A sailor directs an MV-22 Osprey to land on the flight deck of the USS John P. Murtha in the Pacific Ocean, July 24, 2021.
Friday, July 30, 2021
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi
July 30, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a phone call with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi today, underscoring American support for the U.S.-Japan Alliance and emphasizing its role in maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Kishi on a successful opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games and discussed his trip to Southeast Asia. Secretary Austin and Minister Kishi concurred on the need to continue strengthening U.S.-Japan Alliance cooperation to address an increasingly uncertain regional security environment. Secretary Austin and Minister Kishi further agreed to build on the momentum generated by their March “2+2” meeting to build closer defense cooperation in the months to come.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Republic of Korea Minister of Defense Suh Wook
July 30, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Suh Wook today to reaffirm the ironclad U.S.-ROK Alliance and emphasize the importance of close cooperation between the two countries.
During the call, Secretary Austin and Minister Suh discussed a broad range of defense issues and exchanged views on the security environment on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining a robust U.S.-ROK combined defense posture and continuing communication on important issues to ensure that the U.S.-ROK Alliance remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific. The Secretary and the Minister emphasized the importance of broader regional cooperation between the U.S. and ROK governments, noting the alignment of the ROK’s New Southern Policy with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, which the Secretary advanced during his trip to Southeast Asia this week.
Both leaders acknowledged the progress made during the summit between President Biden and President Moon in May 2021 and agreed on the importance of continuing cooperation in the lead-up to the 53rd Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) this fall.
Disposal Duty
Marine Corps Cpl. Carter Hughes carries a 155 mm artillery round during explosive ordnance disposal operations at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, July 13, 2021.
Cyber Fury
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alex Oley conducts a radio communication check during Cyber Fury at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 26, 2021. The exercise enhances the capabilities of Marines by simulating a series of cyberspace attacks to sharpen and hone cyberspace defensive countermeasures.
Twilight Landing
Marines conduct an amphibious landing during Talisman Saber in Ingham, Queensland, Australia, July 29, 2021. The exercise is designed to strengthen capabilities to respond to security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ceremony Song
Army Spc. Anastasia Trevino, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Band, performs during a retirement ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 29, 2021.
Cargo Crew
Air Force Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Catrow participates in a cargo loading training exercise at Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base, W.V., July 29, 2021.
Milestone Moment
Ima Black, the widow of Delbert D. Black, the first master chief petty officer of the Navy, waves from an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the guided missile destroyer that bears his name at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 21, 2021. Black, the ship sponsor of the USS Delbert D. Black, visited to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Sketching Characters
Army Sgt. Luis Ortiz, left, and Pfc. Ian Hasting create a sector sketch before a combined urban assault training event at Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland, Australia, July 28, 2021. The event was part of Talisman Saber 21, which enhances the ability to provide combat-credible forces to address the full range of potential security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Venom View
A Marine conducts preflight checks on a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 28, 2021.
Pinning Pride
Paratrooper Landing
Army paratroopers jump into a drop zone during Exercise Talisman Saber 21 in Queensland, Australia, July 28, 2021. The exercise enhances the ability to provide combat-credible forces to address the full range of potential security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Fitness Test
Air Force Senior Airman Jimmy Larkin performs a push-up during a physical fitness test at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Penn., July 29, 2021. The Air Force started conducting fitness tests in July after a brief hiatus due to COVID-19.
Twilight Training
Marines participate in an integrated training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 20, 2021.
Flag Flight
A Special Operations Command para-commando carries the American flag during the singing of the national anthem at an airshow in Oshkosh, Wis., July 27, 2021.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds a Joint Press Conference With Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Manila, Philippines
July 30, 2021
Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense,
Republic of Philippines and Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, United
States of America.
PHILIPPINES DEFENSE SECRETARY DELFIN LORENZANA: Good morning.
The Philippines and the U.S. have shared a long history spanning over 70 years as friends, partners and allies. Our cooperation has expanded in the areas of political, economic and social/cultural relations, and our ties, including that between our defense establishments, have continued to grow stronger.
As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of our alliance and the significant (inaudible) establishment of our diplomatic relations, the Department of National Defense welcomes the visit of Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III of the United States Department of Defense and his delegation to Manila as a timely opportunity to advance mutual interests between our two countries.
This visit is a (inaudible) manifestation of our shared commitment to the alliance between our defense establishments and the inherent risks and challenges of the times.
