844 --> 00:08:38,244 General . These attacks in Syria and 237 00:08:38,255 --> 00:08:41,575 Iraq , the Pentagon commonly often 238 00:08:42,135 --> 00:08:44,215 describes the blame on those two 239 00:08:44,224 --> 00:08:46,794 Iranian backed militias or some similar 240 00:08:46,804 --> 00:08:48,915 description . Do you have the sense ? 241 00:08:48,915 --> 00:08:50,693 That's the case here . So we're 242 00:08:50,693 --> 00:08:53,030 continuing to assess the nature of 243 00:08:53,039 --> 00:08:55,460 these attacks and that's something that 244 00:08:55,469 --> 00:08:58,080 will continue to look very closely at . 245 00:08:58,090 --> 00:09:00,210 As you've mentioned in the past , we 246 00:09:00,219 --> 00:09:02,479 have seen Iranian backed militia 247 00:09:02,630 --> 00:09:04,797 conduct these types of things . But as 248 00:09:04,797 --> 00:09:06,574 of right now , I don't have any 249 00:09:06,574 --> 00:09:08,463 specifics to provide more broadly 250 00:09:08,463 --> 00:09:10,352 related on Iran . Do you have any 251 00:09:10,352 --> 00:09:12,750 update on whether or not you see Iran 252 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:14,816 directly tied to the Hamas attack on 253 00:09:14,900 --> 00:09:18,250 October 7th ? No , at this point , 254 00:09:18,260 --> 00:09:21,080 again , the information that we have 255 00:09:21,090 --> 00:09:23,750 does not show a direct connection to 256 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:27,700 the Hamas attacks on October 7th as it 257 00:09:27,710 --> 00:09:29,543 relates to Iran . Again , that's 258 00:09:29,543 --> 00:09:31,599 something that will continue to look 259 00:09:31,599 --> 00:09:33,932 closely at all that to say , we do know , 260 00:09:33,932 --> 00:09:35,988 as you've heard others say that Iran 261 00:09:35,988 --> 00:09:38,580 has a significant relationship with 262 00:09:38,590 --> 00:09:40,757 Hamas in terms of funding training and 263 00:09:40,757 --> 00:09:44,369 support . And so again , in that regard , 264 00:09:44,380 --> 00:09:47,250 they certainly bear some responsibility , 265 00:09:47,260 --> 00:09:49,427 but again , no direct linkage to these 266 00:09:49,427 --> 00:09:51,538 attacks and we'll continue to keep an 267 00:09:51,538 --> 00:09:53,427 eye on that . Let me go to just a 268 00:09:53,427 --> 00:09:55,482 clarification of the US Carney , you 269 00:09:55,482 --> 00:09:57,950 said the can say for certain where or 270 00:09:57,960 --> 00:10:00,127 what the missiles were targeting . Can 271 00:10:00,127 --> 00:10:02,293 you say that you , do you believe they 272 00:10:02,293 --> 00:10:04,293 were targeting the Carney or do you 273 00:10:04,293 --> 00:10:04,179 think they were not targeting the car 274 00:10:04,659 --> 00:10:06,603 again ? What I provided at the top 275 00:10:06,603 --> 00:10:09,090 right now is , is what we know . Again , 276 00:10:09,099 --> 00:10:11,321 we'll continue to assess this . Can you 277 00:10:11,321 --> 00:10:13,510 talk about what naval assets you have 278 00:10:13,559 --> 00:10:16,309 in total in the Eastern Med and Red Sea ? 279 00:10:16,330 --> 00:10:18,497 I think there was the US Mount Whitney 280 00:10:18,497 --> 00:10:20,663 yesterday . That when , how many ships 281 00:10:20,663 --> 00:10:22,608 do you have in total in the region 282 00:10:22,608 --> 00:10:24,663 right now ? Sure . Um So I'm I'm not 283 00:10:24,663 --> 00:10:26,886 going to provide a lay down of , of all 284 00:10:26,886 --> 00:10:28,997 of our forces in the region , Idris , 285 00:10:28,997 --> 00:10:31,052 other than to say , as you know that 286 00:10:31,052 --> 00:10:33,108 the US S Gerald Ford strike group uh 287 00:10:33,108 --> 00:10:35,108 does remain underway in the Eastern 288 00:10:35,108 --> 00:10:38,190 Mediterranean . Um The US S uh Merce 289 00:10:38,659 --> 00:10:41,289 Mer Mesa Verde uh is in the 290 00:10:41,299 --> 00:10:44,119 Mediterranean as well . Um We've got , 291 00:10:44,130 --> 00:10:45,908 as I mentioned at the top , the 292 00:10:45,908 --> 00:10:47,852 Eisenhower transiting the Atlantic 293 00:10:47,852 --> 00:10:49,741 Ocean right now , en route to the 294 00:10:49,741 --> 00:10:51,852 Eastern Mediterranean . Uh the Carter 295 00:10:51,852 --> 00:10:54,150 Hall and the Baton uh currently remain 296 00:10:54,159 --> 00:10:56,270 underway in the Gulf of Aden . I know 297 00:10:56,270 --> 00:10:58,437 there's been some questions about that 298 00:10:58,437 --> 00:11:00,603 and I'm just going to leave it at that 299 00:11:00,603 --> 00:11:00,570 right now . Yes , sir . Earlier today , 300 00:11:00,580 --> 00:11:02,636 the state department issue kind of a 301 00:11:02,636 --> 00:11:04,747 worldwide caution alert for Americans 302 00:11:04,747 --> 00:11:06,691 abroad , given what we are talking 303 00:11:06,691 --> 00:11:08,802 about some of these drone attacks and 304 00:11:08,802 --> 00:11:10,858 attacks on other US facilities . I'm 305 00:11:10,858 --> 00:11:12,858 curious , is there going to be some 306 00:11:12,858 --> 00:11:12,650 sort of blanket warning for us service 307 00:11:12,659 --> 00:11:14,826 members and their families . Are there 308 00:11:14,826 --> 00:11:16,881 any fears that these attacks will be 309 00:11:16,881 --> 00:11:18,715 more geared towards us , service 310 00:11:18,715 --> 00:11:20,881 members even if not just in the Middle 311 00:11:20,881 --> 00:11:22,881 East , but more broadly worldwide ? 312 00:11:22,881 --> 00:11:24,937 Yeah , so I'm , I'm not tracking any 313 00:11:24,937 --> 00:11:26,992 specific threats uh in that regard . 314 00:11:26,992 --> 00:11:29,215 Obviously , as I mentioned earlier , we 315 00:11:29,215 --> 00:11:31,326 do take force protection seriously no 316 00:11:31,326 --> 00:11:33,492 matter where uh we're serving . And so 317 00:11:33,492 --> 00:11:35,548 we'll continue to do that like state 318 00:11:35,548 --> 00:11:37,715 did , uh again , two separate things , 319 00:11:37,715 --> 00:11:39,770 right ? In terms of State department 320 00:11:39,770 --> 00:11:41,659 and its responsibility to warn us 321 00:11:41,659 --> 00:11:43,826 citizens , the US military , by virtue 322 00:11:43,826 --> 00:11:46,159 of our mission , wherever we're serving , 323 00:11:46,159 --> 00:11:46,030 we're going to take appropriate force 324 00:11:46,039 --> 00:11:48,261 protection measures . But I'm not right 325 00:11:48,261 --> 00:11:50,150 now aware of any specific threats 326 00:11:50,150 --> 00:11:52,317 against us , service members and their 327 00:11:52,317 --> 00:11:54,650 families , which is what I think you're , 328 00:11:54,650 --> 00:11:56,761 you're asking Megan . I'm sorry . Did 329 00:11:56,761 --> 00:11:58,983 you have a question ? Ok . Let me go to 330 00:11:58,983 --> 00:12:01,095 the phone here real quick . Let me go 331 00:12:01,095 --> 00:12:00,919 to Gordon Lebold Wall Street Journal . 