A sailor guides a light armored vehicle aboard the USS Portland in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 21, 2021.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Live Fire
Soldiers fire 120 mm infrared illumination mortar rounds during live-fire training at Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, Aug. 26, 2021.
Anniversary Marks 70 Years of Australia, New Zealand, U.S. Treaty
Aug. 31, 2021 | , DOD News
The U.S. military is marking the 70th anniversary of its alliance with America's closest Pacific allies — Australia and New Zealand.
The Australia, New Zealand and United States Security Treaty was signed in San Francisco on Sept. 1, 1951. The pact formally committed the nations to protect the security of the Pacific together, but its roots go much deeper.
In 1907, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet of U.S. warships around the world. The voyage of American battleships and other vessels marked the emergence of the U.S. Navy as a worldwide force to be reckoned with. The fleet visited New Zealand and Australia as part of its swing through the Pacific. Fully 10 percent of the population of the nation of New Zealand turned out to see the ships when they arrived in Auckland in August 1908. In Sydney Harbor later that month, around 500,000 Australians cheered the fleet as it arrived. Sydney, Australia, had a population of 600,000 at the time.
Fast-forward to July 4, 1918, and the muddy Hell of the Western Front in France. Australian and American soldiers went into battle against the Germans side-by-side in one of the first battles involving Americans.
In World War II, American, Australian and New Zealand forces fought alongside each other around the world. From the coast of Java to the sands of North Africa and from the jungles of New Guinea to the mountains of Italy, the nations cooperated. Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; the Coral Sea; Okinawa, Japan; Monte Cassino, Italy; Tunis, Tunisia; the Po Valley, Italy; and more were places hallowed by the shared sacrifices of the Kiwis, Aussies and Yanks.
The three nations signed the pact in 1951 at a time when they were fighting alongside each other in Korea. Australian and Kiwis fought in Vietnam and were again operating together during Desert Storm.
When America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, Australian Prime Minister John Howard invoked the mutual defense portion of the treaty in support of the United States. Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria became places where the "mates" stood together once again.
The three nations share intelligence, plan together, exercise together, and operate together. It would be hard to find a peacekeeping or humanitarian operation where they don't cooperate.
Today, Australian and New Zealand officers work as integral members of the Joint Staff in the Pentagon and at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. American officers man positions with Australian forces in the capital of Canberra.
And the partnership continues to grow. U.S. Air Force personnel work closely with their Royal Australian Air Force counterparts. U.S. Marines — who rotate through the northern Australian city of Darwin — train constantly with their counterparts. U.S. Navy ships operate with New Zealand and Australian ships ensuring freedom of navigation throughout the Pacific. American, New Zealand and Australian special operators train together for a variety of missions.
The ANZUS Pact was important in 1951 when the world faced the threat of the Soviet Union. It remains important in 2021 when the international situation is becoming more and more complex.
Sniper Training
A student in the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School's Special Forces Sniper Course looks through a weapon scope during sniper training at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 2, 2021.
Mine Transfer
Airmen transfer an Mk-62 Quickstrike naval mine during a training exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 25, 2021.
River Riders
Coast Guardsmen participate in a law enforcement training exercise in the Columbia River, Aug. 26, 2021.
Load Ops
Marine Corps Cpl. Cole Strain loads a guided multiple launch rocket system into a launcher during Exercise Koolendong at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Australia, Aug. 29, 2021. The joint exercise with the Australian Defense Force tests ability to conduct a range of crisis response and contingency operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ida Ops
Louisiana National Guard members in high-water vehicles and boats work with St. John the Baptist Parish officials to rescue citizens stranded in their homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in New Orleans, Aug. 30, 2021.
Smoky Scene
A soldier fires a weapon during a simulated deployment exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 10, 2021.
Aid for Haiti
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Kane unloads boxes of food in Saint-Louis-du-Sud, Haiti, Aug. 28, 2021, to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
U.S., Ukraine Leaders Discuss Strategic Partnership During Pentagon Meeting
Aug. 31, 2021 | , DOD News
The United States will continue to urge Russia to end its illegal occupation of Ukraine's Crimea and looks to strengthen bonds between the United States and Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Andrii Taranto at the Pentagon today.
The Ukrainian delegation is in Washington to discuss the larger aspects of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship.
Ukraine is in conflict with Russia, which occupied and annexed Crimea
from Ukraine in 2014. Russia had agreed to respect the sovereignty of
all nations in Europe.
"Our support for Ukraine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations is unwavering," Austin said at the beginning of the meeting. "We again call on Russia to end the occupation of Crimea and to stop perpetuating the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and we will continue to stand with you in the face of this Russian aggression."
The United States wants to strengthen the strategic defense partnership with Ukraine. To that end, Austin signed a strategic defense framework agreement with Taranto. The document is meant to enhance cooperation between the two nations and "advances shared priorities by ensuring that our bilateral security cooperation continues to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," Austin said.
The agreement also looks at defense industry reforms in support of Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations, and deepening cooperation in such areas of Black Sea security, cyber defense, and intelligence sharing.
The two men will also sign a research, development, test and evaluation agreement. This will provide a framework for bilateral armaments and military technical cooperative projects.
