Marine Corps recruits participate in a water survival basic qualification course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 25, 2021.
Monday, January 25, 2021
Rainbow Ride
Soldiers conduct sling-load operations with an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a training exercise in Monte Romano, Italy, Jan. 20, 2021.
Noble Defender
Alaska Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Matthew O'Brien practices radio communications in Southcentral Alaska, Jan. 21, 2021, during Noble Defender, a North American Air Defense Command Arctic air defense operation.
Seeing Sailor
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tiffany Tumaliuan stands watch aboard the USS Essex in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 19, 2021.
Giving Gear
Air Force Airman Maria Jose Galvez-Bouroncle issues gear during a training exercise at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Luca Harrinton, assigned to Naval Medical Center San Diego, prepares a COVID-19 vaccine at the central immunizations clinic, Jan. 13, 2021. The vaccine is in distribution phase 1b to include critical national capabilities, personnel deploying to overseas locations, and other critical and essential support personnel. The Defense Department is conducting a phased, standardized and coordinated strategy to distribute and administer the vaccines to protect the people, maintain readiness and support the national COVID-19 response. The vaccines are only available after they are demonstrated to be safe and effective in large, phase-three clinical trials and authorized by the Food and Drug Administration; in addition, they must be manufactured and distributed safely and securely.
Antigen Samples
Army Pfc. Jagher Jones, assigned to Alpha Company, 232nd Medical Battalion, tests COVID-19 antigen samples at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Jan. 15, 2021.
Vaccine Prep
Army Spc. Shaun Martin and Army Sgt. Travis Sinfellow, medics with the Oregon Army National Guard, work with Lane County Health and Human Services as they prepare to administer COVID-19 vaccines to Lane County residents during a mass vaccination clinic in Eugene, Ore., Jan. 23, 2021.
General Officer Assignments
Jan. 25, 2021
The Chief of Staff of the Army announces the following general officer assignments:
Lt. Gen. (Promotable) Charles A. Flynn, deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Lt. Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, senior military assistant to the secretary of defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C., to commander, Joint Special Operations Command; and commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Maj. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, commanding general, 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea, to deputy commanding general, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.
Maj. Gen. Omar J. Jones, commanding general, Military District of Washington; and commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, Washington, D.C., to deputy commanding general, Installation Management Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
Brig. Gen. Edmond M. Brown, deputy director/chief of staff, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to commanding general, Combat Capabilities Development Command, U.S. Army Futures Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Drew, military deputy, Talent Management Task Force, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to director, Talent Management Task Force, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. Brett T. Funck, deputy commanding general (Operations), 10th Mountain Division (Light); and acting senior commander-Fort Drum, Fort Drum, New York, to deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Brig. Gen. Clair A. Gill, deputy commanding general (Support), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to director, Army Aviation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. Guy M. Jones, deputy commanding general (Maneuver), 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea, to deputy director/chief of staff, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
Brig. Gen. Michael C. McCurry II, director, Army Aviation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to director, Force Development, G-8, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. Mark C. Quander, commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to commandant of cadets, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York.
Brig. Gen. Jeth B. Rey, director, J-6, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to director, Network Cross Functional Team, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
Brig. Gen. William A. Ryan III, senior advisor to the Ministry of Defense, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Afghanistan, to chief of staff, U.S. Army Central, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.
Brig. Gen. Curtis D. Taylor, commander, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to commanding general, National Training Center and Fort Irwin, Fort Irwin, California.
Brig. Gen. Joel B. Vowell, deputy director, Strategic Planning and Policy, J-5, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, to commanding general, U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), Japan.
Monumental Moment
Army Lt. Col. Jeremy Smith administers the oath of reenlistment to Spc. Larry Santillian, a Nebraska National Guardsman, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2021.
Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Transgender Service in the Military
Jan. 25, 2021
I fully support the President’s direction that all
transgender individuals who wish to serve in the United States military
and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and
free from discrimination.
The Department will immediately take appropriate policy action to ensure
individuals who identify as transgender are eligible to enter and serve
in their self-identified gender. These changes will ensure no one will
be separated or discharged, or denied reenlistment, solely on the basis
of gender identity. Prospective recruits may serve in their
self-identified gender when they have met the appropriate standards for
accession into the military services. This revised policy will also
ensure all medically-necessary transition related care authorized by law
is available to all Service members and will re-examine all cases of
transgender Service members that may be in some form of adverse
administrative proceedings.
