Vermont Guardsmen Assemble, Distribute COVID Test Kits

 Sept. 30, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JANA SOMERO

The Vermont Air National Guard undertook a new mission earlier this year assembling COVID-19 test kits at the Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Warehouse and distributing them to health department district offices, pop-up test sites and primary care physicians across the state.

Launched on July 20, seven airmen stepped up to the challenge to tackle the monumental task of assembling enough test kits to keep up with Vermont's daily testing demand and to build a reserve stockpile of at least 20,000 kits.

"This operation has afforded me the opportunity to take an active role in ensuring the safety of my fellow Vermonters, as well as develop new skill sets I wouldn't otherwise gain in my normal work environment." said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Grupp, from the 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The test kit bags include absorbents, saline vials, nasal swabs, health forms and patient instructions. Even in the face of hectic scheduling, the airmen quickly produced nearly 8,000 kits by the end of the first week. As the operation grew, more airmen throughout the VTANG stepped up and volunteered their time to help complete the mission.

"As warehouse functions evolved, it was a challenge to choose the right individuals to lead the various roles of inventory, distribution, kit-assembly and so on," said Air Force Master Sgt. Karl Johansen, the 158th Medical Group first sergeant and the warehouse manager. "The fact that this team is composed of diverse AFSCs [Air Force Career Specialties], skill sets, ranks and experiences made those decisions easier."

Several weeks later, soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard state food distribution mission joined the VTANG test-kit team. Working together as one unit, the warehouse was renamed the COVID War House.

"We know that the world is going through a very difficult time with this pandemic," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Dhruv Gulati, of the 158th Maintenance Squadron. "As a member of the VTANG, I was given the opportunity to be a part of this team. I am honored to be part of the collective effort with the state, the VTANG and the VTARNG to fight this pandemic."

On Sept. 18, just 60 days after the warehouse's initial launch, the team assembled its 50,000th test kit, making the mission an overwhelming achievement for the state.

"A lot of this team's success can be attributed to it's diversity,'' Johansen said. "Members volunteered from across many career fields and Air Force specialties; each brought a different skill set and experiences to the effort."

(Air Force Airman 1st Class Jana Somero is assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing).

Valiant Shield

 

Left to right: USS Germantown, USNS John Ericsson, USS Antietam, USS Ronald Reagan, USS America, USS Shiloh, USS New Orleans and USS Comstock break away from formation during Exercise Valiant Shield in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 25, 2020.

Weapons Training

 

Two Marines operate an M2 .50-caliber Browning machine gun during a weapons shoot aboard the USS Germantown in the East China Sea, Sept. 21, 2020.

Paladin Practice

 

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team fire the new M109A7 Paladin during training at Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 17, 2020. The new Paladin is a part of the brigade's ongoing modernization efforts to enhance combat power and drive readiness.

New Policy Makes U.S. More Competitive Partner

 Sept. 30, 2020 | BY C. TODD LOPEZ , DOD News

A new "term of sale" opens the doors to more nations that want to approach the United States about foreign military sales, and that makes the U.S. more competitive in seeking partnerships, the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

Just last year, DSCA created the "risk assessed payment schedule," or RAPS, term of sale, which offers more nations better opportunities to acquire U.S. military hardware through foreign military sales, Heidi Grant said today in an online discussion during the ComDef 2020 conference, a virtual conference providing insights and perspectives on issues facing the international defense communities.

"[This is for] countries that are on the cusp of what people are familiar with, dependable undertaking," Grant said. "This is a new financial opportunity, so we can be more competitive ... and we've approved already three countries for this RAPS opportunity. One of them has actually acted on it. And we won a competition out there, I would say, because of this financial opportunity."

Some nations interested in FMS may qualify as "dependable undertaking," which means those countries have been evaluated as most likely to be able to meet financial obligations made as part of their FMS request.

Nations not able to meet qualifications for dependable undertaking, or that are only on the cusp of meeting those requirements, have, in the past, been able to engage in FMS using "cash with acceptance," which requires they pay in full for their FMS purchase at the time the sale is approved.

