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Sailors use mag floats to smooth freshly placed concrete for the construction of a three room school in Baucau, Timor-Leste, Sept. 24, 2020. The sailors are assigned to U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, which is deployed to the Indo-Pacific region conducting high quality construction projects to support U.S. and partner nations and strengthen partnerships.
Oct. 1, 2020 | BY Jim Garamone , DOD News
The island nation is strategically located in the Mediterranean and has been the crossroads of the sea since the Phoenicians.
Malta has had an outsized effect on American history. During the U.S. Revolutionary War against Great Britain, some 1,800 members of the Knights of Malta fought in George Washington's forces. Valletta — the capital of the country — was a key port during the American efforts against the Barbary pirates in the early 1800s.
During World War II, the island was pounded daily by Nazi and Italian air forces. U.S. forces helped convoy supplies and equipment to the beleaguered island, highlighted by the arrival — just in the nick of time — of the oil tanker SS Ohio. The Ohio had been pounded and was barely afloat, yet the cargo of aviation fuel allowed allied forces to defend the island and ultimately hold off Nazi and Italian forces.
There are also many Americans who trace their heritage to Malta.
Malta is both blessed and cursed by its strategic location in the Mediterranean. It is "at the epicenter of the Mediterranean's global crossroads, bridging the continental, cultural and linguistic divides that separate Europe, Africa and the Middle East," said Michael Cutrone, performing the duties of assistant defense secretary for international security affairs. "This connective role makes Malta a critical partner in addressing transnational challenges, such as illicit trafficking, terrorism, organized crime and energy security."
The United States works closely with the Maltese Customs Department and has provided more than $3 million to fund training, equipment and expertise for the force. One example of this is the U.S. support of the Armed Forces of Malta Search and Rescue Training Center. The instructors at this school are still trained at the U.S. Coast Guard's National Search and Rescue School in Yorktown, Virginia, officials said.
Malta is also a front line state facing the irregular migration challenge. "North African instability and economic challenges propel desperate masses to seek solace on the shores of Malta," Cutrone said.
Malta has been a leader in the effort, and the U.S. Embassy works closely with Maltese officials and non-governmental organizations to promote integration and assist refugees, asylum seekers and third-country migrants, officials said. DOD officials stress that any comprehensive solution in the region should draw on Maltese expertise and their relationships with North African neighbors.
Great power competition reaches into all parts of the world. Closed societies seek to undermine sovereignty and the rules-based economic and diplomatic architecture that has existed since the end of World War II. "Foreign investment in telecommunications and national critical infrastructure can pose significant national security and privacy risks," Cutrone said. "Given this, the United States government remains concerned about China's efforts to push its 5G technology, which will leave countries susceptible to the Chinese government's potential to exert control over these networks."
DOD officials are also concerned about Russia's destabilizing efforts across Europe's southern flank and in the Eastern Mediterranean. DOD officials noted that Russia's efforts to establish a permanent base in Libya could endanger stabilization efforts across the region. Russian troops and capabilities in Syria on behalf of the regime of Bashir Assad have prolonged the civil war in that nation.
"It is critical that, as open and sovereign societies, we recognize — and remain united against — such malign influences," Cutrone said.
The United States sees the relationship with Malta as mutually beneficial and would like to increase cooperation on Malta's timeline, DOD officials said.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Coffee moves a wooden pallet toward the flight deck of the USS Germantown in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 3, 2020.
Oct. 1, 2020
Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Air Force Maj. Gen. John E. Shaw for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as deputy commander, United States Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Shaw is currently serving as commander, Combined Force Space Component Command, United States Space Command, and commander, Space Operations Command, United States Space Force, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Marines participate in a motivational run at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Oct. 1, 2020.
Oct. 1, 2020 | BY JIM GARAMONE , DOD News
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper discussed expanding military cooperation between the U.S. and Algeria with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune today in Algiers.