332 00:12:02,549 --> 00:12:04,382 Yeah . Hey , Pat . Um , just two 333 00:12:04,382 --> 00:12:06,549 questions . One is on attribution . Is 334 00:12:06,549 --> 00:12:08,660 there any reason to think that , uh , 335 00:12:08,660 --> 00:12:11,450 the perpetrators behind these attacks 336 00:12:11,710 --> 00:12:14,043 are not what they have been in the past ? 337 00:12:14,043 --> 00:12:16,266 I know you're still investigating , but 338 00:12:16,266 --> 00:12:16,070 I was just wondering if there's any 339 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:18,080 reason to think there'd be anything 340 00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:20,510 different . One and two just to clarify . 341 00:12:20,520 --> 00:12:23,669 Has , was there any , um , American 342 00:12:23,679 --> 00:12:27,200 aircraft , uh , or other property 343 00:12:27,280 --> 00:12:30,169 damaged in any of these uh attacks ? I 344 00:12:30,179 --> 00:12:31,846 can't remember if you said it 345 00:12:31,846 --> 00:12:33,957 specifically or not . Thanks , Gordon 346 00:12:33,957 --> 00:12:37,130 Uh So in terms of uh the attribution 347 00:12:37,140 --> 00:12:39,084 for these attacks , again , that's 348 00:12:39,084 --> 00:12:41,307 something that we're continuing to look 349 00:12:41,307 --> 00:12:43,362 at . Um And I'm , I'm not gonna have 350 00:12:43,362 --> 00:12:45,529 any information to provide right now . 351 00:12:45,529 --> 00:12:47,529 Uh in terms of the impacts of those 352 00:12:47,529 --> 00:12:49,751 attacks beyond what I've provided . All 353 00:12:49,751 --> 00:12:51,807 right , let me go to um Rebecca from 354 00:12:51,807 --> 00:12:55,270 BBC . Hi , thanks for taking the 355 00:12:55,280 --> 00:12:57,650 question . Um I wondered if you can 356 00:12:57,659 --> 00:12:59,603 confirm or you had any comments on 357 00:12:59,603 --> 00:13:01,669 these reports that the ID F has the 358 00:13:01,679 --> 00:13:03,679 green light to , has been given the 359 00:13:03,679 --> 00:13:06,750 green light to enter Gaza . Um So I , 360 00:13:06,760 --> 00:13:08,760 I've obviously seen the , the press 361 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:10,760 reports on that . I'm not sure what 362 00:13:10,760 --> 00:13:12,871 that means . Uh As , as it relates to 363 00:13:12,871 --> 00:13:15,038 ID F operations , I would refer you to 364 00:13:15,038 --> 00:13:17,190 them uh to , to talk about their 365 00:13:17,200 --> 00:13:19,340 operations . Thank you . We go to 366 00:13:19,349 --> 00:13:21,571 Courtney . Um the , the American or the 367 00:13:21,571 --> 00:13:23,516 contractor who died of the cardiac 368 00:13:23,516 --> 00:13:25,405 event . Was he or she an American 369 00:13:25,405 --> 00:13:27,770 citizen ? I will get back to you on 370 00:13:27,780 --> 00:13:29,836 that . And then can you say how many 371 00:13:29,836 --> 00:13:32,002 drones were shot down ? And what , and 372 00:13:32,002 --> 00:13:34,169 what did the Carney used to shoot down 373 00:13:34,169 --> 00:13:36,058 the , the cruise missiles and the 374 00:13:36,058 --> 00:13:38,224 drones ? Yeah , thanks . Um So I don't 375 00:13:38,224 --> 00:13:40,391 have any information to provide on the 376 00:13:40,391 --> 00:13:42,447 specifics in terms of uh what system 377 00:13:42,447 --> 00:13:44,750 the Carney used to take down . Um So if 378 00:13:44,760 --> 00:13:46,760 we're able to make that information 379 00:13:46,760 --> 00:13:48,816 available , we will . Um And then in 380 00:13:48,816 --> 00:13:51,038 terms of the number of drones , I think 381 00:13:51,038 --> 00:13:53,316 I kind of laid that out . Right . Yeah , 382 00:13:53,316 --> 00:13:55,427 that's about as specific as I can get 383 00:13:55,427 --> 00:13:57,371 right now . OK . And then just one 384 00:13:57,371 --> 00:13:59,427 other , I think this is a question , 385 00:13:59,427 --> 00:13:58,979 but I may be wrong . You said that you 386 00:13:58,989 --> 00:14:00,933 don't see any direct connection to 387 00:14:00,933 --> 00:14:02,933 these , this uptick in these recent 388 00:14:02,933 --> 00:14:04,878 attacks and to October 7th . But I 389 00:14:04,878 --> 00:14:06,878 wonder if you see any connection to 390 00:14:06,878 --> 00:14:09,100 this uptick because it really , this is 391 00:14:09,100 --> 00:14:11,100 a departure from where been for the 392 00:14:11,100 --> 00:14:13,156 past several months , if you see any 393 00:14:13,156 --> 00:14:15,378 connection to what's to what's happened 394 00:14:15,378 --> 00:14:17,600 after October 7th . So to the fact that 395 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:19,433 the Israelis are talking about a 396 00:14:19,433 --> 00:14:19,309 massive ground invasion , they're 397 00:14:19,320 --> 00:14:21,487 already doing these airstrikes . Is it 398 00:14:21,487 --> 00:14:23,709 tied to that ? So , so , you know , the 399 00:14:23,709 --> 00:14:26,059 reality is Courtney , I don't want to 400 00:14:26,070 --> 00:14:28,409 allow my imagination to fill in the 401 00:14:28,419 --> 00:14:31,200 gaps and the supposition clearly there 402 00:14:31,210 --> 00:14:33,659 are tensions in the region . Um which 403 00:14:33,669 --> 00:14:35,891 is why you see us working so hard right 404 00:14:35,891 --> 00:14:37,891 now to make sure that we're keeping 405 00:14:37,891 --> 00:14:39,725 lines of communication open with 406 00:14:39,725 --> 00:14:41,947 regional leaders , uh to make sure that 407 00:14:41,947 --> 00:14:44,058 we're sharing information uh and also 408 00:14:44,058 --> 00:14:46,058 for actors in the region uh to , to 409 00:14:46,058 --> 00:14:48,169 understand our message loud and clear 410 00:14:48,169 --> 00:14:50,336 about deterrence