1 00:00:02,920 --> 00:00:05,739 All right , good afternoon , everyone . 2 00:00:06,469 --> 00:00:08,525 Just a few things pass along here at 3 00:00:08,525 --> 00:00:10,525 the top and then we'll get right to 4 00:00:10,525 --> 00:00:12,319 your questions . Uh First , the 5 00:00:12,329 --> 00:00:14,218 department welcomes the Hungarian 6 00:00:14,218 --> 00:00:16,385 Parliament's vote this week to approve 7 00:00:16,385 --> 00:00:18,607 Sweden's application to join NATO . And 8 00:00:18,607 --> 00:00:20,440 we look forward to the Hungarian 9 00:00:20,440 --> 00:00:22,329 government quickly completing the 10 00:00:22,329 --> 00:00:24,450 process so we can welcome Sweden into 11 00:00:24,459 --> 00:00:26,760 our alliance . Sweden is a strong and 12 00:00:26,770 --> 00:00:28,881 capable defense partner with a highly 13 00:00:28,881 --> 00:00:30,770 capable military , something that 14 00:00:30,770 --> 00:00:32,603 Secretary Austin was able to see 15 00:00:32,603 --> 00:00:34,714 firsthand during his visit there last 16 00:00:34,714 --> 00:00:36,659 year . And we look very forward to 17 00:00:36,659 --> 00:00:38,770 formally welcoming Sweden as the 32nd 18 00:00:38,770 --> 00:00:41,680 member of the NATO Alliance . Shifting 19 00:00:41,689 --> 00:00:43,800 gears . I'd like to spend a moment to 20 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:46,022 underscore the urgent need for Congress 21 00:00:46,022 --> 00:00:48,189 to pass the department's request for a 22 00:00:48,189 --> 00:00:50,479 fiscal year 2024 base budget . As 23 00:00:50,490 --> 00:00:52,601 you've heard , department leaders and 24 00:00:52,601 --> 00:00:54,768 others say continuing to operate under 25 00:00:54,768 --> 00:00:56,990 continuing resolutions is unsustainable 26 00:00:56,990 --> 00:00:58,768 and detrimental to our nation's 27 00:00:58,768 --> 00:01:01,740 national security interests . Notably 28 00:01:01,750 --> 00:01:03,819 the absence of an appropriation bill 29 00:01:03,830 --> 00:01:05,886 for the fiscal year severely hampers 30 00:01:05,886 --> 00:01:07,719 the department's ability to plan 31 00:01:07,719 --> 00:01:09,886 effectively . We are already well into 32 00:01:09,886 --> 00:01:12,052 the fiscal year now in our fifth month 33 00:01:12,052 --> 00:01:14,219 and unfortunately find ourselves again 34 00:01:14,219 --> 00:01:16,330 under a third continuing resolution . 35 00:01:16,339 --> 00:01:18,879 The fact is that this uncertainty 36 00:01:18,889 --> 00:01:21,069 undermines our military readiness and 37 00:01:21,080 --> 00:01:23,024 jeopardizes critical modernization 38 00:01:23,024 --> 00:01:26,339 efforts . The cumulative effect of 39 00:01:26,349 --> 00:01:28,571 spending years under CRS dating back to 40 00:01:28,571 --> 00:01:31,769 2011 is deeply concerning . It amounts 41 00:01:31,779 --> 00:01:33,779 to nearly five years of constrained 42 00:01:33,779 --> 00:01:35,779 funding levels , impeding the dod s 43 00:01:35,779 --> 00:01:38,129 capacity to adapt to evolving threats 44 00:01:38,379 --> 00:01:39,990 and innovate to maintain our 45 00:01:39,990 --> 00:01:42,830 competitive edge failure to pass a base 46 00:01:42,839 --> 00:01:44,950 budget for the dod not only risks our 47 00:01:44,950 --> 00:01:47,006 national security but also obstructs 48 00:01:47,006 --> 00:01:49,339 crucial investments in new technologies , 49 00:01:49,339 --> 00:01:51,506 equipment and personnel training which 50 00:01:51,506 --> 00:01:53,728 are essential for maintaining readiness 51 00:01:53,728 --> 00:01:55,783 and staying ahead in an increasingly 52 00:01:55,783 --> 00:01:58,150 complex global landscape . In light of 53 00:01:58,160 --> 00:01:59,827 these pressing concerns , the 54 00:01:59,827 --> 00:02:01,660 department will continue to work 55 00:02:01,660 --> 00:02:03,827 closely with Congress and urge them to 56 00:02:03,827 --> 00:02:05,938 act now to pass a base budget for the 57 00:02:05,938 --> 00:02:05,839 Department of Defense for fiscal year 58 00:02:05,849 --> 00:02:08,630 2024 . The bottom line is that a full 59 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:10,528 year appropriation is crucial for 60 00:02:10,528 --> 00:02:12,695 safeguarding our nation's security and 61 00:02:12,695 --> 00:02:14,861 ensuring our military remains prepared 62 00:02:14,861 --> 00:02:16,806 to meet the challenges of the 21st 63 00:02:16,806 --> 00:02:19,309 century . Separately . Earlier today , 64 00:02:19,320 --> 00:02:21,653 the director of the Army National Guard , 65 00:02:21,653 --> 00:02:23,487 Lieutenant General John A Jensen 66 00:02:23,487 --> 00:02:25,653 announced an aviation safety sta stand 67 00:02:25,653 --> 00:02:27,487 down for all Army National Guard 68 00:02:27,487 --> 00:02:29,376 helicopter units to review safety 69 00:02:29,376 --> 00:02:31,598 policies and procedures . Following two 70 00:02:31,598 --> 00:02:33,487 recent helicopter incidents . Two 71 00:02:33,487 --> 00:02:35,940 separate crashes of A H 64 D Apache 72 00:02:35,949 --> 00:02:38,949 helicopters in Utah on February 12 and 73 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:41,520 Mississippi on February 23 respectively , 74 00:02:41,529 --> 00:02:43,362 drove the decision to ground all 75 00:02:43,362 --> 00:02:45,919 helicopters for safety reasons in the 76 00:02:45,929 --> 00:02:48,207 order which went into effect on Monday , 77 00:02:48,207 --> 00:02:50,485 Lieutenant General Jensen said , quote , 78 00:02:50,485 --> 00:02:52,429 safety is always at the top of our 79 00:02:52,429 --> 00:02:54,485 minds . We will stand down to ensure 80 00:02:54,485 --> 00:02:56,596 all of our crews are prepared as well 81 00:02:56,596 --> 00:02:58,762 as possible for whatever they're asked 82 00:02:58,762 --> 00:02:58,600 to do . End quote . For more 83 00:02:58,610 --> 00:03:00,554 information , I'd encourage you to 84 00:03:00,554 --> 00:03:02,721 reach out to the National Guard Bureau 85 00:03:02,721 --> 00:03:05,009 and switching to exercise updates to us 86 00:03:05,020 --> 00:03:07,089 Africa command exercises started 87 00:03:07,100 --> 00:03:09,211 yesterday . Both of which run through 88 00:03:09,211 --> 00:03:12,679 March 8 Justified Accord . 