The secretary thanked Tebboune for the longstanding relationship between the two nations and praised the nation for its leadership in promoting regional stability. He also thanked the president — who also serves as defense minister — for his hospitality.
The two leaders discussed the security situation in North Africa and the Sahel, the way forward in Libya and the uncertainties in Mali. They also discussed the threats from violent extremist organizations in the region and beyond.
Esper particularly noted the discussions on how to improve U.S. military cooperation with the armed forces of Algeria.
"There are a number of areas where we plan to increase our cooperation, such as in counterterrorism. We look to improve our exercises and training together," Esper said. "We also discussed other issues involving our militaries, which I am confident will increase our interoperability as well."
Algerian officials said that Lt. Gen. Said Chengriha, the military's chief of defense, also participated in the discussions with Esper.
Before arriving at the presidential office, Esper placed a wreath at the Martyrs Monument. The monument stands as a memorial for the more than 1 million Algerians who lost their lives fighting for independence from France, which they gained in 1962.
"I want to say to the Algerian people, how much we respect their sovereignty. We enjoy their cooperation and admire their history," Esper said.
Esper is the first U.S. defense secretary to visit the nation since Donald Rumsfeld in 2006. With a population of more than 42 million, the country is one of the largest in North Africa, and the nation appears to be willing to play a more assertive role in the region, said a defense official speaking on background.
Esper arrived in Algeria after visiting Malta and Tunisia. It is part of a series of visits through the region in an effort to build new alliances and strengthen old ones.
An Army paratrooper assigned to the Texas National Guard prepares to land after jumping out of a C-130 aircraft at Camp Bullis, Texas, Sept. 25, 2020.
Oct. 1, 2020 | BY Claudette Roulo , DOD News
The Defense Department is proud of its employees with disabilities, the deputy defense secretary said. They do not let their disabilities define them, and they serve with passion and professionalism, David L. Norquist said as he opened DOD's 40th anniversary Disability Awards ceremony.
"For some of us, the disability is small and the burden is light," he said today in prerecorded remarks. "For others, it is large, and the burden is heavy. In all cases, we've had to adjust, but we are committed to making a difference and have all found a way to serve."
The 18 individual awardees represent three military services and nine DOD organizations.
Their exceptionalism is why the theme of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month — Increasing Access and Opportunity — is of critical importance, Norquist said. "It reminds us that we already have capable individuals, they just need the chance to prove it."
How DOD leverages the strengths of each of its employees is critical to maintaining the nation's technological edge and military superiority, Norquist said, adding that not implementing equal opportunity would be a failure for the department's workforce.
"Brilliance knows no boundaries — and we should not be the ones creating barriers," the deputy secretary said. "Instead, we must attract individuals based on their qualifications and character. Then, we must provide them the support they need to flourish."
Varied perspectives spur innovative thought, Norquist said. "You confirm this; you have proven how your unique experiences address an array of challenges. You have also brought with you the enthusiasm to drive those ideas forward."
With these awards, the department is asking the recipients to play a crucial role in its success by serving as leaders and examples for others, he said.
The deputy secretary said he is encouraged by DOD's progress toward expanding access and opportunities in its own ranks. In 2019, the DOD exceeded its goal of employing individuals with targeted disabilities at a rate of more than 2% of the total workforce.
This success is due in large part to the efforts of DOD's components and military departments, Norquist said.
"Despite our differences, we must remember one thing: we are all here to serve our country," he said. "We all have an equally important role to play in advancing our collective mission. Therefore, we must continue to bridge the employment gap and draw upon the skills that give America its strength."
Navy Chief Petty Officer Matthew Wilson, left, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, inspects the uniform of Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Price during a Sailor of the Quarter board in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 22, 2020. The boards were administered with adequate social distancing -- including mandatory use of face coverings, use of hand sanitizer, medical questionnaire screenings and temperature checks -- implemented to ensure the safety of sailors as part of COVID-19 preventative measures. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of the U.S. Navy.