For nations that are approved for the risk assessed payment schedule, it isn't necessary to pay in full before delivery of FMS materiel. Instead, those nations would agree to alternative payment schedules, including paying a deposit that amounts to 100% of the cost of terminating their agreement.

Grant took the helm at DSCA in August and brings nearly 30 years of federal experience to the job, with about 20 years in security cooperation. She said that while the agency is still calculating the FMS "success stories" for fiscal year 2020, in FY 2019, DSCA had oversight of 14,700 FMS cases, executed $55.4 billion in arms sales, and worked with over 160 countries. But she pointed out that weapons sales are not the only thing DSCA does.

"Foreign military sales often seems to be the focus when people talk about DSCA — that's what we're most well-known for," she said. "But we provide much more than just defense equipment to our allies and partners. Security cooperation includes international military education and training, advising on defense doctrine, rule of law, human rights, civilian harm mitigation, and other institutional capacity-building programs."

As the new director of DSCA, Grant said her focus will be on expanding opportunities for which the defense industry could compete; identifying barriers to progress and developing plans to remove those barriers; and fostering innovation across the security cooperation enterprise.

America Looks to Build, Strengthen Partnerships in Africa

 Sept. 30, 2020 | BY Jim Garamone , DOD News

America will maintain partnerships with like-minded nations in Africa, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said today at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia.

U.S. service members will stand by their allies to make the sacrifices of previous generations matter.

The cemetery is the final resting place of more than 2,800 American men and women who fought in North Africa during World War II. The names of more than 3,700 Americans missing in action are carved into a wall facing the graves.

"These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and merchant mariners fought alongside our partners and friends, living up to their sworn oath to defend the Constitution and the United States, against the forces of evil, in the North African campaign," Esper said in the remarks after he placed a wreath at the site. "Not only did they make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms today, but their experiences in combat also taught us vital lessons that hold true nearly eight decades later — lessons that we must keep close in the years ahead."

The U.S. troops were part of Operation Torch, launched in November 1942 in Morocco and Algeria. The combat against German and Italian troops went back and forth and it wasn't until May 1943 that the Axis forces were defeated here in Tunisia. "(The victory) secured North Africa and the Mediterranean's strategic supply routes, and positioned the allies to liberate Europe," the secretary said. "Importantly, our victory demonstrated the power of like-minded nations standing arm-in-arm in the campaign against tyranny, and taught us that the way to win is to fight together."

The horrendous losses of World War II and the allies collective success led to the creation of a post-war international order that has secured peace, stability and prosperity around the world for the past 75 years, the secretary said. 

But that global order — based on shared values of liberty, the rule of law, human rights and national sovereignty is under pressure in this new era of great power competition, Esper warned. 

"Today, our strategic competitors China and Russia continue to intimidate and coerce their neighbors while expanding their authoritarian influence worldwide, including on this continent," he said. "At the same time, violent extremists continue to pose a threat not only to regional stability, but also to our homeland. The United States' enduring partnership with like-minded countries — including here in North Africa — is key to addressing these challenges." 

China is attempting to divide natural allies and put in place a new set of rules that answer to Beijing. Russia is trying to assert its power by acting as a spoiler in Europe but also in neighboring Libya and in Syria. 

The effort to counter this requires a whole-of-government approach, but the Defense Department has a role to play. DOD is working to strengthen partners' defense capabilities and blunt transnational threats, Esper said. "We help degrade violent extremist organizations, and deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief to local communities," he said. "And, together we continue to counter the malign, coercive and predatory behavior of Beijing and Moscow, meant to undermine African institutions, erode national sovereignty, create instability and exploit resources throughout the region."

The United States is doing this work "in good faith and with a sincere aspiration for a more secure, stable and prosperous Africa," the secretary said. This work includes political and economic development marked by free, fair, and reciprocal trade and investment — and respect for the sovereignty of all nations. 

"As the global partner of choice, the United States will continue to deepen our alliances and partnerships across the continent, including with Tunisia, where your democratic government and sovereignty have made much of our work in the region possible," he said. "We look forward to expanding this relationship to help Tunisia protect its maritime ports and land borders, deter terrorism, and keep the corrosive efforts of autocratic regimes out of your country — as we build closer ties in the spirit and service of those who first set us on this path."

