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President Barack Obama

President Nominates Carter to be Next Defense Secretary

President Barack Obama named Ashton B. Carter, who previously served as deputy defense secretary, as his choice to become the 25th secretary of defense. Story | Transcript

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel

More Must be Done to Eliminate Sexual Assault, Hagel Says

Aggressive efforts to prevent sexual assault in the military are having an impact based on survey data that shows a drop in prevalence of 25 percent, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said, adding that more work remains to be done to eliminate the problem. Story | Special | Report | Initiatives | Transcript | Speech

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Lead Photos

Photo: TANK COVER

U.S. soldiers move from behind an old tank during an exercise at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Dec. 3, 2014. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William Tanner

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Special ReportsMore »

DoD Helps Fight Ebola in West Africa - Operation United AssistanceCombined Federal Campaign 2014Sexual Assault - Awareness and PreventionNational Native American Heritage Month 2014Military Family Support MonthWarrior Care Month 2014Operation Atlantic Resolve: America's Continued Commitment to European SecurityThe Cyber Domain - Security and OperationsMilitary Health System Review

Features

Face of Defense

Army Spc. Richard Thompson ‘Trees for Troops’ Spreads Holiday Cheer

Every year around the holidays, some families experience added stress. Maybe because of visiting relatives, finding the last gift, or cooking for dozens. But for some on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one stress that is avoided is the buying of a Christmas tree. Story

In The Spotlight

Cyber Pros Receive Chief Info Officer Awards

The Defense Department’s top information management professionals received senior-level recognition for their expertise at the 2014 DoD Chief Information Officer Award ceremony. Story | Statement | Special

NORAD Prepares to Track Santa’s Flight

The North American Aerospace Defense Command’s NORAD Tracks Santa website, http://www.noradsanta.org, has launched featuring a mobile version, a holiday countdown, new games and daily activities and more. Story

Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama First Lady Invites Military Families to Preview Holiday Decor

Service members, veterans, wounded warriors and their families were among the first to see this year’s White House holiday decorations, centering around the theme, “A Children’s Winter Wonderland.” Story | Special

Dr. Jill Biden Military Families Meet With Dr. Biden at Holiday Reception

The vice president’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, hosted a holiday celebration at the vice president’s residence in honor of service members, veterans and their families. Guests included senior military spouses, guests from the Naval Observatory, Camp David, Full Circle Home and military families. Story | Photos | Special

Twitter Activity

Get to know secretary of defense nominee Ashton Carter http://t.co/OS4UhQJOPK
RT @USNavy: What did @USSAnchorage do today? Not much, just recovered a @NASA test spacecraft! #Awesome http://t.co/iFswpveulp
RT @NoradNorthcom: Men & women of NORAD & NORTHCOM welcome new commander, ADM Gortney & his family. Wish farewell to GEN Jacoby and his fam…
RT @NoradNorthcom: New #NoradNorthcom commander ADM Gortney looks forward to working with partners for homeland defense, civil support http…
RT @NoradNorthcom: Ready for the NORAD NORTHCOM Change of Command ceremony today. Stay tuned for more coverage... http://t.co/YtEninU49x
Read #SecDef Hagel's statement on POTUS nomination for secretary of defense, Ash Carter http://t.co/xR6YF8XXYj
RT @WhiteHouse: "Ash is rightly regarded as one of our nation’s foremost national security leaders." —Obama on his Secretary of Defense nom…
RT @WhiteHouse: "Today, I’m pleased to announce my nominee to be our next Secretary of Defense—Mr. Ash Carter." —President Obama
RT @WhiteHouse: At 10:10am ET, President Obama makes a personnel announcement. Watch → http://t.co/DaQPDocxzV
RT @USNATO: Mediterranean Sea -- Sailors aboard USS Samuel B. Roberts during a replenishment-at-sea http://t.co/DDUYQMpiOC
RT @DoDNews: Find unique stories,news, videos/photos of #soldiers across the globe at the @USArmy blog http://t.co/dELmr9VZwN http://t.co/Z…
RT @DoDNews: Find out what's going on across the @USNavy fleet, for sailors by sailors at @AllHandsMag. http://t.co/d662xSyciC http://t.co…
RT @USMC: SAPR progress report submitted by @DeptofDefense to @BarackObama to show progress in ending military sexual assault http://t.co/…
“One hundred glue sticks, 100 pencils, 100 of everything,” #Soldier's 6-year-old gives back http://t.co/EQNQJWAxn1 http://t.co/6iCDO1aUS6
For more information on the DoD's stance on sexual assault visit here http://t.co/WklTspWFoB

Facebook Activity

Get to know secretary of defense nominee Ashton Carter.