Earlier this year we were able to conduct modified (inaudible) defense exercises, albeit in restricted settings because of the pandemic. We have also accommodated regular engagements and high-level visits of U.S. military officials, in accordance with our established guidelines and (inaudible). (inaudible) for joint activities has been sustained and the (inaudible) adapted -- adapted well to the current situation. This denotes that no challenge is insurmountable between long-standing allies and friends that are committed to attaining shared goals of regional peace and stability.
The bilateral ministerial meeting that will be held this morning, serves as a platform to discuss the way ahead for the Philippines-U.S. alliance based on the common priorities of our respective administrations. It underscores the significance of the bilateral defense relations between the Philippines and the United States in light of new and emerging challenges that confront our nation.
Before I end this opening statement, last night, after a meeting between Secretary Austin and the President, (inaudible), the President decided to recall, or retract, the termination letter for the VFA. So the visiting force (inaudible) force again (inaudible) and we are back on track, Mr. Secretary, to apply for diplomatic (inaudible).
Thank you.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Well, thank you, Secretary Lorenzana, for your warm welcome, and thank you to the Filipino people for your hospitality.
I'd like to start by offering my deep condolences for the tragic military plane crashes in late June and earlier this month. Our deepest sympathies go out to those who were injured and to the families of those who were lost. We continue to stand with the Philippines during this difficult time, and we will continue to support your response.
Now, it's a privilege to be here during my first visit to Southeast Asia as Secretary of defense, and I'm glad to have the opportunity in person to reaffirm our shared commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance.
The Philippines is a vital treaty ally, our oldest in Asia, and an equal and sovereign partner. This year we mark the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of our mutual defense treaty. So it's an especially good time to work together to advance our already robust defense cooperation. And on behalf of the U.S., let me thank President Duterte for his decision to fully restore the Visiting Forces Agreement.
Our countries face a range of challenges, from the climate crisis to the pandemic, and as we do, a strong, resilient U.S.-Philippines alliance will remain vital to the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. A fully restored VFA will help us achieve that goal together.
Today, Secretary Lorenzana and I had a productive discussion on additional ways to further deepen our long-standing cooperation on several security issues important to both our countries. At the top of my agenda was finding ways to enhance and reinvigorate our alliance and our mutual defense treaty. These include maritime cooperation, support to further modernize the armed forces of the Philippines, and investments that will help the Philippines navigate the region's complex security environment.
We also discussed our counterterrorist cooperation, an especially strong area of common support. The United States has supported the counter-insurgency effort in Mindanao since 2000, and we now provide support to the only named operation in the Indo-Pacific, Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines.
I also reafform -- reaffirmed America's commitment to supporting a sovereign and secure Philippines and to building an even more capable alliance together. We also talked about how we can work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific rooted in a rules-based international order, a region in which countries work together to realize your highest aspirations and to safeguard the rights of all of your citizens. And I underscored my belief that as democracies with shared values, it is important that we protect the rights of our citizens.
Now, I'm especially grateful for our long-standing U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement, which enables us to respond swiftly and seamlessly to disasters or crisis. Thanks to the VFA, the Department of Defense can conduct more than 300 bilateral engagements a year with the armed forces of the Philippines, from expert exchanges to ship visits to component exercises and major training exercises such as Balikatan, which was held this April. And as you know, Balikatan means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog, and that's exactly how we hope our alliance will face the future, because at the heart of this alliance is a relationship built on common interests and values, and ties that bind -- and the ties that bind us have been reinforced by a shared history of service and sacrifice.
You know, coming here is personally very powerful for me. My father served proudly in the Philippines during World War II as a corporal in the United States Army Air Force. He was one of many -- of many American and Filipino service members who fought side-by-side to defeat aggression and secure freedom in the Pacific. And later today, I will visit the Manila American Cemetery, where many of the Filipino and American veterans who fought during World War II are buried shoulder-to-shoulder, just as they served.
And we will continue to stand with the Filipino people, just as we stood together eight decades ago, side-by-side, arm-in-arm, shoulder-to-shoulder, balikatan.
Secretary Lorenzana, thank you again.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much, Secretary Lorenzana and Secretary Austin. With -- with your indulgence, we will now proceed to the question-and-answer. Our first question will come from (inaudible) of GMA Seven.
Q: Good morning, Secretary Austin. Hello, sir.
A recent encounter between the Philippine coast guard and a Chinese military boat (inaudible) the Philippines went into the (inaudible) in the West Philippine Sea. How does this new-found assertiveness of the Philippines figure in what the U.S. and its allies are trying to accomplish in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea? And then did this issue figure with the discussion with President Duterte last night?