Soldiers and airmen assigned to the Connecticut National Guard load boxes of face masks into a vehicle at West Hartford Public Works in West Hartford, Conn., Sept. 30, 2020. The Connecticut National Guard is helping the Connecticut Department of Education and Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to distribute 600,000 masks to school districts.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Mariel Beebe, an air transportation specialist assigned to the 103rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, loads a box of face masks into a vehicle at West Hartford Public Works in West Hartford, Conn., Sept. 30, 2020. The Connecticut National Guard is helping the Connecticut Department of Education and Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to distribute 600,000 masks to school districts.
Oct. 1, 2020
Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Residence in Algiers today. Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the United States and Algeria, voiced support for expanding the military relationship, and highlighted Algeria's steady leadership in regional security. The two leaders discussed security throughout North Africa and the Sahel and ways to advance our strategic military and diplomatic partnership.
Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for President Tebboune's willingness to further security cooperation. The Secretary reiterated that the United States will continue to work hand-in-hand with Algeria to strengthen military ties and promote regional security and stability.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kodi M. Lock and Navy Ensign Jacob W. Jones help load food supplies aboard the guided missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence during a brief stop for fuel and provisions at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Sept. 25, 2020.
Oct. 1, 2020 | BY WINIFRED BROWN, ARMY , DOD News
Members of the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion lived up to their motto 'Means to Sustain' by delivering school supplies to Zama Middle High School at Camp Zama, Japan, Sept. 24.
"It's important to show our support to the community, and more importantly, the students," said Army Lt. Col. Demetrick Thomas, commander of the 35th CSSB, as he and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Edgar Rodriguez gave five backpacks full of pencils, paper, sticky notes and more to Henry LeFebre, the school's principal.
The battalion has an agreement through the local Adopt-A-School Program to support ZMHS, so when Army 1st Lt. Yu Chen, assigned to the 35th CSSB, suggested the school supply drive, Thomas thought it was a good idea, he said.
"In COVID times, knowing there might be an opportunity for kids to go back to brick-and-mortar school, we wanted them to have the opportunity to have supplies they may not have received beforehand," Thomas said. The school returned to in-person classes Sept. 21.
LeFebre said the school always has a need for supplies, so he plans to have the supplies on hand for students to access on an as-needed basis.
The school is thankful for the supplies, LeFebre said.
"It takes a village for us to be able to get the education across to our children, so whenever we can work with our partners, it's always a positive for us," LeFebre said. "It's always something that we look forward to and we welcome."
Chen, who also helped deliver the supplies, said the idea behind the drive was to make life easier for students going back to school during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the battalion impressed her with how much they donated in a short amount of time, Chen said.
Rodriguez said the school supply drive was a good opportunity to connect with the school when other opportunities might present challenges under COVID-19 restrictions.
"This is a good opportunity for us to kind of get back to normality a little bit," Rodriguez said.
The battalion plans to support the school in other ways throughout the year, and is assessing how to do that while complying with COVID-19 restrictions, Rodriguez said.
Lucinda Ward, Camp Zama school liaison officer, said agreements like the one between the 35th CSSB and ZMHS are helpful because they allow a constant free flow of communication between the community and the school.
"The schools reach out for volunteers for various activities during the year," Ward said. "Having a sponsoring unit allows the soldiers to stay active and receive volunteer hours while meeting the needs of the school."
Schools can have more than one unit as a sponsor, Ward said. For example, ZMHS also has a partnership with U.S. Army Medical Activity Japan on Camp Zama. John O. Arnn Elementary School at nearby Sagamihara Family Housing Area has a partnership with the 78th Signal Battalion.
"This is a community partnership," Ward said. "Having units volunteer to take part in our Adopt-A-School Program opens the doorway to amazing partnerships, networking and lifelong friendships."
(Winifred Brown is assigned to US Army Garrison - Japan).
Marine Corps recruits compete against one another during a pugil sticks event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Sept. 30, 2020. Recruits executed numerous Marine Corps martial arts program techniques throughout the competition.
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