GOOD SOLDIERS ORGANIZATION

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - February 14, 2017

2017-02-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

General Officer Assignments

2017-02-14T17:50:00.000-05:00

The chief of staff, Army announces the following assignments:

Maj. Gen. Paul C. Hurley Jr., commanding general, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), U.S. Army Central, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Kuwait, to commanding general, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command, Sustainment Center of Excellence and Fort Lee, Fort Lee, Virginia.

Maj. Gen. Lewis G. Irwin, U.S. Army Reserve, commander (Troop Program Unit), 416th Engineer Command, Darien, Illinois, to deputy chief of Army Reserve (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, Washington, District of Columbia.

Maj. Gen. Dennis S. McKean, chief, Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq, U.S. Central Command, Iraq, to commanding general, 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea.

Maj. Gen. Erik C. Peterson, director, Army Aviation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to commanding general, First Army Division West, Fort Hood, Texas.

Maj. Gen. Arlen R. Royalty, U.S. Army Reserve, assistant deputy chief of staff, G-3 (Individual Mobilization Augmentee), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 84th Training Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Maj. Gen. Kurt L. Sonntag, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa, Djibouti, to commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Maj. Gen. Flem B. Walker Jr., deputy chief of staff, G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to commanding general, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), U.S. Army Central, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Brig. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, deputy commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber, U.S. Army Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland, to deputy director of operations, J-3, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.

Brig. Gen. David E. Brigham, deputy director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to senior defense official and defense attaché-India (U.S. Pacific Command), Defense Intelligence Agency, India.

Brig. Gen. Robin L. Fontes, senior defense official and defense attaché-India (U.S. Pacific Command), Defense Intelligence Agency, India, to senior director for India, Pakistan, and Central Asian Affairs, National Security Council, Executive Office of the President, Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. David P. Glaser, commanding general, Army Corrections Command; and deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Crystal City, Virginia, to provost marshal general and commanding general, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, deputy commanding general (Support), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, to chief of staff, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Kuwait.

Brig. Gen. Richard C. Kim, deputy director, Program Analysis and Evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to deputy commanding general, U.S. Army North, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

Brig. Gen. Joseph W. Rank, senior defense official and defense attaché-United Arab Emirates (U.S. Central Command), Defense Intelligence Agency, United Arab Emirates, to director for Middle East, National Security Council, Executive Office of the President, Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Sharpsten, commanding general, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to director, CJ4, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Kuwait.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Tarsa, assistant special advisor for program integration, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs (Europe) J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, District Of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. Frank W. Tate, deputy chief of staff for operations, Multinational Corps Northeast, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Poland, to director, Army Aviation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, District of Columbia.

Col. (Promotable) Jonathan P. Braga, chief of staff, Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to director, CJ3, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Kuwait.

Col. (Promotable) Miguel A. Correa to senior defense official and defense attaché-United Arab Emirates (U.S. Central Command), Defense Intelligence Agency, United Arab Emirates. He most recently served as chief of staff, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Col. (Promotable) Clement S. Coward Jr., director, business operations, Office of Business Transformation, Office of the Under Secretary of the Army, Washington, District of Columbia, to director, Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization, J-8, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.

Release No: NR-057-17
Feb. 14, 2017

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - February 13, 2017

2017-02-13T14:57:00.001-05:00

DoD Casualty Status Report

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen

2017-02-13T14:55:00.001-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis hosted German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen at the Pentagon today to exchange perspectives on defense security issues with one of our closest allies.

The two leaders discussed the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany, both bilaterally and as members of NATO. He thanked Minister von der Leyen for her country's leadership in NATO activities, and acknowledged the role that Germany plays in fighting terrorism, specifically in the counter-ISIL coalition. He also cited the strategic importance of Germany as the host to 35,000 U.S. personnel, the largest U.S. force presence in Europe.

Both look forward to working together at the NATO Defense Ministerial and Munich Security Conference next week.

Release No: NR-056-17
Feb. 10, 2017

Readout of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis' Call with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa

2017-02-13T14:47:00.001-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary Mattis spoke today by telephone with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss the U.S.-Pakistan defense relationship.

Gen. Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory. Secretary Mattis recognized the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province.

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counterterrorism and regional stability.

Release No: NR-055-17
Feb. 9, 2017

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - February 9, 2017

2017-02-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

DoD Casualty Status Report

Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Tulsa

2017-02-09T15:56:00.001-05:00

The Navy will christen its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship, USS Tulsa (LCS 16), during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony Saturday, Feb. 11 in Mobile, Alabama.

