WEBVTT 00:01.399 --> 00:04.880 OK . Alright , good afternoon . Happy 00:04.880 --> 00:07.659 Friday . Thanks for being here on a day 00:07.659 --> 00:10.699 that we don't usually brief . um , I'll 00:10.699 --> 00:13.869 just do a , a few things at the top and 00:13.899 --> 00:16.121 and then happy to take your questions . 00:16.139 --> 00:18.250 So yesterday Secretary Austin chaired 00:18.250 --> 00:20.583 his final Ukraine defense contact group . 00:20.583 --> 00:22.819 Since it first convened in April 2022 , 00:22.899 --> 00:25.180 the UDCG has served as a critical 00:25.180 --> 00:27.236 international coalition coordinating 00:27.236 --> 00:29.340 the swift and sustained delivery of 00:29.340 --> 00:31.739 security assistance to Ukraine . Under 00:31.739 --> 00:33.795 Secretary Austin's leadership , this 00:33.795 --> 00:35.739 group has grown to include some 50 00:35.739 --> 00:37.850 countries from all around the world , 00:37.850 --> 00:39.961 all united behind the common cause of 00:39.961 --> 00:41.961 supporting Ukraine in its fight for 00:41.961 --> 00:44.017 freedom , as you heard the secretary 00:44.017 --> 00:46.183 say yesterday , the UDCG has developed 00:46.183 --> 00:48.490 into an arsenal of Ukrainian democracy 00:48.700 --> 00:50.644 and an engine of global security . 00:51.369 --> 00:53.369 That's why you saw Secretary Austin 00:53.369 --> 00:54.925 announce a new $500 million 00:54.925 --> 00:56.790 presidential drawdown package in 00:56.790 --> 00:58.990 support of Ukraine and why together 00:58.990 --> 01:01.101 UDCG members have committed more than 01:01.101 --> 01:04.309 $126 billion in security assistance for 01:04.309 --> 01:06.480 this fight . And Under Secretary 01:06.480 --> 01:08.591 Austin's leadership , this remarkable 01:08.591 --> 01:10.959 level of teamwork has paid off . Russia 01:10.959 --> 01:12.930 has suffered more than 700,000 01:12.930 --> 01:15.152 casualties , and the Russian economy is 01:15.152 --> 01:17.263 struggling to keep up with the UDCG's 01:17.263 --> 01:19.750 support to Ukraine . And even as Moscow 01:19.750 --> 01:21.980 leans now on North Korea to support its 01:21.980 --> 01:24.379 war of choice , Putin has failed to 01:24.379 --> 01:26.546 achieve a single strategic objective . 01:27.169 --> 01:29.225 Secretary Austin reiterated that our 01:29.225 --> 01:31.169 international coalition to support 01:31.169 --> 01:33.280 Ukraine must not flinch , even as the 01:33.280 --> 01:35.447 Secretary's tenure is coming to an end 01:35.447 --> 01:37.650 today , 14 countries and Ukraine lead 01:37.650 --> 01:40.400 the UDCG's 8 capability coalitions 01:40.769 --> 01:42.436 which focus on bolstering the 01:42.436 --> 01:44.713 capabilities of Ukraine's future force . 01:44.849 --> 01:47.016 Yesterday , UDCG members endorsed each 01:47.016 --> 01:49.349 of the Capability Coalition's road maps , 01:49.349 --> 01:51.571 which lay out a sustainable approach to 01:51.571 --> 01:54.010 helping meet both Ukraine's long-term 01:54.010 --> 01:55.843 and near-term capability needs . 01:56.639 --> 01:58.806 Secretary Austin said it best that the 01:58.806 --> 02:01.160 structure of this coalition is built to 02:01.160 --> 02:03.800 succeed , built to adapt , and built to 02:03.800 --> 02:06.779 last . And now let me turn to the 02:06.779 --> 02:08.890 devastating wildfires in California . 02:09.830 --> 02:11.941 Secretary Austin continues to monitor 02:11.941 --> 02:13.886 the situation , and the department 02:13.886 --> 02:15.941 remains prepared to support response 02:15.941 --> 02:17.997 efforts as needed . Currently , over 02:17.997 --> 02:20.149 600 California National Guardsmen are 02:20.149 --> 02:22.830 activated , including 14 hand crews for 02:22.830 --> 02:25.630 fuel mitigation , 200 military police 02:25.630 --> 02:27.770 for security operations , and 10 02:27.770 --> 02:29.992 helicopters for firefighting and search 02:29.992 --> 02:32.159 and rescue operations . This number is 02:32.159 --> 02:34.270 expected to increase over the next 24 02:34.270 --> 02:37.729 hours . In addition , 8 modular aerial 02:37.729 --> 02:40.440 firefighting systems or or maths 02:40.440 --> 02:42.880 equipped C-130 aircraft are being 02:42.880 --> 02:45.289 activated under state authorities . The 02:45.289 --> 02:47.490 1st 2 are expected to begin operations 02:47.490 --> 02:49.350 today , and the remaining 6 are 02:49.350 --> 02:52.509 expected to be ready by Sunday . March 02:52.509 --> 02:54.720 Air Reserve Base is serving as the 02:54.720 --> 02:56.942 staging base for FEMA , and the defense 02:56.942 --> 02:58.998 coordinating officer and element are 02:58.998 --> 03:01.220 being activated to support the effort . 03:01.220 --> 03:03.289 As announced by the president , 500 03:03.289 --> 03:05.089 active duty personnel currently 03:05.089 --> 03:06.756 stationed at Camp Pendleton , 03:06.770 --> 03:08.770 California are preparing to support 03:08.770 --> 03:10.548 requests from federal and state 03:10.548 --> 03:12.492 authorities with route clearance , 03:12.492 --> 03:14.492 commodity distribution , search and 03:14.492 --> 03:16.809 rescue , rotary wing airlift , and 03:16.809 --> 03:19.509 general support as requested . Earlier 03:19.509 --> 03:21.676 this week , you heard me announce that 03:21.676 --> 03:23.676 the department is preparing 10 Navy 03:23.676 --> 03:25.898 helicopters with water delivery buckets 03:25.898 --> 03:27.787 to immediately assist with aerial 03:27.787 --> 03:29.787 suppression . Under a long standing 03:29.787 --> 03:32.009 memorandum of agreement with Cal Fire , 03:32.009 --> 03:33.898 active duty units in Naval Region 03:33.898 --> 03:35.787 Southwest are prepared