Over the next 60 days, I look forward to working with the senior
civilian and military leaders of the Department as we expeditiously
develop the appropriate policies and procedures to implement these
changes.
The United States Armed Forces are in the business of defending our
fellow citizens from our enemies, foreign and domestic. I believe we
accomplish that mission more effectively when we represent all our
fellow citizens. I also believe we should avail ourselves of the best
possible talent in our population, regardless of gender identity. We
would be rendering ourselves less fit to the task if we excluded from
our ranks people who meet our standards and who have the skills and the
devotion to serve in uniform.
This is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Suh Wook
Jan. 23, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John 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, Minister Suh congratulated Secretary Austin on his appointment, and Secretary Austin underscored the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK through both the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture and the U.S. extended deterrent.
Secretary Austin and Minister Suh addressed a broad range of defense issues and exchanged views on the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. Both sides noted the need to maintain the readiness of Alliance combined forces, affirmed the importance of maintaining the rules-based international order, and agreed to enhance cooperation on shared threats.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace
Jan. 23, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone this morning with U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace and reaffirmed the importance of the special relationship between our two countries.
The secretaries discussed views on confronting strategic issues of mutual interest, including the COVID-19 response, concerns from a rising China, threats from Russia, and ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Secretary Austin congratulated the U.K. for the recent announcement of its largest increase in defense spending in thirty years, noting the importance of that spending to our shared security and the collective security of the NATO Alliance.
Secretary Austin also noted the significance of the recent Joint Declaration for the Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment. The deployment will include U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft deployed aboard the U.K. aircraft carrier HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH for the first time, as well as the inclusion of U.S. Navy destroyer USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) as a part of a combined carrier strike group. He noted the significance of this deployment to our bilateral ties and interoperability.
The Secretary expressed his appreciation for the U.K.’s commitment to our defense partnership and emphasized the U.S. commitment to the NATO Alliance.
Friday, January 22, 2021
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
Jan. 22, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with NATO
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg shortly after arriving at the
Pentagon today. The call was his first made to a foreign leader as the
Defense Secretary, and reinforces the importance of the NATO Alliance to
the United States.
The two leaders discussed the importance of our shared values, the current security environment including maintaining a strong NATO deterrence and defense posture, and the ongoing missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. They also briefly reviewed the upcoming NATO Defense Ministerial and agreed to discuss it again in more detail in the coming weeks.
The Secretary said he looked forward to developing a close working relationship with Stoltenberg and both leaders pledged to consult in the months ahead.
Lightning Launch
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alston Adams signals to an F-35B Lightning II as it takes off from the flight deck of the USS Makin Island in the Indian Ocean, Jan. 12, 2021.
Osprey Ops
Marine Corps Sgt. William Easter, right, and Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Hinkle remove an engine from an MV-22 Osprey aboard the USS Makin Island in the Indian Ocean, Jan. 19, 2021.
Formation Flight
Four Air Force MC-130J Command IIs fly in formation off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2021.
Course Crawl
Soldiers low-crawl during an obstacle course validation exercise at Fort Gordon, Ga., Jan. 21, 2021, before the Army Best Medic Competition.
Day One Message to the Force From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
Jan. 22, 2021
I am honored to have this chance to serve again and to do so alongside you and your families. My wife, Charlene, and I know all too well the sacrifices you make to keep this country safe. That safety is job one, and I promise to work as hard as you do at it.
The way I see it, my job as Secretary of Defense is to make you more effective at doing yours. That means ensuring you have the tools, technology, weapons, and training to deter and defeat our enemies. It means establishing sound policy and strategy and assigning you clear missions. It means putting a premium on cooperation with our allies and partners. And it means living up to our core values, the same ones our fellow citizens expect of us.
Right now, of course, doing my job also means helping our country get control of the pandemic, which has killed more than 400,000 Americans. You have already come to the aid of our Nation's health care professionals. You can expect that mission to continue. But we must help the Federal Government move further and faster to eradicate the devastating effects of the coronavirus. To that end, we will also do everything we can to vaccinate and care for our workforce and to look for meaningful ways to alleviate the pressure this pandemic has exerted on you and your families.
None of us succeeds at this business alone. Defending the country requires teamwork and cooperation. It requires a certain humility, a willingness to learn, and absolute respect for one another. I know you share my devotion to these qualities.
I am proud to be back on your team.
The Day One Message to the Force memo can be found here.
