1 00:00:02,299 --> 00:00:05,150 OK . All right , Matt , nice to see you 2 00:00:05,159 --> 00:00:07,369 back . Welcome back and Lita , welcome 3 00:00:07,380 --> 00:00:09,859 back . Um All right , so good afternoon , 4 00:00:09,869 --> 00:00:12,091 everyone . Just a few things at the top 5 00:00:12,091 --> 00:00:13,813 and then be happy to take your 6 00:00:13,813 --> 00:00:15,925 questions . Earlier today , Secretary 7 00:00:15,925 --> 00:00:18,091 Austin participated in the fifth North 8 00:00:18,091 --> 00:00:20,258 American Defense Ministerial virtually 9 00:00:20,450 --> 00:00:23,030 hosted by Mexico's Secretary of the 10 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:26,680 Navy , Admiral Jose Rafael Ojeda Duran 11 00:00:26,709 --> 00:00:29,469 in Mexico City and attended by Mexico's 12 00:00:29,479 --> 00:00:31,649 Secretary of National Defense General 13 00:00:31,659 --> 00:00:35,639 Luis Crece Crescencio Sandoval and 14 00:00:35,650 --> 00:00:37,761 Canada's Minister of National Defense 15 00:00:37,761 --> 00:00:39,928 Bill Blair to discuss opportunities to 16 00:00:39,930 --> 00:00:41,880 strengthen North American Defense 17 00:00:41,889 --> 00:00:45,209 Cooper operation . The Nam chairs co 18 00:00:45,220 --> 00:00:47,220 chairs discussed deepening regional 19 00:00:47,220 --> 00:00:49,220 defense co-operation , developing a 20 00:00:49,220 --> 00:00:50,998 continental threat assessment , 21 00:00:50,998 --> 00:00:53,360 fortifying cyber defense and supporting 22 00:00:53,369 --> 00:00:55,490 trilateral trilateral humanitarian 23 00:00:55,500 --> 00:00:57,750 assistance and disaster response and 24 00:00:57,759 --> 00:00:59,703 strengthening climate security and 25 00:00:59,703 --> 00:01:01,815 resilience . Secretary Austin and his 26 00:01:01,815 --> 00:01:03,703 Mexican and Canadian counterparts 27 00:01:03,703 --> 00:01:05,870 reaffirmed the importance of the North 28 00:01:05,870 --> 00:01:07,759 American defense relationship and 29 00:01:07,759 --> 00:01:09,759 Secretary Austin agreed to host the 30 00:01:09,759 --> 00:01:12,135 sixth native in 2025 . We will have a 31 00:01:12,144 --> 00:01:14,311 read out uh later today on defense.gov 32 00:01:15,230 --> 00:01:17,550 switching gears us , Northern Command 33 00:01:17,559 --> 00:01:20,319 will conduct Arctic edge 2024 from 34 00:01:20,330 --> 00:01:23,169 February 23rd to March 11th in various 35 00:01:23,180 --> 00:01:25,510 locations throughout Alaska . This 36 00:01:25,519 --> 00:01:27,297 joint and combined multi domain 37 00:01:27,297 --> 00:01:29,297 exercise will focus on operating in 38 00:01:29,297 --> 00:01:31,250 extreme cold and high altitude 39 00:01:31,260 --> 00:01:33,650 environments and will include north com 40 00:01:33,660 --> 00:01:35,830 headquarters , special operations 41 00:01:35,839 --> 00:01:38,410 command , North and Marine Forces North 42 00:01:38,580 --> 00:01:40,247 along with participation from 43 00:01:40,247 --> 00:01:42,302 international allies and interagency 44 00:01:42,302 --> 00:01:44,309 representatives , state and local 45 00:01:44,319 --> 00:01:46,486 partners including the Alaska National 46 00:01:46,486 --> 00:01:48,430 Guard , Alaska State and local law 47 00:01:48,430 --> 00:01:50,486 enforcement . Alaska native tribes , 48 00:01:50,486 --> 00:01:52,652 corporations and communities will also 49 00:01:52,652 --> 00:01:55,010 participate . Arctic Edge is an annual 50 00:01:55,019 --> 00:01:56,630 defense exercise designed to 51 00:01:56,630 --> 00:01:58,852 demonstrate that our forces are engaged 52 00:01:58,852 --> 00:02:01,599 postured and ready to assure deter and 53 00:02:01,610 --> 00:02:03,650 defend the US and Canada in an 54 00:02:03,660 --> 00:02:06,010 increasingly complex Arctic security 55 00:02:06,019 --> 00:02:09,190 environment . In other news , large 56 00:02:09,199 --> 00:02:12,410 scale global exercise 2024 a series of 57 00:02:12,419 --> 00:02:14,910 all domain US military exercises 58 00:02:14,919 --> 00:02:16,910 executed alongside Alazan partners 59 00:02:16,919 --> 00:02:19,089 around the globe begins this month and 60 00:02:19,100 --> 00:02:22,820 will run through June . LSGE 24 is a 61 00:02:22,830 --> 00:02:25,052 global exercise coordinate this year by 62 00:02:25,052 --> 00:02:27,539 us European Command in collaboration 63 00:02:27,550 --> 00:02:29,399 with participating dod combatant 64 00:02:29,410 --> 00:02:31,632 commands . It will incorporate military 65 00:02:31,632 --> 00:02:33,521 personnel from the US Army Navy , 66 00:02:33,521 --> 00:02:35,466 Marine Corps , Air Force and Space 67 00:02:35,466 --> 00:02:37,243 Force and demonstrate joint and 68 00:02:37,243 --> 00:02:39,077 multinational military co cooper 69 00:02:39,077 --> 00:02:42,419 operation . Lsge 24 is comp is 70 00:02:42,429 --> 00:02:44,210 comprised of multiple exercises 71 00:02:44,220 --> 00:02:46,164 designed to strengthen agility and 72 00:02:46,164 --> 00:02:47,998 interoperability with allies and 73 00:02:47,998 --> 00:02:49,776 partners . Collectively , these 74 00:02:49,776 --> 00:02:51,776 activities will highlight America's 75 00:02:51,776 --> 00:02:53,609 robust presence and capabilities 76 00:02:53,609 --> 00:02:55,776 alongside allies , partners and fellow 77 00:02:55,776 --> 00:02:58,529 us . Combatant commands of the multiple 78 00:02:58,539 --> 00:03:02,179 events associated with LSGE 2411 are 79 00:03:02,190 --> 00:03:04,301 set to take place in the Ucom area of 80 00:03:04,301 --> 00:03:06,509 responsibility . The remaining events 81 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:08,576 will be executed by participating US 82 00:03:08,576 --> 00:03:10,729 combatant commands . This series of 83 00:03:10,740 --> 00:03:12,990 exercises is distinct but complementary 84 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:16,789 to nato's steadfast defender 2024 Lsge 85 00:03:16,800 --> 00:03:20,029 24 is global and focuses on agility and 86 00:03:20,039 --> 00:03:22,350 interoperability for us led activities . 87 00:03:22,660 --> 00:03:24,382 No nation can confront today's 88 00:03:24,382 --> 00:03:26,327 challenges alone . And this , this 89 00:03:26,327 --> 00:03:28,493 exercises how we affirm our commitment 90 00:03:28,500 --> 00:03:31,380 to global security in other news . 91 00:03:31,389 --> 00:03:33,556 Earlier today , acting under Secretary 92 00:03:33,556 --> 00:03:35,722 of Defense for Policy , MS Sasha Baker 93 00:03:35,722 --> 00:03:37,611 departed for travel to the United 94 00:03:37,611 --> 00:03:39,778 Kingdom . She is scheduled to co-chair 95 00:03:39,778 --> 00:03:41,611 the THIRD US UK Strategic Policy 96 00:03:41,611 --> 00:03:43,710 dialogue alongside UK Ministry of 97 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:45,609 Defense Director General Security 98 00:03:45,609 --> 00:03:48,830 Policy , Mr Paul Wyatt on Friday , the 99 00:03:48,839 --> 00:03:50,839 two leaders are slated to discuss a 100 00:03:50,839 --> 00:03:52,783 wide range of defense and security 101 00:03:52,783 --> 00:03:55,029 issues that focus on aligning us and UK 102 00:03:55,070 --> 00:03:57,820 geographic and thematic priorities in 103 00:03:57,830 --> 00:03:59,941 the Euro , Atlantic , Middle East and 104 00:03:59,941 --> 00:04:02,179 Indo Pacific regions . A readout from 105 00:04:02,190 --> 00:04:03,912 MS Baker's travel will be made 106 00:04:03,912 --> 00:04:06,220 available on defense.gov later . And 107 00:04:06,229 --> 00:04:08,285 finally , I want to take a moment to 108 00:04:08,285 --> 00:04:10,062 emphasize the critical national 109 00:04:10,062 --> 00:04:12,118 security importance of Congress pass 110 00:04:12,118 --> 00:04:14,285 passing our budget and the impacts for 111 00:04:14,285 --> 00:04:16,309 the compacts of free association . 