to provide 03:35.787 --> 03:37.842 aircraft and air crew to support the 03:37.842 --> 03:40.009 firefighting efforts . These units are 03:40.009 --> 03:42.120 trained and annually certified by Cal 03:42.120 --> 03:43.731 Fire to provide supplemental 03:43.731 --> 03:45.453 firefighting capability , when 03:45.453 --> 03:47.509 requested by the state of California 03:47.509 --> 03:49.565 and approved by the secretary . It's 03:49.565 --> 03:51.287 important to remember that the 03:51.287 --> 03:53.453 department is in a supporting role for 03:53.453 --> 03:55.565 this response with FEMA , leading and 03:55.565 --> 03:55.190 coordinating federal response and 03:55.190 --> 03:57.550 assistance . We are actively planning 03:57.550 --> 03:59.272 and preparing capabilities and 03:59.272 --> 04:01.439 resources and are working closely with 04:01.439 --> 04:03.439 FEMA , the state of California , to 04:03.439 --> 04:05.661 provide support and to ensure a unified 04:05.661 --> 04:08.110 response to the wild wildfires , uh , 04:08.149 --> 04:10.371 and with that I'd be happy to take your 04:10.371 --> 04:12.427 questions . I'll go to the phone . I 04:12.427 --> 04:14.649 believe we have AP joining us , uh , on 04:14.649 --> 04:16.760 the phones Lita Baldor . Hi Sabrina , 04:16.760 --> 04:18.982 thank you very much . I just , I wanted 04:18.982 --> 04:20.871 to , uh , just clarify , uh , you 04:20.871 --> 04:23.230 talked about the 500 active duty . Uh , 04:23.269 --> 04:25.047 those are all Marines . Is that 04:25.047 --> 04:28.450 accurate ? And do you know if they have 04:28.709 --> 04:30.653 gotten their orders , if they have 04:30.653 --> 04:32.653 started ? Can you just uh give us a 04:32.653 --> 04:34.820 little precision on that ? And then on 04:34.820 --> 04:36.765 the 10 helicopters that you talked 04:36.765 --> 04:38.931 about the other day , um , last I knew 04:38.931 --> 04:41.042 the order still had not been cut . Do 04:41.042 --> 04:43.153 you know if those orders had been cut 04:43.153 --> 04:45.320 and if they are actively , um , moving 04:45.320 --> 04:47.320 on . That yeah . Thank you . Yeah , 04:47.320 --> 04:49.487 thanks , Lita for the question . So on 04:49.487 --> 04:49.440 both questions we are actively 04:49.440 --> 04:51.709 preparing and standing by to support 04:51.709 --> 04:53.931 the state of California as they request 04:53.931 --> 04:56.279 that support . Um , on the 500 04:56.279 --> 04:58.501 personnel you asked , I believe if they 04:58.501 --> 05:01.679 were active duty and , um , the units 05:01.679 --> 05:04.119 that will be going , uh , or the 500 05:04.119 --> 05:06.279 personnel that would be going all 05:06.279 --> 05:08.501 consist of active duty marines from one 05:08.501 --> 05:12.000 meth . um , and I think I gathered all 05:12.000 --> 05:13.944 your questions there . All right , 05:13.944 --> 05:16.579 coming into the room . Louie . Um , is 05:16.579 --> 05:18.859 this , um , an example of the 05:18.859 --> 05:21.739 department being proactive in placing 05:21.739 --> 05:25.579 units on standby because , as you know , 05:25.980 --> 05:28.036 no taskings , no orders been going , 05:28.179 --> 05:30.690 gone out yet , so that doesn't indicate 05:30.690 --> 05:33.529 this LA or Cal Fire or 05:34.779 --> 05:37.179 the state has actually requested these 05:37.179 --> 05:39.012 assets aside from the California 05:39.012 --> 05:41.068 National Guard . So is that the best 05:41.068 --> 05:43.179 way to characterize this ? So part of 05:43.179 --> 05:47.130 this is um . As the secretary , 05:47.369 --> 05:49.480 to borrow a phrase that the secretary 05:49.480 --> 05:51.480 uses , being in a 3 point stance so 05:51.480 --> 05:53.425 that we can surge capabilities and 05:53.425 --> 05:55.369 assets , um , immediately into the 05:55.369 --> 05:57.036 state as the state and as the 05:57.036 --> 05:58.813 governor's office request these 05:58.813 --> 06:00.536 capabilities , you've seen the 06:00.536 --> 06:02.480 president announce some of these , 06:02.480 --> 06:04.536 including the authorization of these 06:04.536 --> 06:06.536 500 service members that can go and 06:06.536 --> 06:08.647 assist with . You know , a variety of 06:08.647 --> 06:10.758 capabilities , um , into the state of 06:10.758 --> 06:12.925 California . Um , but absolutely it is 06:12.925 --> 06:15.519 a combination of being ready so that we 06:15.519 --> 06:17.519 can surge assets in , um , and then 06:17.519 --> 06:19.686 also working with FEMA , which will be 06:19.686 --> 06:22.549 the , um , Coordinator of all the 06:22.549 --> 06:24.438 federal response and the state of 06:24.438 --> 06:26.709 California in meeting their needs and 06:26.709 --> 06:29.309 um you know I I I've I've certainly 06:29.309 --> 06:31.365 gotten this question of , you know , 06:31.365 --> 06:33.531 why aren't you rushing assets in right 06:33.531 --> 06:36.269 away ? Why aren't you know why aren't 06:36.510 --> 06:38.621 why isn't the military putting all of 06:38.621 --> 06:40.788 their forces right now on the ground . 06:40.788 --> 06:42.954 We have to work with the state . So as 06:42.954 --> 06:44.954 the state requests resources as the 06:44.954 --> 06:47.288 state of California requests , you know , 06:47.288 --> 06:49.454 capabilities , um , we are standing by 06:49.454 --> 06:49.329 and ready to support , but we 06:49.329 --> 06:51.496 absolutely have to work with the state 06:51.496 --> 06:53.718 and the state and the governor is going 06:53.718 --> 06:55.940 to know best on how to use our assets . 