Secretary Esper Remarks at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia

 Sept. 30, 2020

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Thank you all for joining me this afternoon. I want to thank also the United States Embassy Tunis for hosting us today, and I want to thank the American Battle Monuments Commission for dedicating and maintaining these hallowed grounds. 

It is an honor to be here with you in the North Africa American Cemetery, the eternal resting place of more than 2,800 brave men and women who fought in North Africa during World War II, and the more than 3,700 fallen heroes whose names are memorialized on the Wall of the Missing. 

These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners fought alongside our partners and friends, living up to their sworn oath to defend the Constitution and the United States of America, against the forces of evil, in the North African campaign. Not only did they make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms today, but their experiences in combat also taught us vital lessons that hold true nearly eight decades later – lessons that we must keep close in the years ahead.

The fighting in North Africa erupted when the Axis powers attempted to cut off the Allies’ supplies and lines of communication in the Mediterranean. Recognizing the threat of Axis control of the region, President Roosevelt launched Operation Torch in 1942, marking the first major entry of United States troops in this theater, and the largest American campaign on the continent. After suffering early losses in combat, the Allies adapted by building up their combat power, making changes in command, and coordinating air and naval forces to attack enemy positions and supply lines.

Cooperation among the Allies throughout nearly three years of fighting proved vital to victory in 1943 and the liberation of the Maghreb from Axis control. It secured North Africa and the Mediterranean’s strategic supply routes, and positioned the Allies to liberate Europe. Importantly, our victory demonstrated the power of like-minded nations standing arm-in-arm in the campaign against tyranny and taught us that the way to win is to fight together.

Our collective success in World War II led to the creation of a post-war international order that has secured peace, stability, and prosperity around the world for the past 75 years. However, this global order, based on our shared values of liberty, sovereignty, and human rights, is under duress in this era of great power competition.

Today, our strategic competitors China and Russia continue to intimidate and coerce their neighbors while expanding their authoritarian influence worldwide, including on this continent. At the same time, violent extremists continue to pose a threat not only to regional stability, but also to our homelands. The United States’ enduring partnership with like-minded countries – including here in North Africa – is key to addressing these challenges. 

Among our combined efforts, the Department of Defense helps strengthen our partners’ defense capabilities and blunt transnational threats. We help degrade violent extremist organizations and deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief to local communities. And, together, we continue to counter the malign, coercive, and predatory behavior of Beijing and Moscow, meant to undermine African institutions, erode national sovereignty, create instability, and exploit resources throughout the region. 

Our work, the United States’ work, is done in good faith and with a sincere aspiration for a more secure, stable, and prosperous Africa, including through political and economic development marked by free, fair, and reciprocal trade and investment – and respect for the sovereignty of all nations. 

As the global partner of choice, the United States will continue to deepen our alliances and partnerships across the continent, including with Tunisia, where your democratic government and sovereignty have made much of our work in this region possible. We look forward to expanding this relationship to help Tunisia protect its maritime ports and land borders, to deter terrorism, and to keep the corrosive efforts of autocratic regimes out of your country – as we build closer ties in the spirit and service of those who first set us on this path.

Those men and women, the men and women laid to rest here, were heroes who hailed from every part of the United States, and from every walk of life, to fight for the United States, our Constitution, our shared values, and the ideals that now define our rules-based global order. They include Private Nicholas Minue, a Polish immigrant who gave up his rank of Sergeant in the United States Army to serve in combat during World War II, first in Algeria and then in Tunisia. 

Private Minue was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for single-handedly destroying an enemy machine-gun position while under heavy fire, and continuing to charge forward until he himself was killed.

Other heroes whose names appear on the headstones and the Wall of the Missing are leaders such as Second Lieutenant James McCullin and First Lieutenant Sherman White, members of the Tuskegee Airmen. These pioneering African-American fighter pilots skillfully executed bomber escort and other missions that helped change the course of America’s military. 