112 00:04:16,609 --> 00:04:18,831 These are important agreements with our 113 00:04:18,831 --> 00:04:20,942 long standing partners in the Pacific 114 00:04:20,942 --> 00:04:23,053 Islands region , the Federated States 115 00:04:23,053 --> 00:04:25,220 of Micronesia , Palau and the Republic 116 00:04:25,220 --> 00:04:27,276 of the Marshall Islands . As part of 117 00:04:27,276 --> 00:04:29,387 the compacts . The US military enjoys 118 00:04:29,387 --> 00:04:31,553 exclusive access to a critical part of 119 00:04:31,553 --> 00:04:33,720 the region that's actually larger than 120 00:04:33,720 --> 00:04:35,720 the continental United States . Our 121 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:37,553 state Department colleagues have 122 00:04:37,553 --> 00:04:39,442 successfully negotiated a 20 year 123 00:04:39,442 --> 00:04:41,665 extension and now we just need Congress 124 00:04:41,665 --> 00:04:43,831 to fund and enact it . And with that , 125 00:04:43,831 --> 00:04:45,998 I'd be how we take your questions , go 126 00:04:45,998 --> 00:04:48,053 to lead up . Thanks Sabrina . Uh Can 127 00:04:48,053 --> 00:04:50,165 you bring us up to date on the 30 day 128 00:04:50,165 --> 00:04:52,442 review ? When will that be made public ? 129 00:04:52,442 --> 00:04:55,359 And do you expect that we will get to 130 00:04:55,369 --> 00:04:57,769 see the entire review or how much of it 131 00:04:57,779 --> 00:05:00,112 do you think will be sort of classified ? 132 00:05:00,112 --> 00:05:02,279 And then secondarily just with all the 133 00:05:02,279 --> 00:05:06,049 houthi activity um in the region is the 134 00:05:06,059 --> 00:05:08,540 US looking at efforts to expand the 135 00:05:08,549 --> 00:05:11,880 maritime coalition . Uh is there 136 00:05:11,890 --> 00:05:14,239 enough going on ? There are enough 137 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,087 assets in the region or do you need to 138 00:05:17,087 --> 00:05:19,260 add more countries ? Uh Thanks Lia for 139 00:05:19,269 --> 00:05:21,380 your question . So I'll take the last 140 00:05:21,380 --> 00:05:23,436 one first . So in terms of , I think 141 00:05:23,436 --> 00:05:25,547 what you're referring to is operation 142 00:05:25,547 --> 00:05:27,602 Prosperity Guardian . Uh We've , you 143 00:05:27,602 --> 00:05:27,600 know , always welcome more nations to 144 00:05:27,609 --> 00:05:30,089 join that coalition . Um We have seen 145 00:05:30,100 --> 00:05:32,322 growth since December when it was first 146 00:05:32,322 --> 00:05:34,489 announced um when the secretary was in 147 00:05:34,489 --> 00:05:36,656 the region . So of course , we welcome 148 00:05:36,656 --> 00:05:38,822 more nation to join . Uh Just recently 149 00:05:38,822 --> 00:05:40,989 you saw the eu announce a coalition as 150 00:05:40,989 --> 00:05:42,822 well um That will work alongside 151 00:05:42,822 --> 00:05:44,933 operation Prosperity Guardian . Um So 152 00:05:44,933 --> 00:05:47,156 we certainly are seeing an expansion of 153 00:05:47,156 --> 00:05:49,044 assets in the region . Um Even if 154 00:05:49,044 --> 00:05:51,211 they're not under op A , they're still 155 00:05:51,211 --> 00:05:53,510 um OPG I'm sorry , they're still um you 156 00:05:53,519 --> 00:05:55,575 know , working alongside us and it's 157 00:05:55,575 --> 00:05:57,741 like minded nations with the same goal 158 00:05:57,741 --> 00:06:01,399 in mind . Um In terms of uh your first 159 00:06:01,410 --> 00:06:04,100 question on the 30 day review , don't 160 00:06:04,109 --> 00:06:06,165 have an exact timeline of when we're 161 00:06:06,165 --> 00:06:08,920 going to release . Um Either , you know 162 00:06:08,929 --> 00:06:11,096 what , what , what will be released if 163 00:06:11,096 --> 00:06:13,318 it's a full review , if it's redacted , 164 00:06:13,318 --> 00:06:15,373 if it's an executive summary , don't 165 00:06:15,373 --> 00:06:17,485 have that yet , we're working towards 166 00:06:17,485 --> 00:06:17,160 getting you something . Um , hopefully 167 00:06:17,170 --> 00:06:19,281 that soon , but I just don't have the 168 00:06:19,281 --> 00:06:22,209 date yet . Jen Sabrina is the Pentagon 169 00:06:22,220 --> 00:06:24,387 considering what weapons it could send 170 00:06:24,387 --> 00:06:26,498 to Ukraine that would make up for the 171 00:06:26,498 --> 00:06:28,450 past five months of congressional 172 00:06:28,559 --> 00:06:31,329 funding being stalled . And is the 173 00:06:31,339 --> 00:06:33,506 administration finally willing to send 174 00:06:33,506 --> 00:06:35,920 attacks if the long range artillery , 175 00:06:35,929 --> 00:06:38,350 if Congress passes that funding ? So in 176 00:06:38,359 --> 00:06:40,581 terms of weapons that we're considering 177 00:06:40,581 --> 00:06:42,790 sending , we know that Ukraine's top 178 00:06:42,799 --> 00:06:45,329 prior priorities are still air defense 179 00:06:45,339 --> 00:06:47,829 artillery ammunition . So whatever 180 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:50,367 package comes together , whatever next 181 00:06:50,367 --> 00:06:52,533 PD A , you're gonna see something that 182 00:06:52,533 --> 00:06:54,811 looks like what meets their priorities . 183 00:06:54,811 --> 00:06:56,644 Um And that's something that was 184 00:06:56,644 --> 00:06:58,700 discussed at the U DC G . Um I don't 185 00:06:58,700 --> 00:07:00,756 have anything to preview for you . I 186 00:07:00,756 --> 00:07:02,978 think you've heard others . Um , at the 187 00:07:02,978 --> 00:07:04,867 NSC also talk about how we're not 188 00:07:04,867 --> 00:07:06,978 taking anything off the table , but , 189 00:07:06,978 --> 00:07:06,760 uh , we certainly want to make sure 190 00:07:06,769 --> 00:07:08,713 that we're getting Ukraine what it 191 00:07:08,713 --> 00:07:10,880 needs . Um We can only do that when we 192 00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:13,158 have the supplemental past in Congress . 193 00:07:13,158 --> 00:07:15,380 Um , but of course , whatever we give , 194 00:07:15,380 --> 00:07:17,436 Ukraine will be to meet their urgent 195 00:07:17,436 --> 00:07:19,491 battlefield needs . Ukraine has said 196 00:07:19,491 --> 00:07:21,713 repeatedly that they need attacks . Are 197 00:07:21,713 --> 00:07:23,880 you ruling that out ? We haven't taken 198 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:26,102 anything off the table and what message 199 00:07:26,102 --> 00:07:28,213 do you have for Ukrainian soldiers on 200 00:07:28,213 --> 00:07:30,436 the front lines that are facing Russian 201 00:07:30,436 --> 00:07:32,602 bombardment right now ? Can you assure 202 00:07:32,602 --> 00:07:34,825 them that the US is still a trustworthy 203 00:07:34,825 --> 00:07:36,991 ally ? Well , I think you've heard the 204 00:07:36,991 --> 00:07:36,329 president speak to this and the 205 00:07:36,339 --> 00:07:38,589 secretary that we will be with Ukraine 206 00:07:38,600 --> 00:07:40,544 for as long as it takes . And just 207 00:07:40,544 --> 00:07:42,600 recently , the vice president was in 208 00:07:42,600 --> 00:07:45,269 Munich speaking directly to , um , 209 00:07:45,880 --> 00:07:48,102 European allies , partners , the entire 210 00:07:48,102 --> 00:07:50,160 world about the