Submitting Paperwork
A Minnesota National Guardsman completes a questionnaire prior to receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination at the Army Aviation Support Facility in St. Cloud, Minn., Jan. 9, 2021. In preparation of an upcoming deployment, approximately 60 soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, received the first of a two-dose series of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination.
Seniors Get Vaccine
Barbara Bufano gets the COVID-19 vaccine at Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 15, 2021. Vaccines are currently being offered to on-base health care personnel and first responders assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and critical national capabilities forces, deploying forces, frontline essential workers, and beneficiaries age 75 and older. COVID-19 vaccines are not available by walk-in for non-hospital personnel.
Army and Air Force service members assigned to the Michigan National Guard, now part of a newly formed Spartan Joint Task Force team, work with the Gleaners Community and Auxiliary Food Bank’s in Detroit, Mich., Jan. 20, 2021. The teams prepare pallets of food orders weighing 40,000 lbs. daily in the Gleaners warehouses for 400 agencies in five counties that serve local charities in Southeastern Michigan. Since March, Michigan National Guard teams have supported food banks across Michigan, distributing millions of pounds of food to local communities.
Preparing Vaccine
Navy seamen assigned to the Naval Hospital Okinawa, prepare the COVID-19 vaccine at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan 21, 2021. This was the second distribution of the vaccine on Camp Hansen since the Defense Department began administering it to service members in Okinawa, Dec. 27, 2020.
New Defense Secretary Arrives at Pentagon, Convenes COVID Meeting
Jan. 22, 2021 | , DOD News
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III arrived at the Pentagon today and hit the ground running, greeting the senior staff and then immediately heading into meetings on combating the coronavirus.
The Senate confirmed Austin at 11 a.m.; the vote was 93-2. He arrived at the Pentagon around noon and was "administratively sworn in" soon afterward.
Austin chaired a COVID-19 briefing attended by Deputy Secretary David L. Norquist, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Staff, DOD COVID-19 Coordinator Max Rose, the acting service secretaries, the service military chiefs and combatant commanders. The Senate and the House of Representatives waived the requirement that a defense secretary must have been retired seven years before assuming the position. Austin assured congressional leaders that he fully believes in civilian control of the U.S. military.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Austin addressed this issue. "I was a general and a soldier, and I'm proud of that," he said. "But today, I appear before you as a citizen, the son of a postal worker and a homemaker from Thomasville, Georgia, and I'm proud of that, too. If you confirm me, I am prepared to serve now as a civilian, fully acknowledging the importance of this distinction."
Austin, a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., retired from the Army as the commander of U.S. Central Command in 2016.
In some of his first acts, Austin is contacting allies and partners around the world to assure them of America's security commitments. His first call to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, is proof of the importance Austin places on allies.
Conquering COVID tops the immediate list of missions, but Austin also must configure the department to face China, which he called America's "pacing threat" in his testimony. He also must consider the actions and strategy of a resurgent Russia. Iran remains a U.S. concern in the Middle East, and U.S. troops are still deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. North Korea is a wild card in the Indo-Pacific.
Threats from violent extremism remain. Although the physical caliphate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has been eliminated, remnants of the group are still dangerous, DOD officials have said. Other groups, which share the toxic ideology, exist in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Austin also must keep his eyes on the future, continuing to build a department that has the capabilities needed to deter any foe and, if deterrence fails, to defeat that threat.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s Telephone Call to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
Jan. 22, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:
President Biden called Secretary Austin this afternoon, shortly after his arrival at the Pentagon. The President congratulated the Secretary on his swift confirmation and thanked the Secretary for agreeing to serve the country again. Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude to the President for his trust and confidence and for his support during the confirmation process.
Safe Landing
A soldier comes to a safe landing during airborne operations at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 8, 2021.
Secretary of Defense Arrival and Day One Activities
Jan. 22, 2021
Newly confirmed Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is expected to arrive at the Pentagon at noon. It will be open press.
He will then be administratively sworn in by Mr. Tom Muir, Acting Director of Washington Headquarters Services. Immediately upon completion of that swearing-in, he will receive an intelligence briefing.
Secretary Austin will meet with Deputy Secretary Norquist at 1:30 p.m., followed by a meeting with both Mr. Norquist and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Milley.
At 2:30 p.m., the Secretary will chair a COVID briefing, attended by the Deputy Secretary, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, OSD staff, DOD COVID Coordinator Max Rose, Service Secretaries, Service Chiefs, and Combatant Commanders. Many of these participants will be joining virtually. All appropriate COVID-prevention guidelines will be observed for those attending in person.