Other trailblazers include Privates First Class Rose Puchalla and Alice McKinney, members of the Women’s Army Corps, whose contributions throughout the war laid the groundwork for the strong, capable, and diverse force we have built and fostered ever since.

We stand tall thanks to the sacrifices made by these men and women who came before us. We honor them, and all those serving around the world today, who are making their own mark on history as they defend our values alongside our allies and partners. Together, much like we did when we arrived in this historic land in 1942, the United States will continue to protect the enduring cause of freedom, to safeguard our sovereignty and values, and to uphold the international rules-based order that has benefitted our countries, for generations to come. 

Thank you.

Related Video: Defense Secretary Dr. Mark Esper’s North Africa American Cemetery Remark

Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With President of the Republic of Malta Dr. George Vella

 Sept. 30, 2020

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Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with the President of the Republic of Malta Dr. George Vella in Valletta today.  Secretary Esper thanked President Vella for the warm welcome on this visit and the nearly two and a half centuries of close bonds between the people of Malta and the United States.  Secretary Esper underscored his interest in deepening our partnership as like-minded, sovereign nations to address transnational challenges and bolster regional security across the Mediterranean.  

Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Tunisian President Kais Saied

 Sept. 30, 2020

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Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with Tunisian President Kais Saied at Carthage Palace in Tunisia today. Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the United States and Tunisia, dating back to the countries’ first agreement of friendship and trade in 1799. The two leaders discussed shared concerns about the threat terrorism and malign actors pose to regional stability and the sovereignty of African countries.  Secretary Esper and President Saied also exchanged ideas on how Tunisia and the United States can strengthen their security relationship in service to the values held by the American and Tunisian people.  Secretary Esper thanked Tunisia, a key U.S. security partner and a Major Non-NATO Ally, for its active contribution to regional security and encouraged its continued efforts.  He emphasized the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with Tunisia to further progress made in countering violent extremism and defending international norms.

Essential Effort

 

Air Force Master Sgt. James Bosley, assigned to the 169th Medical Group, performs a nasopharyngeal swab on a mission essential guardsman at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., Sept. 25, 2020. The South Carolina National Guard remains ready to support the counties, state and local agencies, and first responders with requested resources for as long as needed in support of COVID-19 response efforts in the state.

Temp Task

 

New recruits assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion are medically screened after arriving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 28, 2020. Recruits arriving at the depot will enter a staging period of 14 days during which they will be medically screened, monitored and provided classes to help prepare and orient them to begin recruit training. The health and well-being of the recruits, recruiting and training personnel, and their families remain the primary concerns. All recruits will be screened and tested for COVID-19 prior to beginning recruit training.

Water View

 

Navy Capts. Allen D. Adkins and Jonathan C Puskas assess the performance of patrol boats during unit level training readiness assessment and in Long Beach, Calif., Sept. 24, 2020.

U.S. Seeks to Increase Engagements With African Nations

 Sept. 30, 2020 | BY JIM GARAMONE , DOD News

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper's visit to Malta and North African countries highlights America's long-term involvement in the region and the importance the United States places on relations with the nations.

Esper is visiting Malta, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco during his trip. 

"The focus of the trip is to strengthen our current alliances and partnerships in the region, as well as reaffirm the enduring U.S. military commitment to the African continent," a senior DOD official speaking on background said. 

The secretary will discuss a range of issues with leaders of the countries. The official noted it is very much a conversation among friends. "The United States is committed to an enduring partnership with the countries of Africa based on a relationship of mutual respect and shared values," the senior official said. 

Security in the Mediterranean will obviously dominate discussions, but Esper will also look at advancing bilateral defense and security cooperation more broadly and address national security risks posed by foreign investments in critical infrastructure.

He will spend more time listening to the viewpoints of these nations. What he learns will inform discussions back in Washington.

Libya has been in chaos since the fall of the Qaddafi regime and the uncertain and violent situation in the country influences the region and beyond. Russia is trying to establish a military base in Libya. If it succeeds, any solution to the war in Libya will be harder to negotiate, officials said. 

All of the nations Esper will visit have concerns about Libya and the secretary looks forward to understanding those concerns. Officials noted the situation looks different in the region than when examining it from Washington.