United states' 211 00:07:50,170 --> 00:07:52,429 commitment . And in that speech , I 212 00:07:52,440 --> 00:07:54,607 think she laid out a very good case of 213 00:07:54,607 --> 00:07:56,760 how America cannot turn inward . We 214 00:07:56,769 --> 00:07:58,713 cannot resort to isolationism . Uh 215 00:07:58,713 --> 00:08:00,936 We're best when we are working with our 216 00:08:00,936 --> 00:08:03,102 partners with our allies . Um We can't 217 00:08:03,102 --> 00:08:05,158 stand by as an aggressor invades its 218 00:08:05,158 --> 00:08:07,950 sovereign neighbor . And so um you have 219 00:08:07,959 --> 00:08:09,959 a commitment from the United States 220 00:08:09,959 --> 00:08:12,181 that we are going to be with you for as 221 00:08:12,181 --> 00:08:14,403 long as it takes . Unfortunately , that 222 00:08:14,403 --> 00:08:16,626 is hampered by Congress . Uh We do need 223 00:08:16,626 --> 00:08:18,570 Congress to give us the funding in 224 00:08:18,570 --> 00:08:20,626 order to supply Ukraine with what it 225 00:08:20,626 --> 00:08:22,848 needs . We don't , we not only need the 226 00:08:22,848 --> 00:08:25,126 supplemental , we need a budget passed . 227 00:08:25,126 --> 00:08:24,910 Um And so we're working with Congress 228 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:26,864 and hopefully we'll be able to get 229 00:08:26,864 --> 00:08:28,864 something done on the Houthis . How 230 00:08:28,864 --> 00:08:30,809 many us ships have been hit by the 231 00:08:30,809 --> 00:08:33,130 Houthis ? Us , ships been hit or 232 00:08:33,140 --> 00:08:36,109 engaged in activity with actually been 233 00:08:36,119 --> 00:08:39,239 hit , either merchant or um uh us , I'm 234 00:08:39,250 --> 00:08:41,361 not aware of . Uh I'm , I'm not aware 235 00:08:41,361 --> 00:08:43,619 of . Um I actually I shouldn't , I 236 00:08:43,630 --> 00:08:45,630 shouldn't speak to something that I 237 00:08:45,630 --> 00:08:47,797 don't have the numbers for . So let me 238 00:08:47,797 --> 00:08:47,369 take that question . I , I can't give 239 00:08:47,380 --> 00:08:49,547 you the exact number on us ships , but 240 00:08:49,547 --> 00:08:51,713 in terms of engagement , um I can also 241 00:08:51,713 --> 00:08:53,769 take that question for you , Tom and 242 00:08:53,769 --> 00:08:55,824 Lauren , the administration has been 243 00:08:55,824 --> 00:08:57,936 pushing Israel for many months now to 244 00:08:57,936 --> 00:08:59,991 allow more aid into Gaza . It's just 245 00:08:59,991 --> 00:09:02,369 not happening . Um I know Jordan has 246 00:09:02,380 --> 00:09:04,809 airlifted some aid and I think the king 247 00:09:04,820 --> 00:09:07,590 was aboard the aircraft and now that 248 00:09:07,599 --> 00:09:09,750 there was an op ed in the post by a 249 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:11,982 number of senators saying the US should 250 00:09:11,982 --> 00:09:14,250 look at airlifts on its own as well as 251 00:09:14,260 --> 00:09:16,729 sea lift to get more aid into Gaza . 252 00:09:17,299 --> 00:09:19,299 Now , I know the Pentagon , I think 253 00:09:19,299 --> 00:09:21,466 early on sent three plane loads of aid 254 00:09:21,466 --> 00:09:23,609 in for Gaza . Are you looking at at 255 00:09:23,619 --> 00:09:26,169 anything along those lines , sea lift 256 00:09:26,179 --> 00:09:28,401 or airlifting aid in ? That's something 257 00:09:28,401 --> 00:09:30,250 that I mean we would of course 258 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:32,599 coordinate any aid efforts with other 259 00:09:32,609 --> 00:09:34,665 agencies , but that's something that 260 00:09:34,665 --> 00:09:36,887 the helm would be taken by state and us 261 00:09:36,887 --> 00:09:38,553 aid and depending on what the 262 00:09:38,553 --> 00:09:40,720 requirements are , of course dod would 263 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:42,776 be on standby willing to assist . Um 264 00:09:42,776 --> 00:09:44,887 But you have folks on the ground like 265 00:09:44,887 --> 00:09:47,109 Ambassador Satterfield , you have other 266 00:09:47,109 --> 00:09:49,109 folks from the NSC in the region as 267 00:09:49,109 --> 00:09:51,220 well . Um urging for humanitarian aid 268 00:09:51,220 --> 00:09:53,442 to get in um should the department said 269 00:09:53,794 --> 00:09:55,961 the same thing it's not happening . So 270 00:09:55,961 --> 00:09:58,072 I'm asking , are you at least looking 271 00:09:58,072 --> 00:10:00,294 at uh providing either more plane loads 272 00:10:00,294 --> 00:10:03,719 of aid or , or going with uh eardrops 273 00:10:03,729 --> 00:10:05,673 or , or seed lift . Again , that's 274 00:10:05,673 --> 00:10:07,785 something that state and us aid would 275 00:10:07,785 --> 00:10:09,840 be the lead on . And if asked dod to 276 00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:12,062 help coordinate to help get aid in , of 277 00:10:12,062 --> 00:10:14,340 course , we would be willing to assist . 278 00:10:14,340 --> 00:10:16,451 But right now I'd direct you to state 279 00:10:16,451 --> 00:10:15,840 and aid for more of those questions . 280 00:10:16,309 --> 00:10:18,253 Laura , thank you , Sabrina . Um A 281 00:10:18,280 --> 00:10:20,502 couple of questions . First of all , on 282 00:10:20,502 --> 00:10:22,565 the , the HD , um do you , does dod 283 00:10:22,575 --> 00:10:25,234 assess that the houthi attacks have 284 00:10:25,244 --> 00:10:27,522 ramped up over the past couple of days ? 285 00:10:27,522 --> 00:10:29,633 It seems like we're seeing a lot more 286 00:10:29,633 --> 00:10:31,744 activity . And then can you also tell 287 00:10:31,744 --> 00:10:33,855 us how many ships both commercial and 288 00:10:33,855 --> 00:10:35,855 military have been damaged or taken 289 00:10:35,855 --> 00:10:38,077 offline by the houthi attacks ? I can , 290 00:10:38,077 --> 00:10:40,244 that's kind of similar to what Jen was 291 00:10:40,244 --> 00:10:40,205 asking . So I'll take that question in 292 00:10:40,215 --> 00:10:42,326 terms of us ships and then commercial 293 00:10:42,326 --> 00:10:44,659 ships so we can get back to you on that , 294 00:10:44,659 --> 00:10:47,135 I think . Um yes , we've certainly seen 295 00:10:48,340 --> 00:10:51,500 in the past 48 72 hours . Um an 296 00:10:51,510 --> 00:10:54,059 increase in attacks from the Houthis um 297 00:10:54,270 --> 00:10:56,619 uh more consistency , but again , I 298 00:10:56,630 --> 00:10:58,940 think it'd be helpful to point out one 299 00:10:58,950 --> 00:11:01,117 of the ships that they did hit was the 300 00:11:01,117 --> 00:11:04,960 Ruby Mar um which has had to have its 301 00:11:04,969 --> 00:11:07,380 uh crew evacuated , um which is 302 00:11:07,390 --> 00:11:10,070 currently still in the water , but um 303 00:11:10,080 --> 00:11:13,719 taking on water as we speak , um It's 304 00:11:14,190 --> 00:11:16,619 creating an environmental hazard with 305 00:11:16,630 --> 00:11:18,741 the leakage of all the fuel that it's 306 00:11:18,741 --> 00:11:20,908 carrying . On top of that , it was car 307 00:11:20,908 --> 00:11:22,852 carrying it to my understanding is 308 00:11:22,852 --> 00:11:24,908 fertilizer . So , um the houthis are 309 00:11:24,908 --> 00:11:27,074 creating an environmental hazard right 310 00:11:27,074 --> 00:11:29,241 in their own backyard on top of that . 