Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on U.S. Airstrike Against Taliban Leader Mullah Mansur

Protecting American forces wherever they are in the world will always be one of my top priorities as Secretary of Defense. The confirmation that our precision airstrike Saturday killed Taliban leader Mullah Mansur makes clear my commitment to address threats to our troops, NATO forces, Afghan military personnel and the innocent Afghan civilians who are working together so bravely to improve security in that country. Removing Mansur from the battlefield eliminates one roadblock to peace in Afghanistan.

I want to thank the U.S forces that carried out this important operation, and reaffirm that we will continue to disrupt networks and individuals that threaten the United States and our forces abroad. The Department of Defense will also continue to support the government of Afghanistan’s effort to build a brighter and safer future for the people of Afghanistan.

Release No: NR-184-16
May 23, 2016

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Hostage Rescue in Afghanistan

 I want to commend the U.S. Special Operations personnel and the Afghan special operations forces for the professionalism and skill they demonstrated in the raid this morning in Paktika Province, Afghanistan. In the counterterrorism operation targeting Al Qaeda operatives, the partnered team freed Ali Haider Gilani, the son of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who had been held hostage since he was kidnapped three years ago in Pakistan. We will work with the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to return him home safely after he receives a medical evaluation.

This raid demonstrates the growing capabilities and effectiveness of the Afghan security forces and is an excellent example of the strong security and intelligence partnership between Afghan and U.S. forces under Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Working alongside our Afghan partners, we will continue to make it clear that there is no safe haven for terrorists in Afghanistan.

Release No: NR-168-16
May 10, 2016

India-United States Joint Statement on the visit of Secretary of Defense Carter to India April 10-13, 2016

U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Ashton Carter is on an official visit to India at the invitation of Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar from April 10-13.  Raksha Mantri hosted Secretary Carter in Goa. They visited the Indian Naval Base in Karwar and the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.  They also visited the USS Blue Ridge which was conducting a port call in Goa during the secretary’s visit. Secretary Carter then traveled to New Delhi where he held official talks with Raksha Mantri, and will also meet with the national security advisor and the prime minister.

 

The United States and India share a deep and abiding interest in global peace, prosperity, and stability. Bilateral defense cooperation is a key component of the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Secretary Carter’s visit marked the fourth meeting between him and Raksha Mantri Parrikar within a year, demonstrating the regular ministerial-level oversight of the robust and deepening bilateral defense relationship.

 

During their meeting, Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter reviewed the important steps taken since the signing of the new Framework for the U.S.-India defense relationship last June to deepen bilateral defense ties. They discussed the priorities for the coming year in defense ties, as well as specific steps both sides will take to pursue those priorities. These included expanding collaboration under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI); Make in India efforts of Government of India; new opportunities to deepen cooperation in maritime security and maritime domain awareness; military-to-military relations; theknowledge partnership in the field of defense; and regional and international security matters of mutual interest.

 

Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter welcomed the efforts by the Indian and U.S.Armed Forces to further expand collaboration in the years to come.  They welcomed plans across our services for greater complexity in their military engagements and exercises, including developing plans for more advanced maritime exercises. Both sides acknowledged India’s participation in the Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) multilateral naval exercise in 2016 as well as participation by the Indian Air Force in the multilateral Red Flag exercise in April-May in Alaska and U.S. participation in the international fleet review of the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam in February. They expressed their desire to explore agreements which would facilitate further expansion of bilateral defense cooperation in practical ways. In this regard, they announced their in principle agreement to conclude a logistics exchange memorandum of agreement, and to continue working toward other facilitating agreements to enhance military cooperation and technology transfer.

 

In support of the India-U.S. Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and the maritime security objectives therein, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of maritime security. In this context, they reaffirmed their desire to expeditiously conclude a “white shipping” technical arrangement to improve data sharing on commercial shipping traffic. They agreed to commence navy-to-navy discussions on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare.  They also agreed to launch a bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue, co-chaired by officials at the joint secretary/assistant secretary-level of the Indian Ministries of Defence and External Affairs and the U.S. Departments of Defense and State.

 

Secretary Carter and Raksha Mantri Parrikar reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, including in the South China Sea. They vowed their support for a rules-based order and regional security architecture conducive to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean, and emphasized their commitment to working together and with other nationsto ensure the security and stability that have been beneficial to the Asia-Pacific for decades.