SEC. AUSTIN: I'm -- I'm sorry. I had a little -- a tough time hearing your question.
Q: Sorry sir. There was an encounter between a Chinese military boat and a Philippine boat in the West Philippine Sea. So this new-found assertiveness, how does this figure into what the U.S. is trying to accomplish in the West Philippine Sea? And then, did this issue in the discussion with President Duterte last night?
SEC. AUSTIN: Yeah. What -- I -- I believe the question is regarding our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. I think that's the answer to the question.
You know, one of the reasons that I'm here today is to reaffirm that the U.S. security commitment to the Philippines is iron-clad, and that commitment, as Secretary Blinken stated a while back, extends to the South China Sea. And so, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty this year, the commitment to our security partnership with the Philippines is stronger than ever.
Secretary Lorenzana reminded me that the treaty is actually older than me, which is pretty old, I think, but -- but nonetheless, is one that we are committed to. And again, I would reemphasize that it does extend to the South China Sea.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much for your question, (inaudible).
The next question will come from Idrees Ali of Reuters.
Q: (inaudible). For both secretaries, obviously, restoring the VFA (inaudible) is quite important (inaudible). What do you believe is the reason the President agreed to restore it? Because it's something -- it's something that's been talked about months and months and months. Why now?
And Secretary Austin, how important is it that it's been restored? And -- and -- and in practical matters, you know, what impact would (inaudible) going forward?
SEC. LORENZANA: I don't really know the reason behind the President's (inaudible) and decision making. But one thing is clear: The Department of Foreign Affairs and the -- the ambassador to the -- the United States have been actively working for this to happen, and maybe because of the (inaudible) beginnings that (inaudible).
SEC. AUSTIN: Well, as you know, the -- the President has -- had extended, you know, our ability to -- to continue to train and operate together. And so, we've -- we've had the ability to do what we think is necessary to continue to build capability and capacity with -- and interoperability with the Philippine forces.
This provides us some degree of certainty going forward, so we -- we can plan further in advance. And -- you know, and -- with that long-range plan, we can -- we can actually do more comprehensive exercises.
Having said that, you know, we're doing 300 exercises and exchanges a year. You know, that -- that includes a range of activities. And -- and, again, this provides us a certainty that I think is -- is important to ensure that we -- we continue to produce quality training (inaudible).
MODERATOR: Thank you for your question, Idrees.
The next question will be given by (inaudible) Flores of (inaudible).
Q: Good morning, Secretary Austin. When -- and Secretary Lorenzana.
Secretary Lorenzana, when you meant the VFA was fully restored, is it restored in the original text, or are there revisions, given the Philippines previously had raised concerns, particularly on custody issues when there is a -- an American soldier of -- committing crimes in the Philippines?
And, Secretary Austin, you mentioned it provides flexibility, and one particular important aspect of the VFA is it has the defense cooperation agreement. And there were activities that were stalled because of this uncertainty, are there specific activities now under (inaudible) that will proceed, considering that the -- the President has decided to fully restore the VFA?
Thank you.
SEC. LORENZANA: There is nothing to restore in the VFA the original document is there. What happened was there was this termination letter that was -- that (inaudible) the United States, informing the United States that the -- the agreement would be terminated in six months, but the President extended it several times. So that letter has been retracted, so -- as if nothing happened, and the -- the agreement continued.
Now, with regards to custody of people, I think that's one of the other agreements that has been being worked on both sides, and it did not affect the original document, but will still be used as an example (inaudible).
SEC. AUSTIN: And part of the -- what was stalled, potentially, because of a -- a lack of certainty, actually not -- we -- because the President had extended our ability to -- to train and -- and operate together, we were able to continue to do a number of things.
Again, this (inaudible) provides certainty for us going forward, where we can do long-range planning and -- and do different types of exercises and -- and incorporate more capability. So again, I think it's a -- it's a very welcome decision, and we look forward to continuing to -- to partner with -- with our great partners here in the Philippines.
MODERATOR: Thank you for your question, (inaudible).
The last question will be given by Alana Anyse of CBS.
Q: Thank you.
Secretary Austin, the President has asked you to determine how and when mandatory vaccines for the military will be implemented. Do you see that timeline being a matter of weeks or days? And what kind of options do you see (inaudible)?
SEC. AUSTIN: Well, you know, I -- I can't predict how long it's going to take. As you would expect me to do, I'll go back and consult with my medical professionals and -- and -- and the -- the Chairman and the Secretaries of the services and the chiefs of the services, and we'll -- we'll outline the -- the steps for the way ahead.
