Army Spc. Omar Dacosta applies camouflage face paint before warrior tasks and battle drills during the best warrior competition at Fort Riley, Kansas, Aug. 3, 2021. The event reinforces fundamental soldier skills.
Thursday, August 05, 2021
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President of Republic of Palau, President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Aug. 5, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd. J. Austin III met today with the President of the Republic of Palau, President Surangel Whipps Jr., to reaffirm the Department of Defense’s resolute commitment to the defense of Palau and discuss the United States - Palau strategic partnership.
Secretary Austin and President Whipps acknowledged the shared values and principles our nations promote to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Austin and President Whipps also reinforced the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region and the critical role of U.S. presence and investments in Palau.
Palauan President, Austin Discuss Indo-Pacific Security Concerns
Aug. 5, 2021
|
, DOD News
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. met with Secretary of Defense
Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon to discuss ways to strengthen the
ties between the two nations to provide for a secure and free
Indo-Pacific.
The Republic of Palau is 340-plus islands strategically placed in the Western Pacific bordering the Philippines. The nation became independent in 1981 and entered a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1994.
Palau is heavily dependent on tourism and has some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. While the nation has felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic — tourism has been curtailed — it has been very successful in combating the virus itself. "Today, you have, as I understand it, zero confirmed cases," Austin said at the beginning of the meeting with the president. "And Palau is the first country that vaccinated 80 percent of the population," said Austin, adding that the statistic is impressive.
Austin began the meeting by thanking President Whipps for the service of his father in the U.S. Army during the 1960s. As part of the compact, Palauns serve in the U.S. military. Austin noted that 500 of the president's countrymen serve today.
"I want to underscore that the Department of Defense is deeply committed to our defense responsibilities as a part of the Compact of Free Association, and we look forward to successful negotiations of the economic assistance provisions of that compact that will strengthen our strategic partnership and help us to promote a free, open and secure region," Austin said.
Palau hosts U.S. forces, and, as the Indo-Pacific becomes ever more important to the United States, the nation will play a greater role. "We appreciate the opportunity to also deploy equipment to Palau that lets us exercise our joint capability and enhanced deterrence," the secretary said. "The U.S. military presence in Palau and across the Pacific Islands is deeply important to our shared goals of partnership and prosperity, and we are grateful for your cooperation and hospitality."
Whipps told Austin that the partnership between Palau and the United States is special. He said during a recent meeting on Guam, the DOD personnel said they were committed to defending the homeland, and Palau is part of the homeland, he said.
"I always say that presence is deterrence," Whipps said. "I was fortunate a few weeks ago to be watching U.S. special forces conduct exercises in Palau. It was extremely exciting to see what they're capable of doing. We want to continue to strengthen the partnership because we believe in a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Golden Glow
U.S., British, Australian and Japanese troops conduct an amphibious landing during Exercise Talisman Saber 21 in Ingham, Queensland, Australia, July 30, 2021.
General Officer Announcement
Aug. 5, 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as the deputy commandant for combat development and integration, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Heckl is currently serving as commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes President of the Republic of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr. to the Pentagon
Aug. 5, 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Well, good afternoon, President Whipps. Welcome to the Pentagon, and thanks for making the trip from Palau.
It -- well, just last week, I returned from a sling through Southeast Asia as we were talking about coming up the stairs, and so I -- I understand the -- the issue of jetlag, and I hope that jetlag's not treating you too bad right now, so...
On behalf of the Department of Defense, I'd like to start by thanking your father for his service as a medic in the U.S. Army in -- in 1960s. He's actually a part of a long and proud history of Palau, and service in the U.S. military, and today, about 500 Palauans are in our ranks across the force, and we thank them for their service.
I also want to commend you, sir, and to the people of Palau for your success in -- in fighting COVID-19. Today, you have, as I understand it, zero confirmed cases, and Palau was the first country to vaccinate 80 percent of its population. That, sir, is an impressive feat.
And Mr. President, I'm looking forward to talking with you today about the important partnership between our countries, and about the vision that we share of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and thank you for continuing to uphold the values and principles that we share with our allies and partners in the region. And to that end, I want to underscore that the Department of Defense is deeply committed to our defense responsibilities as a part of the Compact of Free Association, and we look forward to successful negotiations of the economic assistance provisions of that compact that will strengthen our strategic partnership and help us to promote a free, open and secure region.