06:55.940 --> 06:57.940 So we're working with Cal Fire . We 06:57.940 --> 07:00.051 have a great partner in them . And is 07:00.051 --> 07:00.019 there also an issue of having to train 07:00.019 --> 07:01.630 some of these troops in fire 07:01.630 --> 07:03.741 suppression since that's not a normal 07:03.741 --> 07:05.852 tasking ? Well , some of this as um I 07:05.852 --> 07:08.355 think you heard me mention , um , at , 07:08.464 --> 07:11.184 at the top , uh , especially with the 07:11.184 --> 07:13.545 Navy helicopters , we have a memorandum 07:13.545 --> 07:15.656 of agreements . So there , there is , 07:15.656 --> 07:17.878 yes , some training component that goes 07:17.878 --> 07:19.823 in and certification that Cal Fire 07:19.823 --> 07:21.823 needs to do in order to allow these 07:21.823 --> 07:23.601 firefighting capabilities to be 07:23.625 --> 07:25.903 implemented in the state . um , so yes , 07:25.903 --> 07:28.014 there is a level of certification and 07:28.014 --> 07:29.792 training , but you know , we're 07:29.792 --> 07:31.903 standing by , we're standing by ready 07:31.903 --> 07:33.958 to support , um . And as I mentioned 07:33.958 --> 07:35.958 earlier , you know , you've already 07:35.958 --> 07:38.181 seen or you're going to see some of the 07:38.181 --> 07:40.125 maps , um . Uh , being operational 07:40.125 --> 07:42.125 today with some more coming in this 07:42.125 --> 07:44.181 weekend . Charlie and then I'll OK , 07:44.730 --> 07:46.841 well , it kind of leads on that too . 07:47.269 --> 07:49.491 And this is from my own curiosity , the 07:49.491 --> 07:51.910 Navy helicopters , if I understood the 07:51.910 --> 07:54.132 other question earlier , they're not in 07:54.132 --> 07:57.230 the air . We are preparing to support , 07:57.269 --> 07:59.325 but we are working with the state of 07:59.325 --> 08:01.436 California on where they need to go . 08:01.436 --> 08:03.380 So again , this is the , the , the 08:03.380 --> 08:05.158 president , the secretary , the 08:05.158 --> 08:07.158 authorization has been given but we 08:07.158 --> 08:09.269 have to work with California in , you 08:09.269 --> 08:11.436 know , when they get up in the air and 08:11.436 --> 08:13.547 how they're best utilized . Where are 08:13.547 --> 08:15.825 they ? Uh , the , the Navy helicopters , 08:15.825 --> 08:17.825 um , will be coming , you're asking 08:17.825 --> 08:19.936 where they're being sourced from . So 08:19.936 --> 08:22.102 units in the Navy region Southwest are 08:22.102 --> 08:24.102 providing aircraft and aircrew from 08:24.102 --> 08:26.102 Naval Station North Island , Marine 08:26.102 --> 08:28.269 Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton , and 08:28.269 --> 08:30.325 Marine Corp Marine Corps Air Station 08:30.325 --> 08:33.799 Miramar . OK , um , and , and my last 08:33.799 --> 08:36.729 question again leading on to that . To 08:36.729 --> 08:39.650 put it in military terms . Forward 08:39.650 --> 08:42.409 postured , I , I think is the way it 08:42.409 --> 08:44.742 would be described , right ? So , so to , 08:44.849 --> 08:47.440 to Louis's point , you've , you've got 08:47.780 --> 08:49.891 personnel who are ready and trained , 08:50.010 --> 08:52.679 but this is the DOD's own initiative . 08:53.349 --> 08:56.140 On anticipating a request that they 08:56.140 --> 08:58.710 might be needed to . That that's , 08:58.940 --> 09:00.996 that's how , yeah , I mean , we're a 09:00.996 --> 09:03.119 planning organization . Uh , we plan 09:03.119 --> 09:05.230 for a variety of things . We plan for 09:05.230 --> 09:07.549 requests to be made from states , um , 09:07.559 --> 09:11.210 and you know , the . Uh , NorthCO has 09:11.210 --> 09:13.729 to , uh , be able to quickly be able to 09:13.729 --> 09:17.000 allocate resources and people , um , 09:17.010 --> 09:19.066 while maintaining , you know , their 09:19.066 --> 09:21.177 day to day roles and responsibilities 09:21.177 --> 09:23.121 and jobs . So the , you know , the 09:23.121 --> 09:25.343 commander of NorthCO has to think about 09:25.343 --> 09:27.454 all of this and , and anticipate some 09:27.454 --> 09:29.621 of the requests that we could get from 09:29.621 --> 09:31.566 states when it comes to . Floods , 09:31.566 --> 09:33.621 fires , and , you know , any natural 09:33.621 --> 09:35.732 disaster . You know what we're seeing 09:35.732 --> 09:38.090 in California , um . I mean these fires 09:38.090 --> 09:40.210 are , are , you know , ranging in 09:40.210 --> 09:42.377 different sizes and all throughout the 09:42.377 --> 09:44.488 state . So of course the commander is 09:44.488 --> 09:46.488 going to make the decision to , you 09:46.488 --> 09:48.488 know , move and prepare assets . So 09:48.488 --> 09:50.432 when the state requests that we're 09:50.432 --> 09:52.599 ready to go where there's not a lag in 09:52.599 --> 09:54.989 time . Does that help ? Um , right now 09:54.989 --> 09:56.822 this is , you know , what's been 09:56.822 --> 09:58.878 allocated and requested again we can 09:58.878 --> 10:00.989 always see support change , um , as , 10:01.130 --> 10:03.440 as , um , you know , things go on , but 10:03.770 --> 10:05.826 right now this is all I have to read 10:05.826 --> 10:07.992 out this time . Warren , I just wanted 10:07.992 --> 10:10.103 to be clear on this . What so far has 10:10.103 --> 10:12.469 California requested ? So you said 10:12.469 --> 10:14.580 they've requested the maps . The maps 10:14.580 --> 10:14.179 are you getting ready in case they do . 10:14.190 --> 10:15.246 So I'm not gonna , 10:20.830 --> 10:22.941 as you can appreciate , I'm not gonna 10:22.941 --> 10:25.052 speak for California and all of their 10:25.052 --> 10:27.108 requests . We're not the only agency 10:27.108 --> 10:27.059 that they are making these requests to . 