But the trip is more than just consultations on an immediate crisis. It is meant to highlight the U.S. commitment to Africa. DOD officials have made hundreds of trips to the continent over the past year. 

While Esper has messages for the region, he really wants to address the continent. Africa is the second-largest continent on the globe. It is incredibly diverse and complex and gifted with natural resources. The continent is the fastest growing by population. 

It has its problems. There are more ungoverned or "under-governed" areas in Africa than anywhere else in the world. These regions attract malign influences. Violent extremist organizations pose a real threat to shaky African national governments. Boko Haram in West Africa and al Shabaab centered in Somalia are the two largest terror groups but there are many more.

The United States is committed to long-term relationships with like-minded nations of Africa, and this separates the United States from China and Russia. America is the "partner of choice" worldwide. The DOD has a part in this with helping partners build capabilities and capacity to provide stability and security for their peoples.

In Tunisia, Esper will visit the American Battle Monuments Cemetery from World War II. Tens of thousands of American service members died in North Africa beginning Nov. 8, 1942 when the amphibious landings began in Morocco and Algeria as part of Operation Torch.

The American graves are a tangible example of the U.S. commitment to Africa. "It's important for us to flag the fact that not only have we worked with them for so many years, we're continuing to work with them today," the senior defense official said. "We have an enduring commitment."

U.S. Africa Command has troops in many countries on the continent. U.S. forces help with training, equipping and strengthening African nations militaries. The DOD efforts are just part of the broader U.S. interagency engagement. 

The visit will also highlight that the United States is part of the broader coalition seeking to help African nations prosper. These include the United Kingdom, France and others. "This is different from China and Russia, which are attempting to upset the rules-based order that Africa has developed," the official said. 

Spotlight: Coronavirus: DOD Response

Esper was scheduled to make the trip to the region in April, but was forced to postpone it due to the pandemic. Still U.S. engagement remained strong as U.S. military exercises with North African and West African partners continued. Conferences — both virtual and real-life — also went on as planned. 

Defense Department Set for Third Military Spouses Hiring Fair

 Sept. 30, 2020 | BY C. Todd Lopez , DOD News

The COVID-19 pandemic won't put a crimp on the next Military Spouse Employment Partnership Virtual Hiring Event, said the director of military community support programs within the Defense Department.

A related event held in April, the Virtual Military Spouse Symposium, saw a 125% increase in attendance over the previous year, said Lee Kelley. "We really saw that participation rate go up, not down." If that's any indication, the next virtual hiring event should be an even greater success than the one held earlier this year.

The event, scheduled for Oct. 14, is sponsored by Military OneSource's Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership.

Already, more than 100 of the 450 corporate, nonprofit and federal organizations within the partnership have signed up to participate, said Kelley.

These events are important because we can say confidently that these are employers who recognize the value of military spouses and who recognize the vast breadth of expertise across industry sectors that spouses have.''

Lee Kelley, director of military community support programs

Those partners will be available online during the hiring event to interview military spouses for potential jobs.

"The one thing that all of these partners have in common is that they're committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting and retaining military spouses," said Kelley.

Because the event is virtual, military spouses from all over the world will be able to attend. Spouses from more than a dozen countries are expected to participate. And employers aren't just looking for new employees to work in the U.S., said Kelley.

"We have companies signed on to the partnership who may have their headquarters in the states, but who have positions [to fill] around the globe," she said.

The MSEP's virtual hiring event is about more than just helping military families augment their finances with a second income, Kelley said. The program also makes it possible for spouses to bring valuable skills and much-needed talent to the private sector, government and nonprofit agencies.

"Military spouses deserve to have recognition of their skill sets and the value that they bring to the table in the workplace," she said. "These events are important because we can say confidently that these are employers who recognize the value of military spouses and who recognize the vast breadth of expertise across industry sectors that spouses have."

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership Virtual Hiring Event begins at 11 a.m. EDT, Oct. 14. Those interested in participating should go to https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil to sign up.

Kelley said she also encourages military spouses who wish to participate to first call Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647 and get in touch with a career coach there to discuss their employment goals.