2024 is US 89 00:03:12,690 --> 00:03:14,770 Africa command's largest exercise in 90 00:03:14,779 --> 00:03:17,100 East Africa which is led by us army , 91 00:03:17,110 --> 00:03:19,221 Southern European task force , Africa 92 00:03:19,550 --> 00:03:21,750 and hosted in Kenya . This year's 93 00:03:21,759 --> 00:03:23,981 exercise will incorporate approximately 94 00:03:23,981 --> 00:03:25,815 1000 personnel and units from 23 95 00:03:25,815 --> 00:03:28,490 nations . Additionally exercise cutlass 96 00:03:28,500 --> 00:03:31,639 Express 2024 conducted by us . Naval 97 00:03:31,649 --> 00:03:33,816 forces . Africa will take place in the 98 00:03:33,816 --> 00:03:35,760 vicinity of Kenya , Seychelles and 99 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:37,970 Djibouti us forces will work alongside 100 00:03:37,979 --> 00:03:39,812 participating nations to improve 101 00:03:39,812 --> 00:03:41,701 combined maritime law enforcement 102 00:03:41,701 --> 00:03:43,740 capacity , promote national and 103 00:03:43,750 --> 00:03:46,190 regional security in East Africa and 104 00:03:46,199 --> 00:03:48,310 increase interoperability between the 105 00:03:48,310 --> 00:03:50,690 US African and multinational partners . 106 00:03:51,029 --> 00:03:53,085 And for more information , I'd refer 107 00:03:53,085 --> 00:03:55,140 you to us Africom public affairs and 108 00:03:55,140 --> 00:03:57,196 sticking with exercises this week in 109 00:03:57,196 --> 00:03:59,679 Thailand , approximately 4500 service 110 00:03:59,690 --> 00:04:02,520 members commenced the 43rd iteration of 111 00:04:02,529 --> 00:04:04,473 the annual theater Security Cooper 112 00:04:04,473 --> 00:04:06,807 operation event known as joint exercise , 113 00:04:06,807 --> 00:04:09,160 Cobra , Gold Cobra Gold is the largest 114 00:04:09,169 --> 00:04:11,280 joint exercise in Mainland Asia and a 115 00:04:11,280 --> 00:04:13,502 concrete example of the strong alliance 116 00:04:13,502 --> 00:04:15,447 and strategic relationship between 117 00:04:15,447 --> 00:04:17,447 Thailand and the United States . As 118 00:04:17,447 --> 00:04:19,280 well as an example of the strong 119 00:04:19,280 --> 00:04:21,502 co-operative re relationship with other 120 00:04:21,502 --> 00:04:23,558 allies and partners participating in 121 00:04:23,558 --> 00:04:25,669 the exercise . For more information , 122 00:04:25,669 --> 00:04:27,836 please reach out to us indo paycom and 123 00:04:27,839 --> 00:04:29,950 in other Indo Pacific related news on 124 00:04:29,950 --> 00:04:32,117 Friday , Deputy Assistant Secretary of 125 00:04:32,117 --> 00:04:34,339 Defense for China Taiwan and Mongolia . 126 00:04:34,339 --> 00:04:36,561 Doctor Michael Chase met with Brigadier 127 00:04:36,561 --> 00:04:39,440 General De Gong Hu Yok State Secretary 128 00:04:39,450 --> 00:04:41,672 of the Mongolian Ministry of Defense at 129 00:04:41,672 --> 00:04:43,783 the Pentagon for the annual bilateral 130 00:04:43,783 --> 00:04:45,728 defense framework . Both officials 131 00:04:45,728 --> 00:04:47,728 reaffirm their commitment to the US 132 00:04:47,728 --> 00:04:49,950 Mongolia bilateral defense relationship 133 00:04:49,950 --> 00:04:52,006 and agreed to advance defense cooper 134 00:04:52,006 --> 00:04:54,228 operation on shared interest to support 135 00:04:54,228 --> 00:04:56,339 a free and open Indo Pacific region . 136 00:04:57,070 --> 00:04:59,292 And finally , the department would like 137 00:04:59,292 --> 00:05:01,292 to congratulate the US Marine Corps 138 00:05:01,292 --> 00:05:03,126 this past Friday , February 23rd 139 00:05:03,126 --> 00:05:05,126 following a rigorous two year audit 140 00:05:05,126 --> 00:05:07,126 pilot and for the first time in dod 141 00:05:07,126 --> 00:05:09,292 history , the Marine Corps received an 142 00:05:09,292 --> 00:05:11,459 unmodified audit opinion , the highest 143 00:05:11,459 --> 00:05:13,570 audit opinion that can be achieved or 144 00:05:13,570 --> 00:05:15,737 more simply stated . They passed their 145 00:05:15,737 --> 00:05:17,570 audit . The two year audit pilot 146 00:05:17,570 --> 00:05:19,681 provided time for the Marine Corps to 147 00:05:19,681 --> 00:05:19,500 stabilize its new accounting system and 148 00:05:19,510 --> 00:05:21,730 inventory assets at Marine Corps bases 149 00:05:21,739 --> 00:05:23,899 and stations across the globe . We 150 00:05:23,910 --> 00:05:25,966 celebrate the tremendous success the 151 00:05:25,966 --> 00:05:28,077 Marine Corps achieved in in receiving 152 00:05:28,077 --> 00:05:29,910 the first clean audit across all 153 00:05:29,910 --> 00:05:31,910 military branches and these results 154 00:05:31,910 --> 00:05:34,132 bring the department one step closer to 155 00:05:34,132 --> 00:05:36,299 achieving an overall clean report with 156 00:05:36,299 --> 00:05:38,577 that . Be happy to take your questions . 