10:27.229 --> 10:29.229 I think it's also important to note 10:29.229 --> 10:31.229 that with any natural disaster like 10:31.229 --> 10:33.285 what we saw in North Carolina , um , 10:33.510 --> 10:36.859 late . Or later last year is FEMA is 10:36.859 --> 10:40.619 going to be um central in coordinating 10:40.619 --> 10:42.730 federal assistance and I think what's 10:42.730 --> 10:44.619 important here is also everything 10:44.619 --> 10:46.730 remains so fluid . So California with 10:46.730 --> 10:48.952 all these different fires has to assess 10:48.952 --> 10:50.841 how they are allocating their own 10:50.841 --> 10:53.369 resources from Cal Fire and then also 10:53.859 --> 10:56.020 knitting together what DOD assets can 10:56.020 --> 10:58.969 be provided and . Not to use like a 10:59.099 --> 11:01.099 sports analogy here , but you don't 11:01.099 --> 11:03.266 want to rush all your players onto the 11:03.266 --> 11:05.043 football field without having a 11:05.043 --> 11:06.988 strategy . Um , and that's what we 11:06.988 --> 11:06.140 don't want to see happen here . You 11:06.140 --> 11:08.196 don't want to see a clog , you don't 11:08.196 --> 11:10.418 want to see resources being diverted to 11:10.418 --> 11:12.584 one fire when actually they need to go 11:12.584 --> 11:14.640 somewhere else . So that's why we're 11:14.640 --> 11:16.973 working with the state . With FEMA , um , 11:16.973 --> 11:18.973 and getting some of the maths ready 11:18.973 --> 11:21.084 that will be operational today . Some 11:21.084 --> 11:23.196 will be going in over the weekend and 11:23.196 --> 11:25.251 then of course we have our personnel 11:25.251 --> 11:25.229 additional helicopters standing by to 11:25.229 --> 11:27.007 support . Are there outstanding 11:27.007 --> 11:29.320 requests from California . I think 11:29.320 --> 11:31.209 anything that California is gonna 11:31.209 --> 11:33.320 request , as the president has said , 11:33.320 --> 11:35.900 um , we're gonna rise and meet those 11:36.030 --> 11:38.710 those requests and those and , and , um . 11:39.460 --> 11:41.793 Work with the state with what they need , 11:41.793 --> 11:43.571 but I think what's important to 11:43.571 --> 11:45.793 remember is we're not , we are knitting 11:45.793 --> 11:47.682 in to FEMA who who is leading the 11:47.682 --> 11:50.219 federal response . So I'm not aware 11:50.219 --> 11:52.441 that anything that has been requested , 11:52.460 --> 11:54.516 um , from the state of California to 11:54.516 --> 11:56.571 the department hasn't been met , but 11:56.571 --> 11:58.460 again we're working with FEMA and 11:58.460 --> 12:00.571 California to meet their needs . Very 12:00.571 --> 12:00.549 quick Ukraine question . I'm sorry the 12:00.549 --> 12:04.169 500 million , uh , 12:04.380 --> 12:07.219 how much unused presidential drawdown 12:07.219 --> 12:09.429 authority will be . Transferred or 12:09.429 --> 12:11.762 transitioned to the next administration . 12:12.090 --> 12:15.140 So it would be just under . Oh my 12:15.140 --> 12:17.140 tablets stop working , but it'll be 12:17.140 --> 12:19.473 just under , no , it's OK , don't worry , 12:19.473 --> 12:21.696 it'll be just under 4 billion that will 12:21.696 --> 12:23.918 be left in authority to , um , that the 12:23.918 --> 12:25.751 next administration will get the 12:25.751 --> 12:27.862 opportunity to use for Ukraine . Uh , 12:27.862 --> 12:29.918 yes , Konstantine . Thanks . Um , so 12:29.918 --> 12:32.084 going back to the , the , the response 12:32.084 --> 12:33.862 for a second , you know , so on 12:33.862 --> 12:36.196 Wednesday you said , you know , and I'm , 12:36.196 --> 12:38.418 I'm looking at my log of the briefing , 12:38.418 --> 12:40.640 you know , the department is sending 10 12:40.640 --> 12:42.696 Navy helicopters with water delivery 12:42.696 --> 12:44.696 buckets to immediately assist , and 12:44.696 --> 12:46.862 that's what we reported and You know , 12:46.862 --> 12:48.918 members of Congress , Representative 12:48.918 --> 12:51.140 Scott Peters yesterday thanked the Navy 12:51.140 --> 12:53.251 for sending the helicopters , and now 12:53.280 --> 12:55.447 you're telling us the helicopters have 12:55.447 --> 12:59.150 yet to actually show up . So , I mean , 12:59.419 --> 13:01.641 acknowledging , as you say , you know , 13:01.641 --> 13:03.808 sort of the the intricacies of federal 13:03.808 --> 13:06.086 versus state authorities , nonetheless , 13:06.086 --> 13:08.197 like , where did this breakdown occur 13:08.197 --> 13:10.219 in terms of the messaging of we're 13:10.219 --> 13:12.580 sending the helicopters to the 13:12.580 --> 13:15.820 helicopters are coming . Fair , fair 13:15.820 --> 13:18.059 parsing of of words and appreciate my 13:18.059 --> 13:20.392 words being read back to me . Um , look , 13:20.580 --> 13:23.039 uh . We are going to do everything we 13:23.039 --> 13:24.872 need to to support California in 13:24.872 --> 13:27.390 whatever requests that they make and 13:27.760 --> 13:29.559 the president has directed this 13:29.559 --> 13:33.200 department um to surge capabilities to 13:33.200 --> 13:35.520 California . These , these helicopters 13:35.520 --> 13:37.760 are standing by . They're preparing and 13:37.760 --> 13:39.840 ready to go for when California is 13:39.840 --> 13:42.320 ready to receive them . um , so by 13:42.320 --> 13:46.000 sending uh fair criticism , um , you 13:46.000 --> 13:48.111 know , could I have said , you know , 13:48.111 --> 13:50.444 is preparing to send . I'll , I'll take , 13:50.444 --> 13:52.500 I'll , I'll take that . Um , again , 13:52.520 --> 13:54.742 they're standing by to , to assist with 13:54.742 --> 13:57.159 aerial suppression . Um , they are 13:57.159 --> 