But, you know, we'll -- we'll move this expeditionally -- expeditiously, if possible. You know, I -- quite frankly, I'm inclined to -- to move towards making sure that everybody is -- is properly protected.
This -- this is an issue of risk and -- and readiness for -- for the services. And, you know, we're going to make sure that -- you know, the -- the health of the force is very, very important to me. We're going to make sure we take care of our troops. We're going to do it in the right way.
And -- and so we'll look at this with our medical professionals and the service secretaries, the chiefs, and they will outline that timeline. But we won't let grass grow under our feet. The President directed us to do something, and -- and we'll get after it.
Q: Thank you.
(CROSSTALK)
Q: And Mr. Secretary, you said that you wanted the Mutual Defense Treaty reviewed. Could you explain why, and what you want changed, and (inaudible)?
SEC. LORENZANA: (inaudible) specific provisions here. I just want to revisit it and make it more relevant to current situation.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much for your question, Alana.
That concludes our joint press conference this morning. Thank you, Secretary Lorenzana and Secretary Austin.
Navy to Christen Submarine Rickover
July 30, 2021
The Navy will christen one of its newest Virginia-class attack submarines, the future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), during a 9 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, July 31, 2021, at General Dynamics/Electric Boat, in Groton, Connecticut.
The principal speaker will be Adm. James Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Department of the Navy/ Department of Energy. Mr. James Geurts, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, will also deliver remarks. In a time-honored Navy tradition, the submarine’s sponsor, Mrs. Darleen Greenert, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
“The future USS Hyman G. Rickover will play an important role in defending our nation during this time of strategic competition,” said Caldwell. “It stands as proof of what teamwork – from civilian to contractor to military – can accomplish. I am confident USS Hyman G. Rickover and its crew will proudly serve our country’s interest for decades to come, ensuring America remains strong.”
The future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) is the second nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in recognition of Adm. Rickover. The first Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) was commissioned at Submarine Base, New London, in Groton, on July 21, 1984. SSN 709 and its crew deployed 12 times until its decommissioning in December 2007. Over the years, its decorations included the Atlantic Fleet Golden Anchor Award, Submarine Squadron Eight’s anti-submarine warfare white “A” and engineering red “E” awards and the prestigious Sixth Fleet “Hook ‘Em” award for anti-submarine warfare excellence.
Rickover, known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy,” served in the Navy for 63 years on active duty. His views touched matters of design, propulsion, education, personnel and professional standards. His team of engineers designed and constructed the first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN 571). This accomplishment led to the world’s preeminent fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.
Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are replacing Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire.
Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information about the Virginia-class attack submarines is available online at https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/.
Critical Supply Chain Task Force Releases Recommendations
July 30, 2021 | , DOD News
The Defense Critical Supply Chain Task Force has released its final
report with findings and recommendations following a months-long review
of supply chain threats and vulnerabilities.
The task force focused on the Defense Department's global, industrial-base supply chain, which furnishes parts, materials, systems and services to the DOD. The task force was led by a bipartisan group of House Armed Services Committee representatives, which may add task force recommendations to the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
"The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the degree to which weakened U.S. supply chains pose a risk to our economic and national security," the report stated, noting the acute shortages of personal protective equipment that occurred.
"As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, our adversaries — particularly China — are capable of weaponizing supply chain vulnerabilities," the report stated, adding that task force proposals are designed to minimize reliance on foreign suppliers, China in particular, to prevent future shortages.
The task force's final report recommendations include:
- Tasking the DOD with establishing a comprehensive strategy for mitigating risk in its industrial base supply chain.
- Ensuring the DOD has visibility on the defense supply chain to understand its vulnerabilities — rather than relying solely on industry to provide that information — and developing risk mitigation strategies.
- Reducing reliance on adversaries, such as China and Russia, for resources and manufacturing.
- Forming partnerships between the department with industry, academia and other entities to incentivize and increase the education and training of the U.S. workforce.
The report also noted that collaboration can be facilitated by strengthening the DOD's collaboration with the National Technology and Industrial Base. The NTIB facilitates research, development and production of defense-related items within the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.
The Defense Department engaged frequently with the task force over the past few months and appreciated the current, bipartisan support from Congress on the importance of strengthening the defense supply chains, said a DOD official.
Increasing supply chain resiliency is a whole-of-government effort, not just a defense issue, and the findings and recommendations in the task force’s final report reflect the need for a collaborative approach to renewing our enduring sources of national strength, the official said.