to pretend prevent uh 411 00:14:50,336 --> 00:14:53,500 potential miscalculation . Um Again , 412 00:14:53,510 --> 00:14:55,469 as we continue to look at this and 413 00:14:55,479 --> 00:14:58,619 analyze uh the , the nature of these 414 00:14:58,630 --> 00:15:01,099 attacks , uh and as uh attribute these 415 00:15:01,109 --> 00:15:03,165 attacks , you know , we'll certainly 416 00:15:03,165 --> 00:15:05,276 know more . Um But that's where we're 417 00:15:05,276 --> 00:15:07,553 at right now . In the meantime , again , 418 00:15:07,553 --> 00:15:09,840 our focus is going to be continuing to 419 00:15:10,219 --> 00:15:13,570 uh ensure that we are um deterring a 420 00:15:13,580 --> 00:15:15,691 potential regional , broader regional 421 00:15:15,691 --> 00:15:17,913 conflict , as I mentioned , uh and also 422 00:15:17,913 --> 00:15:19,969 continuing to , to work closely with 423 00:15:19,969 --> 00:15:22,024 Israel to ensure they have what they 424 00:15:22,024 --> 00:15:23,913 need to defend themselves against 425 00:15:23,913 --> 00:15:25,969 future terrorist attacks . But thank 426 00:15:25,969 --> 00:15:27,913 you . So when you talked about the 427 00:15:27,913 --> 00:15:29,802 interception , you said this is a 428 00:15:29,802 --> 00:15:31,969 demonstration of the integrated uh air 429 00:15:31,969 --> 00:15:35,239 and missile defense , um were other 430 00:15:35,719 --> 00:15:38,219 nations or uh or partners in the region ? 431 00:15:38,229 --> 00:15:41,429 Um um Did they contribute one way or 432 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:43,662 the other to the interception , whether 433 00:15:43,662 --> 00:15:45,773 through information , right , or what 434 00:15:45,773 --> 00:15:47,940 did you mean that ? So as you know , I 435 00:15:47,940 --> 00:15:50,107 mean , we , we obviously uh the United 436 00:15:50,107 --> 00:15:52,273 States works with a lot of partners in 437 00:15:52,273 --> 00:15:51,960 the region and broadly speaking , have 438 00:15:51,969 --> 00:15:54,429 integrated air defense capabilities . 439 00:15:54,440 --> 00:15:57,119 Um And so in this particular case , uh 440 00:15:57,130 --> 00:15:59,159 the US S Carney is highlighted uh 441 00:15:59,169 --> 00:16:01,500 determining this threat was able to 442 00:16:01,510 --> 00:16:03,621 take that threat out and that's about 443 00:16:03,621 --> 00:16:05,788 as specific as I can get , this was in 444 00:16:05,788 --> 00:16:08,010 partnership with other . Yeah , I don't 445 00:16:08,010 --> 00:16:10,121 have any other information . And then 446 00:16:10,121 --> 00:16:12,066 on the uh on the hospital , um the 447 00:16:12,066 --> 00:16:14,288 president , as you know , mentioned the 448 00:16:14,288 --> 00:16:16,609 data from the dod to say Israel wasn't 449 00:16:16,619 --> 00:16:20,210 responsible . The ID F used Al Jazeera 450 00:16:20,219 --> 00:16:23,280 broadcast to make the case that it was 451 00:16:23,289 --> 00:16:26,599 a Islamic Jihad . We did a very 452 00:16:26,609 --> 00:16:28,950 detailed investigative report about 453 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:31,909 that based on our broadcasting um the 454 00:16:32,340 --> 00:16:34,700 missile that they claim it was a Jihad 455 00:16:34,710 --> 00:16:37,510 missile was actually intercepted seven 456 00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:39,390 minutes before the hospital was 457 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:43,330 targeted , uh channel four UK . Uh 458 00:16:43,340 --> 00:16:45,507 they're saying even though there's not 459 00:16:45,507 --> 00:16:48,349 a big uh great . And uh and 460 00:16:49,479 --> 00:16:51,646 if you don't mind , just to get to the 461 00:16:51,646 --> 00:16:53,812 question , my point is there's lots of 462 00:16:53,812 --> 00:16:55,701 questioning of what the president 463 00:16:55,701 --> 00:16:57,590 claimed and what the Israelis are 464 00:16:57,590 --> 00:16:59,757 saying . Um Noting that many hospitals 465 00:16:59,757 --> 00:17:02,369 have been targeted , civil and uh un 466 00:17:02,380 --> 00:17:04,760 facilities by Israel . Are you willing 467 00:17:04,770 --> 00:17:06,826 to share the data that you have that 468 00:17:06,939 --> 00:17:09,819 the president used ? So let's let's uh 469 00:17:10,329 --> 00:17:12,496 couple things here . So first of all , 470 00:17:12,496 --> 00:17:15,329 uh don't conflate uh other reporting 471 00:17:15,339 --> 00:17:17,395 and media reporting with where we're 472 00:17:17,395 --> 00:17:19,420 necessarily getting our information 473 00:17:19,430 --> 00:17:21,541 from , right ? We , we certainly have 474 00:17:21,541 --> 00:17:24,170 our own capabilities . Uh Some of which 475 00:17:24,180 --> 00:17:26,347 does include open source information . 476 00:17:26,347 --> 00:17:28,513 Um but we have other capabilities . Uh 477 00:17:28,513 --> 00:17:30,989 and , and you know , as you know , the 478 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:32,778 White House put out a statement 479 00:17:32,778 --> 00:17:34,833 yesterday on this topic . So when it 480 00:17:34,833 --> 00:17:37,056 comes to informing our senior leaders , 481 00:17:37,056 --> 00:17:39,222 um we are using our own information to 482 00:17:39,222 --> 00:17:41,444 make those assessments . Uh And as , as 483 00:17:41,444 --> 00:17:43,556 you've heard us say right now , based 484 00:17:43,556 --> 00:17:45,778 on the information that we have , um it 485 00:17:45,778 --> 00:17:47,889 is our assessment that Israel was not 486 00:17:47,889 --> 00:17:50,111 responsible for that , that explosion . 487 00:17:50,111 --> 00:17:52,056 Um We're continuing to assess that 488 00:17:52,056 --> 00:17:54,359 initial indications are that this was 489 00:17:54,369 --> 00:17:57,239 from an arrant rocket um that was 490 00:17:57,250 --> 00:17:59,500 launched by the Palestinian Islamic 491 00:17:59,510 --> 00:18:01,621 Jihad . Um But again , we're going to 492 00:18:01,621 --> 00:18:03,510 continue to assess this and , and 493 00:18:03,510 --> 00:18:05,177 that's where we're at on this 494 00:18:05,177 --> 00:18:08,140 particular topic right now . Um But 495 00:18:08,150 --> 00:18:10,206 again , just to reassure you , we're 496 00:18:10,206 --> 00:18:12,160 not necessarily relying on other 497 00:18:12,170 --> 00:18:14,270 reports or media reports to come to 498 00:18:14,280 --> 00:18:16,336 those conclusions . My question , my 499 00:18:16,336 --> 00:18:18,579 question is , is the department because 500 00:18:18,589 --> 00:18:20,811 under international law , this is a war 501 00:18:20,811 --> 00:18:22,922 crime regardless who did it , right ? 