311 00:11:29,241 --> 00:11:31,241 Um As I mentioned at the podium the 312 00:11:31,241 --> 00:11:33,463 other day , uh they hit a ship that was 313 00:11:33,463 --> 00:11:35,463 carrying grain towards Yemen uh for 314 00:11:35,463 --> 00:11:37,352 their own citizens for a starving 315 00:11:37,352 --> 00:11:39,519 population . So again , they're saying 316 00:11:39,519 --> 00:11:41,630 that they're conducting these attacks 317 00:11:41,630 --> 00:11:43,630 against ships that are connected to 318 00:11:43,630 --> 00:11:45,686 Israel . Um These are ships that are 319 00:11:45,686 --> 00:11:47,797 literally bringing goods , services , 320 00:11:47,797 --> 00:11:49,963 aid uh to their own people and they're 321 00:11:49,963 --> 00:11:49,659 creating their own international 322 00:11:49,669 --> 00:11:51,619 problem . And just secondly , um I 323 00:11:51,630 --> 00:11:54,549 wanted to ask you about Rafa has um has 324 00:11:54,559 --> 00:11:56,989 the ID F provided any plans to dod 325 00:11:57,000 --> 00:11:59,700 about about for its plan to protect 326 00:11:59,710 --> 00:12:01,821 civilians ahead of any kind of ground 327 00:12:01,821 --> 00:12:03,877 invasion ? I'm not aware of any plan 328 00:12:03,877 --> 00:12:05,932 fully presented to the to the United 329 00:12:05,932 --> 00:12:08,099 States to review . Again , we're not , 330 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:10,058 we're not asking to check their 331 00:12:10,058 --> 00:12:12,280 homework . What we're asking them to do 332 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:14,280 is put forward a credible plan that 333 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:16,558 they will be able to , as we have said , 334 00:12:16,558 --> 00:12:16,390 in many conversations , protect the 335 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:19,289 over 1 million innocent Palestinians 336 00:12:19,299 --> 00:12:21,609 that are there . Um And of course , any 337 00:12:21,619 --> 00:12:23,730 credible plan would have to take into 338 00:12:23,730 --> 00:12:26,539 account um food medicine services . How 339 00:12:26,549 --> 00:12:28,750 are you going to provide those as you 340 00:12:28,760 --> 00:12:31,429 move a population ? Um I know that's 341 00:12:31,440 --> 00:12:33,607 something that they're working through 342 00:12:33,607 --> 00:12:35,607 the secretary , of course , remains 343 00:12:35,607 --> 00:12:37,662 engaged with Minister Gallant . Um , 344 00:12:37,662 --> 00:12:39,773 not just at his level but levels here 345 00:12:39,773 --> 00:12:41,773 at this building and throughout the 346 00:12:41,773 --> 00:12:43,718 inter agency . But um I'm just not 347 00:12:43,718 --> 00:12:43,520 going to get ahead of any plans that 348 00:12:43,530 --> 00:12:45,641 Israel is working on right now . That 349 00:12:45,641 --> 00:12:47,863 plan , no , we're not , we haven't seen 350 00:12:47,863 --> 00:12:50,086 the plan , but we're not also asking to 351 00:12:50,086 --> 00:12:52,197 grade homework here . Uh , we want to 352 00:12:52,197 --> 00:12:54,474 make sure that whatever plan that they , 353 00:12:54,474 --> 00:12:56,363 uh you know , do brief us on does 354 00:12:56,363 --> 00:12:58,086 include um protecting innocent 355 00:12:58,086 --> 00:13:00,789 civilians in that in that region . Yes , 356 00:13:00,799 --> 00:13:04,039 Phil . Um excuse me , one question on 357 00:13:04,049 --> 00:13:07,609 Ukraine and one on the Red Sea on 358 00:13:07,619 --> 00:13:09,619 Ukraine . Would you describe uh the 359 00:13:09,619 --> 00:13:12,369 situation uh facing Ukrainian forces as 360 00:13:12,380 --> 00:13:14,859 an eroding stalemate right now ? And if 361 00:13:14,869 --> 00:13:17,091 not , how would you describe it ? And , 362 00:13:17,091 --> 00:13:19,258 and then on the Red Sea , can you give 363 00:13:19,258 --> 00:13:21,313 us a sense of how much uh so far has 364 00:13:21,313 --> 00:13:23,258 been spent by the United States on 365 00:13:23,258 --> 00:13:25,147 Prosperity operation , Prosperity 366 00:13:25,147 --> 00:13:27,313 Guardian and the US naval mission ? Do 367 00:13:27,313 --> 00:13:27,159 you have a daily estimate ? A weekly 368 00:13:27,169 --> 00:13:29,280 estimate ? Um Is there some , is that 369 00:13:29,280 --> 00:13:31,502 something you could take ? I don't have 370 00:13:31,502 --> 00:13:33,780 a daily or weekly estimate as you know , 371 00:13:33,780 --> 00:13:33,559 operation prosperity Guardian is 372 00:13:33,570 --> 00:13:35,570 ongoing . So when I think we have a 373 00:13:35,570 --> 00:13:37,681 better sense of when we can feel like 374 00:13:37,681 --> 00:13:39,792 we can provide more of a figure , I'd 375 00:13:39,792 --> 00:13:42,059 be happy to do that . Um In terms of uh 376 00:13:42,070 --> 00:13:45,190 your question on assessing 377 00:13:45,770 --> 00:13:47,937 Ukraine right now in the battlefield , 378 00:13:47,937 --> 00:13:49,714 I mean , I'd leave it up to the 379 00:13:49,714 --> 00:13:51,770 Ukrainians to assess their positions 380 00:13:51,770 --> 00:13:53,992 and how their , their , um , you know , 381 00:13:53,992 --> 00:13:55,992 general assessment of the war , but 382 00:13:55,992 --> 00:13:58,214 they do continue to make strides within 383 00:13:58,214 --> 00:14:00,437 the east and the south . We do continue 384 00:14:00,437 --> 00:14:02,659 to see them make progress , continue to 385 00:14:02,659 --> 00:14:04,603 push the Russian forces back . The 386 00:14:04,603 --> 00:14:06,548 issue is what they're running into 387 00:14:06,548 --> 00:14:08,659 right now is the fact that they don't 388 00:14:08,659 --> 00:14:10,826 have enough ammunition and artillery . 389 00:14:10,826 --> 00:14:10,539 And that's partly because we're not 390 00:14:10,549 --> 00:14:12,660 able to supply it . We're not able to 391 00:14:12,660 --> 00:14:14,771 be able to give it to them because uh 392 00:14:14,771 --> 00:14:17,150 frankly of congressional inaction . Um 393 00:14:17,159 --> 00:14:18,969 So we have seen the strategic 394 00:14:18,979 --> 00:14:21,409 withdrawal from Avdiivka . Uh We don't 395 00:14:21,419 --> 00:14:23,419 want to see them have to make those 396 00:14:23,419 --> 00:14:25,641 tough decisions again . So , you know , 397 00:14:25,641 --> 00:14:27,752 you heard me say it , but I'll say it 398 00:14:27,752 --> 00:14:27,200 again . We're continuing to urge 399 00:14:27,210 --> 00:14:29,432 Congress to pass the supplemental so we 400 00:14:29,432 --> 00:14:32,039 can flow PD A packages um as urgently 401 00:14:32,049 --> 00:14:34,119 as possible . But I let Ukraine 402 00:14:34,210 --> 00:14:36,154 characterize their own , their own 403 00:14:36,154 --> 00:14:39,059 efforts on the battlefield . Matt . 404 00:14:39,080 --> 00:14:41,390 Yeah , welcome back . Thank you . Um 405 00:14:41,489 --> 00:14:43,545 Just wondering , have there been any 406 00:14:43,545 --> 00:14:46,250 new attempted attacks on us forces in 407 00:14:46,260 --> 00:14:48,482 the Middle East in , in Iraq or Syria ? 408 00:14:48,809 --> 00:14:50,476 Um And is it the department's 409 00:14:50,476 --> 00:14:52,698 assessment that there's essentially a , 410 00:14:52,698 --> 00:14:55,210 a credible deterrence that's taken hold 411 00:14:55,219 --> 00:14:57,497 at this point ? Uh Not to my knowledge , 412 00:14:57,497 --> 00:14:59,386 there hasn't been an attack since 413 00:14:59,386 --> 00:15:01,599 February 4th . Um So we certainly 414 00:15:01,609 --> 00:15:03,553 welcome that there hasn't been any 415 00:15:03,553 --> 00:15:05,750 attacks . Uh I think we send a very 416 00:15:05,760 --> 00:15:09,320 strong message with our um strikes 417 00:15:09,330 --> 00:15:11,929 and , you know , we will continue to do 418 00:15:11,940 --> 00:15:14,051 so if we need to and we'll do so at a 419 00:15:14,051 --> 00:15:16,107 time and place of our choosing . But 420 00:15:16,107 --> 00:15:17,884 haven't seen any activity since 421 00:15:17,884 --> 00:15:20,107 February 4th . Yeah , of course . Yes . 