Tulsa, designated LCS 16, honors the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Adm. William F. Moran, vice chief of naval operations, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Kathy Taylor, former mayor of Tulsa, is serving as the ship’s sponsor. The ceremony will be highlighted by Taylor observing a time-honored Navy tradition of breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow to formally christen the ship.

“The christening of the future USS Tulsa serves as a tribute to the extraordinary work done by our nation's shipbuilders and brings this great ship one step closer to joining our fleet,” said the Honorable Sean Stackley, acting secretary of the Navy. “Our nation can be proud of this crew as they ready the ship to represent the city of Tulsa, and the United States, around the world for years to come.”

The future USS Tulsa is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named in honor of the capital of Oklahoma. The first USS Tulsa was an Asheville-class gunboat designated as PG-22 that served from 1923 to 1944 before being renamed Tacloban. She earned two battle stars for World War II service. A cruiser to be named USS Tulsa was also authorized for construction during World War II, but the contract was canceled before it was built.

The future USS Tulsa is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.

The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant - designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered hulls, e.g. LCS 1) while the Independence variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls).

Each LCS seaframe is outfitted with a single mission package made up of mission modules containing warfighting systems and support equipment. A dedicated ship crew will combine with aviation assets to deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare or surface warfare missions.

Release No: NR-054-17
Feb. 9, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Indian Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar

2017-02-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke by telephone today with Indian Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar. In their first conversation, Secretary Mattis committed to build upon the tremendous progress in bilateral defense cooperation made in recent years, underscoring the strategic importance of the U.S.-India relationship and India's role in advancing global peace and security. Secretary Mattis and Minister Parrikar affirmed their commitment to sustain the momentum on key bilateral defense efforts to include the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative.

Release No: NR-053-17
Feb. 8, 2017

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - February 8, 2017

2017-02-08T17:46:00.001-05:00

DoD Casualty Status Report

Statement by Pentagon Spokesman Captain Jeff Davis on U.S.-Russia Video Conference

2017-02-08T17:45:00.000-05:00

The Department of Defense today held a video conference co-chaired by Ken Handelman, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for International Security Affairs and Rear Adm. Michael J. Dumont, deputy director for strategic initiatives, Joint Staff J5, with Russian Ministry of Defense counterparts. This was the latest session of our dialogue with the Russian Ministry of Defense under the memorandum of understanding for the safety of flight in Syria to ensure that each side continues to adhere to agreed-upon measures to mitigate incidents in the air over Syria.

Department officials discussed ongoing work regarding the safety of operations since the two sides last met. The two sides reiterated the utility of adhering to the memorandum of understanding to avoid accidents and misunderstandings in the air space over Syria.

Today's meeting follows previous video conferences between the Department of Defense and the Russian Ministry of Defense on this topic.

Release No: NR-052-17
Feb. 8, 2017

Statement by Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis on Airstrikes Against al-Qaida near Idlib, Syria

2017-02-08T17:41:00.003-05:00

On Feb. 3, one U.S. strike killed 10 terrorists in a building being used as an al-Qaida meeting place.

On Feb. 4, a second strike killed Abu Hani al-Masri, a legacy al-Qaida terrorist with ties to the group's senior leaders, including Ayman al-Zawahiri and Usama bin-Laden. Al-Masri oversaw the creation and operation of many al-Qaida training camps in Afghanistan in the 1980s and '90s, where he recruited, indoctrinated, trained and equipped thousands of terrorists who subsequently spread throughout the region and the world.

He was also one of the founders of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the first Sunni group to use suicide bombers in their terror attacks. EIJ is responsible for multiple attacks against U.S. and allied facilities and personnel, including a 1998 attempt to blow up the American embassy in Albania.

These strikes disrupt al-Qaida's ability to plot and direct external attacks targeting the U.S. and our interests worldwide. These extremists are increasingly questioning the loyalty of their members as paranoia spreads throughout their network about the many strikes conducted against them. U.S. forces have struck multiple meeting locations, an established basic training camp, and four leaders since the beginning of the year.

We will continue to take action to deny these terrorists safe haven in Syria to ensure they cannot focus on plotting terror against the region and world.

Release No: NR-051-17
Feb. 8, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Iraqi Minister of Defense Arfan al-Hayali

2017-02-08T17:40:00.003-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by phone with Iraqi Defense Minister Arfan al-Hayali to discuss the strong U.S.-Iraq defense partnership in the fight against ISIS. Secretary Mattis congratulated Minister Hayali on his new position and praised the Iraqis' hard-won gains against ISIS- most recently in eastern Mosul. Both discussed planning for operations to liberate western Mosul. Secretary Mattis and Minister Hayali affirmed their commitment to continued U.S.-Iraq cooperation and a strong partnership that will enable the Iraqis to deal ISIS a lasting defeat.

