Dec. 7, 2016

President Obama gives final national security speech to MacDill service members

Tampa, Fl. — President Barack Obama gave an optimistic evaluation of his national security record and the campaign against terror in the Middle East and North Africa in an address Tuesday Dec. 6, 2016, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, thanking servicemen and women for their help in “breaking the back of ISIL.” The speech, which was the end of the president’s one-day visit to MacDill, was likely his last major national security speech before he leaves office.

Dec. 7, 2016

From Libya to Syria, Iraq, US Navy Fights ISIL from the Med

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) — The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) resumed support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Dec. 6, launching sorties from the Eastern Mediterranean.

Dec. 6, 2016

USO Troupe Arrives in Qatar for Show at Al Udeid

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford and Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, the chairman’s senior enlisted advisor, came to Qatar with a troupe of USO performers to entertain the troops.

Dec. 3, 2016

U.S. Military Capabilities Must Be Changed for Future, Dunford Says

WASHINGTON — If the United States develops the capabilities needed to confront Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and violent extremism, the military will be well set for the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today at the Reagan National Defense Forum.

Dec. 2, 2016

Afghan Forces Prevailing Against Enemy, U.S. General Says

WASHINGTON — Afghan forces were put to the test and prevailed during the 2016 fighting season, Army Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., the commander of the Resolute Support mission and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, told reporters.

Dec. 2, 2016

USS Hopper, USS Monterey Aid Distressed Iranian Mariners

PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) and guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), currently deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of maritime security operations, aided six Iranian mariners in distress, Nov. 29. Hopper and Monterey received a distress call from a small Iranian fishing dhow via bridge-to-bridge radio. Monterey sent its helicopter to locate the vessel, while Hopper prepped its boarding team to render immediate assistance.

Dec. 1, 2016

Pentagon Details Progress for Mosul; Third Axis at City's 'Doorstep'

WASHINGTON — Iraqi forces are making significant progress in isolating Mosul as part of efforts to liberate the northern Iraqi city from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a Defense Department spokesman said.