Mr. President, I also want to personally thank you for Palau's willingness to host U.S. forces. As you know, since 1970, U.S. civic action teams have deployed to Palau to support a broad range of initiatives, and we appreciate the opportunity to also deploy equipment to Palau that lets us exercise in our joint capabilities and enhanced deterrence. The U.S. military presence in Palau and across the Pacific Islands is deeply important to our shared goals of partnership and prosperity, and we are grateful for your cooperation and hospitality.
And again, Mr. President, it is a delight to have you here. Thank you for making the trip to Washington, and I'm looking forward to the discussion. Sir?
PRESIDENT SURANGEL WHIPPS JR.: First of all, good afternoon. It's -- and I hope you're not suffering from too much jetlag. But on behalf of the delegation that is here with me today, and especially members of our congress, we have, from our senate side, our vice president of the senate and from the house of delegates.
SEC. AUSTIN: Sir.
PRES. WHIPPS: (inaudible) chairman of our ways and means committee and the rest of our delegation -- ambassador and our chief of staff. We are just extremely grateful to be here and giving us the time to come and talk about mutual areas of interest. I think the partnership between Palau and the United States is special. It really highlights the importance of this partnership when we were attending the JCM meeting in Guam with your team from INDOPACOM, and they reminded us of how we jointly protect the homeland and Palau and the other FAS states that are considered part of the homeland, and that's an important part of the relationship.
And we always say that presence is deterrence, and by seeing activities, I was fortunate a few weeks ago to be watching Special Forces conduct exercises in Palau, and it was extremely exciting to see what they're capable of doing, and I -- I think it makes the people of Palau feel secure, and we appreciate that. And we welcome more activities by the military because in small island countries we have difficult challenges when it comes to keeping our economy robust and growing -- and strong, and -- and the military provides areas to enhance our economy. So having those troops coming in to exercise helped boost our economy a little bit, while we have no tourists right now, so it's very much appreciated.
And -- and we want to continue to strengthen the partnership because we believe in a free and open Indo-Pacific. And there are many challenges, which we'd like to discuss further. And especially when it comes to our compact, I think one of the key parts of that is that those rights and -- and responsibilities under the compact between Palau and the United States when it comes to security and defense are perpetual, and that relationship needs to -- on the economic side needs to be strengthened, and -- and we hope that we can continue to work on that while we're here, so thank you. Thank you, and...
SEC. AUSTIN: Well, thank you.
(CROSSTALK)
DOD Offers Discounted Rates for Campgrounds Nationwide
Aug. 5, 2021 | , DOD News
The Defense Department recently launched an online guide to U.S. joint-service campgrounds and facilities that can be accessed via computer or mobile devices.
"Best Kept Secrets" connects active-duty service members and their families, National Guard, Reserve, DOD civilians and retired military members with campground sites that offer lower rates as compared to non-DOD campground sites.
With a new look-up feature, users can search by state to easily locate the campground of their choice, contact information, details on reservation policies, and a list of amenities and activities available at different locations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance states that outdoor activities, such as campground visits, are safer than indoor activities.
The campground guide was produced by DOD's Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Resale Policy Office. MWR provides the resources to help service members connect with recreational opportunities.
To access "Best Kept Secrets," click here.
Department Prioritizes Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority, Implementing 2020 Strategy
Aug. 5, 2021
The Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III signed the 2020 Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy’s Implementation Plan (EMSSS I-Plan) on July 15. The Strategy’s I-Plan provides the Department of Defense with the direction and executive oversight needed to achieve the Strategy’s vision of “freedom of action in the electromagnetic spectrum, at the time, place, and parameters of our choosing.”
The Department’s air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace operations depend on the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). In the midst of commercial advances, and increasingly contested, congested, and denied spectrum environment, the Department is committed to prioritizing our warfighters’ freedom of action and achieving spectrum superiority while supporting the Nation’s economic competitiveness.
The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the Senior Designated Official (SDO) and oversees the implementation of the EMSS Strategy and leads the Strategy’s execution and oversight.
"Today's EMS Superiority Strategy combined our electromagnetic warfare and spectrum equities for the first time ever,” said Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “The Strategy's I-Plan provides direction to the Department to accomplish the Strategy's goals and objectives and realize the vision. Future challenges require us to fight and win in the EMS from the beginning, and commanders must plan to win the EMS in their area of responsibility. The Strategy's I-Plan sets us on a path to dominate the future battle space. While the services are organizing, training, and equipping better for EMS, we have more work to do. We are determined to get there and achieve spectrum superiority in all domains."
