Naturalization | July 3rd 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

US to ship 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Indonesia 'as soon as possible'

Jul. 3 - The United States will ship 4 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine to Indonesia as it battles a coronavirus outbreak, the US national security adviser told the Indonesian foreign minister on Friday (Jul 2).
In a call with Retno Marsudi, Jake Sullivan said the doses would be shipped via the COVAX global vaccine sharing program "as soon as possible", a White House statement said.

Sullivan said the donation "underscored the United States’ support for the people of Indonesia as they fight a surge in COVID-19 cases".

The two officials also discussed US plans to increase assistance for Indonesia’s broader COVID-19 response efforts, the statement said...     more

Related Articles:
Indonesia to boost social, health spending amid COVID-19 battle
Indonesia 'emergency' COVID-19 curbs to take effect on Jul 3
Our comprehensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and its developments

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July 2, 2021
President Biden Holds Naturalization Ceremony at White House
President Biden held a naturalization ceremony in the White House East Room. Joining the president was Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Acting Director Tracy Renaud. During the ceremony, Secretary Mayorkas administered the oath of allegiance to 21 candidates representing 16 countries who applied to become U.S. citizens.

Remarks by President Biden in a Naturalization Ceremony with Essential Workers and Military Service Members

July 02, 2021 • Speeches and Remarks

East Room

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  (Applause.)  Please, please be seated.
 
Before I begin, any family of the people who just got sworn in here today?  If you are, stand up.  Congratulations to you all as well.  Congratulations.  Congratulations.  It’s a good day, isn’t it?
 
All right.  You get to — and, by the way, if you’re around on Sunday, we’re going to — you’ll see the fireworks — Fourth of July, our Independence Day.  (Laughter.)
 
Mr. Secretary, thank you for administering the oath.  I know how meaningful this event is to you personally and professionally.  And I thank you and the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Tracy — where is Tracy?  She — there you go, Tracy.  Thank you very much — appreciate it — for joining us in this service.
 
Look, today — today’s special guests — to all of you: It is my honor to congratulate the 21 of you for — who earned the title of — that our democracy, in every — is equal to being President — it’s of the same consequence: citizen — citizen of the United States of America.
 
You have each come to America from different circumstances and different reasons and 16 different nationalities.
 
But like previous generations of immigrants, there is one trait you all share in common: courage.  It takes courage to get up and leave everything you know and go to another place, no matter where it is.  You know, the only homes you’ve ever known, the lives, the loved ones who weren’t able to come — for a new start in the United States of America...     more

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July 2, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki held a briefing on the Biden administration’s policy agenda. A variety of topics were discussed including the supply chain, troop withdraw from Afghanistan, vaccine hesitancy, sexual assault in the military, defunding the police, and voting rights. Joining the press secretary was White House National Economic Council Director Brian Deese, who addressed the June jobs report, calling it “strong and encouraging.”

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese, July 2, 2021

July 02, 2021 • Press BriefingsJames S. Brady Press Briefing Room

MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.  Happy Friday.  All right.  So, today, it’s Jobs Day.  We have our special guest, NEC Director Brian Deese, joining us, who will give us an overview and then take some of your questions.
 
With that, I’ll turn it over to Brian.
 
MR. DEESE:  Well, I was going to say it’s a sign of the progress that we’re making that the last time that I came here the briefing room was significantly less full than it is right now.  (Laughter.) 
 
So, we are making — making progress across the board in all ways, except I guess now you guys are significantly more squished. 
 
So — so, yeah, happy to spend a couple of minutes with you guys to just provide a little bit more context.  You all heard the President discussing the employment report that we got today, so I just wanted to provide a little bit of additional context on how we are looking at that data in the context of what we’ve seen over the course of the last couple of weeks and the last week in particular...     more

U.S. and Russia Refuse to Back Down as Black Sea Tensions Rise

Jul. 3 - NATO and Russian forces are both refusing to change course in the Black Sea, where recent military confrontations have raised fears of a sudden violent escalation dragging in the U.S., Russia, the European Union and Ukraine.