157 00:05:38,577 --> 00:05:40,521 We'll go to Associated Press Taa , 158 00:05:40,521 --> 00:05:43,500 thanks General Ryder . Um going to 159 00:05:43,510 --> 00:05:46,540 Ukraine . Are there any other options 160 00:05:46,549 --> 00:05:49,200 for the US to provide additional 161 00:05:49,209 --> 00:05:52,049 weapons to Ukraine at this point or is 162 00:05:52,059 --> 00:05:54,170 it because the replenishment money is 163 00:05:54,170 --> 00:05:57,019 out that , uh there simply isn't 164 00:05:57,029 --> 00:06:00,230 anything else that can be sent ? Well , 165 00:06:00,239 --> 00:06:02,690 Tara , um you know , the bottom line is , 166 00:06:02,700 --> 00:06:05,230 um , you know , we're gonna continue uh 167 00:06:05,239 --> 00:06:07,709 to look at ways that we can support 168 00:06:07,720 --> 00:06:11,549 Ukraine uh in their fight for freedom 169 00:06:11,839 --> 00:06:14,160 and to preserve their , their 170 00:06:14,170 --> 00:06:18,049 sovereignty . Uh Obviously , funding 171 00:06:18,089 --> 00:06:20,200 to be able to provide them with vital 172 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:22,533 ammunition and capabilities is critical . 173 00:06:22,690 --> 00:06:24,801 Uh And so we'll continue to work with 174 00:06:24,801 --> 00:06:27,130 Congress in , in that regard . Um in 175 00:06:27,140 --> 00:06:29,049 terms of specific initiatives or 176 00:06:29,059 --> 00:06:31,390 potential future initiatives . I don't 177 00:06:31,399 --> 00:06:33,621 have anything to announce today . Other 178 00:06:33,621 --> 00:06:35,677 than to say , you've heard Secretary 179 00:06:35,677 --> 00:06:38,010 Austin uh and other senior us leaders 180 00:06:38,019 --> 00:06:40,130 uh highlight that we will continue to 181 00:06:40,130 --> 00:06:42,297 support Ukraine for the long haul . It 182 00:06:42,297 --> 00:06:44,408 doesn't seem like the supplemental is 183 00:06:44,408 --> 00:06:46,408 making much progress in Congress as 184 00:06:46,408 --> 00:06:48,519 Ukraine's needs become more dire . Is 185 00:06:48,519 --> 00:06:50,630 the building considering taking the 186 00:06:50,640 --> 00:06:52,869 risk of using funds that don't have the 187 00:06:52,880 --> 00:06:55,047 replenishment back though , like using 188 00:06:55,047 --> 00:06:57,459 that left over 4 billion or so again , 189 00:06:57,470 --> 00:07:00,320 I don't have anything to announce . We 190 00:07:00,329 --> 00:07:02,273 have said over and over again that 191 00:07:02,273 --> 00:07:04,920 Ukraine matters . Uh We'll continue to 192 00:07:04,929 --> 00:07:06,989 convene the Ukraine Defense contact 193 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:09,167 group . We'll continue to work closely 194 00:07:09,167 --> 00:07:11,333 with international allies and partners 195 00:07:11,333 --> 00:07:13,389 to ensure that we can meet Ukraine's 196 00:07:13,389 --> 00:07:15,500 most urgent security assistance needs 197 00:07:15,500 --> 00:07:17,722 and then importantly , continue to work 198 00:07:17,722 --> 00:07:19,667 with Ukraine on its future defense 199 00:07:19,667 --> 00:07:21,833 needs as well . Um But again , I don't 200 00:07:21,833 --> 00:07:23,944 have anything further to notes . Ok . 201 00:07:23,944 --> 00:07:26,619 Quiet group today . Yes , sir . Thank 202 00:07:26,630 --> 00:07:29,269 you so much . I have two questions . 203 00:07:29,279 --> 00:07:31,839 First of all , um each time Secretary 204 00:07:31,850 --> 00:07:34,630 Austin called with his Israeli 205 00:07:34,640 --> 00:07:36,940 counterpart , he asked to prevent the 206 00:07:36,950 --> 00:07:40,010 situation at Lebanon border from 207 00:07:40,019 --> 00:07:42,519 escalating . So yesterday , we saw that 208 00:07:42,529 --> 00:07:45,549 Israeli strike deeper into Lebanon and 209 00:07:45,559 --> 00:07:49,489 Bekaa Valley . Do you have concerns of 210 00:07:49,500 --> 00:07:52,570 any potential for further escalation of 211 00:07:52,579 --> 00:07:55,070 the Lebanon border because of that ? 212 00:07:55,519 --> 00:07:57,686 Well , I think , you know , we've been 213 00:07:57,686 --> 00:07:59,797 very clear from the beginning of this 214 00:07:59,797 --> 00:08:01,963 con conflict that we've been concerned 215 00:08:01,963 --> 00:08:03,852 about potential escalation on the 216 00:08:03,852 --> 00:08:03,630 border . And so this , as you highlight , 217 00:08:03,640 --> 00:08:05,307 this is a topic of discussion 218 00:08:05,307 --> 00:08:07,440 frequently between the secretary and 219 00:08:07,450 --> 00:08:10,149 his and his Israeli counterpart . Uh 220 00:08:10,160 --> 00:08:12,049 And so that's something that will 221 00:08:12,049 --> 00:08:14,160 continue to stay focused on . I don't 222 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:16,327 have any specifics in terms of Israeli 223 00:08:16,327 --> 00:08:18,438 operations . I'd refer you to them uh 224 00:08:18,438 --> 00:08:20,549 to discuss that . Um But no one wants 225 00:08:20,549 --> 00:08:23,250 to see the conflict between Israel and 226 00:08:23,260 --> 00:08:25,850 Hamas in Gaza widen into a broader 227 00:08:25,859 --> 00:08:28,609 regional war . Um Second question 228 00:08:28,619 --> 00:08:30,675 general . Um yesterday we heard from 229 00:08:30,675 --> 00:08:32,786 the president that he hopes to have a 230 00:08:32,789 --> 00:08:35,469 deal to cease fire and by Monday . So 231 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:38,479 how confident are you about that as the 232 00:08:38,489 --> 00:08:42,460 o and from your view , how is it 233 00:08:42,469 --> 00:08:45,719 important to have a deal in these days 234 00:08:45,729 --> 00:08:48,559 for the stability , not just in Gaza , 235 00:08:48,570 --> 00:08:51,619 but for the whole of the region ? Yeah . 