422 00:15:20,107 --> 00:15:22,530 Concert yesterday , the Navy revealed 423 00:15:22,539 --> 00:15:24,483 that uh they're prosecuting one of 424 00:15:24,483 --> 00:15:26,539 their chief petty officers under the 425 00:15:26,539 --> 00:15:29,400 UCMJ for espionage charges . Um In 426 00:15:29,409 --> 00:15:32,080 August , the DOJ indict or last August , 427 00:15:32,090 --> 00:15:33,940 the DOJ indicted two sailors for 428 00:15:33,950 --> 00:15:37,179 espionage charges as well . Um Does the 429 00:15:37,190 --> 00:15:39,289 Pentagon feel like there's a problem 430 00:15:39,299 --> 00:15:42,039 here that , you know , there's a sort 431 00:15:42,049 --> 00:15:44,059 of this growing drumbeat of service 432 00:15:44,070 --> 00:15:46,181 members being charged for espionage . 433 00:15:46,270 --> 00:15:48,603 Look , these are ongoing investigations . 434 00:15:48,603 --> 00:15:50,770 So I'm just going to have to refer you 435 00:15:50,770 --> 00:15:52,881 to the Navy for that . Ok , great . I 436 00:15:52,881 --> 00:15:55,103 will come to the , go to the phones and 437 00:15:55,103 --> 00:15:54,349 then come back in the room . Dan la 438 00:15:54,440 --> 00:15:57,179 Moth Washington Post . Hi , Sabrina . 439 00:15:57,190 --> 00:15:59,450 Thank you . Uh I wanted to uh check 440 00:15:59,460 --> 00:16:03,000 back on at a DKA um number of reports 441 00:16:03,010 --> 00:16:05,232 over the last couple of days suggesting 442 00:16:05,232 --> 00:16:07,177 anywhere from a couple of dozen to 443 00:16:07,177 --> 00:16:09,919 several 100 or even 1000 uh Ukrainian 444 00:16:09,929 --> 00:16:12,539 soldiers have been left behind missing , 445 00:16:12,549 --> 00:16:15,039 captured various characterizations . 446 00:16:15,210 --> 00:16:17,210 What's the Pentagon's assessment at 447 00:16:17,210 --> 00:16:19,377 this point ? What are you hearing from 448 00:16:19,377 --> 00:16:21,543 your Ukrainian counterparts ? Thanks . 449 00:16:21,543 --> 00:16:23,766 Yeah , thanks Dan for the question . Um 450 00:16:23,766 --> 00:16:23,280 Unfortunately , I don't , we don't have 451 00:16:23,289 --> 00:16:25,345 an assessment just yet . I'd have to 452 00:16:25,345 --> 00:16:27,567 refer you to the Ukrainians to speak to 453 00:16:27,567 --> 00:16:29,622 um Avdiivka and their own operations 454 00:16:29,622 --> 00:16:33,500 there . Uh Heather us and I thanks so 455 00:16:33,510 --> 00:16:35,950 much . Uh It seems that with the uptick 456 00:16:35,960 --> 00:16:38,440 and houthi attacks that they seem to be , 457 00:16:38,760 --> 00:16:40,704 I guess a little bit more accurate 458 00:16:40,704 --> 00:16:42,927 given what happened with Ruby Ma . Um , 459 00:16:42,927 --> 00:16:44,704 and it doesn't seem that the US 460 00:16:44,704 --> 00:16:46,704 deterrence efforts are working . Is 461 00:16:46,704 --> 00:16:48,816 there any plans to step up efforts or 462 00:16:48,816 --> 00:16:50,927 change in tactic to , in order to try 463 00:16:50,927 --> 00:16:53,140 to stop these houthi attacks on ships 464 00:16:53,150 --> 00:16:55,440 in the Red Sea . Well , thanks Heather . 465 00:16:55,450 --> 00:16:58,869 Um We always reserve the right uh 466 00:16:59,609 --> 00:17:01,720 to respond at a time and place of our 467 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:03,831 choosing . I'm certainly not going to 468 00:17:03,831 --> 00:17:05,998 get ahead of any action that we may or 469 00:17:05,998 --> 00:17:08,109 may not take . Um I think what you're 470 00:17:08,109 --> 00:17:10,165 seeing though in the Red Sea and the 471 00:17:10,165 --> 00:17:14,069 Gulf of Aden is a coalition of like 472 00:17:14,079 --> 00:17:16,023 minded countries coming together , 473 00:17:16,023 --> 00:17:18,023 including most recently with the eu 474 00:17:18,023 --> 00:17:20,135 announcing their own coalition that's 475 00:17:20,135 --> 00:17:21,801 working alongside operation , 476 00:17:21,801 --> 00:17:23,949 prosperity Guardian um in working to 477 00:17:23,959 --> 00:17:25,949 defend innocent Mariners that are 478 00:17:25,959 --> 00:17:28,015 transiting the Red Sea , the Gulf of 479 00:17:28,015 --> 00:17:30,070 Aden and to allow for the freedom of 480 00:17:30,070 --> 00:17:32,126 navigation and upholding the rule of 481 00:17:32,126 --> 00:17:34,348 law . Um And so we're very proud of our 482 00:17:34,348 --> 00:17:36,570 efforts there . Um Our men and women in 483 00:17:36,570 --> 00:17:38,737 uniform are putting their lives on the 484 00:17:38,737 --> 00:17:40,903 line every single day um alongside our 485 00:17:40,903 --> 00:17:43,070 coalition partners and allies and I'll 486 00:17:43,070 --> 00:17:45,126 just leave it at that . Uh I'll take 487 00:17:45,126 --> 00:17:44,359 one more from the phone and then come 488 00:17:44,369 --> 00:17:46,536 back in the room . Uh Jeff Schole task 489 00:17:46,536 --> 00:17:49,170 and purpose . Thank you . Has the 490 00:17:49,180 --> 00:17:51,410 Pentagon seen any indications that the 491 00:17:51,420 --> 00:17:54,209 cell phone outage that's affecting AT&T 492 00:17:54,219 --> 00:17:56,540 customers may have been caused by a 493 00:17:56,550 --> 00:17:58,959 foreign adversary like China , Russia , 494 00:17:58,969 --> 00:18:02,319 North Korea Iran . Uh Thanks Jeff . I , 495 00:18:02,329 --> 00:18:04,551 I'm not aware of us doing an assessment 496 00:18:04,551 --> 00:18:06,496 on this . Um I know the cell phone 497 00:18:06,496 --> 00:18:08,607 companies are are looking into this . 498 00:18:08,607 --> 00:18:10,607 Um We've seen the reporting but not 499 00:18:10,607 --> 00:18:12,496 aware of um it being because of a 500 00:18:12,496 --> 00:18:14,607 foreign actor or entity in any way at 501 00:18:14,607 --> 00:18:17,099 this point . Thanks Rio , thanks 502 00:18:17,109 --> 00:18:20,239 Sabrina . Uh This week , a USB 52 503 00:18:20,250 --> 00:18:22,729 bomber flew over the South China Sea 504 00:18:22,739 --> 00:18:25,060 with Philippine fighter aircraft . So 505 00:18:25,069 --> 00:18:27,291 what message is dependent on sending to 506 00:18:27,291 --> 00:18:29,770 China by having a strategic bomber 507 00:18:29,780 --> 00:18:32,469 participate in air joint air patrol 508 00:18:32,479 --> 00:18:35,060 with Philippines design . So Rio , I 509 00:18:35,069 --> 00:18:37,236 think what you're referring to is just 510 00:18:37,236 --> 00:18:39,349 the regular rotation of A B 52 in the 511 00:18:39,359 --> 00:18:42,810 region . Um These B 52 bombers are part 512 00:18:42,819 --> 00:18:45,000 of the bomber task force to support 513 00:18:45,020 --> 00:18:47,739 strategic deterrence missions aimed at 514 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:49,816 reinforcing the rules based order in 515 00:18:49,816 --> 00:18:52,349 the Indo Pacific region . Uh The 23rd 516 00:18:52,359 --> 00:18:54,192 expeditionary bomb squadron will 517 00:18:54,192 --> 00:18:56,415 integrate alongside allies and partners 518 00:18:56,415 --> 00:18:58,192 to demonstrate us commitment to 519 00:18:58,192 --> 00:19:00,303 security and stability throughout the 520 00:19:00,303 --> 00:19:02,415 region . But for more information , I 521 00:19:02,415 --> 00:19:04,248 direct you to stratcom um or the 522 00:19:04,248 --> 00:19:06,989 Pacific Air Forces . Have you seen any 523 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:10,380 cases of China's unsafe right against 524 00:19:10,390 --> 00:19:13,500 us and rise aircraft since the 525 00:19:13,510 --> 00:19:15,709 beginning of the year ? I'm not aware 526 00:19:15,719 --> 00:19:17,719 of any recent examples or since the 527 00:19:17,719 --> 00:19:20,000 beginning of the year as you know , uh 528 00:19:20,010 --> 00:19:21,954 I think it was late last year . Dr 529 00:19:21,954 --> 00:19:23,566 Ratner briefed on a few um , 530 00:19:23,566 --> 00:19:25,788 unprofessional , unsafe risky behaviors 531 00:19:25,788 --> 00:19:27,788 that we had witnessed , but I'm not 532 00:19:27,788 --> 00:19:29,899 aware of any recent examples of one . 