In recent weeks, Russian forces have confronted British and Dutch ships sailing close to Crimean territorial waters, a region annexed by Moscow in 2014, and considered Russian by Moscow. However, NATO allies have never accepted the annexation, while also condemning the Kremlin's 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

Russia claimed to have fired warning shots at the British destroyer HMS Defender—a claim denied by British defense officials—and Russian jets reportedly conducted mock attack runs against Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen...     more

Related Articles:

• Vladimir Putin Said U.S. Trailed British Ship to Test Russia's Reaction
• Ukraine Fires Back at Vladimir Putin's Claim Country is a U.S. Pawn

Surfside | July 2nd 2021

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Bidens will meet with DeSantis, then sit with grieving families of Florida condo crisis

Jun. 2 - President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are traveling to Florida on Thursday as search and rescue operations continue in the aftermath of a deadly seafront condominium collapse in Surfside.

The White House was hesitant to release details of the president's agenda ahead of the trip, but according to Biden's public schedule distributed to reporters late Wednesday evening, he will start once he lands in South Florida with a briefing from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and other local officials on the current state of play...     more

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July 1, 2021
President Biden Receives Briefing on Florida Condo Collapse
President Biden received an update from Florida officials on the deadly condo collapse in Surfside. He pledged to provide whatever federal resources are needed as the search continues for victims. As of the president’s visit, more than 15 people were dead and more than 100 still unaccounted for.

Remarks by President Biden on the Surfside Condo Collapse

July 01, 2021 • Speeches and RemarksSt. Regis Hotel

Surfside, Florida
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, folks.  Let me begin by saying that the degree of cooperation between local, state, and federal officials down here has been remarkable. 
 
I want to thank our FEMA Director for leading this national effort.   But Governor DeSantis, Senators Rubio and Scott, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Mayor Cava –- Cava — they’ve been — they’ve all cooperated in ways that I haven’t seen in a long time.  And it’s really a testament to — to what’s — how difficult things are down here.  And it’s what, quite frankly, we miss a lot.  You know, we all — we’ve all been working in tandem from the moment we got the news of the collapse of the building. 

 
And I think my colleagues will tell you we cut through the bureaucracy.  The one — the one order I gave federal folks was, “No bureaucracy.  Just cut through it.  Get to whatever they need.”
 
That’s why we’ve decided to cover, for example, 100 percent of the search-and-rescue costs for the first 30 days.  Not done often but necessary here, in my view. 
 
And FEMA is going to provide temporary housing and other urgent needs for the survivors...     more

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July 1, 2021
Biden Delivers Remarks in Florida on Condo Collapse
President Biden addressed the deadly condo collapse in Surfside, Florida after visiting with families of the victims and first responders. He commented about the level of cooperation in responding to the emergency and said the federal government would cover the search and rescue costs for the first 30 days. He also spoke about meeting with families whose loved ones were lost or missing assuring them, “We’re here for you as one nation.” When questioned about the Supreme Court’s decision on Arizona voting rights he said it was, “somewhat astounding” and stated it was, “Critical that we make a distinction between voter suppression and suspension.”

Remarks by President Biden Before a Command Briefing from Incident Commander Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Governor Ron DeSantis, Local Leaders, and First Responders

July 01, 2021 • Speeches and Remarks
St. Regis Hotel
Miami, Florida


THE PRESIDENT:  (In progress) — and I’ve got to say that, you know, having been to, unfortunately, a lot of — like many of us have — a lot of disaster sites because of natural disasters, it’s — what you’re doing, in coordination among you all, has been just admirable.  It really is impressive.

And so I just want to say thanks and listen and find out what I can do as President and what I can unleash, in terms of help, for whatever you need.

The governor and the mayor have been completely open with me, asked whatever they — whatever they’ve asked, I think we’ve been able to deliver.  And I think there’s more that we can do, including — I think I have the power — and we’ll know shortly — to be able to pick up 100 percent of the cost for the county and the state for 30 days.

MAYOR LEVINE CAVA:  Oh, my goodness, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:  I think I’m quite sure I can do that.  And so we’re going to do that. 

And there’s going to be a lot — you all know it because a lot of you have been through it as well — there’s going to be a lot of pain and anxiety and suffering and even a need for psychological help in the days and months that follow.