236 00:08:51,630 --> 00:08:53,519 Well , thank you . Uh as it as it 237 00:08:53,519 --> 00:08:55,859 relates to uh those negotiations . I'd 238 00:08:55,869 --> 00:08:57,980 I'd refer you to the White House . Um 239 00:08:57,980 --> 00:09:00,147 you know , really not my , my place to 240 00:09:00,147 --> 00:09:02,425 discuss them . Other than to say again , 241 00:09:02,425 --> 00:09:04,591 what we've been focused on here is the 242 00:09:04,591 --> 00:09:06,813 protection of us , citizens and service 243 00:09:06,813 --> 00:09:08,813 members in the region on supporting 244 00:09:08,813 --> 00:09:11,036 Israel and its inherent right to defend 245 00:09:11,036 --> 00:09:12,820 itself from future and current 246 00:09:12,830 --> 00:09:15,690 terrorist attacks . Uh as well as uh 247 00:09:15,700 --> 00:09:19,630 supporting efforts to uh release the 248 00:09:19,640 --> 00:09:21,640 hostages that Hamas took . And then 249 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:23,584 again , as I highlighted earlier , 250 00:09:23,584 --> 00:09:25,770 preventing a wider regional conflict 251 00:09:25,780 --> 00:09:27,891 from occurring . So that continues to 252 00:09:27,891 --> 00:09:29,891 be the dod focus . Uh And I'll just 253 00:09:29,891 --> 00:09:32,058 leave it there . Thank you very much . 254 00:09:32,058 --> 00:09:34,224 Let me go to the phone here . Uh Idris 255 00:09:34,224 --> 00:09:35,947 from Reuters . Hey , two quick 256 00:09:35,947 --> 00:09:38,002 questions . Firstly , do you have an 257 00:09:38,002 --> 00:09:40,169 update on the secretary's health ? Has 258 00:09:40,169 --> 00:09:42,280 he been back to the hospital ? Has he 259 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:44,391 been um into the Pentagon every day ? 260 00:09:44,391 --> 00:09:46,280 Um since your last read out ? And 261 00:09:46,280 --> 00:09:48,502 secondly , there have been some uh sort 262 00:09:48,502 --> 00:09:50,502 of speculation that the Houthis may 263 00:09:50,502 --> 00:09:52,558 have damaged some undersea cables in 264 00:09:52,558 --> 00:09:54,780 the Red Sea . Is that accurate ? And do 265 00:09:54,780 --> 00:09:56,780 they even have the capability to do 266 00:09:56,780 --> 00:09:58,891 that ? Yeah , thanks Ri uh this , the 267 00:09:58,891 --> 00:10:01,058 secretary is doing well , uh continues 268 00:10:01,058 --> 00:10:03,280 to recover . Uh He has not been back to 269 00:10:03,280 --> 00:10:05,058 the hospital uh since the , the 270 00:10:05,058 --> 00:10:08,250 previous visit that we read out . Uh So 271 00:10:08,260 --> 00:10:10,780 uh appreciate your , your interest and 272 00:10:10,789 --> 00:10:13,011 uh and obviously we'll keep you updated 273 00:10:13,011 --> 00:10:15,559 on the , on his health status um in 274 00:10:15,570 --> 00:10:18,530 terms of the cables . I've seen those 275 00:10:18,539 --> 00:10:20,706 press reports , uh , Idris , but I , I 276 00:10:20,706 --> 00:10:22,650 don't have anything uh , on that . 277 00:10:22,650 --> 00:10:24,983 We're obviously looking in that to that , 278 00:10:24,983 --> 00:10:26,872 but I , I can't corroborate those 279 00:10:26,872 --> 00:10:28,817 reports . Thank you . Let me go to 280 00:10:28,817 --> 00:10:30,428 Missy Ryan Washington Post . 281 00:10:32,719 --> 00:10:34,830 Hi , thank you , Pat . Just wanted to 282 00:10:34,830 --> 00:10:36,663 ask , um , a , a Ukraine related 283 00:10:36,663 --> 00:10:39,090 question . The French president , um , 284 00:10:39,099 --> 00:10:41,570 today gave a speech and he was talking 285 00:10:41,580 --> 00:10:44,309 about Ukraine and he said two things I 286 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:46,542 was hoping to ask you about . He said , 287 00:10:46,542 --> 00:10:48,653 first of all that , um , yeah , the , 288 00:10:49,330 --> 00:10:52,609 they , um , the 289 00:10:52,619 --> 00:10:55,090 donations of weaponry had sometimes 290 00:10:55,099 --> 00:10:58,210 been , um , too late . Um , and that 291 00:10:58,219 --> 00:11:00,450 they had come , um , behind schedule . 292 00:11:00,520 --> 00:11:02,520 Um , he says that they , we have to 293 00:11:02,520 --> 00:11:04,520 have the , today , we've got to say 294 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:06,576 that we have the humility to realize 295 00:11:06,576 --> 00:11:08,742 that we have often been 6 to 12 months 296 00:11:08,742 --> 00:11:10,909 behind schedule . And I'm wondering if 297 00:11:10,909 --> 00:11:10,070 you could comment on that . And 298 00:11:10,080 --> 00:11:12,179 secondly , he said he could not rule 299 00:11:12,190 --> 00:11:15,549 out Western nations sending troops to 300 00:11:15,559 --> 00:11:17,729 Ukraine to operate in Ukraine . And , 301 00:11:17,900 --> 00:11:20,140 um , I'm just wondering , what can you 302 00:11:20,150 --> 00:11:22,840 say about that ? Um , is the US in the 303 00:11:22,849 --> 00:11:25,071 same position where you could , where , 304 00:11:25,071 --> 00:11:27,238 where you wouldn't be able to rule out 305 00:11:27,238 --> 00:11:29,293 sending American troops to Ukraine ? 