502 00:18:22,922 --> 00:18:25,239 So is the department willing to share 503 00:18:25,250 --> 00:18:27,810 the data that it has to right now , I'm 504 00:18:27,819 --> 00:18:30,469 sharing with what we have and , and 505 00:18:30,479 --> 00:18:32,590 that's where we're at . So if we have 506 00:18:32,590 --> 00:18:34,701 more to provide , we certainly will . 507 00:18:34,701 --> 00:18:36,868 But let me , yes , thank you . Um Just 508 00:18:36,868 --> 00:18:39,090 some clarifications in Syria and Iraq . 509 00:18:39,090 --> 00:18:41,312 Can you say a little bit more about how 510 00:18:41,312 --> 00:18:43,479 they took out the drones ? And then on 511 00:18:43,479 --> 00:18:45,701 the car , could you give more specifics 512 00:18:45,701 --> 00:18:47,923 on where the intercept took place ? Was 513 00:18:47,923 --> 00:18:50,146 it over land or overseas ? Sure . Uh So 514 00:18:50,146 --> 00:18:52,146 my understanding uh on the , on the 515 00:18:52,146 --> 00:18:54,090 latter , uh and again , you know , 516 00:18:54,090 --> 00:18:56,257 we'll have more details um potentially 517 00:18:56,257 --> 00:18:55,459 in the future here . But my 518 00:18:55,469 --> 00:18:57,413 understanding was that it was over 519 00:18:57,413 --> 00:19:00,170 water . Um As far as the taking out the 520 00:19:00,180 --> 00:19:02,124 drones , I'm not going to get into 521 00:19:02,124 --> 00:19:04,347 specifics other than to say , defensive 522 00:19:04,347 --> 00:19:06,530 systems on those facilities were able 523 00:19:06,540 --> 00:19:08,729 to successfully take those drones down 524 00:19:09,750 --> 00:19:13,459 jets . And then just a question just 525 00:19:13,469 --> 00:19:15,819 given all the assets that have and sent 526 00:19:15,829 --> 00:19:18,489 to the region for deterrence and given 527 00:19:18,500 --> 00:19:20,849 these attacks is deterrence working . 528 00:19:21,040 --> 00:19:23,650 And do you see this as an escalation ? 529 00:19:24,750 --> 00:19:27,180 Yeah . So it's a great question and 530 00:19:27,189 --> 00:19:29,133 what I would say is it's important 531 00:19:29,133 --> 00:19:31,300 again , take a step back . Now , first 532 00:19:31,300 --> 00:19:33,245 of all these attacks , these small 533 00:19:33,245 --> 00:19:35,300 scale attacks are clearly concerning 534 00:19:35,300 --> 00:19:37,633 and dangerous , right ? And we're gonna , 535 00:19:37,633 --> 00:19:37,310 as I mentioned , we're going to do 536 00:19:37,319 --> 00:19:39,339 everything necessary to ensure that 537 00:19:39,349 --> 00:19:41,770 we're protecting our forces . Uh And , 538 00:19:41,780 --> 00:19:44,058 and if , and when we choose to respond , 539 00:19:44,058 --> 00:19:46,280 we'll do so at a time of our choosing . 540 00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:48,447 Um But if you step back and look again 541 00:19:48,447 --> 00:19:50,949 at what our broader strategic aim here , 542 00:19:50,959 --> 00:19:53,199 which is to , to deter a broader 543 00:19:53,209 --> 00:19:55,265 regional conflict , which is why you 544 00:19:55,265 --> 00:19:57,376 see us putting additional forces into 545 00:19:57,376 --> 00:19:59,265 the theater , which gives us more 546 00:19:59,265 --> 00:20:01,376 options to respond . Uh which is also 547 00:20:01,376 --> 00:20:02,987 why you see us continuing to 548 00:20:02,987 --> 00:20:04,876 communicate very actively uh with 549 00:20:04,876 --> 00:20:06,765 partners in the region as well as 550 00:20:06,765 --> 00:20:09,010 potential uh actors who might want to 551 00:20:09,020 --> 00:20:11,242 try to take advantage of this . So , uh 552 00:20:11,242 --> 00:20:14,130 again , right now , uh this conflict is 553 00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:17,680 contained between Israel and Hamas and 554 00:20:17,689 --> 00:20:19,856 we're going to do everything we can to 555 00:20:19,856 --> 00:20:22,078 ensure deterrence in the region so that 556 00:20:22,078 --> 00:20:24,300 this does not become a broader regional 557 00:20:24,300 --> 00:20:26,280 conflict . Let me go to Tony that 558 00:20:27,390 --> 00:20:29,557 somebody listening in on this is going 559 00:20:29,557 --> 00:20:31,779 to think the Middle East is on fire now 560 00:20:31,779 --> 00:20:34,001 because of the US helping after October 561 00:20:34,001 --> 00:20:36,000 7th broadly , you don't see any 562 00:20:36,010 --> 00:20:39,339 connection between these Yemen , Syria 563 00:20:39,349 --> 00:20:41,800 and Iraq at this point in terms of Iran 564 00:20:41,810 --> 00:20:43,699 directing it or some great hand , 565 00:20:43,699 --> 00:20:45,810 directing the attacks . Again , right 566 00:20:45,819 --> 00:20:48,041 now , I think you have to look at these 567 00:20:48,041 --> 00:20:50,208 individually again , we're taking them 568 00:20:50,208 --> 00:20:51,930 seriously and we're responding 569 00:20:51,930 --> 00:20:54,152 appropriately , obviously ensuring that 570 00:20:54,152 --> 00:20:56,319 our forces are protected . But again , 571 00:20:56,319 --> 00:20:58,430 our focus is on deterring a broader 572 00:20:58,439 --> 00:21:00,439 regional conflict . And right now , 573 00:21:00,439 --> 00:21:02,449 this conflict is contained between 574 00:21:02,459 --> 00:21:05,449 Israel and Hamas . And we'll continue 575 00:21:05,459 --> 00:21:07,570 to work very closely with partners in 576 00:21:07,570 --> 00:21:09,792 the region and allies to ensure that we 577 00:21:09,792 --> 00:21:12,015 can maintain deterrence going forward . 578 00:21:12,020 --> 00:21:14,187 What advanced aircraft are you talking 579 00:21:14,187 --> 00:21:16,187 about ? And where are the iron dome 580 00:21:16,187 --> 00:21:18,187 interceptors from the United States 581 00:21:18,187 --> 00:21:20,076 coming from ? Are those from army 582 00:21:20,076 --> 00:21:22,390 stocks being flown to Israel ? Uh , in 583 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:24,511 terms of the interceptor ammunition ? 