And so, we’re not going anywhere.

MAYOR LEVINE CAVA:  Thank you.  Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:  No, for real.  But, again, I just want to, you know, start the day, if I could, getting as thorough briefing as you’re able to give me, and tell me what you need.  And that goes for both the senators and the congresswoman and anyone in Florida, just to pick up the phone to the Oval.  For real.  I’m not joking about it. 

And I think the Gov will tell you — anything you ask for, we got.  And we have another group of teams coming from FEMA today.  How many people will it be?...     more

Blinken Meets Top Tajik, Uzbek Diplomats, With Afghanistan In Sharp Focus

Jul. 2 - Even as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan, the United States has vowed to continue to provide support to the Afghan government and security forces, including the option of launching air strikes against the Taliban using warplanes from outside the country.

When President Joe Biden earlier this year announced U.S. forces would exit Afghanistan by September, he said the United States would “not take our eye off the terrorist threat in Afghanistan.”

“The United States will reorganize our counterterrorism capabilities and assets in the region to prevent the reemergence of a terrorist threat in Afghanistan,” he said.

In recent weeks, media reports, including from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have suggested U.S. officials are looking to reposition some forces in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in order to keep track of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, given the two countries’ proximity to Afghanistan.

Potential options, according to U.S. officials, include putting troops, drones, bombers, and intelligence assets at bases or facilities in the two Central Asian countries...     quoted from

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Kamilov
July 1, 2021

As stated by Spokesperson Ned Price:

Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The Secretary expressed the United States’ desire to deepen its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, noting that the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary offered support for Uzbekistan’s continuing reforms, including strengthening human rights and democracy. The Secretary commended Uzbekistan’s initiatives to improve relations within Central Asia, noting the two countries’ active cooperation through the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Uzbekistan’s continued support for a just and durable peace settlement in Afghanistan. He also welcomed Uzbekistan’s focus on regional connectivity, including closer political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan in ways that would support prosperity and growth across Central and South Asia.     source from

'12 kids?' When Biden kneeled before Rivlin's haredi aide

President Biden expresses his respect for Israeli president's haredi chief of staff after learning she has 12 children.

Jul 2 - President Joe Biden made an unusual gesture of respect for the chief of staff of his Israeli counterpart earlier this week.
President Reuven Rivlin and his chief of staff and bureau chief Rivka Ravitz met with President Biden in the Oval Office Monday, during President Rivlin’s final trip to the US while in office.

While speaking with Rivlin and Ravitz, Biden learned that Ravitz has twelve children, prompting him to kneel down before her.

“I have a picture of my mother here,” Biden said during the meeting, “You must see who she was.”

After the meeting, Rivlin told reporters he believes Biden is a ‘friend of Israel’ and that he is working to ensure Israel’s safety.

Biden also met with President Rivlin’s daughter, telling reporters he spoke with the Rivlins about their family.
“I’m so delighted his daughter is here. She’s in the back right there. And I got to — I got to meet her and talk about our kids and grandkids and all the like.”     source from

Blinken Meets Top Tajik, Uzbek Diplomats, With Afghanistan In Sharp Focus

Jul. 2 - Even as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan, the United States has vowed to continue to provide support to the Afghan government and security forces, including the option of launching air strikes against the Taliban using warplanes from outside the country.

When President Joe Biden earlier this year announced U.S. forces would exit Afghanistan by September, he said the United States would “not take our eye off the terrorist threat in Afghanistan.”

“The United States will reorganize our counterterrorism capabilities and assets in the region to prevent the reemergence of a terrorist threat in Afghanistan,” he said.

In recent weeks, media reports, including from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have suggested U.S. officials are looking to reposition some forces in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in order to keep track of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, given the two countries’ proximity to Afghanistan.