533 00:19:29,899 --> 00:19:31,954 Yeah . Natasha , thanks Sabrina . So 534 00:19:31,954 --> 00:19:33,788 the US has conducted a number of 535 00:19:33,788 --> 00:19:36,010 strikes against the houthis . There are 536 00:19:36,010 --> 00:19:37,954 near daily occurrence now , but it 537 00:19:37,954 --> 00:19:40,121 seems like they're not working and I'm 538 00:19:40,121 --> 00:19:42,066 just wondering what the Pentagon's 539 00:19:42,066 --> 00:19:41,810 assessment is of how the houthis seem 540 00:19:41,819 --> 00:19:43,763 to be adapting to this kind of new 541 00:19:43,763 --> 00:19:45,986 reality . These daily strikes by the US 542 00:19:45,986 --> 00:19:47,986 and some by the UK . Are they going 543 00:19:47,986 --> 00:19:50,290 underground more ? Are they stockpiling 544 00:19:50,300 --> 00:19:52,467 and shoring up their weapon supplies ? 545 00:19:52,467 --> 00:19:54,633 What is the assessment of how they are 546 00:19:54,633 --> 00:19:56,856 essentially preparing to dig in for the 547 00:19:56,856 --> 00:19:58,633 long haul ? Well , some of that 548 00:19:58,633 --> 00:20:00,810 assessment , um also includes our own 549 00:20:00,819 --> 00:20:02,652 intelligence assessments which I 550 00:20:02,652 --> 00:20:04,652 wouldn't be able to speak to from , 551 00:20:04,652 --> 00:20:07,000 from here . Um , what I will say and I , 552 00:20:07,010 --> 00:20:09,121 and I know you've heard this , but we 553 00:20:09,121 --> 00:20:11,489 never said we've wiped off the map all 554 00:20:11,500 --> 00:20:13,556 of their capabilities . We know that 555 00:20:13,556 --> 00:20:15,949 the houthis maintain a large arsenal . 556 00:20:16,079 --> 00:20:18,246 Um , they are very capable , they have 557 00:20:18,246 --> 00:20:20,079 sophisticated weapons and that's 558 00:20:20,079 --> 00:20:22,246 because they continue to get them from 559 00:20:22,246 --> 00:20:24,079 Iran . Um , in terms of an adapt 560 00:20:24,079 --> 00:20:26,190 adaptation from tactics , I , I don't 561 00:20:26,190 --> 00:20:28,246 think we've seen anything new . It's 562 00:20:28,246 --> 00:20:30,301 more when we see missiles on rails . 563 00:20:30,301 --> 00:20:32,301 When we see them about to launch an 564 00:20:32,301 --> 00:20:34,246 attack , we are able to take these 565 00:20:34,246 --> 00:20:36,301 proactive dynamic strikes . Uh We've 566 00:20:36,301 --> 00:20:36,140 been able to do it more regularly 567 00:20:36,150 --> 00:20:38,250 because they frankly have been 568 00:20:38,260 --> 00:20:40,538 conducting more attacks more regularly . 569 00:20:40,540 --> 00:20:42,880 Um , and we always reserve that right . 570 00:20:42,890 --> 00:20:46,109 I think the most , uh , sort of more 571 00:20:46,119 --> 00:20:48,286 unique or different , uh , tactic that 572 00:20:48,286 --> 00:20:50,640 we saw was with the unmanned underwater 573 00:20:50,650 --> 00:20:52,594 vehicle that they employed for the 574 00:20:52,594 --> 00:20:54,706 first time a few days ago . But other 575 00:20:54,706 --> 00:20:56,706 than that , I mean , they've pretty 576 00:20:56,706 --> 00:20:58,983 much stuck to the same playbook . Yeah . 577 00:20:58,983 --> 00:21:01,094 Did you have a question ? Do you have 578 00:21:01,094 --> 00:21:03,150 any of it or anything on the ongoing 579 00:21:03,150 --> 00:21:05,261 discussions with your Iraqi questions 580 00:21:05,261 --> 00:21:07,539 regarding the High Military Commission ? 581 00:21:07,589 --> 00:21:09,645 I know that there were meetings last 582 00:21:09,645 --> 00:21:11,756 week , but I don't have an update for 583 00:21:11,756 --> 00:21:13,756 you on any meetings that have taken 584 00:21:13,756 --> 00:21:15,978 place since then . Well , us forces are 585 00:21:15,978 --> 00:21:17,867 in Iraq to assist Iraq's security 586 00:21:17,867 --> 00:21:20,959 forces in the ISIS with the Iraqi of 587 00:21:21,130 --> 00:21:23,390 top officials say including Iraq Prime 588 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:26,199 Minister just said yesterday that we 589 00:21:26,209 --> 00:21:28,510 don't more need us forces and alliance 590 00:21:28,520 --> 00:21:30,798 forces . Do you have any comment on it ? 591 00:21:30,798 --> 00:21:33,020 Look , we're in Iraq at the pleasure of 592 00:21:33,020 --> 00:21:35,187 the Iraqi government . Um We value the 593 00:21:35,187 --> 00:21:37,409 partnership that we have with the ISF , 594 00:21:37,409 --> 00:21:39,576 we continue to work alongside them and 595 00:21:39,576 --> 00:21:41,742 it's part of the DI I mission . Uh The 596 00:21:41,750 --> 00:21:45,479 H MC is there as to discuss what our 597 00:21:45,489 --> 00:21:47,711 relationship , what our footprint looks 598 00:21:47,711 --> 00:21:49,711 like in Iraq . Um Those are ongoing 599 00:21:49,711 --> 00:21:51,933 conversations and we're certainly going 600 00:21:51,933 --> 00:21:54,100 to be part of those , but I just don't 601 00:21:54,100 --> 00:21:56,211 have more for you . I'm gonna go back 602 00:21:56,211 --> 00:21:55,239 to the phones and then happy to come 603 00:21:55,250 --> 00:21:57,361 back in the room . Uh Ashley breaking 604 00:21:57,361 --> 00:22:00,540 defense . Hi , Sabrina . Um , I wanted 605 00:22:00,550 --> 00:22:03,050 to ask there's been a slew of dod ig 606 00:22:03,060 --> 00:22:05,338 reports that have come out lately . Um , 607 00:22:05,338 --> 00:22:07,449 pointing out some flaws in either the 608 00:22:07,449 --> 00:22:09,359 flow of weapons into Ukraine or 609 00:22:09,369 --> 00:22:12,119 sustains and training to keep them up 610 00:22:12,130 --> 00:22:15,079 and running is a larger look from dod 611 00:22:15,229 --> 00:22:17,969 at the actual logistics or , um , you 612 00:22:17,979 --> 00:22:20,035 know , sustaining the weapons within 613 00:22:20,035 --> 00:22:22,420 Ukraine . So , I mean , thanks Ashley 614 00:22:22,430 --> 00:22:24,430 for the question . Uh You know , we 615 00:22:24,430 --> 00:22:26,597 welcome these IG reports . They , they 616 00:22:26,597 --> 00:22:28,819 certainly shed light on more of what we 617 00:22:28,819 --> 00:22:31,041 can be doing and what we could be doing 618 00:22:31,041 --> 00:22:33,208 better . I think it's important to put 619 00:22:33,208 --> 00:22:35,319 the context or put the IG report that 620 00:22:35,319 --> 00:22:37,208 you're referring to into a bit of 621 00:22:37,208 --> 00:22:39,041 context . Um I think what you're 622 00:22:39,041 --> 00:22:41,208 referring to is the one that just came 623 00:22:41,208 --> 00:22:43,374 out a day or two ago . Uh We have sent 624 00:22:43,374 --> 00:22:45,430 unprecedented security assistance to 625 00:22:45,430 --> 00:22:49,079 Ukraine at such a rapid rate . Um And 626 00:22:49,089 --> 00:22:51,469 Ukraine is right now modernizing its 627 00:22:51,479 --> 00:22:53,839 military in the middle of a war . On 628 00:22:53,849 --> 00:22:55,905 top of that , we don't have boots on 629 00:22:55,905 --> 00:22:58,016 the ground in Ukraine . We don't have 630 00:22:58,016 --> 00:23:00,127 people out in the field being able to 631 00:23:00,127 --> 00:23:02,293 do sustain sustainment and maintenance 632 00:23:02,293 --> 00:23:04,293 alongside the Ukrainians . So we do 633 00:23:04,293 --> 00:23:07,540 offer um teleport , but again , we're 634 00:23:07,550 --> 00:23:09,839 not on the ground and this is something 635 00:23:09,849 --> 00:23:11,682 that the secretary has been very 636 00:23:11,682 --> 00:23:13,793 focused on since the very beginning . 