Timeline Photos
WOW! Check out this photo of a Delta IV heavy rocket as it lifts off from Cape Canaveral this morning carrying @[54971236771:274:NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration]'s Orion spacecraft on an unpiloted flight test to Earth orbit. Amphibious transport dock ship @[128033700603947:274:USS Anchorage (LPD 23)] will recover the Orion crew module after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.
Statement by Secretary Hagel on the Nomination of Ashton Carter December 5, 2014

Earlier today, President Obama announced that he will nominate Ashton Carter to succeed me as secretary of defense.

Ash is a patriot and a leader. I strongly support his nomination.

Over a distinguished career of public service, Ash has served eleven secretaries of defense. He has held the number two and number three jobs at the Pentagon - and, for both, was confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate. He is a renowned strategist, scientist, and scholar with expertise spanning from international security and counterterrorism to science, technology, and innovation. And I know that Ash and Stephanie are committed to America's men and women in uniform, and their families.

In my first year as secretary, when Ash was my deputy, I had the opportunity to work with him on some of our nation's toughest national security challenges. I relied on him to lead some of the Defense Department's most important initiatives.

If confirmed as secretary of defense, Ash Carter would make important contributions to our nation's security and armed forces. I urge the United States Senate to confirm Ash without delay, and, until then, I look forward to continuing my service as secretary and ensuring a smooth transition.
Marines get down and dirty during training

U.S. Marines go through the Jungle Warfare Training Center’s endurance course on Camp Gonsalves in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 25, 2014. The Marines are assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/25677


U.S. sailors observe as a helicopter lowers a pallet of supplies across a flight deck during a vertical replenishment aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Dec. 1, 2014.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Jackson

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/255dl


U.S. Marines zero their weapons on the firing range during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Dec. 2, 2014.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Laura Y. Raga

See more photos of the training in Djibouti: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/2548o


This four-legged friend is helping break down barriers with service members in Afghanistan.

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Staying in touch with our human side can be made easier with the help of a dog. Capt. Andrea Baker, a chaplain with Task Force Raptor, brings along a service dog named Zac to help break barriers and encourage service members to open up.

DoD video by Gail McCabe



U.S. Army soldier's six-year-old daughter gives back to those in need this Christmas.

"I think her biggest thing was thinking about kids not having presents on Christmas."


Defense.gov News Article: Face of Defense: Soldier’s Daughter Helps People in Need
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FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Dec. 4, 2014 For Lilly Bradley, the thought of children not having presents to open on Christmas morning was a sad reality that she wanted to change for at least a few youngsters.
Get more information on the DoD's stance on sexual assault as well as the steps the DoD is taking toward awareness and prevention.


Defense.gov Special Coverage: Sexual Assault
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The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed efforts to bolster the Defense Department’s investigative techniques and expertise in amassing sexual assault and sexual harassment case evidence. Story
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and DoD leaders to brief reporters on SAPRO Report at 1:30 PM EST.

Watch LIVE: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/25109
Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby on Rescue Operation in Yemen

The United States attempted a rescue operation recently to free a number of hostages, including U.S. citizen Luke Somers, held in Yemen by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. This operation was conducted in partnership with the armed forces of Yemen and involved air and ground components. Some hostages were rescued, but others -- including Somers -- were not present at the targeted location. Details about the mission remain classified.

We are only acknowledging the fact of the operation now to provide accurate information given that it is being widely reported in the public domain.

As we have said repeatedly, the United States government is committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly those suffering in captivity. We use the full breadth of our military, intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic capabilities to bring people home whenever we can. The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will work tirelessly to secure the safety of our citizens and to hold their captors accountable.
First Lady Michelle Obama gives military families a sneak peek of the White House holiday decor.

“Your presence here today is a powerful reminder for … what this season is really all about. We get caught up in the holiday rush … but ultimately, that’s not what this season is about. It’s really about serving others. It’s about giving more than we receive. And it’s about showing those we love how much they mean to us.”


Defense.gov News Article: First Lady Invites Military Families to Preview Holiday Decor
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2014 First Lady Michelle Obama invited service members, veterans, wounded warriors and their families to be the first to see this year’s White House holiday decorations, centering around the theme, “A Children’s Winter Wonderland,” today.
Dr. Jill Biden, far left, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, watches as Santa passes out gifts to military children during a holiday reception she hosted to honor service members, veterans and their families at the vice president’s residence in Washington, D.C., Dec. 3, 2014.