306 00:11:29,293 --> 00:11:31,405 Thanks . Yeah , thanks , Missy . Uh , 307 00:11:31,405 --> 00:11:31,390 well , just to be clear , we have no 308 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:34,219 plans to send us service members to 309 00:11:34,229 --> 00:11:36,840 fight in Ukraine . Uh , the , the , the 310 00:11:36,849 --> 00:11:39,071 president has been pretty clear on that 311 00:11:39,071 --> 00:11:41,182 and , and that continues to be uh our 312 00:11:41,182 --> 00:11:43,760 position as it relates to providing 313 00:11:43,770 --> 00:11:45,710 assistance to Ukraine . And I can 314 00:11:45,719 --> 00:11:49,260 really uh only speak in broad terms , 315 00:11:49,270 --> 00:11:51,381 uh you know , from a dod standpoint , 316 00:11:51,381 --> 00:11:53,437 as you know , since the beginning of 317 00:11:53,437 --> 00:11:55,659 Russia's invasion , we have worked very 318 00:11:55,659 --> 00:11:57,900 hard to get security assistance to 319 00:11:57,909 --> 00:12:00,242 Ukraine as quickly as possible . And it , 320 00:12:00,242 --> 00:12:02,465 and it's not just a US effort . It's an 321 00:12:02,465 --> 00:12:05,429 international effort uh is exemplified 322 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:08,270 again by the uh monthly Ukraine defense 323 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:10,869 contact group meetings is exemplified 324 00:12:10,880 --> 00:12:13,059 by the security assistance group , 325 00:12:13,070 --> 00:12:15,510 Ukraine , uh which brings nations 326 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:18,469 together to help facilitate the 327 00:12:18,479 --> 00:12:22,109 delivery of those requests and aid to 328 00:12:22,489 --> 00:12:25,229 Ukraine . And so , uh there are 329 00:12:25,239 --> 00:12:27,239 literally people working around the 330 00:12:27,239 --> 00:12:30,409 clock to ensure that we can get aid as 331 00:12:30,419 --> 00:12:33,090 quickly as possible to Ukraine and meet 332 00:12:33,099 --> 00:12:35,510 their most urgent security needs . But 333 00:12:35,520 --> 00:12:37,631 again , as I highlighted at the top , 334 00:12:37,631 --> 00:12:40,309 uh you know , nothing gets done without 335 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:42,859 funding . And so right now , uh we , we 336 00:12:42,869 --> 00:12:44,813 will continue to work closely with 337 00:12:44,813 --> 00:12:47,036 Congress and continue to urge them to , 338 00:12:47,036 --> 00:12:48,925 to pass not only the supplemental 339 00:12:48,925 --> 00:12:51,036 request to ensure that we can provide 340 00:12:51,036 --> 00:12:53,258 Ukraine with the assistance they need , 341 00:12:53,258 --> 00:12:55,313 but also to pass a base budget , the 342 00:12:55,313 --> 00:12:58,190 2024 fiscal year based budget so that 343 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:00,650 we can continue to fund urgent uh 344 00:13:00,659 --> 00:13:02,826 priorities throughout the department . 345 00:13:02,826 --> 00:13:04,881 Thank you . All right . Let me go to 346 00:13:04,881 --> 00:13:06,969 Jeff Schoville task and purpose . Uh 347 00:13:06,979 --> 00:13:09,179 Thank you . Is there any timeline for 348 00:13:09,190 --> 00:13:10,919 how long all National Guard uh 349 00:13:10,929 --> 00:13:13,049 helicopter units will be grounded And 350 00:13:13,059 --> 00:13:15,115 also , do you have an update of when 351 00:13:15,115 --> 00:13:17,609 the Ospreys might be coming back into 352 00:13:17,619 --> 00:13:20,109 service ? Thank you . Thanks , Jeff . 353 00:13:20,119 --> 00:13:22,210 Uh I , I do not have an update uh on 354 00:13:22,219 --> 00:13:25,000 the Ospreys uh in terms of the National 355 00:13:25,010 --> 00:13:27,010 Guard stand down . Um That , that's 356 00:13:27,010 --> 00:13:29,239 really a question for them uh to 357 00:13:29,250 --> 00:13:31,710 address . Uh My understanding is that 358 00:13:31,719 --> 00:13:33,880 when units uh have completed their 359 00:13:33,890 --> 00:13:35,779 safety stand down , uh they'll be 360 00:13:35,779 --> 00:13:38,500 permitted to fly again . Um but that is , 361 00:13:38,510 --> 00:13:40,621 uh , that's probably better addressed 362 00:13:40,621 --> 00:13:42,843 by the National Guard Bureau . Thanks , 363 00:13:42,843 --> 00:13:44,954 come back to the room . Thanks . Um , 364 00:13:44,954 --> 00:13:47,288 uh , sticking with the , the army first . 365 00:13:47,288 --> 00:13:49,454 Like , I mean , this is the , the army 366 00:13:49,454 --> 00:13:51,566 has had a series of deadly helicopter 367 00:13:51,566 --> 00:13:53,454 crashes . I mean , there's been a 368 00:13:53,454 --> 00:13:55,510 pattern of them . This is the second 369 00:13:55,510 --> 00:13:55,330 safety stand down . I think they're 370 00:13:55,340 --> 00:13:58,179 doing in the span of a year . Um Does 371 00:13:58,190 --> 00:14:00,700 the , uh , also the secretary have any 372 00:14:00,710 --> 00:14:02,654 concerns about the army's aviation 373 00:14:02,654 --> 00:14:04,932 program ? Well , look broadly speaking , 374 00:14:04,932 --> 00:14:06,932 you know , safety is something that 375 00:14:06,932 --> 00:14:08,877 we're always going to be concerned 376 00:14:08,877 --> 00:14:11,043 about and take seriously . And , and I 377 00:14:11,043 --> 00:14:13,266 think , you know , not just in the army 378 00:14:13,266 --> 00:14:15,377 but in every service , uh , you , you 379 00:14:15,377 --> 00:14:17,266 will see senior leadership making 380 00:14:17,266 --> 00:14:19,488 safety a priority is evidenced again by 381 00:14:19,488 --> 00:14:21,710 the fact that the National Guard Bureau 382 00:14:21,710 --> 00:14:23,766 recognizes . Hey , we need to take a 383 00:14:23,766 --> 00:14:25,877 moment here to , to stand down review 384 00:14:25,877 --> 00:14:28,043 safety procedures and processes , uh , 385 00:14:28,043 --> 00:14:27,979 and make sure we can look each other in 386 00:14:27,989 --> 00:14:30,100 the eye and , and go out there and do 387 00:14:30,100 --> 00:14:32,169 our our mission safely . Uh So the 388 00:14:32,179 --> 00:14:34,700 secretary is confident in the service 389 00:14:34,710 --> 00:14:36,543 secretaries and chiefs and their 390 00:14:36,543 --> 00:14:38,432 leadership in terms of addressing 391 00:14:38,432 --> 00:14:41,250 addressing safety concerns . Is there 392 00:14:41,260 --> 00:14:44,289 any plans to have a safety 393 00:14:44,299 --> 00:14:47,469 review or anything like that at the 394 00:14:47,479 --> 00:14:49,423 Pentagon level ? Uh Nothing at the 395 00:14:49,423 --> 00:14:51,535 Pentagon level . Again , the services 396 00:14:51,535 --> 00:14:53,868 organized , trained and equipped forces , 397 00:14:53,868 --> 00:14:55,923 the combatant commands operate those 398 00:14:55,923 --> 00:14:58,146 forces . Certainly from the dod level . 