"Touch base with one of our certified, master's-level career coaches in advance of the hiring fair to make sure your resume is polished and to make sure your skill sets are represented in the best possible light," she said, adding that would-be hiring fair attendees can also go over interview skills that might be helpful.

"My hope would be that every spouse who attends the hiring fair and is ready for employment gets an opportunity in their desired career fields for an interview," she said.

Night Shooting

 

Marines fire an M240B medium machine gun during a night shoot aboard the USS Germantown during operations in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 27, 2020.

Base Cleanup

 

Navy Seabees clear tree debris left behind by Hurricane Sally as part of disaster relief efforts at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Sept. 20, 2020.

Food Prep

 

Arizona National Guardsmen prepare boxes of groceries for area residents at a food bank in Mesa, Ariz., Sept. 28, 2020.

Prescription Search

 

Navy Seaman Carlos Duran searches for a prescription at the COVID-19 drive-thru pharmacy in Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 25, 2020.

Seeing Sailor

 

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Foresman prepares to conduct a dive to support an infrastructure assessment of the Tinian Harbor in the Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 25, 2020.

Combat Swim

 

A soldier competes in a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge combat swim at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 20, 2020.

Night Shoot

 

Marines prepare to conduct a night shoot aboard the USS New Orleans in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 22, 2020.

Pacific Watch

 

Navy Seaman Prince Philip stands watch aboard the USS John Paul Jones in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 6, 2020.

Paint Prep

 

Army Spc. Tynina Williams applies face paint during the U.S. Army Europe European Best Warrior Competition at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, July 29, 2020.

Walk on the Wild Side

 

Army Brig. Gen. General Susan E. Henderson, Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels and Brig. Gen. Cheryn Fasano admire the wildlife at Fort Sam Houston’s Quadrangle at Joint Base San Antonio, Sept. 22, 2020. Henderson is commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Daniels is chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, and Fasano is deputy commanding general of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command.

Dust Duty

 

Marines fire an M777A2 howitzer during training at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Sept. 20, 2020.

Beach Patrol

 

Sailors use patrol boats during a security mission exercise while training in Long Beach, Calif., Sept. 23, 2020.

Dangling Duo

 

Marine Corps Cpl. Jehudi Rodriguez carries military working dog, Sisi, while rappelling from an MV-22B Osprey during training in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 23, 2020.

Statement From the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait

 Sept. 29, 2020

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Today we mourn the passing of an exceptional friend and partner to the United States, the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. 

Over the course of his nearly six decades of leadership in Kuwait, Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah dedicated himself to advancing the peace, security, and stability of Kuwait and the region in his respective capacities as the Amir, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister. 

Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's extraordinary personal contributions strengthened relations between the United States and Kuwait. As Foreign Minister, he shaped Kuwait’s international presence on the world stage following Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. As Amir and commander in chief, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah personally contributed to the modernization of Kuwait’s armed forces and proactive participation in the fight against global terrorism. The Amir championed security cooperation with the United States on mutually shared objectives by hosting and supporting a significant U.S. military presence.

Earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, to Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in recognition of his exceptional meritorious conduct and outstanding leadership of Kuwait and its armed forces.

On behalf of the Department of Defense and the thousands of U.S. personnel that have served in Kuwait and experienced firsthand the dedication of Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Kuwait and his steadfast commitment to the United States’ partnership, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the State of Kuwait and the family of the Amir during this time. 

Green Ride

 

Marines board a landing craft during training in Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 15, 2020.

C-17 Communication

 

Air Force Senior Airman Sara Gutherie adjusts her headset to communicate with maintainers inside a C-17 Globemaster III during an inspection at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., Sept. 17, 2020.

Marine Maneuver

 

Marine Corps Sgt. Ashton Tanner performs a low level static line jump during training over Camp Davis, N.C., Sept. 25, 2020.

Sports Heroes Who Served: From D-Day Vet to Baseball Legend

Sept. 29, 2020 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

Sports Heroes Who Served is a series that highlights the accomplishments of athletes who served in the U.S. military.

Most baseball fans of the legendary Yogi Berra probably don't know that he also served in World War II.