"For more than 50 years, the U.S. has pursued efficiency in its supply chains, and the last year has crystallized the need to build supply chain resilience into our thinking, as well," said Jesse Salazar, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial policy .
"The White House, Congress, the DOD, our interagency partners and industry stand united behind strengthening our defense industrial base and working in common cause with our closest allies and partners," he said.
The recommendations in the task force’s report align closely with those proposed by the DOD and its interagency partners in the 100-day response to Executive Order 14017, further highlighting the cohesion across all parts of the U.S. government on this critical issue, Salazar added.
Wire Work
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Muhammad Farooqui unravels barbed wire at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 21, 2021.
Red Zone
Marines set up a radar in a field during Pacific Iron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 25, 2021. The system helps Marines provide real-time airspace surveillance, command and control while coordinating air and missile defense actions during the exercise.
Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Passing of Former Senator Carl Levin
July 30, 2021
Today, we mourn the loss of Senator Carl Levin—a devoted public servant, a staunch supporter of our military, and one of Michigan’s finest statesmen.
Throughout his 44 years in public service, including his extraordinary tenure as Michigan’s longest-serving senator, his deep compassion and unyielding integrity left an indelible mark on every institution he served, including the Senate Armed Services Committee.
As chair of that committee, Senator Levin wielded his gavel with vigilance, fairness, and bipartisanship. He leaves a lasting legacy of rigorous oversight over defense programs and a deep commitment to cooperative threat reduction. His close partnership with his Republican counterpart, the late Senator John Warner, demonstrated to the whole country the degree to which he believed national security was not—and should not be—a political issue.
Throughout it all, his North Star remained the same: vigorous support for our national defense, accountability to the American people, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our men and women in uniform, as well as their families.
The nation and the world are safer and more secure thanks to the inspiring life and leadership of Carl Levin. On behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense—the same people he championed for so long—Charlene and I send our deepest condolences to the Levin family.
Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Arrival of First Group of Operation Allies Refuge
July 30, 2021
I am honored to join President Biden and Secretary Blinken in welcoming the first group of Afghans and their families under Operation Allies Refuge to the United States, and to Fort Lee specifically.
They will now join approximately 75,000 other Afghans who were previously resettled in the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa Program over the last decade.
These brave men and women, at great risk to themselves and their families, served alongside U.S. and coalition forces and diplomats to support our operations and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorism that threatens our homeland.
We have spoken many times about the moral obligation we have to help those who have helped us, and we are fully committed to working closely with our interagency partners to meet that obligation.
In support of the State Department led effort, approximately 300 U.S. service members from several installations, and under the direction of U.S. Northern Command stand ready to provide logistics, temporary lodging, and medical support at Fort Lee.
The Department remains committed to our partnership with Afghanistan, including protecting our diplomatic mission, providing support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, and advising Afghan security ministries.
Philippine President Restores Visiting Forces Agreement with U.S.
July 30, 2021 | , DOD News
After meeting with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III last night, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte retracted the letter terminating the country's Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States.
Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine national defense secretary, made the announcement following a bilateral defense meeting with Austin today.
"After the meeting between Secretary Austin and the president, the president decided to recall or retract a termination letter for the VFA," Lorenzana said. "So, the VFA is in full force again; there is no termination letter pending, and we are back on track with your secretary to plan for future exercises under the VFA."
The bilateral meeting is a platform for the United States and the Philippines — treaty allies — to discuss the situation in the region and plan for the future, Lorenzana said. "It underscored the significance of the bilateral defense relations between the Philippines and the United States in light of new and emerging challenges that confront our nations," he said.
Austin said he was pleased to make his first visit to the Philippines as defense secretary. "I'm glad to have the opportunity in person to reaffirm our shared commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance," he said. "Let me thank President Duterte for his decision to fully restore the Visiting Forces Agreement. Our countries face a range of challenges from the climate crisis to the pandemic. And as we do, a strong, resilient, U.S.-Philippines alliance will remain vital to the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. A fully restored VFA will help us achieve that goal."
Thanks to the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Defense Department conducts more than 300 bilateral engagements a year with the armed forces of the Philippines. These range from expert exchanges to ship visits to component exercises and major joint/combined training exercises.
The two defense leaders discussed ways to deepen and reinvigorate the security alliance. They discussed maritime cooperation and U.S. support to the Philippines to modernize the armed forces of the Philippines. They also discussed investments that will help the Philippines navigate the region's complex security environment.