 

Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter reviewed the progress and reiterated their commitment to pursue co-development and co-production of advanced defense articles under the DTTI.  In this context, they agreed to initiate two new DTTI pathfinder projects on digital helmet mounted displays and the joint biological tactical detection system.  They commended the on-going discussions at the Jet Engine Technology Joint Working Group (JETJWG) and the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC). They agreed to work towards greater cooperation in the field of cutting-edgedefense technologies, including deepening consultations on aircraft carrier design and operations and jet engine technology. They noted the understanding reached to conclude an information exchange annex (IEA) to enhance data and information sharing specific to aircraft carriers.

 

With the aim of encouraging greater participation of U.S. Defense industries in the Make In India program of the Government of India, Raksha Mantri Parrikar informed Secretary Carter about the recently announced defence procurement policy and other reforms in the Indiandefense sector. Both sides agreed to encourage their respective defense industries to develop new partnerships in the pursuit of a range of cutting-edge projects. In support of Make in India, the United States shared two proposals to bolster India’s suite of fighter aircraft for consideration of the Government of India.

 

Secretary Carter and Raksha Mantri Parrikar welcomed the finalization of four government-to-government project agreements in the area of science and technology cooperation: atmospheric sciences for high energy lasers, cognitive tools for target detection, small intelligent unmanned aerial systems, and blast and blunt traumatic brain injury.

 

Before departing India, Secretary Carter will oversee a repatriation ceremony of U.S. World War II remains from India to the United States. Secretary Carter expressed his gratitude to Raksha Mantri Parrikar and the Government of India for their support in facilitating the recovery effort. The Indian Government agreed to support America’s commitment to bringing its fallen personnel home and providing their families the fullest possible accounting, and looks forward to further humanitarian missions of this kind over the next few years to return the remains of these U.S. heroes to their families.

Release No: NR-124-16
April 12, 2016

General Officer Assignments

The chief of staff, Air Force announced the following assignments:

Brig. Gen. Brian M. Killough, who has been selected to the grade of major general, from deputy chief, Office of Security Cooperation – Iraq, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia, to director of strategy, concepts and assessments, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. Evan M. Miller, director of logistics, engineering and protection, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, to director for logistics, engineering and security cooperation, Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Col. Christopher D. Hill, who has been selected for the grade of brigadier general, from deputy director, resources integration, A4, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, to director of logistics, engineering and force protection, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Release No: NR-074-16
March 4, 2016

DoD announces Invictus Games 2016 team members

The Department of Defense announced today the names of the 115 athletes who will represent the United States military at Invictus Games 2016 in Orlando, Florida, May 8-12.

 

The athletes will compete against athletes from 14 other countries in events including: archery, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair racing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis; as part of the international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, ill, and injured service members.

 

“The perseverance of our warrior athletes and their families are an inspiration to Americans everywhere,” said the Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Brad Carson. “I continue to be impressed with the quality of the competitors and I look forward to celebrating the athletes’ accomplishments and watching the competition.”

 

In 2011, the Department of Defense created the Military Adaptive Sports Program to enhance warrior recovery by engaging wounded, ill and injured service members in ongoing, daily adaptive activities, based on their interest and ability. The U.S. competitors are part of an over 500 athlete contingent for the second rendition of the multi-national Invictus Games.

 

The following athletes were selected as primaries for the U.S. team:

 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Angelo Anderson, U.S. Navy

Staff Sgt. Ashley Anderson, U.S. Army

Tech. Sgt. Leonard Anderson (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Sgt. Roosevelt Anderson (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Gunnery Sgt. Ernesto Aquino (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Armstead (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Allan Armstrong, U.S. Army

Petty Officer 1st Class Shahnaz Askins (ret.), U.S. Navy

Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Zachary Burnash, U.S. Air Force

Maj. Ivan Castro, U.S. Special Operations Command

Tech. Sgt. Jason Caswell, U.S. Air Force

Staff Sgt. Rafael Cervantes, U.S. Marine Corps

Cpl. Marcus Chischilly, U.S. Marine Corps

Lt Col Patricia Collins (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Staff Sgt. Gideon Connelly, Air National Guard

Staff Sgt. Daniel Crane (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Dadgostar (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Seaman Steven Davis (ret.), U.S. Navy

Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr., U.S. Special Operations Command

Lt. John Edmonston (ret.), U.S. Navy

Staff Sgt. Jason Ellis (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Capt. Kelly Elmlinger, U.S. Army

Sgt. Kirstie Ennis (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristen Esget (ret.), U.S. Coast Guard

