Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Yemen Airstrike

Early this morning the U.S. military conducted an airstrike against an al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula training camp in Yemen. The camp was located in the mountains, and was being used by more than 70 AQAP terrorists. We continue to assess the results of the operation, but our initial assessment is that dozens of AQAP fighters have been removed from the battlefield. This strike deals a blow to AQAP’s ability to use Yemen as a base for attacks that threaten U.S. persons, and it demonstrates our commitment to defeating al-Qa’ida and denying it safe haven.

Release No: NR-103-16
March 22, 2016

Flag Officer Announcements

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Christina M. Alvarado has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Alvarado is currently serving as deputy commander, Navy Medicine East, Portsmouth, Virginia.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Lawrence B. Jackson has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Jackson is currently serving as reserve deputy director, Warfare Integration Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, District of Columbia.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Scott B. J. Jerabek has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Jerabek is currently serving as director, Theater Engagement J7, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Luke M. McCollum has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. McCollum is currently serving as reserve deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, Bahrain.

Navy Reserve Capt. Alan D. Beal has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Beal is currently serving as reserve chief staff officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.

Navy Reserve Capt. Grafton D. Chase Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Chase is currently serving as deputy chief of staff for Reserve Operations, Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support, San Diego, California.

Navy Reserve Capt. Darren J. Hanson has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Hanson is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Headquarters, Port Hueneme, California.

Navy Reserve Capt. Brian S. Hurley has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Hurley is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve, Naval Installations Command Headquarters, Washington, District of Columbia.

Navy Reserve Capt. Andrew C. Lennon has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Lennon is currently serving as director, Submarine Force Reserve Component, Norfolk, Virginia.

Navy Reserve Capt. Daniel V. MacInnis has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). MacInnis is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Port Hueneme, California.

Navy Reserve Capt. Katherine A. McCabe has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). McCabe is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve Chief of Naval Operations, N1, Navy Total Force, Arlington, Virginia.

Release No: NR-055-15
February 13, 2015