13:59.437 getting certified also by Cal Fire and , 13:59.437 --> 14:01.103 and we have this longstanding 14:01.103 --> 14:03.326 memorandum of agreement . So what I can 14:03.326 --> 14:05.326 tell you is , You know , there's so 14:05.326 --> 14:07.919 many different fires raging . Sorry , I 14:07.919 --> 14:10.141 have this like tickle that I cannot get 14:10.141 --> 14:12.363 rid of . So many different fires raging 14:12.363 --> 14:14.380 in California . We have to work in 14:14.380 --> 14:16.436 coordination with the state and FEMA 14:16.436 --> 14:18.491 when it comes to how we address each 14:18.491 --> 14:21.539 single fire . And not just the fires , 14:21.619 --> 14:23.508 it's the road clearing , it's the 14:23.508 --> 14:25.619 management . It's how people get back 14:25.619 --> 14:27.675 into their homes . All of this knits 14:27.675 --> 14:29.897 together very carefully in an intricate 14:29.897 --> 14:31.952 way . That um is gonna take a little 14:31.952 --> 14:34.119 time it's gonna take some coordinating 14:34.119 --> 14:36.230 and again when you know I was uh when 14:36.230 --> 14:38.341 someone else asked this like you just 14:38.341 --> 14:40.063 don't want to surge a bunch of 14:40.063 --> 14:42.230 capability and resources , um , into a 14:42.230 --> 14:44.286 region without a full plan so that's 14:44.286 --> 14:46.508 what we're doing and we're working very 14:46.508 --> 14:48.619 closely with the state to make . Sure 14:48.619 --> 14:50.675 that we're getting their needs met . 14:50.675 --> 14:53.369 Can I just , I think one more just to , 14:53.460 --> 14:55.571 if , if I'm understanding what you're 14:55.571 --> 14:57.738 saying , you know , extrapolating from 14:57.738 --> 14:59.793 what you're telling me is that there 14:59.793 --> 15:01.682 hasn't been any issue in Northcom 15:01.682 --> 15:03.849 cutting orders , guys are delays , you 15:03.849 --> 15:05.904 guys are being methodical in in this 15:05.904 --> 15:08.719 approach and You know , we'll attribute 15:08.719 --> 15:12.239 sort of Wednesday to an imprecise use 15:12.239 --> 15:15.299 of language . Yeah , that's it . Yeah , 15:15.390 --> 15:17.446 hey Sabrina , yeah , let's just real 15:17.446 --> 15:19.668 quick I follow up on that . So you just 15:19.668 --> 15:21.834 said , um , DOD doesn't want to search 15:21.834 --> 15:23.779 resources without a plan . Can you 15:23.779 --> 15:25.612 explain that without a plan with 15:25.612 --> 15:28.140 California like in in working with 15:28.140 --> 15:30.307 California , yeah , so , so why did US 15:30.307 --> 15:33.280 Northern Command send the 8 C-130s to 15:33.280 --> 15:35.447 California when California hasn't used 15:35.447 --> 15:38.359 its own 2 C-130s it already has . So 15:38.359 --> 15:41.150 the maps are coming from , I mean . I 15:41.150 --> 15:43.317 think those were requested , Liz , but 15:43.317 --> 15:47.210 let me just do one . Quick check here . 15:49.309 --> 15:52.479 Um , I just want to make sure that I 15:53.849 --> 15:55.729 Get this right . Um , the maps I 15:55.729 --> 15:57.673 believe were requested and they're 15:57.673 --> 15:59.840 coming , they're being activated under 15:59.840 --> 16:02.118 state authorities . So , um , you know , 16:02.130 --> 16:04.186 this was something that was urgently 16:04.186 --> 16:06.519 needed right away . They are , you know , 16:06.519 --> 16:08.919 um , some of them are being put to use 16:09.210 --> 16:11.432 as early as today , some more for the . 16:11.432 --> 16:13.575 Weekend , um , what I said was about 16:13.575 --> 16:15.664 surging capabilities . It's , we're 16:15.664 --> 16:17.831 gonna , we're gonna , we're gonna work 16:17.831 --> 16:20.053 with California with whatever they need 16:20.053 --> 16:22.275 when it comes to addressing these fires 16:22.275 --> 16:24.386 happening on the ground , but we have 16:24.386 --> 16:26.442 to do it in a way that is methodical 16:26.442 --> 16:28.553 and in a way that , um , fits in with 16:28.553 --> 16:30.775 Cal Fire's efforts , doesn't overlap or 16:30.775 --> 16:32.997 take away from any , you know , efforts 16:32.997 --> 16:35.220 that are ongoing on the ground . And at 16:35.220 --> 16:37.053 the end of the day we are at the 16:37.053 --> 16:39.108 direction of the state , um , and of 16:39.108 --> 16:41.164 the governor . So FEMA's leading the 16:41.164 --> 16:43.164 federal response and we are fitting 16:43.164 --> 16:45.386 into that federal response . Yeah , you 16:45.386 --> 16:47.442 said maps , do you mean is that like 16:47.442 --> 16:49.664 interchangeable with C-130 ? That's the 16:49.664 --> 16:52.030 8 , that's the 8 math C130s . That's 16:52.030 --> 16:55.390 right . Yeah , the math equipped 16:55.390 --> 16:58.390 C-130 aircraft . Mhm , yeah . Charlie 16:58.390 --> 17:00.557 had one and then I'll come over here . 17:00.557 --> 17:00.520 Yeah , and then I'm gonna go to the 17:00.520 --> 17:02.630 phone . I need to drill down because 17:02.719 --> 17:04.552 Americans , especially people in 17:04.552 --> 17:06.775 California were saying , well , what is 17:06.775 --> 17:09.069 taking so long ? So not pointing the 17:09.069 --> 17:12.670 finger of blame why has it taken so 17:12.670 --> 17:14.892 long , but they're still fighting these 17:14.892 --> 17:17.114 fires . You have grounded aircraft that 17:17.114 --> 17:19.003 are capable of doing it . The air 17:19.003 --> 17:21.829 situation has Has been more benevolent 17:21.829 --> 17:24.569 in recent days than it has , so the the 17:24.579 --> 17:27.050 the the wind has died down . Is is this 17:27.050 --> 17:29.217 a question that we put to the governor 17:29.217 --> 17:32.209 of California or to the DOD ? Well , 17:32.420 --> 17:34.420 Charlie , first , for the people of 17:34.420 --> 17:36.753 California , I mean , I'm , I'm from LA . 