637 00:23:13,793 --> 00:23:15,571 Uh He is very familiar with the 638 00:23:15,571 --> 00:23:17,738 Bradleys , the strikers , the Abrams , 639 00:23:17,738 --> 00:23:20,130 he understands intimately what it takes 640 00:23:20,140 --> 00:23:22,910 to maintain , um , these systems . And 641 00:23:22,920 --> 00:23:25,790 so part of every PD A package is 642 00:23:25,800 --> 00:23:27,911 ensuring that the Ukrainians have the 643 00:23:27,911 --> 00:23:29,744 support and the maintenance that 644 00:23:29,744 --> 00:23:31,856 they're going to need . And also part 645 00:23:31,856 --> 00:23:33,800 of that is training . And so we're 646 00:23:33,800 --> 00:23:36,022 certainly aware that , uh , we could be 647 00:23:36,022 --> 00:23:38,244 doing more . Uh , but we've been saying 648 00:23:38,244 --> 00:23:40,411 from the beginning , they need to make 649 00:23:40,411 --> 00:23:39,300 that we need to make sure that the 650 00:23:39,310 --> 00:23:41,532 Ukrainians have every tool available to 651 00:23:41,532 --> 00:23:44,119 them uh to maintain these systems . And 652 00:23:44,130 --> 00:23:46,199 we're doing that . Uh Last question 653 00:23:46,209 --> 00:23:48,431 from the phones . I'm sorry , I lost my 654 00:23:48,431 --> 00:23:51,530 sheet here . Uh Carla Bab Vo a hey , 655 00:23:51,540 --> 00:23:53,651 thanks Sabrina . Uh I have a question 656 00:23:53,651 --> 00:23:55,707 on Pakistan actually . And then if I 657 00:23:55,707 --> 00:23:57,651 can , I'd like to follow up on the 658 00:23:57,651 --> 00:23:59,429 Houthis . But uh the Pakistan's 659 00:23:59,429 --> 00:24:01,709 ambassador to the US was talking this 660 00:24:01,719 --> 00:24:03,959 week about uh calling for fast track 661 00:24:03,969 --> 00:24:05,969 approval to restore the defensive 662 00:24:05,979 --> 00:24:08,050 equipment deal between the US and 663 00:24:08,060 --> 00:24:10,069 Pakistan . So is the Pentagon 664 00:24:10,079 --> 00:24:12,930 considering restoration of uh defense 665 00:24:12,939 --> 00:24:15,106 assets between these two countries and 666 00:24:15,106 --> 00:24:17,106 you know , considering that they're 667 00:24:17,106 --> 00:24:19,217 getting their um weapons from China ? 668 00:24:19,217 --> 00:24:21,699 Now , how concerned is the US on 669 00:24:21,709 --> 00:24:24,510 Pakistan's reliance uh on China for 670 00:24:24,520 --> 00:24:26,969 defense equipment ? Thanks , Carla . Um 671 00:24:26,979 --> 00:24:28,757 I would direct you to the State 672 00:24:28,757 --> 00:24:30,923 Department . I believe they're engaged 673 00:24:30,923 --> 00:24:33,090 in those conversations . So I , I just 674 00:24:33,090 --> 00:24:32,270 don't have more to add at this time . 675 00:24:32,670 --> 00:24:34,837 And you said you had a question on the 676 00:24:34,837 --> 00:24:38,119 Houthis ? Yeah , if I can . Um But the 677 00:24:38,130 --> 00:24:40,380 concerning thing is that the ships keep 678 00:24:40,390 --> 00:24:42,446 getting hit and as I understood it , 679 00:24:42,446 --> 00:24:44,501 the , the goal of the US mission out 680 00:24:44,501 --> 00:24:46,849 there is to protect the ships that are 681 00:24:46,859 --> 00:24:50,609 sailing in this vital waterway is the 682 00:24:50,619 --> 00:24:52,841 US and its allies . Are they failing at 683 00:24:52,841 --> 00:24:54,675 their mission right now ? And if 684 00:24:54,675 --> 00:24:56,841 they're not failing because you know , 685 00:24:56,841 --> 00:24:58,730 ships being hit , if that's not a 686 00:24:58,730 --> 00:25:00,841 failure , then how would the Pentagon 687 00:25:00,841 --> 00:25:02,841 characterize it ? Thanks Carla . Uh 688 00:25:02,841 --> 00:25:04,841 Respectfully uh take a bit of issue 689 00:25:04,841 --> 00:25:07,063 with the question . Uh When you say the 690 00:25:07,063 --> 00:25:09,369 ships keep getting hit , um there are 691 00:25:09,609 --> 00:25:11,609 hundreds thousands of ships that go 692 00:25:11,609 --> 00:25:13,560 through the Red Sea , the ba m um 693 00:25:14,209 --> 00:25:16,209 throughout this time period , since 694 00:25:16,209 --> 00:25:18,431 these Houthis launched their attacks on 695 00:25:18,431 --> 00:25:21,359 November 19th , I think it's important 696 00:25:21,369 --> 00:25:23,729 to remember that our service members 697 00:25:23,739 --> 00:25:25,628 out there alongside our coalition 698 00:25:25,628 --> 00:25:28,060 partners and our allies every single 699 00:25:28,069 --> 00:25:30,229 day are engaging in attacks from the 700 00:25:30,239 --> 00:25:33,459 Houthis and shooting down UAVS 701 00:25:33,469 --> 00:25:37,040 missiles , an un an unmanned underwater 702 00:25:37,050 --> 00:25:40,310 vehicle um and protecting ships . Do 703 00:25:40,319 --> 00:25:42,486 some of the missiles get through every 704 00:25:42,486 --> 00:25:44,541 now and then ? Yes , we've seen that 705 00:25:44,541 --> 00:25:46,763 happen . Uh But for the majority of the 706 00:25:46,763 --> 00:25:48,869 time our , our engagements have been 707 00:25:48,880 --> 00:25:50,880 successful , our allies engagements 708 00:25:50,880 --> 00:25:52,936 have been successful and we know the 709 00:25:52,936 --> 00:25:55,047 importance of this water , right ? We 710 00:25:55,047 --> 00:25:56,991 know that 10 to 15% of the world's 711 00:25:56,991 --> 00:25:59,270 commerce flows right through here . Um 712 00:25:59,459 --> 00:26:01,920 So again , II I would push back 713 00:26:01,930 --> 00:26:03,930 respectfully on the idea that ships 714 00:26:03,930 --> 00:26:05,652 keep getting hit and that this 715 00:26:05,652 --> 00:26:07,819 operation isn't successful . If we did 716 00:26:07,819 --> 00:26:09,819 nothing , then these ships would be 717 00:26:09,819 --> 00:26:11,986 getting hit every single day . Uh So I 718 00:26:11,986 --> 00:26:14,208 think we have to remember that commerce 719 00:26:14,208 --> 00:26:13,890 does continue to flow through the Red 720 00:26:13,900 --> 00:26:16,122 Sea , through the Gulf of Aden . Uh And 721 00:26:16,122 --> 00:26:18,178 we want to continue to see that . Um 722 00:26:18,178 --> 00:26:20,344 But yes , absolutely . The Houthis are 723 00:26:20,344 --> 00:26:22,569 every single day putting at risk , um 724 00:26:22,579 --> 00:26:24,810 Innocent Mariners transiting uh putting 725 00:26:24,819 --> 00:26:27,041 at risk , the freedom of navigation and 726 00:26:27,041 --> 00:26:28,875 therefore operation prosperity , 727 00:26:28,875 --> 00:26:30,930 Guardian is there to protect against 728 00:26:30,930 --> 00:26:33,150 that um Alongside other allies and 729 00:26:33,160 --> 00:26:35,104 partners who have formed their own 730 00:26:35,104 --> 00:26:37,150 coalitions . Um And I'm sorry , I 731 00:26:37,160 --> 00:26:39,382 forgot the second part of your question 732 00:26:39,382 --> 00:26:41,604 if you wouldn't mind repeating that . I 733 00:26:41,604 --> 00:26:43,771 mean , that was , that was pretty much 734 00:26:43,771 --> 00:26:45,716 it . But I mean , uh if ships keep 735 00:26:45,716 --> 00:26:47,719 getting hit are more resources not 736 00:26:47,729 --> 00:26:50,020 needed to stop these ships from getting 737 00:26:50,030 --> 00:26:51,919 hit . I mean , this is the United 738 00:26:51,919 --> 00:26:53,808 States in a massive international 739 00:26:53,808 --> 00:26:56,040 coalition going up against a small 740 00:26:56,050 --> 00:26:58,560 militant group and they're managing to 741 00:26:58,569 --> 00:27:01,609 hit , you know , about a ship a day . 