399 00:14:58,146 --> 00:15:00,201 We provide policy but again , safety 400 00:15:00,201 --> 00:15:02,368 and risk management are something that 401 00:15:02,368 --> 00:15:04,257 that on every single day is taken 402 00:15:04,257 --> 00:15:06,479 seriously throughout the force . Thanks 403 00:15:06,479 --> 00:15:08,701 Laura , thank you a couple on Secretary 404 00:15:08,701 --> 00:15:10,479 Austin . And then in Ukraine is 405 00:15:10,479 --> 00:15:12,590 Secretary Austin able to travel right 406 00:15:12,590 --> 00:15:14,868 now . And then also , can you clear up , 407 00:15:14,868 --> 00:15:17,035 does he still have cancer right now or 408 00:15:17,035 --> 00:15:19,201 is , does he not have cancer anymore ? 409 00:15:19,201 --> 00:15:21,035 Um I'd refer you back to what we 410 00:15:21,035 --> 00:15:23,146 provided earlier in terms of what his 411 00:15:23,146 --> 00:15:25,257 doctors have said that that he has an 412 00:15:25,257 --> 00:15:27,423 excellent cancer prognosis that uh you 413 00:15:27,423 --> 00:15:29,535 know , so I'll just refer you back to 414 00:15:29,535 --> 00:15:29,500 that . And then in terms of travel , I 415 00:15:29,510 --> 00:15:32,159 don't have any uh international travel 416 00:15:32,169 --> 00:15:34,391 to . Not right now , clearly , the fact 417 00:15:34,391 --> 00:15:36,558 that he travels from home to , to work 418 00:15:36,558 --> 00:15:38,669 every day indicates that yes , he can 419 00:15:38,669 --> 00:15:40,558 travel um restriction in terms of 420 00:15:40,558 --> 00:15:42,836 travel , not that I'm aware of . Again , 421 00:15:42,836 --> 00:15:44,836 my understanding is , you know , he 422 00:15:44,836 --> 00:15:46,891 continues to , to have some physical 423 00:15:46,891 --> 00:15:49,113 therapy due to lingering leg pains . Um 424 00:15:49,113 --> 00:15:51,280 But you know , again , he's recovering 425 00:15:51,280 --> 00:15:50,729 well and he's been working from the 426 00:15:50,739 --> 00:15:53,419 Pentagon uh every day and then um on 427 00:15:53,429 --> 00:15:55,151 Ukraine , is it the Pentagon's 428 00:15:55,151 --> 00:15:57,539 assessment right now that Ukraine needs 429 00:15:57,549 --> 00:16:01,330 additional long range weaponry ? Well , 430 00:16:01,340 --> 00:16:03,562 you know , we just convened the Ukraine 431 00:16:03,562 --> 00:16:05,549 defense contact group which again 432 00:16:05,559 --> 00:16:07,750 provided an opportunity to look at all 433 00:16:07,760 --> 00:16:09,950 of Ukraine's needs both near term and 434 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:12,016 long term . And I would say that the 435 00:16:12,016 --> 00:16:14,450 top priority continues to be um air 436 00:16:14,460 --> 00:16:16,516 defense capabilities . And so that's 437 00:16:16,516 --> 00:16:18,738 something that , that we along with the 438 00:16:18,738 --> 00:16:20,627 international community have been 439 00:16:20,627 --> 00:16:22,849 working very actively on to ensure that 440 00:16:22,849 --> 00:16:24,849 they have those capabilities . What 441 00:16:24,849 --> 00:16:26,849 about long range weapon ? Um Look , 442 00:16:26,849 --> 00:16:28,682 they obviously need all types of 443 00:16:28,682 --> 00:16:30,904 capabilities . Um We have provided them 444 00:16:30,904 --> 00:16:33,016 with some long range capability , but 445 00:16:33,016 --> 00:16:32,890 we'll continue to , to actively 446 00:16:32,900 --> 00:16:35,122 communicate with our Ukrainian partners 447 00:16:35,122 --> 00:16:37,067 in terms of what their battlefield 448 00:16:37,067 --> 00:16:40,020 needs are . Thanks Ashley . Um So two 449 00:16:40,030 --> 00:16:42,141 questions on the Red Sea . Uh first , 450 00:16:42,190 --> 00:16:44,357 uh in terms of the undersea cables , I 451 00:16:44,357 --> 00:16:46,468 know you said you can't uh confirm it 452 00:16:46,468 --> 00:16:48,634 yet . But what responsibility does the 453 00:16:48,634 --> 00:16:51,320 dod have to protect those cables ? Um 454 00:16:51,330 --> 00:16:54,539 And then secondly , uh on Saturday , 455 00:16:54,549 --> 00:16:56,438 there is a third round of a joint 456 00:16:56,438 --> 00:16:59,184 strikes with the US and UK . Um We've 457 00:16:59,195 --> 00:17:01,375 also said that there was a couple um 458 00:17:01,385 --> 00:17:03,465 minor strikes from central Command 459 00:17:03,474 --> 00:17:05,935 forces . What is the dod S rating of 460 00:17:05,944 --> 00:17:07,666 its effectiveness right now in 461 00:17:07,666 --> 00:17:10,925 degrading the houthis ability to strike 462 00:17:10,935 --> 00:17:12,991 ships in the Red Sea ? Yeah , thanks 463 00:17:12,991 --> 00:17:14,991 and sorry , I got your name wrong . 