DoD photo by Marvin Lynchard

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24y59


U.S. sailors maneuver a drop tank across the flight deck of the of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the Persian Gulf, Nov. 24, 2014. The Carl Vinson is conducting flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr.

For more photos from Operation Inherent Resolve: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24xkp


The DoD sets its sight on space, undersea technologies and air dominance as part of future development plan.

“We’re interested in getting the broadest set of folks, the brightest minds we can find, to come help us on this effort. We’re hoping that by casting this wide net, we’ll be able to harness the creativity and innovation going on in the broader ecosystem and help us think about the future department in a new way."


Defense.gov News Article: DoD Seeks Future Technology Via Development Plan
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2014 The Defense Department seeks technology and innovative ideas as part of its Long Range Research Development Plan within the Defense Innovation Initiative, a broad effort that examines future capabilities, dominance and strategy, a senior DoD official said Nov. 24.
For the last 50 years, U.S. Navy aircraft have been getting troops and supplies to aircraft carriers at sea whenever and wherever needed.


In COD We Trust - YouTube
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Celebrating 50 years of service to our country

The USAF Band - 2014 Holiday Flash Mob

The United States Air Force Band surprised visitors at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., Dec. 2, 2014, with a flash mob full of holiday spirit. Here's the video in case you missed it!
Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby says the DoD has full confidence that Afghan security forces will be ready to take over full security control of their country come January.

“They are in the lead right now and by the end of this month they will have full responsibility.”


Defense.gov News Article: Kirby Confident Afghans Can Take Full Security Control Next Month
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2014 With less than a month to go before the U.S-led NATO combat mission ends in Afghanistan, a senior Defense Department official said today Afghan security forces will be ready to take over the job of securing their country come January first.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samuel C. Mills crosses a river obstacle while going through the Jungle Warfare Training Center’s endurance course on Camp Gonsalves in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 25, 2014. Mills is a fire support man assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24q7u


A U.S. Navy search and rescue swimmer jumps from a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a training evolution in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 26, 2014. The Seahawk is assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick W. Mullen III

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24pfc


Paratroopers Return Home from Afghanistan

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Army Spc. Cameron Huntington embraces his wife Rebekah shortly after he returned home from Afghanistan in the early morning hours on Fort Bragg, N.C., Nov. 28, 2014. Huntington is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's Combat Aviation Brigade.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Armas

For more photos from the homecoming: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24oel


Someone has to do the heavy lifting.

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CH-47 Chinook personnel with Bravo Co., 3rd Battalion., 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, describe their mission doing heavy lift operations in eastern Afghanistan.

Video by Staff Sgt. Richard Stowell



Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby to brief reporters at the Pentagon at 2:00 PM EST.

Watch LIVE: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24kl9
Sharing with you a story of an Airman who recently returned from the front line fighting one of the deadliest outbreaks in West Africa, the Ebola Virus. Here is the full story of his encounter.


Airman returns from front lines of fight against Ebola
www.africom.mil
Before many volunteers could begin fighting Ebola in West Africa, U.S. Air Force Maj. Francis Obuseh was on the ground in Monrovia, Liberia, paving the way for safe execution of their mission.
Senate Armed Services Committee to hold confirmation hearing at 9:30 AM ET.

Watch LIVE: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24ic5
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Genuardi performs breathing techniques during a gas mask fit test on Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Nov. 21, 2014. The fit test is used to ensure the mask will work properly during emergency situations. Genuardi is assigned to the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Cory W. Bush

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24i33


An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter transports dry cargo and ammunition from the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson during a replenishment at sea in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Nov. 26, 2014. The Carl Vinson is supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the region.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Coffer

For more DoD imagery: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/24hic


The remains of airmen missing from World War II were recovered and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

The airmen were aboard an aircraft shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire over New Guinea during a mission in 1944.


Defense.gov News Release: Airmen Missing From WWII Accounted For
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The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been accounted for and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Blogs

Chairman Discusses Various Topics During Town Hall
Chairman Discusses Various Topics During Town Hall Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, participated in a Facebook town hall to discuss a variety of military topics.   More
Cybercom Chief Details U.S. Cyber Threats
The commander of U.S. Cyber Command says cyber threats are real, hurting the nation and its allies, costing hundreds of billions, and potentially leading to a catastrophic failure.    More

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