Seaman Austin Field (ret.), U.S. Navy

1st Lt. Rachel Francis, U.S. Air Force

Master Sgt. Rhoden Galloway, U.S. Army

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Garza (ret.), U.S. Navy

Sgt. Robbie Gaupp (ret.), U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Randi Gavell (ret.), U.S. Army

Capt. Kyle Gentry, U.S. Air Force

Master. Sgt. Jesse Graham, U.S. Air Force

Sgt. Gabby Graves-Wake, U.S. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. Robert Green, U.S. Army

Cpl. Travis Greene (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Colton Harms, U.S. Army

Sgt. Sean Hook (ret.), U.S. Army

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Beth Hope (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Seaman Adam Hygema (ret.), U.S. Navy

Lance Cpl. Joshua Jablon (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. Ronnie Jimenez (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Master Sgt. Joe Kapacziewski, U.S. Special Operations Command

Staff Sgt. Michael Kacer (ret.), U.S. Army

Capt. Mitchell Kieffer (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Koren, U.S. Air Force

Spc. Chasity Kuczer, U.S. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Katie Kuiper, U.S. Army

Sgt. Stefan Leroy (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Lindstrom (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Sgt. Ana Manciaz, U.S. Army veteran

Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Marks, U.S. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Alfred Martinez, U.S. Special Operations Command

Sgt. Gabriel Martinez (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Tech. Sgt. Lara Mastel, U.S. Air Force

Staff Sgt. Delvin Maston (ret.), U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Robert Matthews (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. Anthony McDaniel (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Clayton McDaniel (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Ryan McIntosh, U.S. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Michael McPhall, U.S. Army

Sgt. Brian McPherson (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. Billy Meeks (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. Maj. Shawn Mello (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephan Miller (ret.), U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Adrian Mohammed (ret.), U.S. Navy

Staff Sgt. Lauren Montoya, U.S. Special Operations Command

Cpl. Jesse Murphree (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Staff Sgt. Ola Nahale, U.S. Army

Sgt. Maj. David Neumer (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Sgt. Alex Nguyen (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. August O’Niell, U.S. Air Force

Lt. Col. Daniel Oosterhous (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Seaman Brett Parks (ret.), U.S. Navy

1st Lt. Chris Parks, U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Tim Payne (ret.), U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Sven Perryman, U.S. Air Force

Tech. Sgt. Ryan Pinney (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Sgt. Jenae Piper (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Zed Pitts, U.S. Army Reserve

Warrant Officer 1 Anthony Radetic (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Ramos (ret.), U.S. Navy

Sgt. Haywood Range (ret.), U.S. Army

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Reyes (ret.), U.S. Navy

Capt. William Reynolds (ret.), U.S. Army **

Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Rios (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Eric Rodriguez (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Chief Petty Officer Javier Rodriguez (ret.), U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Roggio (ret.), U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Max Rohn (ret.), U.S. Navy

Lance Cpl. Sarah Rudder, U.S. Marine Corps veteran

Cpl. Jorge Salazar (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. 1st Class Howard Sanborn (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Capt. Rafael Sanchez (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Petty Officer 3rd Class Henry Sawyer (ret.), U.S. Navy

2nd Lt. Jennifer Schuble (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. Ivan Sears, U.S. Marine Corps

Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Seekell, U.S. Air Force

Staff Sgt. Alexander Shaw (ret.), U.S. Army

Lt. Steven Simmons (ret.), U.S. Navy

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith, U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Patrick Smith (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Spc. Juan Soto (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. Monica Southall (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. Aaron Stewart, U.S. Army

Seaman Sadie Strong (ret.), U.S. Navy

Sgt. Evan Stratton (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. 1st Class Yancy Taylor, U.S. Special Operations Command **

Sgt. Nicholas Titman (ret.), U.S. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Sualauvi Tuimaleali’ifano III (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Staff Sgt. Tino Uli (ret.), U.S. Air Force

Capt. Sean Walsh (ret.), U.S. Special Operations Command

Lance Cpl. Joshua Wege (ret.), U.S. Marine Corps

Tech. Sgt. Brian Williams, U.S. Air Force

Capt. Christy Wise, U.S. Air Force

** annotates team captains

Release No: NR-069-16
March 1, 2016

General Officer Announcements

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Marine Corps Col. Scott F. Benedict has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Benedict is currently serving as the military secretary to the commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, District of Columbia.

Marine Corps Col. Jason Q. Bohm has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Bohm is currently serving as the director, Expeditionary Warfare School, Marine Corps University Education Command, Quantico, Virginia.