17:36.753 --> 17:38.976 I'm from the area where these fires are 17:38.976 --> 17:40.976 are hitting . I mean , my parents , 17:40.976 --> 17:40.949 yeah , my parents' home is like 17:40.949 --> 17:42.979 absolutely uh like they have a car 17:42.979 --> 17:45.201 packed and ready to go . They're seeing 17:45.201 --> 17:47.535 the smoke , they're seeing the ash fall . 17:47.535 --> 17:49.646 I , I think this is For anyone that's 17:49.646 --> 17:51.423 on the ground that's seeing the 17:51.423 --> 17:53.257 devastation that these fires are 17:53.257 --> 17:55.090 causing , it's , it's absolutely 17:55.090 --> 17:57.380 heartbreaking . So I , I think first 17:57.380 --> 17:59.859 and foremost we understand what the 17:59.859 --> 18:02.739 people of the Los Angelenos , 18:03.010 --> 18:05.343 Californians are experiencing right now . 18:05.380 --> 18:08.020 It's important to note here that the 18:08.020 --> 18:10.076 department is not the lead for these 18:10.076 --> 18:12.579 efforts . The state is the lead when it 18:12.579 --> 18:15.670 comes to . This ever changing , very 18:15.670 --> 18:17.859 fluid situation on the ground just as 18:17.859 --> 18:19.803 other states have been for other . 18:20.699 --> 18:22.921 Natural disasters that have occurred um 18:22.921 --> 18:25.150 over time , whether it be Hawaii , 18:25.260 --> 18:27.660 North Carolina , Florida , the states 18:27.660 --> 18:31.579 are always in the lead . Um , DOD is in 18:31.579 --> 18:33.635 a supporting role , and I think it's 18:33.635 --> 18:35.801 just really important to remember that 18:35.801 --> 18:37.912 we are supporting the state's efforts 18:37.912 --> 18:39.635 and FEMA's efforts and FEMA is 18:39.635 --> 18:41.857 coordinating the federal assistance and 18:41.857 --> 18:44.020 response like any type of emergency 18:44.020 --> 18:46.579 like this so we're gonna continue to 18:46.579 --> 18:48.819 work with the lead agencies with the 18:48.819 --> 18:50.699 state of California to plan and 18:50.699 --> 18:52.810 anticipate needs . That's what you're 18:52.810 --> 18:54.810 seeing the commander of of Northern 18:54.810 --> 18:56.977 Command do . That's what you're seeing 18:56.977 --> 18:59.088 the secretary do here as well and you 18:59.088 --> 19:00.921 know of course the president has 19:00.921 --> 19:03.088 directed this department . To be agile 19:03.088 --> 19:05.255 and to support California with what it 19:05.255 --> 19:07.588 needs during this time . Does that help ? 19:07.588 --> 19:09.532 OK , great . It doesn't answer why 19:09.532 --> 19:11.699 those aircraft are still on the ground 19:11.699 --> 19:14.032 where they should be in the air . Again , 19:14.032 --> 19:13.250 we're getting aircraft . There are 2 19:13.250 --> 19:15.417 going up today . Hold on . There are 2 19:15.417 --> 19:17.528 going up today . There's 6 more going 19:17.528 --> 19:19.750 up this weekend . We are standing by to 19:19.750 --> 19:21.750 support as needed with California , 19:21.750 --> 19:23.806 like as California requests , but we 19:23.806 --> 19:26.750 absolutely Cannot just surge assets 19:27.150 --> 19:29.550 into an area without a plan . We can 19:29.550 --> 19:31.750 get as many aircraft as we want up in 19:31.750 --> 19:33.750 the air if needed , but if we don't 19:33.750 --> 19:35.917 have a plan to attack fire , then that 19:35.917 --> 19:38.083 aircraft's not gonna do much good . So 19:38.083 --> 19:40.083 we have to work with the state . We 19:40.083 --> 19:39.949 have to work with the governor . Most 19:39.949 --> 19:42.171 importantly , we're the supporting role 19:42.171 --> 19:44.282 here . So we're working with FEMA and 19:44.282 --> 19:46.449 what they're in the plans that they're 19:46.449 --> 19:48.616 putting together . I'm gonna go to the 19:48.616 --> 19:48.109 phones and I'll , I'll come back in the 19:48.109 --> 19:50.719 room here . um , Heather you and I . 19:51.729 --> 19:53.729 Great , two questions , uh , one on 19:53.729 --> 19:56.400 this response . What request exactly 19:56.400 --> 19:59.079 has the DOD received from FEMA or from 19:59.079 --> 20:00.801 California in terms of sending 20:00.801 --> 20:03.469 helicopters or military service members 20:03.469 --> 20:05.802 and then a question on the Houthis , um , 20:05.880 --> 20:07.824 the Houthis are claiming that they 20:07.824 --> 20:09.991 attacked Truman again today , and also 20:10.280 --> 20:12.920 that the that Central Command struck um 20:12.920 --> 20:15.790 Houthi sites ahead of the January 8th 20:16.160 --> 20:18.199 strikes that sentOM announced any 20:18.199 --> 20:20.310 confirmation of either one of those ? 20:20.310 --> 20:22.366 Yeah , uh , thanks , Heather . So on 20:22.366 --> 20:24.989 the , um , Houthis again really shocked 20:24.989 --> 20:28.250 by their um disinformation on um 20:28.660 --> 20:31.579 striking our um ships in the region . 