Since the Russia aggression, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $2.5 billion in aid. This year, that includes Javelin missiles.
Austin said the United States remains committed to Ukraine, and he thanked the nation for its help in Afghanistan and in the evacuation effort. Austin told Ukraine's president that he looks forward to a more secure, prosperous, democratic and free Ukraine.
Unloading Aid
Haitians, U.S. service members assigned to Joint Task Force Haiti and U.S. Agency for International Development personnel unload humanitarian aid off a CH-47 Chinook in Jeremie, Haiti, Aug. 28, 2021. The task force and USAID have delivered more than 310,000 pounds of humanitarian aid since an earthquake struck the area on Aug. 14.
Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the 70th Anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty
Aug. 31, 2021
Today marks a special milestone for the U.S. - Australian Alliance. Seventy years ago, we formally established the “Unbreakable Alliance” that continues to provide stability and security for the Indo-Pacific and beyond. While the Alliance itself is 70 years old, Australia and the United States have fought side by side in every major conflict since World War I.
The United States will never forget that twenty years ago, on September 11, Australia invoked, for the first time in its history, the collective defense article of the ANZUS Treaty. Once again, Australia sent troops to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States and other allies and partners through nearly 20 years of combat. It is a testament to the enduring nature of “Mateship.” Our Australian allies stood by with us to the very end of our presence in Afghanistan and the United States will be forever grateful.
As we celebrate the signing of the ANZUS Treaty and the U.S. - Australian Alliance, we are also setting our sights on the future. Our shared interests and values ensure that our Alliance will continue to advance our shared vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
In a few short days, I look forward to hosting Australian Minister for Defence Dutton at the Pentagon, followed by this year’s Australia - United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations here in Washington, D.C. Together, we will work to ensure that our Alliance continues to move forward with strength and purpose for decades to come.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence Andrii Taran
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence Andrii Taran to reaffirm the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine.
Secretary Austin reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He condemned Russia’s continued occupation of Crimea and perpetuation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
With President Biden’s approval of a new $60 million package for additional Javelin anti-armor systems and other defensive lethal and non-lethal capabilities, the United States has committed more than $400 million in security assistance to Ukraine this year alone.
The leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining progress on defense and defense industry reforms in line with NATO principles and standards and exchanged perspectives on Black Sea security.
Secretary Austin and Minister Taran concluded the meeting with a signing ceremony of the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Defense Framework , which enhances our strategic defense partnership and advances shared priorities, as well as a Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Projects Agreement that will provide a framework for pursuing bilateral armaments and military-technical cooperation through cooperative projects.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With German Federal Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with German Federal Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to discuss the end of U.S operations in Afghanistan. The Secretary thanked Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer for Germany’s support to evacuation operations in Afghanistan, and for Germany’s continuing support to evacuation operations ongoing at U.S. military facilities in Germany. They agreed to continue to closely collaborate as the situation evolves.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan
Aug. 31, 2021
On August 31, 2021, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a phone call with Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan to express appreciation for Canada’s close cooperation during the operation to evacuate at risk Afghans and the drawdown of coalition forces from Afghanistan.
Secretary Austin recognized Canada’s contributions to one of the largest airlifts in history. Both leaders expressed their shared commitment to help vulnerable Afghans.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Norwegian Minister of Defense Frank Bakke-Jensen
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
On August 31, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Norwegian Minister of Defense Frank Bakke-Jensen to convey appreciation for Norway’s contributions to evacuation and retrograde operations from Afghanistan, in particular the critical role of Norway’s field hospital at Hamid-Karzai International Airport in treating the wounded, including U.S. service members, following the August 26 terrorist attack at Abbey Gate.
The leaders discussed the close and longstanding cooperation between U.S. and Norwegian forces over the twenty-year mission in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the strong bilateral defense relationship.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship, and to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Secretary Austin conveyed appreciation for Qatar’s critical support to U.S. operations in Afghanistan, including its generous help in facilitating the safe transit of U.S. citizens, Embassy Kabul personnel, and at-risk Afghans through Qatar. Both leaders pledged to continue cooperation on regional security issues.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Kuwaiti Minister of Defense, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Kuwait partnership and to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
The Secretary expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s generous role as a transit location as the U.S. military conducted the evacuation and retrograde mission from Afghanistan. Both leaders pledged to continue cooperation on regional security issues.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Bahrain Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Bahrain Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to reaffirm the strong U.S.-Bahrain partnership and to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
The Secretary expressed thanks for Bahrain’s critical role as a transit location as the U.S. military conducted the evacuation and retrograde mission from Afghanistan. Both leaders pledged to continue cooperation on regional security issues going forward.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates
Aug. 31, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
On August 31, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-UAE partnership and to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Secretary Austin conveyed his appreciation for the UAE’s instrumental role as a transit location as the U.S. military conducted the evacuation and retrograde mission from Afghanistan. The two leaders pledged to continue cooperation on shared regional security objectives.
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignment
Aug. 31, 2021
The Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OSEAC) announced the following assignment:
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Corey J. Perry, currently assigned as the command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Installation Management Command’s Training Directorate, Fort Eustis, Virginia, has been selected to replace Navy Command Master Chief Laura S. Nunley as senior enlisted advisor, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.
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