Berra actually signed with the New York Yankees in 1943, but put his baseball career on hold to join the Navy.

He was a gunner's mate assigned to the attack transport USS Bayfield. As a gunner's mate, Berra was responsible for the operation and maintenance of weapons and other ordnance equipment, as well as small arms and magazines.

The ship's destination: Utah Beach, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. 

During the invasion, Berra manned a landing craft support vessel from which he said he "sprayed bullets and rockets across the heavily fortified beach fronts before the troops landed." 

Berra was wounded in the hand by incoming enemy fire; he was later awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

In the years following his Navy service, he continued to support the troops. In 1950, he participated in a campaign with the Treasury Department to promote the purchase of U.S. savings bonds. In 2009, he received the Lone Sailor Award. and, in 2010, he was honored with the Audie Murphy Award for his Navy service.

Berra the Baseball Legend

As a player, Berra was with the New York Yankees from 1946 to 1963 and the New York Mets in 1965.

He was an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series championships as a player — more than any other player in Major League Baseball history. He had a career batting average of .285, while hitting 358 home runs and 1,430 runs batted in. He is also widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history.

Berra caught Don Larsen's perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. He also holds the all-time record for shutouts caught — 173.

As a manager, he was with the Yankees in 1964, the Mets from 1972 to 1975, and back with the Yankees from 1984 to 1985. He is one of only seven managers to lead both American and National League teams to the World Series. 

As a coach, he was with the Mets from 1965 to 1971, the Yankees from 1976 to 1983, and the Houston Astros from 1986 to 1989.

Berra appeared as a player, coach or manager in every one of the 13 World Series that New York baseball teams won from 1947 through 1981. Overall, he played or coached in 22 World Series, 13 on the winning side. 

In 1972, Berra was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. That year, the Yankees retired his uniform, number 8. Incidentally, Bill Dickey, the Yankees coach who taught Yogi Berra the finer points of catching, had previously worn number 8 as a catcher for the Yankees in the 1930s and 40s. Both catchers had that number retired by the Yankees. Both catchers served in the Navy in World War II.

Berra the Quotable

Outside of baseball, Berra is widely known for some memorable quotes. Here are just a few of many:

• When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
• You can observe a lot just by watching.
• It ain't over 'till it's over.
• No one goes there nowadays; it's too crowded.
• Pair up in threes.
• He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious.
• The future ain't what it used to be.
• 90% of the game is half mental.
• It's déjà vu all over again.
• A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.
• I never said most of the things I said.

More Stories of Sports Heroes Who Served

Michigan National Guard Support Statewide COVID-19 Testing Efforts

Sept. 29, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN TRISTAN VIGLIANCO

The Michigan Air National Guard assisted with free COVID-19 testing to residents of Sturgis, Michigan, and nearby communities Sept. 22, 2020.

In an effort to identify risk associated with the virus and help slow the spread, the 182nd Task Force deployed a team of airmen from Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.

"We are doing drive-thru community based testing," said Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Green, 127th Maintenance Squadron maintainer. "A lot of people need to be tested so they can go back to work. We help them out with that."

According to Green, the team had approximately 300 tests for the event, which took place between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The guardsmen partnered with a local health agency to provide the testing location at Maple Crest Plaza.

"They [the Michigan National Guard] are here to help us with specimen collection for individuals who want to be tested," said Rebecca Burns, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency health officer. "We are very thankful for their support. We need them here to make this work."

In addition to the testing in St. Joseph County, the guard provided testing in Alpena and Ottawa counties.

"When I heard about the testing mission, I wanted to be on it. We have been on this mission for about five months," Green said. "It is nice to be able to give back to the community."

There are also four more testing events scheduled throughout the week located in Allegan, Ottawa, Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Please contact your local health officials for more information.

These testing sites were a part of an ongoing effort by the Michigan National Guard to partner with a variety of state agencies to provide no cost COVID-19 tests to Michigan residents.

(Air Force Senior Airman Tristan Viglianco is assigned to the Michigan National Guard)

 

Community Support

 

Arizona National Guardsmen prepare boxes of groceries for area residents at a food bank in Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 25, 2020. The Guard continues to support food banks and other community needs during the COVID-19 state of emergency response.