The United States and the Philippines have a robust counterterrorism program. The United States has counterinsurgency efforts in Mindanao, the country's largest island, since 2000.
Like in the rest of Southeast Asia, the United States wants the sovereign right of nations to be respected. During the meeting with Lorenzana, Austin reaffirmed America's commitment to supporting a sovereign and secure Philippines.
"We also talked about how we can work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific rooted in a rules based international order, a region in which countries work together to realize their highest aspirations and to safeguard the rights of all other citizens," he said.
Foggy Flight
An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter takes off from the flight deck of expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller during flight operations in the Arabian Gulf, July 25, 2021.
Increased Restrictions on the Pentagon Reservation
July 30, 2021
Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and positive test cases in the National Capital Region over the past 15 days, the Pentagon Reservation will move to Health Protection Condition Bravo effective 5 a.m. EDT, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. Both Armed Forces Retirement Home campuses, in Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Mississippi, will transition to HPCON Charlie.
The Secretary of Defense’s number one priority during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be protecting our workforce while still performing our national security mission. Supervisors will continue to provide maximum telework opportunities and flexible scheduling to optimize the workforce while defending our nation, taking care of our people, and ensuring success through teamwork.
With the change to HPCON Bravo, some of the measures that will be in effect include:
- Service members, federal employees, onsite contractor employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will wear a mask in an indoor settings on the Pentagon Reservation;
- Physical distancing remains at six feet for unvaccinated personnel;
- DOD remains at maximum telework;
- Organizations are expected to maintain occupancy rates at less than 50% of normal occupancy in workspaces;
- Medically vulnerable personnel will continue to be permitted to self-declare their condition and pursue telework, when possible, with supervisors taking precautions to limit their exposure while in the workplace;
- Use of the Pentagon Athletic Center remains by reservation only and will limit its maximum workout population and staff members to 255 per 2 ½ hour session; 21 maximum occupancy at Mark Center Gym and 15 at Taylor/ Polk Building Gym per 2 ½ hour session; masking will be required regardless of vaccination status;
- Random COVID-19 entrance screening of workforce will continue at 10-20% levels, with 100% screening of visitors;
- Pentagon Reservation public tours will be closed, and the Pentagon National 9/11 Memorial will also close;
- Gatherings on the Pentagon Reservation are limited to fewer than 50 persons and by six foot distancing requirements, with masks required for indoor ceremonies regardless of vaccination status, including internal gatherings, meetings in conference centers, and gatherings for ceremonies;
- Current COVID-19 parking permits have been extended for 30 days until Aug. 31, 2021; and
- Food court and concession options remain available with no options for indoor seating;
DOD remains committed to protecting our people, maintaining mission readiness, and supporting the whole-of-government effort response to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinations remain available through DiLorenzo Tricare Health Clinic for Pentagon Reservation personnel.
We are continually emphasizing to our people the need to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to take actions to protect themselves and those around them by employing protective measures, including practicing good hand washing, social distancing, wearing cloth face coverings, and taking appropriate actions if feeling sick now. These can dramatically decrease the risk of infection and slow COVID-19’s spread, including the Delta variant.
You can see the guidance memo from the Director of Administration & Management here.
For more information on the Pentagon Reservation response to COVID-19, visit https://www.whs.mil/Coronavirus/
We encourage all DOD personnel to visit https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus for information on staying healthy during the pandemic.
Pallet Prep
Army Pfc. Brett Warwick unclips ratchet straps attached to pallets containing lifesaving equipment and oxygen at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 23, 2021. Three pallets containing 25,000 pounds of supplies were loaded onto an aircraft bound for Tunisia to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Climb Concentration
Army 1st Lt. Joshua Moeller climbs an obstacle at Camp Johnson, Vt., July 23, 2021, as part of the team selection and training event for the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers military competition. Ten Army and Air Force reservists trained in Vermont to prepare for the event, an annual competition among NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.
Sasebo Shot
Navy Seaman Valentine Anebere, a hospital corpsman assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka Branch Health Clinic Sasebo, administers doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to an employee at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, July 28, 2021.
Drop Zone
Soldiers jump out of a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III during Exercise Talisman Saber 21 in Queensland, Australia, July 28, 2021. The exercise is designed to strengthen capabilities to respond to security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
Smoky Scene
An airman replenishes the liquid oxygen in an Air Force F-15C Eagle during NATO air policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, July 27, 2021.
Starlit Stryker
Soldiers position a Stryker vehicle during Rifle Ready 2, an emergency deployment readiness exercise, at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, July 29, 2021.
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