The Department’s advancement in EMS superiority is essential to successful modern military operations to mitigate risks to U.S. national and economic security. Due to the rapid pace of EMS technology development, DoD must continually reassess, develop, and adopt new capabilities, techniques, training, and enterprise-level integration across the Department and with international and domestic partners. The Strategy lays a foundation for an enduring EMS community, decisive EMS maneuverability, and maximized EMS-sharing. The I-Plan provides the direction for the Department to regain EMS dominance.
The U.S. Strategic Command is the lead for EMS operational advocacy.
“In today’s modern battlefield, the joint force has to achieve electromagnetic spectrum superiority,” said Navy Admiral Charles Richard, commander, U.S. Strategic Command. “We have gotten used to a process designed for permissive environments that are intended to minimize programmatic and technical risk at the expense of operational risk. One of my big functions inside the EMSSS I-Plan is to bring the operational risk component back into the department processes.”
On Oct. 29, 2020, the Department published the 2020 Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy to align EMS resources, capabilities, and activities across the DoD to support our core national security objectives and remain mindful of U.S. economic prosperity. The Strategy has five goals:
Goal 1: Develop Superior EMS Capabilities
Goal 2: Evolve to an Agile, Fully Integrated EMS infrastructure
Goal 3: Pursue Total Force EMS Readiness
Goal 4: Secure Enduring Partnerships for EMS Advantage
Goal 5: Establish Effective EMS Governance
The DoD Chief Information Officer works in partnership with the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Cross-Functional Team (EMSO CFT) to achieve the goals and objectives of the EMSSS. The EMSO-CFT is a unique team empowered to identify requirements, develop policies, and implement plans to establish EMS enterprise governance and improve EMSO capabilities across the Department to achieve EMS superiority, assuring military advantage over competitors.
The EMSSS I-Plan provides the Department with the vision, plan, leadership, and tools to build a Department-wide EMS Enterprise. The I-Plan requires accountability and results. It prioritizes greater oversight, integrating electromagnetic spectrum operations across DoD, governance and management reforms, progress on workforce issues, and conditions to facilitate a smooth transition from the SDO and EMSO CFT to enduring functions in the Department.
"The enterprise approach in the EMSSS I-Plan reaches beyond the traditional ‘silos’ and drives the Department to act in a more integrated fashion, mirroring the shared nature of the EMS,” said Acting DoD CIO, John Sherman. “It allows us to pursue, track, and measure identified EMS capability gaps; enables the DoD to define and refine our policy, processes, and procedures; and establishes effective and enduring EMS governance. As we did with Cyber, we will define an EMS Workforce and look at what we need to do to increase and track our readiness across this strategically significant, cross-domain maneuver space. Lastly, it is important to note the I-Plan defines enterprise EMS capabilities and establishes and executes new processes for funding, tracking, and reporting of those capabilities."
General Officer Announcement
Aug. 5, 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Air Force Maj. Gen. David J. Julazadeh for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as deputy chief of staff for capability development, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, Norfolk, Virginia. Julazadeh is currently serving as chief of staff, Headquarters, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignment
Aug. 5, 2021
The Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OSEAC) announced the following assignment:
Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew D. McCurry, most recently assigned as the command senior enlisted leader, Special Operations Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, has been selected to replace Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Weimer as the command senior enlisted leader for Special Operations Command – Central, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Contamination Check
Air Force airmen work to detect contamination using oxygen test measurement diagnostic equipment at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, July 30, 2021.
Talisman Training
Marines fire an M777 155 mm howitzer during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 18, 2021. Talisman Sabre brings together U.S. and Australian forces every two years to strengthen allied and partner capabilities.
Obstacle Jump
A soldier jumps over an obstacle during a “This Is My Squad” competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 29, 2021. The 36-hour event aims to build strong, cohesive teams through tough, realistic training.
DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Aug. 5, 2021
The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Chief Master Sergeant Tresse Z. King, 54, of Raeford, North Carolina, died Aug. 3 2021, in a non-combat related incident at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. The incident is under investigation.
She was assigned as squadron superintendent of the 96th Force Support Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
For more information, media may contact the 96th Test Wing Public Affairs Office at 850-882-3649.
All Smiles
Navy Commander Shelby Nikitin, executive officer of the guided missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, reunites with her daughter following the ship’s return from deployment to Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 17, 2021.
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