584 00:21:24,569 --> 00:21:27,430 Um So , uh , Tony , we'll , we'll have 585 00:21:27,439 --> 00:21:29,550 a variety of means available to us to 586 00:21:29,550 --> 00:21:31,495 include stocks that are already in 587 00:21:31,495 --> 00:21:34,099 Israel . Uh And so , uh , again , I 588 00:21:34,109 --> 00:21:35,998 won't get into specifics on where 589 00:21:35,998 --> 00:21:38,165 exactly they're coming from other than 590 00:21:38,165 --> 00:21:40,387 we have a variety of , of means to , to 591 00:21:40,387 --> 00:21:42,553 do that . Uh And then I'm sorry , your 592 00:21:42,553 --> 00:21:44,776 first question though . They were being 593 00:21:44,776 --> 00:21:44,380 flown from the United States , the 594 00:21:44,390 --> 00:21:46,869 interceptors follow one . I know 595 00:21:46,880 --> 00:21:49,102 interceptors . So I'm just asking , are 596 00:21:49,102 --> 00:21:51,213 those the army stocks in terms of the 597 00:21:51,213 --> 00:21:54,939 interceptor ammunition ? Yeah , I mean , 598 00:21:54,949 --> 00:21:57,116 again , we have a variety of sources , 599 00:21:57,116 --> 00:21:59,338 both us based and then also coming from 600 00:21:59,338 --> 00:22:01,505 within those five . So those not being 601 00:22:01,505 --> 00:22:03,671 redeployed to the region . And then in 602 00:22:03,671 --> 00:22:05,893 terms of advanced fighter aircraft just 603 00:22:05,893 --> 00:22:09,380 to clarify in terms of uh F-16 F-15s . 604 00:22:09,390 --> 00:22:11,223 Um Right now , I don't , I'm not 605 00:22:11,223 --> 00:22:13,790 tracking any F-35s to read out on the , 606 00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:15,800 on that front . But again , if that 607 00:22:15,800 --> 00:22:18,022 changes we'll let you know . Ok , thank 608 00:22:18,022 --> 00:22:20,244 you . Time for a few more . Yes , sir . 609 00:22:20,244 --> 00:22:22,356 You're raising your hand , but you're 610 00:22:22,356 --> 00:22:24,467 not looking . Yes , sir . Yes , thank 611 00:22:24,467 --> 00:22:23,790 you . So I have a couple of questions 612 00:22:23,800 --> 00:22:25,967 on Ukraine . So the report is that the 613 00:22:25,967 --> 00:22:28,189 Pentagon plans to send Israel artillery 614 00:22:28,189 --> 00:22:30,300 shells that were initially designated 615 00:22:30,300 --> 00:22:32,300 for Ukraine ? Could you provide any 616 00:22:32,300 --> 00:22:34,560 comments on that ? I don't have any 617 00:22:34,569 --> 00:22:36,680 information on that other than to say 618 00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:38,791 that we are confident we can continue 619 00:22:38,791 --> 00:22:40,902 to support both Ukraine and Israel in 620 00:22:40,902 --> 00:22:42,958 terms of their defensive needs . Why 621 00:22:42,958 --> 00:22:45,125 attack them ? So could you specify how 622 00:22:45,125 --> 00:22:47,236 many missiles has the US provided for 623 00:22:47,236 --> 00:22:49,347 Ukraine ? Are there any conditions on 624 00:22:49,347 --> 00:22:51,569 their use in the battlefield ? And your 625 00:22:51,569 --> 00:22:53,736 assessment ? Will they , how will they 626 00:22:53,736 --> 00:22:53,300 complement the Ukrainian abilities ? 627 00:22:53,630 --> 00:22:55,797 Sure . Um So no , I can't get into the 628 00:22:55,797 --> 00:22:57,839 specifics in terms of the number of 629 00:22:57,849 --> 00:23:00,150 attacks that we provided , but just 630 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:02,500 like all of the other systems and , and 631 00:23:02,510 --> 00:23:04,343 equipment that we've provided to 632 00:23:04,343 --> 00:23:06,640 Ukraine . It is with the assurances 633 00:23:06,650 --> 00:23:08,650 that this will be used within uh 634 00:23:08,660 --> 00:23:11,510 sovereign Ukraine to take back and 635 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:14,369 defend sovereign Ukrainian territory . 636 00:23:14,640 --> 00:23:16,807 Quick pull up . So Ukrainian , for who 637 00:23:16,807 --> 00:23:19,140 said that this is not the free shipment , 638 00:23:19,199 --> 00:23:21,719 there was a commitment to provide more 639 00:23:21,729 --> 00:23:23,785 attacks for Ukrainian future . Could 640 00:23:23,785 --> 00:23:26,007 you comment on that again ? We're going 641 00:23:26,007 --> 00:23:28,118 to continue to consult with Ukraine , 642 00:23:28,118 --> 00:23:30,285 our allies and partners to ensure they 643 00:23:30,285 --> 00:23:29,589 have what they need to defend 644 00:23:29,599 --> 00:23:31,821 themselves against Russia ? Ok . Let me 645 00:23:31,829 --> 00:23:33,996 just go to the phone here real quick . 646 00:23:33,996 --> 00:23:36,599 Jeff Selden Va , thanks very much for 647 00:23:36,609 --> 00:23:38,831 doing this . You've spoken a little bit 648 00:23:38,831 --> 00:23:40,998 about the military attacks in , in the 649 00:23:40,998 --> 00:23:42,998 region , the drone attacks missiles 650 00:23:42,998 --> 00:23:45,053 launched by the Houthi . But to what 651 00:23:45,053 --> 00:23:47,109 extent is the Pentagon worried about 652 00:23:47,109 --> 00:23:49,053 some of the non-military or non uh 653 00:23:49,053 --> 00:23:51,220 militant group activity , like some of 654 00:23:51,220 --> 00:23:53,331 the protests that are looking at us , 655 00:23:53,331 --> 00:23:55,553 targets embassies . Uh The , you know , 656 00:23:55,553 --> 00:23:57,553 the , the bigger concern that maybe 657 00:23:57,553 --> 00:23:59,442 there's a coordinate push between 658 00:23:59,442 --> 00:24:01,442 kinetic means and , and , and , and 659 00:24:01,442 --> 00:24:03,665 other people pushing buttons to inflame 660 00:24:03,665 --> 00:24:05,831 tensions in the region . And then also 661 00:24:05,831 --> 00:24:07,831 in the past , the Pentagon has been 662 00:24:07,831 --> 00:24:09,665 part of the effort to declassify 663 00:24:09,665 --> 00:24:11,498 information to push back against 664 00:24:11,498 --> 00:24:13,553 narratives . Like with Russia is the 665 00:24:13,553 --> 00:24:15,498 Pentagon pushing for any of the or 666 00:24:15,498 --> 00:24:17,553 advocating declassifying information 667 00:24:17,553 --> 00:24:19,831 with the bombing at the a Ali hospital . 668 00:24:19,831 --> 00:24:21,831 Since the narrative that Israel did 669 00:24:21,831 --> 00:24:23,665 bomb , the hospital has inflamed 670 00:24:23,665 --> 00:24:25,887 tensions so much . Yeah , thanks Jeff . 