Carolina Test

 

Army Spc. Regina Martin, assigned to the 251st Area Support Medical Company, South Carolina National Guard, swabs a patient as part of a COVID-19 test in Columbia, S.C., Sept. 18, 2020.

Flag Officer Assignments

Sept. 25, 2020

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The secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. Alan D. Beal will be assigned as reserve director, Expeditionary Force Generation with additional duties as reserve vice commander, United States Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.  Beal is currently serving as reserve director, Expeditionary Force Generation, Norfolk, Virginia.

Rear Adm. Shawn E. Duane will be assigned as reserve deputy, Operations, Plans and Strategy, N3/N5, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia.  Duane is currently serving as deputy commander, United States Fourth Fleet, Jacksonville, Florida.  

Rear Adm. Gene F. Price will be assigned as reserve deputy commander, Naval Information Forces, Suffolk, Virginia.  Price is currently serving as commander, Naval Information Force Reserve, Fort Worth, Texas.

Rear Adm. (lower half) James M. Butler will be assigned as commander, Naval Information Force Reserve, Fort Worth, Texas.  Butler is currently serving as reserve deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Robert T. Clark will be assigned as deputy commander, United States Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.  Clark is currently serving as deputy commander, Military Sealift Command/deputy commander, Military Sealift command representative to deputy J3, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Scott K. Fuller will be assigned as director, Reserve Warfare, N0959, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia.  Fuller is currently serving as reserve deputy director, Warfare Systems Directorate, N9R, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia. 

Navy Capt. William L. Angermann, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as reserve deputy commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.  Angermann is currently serving as reserve component commander, Naval Aviation Training Reserve Component, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Navy Capt. Stephen D. Donald, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as reserve deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.  Donald previously served as officer in charge, Over-the-Horizon Qatar, United States Forces-Afghanistan, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

Navy Capt. Terry W. Eddinger, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy chief of chaplains for Total Force/deputy director of Religious Ministries, N097C, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia.  Eddinger is currently serving as chaplain, Navy Reserve Navy Installations Command Headquarters, Washington, District of Columbia.

Navy Capt. Gregory K. Emery, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Warfare Integration Directorate, N2/N6, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia.  Emery is currently serving as region commander, Naval Information Force Reserve, Fort Worth, Texas.

Navy Capt. Patrick S. Hayden, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Logistics, Fleet Supply, and Ordnance (N4), United States Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Hayden is currently serving as reserve deputy director, Navy Reserve Commander, Pacific Fleet Logistics Readiness Center 120 Headquarters, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Navy Capt. Marc S. Lederer, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia.  Lederer is currently serving as commander, Navy Reserve Liaison Office Individual Mobilization Augment Headquarters, Washington, District of Columbia.

Navy Capt. Eric L. Peterson, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, Portsmouth, Virginia.  Peterson is currently serving as deputy chief of staff, Navy Reserve Expeditionary Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.

Navy Capt. Donald M. Plummer, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Coronado, California.  Plummer previously served as chief of staff, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Africa.

Navy Capt. Donald Y. Sze, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, Navy Support Command Reserve Component/Marine Corps medical officer, Bethesda, Maryland.  Sze is currently serving as fleet surgeon, Navy Reserve Commander Third Fleet Headquarters, San Diego, California.

Navy Capt. Jeffrey S. Spivey, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Maritime Partnership Program United States Naval Forces Europe/Africa/Sixth Fleet, Naples, Italy.  Spivey is currently serving as interagency coordinator/staff liaison, United States Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.

Sunlit Stare

 

An airman performs preflight checks before an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 18, 2020.

Director Duty

 

Air Force Senior Airman Trey Yelling directs a KC-135 Stratotanker before takeoff at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 18, 2020.

Starry Flight

 

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker while flying in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 22, 2020.

Smoky Silhouette

 

A Marine walks through a burned and smoky forest during wildland firefighting operations with National Interagency Fire Center personnel near the Sierra National Forest, Calif., Sept. 26, 2020. Hundreds of Marines are helping to fight the Creek Fire in central California.