464 00:17:14,991 --> 00:17:17,157 Heather Um So in terms of the cables , 465 00:17:17,157 --> 00:17:19,379 again , I I just don't have anything to 466 00:17:19,379 --> 00:17:21,713 corroborate those reports . Um You know , 467 00:17:21,713 --> 00:17:23,879 in terms of commercial cables that are 468 00:17:23,879 --> 00:17:25,935 around the world . Um And so , and I 469 00:17:25,935 --> 00:17:28,046 want to get into the hypotheticals in 470 00:17:28,046 --> 00:17:30,157 terms of what we may or may not do as 471 00:17:30,157 --> 00:17:32,268 it relates to cables globally . Um in 472 00:17:32,268 --> 00:17:35,079 terms of the uh the strikes that , that 473 00:17:35,089 --> 00:17:38,719 Centcom conducted on Saturday , um 474 00:17:39,030 --> 00:17:40,974 they're continuing to evaluate but 475 00:17:40,974 --> 00:17:44,050 initial assessments indicate that uh 17 476 00:17:44,060 --> 00:17:46,849 targets at the eight locations that we 477 00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:49,069 uh struck were destroyed or 478 00:17:49,079 --> 00:17:51,510 functionally damaged . Uh And as I 479 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:53,520 highlighted yesterday that included 480 00:17:53,520 --> 00:17:55,742 underground weapon storage facilities , 481 00:17:55,742 --> 00:17:57,687 missile storage facilities one way 482 00:17:57,687 --> 00:17:59,742 attack unmanned aerial systems , air 483 00:17:59,742 --> 00:18:01,464 defense systems , radars and a 484 00:18:01,464 --> 00:18:03,687 helicopter . So more broadly speaking , 485 00:18:03,687 --> 00:18:05,920 since the first coalition strikes on 486 00:18:05,930 --> 00:18:07,939 January 11th , we assess that we've 487 00:18:07,949 --> 00:18:10,060 destroyed or degraded at this stage . 488 00:18:10,060 --> 00:18:11,949 More than 100 and 50 missiles and 489 00:18:11,949 --> 00:18:13,893 launchers including anti ship land 490 00:18:13,893 --> 00:18:16,116 attack and surface to air missiles . Uh 491 00:18:16,116 --> 00:18:17,849 Plus numerous communication 492 00:18:17,859 --> 00:18:21,030 capabilities , uavs , unmanned surface 493 00:18:21,040 --> 00:18:22,762 vessels , coastal radars , air 494 00:18:22,762 --> 00:18:24,984 surveillance capabilities , rotary wing 495 00:18:24,984 --> 00:18:27,040 aircraft , underground facilities to 496 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:28,873 include weapon storage areas and 497 00:18:28,873 --> 00:18:30,984 command and control buildings . So uh 498 00:18:30,984 --> 00:18:33,151 degrading and disrupting a significant 499 00:18:33,151 --> 00:18:35,207 amount of capability just to quickly 500 00:18:35,207 --> 00:18:37,429 follow up . Like in terms of what we're 501 00:18:37,429 --> 00:18:39,596 seeing , does this , do you think that 502 00:18:39,596 --> 00:18:41,596 this means that we might see a week 503 00:18:41,596 --> 00:18:43,484 long pause and what their , their 504 00:18:43,484 --> 00:18:45,429 ability to hit shifts or should we 505 00:18:45,429 --> 00:18:47,707 expect that they're going to be firing , 506 00:18:47,707 --> 00:18:49,651 you know , today , tomorrow , next 507 00:18:49,651 --> 00:18:51,707 couple days . Yeah . Again , I'm not 508 00:18:51,707 --> 00:18:51,640 going to try to predict the future . 509 00:18:51,650 --> 00:18:53,872 We've stated what our goals are , which 510 00:18:53,872 --> 00:18:56,094 are to safeguard international shipping 511 00:18:56,094 --> 00:18:58,150 and preserve freedom of navigation . 512 00:18:58,150 --> 00:19:00,206 And that's what we'll continue to be 513 00:19:00,206 --> 00:19:02,317 focused on . Clearly , we do not want 514 00:19:02,317 --> 00:19:04,261 escalation . We're not looking for 515 00:19:04,261 --> 00:19:04,229 conflict . We're simply looking to save 516 00:19:04,239 --> 00:19:07,119 lives , uh and , and livelihoods in 517 00:19:07,130 --> 00:19:10,599 this region , sir . Thank you . Uh PV R 518 00:19:10,609 --> 00:19:12,776 question . Could you give us an update 519 00:19:12,776 --> 00:19:14,942 on whether the roll out of that budget 520 00:19:14,942 --> 00:19:17,053 request ? Is it all contingent on the 521 00:19:17,053 --> 00:19:19,276 passing of a full appropriations for fy 522 00:19:19,276 --> 00:19:21,810 24 ? The , you're talking about the fy 523 00:19:21,819 --> 00:19:25,219 25 budget roll out . Um I don't have 524 00:19:25,229 --> 00:19:27,285 anything for you on that right now . 525 00:19:27,285 --> 00:19:29,507 Obviously , we'll keep you updated . Um 526 00:19:29,507 --> 00:19:31,579 You know , we'll keep you updated on 527 00:19:31,589 --> 00:19:33,811 that front . So , uh second question on 528 00:19:33,811 --> 00:19:35,811 Ukraine , could you just give us an 529 00:19:35,811 --> 00:19:37,978 update ? Speaking of updates um on the 530 00:19:37,978 --> 00:19:39,978 delivery of F-16s and the coalition 531 00:19:39,978 --> 00:19:42,033 that's providing those ? Um you need 532 00:19:42,033 --> 00:19:42,010 timelines too . Yeah , I don't have any 533 00:19:42,020 --> 00:19:44,242 timelines to provide . Uh as you know , 534 00:19:44,242 --> 00:19:46,359 there is a , a uh Air Capability 535 00:19:46,369 --> 00:19:49,290 Coalition uh that the United States is 536 00:19:49,300 --> 00:19:52,250 co-chair uh that is looking at how to 537 00:19:52,260 --> 00:19:55,189 provide Ukraine with that , that uh air 538 00:19:55,199 --> 00:19:57,530 Combat Capability . And so we do 539 00:19:57,540 --> 00:19:59,762 project again that , that F-16s will be 540 00:19:59,762 --> 00:20:02,209 delivered this year . Um but I don't 541 00:20:02,219 --> 00:20:04,386 have any further details to provide at 542 00:20:04,386 --> 00:20:06,552 this stage . So again , we'll keep you 543 00:20:06,552 --> 00:20:08,608 posted . Thanks General Ryder . Um , 544 00:20:08,608 --> 00:20:10,386 back in October Central Command 545 00:20:10,386 --> 00:20:12,275 announced that it was going to be 546 00:20:12,275 --> 00:20:14,497 transferring thousands and thousands of 547 00:20:14,497 --> 00:20:16,552 rounds of ammunition that was seized 548 00:20:16,552 --> 00:20:18,663 from the Iranians to the Ukrainians . 