Potential options, according to U.S. officials, include putting troops, drones, bombers, and intelligence assets at bases or facilities in the two Central Asian countries...     quoted from

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Kamilov
July 1, 2021

As stated by Spokesperson Ned Price:

Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The Secretary expressed the United States’ desire to deepen its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, noting that the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary offered support for Uzbekistan’s continuing reforms, including strengthening human rights and democracy. The Secretary commended Uzbekistan’s initiatives to improve relations within Central Asia, noting the two countries’ active cooperation through the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Uzbekistan’s continued support for a just and durable peace settlement in Afghanistan. He also welcomed Uzbekistan’s focus on regional connectivity, including closer political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan in ways that would support prosperity and growth across Central and South Asia.     source from

'12 kids?' When Biden kneeled before Rivlin's haredi aide

President Biden expresses his respect for Israeli president's haredi chief of staff after learning she has 12 children.

Jul 2 - President Joe Biden made an unusual gesture of respect for the chief of staff of his Israeli counterpart earlier this week.
President Reuven Rivlin and his chief of staff and bureau chief Rivka Ravitz met with President Biden in the Oval Office Monday, during President Rivlin’s final trip to the US while in office.

While speaking with Rivlin and Ravitz, Biden learned that Ravitz has twelve children, prompting him to kneel down before her.

“I have a picture of my mother here,” Biden said during the meeting, “You must see who she was.”

After the meeting, Rivlin told reporters he believes Biden is a ‘friend of Israel’ and that he is working to ensure Israel’s safety.

Biden also met with President Rivlin’s daughter, telling reporters he spoke with the Rivlins about their family.
“I’m so delighted his daughter is here. She’s in the back right there. And I got to — I got to meet her and talk about our kids and grandkids and all the like.”     source from

NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - July 1st, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
Trump Organization charged with tax-related crimes, Bill Cosby returns home after court overturns conviction, and CDC reports rise in Covid cases as delta variant spreads.

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NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - July 1st, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
Trump Organization charged with tax-related crimes, Bill Cosby returns home after court overturns conviction, and CDC reports rise in Covid cases as delta variant spreads.

Wildfire | July 1st 2021

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With The West Facing Brutal Fire Season, Biden Says He’ll Hire More Federal Firefighters And Raise Pay

Jul. 1 - The Biden administration said Wednesday it is hiring more federal firefighters – and immediately raising their pay – as officials ramp up response efforts in the face of a severe drought that is setting the stage for another destructive summer of intense wildfires across the West.

President Joe Biden announced the moves during a virtual meeting with governors from Western states and as a huge swath of the Pacific Northwest endures one of the worst heat waves in recent memory.

“This is an area that has been under-resourced, but that’s going to change and we have to do it,” Biden told the governors. “We can’t cut corners when it comes to managing our wildfires or supporting our firefighters. Right now we have to act and act fast”...     more

Related Articles:
As Fires Break Out In California, President Biden Announces Federal Firefighter Pay Increase

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Readout of President Biden’s Wildfire Preparedness Meeting with Cabinet Officials, Governors and Private Sector Partners

JUNE 30, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Today, President Biden convened a meeting with Governors from Western States, Cabinet and agency officials, and energy sector partners to discuss the critical need to work together to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response efforts for this wildfire season, which is on track to outpace last season.  In the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of making much-needed investments to prepare our country to do everything we can to address the growing and severe threat of wildfires and save lives.  The President highlighted the series of actions his Administration is taking immediately to respond to wildfires this year, including making substantial investments in our firefighter personnel, increasing Federal firefighter pay and providing access to retention incentives, and extending the hiring of temporary firefighters to ensure a more effective response throughout this year’s fire season.  The President also shared how the Biden Administration is improving our wildfire response capabilities including through the use of new technologies, and helping vulnerable communities mitigate the impact of fires through new funding.  President Biden announced a $37 million grant award to California to support fire mitigation efforts as part of FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.  Last month, President Biden announced the Administration will double funding for the program to $1 billion next year in order to invest in pre-disaster resilience and mitigation resources and help strengthen the ability of communities, families, and businesses to withstand extreme weather events and other disasters.

Vice President Harris spoke about how this administration is investing in resilience to protect against wildfires and extreme weather...     more

June 30, 2021
President Biden Signs Congressional Review Acts into Law
During a bill signing ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, President Biden signed three Congressional Review Acts into law. The newly signed laws deal with lowering greenhouse gas emissions, protecting borrowers from predatory lenders, and strengthening worker protections against employment discrimination.