671 00:24:25,887 --> 00:24:27,998 So on your latter question again , uh 672 00:24:27,998 --> 00:24:30,250 as I as I mentioned to uh fa uh when 673 00:24:30,260 --> 00:24:32,204 and if we have more information to 674 00:24:32,204 --> 00:24:34,427 provide on that , we certainly will , I 675 00:24:34,427 --> 00:24:36,149 just don't have any additional 676 00:24:36,149 --> 00:24:38,149 information at this time . Uh as it 677 00:24:38,149 --> 00:24:40,093 relates to the broader Middle East 678 00:24:40,093 --> 00:24:42,204 region . Uh and around the world , of 679 00:24:42,204 --> 00:24:44,316 course , we always uh take safety and 680 00:24:44,316 --> 00:24:46,649 security of our citizens very seriously . 681 00:24:46,649 --> 00:24:48,704 Um We will continue to stay in close 682 00:24:48,704 --> 00:24:50,927 consultation with State Department . Um 683 00:24:50,927 --> 00:24:52,871 It , it is clearly something we're 684 00:24:52,871 --> 00:24:54,982 keeping an eye on . We , we recognize 685 00:24:54,982 --> 00:24:57,038 that there are tensions right now in 686 00:24:57,038 --> 00:24:58,982 the Middle East and throughout the 687 00:24:58,982 --> 00:25:00,982 broader region . Um Again , I'm not 688 00:25:00,982 --> 00:25:02,871 tracking any specific information 689 00:25:02,871 --> 00:25:05,270 regarding the , the specific targeting 690 00:25:05,280 --> 00:25:08,500 of American citizens or us military 691 00:25:08,510 --> 00:25:10,677 forces or their families . But again , 692 00:25:10,677 --> 00:25:12,677 this is something that we will take 693 00:25:12,677 --> 00:25:14,899 seriously and , and do whatever we need 694 00:25:14,899 --> 00:25:17,010 to do to ensure their safety . Thanks 695 00:25:17,010 --> 00:25:19,520 very much . Why did the US shoot down 696 00:25:19,530 --> 00:25:22,030 these missiles and drones ? Why , what 697 00:25:22,040 --> 00:25:25,670 was the , I mean , why , why in the 698 00:25:25,680 --> 00:25:27,513 Northern Red Sea , who were they 699 00:25:27,513 --> 00:25:29,736 protecting ? Again ? What I read out of 700 00:25:29,736 --> 00:25:31,569 the top is what I've got on that 701 00:25:31,569 --> 00:25:33,513 coordinate . I don't , but I don't 702 00:25:33,513 --> 00:25:33,089 think he necessarily addressed it . I 703 00:25:33,099 --> 00:25:35,210 mean , it's pretty uncommon . I think 704 00:25:35,210 --> 00:25:37,266 if I remember correctly , there have 705 00:25:37,266 --> 00:25:39,432 been cases of the US intercepting some 706 00:25:39,432 --> 00:25:39,150 things in like the Babel man , but I 707 00:25:39,160 --> 00:25:41,160 don't ever remember them . You guys 708 00:25:41,160 --> 00:25:43,271 intercepting anything in the Northern 709 00:25:43,271 --> 00:25:45,271 Red Sea . So there must have been a 710 00:25:45,271 --> 00:25:47,327 reason , something that the decision 711 00:25:47,327 --> 00:25:49,382 was made to protect was it Israel or 712 00:25:49,382 --> 00:25:52,845 again as this missile was detected and 713 00:25:52,855 --> 00:25:55,595 the decision was made that it posed a 714 00:25:55,605 --> 00:25:57,661 potential threat based on its flight 715 00:25:57,661 --> 00:25:59,827 profile . And so the decision was made 716 00:25:59,827 --> 00:26:01,883 to take it down , that's a threat to 717 00:26:01,883 --> 00:26:03,994 Israel or to this is something , this 718 00:26:03,994 --> 00:26:06,049 is something we're still assessing . 719 00:26:06,049 --> 00:26:08,105 Secretary Austin have to , is that a 720 00:26:08,105 --> 00:26:10,327 secretary level decision to do that not 721 00:26:10,327 --> 00:26:12,494 to my knowledge , the ships or I don't 722 00:26:12,494 --> 00:26:14,716 have the specifics in terms of who made 723 00:26:14,716 --> 00:26:16,827 that authorization . But clearly , we 724 00:26:16,827 --> 00:26:18,938 always maintain the inherent right to 725 00:26:18,938 --> 00:26:21,105 self defense . And so the decision was 726 00:26:21,105 --> 00:26:23,352 made to , to take the shot and they 727 00:26:23,362 --> 00:26:26,302 took it inside of Israel just as a 728 00:26:26,442 --> 00:26:29,041 clarification that inside of 729 00:26:30,291 --> 00:26:33,932 Israel , correct was self defense . 730 00:26:35,170 --> 00:26:37,750 Again , what I had at the top there is 731 00:26:37,760 --> 00:26:39,871 what I have to provide . Let me go to 732 00:26:39,871 --> 00:26:42,204 my ask about the hospital issue . Again , 733 00:26:42,204 --> 00:26:44,260 a lot of a was reporting these Hamas 734 00:26:44,260 --> 00:26:46,670 figures that it was several 100 victims . 735 00:26:46,869 --> 00:26:49,091 Uh Now a FP is coming out saying it was 736 00:26:49,091 --> 00:26:51,258 like 30 to 50 . I was wondering if the 737 00:26:51,258 --> 00:26:53,480 US have any better idea of actually how 738 00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:55,536 many casualties there were from it . 739 00:26:55,660 --> 00:26:57,827 Yeah , thanks Mike . So , so the short 740 00:26:57,827 --> 00:27:00,049 answer is uh not yet . That's something 741 00:27:00,049 --> 00:27:02,216 that we're we're looking at . Um And , 742 00:27:02,216 --> 00:27:04,327 and like you , we've seen numbers all 743 00:27:04,327 --> 00:27:06,327 over the map . Uh So that's another 744 00:27:06,327 --> 00:27:08,604 aspect that we're looking at right now . 