He will speak by phone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at 3:45 p.m.
At 4 p.m., he will receive operational briefings about China and the Middle East.
The rest of his afternoon will be taken up with administrative check-in procedures.
NOTE: Some of these times are subject to change.
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignment
Jan. 22, 2021
The Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OSEAC) announced today the following assignment:
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James K. Porterfield, currently assigned as the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, Camp Pendleton, California, has been selected to replace Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paul G. McKenna as the command senior enlisted leader for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Vaccination Tracker
Army Spc. George Riley creates operation tracking tables in support of mass COVID-19 vaccinations administered by the New York State Department of Health at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, Jan. 14, 2021.
Vaccination Center
Marines receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 20, 2020.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Octave Quartz
An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender during Operation Octave Quartz over Africa Jan. 9, 2021. The operation relocates U.S. forces in Somalia to other East Africa operating locations while supporting partner forces and maintaining pressure on violent extremist groups.
Foggy Flightline
Two airmen push a hydraulic servicing cart across a flightline at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 5, 2021.
Statement by John Kirby, Chief Pentagon Spokesman, on New START
Jan. 21, 2021
President Biden’s decision to seek a five-year extension of New START advances the nation's defense. Russia's compliance with the treaty has served our national security interests well, and Americans are much safer with New START intact and extended. We cannot afford to lose New START’s intrusive inspection and notification tools. Failing to swiftly extend New START would weaken America’s understanding of Russia’s long-range nuclear forces.
Extending the treaty’s limitations on stockpiles of strategic nuclear weapons until 2026 allows time and space for our two nations to explore new verifiable arms control arrangements that could further reduce risks to Americans. And the Department stands ready to support our colleagues in the State Department as they effect this extension and explore those new arrangements.
Just as we engage Russia in ways that advance American interests, we in the Department will remain clear-eyed about the challenges Russia poses and committed to defending the nation against their reckless and adversarial actions.
Water Survival
Soldiers conduct water survival training during an exercise before the Army Best Medic Competition at Fort Gordon, Ga., Jan. 20, 2021.
Gentle Grooming
Army Capt. Meghan Horn, left, a clinical psychologist assigned to the 98th Combat and Operational Stress Control, 62nd Medical Brigade; and Army Maj. Alysia Franco, center, a liaison officer assigned to the Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force-531, comb through Katie Sue’s mane during an equine therapy outing in Burnett, Wis., Jan. 8, 2021. The Defense Department's religious support and behavioral health teams, assigned to support the military medical providers in Wisconsin, routinely schedule activities intended to support the service members’ mental, social and spiritual well-being throughout their deployment. Northern Command, through Army North, remains committed to providing flexible DOD support to the whole-of-America COVID-19 response.
IV Prep
Air Force 1st Lt. Elizabeth Vinci, a clinical nurse assigned to the 60th Inpatient Squadron, 60th Medical Group, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., prepares IV fluid for a patient at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, Calif., Jan. 15, 2021. Northern Command, through Army North, remains committed to providing flexible Defense Department support to the whole-of-America COVID-19 response.
Vaccine Dose
Army Sgt. Adrian Yelder fills a syringe with a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Navy Branch Health Clinic Chinhae in Chinhae, South Korea, Jan. 19, 2021. Navy sailors assigned to the Branch Health Clinic Chinhae and Army soldiers assigned to the 549th Hospital Center, 65th Medical Brigade, administered COVID-19 vaccines, on a completely voluntary basis, to personnel identified by Defense Department distribution guidance.
Recruit Rappel
A Marine Corps recruit rappels down a tower at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 19, 2021.
Snowy Training
Army Sgt. Michael Metcalf and Spc. Walter Galdamez evacuate a simulated injured soldier in Germany, Jan. 21, 2021, as part of training for a competition.
Marine Corps Civilian Employee Pleads Guilty to Assaulting His Spouse
A civilian employee working for the U.S. Marine Corps Community Association pleaded guilty today to assaulting his spouse while working in Iwakuni, Japan.
Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Matthew Schneider, U.S Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; and Timothy Mahew, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Far East Field Office made the announcement.
Jason Beltran, 35, a former U.S. Marine most recently residing in Flushing, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a single count of assault of a spouse resulting in substantial bodily injury. Beltran entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, Michigan.