20:31.660 --> 20:34.859 There have been no um uh attacks on our 20:34.859 --> 20:38.380 ships . Um , in terms of um your 20:38.380 --> 20:40.491 question on strikes , the , the , the 20:40.491 --> 20:42.324 most recent strikes that Central 20:42.324 --> 20:45.280 Command conducted were on , um . Uh , 20:45.290 --> 20:47.512 January 8th that I read out here at the 20:47.512 --> 20:49.401 podium , we of course , uh , have 20:49.401 --> 20:51.401 conducted dynamic strikes , I think 20:51.401 --> 20:54.449 over the , um , maybe last few days as 20:54.449 --> 20:56.671 you know , Houthis have launched , um , 20:56.671 --> 20:58.893 or we see them prepare to launch , um , 20:58.893 --> 21:00.727 missiles or UAVs at our ships or 21:00.727 --> 21:02.671 commercial vessels . We take those 21:02.671 --> 21:04.838 actions , those dynamic strikes , um , 21:04.838 --> 21:07.005 I think there were some as recently as 21:07.005 --> 21:09.227 yesterday . Um , in terms of your other 21:09.227 --> 21:11.338 question , look , I'm , I'm not gonna 21:11.338 --> 21:13.449 read out everything that California , 21:13.449 --> 21:15.449 um , and FEMA has requested . I can 21:15.449 --> 21:17.671 tell you what the department is doing , 21:17.671 --> 21:19.949 which is again providing some of those , 21:19.949 --> 21:23.339 um , uh , maps that you will see , you 21:23.339 --> 21:25.506 know , going into California today and 21:25.506 --> 21:27.728 over the weekend , and then we are also 21:27.728 --> 21:29.895 preparing . Um , you know , additional 21:29.895 --> 21:32.006 forces to assist California with what 21:32.006 --> 21:33.728 they need . Um , you heard the 21:33.728 --> 21:35.950 president speak to that , that , that's 21:35.950 --> 21:38.189 our 500 , uh , personnel , additional 21:38.189 --> 21:40.411 Navy helicopters that are going to knit 21:40.411 --> 21:42.467 into California's response , um , to 21:42.467 --> 21:44.578 these fires . Uh , with that , I will 21:44.578 --> 21:46.790 go to 2 more on the phone here , uh , 21:46.910 --> 21:50.790 Meredith , Jane's defense . Uh , hi , 21:50.900 --> 21:53.122 I have a question about the PDA package 21:53.122 --> 21:55.829 announced yesterday . Um , air to 21:55.829 --> 21:58.390 ground munitions , uh , were listed on 21:58.390 --> 22:00.501 the package , and I was hoping if you 22:00.501 --> 22:02.939 could confirm if they have been 22:02.939 --> 22:05.140 provided in a previous package , um , 22:05.150 --> 22:08.420 and if not , then why now ? And could 22:08.420 --> 22:10.739 you further confirm if those are the , 22:10.949 --> 22:13.589 uh , Jasm missiles . Thanks Meredith 22:13.589 --> 22:15.589 for the question . Um , in terms of 22:15.589 --> 22:17.811 what we provided , uh , you know , uh , 22:17.811 --> 22:19.645 candidly I don't have our , um , 22:19.750 --> 22:21.861 release of everything that was listed 22:21.861 --> 22:24.194 in the PDA that was announced yesterday . 22:24.194 --> 22:26.528 Um , nothing , no new capabilities were , 22:26.528 --> 22:28.694 were in there . We've provided some of 22:28.694 --> 22:30.639 these capabilities in the past . I 22:30.639 --> 22:32.861 direct you to the defense.gov website , 22:32.861 --> 22:35.083 um , which lists out everything that we 22:35.083 --> 22:37.417 provided in that package yesterday , um , 22:37.417 --> 22:38.861 and Raheem Kurdistan TV . 22:42.609 --> 22:44.165 Don't think we have . Yes , 22:47.160 --> 22:48.993 one is , uh , as far as national 22:48.993 --> 22:51.839 security is concerned , how much you 22:51.839 --> 22:54.130 think , uh , uh , TikTok is dangerous 22:54.130 --> 22:56.719 for this building and like Chinese own 22:56.719 --> 22:58.941 part of Chinese owned Chinese Communist 22:58.941 --> 23:01.510 Party and also so many activities by 23:01.510 --> 23:03.621 the Chinese were also going on around 23:03.621 --> 23:07.349 the US uh uh 23:07.349 --> 23:10.079 military facilities and all that . Yeah , 23:10.420 --> 23:12.642 I appreciate the question , but that is 23:12.642 --> 23:14.864 obviously being litigated in the courts 23:14.864 --> 23:17.087 right now , so I'm just , I'm not gonna 23:17.087 --> 23:17.020 have anything to add on that one . And 23:17.020 --> 23:19.187 second , uh , India's foreign minister 23:19.187 --> 23:22.810 was here in Washington last week for 23:22.810 --> 23:25.939 almost a week . If he had any chance to 23:25.939 --> 23:28.810 meet and discuss anything , US . The 23:28.810 --> 23:31.650 ability to relations here at the 23:31.650 --> 23:33.872 Pentagon . I don't have any meetings to 23:33.872 --> 23:36.039 read out at this time . We always read 23:36.039 --> 23:38.261 those out but nothing , nothing to read 23:38.261 --> 23:40.680 out here . Yes , thank you . The Syrian 23:40.680 --> 23:42.847 Democratic Force are suggesting if the 23:42.847 --> 23:45.109 US and French troops are deployed to 23:45.109 --> 23:48.810 the northern Syrian border , they 23:48.810 --> 23:51.530 can diffuse the conflicts between the 23:51.530 --> 23:54.150 SDF and Turkish-backed forces . Is 23:54.150 --> 23:56.849 there any sort of kind of talks going 23:56.849 --> 23:59.829 on and how do you look at it ? I I'm 23:59.829 --> 24:02.439 not aware of any like joint patrols if 24:02.439 --> 24:04.717 that's what you're alluding to with US , 24:04.717 --> 24:06.772 French and SDF forces . No , I'm not 24:06.772 --> 24:08.717 aware of anything like that . Um , 24:08.717 --> 24:10.828 again , our presence in Syria remains 24:10.828 --> 24:12.939 in that eastern part of the country . 24:12.939 --> 24:14.661 um , we partner with the SDF . 24:14.661 --> 24:16.717 Obviously you know our long standing 24:16.717 --> 24:19.270 mission to defeat ISIS in Syria remains , 24:19.329 --> 24:22.500 but I , I , I'm not , I don't think 24:22.500 --> 24:24.833 there's any truth to those reports . OK , 24:24.939 --> 24:27.106 great . One more and then I have , and 24:27.106 --> 24:29.272 then I have one more , uh , I have one 24:29.272 --> 24:31.439 more thing to add at the end of this . 