745 00:27:08,604 --> 00:27:10,716 Thank you , sir . Thanks on Tuesday , 746 00:27:10,716 --> 00:27:12,660 the Pentagon announced that it was 747 00:27:12,660 --> 00:27:14,882 giving me sort of ready to deploy order 748 00:27:14,882 --> 00:27:17,049 to around 2000 troops , but that units 749 00:27:17,049 --> 00:27:19,216 had not yet been identified . Have any 750 00:27:19,216 --> 00:27:21,271 units out of those 2000 rough troops 751 00:27:21,271 --> 00:27:23,438 been identified yet . Yes . So we have 752 00:27:23,438 --> 00:27:25,660 identified units . But what I will tell 753 00:27:25,660 --> 00:27:27,882 you is right now , we're just not going 754 00:27:27,882 --> 00:27:29,882 to go the specifics unless those or 755 00:27:29,882 --> 00:27:31,827 those units are actually tasked to 756 00:27:31,827 --> 00:27:33,604 deploy at which time we will be 757 00:27:33,604 --> 00:27:35,827 prepared to talk about what those units 758 00:27:35,827 --> 00:27:37,827 are able at least say whether those 759 00:27:37,827 --> 00:27:37,810 units are stateside or ? Ok , at the 760 00:27:37,819 --> 00:27:40,150 moment , I am not . Thanks . Yes , 761 00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:43,280 thank you . Secretary A has stressed 762 00:27:43,290 --> 00:27:46,589 the need to focus on the post for 763 00:27:47,560 --> 00:27:49,393 uh President Biden mentioned the 764 00:27:49,393 --> 00:27:51,479 mistakes done by the US after 9 11 765 00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:53,910 which could be the invasion of Iraq or 766 00:27:53,920 --> 00:27:56,142 the strategy is there ? I don't know if 767 00:27:56,142 --> 00:27:58,253 you agree which caused improvement in 768 00:27:58,253 --> 00:28:01,770 Iran's position and 2000 forces 769 00:28:01,780 --> 00:28:04,170 ready in the Mediterranean spokesman 770 00:28:04,180 --> 00:28:07,020 Kirby told that no intention of to put 771 00:28:07,030 --> 00:28:09,260 us boots on the ground . My question is 772 00:28:09,270 --> 00:28:12,060 even though the US tries to limit the 773 00:28:12,069 --> 00:28:16,060 damage , does the Pentagon assess a 774 00:28:16,069 --> 00:28:18,939 big war impact on Iran , Syria ? Even 775 00:28:18,949 --> 00:28:20,989 Turkey and any preparation of us 776 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:23,056 military presence on the ground in a 777 00:28:23,056 --> 00:28:25,479 post future scenario in the Middle East ? 778 00:28:25,489 --> 00:28:27,670 Again , I'm not sure I understand what 779 00:28:27,689 --> 00:28:31,050 you are asking . The question is even 780 00:28:31,060 --> 00:28:33,510 you are trying to limit the damage . Do 781 00:28:33,520 --> 00:28:35,750 you assess a big and large war in the 782 00:28:35,760 --> 00:28:38,459 Middle East , including Iran , Syria 783 00:28:38,589 --> 00:28:40,589 and Israel ? Do we assess a big , a 784 00:28:40,589 --> 00:28:43,390 large war ? That's exactly what we're 785 00:28:43,400 --> 00:28:46,060 trying to do prevent , right . I mean 786 00:28:46,069 --> 00:28:49,060 that that is uh the the United States 787 00:28:49,069 --> 00:28:51,589 clearly working with our international 788 00:28:51,599 --> 00:28:54,060 allies and partners around the world to 789 00:28:54,069 --> 00:28:56,430 ensure regional stability and security 790 00:28:56,489 --> 00:28:58,660 to prevent regional or prevent 791 00:28:58,670 --> 00:29:00,900 conflicts from becoming regional . Uh 792 00:29:00,910 --> 00:29:03,489 and again , um you know , like , like 793 00:29:03,500 --> 00:29:05,819 everyone else , uh all peace and 794 00:29:05,829 --> 00:29:08,339 freedom loving countries . Uh We want 795 00:29:08,349 --> 00:29:10,405 people to be able to live in peace , 796 00:29:10,405 --> 00:29:12,627 security and stability . Uh and we will 797 00:29:12,627 --> 00:29:14,849 continue to stay focused on that . This 798 00:29:14,849 --> 00:29:16,960 is a very unfortunate situation right 799 00:29:16,960 --> 00:29:19,359 now that , that we're seeing play out 800 00:29:19,680 --> 00:29:21,949 as Israel tries to defend itself from 801 00:29:21,959 --> 00:29:24,126 Hamas terrorist attacks . And so we'll 802 00:29:24,126 --> 00:29:26,070 continue to stand by the people of 803 00:29:26,070 --> 00:29:27,737 Israel as they look to defend 804 00:29:27,737 --> 00:29:29,903 themselves and their , their country . 805 00:29:29,903 --> 00:29:31,848 But certainly when it comes to the 806 00:29:31,848 --> 00:29:33,959 broader Middle East , no one wants to 807 00:29:33,959 --> 00:29:36,181 see this expand into a broader regional 808 00:29:36,181 --> 00:29:38,403 war and we'll continue to work with our 809 00:29:38,403 --> 00:29:40,515 allies and partners to prevent that . 810 00:29:40,515 --> 00:29:42,681 In this case , I'm not going to get in 811 00:29:42,681 --> 00:29:44,792 the hypotheticals . I think you and I 812 00:29:44,792 --> 00:29:44,369 would both agree that we certainly 813 00:29:44,380 --> 00:29:46,547 would not want to see that . All right 814 00:29:46,547 --> 00:29:48,713 time for a few more . Yes , sir . Just 815 00:29:48,713 --> 00:29:48,170 real quick . I wonder if you can 816 00:29:48,180 --> 00:29:51,060 clarify the , the nature of the minor 817 00:29:51,069 --> 00:29:53,099 injuries by coalition personnel 818 00:29:53,109 --> 00:29:55,280 sustained in Iraq . I cannot , other 819 00:29:55,290 --> 00:29:57,179 than to say , in all cases , they 820 00:29:57,179 --> 00:29:59,179 return to duty . Thank you . Just a 821 00:29:59,179 --> 00:30:01,234 quick follow up . You mentioned this 822 00:30:01,234 --> 00:30:03,346 conflict is to be currently contained 823 00:30:03,346 --> 00:30:06,829 between Israel and Hamas . The the 824 00:30:06,839 --> 00:30:08,979 attack attacks on the Assad airbase 825 00:30:08,989 --> 00:30:11,156 were claimed by the Islamic resistance 826 00:30:11,156 --> 00:30:13,378 in Iraq , which is an umbrella term for 827 00:30:13,378 --> 00:30:15,378 Iran backed groups in Iraq . Uh The 828 00:30:15,378 --> 00:30:17,660 head of Qat say Sh had two weeks ago 829 00:30:17,670 --> 00:30:19,892 said that if the Americans intervene in 830 00:30:19,892 --> 00:30:22,750 Gaza , the entire quote axis of 831 00:30:22,760 --> 00:30:24,649 resistance will intervene and the 832 00:30:24,649 --> 00:30:26,649 entire region will catch fire . Had 833 00:30:26,649 --> 00:30:28,760 Amri head of the body organization in 834 00:30:28,760 --> 00:30:30,760 Iraq said that we will consider all 835 00:30:30,760 --> 00:30:32,927 Americans legitimate targets if the US 836 00:30:32,927 --> 00:30:32,790 intervenes in the Gaza conflict . 837 00:30:32,920 --> 00:30:34,976 Yemen's Houthi leader said a similar 838 00:30:34,976 --> 00:30:36,976 comment saying that his side was in 839 00:30:36,976 --> 00:30:39,198 total coordinations with other I groups 840 00:30:39,198 --> 00:30:41,142 across the region . The department 841 00:30:41,142 --> 00:30:40,854 really see no connection between the 842 00:30:40,864 --> 00:30:43,031 Gaza war and what just happened . Look 843 00:30:43,031 --> 00:30:44,975 again , it's important to separate 844 00:30:44,975 --> 00:30:46,697 these attacks from the current 845 00:30:46,697 --> 00:30:48,864 situation . We're going to continue to 846 00:30:48,864 --> 00:30:51,854 assess attribution on these certainly 847 00:30:51,864 --> 00:30:54,574 rhetoric from hate groups is not a new 848 00:30:54,584 --> 00:30:56,695 thing in the region . We're of course 849 00:30:56,695 --> 00:30:58,806 going to take all of that seriously , 850 00:30:58,806 --> 00:31:01,028 but we're also not going to overreact . 