According to the admissions made in connection with his plea, Beltran was an active duty U.S. Marine stationed in Iwakuni, until he was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2011.
Thereafter, Beltran was hired by the U.S. Marine Corps Community Services to work as a library technician at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. In 2011, Beltran married a dual Japanese-U.S. citizen and had three children with his spouse. Beltran admitted that on or about June 20, 2017, he had an argument with his spouse during which he punched her with a closed fist to the side of her face causing a gash that required several stitches to close the wound, and which resulted in a small, permanent scar.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 3.
NCIS conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Frank G. Rangoussis and John-Alex Romano of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
Smoky Scene
Army Sgt. Tyler Bisio reacts to simulated indirect gunfire during a competition at Fort Hood, Texas, Jan. 12, 2021.
The Big 5-0
The crew of the USS Mount Whitney stands in formation during the ship’s 50th anniversary celebration in Gaeta, Italy, Jan. 14, 2021.
Presidential Parade
The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches past the White House during the 59th presidential inauguration in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021.
DOD Responds to COVID-19 in Navajo Nation
Jan. 21, 2021 |
At the request of the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 12 Navy personnel deployed to the Navajo Nation reservation in New Mexico and Arizona to provide support to the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, New Mexico. The medical personnel have been working side-by-side with civilian and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps health care providers to help treat COVID-19 patients.
"The relationship with the embedded nursing staff here has been great from the get go," Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Jagger, critical care nurse and Rural Rapid Response team leader said.
"They are family now," Navy Lt. Cmdr. Scott Smith, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the hospital's intensive care unit supervisor, said.
The medical providers are currently treating up to eight patients at one time in the COVID-19 positive ward at the medical center. The ward is set up in an open room with beds alongside each other. As the pandemic progresses, the medical center is considering expanding the ward, allowing the providers to treat up to 15 patients at once.
"Bringing in that staff gave us the capability of doubling our bed capacity for the intensive care unit," Smith said.
For some of the medical providers, it is not their first time being part of the Defense Department's whole-of-America COVID-19 response. Jagger and other members of the Rural Rapid Response teams provided support at different hospitals in New York when the pandemic first started, as well as in Texas as the pandemic continued.
"Thankfully, we are seeing better outcomes than we did when COVID-19 first hit," Jagger said.
Due to some of their previous experiences, the medical providers were able to quickly adapt to their surroundings.
"They were boots on the ground ready to go, and they've been wonderful to work with," Smith said.
The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states.
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses throughout the country, U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing a flexible Defense Department in support of the whole-of-America COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Testing
Nina Gruhn, a senior microbiologist in the Biological Analysis Division at Public Health Command Europe demonstrates the COVID-19 surveillance testing process.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
In Formation
Service members with the Joint Armed Forces Honor Guard position themselves during rehearsal for the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2021.
Trumpet Practice
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets practice on the east side of the Capitol Building during the rehearsal for the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., Jan 18, 2021. Since its founding in 1959, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets has become a vital part of numerous historic events.
DOD Succession Plan Remains in Effect Until Senate Confirms Biden Nominees
Jan. 20, 2021 | , DOD News
Deputy Defense Secretary David L. Norquist has been sworn in as the acting defense secretary and will serve in the position until the Senate confirms the Biden administration's nominee for the position.
The change in administrations will have a cascading effect within the Defense Department. At noon today, the resignations of Trump administration political appointees became effective.
Yet, the missions of the department must continue, and officials made plans to place interim leaders in these crucial jobs. "The incoming Biden administration has reviewed these plans and reached out to officials across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military department to confirm the succession plan the new administration intends to implement for all presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed positions," Norquist wrote in a memo to senior defense leaders.
These employees will serve in an acting capacity or in a "performing the duties of" capacity until new political appointees arrive.
Usually, the defense secretary is confirmed when a new president takes office. This year, President Biden's nominee for defense secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, did not get a confirmation hearing until January 19th – too late for the full Senate to confirm him. Austin's case is further complicated by the fact that as a retired general he needs a waiver from both houses of Congress to serve in the position.
More than 50 positions will be filled on an interim basis. In addition to Norquist, they include John E. Whitley as Army secretary, Thomas W. Harker as Navy secretary, and John P. Roth as Air Force secretary.