Marine Corps Col. Brian W. Cavanaugh has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Cavanaugh is currently serving as the Marine military assistant, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, District of Columbia.

Marine Corps Col. Daniel B. Conley has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Conley is currently serving as the assistant chief of staff, G-4 Logistics, Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Tampa, Florida.

Marine Corps Col. Francis L. Donovan has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Donovan is currently serving as the chief, Trans Regional Threat Division, Headquarters Special Operations Support Team, U.S. Special Operations Command, Washington, District of Columbia.

Marine Corps Col. Ryan P. Heritage has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Heritage is currently serving as head, Program Analysis and Evaluation Branch, Programs and Resources Department, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, District of Columbia.

Marine Corps Col. Christopher A. McPhillips has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. McPhillips is currently a military fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York.

Marine Corps Col. William H. Seely III, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Seely is serving as the chief of staff, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, Fort Meade, Maryland, and is currently deployed as the J-2 Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command-Iraq.

Marine Corps Col. Robert B. Sofge Jr., has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Sofge is currently serving as head, Aviation Plans, Programs, Joint, Congressional Matters Doctrine and Budget Branch, Department of Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, District of Columbia.

Marine Corps Col. Matthew G. Trollinger has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Trollinger is currently serving as the assistant chief of staff, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Release No: NR-063-16
February 23, 2016

Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Serbian Hostages in Libya

We have seen reports that two Serbian hostages have been killed in Libya.  At this time, we have no information indicating that their deaths were a result of the strike that U.S. Forces conducted against an ISIL senior leader and ISIL training camp in Libya. Our forces watched this training camp for weeks leading up to the operation, and at the time of the strike there were no indications of any civilians present. While the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear, we, nevertheless, express our deepest condolences to the Serbian government and the families of those killed. We will share whatever information we can with the Serbian government. When conducting our operations, the U.S. military goes to extraordinary lengths to limit the risk of civilian casualties, and in our campaign to defeat ISIL we will continue to do so.

Release No: NR-061-16
February 20, 2016

General Officer Assignments

The chief of staff, Air Force announced the following assignments:

Brig. Gen. James C. Vechery, director of logistics, Headquarters U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, to director, operational capability requirements, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. David W. Hicks, vice commander, First Air Force, Air Forces Northern, Air Combat Command, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, to commander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Air Training Command-Afghanistan, Resolute Support, U.S. Central Command; and commander, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Southwest Asia.

Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Orcutt, commander, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Southwest Asia, to vice commander, First Air Force, Air Forces Northern, Air Combat Command, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.

Col. Charles S. Corcoran, who has been selected for the grade of brigadier general, commander, 3rd Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to commander, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Southwest Asia.

Col. Mark A. Koeniger, who has been selected for the grade of brigadier general, deputy director, medical operations and research, Office of the Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Falls Church, Virginia, to commander, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

 

Readout of Secretary Carter’s Meeting with Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense for Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman in Brussels today.

Secretary Carter and the deputy crown prince discussed their shared security challenges, including the effort to defeat ISIL. They discussed the importance of accelerating the Counter-ISIL campaign.‎ The secretary thanked the deputy crown prince for participating in today’s meeting of coalition defense ministers, and for Saudi Arabia’s decision to increase its military contributions especially the Kingdom’s offer to expand its role in the air campaign. The secretary also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in establishing an Islamic coalition to counter extremism. The two discussed ways the Islamic anti-terrorism coalition can complement the counter-ISIL coalition.

Secretary Carter underscored the U.S. commitment to the enduring defense partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia‎.

Release No: NR-052-16
February 11, 2016

Readout of Secretary Carter’s Meeting with the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland today.

In their meeting, Secretary Carter and President Ghani discussed the ongoing mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan forces as they confront the Taliban, secure their country, and work closely with the United States to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghanistan as a safe haven. They discussed the current security situation, and the important role Afghanistan’s new A-29 aircraft will play in the future.

Secretary Carter welcomed President Ghani’s thanks for the continuing sacrifice of U.S. forces and President Obama’s decision to maintain a significant U.S. military presence in country, both in 2016 and beyond. They also discussed Afghan international outreach efforts in advance of the July 2016 NATO Warsaw Summit.

Secretary Carter underscored U.S. commitment to the enduring defense partnership between the U.S. and Afghanistan.‎ They agreed to continue the close coordination between the two countries.

Release No: NR-029-16
January 22, 2016