851 00:31:01,028 --> 00:31:00,795 We're going to continue to do what we 852 00:31:00,805 --> 00:31:03,614 need to do to deter conflict and ensure 853 00:31:03,625 --> 00:31:06,160 regional stability while at the same 854 00:31:06,170 --> 00:31:08,630 time supporting Israel . Ok . All right . 855 00:31:09,079 --> 00:31:11,770 Uh Last question . Thanks General . Um 856 00:31:11,780 --> 00:31:13,836 So the State Department has released 857 00:31:13,836 --> 00:31:15,959 numbers that about 30 at least 30 858 00:31:15,969 --> 00:31:18,080 American citizens died in the initial 859 00:31:18,080 --> 00:31:20,189 Hamas attack in Israel . Do you have 860 00:31:20,199 --> 00:31:22,310 any data on whether you know how many 861 00:31:22,310 --> 00:31:24,366 of those were combatants , like dual 862 00:31:24,366 --> 00:31:26,421 citizens fighting with Israel or how 863 00:31:26,421 --> 00:31:28,643 many were just tourists or us civilians 864 00:31:28,643 --> 00:31:30,810 over there ? Yeah , I really don't , I 865 00:31:30,810 --> 00:31:32,921 don't . And actually I apologize . Uh 866 00:31:32,921 --> 00:31:32,709 One more from the phone here . Let me 867 00:31:32,719 --> 00:31:34,849 go to , uh James from Messenger . 868 00:31:37,040 --> 00:31:39,180 All right , thank you . Um So if you 869 00:31:39,189 --> 00:31:41,819 historically look at any US airstrike 870 00:31:41,829 --> 00:31:45,099 um , that accidentally kills , um , 871 00:31:45,109 --> 00:31:47,331 civilians , even if those civilians are 872 00:31:47,331 --> 00:31:50,609 co located with , with enemy combatants , 873 00:31:50,719 --> 00:31:52,959 the US typically takes responsibility 874 00:31:53,099 --> 00:31:56,420 for , for that incident . Uh , Israel's 875 00:31:56,430 --> 00:31:59,359 position has been that in airstrikes in 876 00:31:59,369 --> 00:32:02,420 Gaza , it is not their fault that 877 00:32:02,430 --> 00:32:04,541 innocent civilians have been killed . 878 00:32:04,541 --> 00:32:06,763 In fact , it's the fault of Hamas and , 879 00:32:06,763 --> 00:32:08,874 and I'm wondering where the US stands 880 00:32:08,874 --> 00:32:11,152 on that position that Israel is taking . 881 00:32:11,152 --> 00:32:13,319 Yeah , thanks James . So I'm , I'm not 882 00:32:13,319 --> 00:32:15,430 gonna speak for Israel . Uh You , you 883 00:32:15,430 --> 00:32:17,486 know , I will say , and , and you've 884 00:32:17,486 --> 00:32:19,708 heard Secretary Austin say this uh that 885 00:32:19,708 --> 00:32:21,874 uh Israel is a professional military , 886 00:32:21,874 --> 00:32:23,986 it's professionally led . Um But this 887 00:32:23,986 --> 00:32:25,708 is something that we have been 888 00:32:25,708 --> 00:32:27,930 communicating actively um both publicly 889 00:32:27,930 --> 00:32:29,597 and privately in terms of the 890 00:32:29,597 --> 00:32:31,486 importance of ensuring . And as I 891 00:32:31,486 --> 00:32:33,486 mentioned in my topper safeguarding 892 00:32:33,486 --> 00:32:35,319 civilians , both Palestinian and 893 00:32:35,319 --> 00:32:38,010 Israeli as as these operations are 894 00:32:38,020 --> 00:32:40,187 planned . And so that will continue to 895 00:32:40,187 --> 00:32:43,969 be our position . Thank you in 896 00:32:44,400 --> 00:32:47,160 right now . I don't have any specifics 897 00:32:47,170 --> 00:32:48,948 to provide for you if , if your 898 00:32:48,948 --> 00:32:50,781 question is , do we have special 899 00:32:50,781 --> 00:32:52,837 operations , forces conducting , you 900 00:32:52,837 --> 00:32:54,948 know , boots on the ground operations 901 00:32:54,948 --> 00:32:57,170 again ? You've heard us say that we are 902 00:32:57,170 --> 00:32:59,392 not going to have , you know , boots on 903 00:32:59,392 --> 00:33:01,392 the ground . Um But um I don't have 904 00:33:01,392 --> 00:33:04,140 anything . We are , we are providing um 905 00:33:04,150 --> 00:33:07,670 planning and intelligence support to 906 00:33:07,680 --> 00:33:10,439 the Israelis uh as it pertains to 907 00:33:10,449 --> 00:33:13,040 hostage recovery . Um That's about the 908 00:33:13,050 --> 00:33:15,272 extent of , of what I'm able to provide 909 00:33:15,272 --> 00:33:17,439 right now . Hey , before , I'm sorry , 910 00:33:17,439 --> 00:33:20,119 before we conclude , um I just want to 911 00:33:20,130 --> 00:33:22,660 uh highlight one other thing um on 912 00:33:22,670 --> 00:33:24,559 Tuesday this week , uh Miss Laura 913 00:33:24,559 --> 00:33:26,781 Cooper , the Deputy Assistant Secretary 914 00:33:26,781 --> 00:33:28,670 of Defense for Russia , Ukraine , 915 00:33:28,670 --> 00:33:31,060 Eurasia uh was recognized as the 2023 916 00:33:31,069 --> 00:33:33,229 Samuel J Hayman , federal Employee of 917 00:33:33,239 --> 00:33:35,350 the year award winner . And since the 918 00:33:35,350 --> 00:33:37,572 start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine , 919 00:33:37,572 --> 00:33:39,406 uh Deputy Assistant Secretary of 920 00:33:39,406 --> 00:33:41,461 Defense Cooper and her team have led 921 00:33:41,461 --> 00:33:43,628 the response by the US and a coalition 922 00:33:43,628 --> 00:33:45,850 of some 50 countries to secure critical 923 00:33:45,850 --> 00:33:47,572 military aid for Ukraine at an 924 00:33:47,572 --> 00:33:49,683 unprecedented pace . Uh also known as 925 00:33:49,683 --> 00:33:51,850 the Oscars of government service . The 926 00:33:51,850 --> 00:33:53,795 Sammy's are the premier awards and 927 00:33:53,795 --> 00:33:55,572 recognition program for federal 928 00:33:55,572 --> 00:33:57,461 employees and so on behalf of the 929 00:33:57,461 --> 00:33:59,795 Secretary of Defense and the entire dod , 930 00:33:59,795 --> 00:34:01,850 we want to congratulate MS Cooper on 931 00:34:01,850 --> 00:34:03,517 this significant professional 932 00:34:03,517 --> 00:34:05,683 accomplishment . Thank you very much . 933 00:34:05,683 --> 00:34:04,189 Ladies and gentlemen .