Release No: NR-050-17
Feb. 8, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Mexico Secretary of National Defense General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda and Secretary of the Navy Admiral Vidal Soberón Sanz

2017-02-08T17:38:00.004-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary Mattis spoke with his Mexican counterparts, Secretary of National Defense General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda and Secretary of the Navy Admiral Vidal Soberón Sanz. Their introductory conversation focused on the importance of the U.S.-Mexico defense relationship. Secretary Mattis noted the bilateral commitment to strengthen our close bilateral defense relationship and to improving cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Secretary Mattis lauded Mexico's growing leadership in the region and commended Mexico’s willingness to host the Central American Security Conference in July, assume the presidency of the Inter American Defense Board in 2017, and to host the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in 2018. The participants stated their commitment to the North American Defense Ministerial process, and working with Canada to address mutual defense challenges to North America.

Release No: NR-049-17
Feb. 7, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani

2017-02-08T17:37:00.002-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by telephone with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan to discuss the enduring U.S.-Afghan security relationship. Secretary Mattis thanked President Ghani for his leadership and emphasized the importance of the government of national unity to the stability of Afghanistan. President Ghani affirmed his commitment to reforms, especially eliminating corruption, and highlighted the importance of a sustained U.S.-Afghan relationship for the security of Afghanistan and the region. In light of the recent attacks, including today's attack against the Afghan Supreme Court, Secretary Mattis offered his condolences for the sacrifices of the Afghan people and commended President Ghani's unwavering commitment in the face of the enemy. Both Secretary Mattis and President Ghani expressed their desire to maintain a strong relationship, and look forward to engaging again in the near future.

Release No: NR-048-17
Feb. 7, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meetings with Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan

2017-02-08T17:34:00.001-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis hosted the Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan at the Pentagon today, his first time hosting a defense counterpart as secretary of defense.

Secretary Mattis and Minister Sajjan reaffirmed the U.S.-Canada defense relationship, emphasizing their commitments to NORAD and continental defense, and agreeing to deepen cooperation to protect North America, noting that 2018 will be the 60th anniversary of NORAD. Secretary Mattis addressed enhancing North American defense relations and the North American Defense Ministerial, which he offered to host this spring in Washington, D.C.

The secretary and minister discussed international priorities and operations, as well as the upcoming NATO Defense Ministerial. The secretary and minister discussed U.S. and Canadian leadership as Framework Nations for Enhanced Forward Presence, members of the international counter-ISIL coalition, and support for United Nations peacekeeping. Secretary Mattis thanked Canada for its commitments to NATO and the counter-ISIL campaign, and agreed to continued discussions with Canada and other coalition members on the progress of the U.S. counter-ISIL strategy review.

The secretary and minister also discussed the importance of defense investments and modernization to ensure continued cooperation.
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The secretary commended the minister for his consistent leadership, noting the need for both the U.S. and Canada to continue to represent our shared values and advance security, prosperity, and freedom. The two leaders noted the long relationship between the U.S. military and Canadian armed forces and stated they looked forward to deepening the U.S.-Canada relationship and continuing to work closely together.

Release No: NR-047-17
Feb. 6, 2017

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - February 3, 2017

2017-02-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

DoD Casualty Status Report

General Officer Assignment

2017-02-04T11:26:00.003-05:00

The chief of staff, Air Force announces the assignment of the following general officer:

Brig. Gen. Kirk W. Smith, director, force management and development, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to deputy commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Release No: NR-046-17
Feb. 3, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meetings with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

2017-02-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Cmdr. Gary Ross provided the following readout:‎

Secretary Mattis met with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today in Tokyo, Japan to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.- Japan alliance.

During the meeting, ‎the secretary emphasized the priority the new administration places on the Asia-Pacific by visiting the region during his first overseas trip and specifically on our long-term alliance with Japan. He also underscored that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to defend Japan in the face of common threats, such as those posed by North Korea.

Secretary Mattis confirmed the long-standing U.S. position on the Senkaku Islands and thanked Prime Minister Abe for‎ Japan's noteworthy contributions to regional and global security and to the U.S.- Japan alliance.‎ He also thanked Japan for hosting 54,000 U.S. troops and their dependents to support the alliance. Finally, Secretary Mattis thanked Prime Minister Abe for Japan's continued support to U.S. force realignment plans in Japan, and reaffirmed the alliance's unwavering commitment to the Futenma Replacement Facility in Okinawa.

Release No: NR-045-17
Feb. 3, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meetings with ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-Se and Minister of National Defense Han Min-Koo‎

2017-02-04T11:10:00.000-05:00

Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Cmdr. Gary Ross provided the following readout:‎

Secretary of Defense James Mattis held separate meetings with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-Se, and ROK Minister of National Defense Han Min-Koo today in Seoul, South Korea.