In addition, Amanda J. Dory will perform the duties of undersecretary of defense for policy; Terence G. Emmert will perform the duties of undersecretary for research and engineering; Douglas Glenn will perform the duties of DOD comptroller/chief financial officer; and Virginia S. Penrod will perform the duties of undersecretary of personnel and readiness.
The duties of the undersecretary for intelligence and security will be performed by David M. Taylor, and Paul S. Koffsky will perform the duties of DOD general counsel.
Some of those who are "performing the duties of" will also hold other positions. For example, Dory will also perform the duties of assistant secretary for strategy, plans and capabilities.
Once a Biden political appointee is approved by the Senate, those serving in these positions will revert to their normal jobs.
Rehearsal March
Ceremonial marchers participate in a rehearsal for the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2021.
Acting Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist Statement on Inauguration Day
Jan. 20, 2021
Today our nation swore in Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the 46th President of the United States and Commander in Chief of our military force, as well as Kamala D. Harris as the 49th Vice President of the United States.
The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our nation and our democracy. I send my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the roughly 28,000 National Guard and active duty military members who are assisting local law enforcement in maintaining our nation’s legacy and preserving our future.
More broadly, the Department of Defense remains ready to provide forces that deter war and protect the security of our nation. We look forward to seamlessly onboarding the incoming Administration so America may maintain its strategic advantage and vast partnerships.
Germany Jump
Army paratroopers conduct airborne operations during an emergency deployment readiness exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021.
New Officials Sworn-in at the Department of Defense
Jan. 20, 2021
The following individuals were sworn-in virtually or in-person today at the Pentagon:
• Adil Ahmed, Attorney Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, Department of the Army
• Terry Adirim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
• Scott Arceneaux, Special Assistant for White House Liaison Office
• Patricia Barron, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military
Community and Family Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Personnel and Readiness
• Susanna Blume, performing the duties of Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
• Tanya Bradsher, Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement
• Melissa Dalton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities
• Morgan Dwyer, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
• Beth Foster, Senior Advisor, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
• Beth George, Principal Deputy General Counsel
• Ozge Guzelsu, Deputy General Counsel (Legislation)
• Storm Horncastle, Residential Manager and Social Secretary of the Vice President
• Brian Katz, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence & Security)
• Jongsun Kim, Deputy Comptroller for Budget and Appropriations
Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
• John Kirby, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
• Kelly Magsamen, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense
• Christopher Maier, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations / Low Intensity Conflict
• Farouk Ophaso, Senior Advisor, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
• Ely Ratner, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (China)
• Eric Ridge, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development
• Max Rose, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Senior Advisor, COVID-19)
• Tommy Ross, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy, Department of the Navy
• Leonor Tomero, Deputy Assistant Director for Nuclear and Missile Defense Programs
• Veronica Valdez, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs
• Matthew Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Senate Affairs
Imagery Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6488524/dod-officials-sworn
Sergeant of the Guard
Army Sgt. 1st Class Chelsea Porterfield, sergeant of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, renders honors during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris placed the wreath after Biden was sworn in as the 46th president during a ceremony at the Capitol earlier in the day.
Leafy Landing
A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey prepares to land during a drill at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14, 2021.
Rehearsal Ceremony
The U.S. Army Band Herald Trumpets rehearse for the presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2021.
Rehearsal March
A member of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps participates in a rehearsal for the 59th presidential inauguration in Washington, Jan. 18, 2021.
Night Watch
Air Force Senior Airman Alexis Williams guards a C-17 Globemaster III during a training exercise at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Jan. 19, 2021.
DOD Announces New Acting Secretary of Defense, Service Secretaries
Jan. 20, 2021
At 12:01 p.m., Jan. 20, David L. Norquist assumed the duties of Acting Secretary of Defense. In his capacity as acting secretary, Norquist will maintain continuity and readiness of the Department until a defense secretary is confirmed. Norquist has served as the Deputy Secretary of Defense since July 2019.
The acting secretary of the Army is John Whitley. The acting secretary of the Navy is Tom Harker. The acting secretary of the Air Force is John Roth.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
DOD Announces New Members of the Defense Policy Board
Jan. 19, 2021
The Department of Defense welcomes three new members of the Defense Policy Board who completed all onboarding requirements and were sworn in today – Retired Army Brigadier General Anthony Tata, Mr. Scott O’Grady and Ambassador Charles Glazer.
About the Defense Policy Board
The Defense Policy Board was established to provide the Secretary of
Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense independent advice and
recommendations on matters concerning defense policy through the Under
Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)).
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