742 00:27:01,619 --> 00:27:04,199 It seems over the last few days I 743 00:27:04,209 --> 00:27:06,209 haven't spoke to them , but I would 744 00:27:06,209 --> 00:27:08,042 imagine they would consider that 745 00:27:08,042 --> 00:27:10,290 successful . So what more can the US do 746 00:27:10,300 --> 00:27:12,439 or should the US do on this issue ? 747 00:27:12,680 --> 00:27:14,624 Well , thanks Carla again . We are 748 00:27:14,624 --> 00:27:16,680 certainly welcome to more allies and 749 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:18,513 partners joining our coalition , 750 00:27:18,513 --> 00:27:20,736 like-minded nations that want to uphold 751 00:27:20,736 --> 00:27:22,569 the rule of law . Uh Right now , 752 00:27:22,569 --> 00:27:24,569 Central Command is working uh every 753 00:27:24,569 --> 00:27:26,569 single day to ensure the freedom of 754 00:27:26,569 --> 00:27:28,791 navigation with the resources that they 755 00:27:28,791 --> 00:27:30,719 have um and working al alongside 756 00:27:30,729 --> 00:27:32,939 partner nations . And so , um I'm just 757 00:27:32,949 --> 00:27:35,005 gonna leave it at that Constantine . 758 00:27:35,005 --> 00:27:38,160 And then , yeah , my simple question is 759 00:27:38,180 --> 00:27:42,160 uh my simple question is as far as 760 00:27:42,170 --> 00:27:44,660 uh attacks in the Middle East on these 761 00:27:44,670 --> 00:27:48,060 ship lines and also on innocent people 762 00:27:48,069 --> 00:27:50,119 and all that , there are many bad 763 00:27:50,130 --> 00:27:53,300 actors in the area who is financing 764 00:27:53,310 --> 00:27:56,050 these bad actors or terrorists who are 765 00:27:56,060 --> 00:27:58,227 attacking , attacking these ships in a 766 00:27:58,227 --> 00:28:01,280 sense with the financing and also 767 00:28:01,290 --> 00:28:04,800 weapons . Iran , Russia , 768 00:28:04,989 --> 00:28:08,699 China or all three or more in terms of 769 00:28:08,709 --> 00:28:10,598 the Houthis , I think what you're 770 00:28:10,598 --> 00:28:12,598 referring to is the Houthis and the 771 00:28:12,598 --> 00:28:14,820 activity in the Red Sea and the Gulf of 772 00:28:14,820 --> 00:28:16,931 Aden . We know that Iran funds groups 773 00:28:16,931 --> 00:28:19,099 like the Houthis , like these other 774 00:28:19,109 --> 00:28:21,331 militant groups that we see in Iraq and 775 00:28:21,331 --> 00:28:23,220 Syria . So Iran certainly has its 776 00:28:23,220 --> 00:28:25,109 fingerprints behind the support , 777 00:28:25,109 --> 00:28:26,942 whether it be financial training 778 00:28:26,942 --> 00:28:28,776 equipping . Uh Iran certainly is 779 00:28:28,776 --> 00:28:30,887 supporting these groups and the mic . 780 00:28:31,439 --> 00:28:33,439 Um So earlier this week , there was 781 00:28:33,439 --> 00:28:35,661 some reporting um that the OSP that the 782 00:28:35,661 --> 00:28:37,772 Air Force has identified a mechanical 783 00:28:37,772 --> 00:28:39,772 failure in as part of the Osprey uh 784 00:28:39,772 --> 00:28:42,310 investigation . Does the , you know , 785 00:28:42,520 --> 00:28:44,576 as of right now , does the dod still 786 00:28:44,576 --> 00:28:46,520 have confidence in the Osprey as a 787 00:28:46,520 --> 00:28:49,119 platform ? Look , it is a very capable 788 00:28:49,140 --> 00:28:52,869 um unique agile 789 00:28:52,880 --> 00:28:55,160 platform um in terms of confidence , 790 00:28:55,170 --> 00:28:57,281 that's why the services are doing the 791 00:28:57,281 --> 00:28:59,503 stand down and evaluating , uh , that I 792 00:28:59,503 --> 00:29:01,114 know that there's an ongoing 793 00:29:01,114 --> 00:29:03,337 investigation . Um So I won't get ahead 794 00:29:03,337 --> 00:29:03,310 of that , but it's really up to the 795 00:29:03,319 --> 00:29:05,500 services to decide whether they deem 796 00:29:05,510 --> 00:29:07,930 that these ospreys are , um , you know , 797 00:29:08,500 --> 00:29:10,667 that they should continue to fly , but 798 00:29:10,667 --> 00:29:12,722 these are very unique platforms that 799 00:29:12,722 --> 00:29:15,000 offer the commander a range of options . 800 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:17,111 And so , um , you know , I'll let the 801 00:29:17,111 --> 00:29:19,167 investigation continue , Mike , have 802 00:29:19,167 --> 00:29:21,389 there been any countries other than the 803 00:29:21,389 --> 00:29:23,500 US and the UK that have struck that , 804 00:29:23,500 --> 00:29:25,556 that have attacked any of the houthi 805 00:29:25,556 --> 00:29:27,611 targets or is it all just the US and 806 00:29:27,611 --> 00:29:29,778 the UK of all the allies operating for 807 00:29:29,778 --> 00:29:31,722 prosperity Guardian or the other ? 808 00:29:31,722 --> 00:29:31,449 There have been other engagements for 809 00:29:31,459 --> 00:29:33,515 other countries , but we'll let them 810 00:29:33,515 --> 00:29:35,849 speak for themselves . Right . Louie uh 811 00:29:35,859 --> 00:29:37,692 Sabrina just uh I know you spoke 812 00:29:37,692 --> 00:29:39,748 earlier about the incident with this 813 00:29:39,748 --> 00:29:41,869 navy charges against the sailor for 814 00:29:41,880 --> 00:29:43,936 espionage . Can you tell us anything 815 00:29:43,936 --> 00:29:46,102 specifically about this , uh this case 816 00:29:46,102 --> 00:29:48,436 as far as you are aware of it ? I can't , 817 00:29:48,436 --> 00:29:50,602 unfortunately , I just don't have more 818 00:29:50,602 --> 00:29:50,410 information . I would refer you to the 819 00:29:50,420 --> 00:29:52,859 Navy for further details and this is 820 00:29:52,869 --> 00:29:54,647 now would be the third incident 821 00:29:54,647 --> 00:29:56,647 involving a navy sailor in the last 822 00:29:56,647 --> 00:29:59,859 year um with similar types of charges . 823 00:30:00,040 --> 00:30:04,030 Um is their concern here that uh you 824 00:30:04,040 --> 00:30:06,920 may need to reinforce some of the poli 825 00:30:06,930 --> 00:30:09,319 existing policies , uh reinforce the 826 00:30:09,329 --> 00:30:12,819 training uh for service members um 827 00:30:12,829 --> 00:30:15,839 across dod uh reaffirming what they 828 00:30:15,849 --> 00:30:17,770 should be . Uh uh careful of in 829 00:30:17,780 --> 00:30:20,099 disclosing information . Again , it's 830 00:30:20,109 --> 00:30:22,331 an ongoing investigation . I'd refer to 831 00:30:22,331 --> 00:30:24,442 the Navy , but if the navy feels like 832 00:30:24,442 --> 00:30:26,442 they need to do , you know , better 833 00:30:26,442 --> 00:30:28,498 reinforcement of , um , whether it's 834 00:30:28,498 --> 00:30:30,959 ethics or regulations . Um , I'll let 835 00:30:30,969 --> 00:30:33,302 the navy speak to that . Um , but again , 836 00:30:33,302 --> 00:30:35,636 it's on , it's an ongoing investigation , 837 00:30:35,636 --> 00:30:37,691 so I don't wanna get ahead of that . 838 00:30:37,691 --> 00:30:39,469 Great . All right . Thank you , 839 00:30:39,469 --> 00:30:38,150 everyone .