549 00:20:18,663 --> 00:20:20,886 And I'm just wondering if there are any 550 00:20:20,886 --> 00:20:22,886 more of those kind of interdictions 551 00:20:22,886 --> 00:20:24,997 that are then going to be transferred 552 00:20:24,997 --> 00:20:24,859 to the Ukrainians given the shortages 553 00:20:24,869 --> 00:20:26,758 that they're facing , is that one 554 00:20:26,758 --> 00:20:28,869 option that is under consideration to 555 00:20:28,869 --> 00:20:30,980 kind of do that more frequently ? And 556 00:20:30,980 --> 00:20:33,036 I'm also wondering separately if you 557 00:20:33,036 --> 00:20:35,258 can give us an update on the Ruby Mar , 558 00:20:35,258 --> 00:20:37,258 which was I believe , sinking as of 559 00:20:37,258 --> 00:20:39,369 last week and leaving a pretty big uh 560 00:20:39,369 --> 00:20:41,310 oil . Um So in terms of providing 561 00:20:41,319 --> 00:20:44,020 Ukraine with , with seized ammunition , 562 00:20:44,030 --> 00:20:46,141 I , I don't have anything to announce 563 00:20:46,141 --> 00:20:48,252 on that front . Uh Again , you know , 564 00:20:48,252 --> 00:20:50,308 we're gonna continue to look at ways 565 00:20:50,308 --> 00:20:52,363 that we can support Ukraine . Uh You 566 00:20:52,363 --> 00:20:54,419 know , you've heard us say nothing's 567 00:20:54,419 --> 00:20:56,252 off the table , but I don't have 568 00:20:56,252 --> 00:20:58,363 anything specifically , uh in regards 569 00:20:58,363 --> 00:21:00,474 to that , that approach , uh in terms 570 00:21:00,474 --> 00:21:02,641 of the Ruby Mar , uh I , I'd refer you 571 00:21:02,641 --> 00:21:04,919 to NAB sent for a more granular update . 572 00:21:04,919 --> 00:21:07,141 Uh My understanding right now is that , 573 00:21:07,141 --> 00:21:10,189 um , that uh some vessels associated 574 00:21:10,199 --> 00:21:12,719 with the company that owns that ship , 575 00:21:12,729 --> 00:21:15,469 uh , is looking at some recovery uh 576 00:21:15,479 --> 00:21:17,689 options . Uh But again , they , they'd 577 00:21:17,699 --> 00:21:19,810 be in a better position to talk about 578 00:21:19,810 --> 00:21:21,810 specifically what those are to your 579 00:21:21,810 --> 00:21:24,729 point though . Uh You know , as S com 580 00:21:24,739 --> 00:21:26,959 is highlighted , uh , there is oil 581 00:21:26,969 --> 00:21:29,025 leaking from that ship , uh creating 582 00:21:29,030 --> 00:21:31,197 environmental impacts which again just 583 00:21:31,197 --> 00:21:34,180 highlights uh the , the reckless and 584 00:21:34,189 --> 00:21:36,245 irresponsible nature of these houthi 585 00:21:36,245 --> 00:21:39,260 attacks . Thanks . Right . Last 586 00:21:39,270 --> 00:21:41,959 question . Yes , ma'am . Um Does 587 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:44,439 Pentagon assess that the Houthis are 588 00:21:44,449 --> 00:21:47,680 going to be a long term problem or is 589 00:21:47,689 --> 00:21:49,911 it the assessment that they're going to 590 00:21:49,911 --> 00:21:52,022 stop attacking commercial shipping if 591 00:21:52,022 --> 00:21:54,078 there is a cease fire ? Like the one 592 00:21:54,078 --> 00:21:56,411 that at least a pause in fighting , the , 593 00:21:56,411 --> 00:21:58,300 the one like the one that's being 594 00:21:58,300 --> 00:22:00,522 discussed ? Yeah , look , I mean that , 595 00:22:00,522 --> 00:22:02,356 that's really a question for the 596 00:22:02,356 --> 00:22:04,300 Houthis to answer in terms of what 597 00:22:04,300 --> 00:22:06,356 their motivation is gonna be . And , 598 00:22:06,356 --> 00:22:08,411 and in terms of um internal decision 599 00:22:08,411 --> 00:22:10,920 making , you know , we are focused on 600 00:22:10,930 --> 00:22:12,874 preserving freedom of navigation . 601 00:22:12,874 --> 00:22:14,869 We're focused on saving lives and 602 00:22:14,880 --> 00:22:17,880 livelihoods in the region as it relates 603 00:22:17,890 --> 00:22:20,119 to the international challenge that 604 00:22:20,130 --> 00:22:22,260 these attacks have presented . And so 605 00:22:22,270 --> 00:22:24,492 as as I highlighted , we're not seeking 606 00:22:24,492 --> 00:22:26,603 any type of escalation . Uh We're not 607 00:22:26,603 --> 00:22:28,770 seeking to go into a conflict with the 608 00:22:28,770 --> 00:22:30,937 Houthis . What we're simply seeking to 609 00:22:30,937 --> 00:22:32,714 do is ensure that International 610 00:22:32,714 --> 00:22:34,492 Mariners can transit this vital 611 00:22:34,492 --> 00:22:36,270 waterway safely and securely in 612 00:22:36,270 --> 00:22:38,270 accordance with international law . 613 00:22:38,270 --> 00:22:40,326 It's a freedom of navigation issue . 614 00:22:40,326 --> 00:22:42,548 And importantly , it's also a health uh 615 00:22:42,548 --> 00:22:44,548 and economic issue , especially for 616 00:22:44,548 --> 00:22:46,548 those in , in the region . And what 617 00:22:46,548 --> 00:22:48,270 we've seen these attacks do is 618 00:22:48,270 --> 00:22:50,381 essentially uh you know , contrary to 619 00:22:50,381 --> 00:22:52,548 their stated aims , uh the Houthis are 620 00:22:52,548 --> 00:22:54,770 wrecking their own neighborhood uh with 621 00:22:54,770 --> 00:22:56,992 their indiscriminate attacks which harm 622 00:22:56,992 --> 00:22:58,714 Middle Eastern economies cause 623 00:22:58,714 --> 00:23:00,714 environmental damage , threaten the 624 00:23:00,714 --> 00:23:02,881 fishing industry , coastal communities 625 00:23:02,881 --> 00:23:04,937 and imports of food supplies . Thank 626 00:23:04,937 --> 00:23:06,881 you . And then finally , before we 627 00:23:06,881 --> 00:23:06,349 close out , I'd like to welcome our 628 00:23:06,359 --> 00:23:08,415 guests from American University . Is 629 00:23:08,415 --> 00:23:10,581 that right ? All right , welcome . You 630 00:23:10,581 --> 00:23:12,581 guys will be up here uh on Thursday 631 00:23:12,581 --> 00:23:14,803 briefing . So , ok . All right . Thanks 632 00:23:14,803 --> 00:23:14,790 very much , everybody . Appreciate it .