24:31.439 --> 24:33.272 OK , yeah , it's just we all had 24:33.272 --> 24:35.495 questions about Syria because The troop 24:35.495 --> 24:37.661 numbers , as we know , well , at least 24:37.661 --> 24:37.390 acknowledging that there are more 24:37.390 --> 24:40.000 troops there , 2000 , um , but there 24:40.000 --> 24:42.160 have also been some rumors , not only 24:42.160 --> 24:43.660 of movement and setting up 24:43.660 --> 24:46.719 semi-permanent structures , um , but 24:47.239 --> 24:50.180 they may be planning . To pull out if 24:50.180 --> 24:53.030 necessary or is that the US troops that 24:53.030 --> 24:56.260 are there now if ordered to by this new 24:56.260 --> 24:58.427 administration . So has there been any 24:58.427 --> 25:00.979 change in the the either the posture , 25:01.020 --> 25:03.187 the number or the status of the troops 25:03.187 --> 25:05.353 there ? So let me adjust your question 25:05.353 --> 25:07.680 on the um structures being set up . I , 25:07.739 --> 25:09.461 I think I talked about this on 25:09.461 --> 25:11.628 Wednesday , but if I'm , I can be more 25:11.628 --> 25:13.770 clear here , I , I will . Um . The US 25:13.770 --> 25:15.992 is not setting up any type of basing or 25:15.992 --> 25:17.937 permanent structures in the Kobani 25:17.937 --> 25:20.048 region , which I think is what you're 25:20.048 --> 25:22.270 what you're referencing , um , in terms 25:22.270 --> 25:24.489 of US presence and force posture , no 25:24.489 --> 25:27.239 changes , um , the incoming 25:27.239 --> 25:29.250 administration can't speak for any 25:29.250 --> 25:31.417 decisions that they will make , but in 25:31.417 --> 25:33.361 terms of this administration , the 25:33.361 --> 25:35.583 secretary , no forces , uh , no changes 25:35.583 --> 25:38.089 to force posture in Syria or Iraq , and 25:38.089 --> 25:40.145 the mission that they're there for . 25:40.699 --> 25:42.921 Still remains when it comes to ensuring 25:42.921 --> 25:46.000 the enduring defeat of ISIS . OK , um , 25:46.140 --> 25:49.770 so just very quickly , uh , it's Friday , 25:49.900 --> 25:52.780 it's also my last briefing , um , so I 25:52.780 --> 25:55.058 just wanted to just take a few minutes , 25:55.260 --> 25:59.170 um , to express my deep gratitude , uh , 25:59.180 --> 26:01.402 for those who have supported me on this 26:01.402 --> 26:03.810 journey . Um , first and foremost , I 26:03.810 --> 26:05.921 deeply want to thank Secretary Austin 26:05.921 --> 26:08.032 for entrusting me with the incredible 26:08.032 --> 26:10.088 honor of standing up here , briefing 26:10.088 --> 26:11.754 all of you , representing the 26:11.754 --> 26:13.477 department . It's truly been a 26:13.477 --> 26:15.532 privilege to be up here every single 26:15.532 --> 26:17.810 time that I've been able to do it . Um , 26:17.810 --> 26:19.699 representing our men and women in 26:19.699 --> 26:21.643 uniform and our dedicated civilian 26:21.643 --> 26:23.588 workforce , um , to my joint staff 26:23.588 --> 26:25.643 colleagues , um , thank you again so 26:25.643 --> 26:28.510 much for your unwavering support , um , 26:28.670 --> 26:30.589 my , your patience with all my 26:30.589 --> 26:32.922 questions , uh , sharing your knowledge , 26:32.989 --> 26:35.156 you've made me better every single day 26:35.156 --> 26:37.319 because of that . Um , to my OSDPA 26:37.319 --> 26:40.079 family , um , because we are family and 26:40.079 --> 26:42.839 so I thank you for that , um , to my 26:42.839 --> 26:45.319 DPO teammates , you're truly the 26:45.319 --> 26:47.910 heartbeat of this press team , um , 26:48.040 --> 26:49.762 your patience , support , your 26:49.762 --> 26:51.984 friendship , um , have really meant the 26:51.984 --> 26:54.318 world to me . Um , you've challenged me , 26:54.318 --> 26:56.262 you've pushed me , you've given me 26:56.262 --> 26:58.373 confidence to stand up at this podium 26:58.373 --> 27:00.540 and to represent you all . Um , I do , 27:00.540 --> 27:02.818 I just do have to shout out , um , and , 27:02.829 --> 27:04.996 and give a special thank you to , um , 27:04.996 --> 27:08.060 our ATSD Chris Maher . Um , Carly 27:08.060 --> 27:10.540 Weibel , General Ryder , Colonel Devine , 27:10.619 --> 27:12.819 and Chris Garver , um , for all your 27:12.819 --> 27:14.875 help , support , prepping me for all 27:14.875 --> 27:16.708 these briefings , um , it's been 27:16.708 --> 27:18.930 invaluable , and I , I truly don't have 27:18.930 --> 27:21.097 the words to express my gratitude , so 27:21.097 --> 27:23.097 thank you , um , to my lovely press 27:23.097 --> 27:25.152 colleagues in the room , um , you're 27:25.152 --> 27:27.375 indispensable to democracy . Uh , we've 27:27.375 --> 27:29.619 had our debates , our disagreements , 27:29.819 --> 27:32.900 our commiserations , our conversations . 27:33.260 --> 27:35.427 Um , you certainly challenged me . You 27:35.427 --> 27:37.800 never took it easy on me from day one , 27:37.900 --> 27:40.122 from my first off camera gaggle , which 27:40.122 --> 27:42.344 you can go back and read the transcript 27:42.344 --> 27:44.567 on how rough that was , um , to where I 27:44.567 --> 27:46.678 am today . And even today , uh , even 27:46.678 --> 27:48.733 having these conversations and these 27:48.733 --> 27:50.844 debates , um , you've pushed me to be 27:50.844 --> 27:52.733 better . And so I just , I really 27:52.733 --> 27:54.789 respect all the work that you do . I 27:54.789 --> 27:57.011 appreciate all the work that you do and 27:57.011 --> 27:59.011 just thank you , um , deeply . Um . 27:59.329 --> 28:01.829 I've truly loved working here , so um . 28:02.599 --> 28:04.710 I've had the opportunity to work with 28:04.710 --> 28:06.932 the best people . This is the best team 28:06.932 --> 28:08.932 I've been a part of , um , and it's 28:08.932 --> 28:11.043 been an honor every single day that I 28:11.043 --> 28:12.988 get to stand up here . And so just 28:12.988 --> 28:15.210 thank you for everything . And , um , I 28:15.210 --> 28:17.119 will leave it at that . Yeah . Oh .