Secretary Mattis noted that his first trip as secretary of defense to the ROK underscored the priority the Trump Administration places on the Asia-Pacific region, and on strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance. Secretary Mattis said that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the defense of the ROK people. He further emphasized that any attack on the United States, or its allies, will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming.‎

During both meetings, Secretary Mattis and his ROK counterparts discussed the regional security ‎environment, including the evolving threats posed by North Korea, and determined the need to continue to consult and cooperate closely together. Secretary Mattis and Minister Han further resolved to move forward with critical defensive measures, such as deploying a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to the ROK, enhancing alliance readiness, and taking steps to improve trilateral cooperation with Japan.

Secretary Mattis concluded both meetings by reiterating that he looked forward to working closely with Minister Yun and Minister Han to further strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance.

Release No: NR-044-17
Feb. 3, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meetings with ROK Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn and ROK National Security Advisor Kim Kwan-Jin

2017-02-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Cmdr. Gary Ross provided the following readout:

‎Secretary Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK)Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn and ROKNational Security Advisor Kim Kwan-Jin today in Seoul, South Korea to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance.

During the meetings, ‎the secretary emphasized the priority that President Trump places on the Asia-Pacific, and on strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance. He also underscored that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to defend the ROK and that the U.S. extended deterrence commitment remains ironclad. ‎Both ROK officials impressed upon Secretary Mattis the importance of close cooperation in the face of a growing North Korea nuclear and ballistic missile threat. The secretary responded that the alliance would continue to take defensive measures in response to this threat developments, such as the stationing of THAAD to Korean Peninsula.

The secretary relayed that he had inherited an already strong Alliance, but committed to spending his tenure making it stronger than ever.

Release No: NR-043-17
Feb. 2, 2017

Department of Defense Announces Guidance on Implementation of Civilian Workforce Hiring Freeze

2017-02-04T11:02:00.001-05:00

Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a memorandum providing guidance on the implementation of the presidential memorandum, dated Jan. 23, subject: “Hiring Freeze.” The guidance ensures that the department will honor both the letter and spirit of the president’s direction, mindful of our significant national security mission and public safety responsibilities. While remaining consistent with the president's objectives, the department will ensure that applicants for DoD positions are treated fairly and consistently as the policy is implemented.

The secretary of defense has identified certain functions necessary to meet the department’s national security or public safety responsibilities, which are enumerated in the guidance. Civilian positions may be exempt from the hiring freeze only if they are determined to be critical to the execution of those functions. The guidance also outlines processes and procedures for approval of additional potential exemptions that meet the criteria.

This is an opportunity for the department to assess its most critical missions and requirements, ensuring that members of the civilian workforce are assigned and capable of executing the highest priority work. The DoD guidance will help to accomplish this objective and ensure that resources are allocated in a manner that will promote effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

The secretary of defense expects that all members of the department will apply their best efforts in implementing the hiring freeze in accordance with the guidance issued today. The department’s work will inform a government-wide plan to optimize the size of the federal civilian workforce and will best position the department to implement that plan for the long-term.

For more information please view the department’s GUIDANCE.

Release No: NR-042-17
Feb. 2, 2017

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - February 1, 2017

2017-02-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

DoD Casualty Status Report

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman

2017-02-01T16:38:00.001-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by telephone with Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss the strong U.S.-Saudi defense partnership. In their first conversation, Secretary Mattis thanked the minister of defense for Saudi Arabia's contributions in countering ISIS around the world. He reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia strategic relationship, particularly to countering new and emerging security challenges in the Middle East. Secretary Mattis also noted his desire to consult closely with Saudi Arabia on security issues of mutual concern."

Release No: NR-041-17
Jan. 31, 2017

Department Of Defense Casualty Status Report - January 31, 2017

2017-01-31T15:56:00.000-05:00

DoD Casualty Status Report

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti

2017-01-31T15:53:00.004-05:00

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by telephone with Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti to discuss the strong U.S.-Italian defense partnership.

In their first conversation, Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Pinotti for Italy's leadership and contributions in Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan and in securing Europe's southern flank. He praised the professionalism, capabilities and compassion of Italy's deployed forces, saying that Italian forces represent the best that Italy has to offer. He highlighted specifically Italy's carabinieri who are performing the important work of stability police training in several theaters.

Secretary Mattis also noted his desire to consult closely with Italy on security issues of mutual concern, especially Libya. Both he and the minister pledged to consult further at the upcoming NATO defense ministerial in February.

Release No: NR-040-17
Jan. 30, 2017