Remarks by President Biden Signing Three Congressional Review Act Bills into Law: S.J.Res.13; S.J.Res.14; and S.J.Res.15

JUNE 30, 2021•SPEECHES AND REMARKS

South Court Auditorium
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Madam Speaker, welcome to almost the other side.  (Laughter.)  It’s great to see you guys.  And it’s strange to have congressmen stand up for me; that’s an unusual thing to do.  But thank you so much.
 
Well, welcome to the adjunct to the White House here.  The — I’m about to sign into law three bills which you all have written and passed protecting our planet from climate-disturbing greenhouse gas, particularly methane, which is devastating; protecting consumers from predatory lenders; and protecting workers from employment discrimination. 
 
Each of these bills — each of these bills reflects a return to common sense and commitment to the common good, and I want to thank every one of you for your leadership in getting this done...     more

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June 30, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
EPA Administrator Michael Regan joined White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to brief reporters on the bipartisan infrastructure framework deal. Other topics discussed included the COVID-19 delta variant, U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and policing reform negotiations.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Michael Regan, June 30, 2021

JUNE 30, 2021•PRESS BRIEFINGS
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room


MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.

Q    Good afternoon. 

Q    Good to see you.  

MS. PSAKI:  Good afternoon.  Good to see you, too.  Okay, it is so great to welcome back our Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Michael Regan.  He’s here to talk more about the bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, which includes the largest investments in the nation’s clean water infrastructure, including funds needed to eliminate and replace 100 percent of lead water pipes and service lines.

Across the country, pipes and treatment plants are aging, and polluted drinking water is endangering public health.  Studies show that ki- — for kids, higher exposure to lead negatively affects academic performance and can lead to cardiovascular disease later in life.

The investments in water infrastructure in the framework are unprecedented and also include funding to modernize waste water systems across the country, including in rural areas and on Tribal lands.

He also just came from the President’s meeting on wildfire preparedness with western governors as well. 

And after that, we’ll do a full briefing.  As always, I’ll be the bad cop when we’re ready to take questions and he needs to go.  Thank you so much. 

ADMINISTRATOR REGAN:  Thank you, Jen.  Good afternoon.  I just came from the President’s meeting on wildfires with western governors.  The increasing intensity of wildfires and heat out West is a major public health challenge.  President Biden is bringing leadership and resources — the resources of the federal government to help those on the frontlines in our western states...     more

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Wednesday

Pentagon | Jun. 30 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

June 29, 2021
President Biden Remarks on Infrastructure in La Crosse, Wisconsin
President Biden spoke about his infrastructure proposals, at the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility in La Crosse Wisconsin.

Remarks by President Biden on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework

JUNE 29, 2021•SPEECHES AND REMARKS

La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility
La Crosse, Wisconsin

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  Thank you, Laurie.  Please, please, please sit down.  I once said that to a big crowd; it was in the evening.  I said, “Please, sit down.”  And there were no seats.  They were out in a football field.  (Laughter.)  And the press pointed out, “Biden is losing it.”  (Laughter.)  Well, I can see you all have seats.  (Laughter.)

Laurie, thank you very much.  I told Laurie, when she was showing me the bus she’s driving now: Back when I was in law school, I drove a school bus during the summers to pick up spending money.  And from one bus driver to another, Laurie, I want to thank you for all you do to make this city run, to help folks get where they need to go.  And you do it in a way that sometimes is not always easy. 

I’m glad to be here with great Wisconsin leaders.  Gov, I guess I landed at the airport just a few minutes before you did.  Thank you for making the effort to be here.  And my good friend, Tammy Baldwin — Senator Baldwin is here.  And Congressman Ron Kind is — and, Mom, thank you for raising a good kid...     more

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Fact Sheet: Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Will Address Barriers Communities of Color Face to Economic Opportunity

JUNE 29, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework addresses economic disparities in our economy and the consequences of decades of disinvestment in America’s infrastructure that have fallen most heavily on communities of color. Through critical investments, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework increases access to good-paying jobs, affordable high-speed internet, reliable public transit, clean drinking water and other resources to ensure communities of color get a fair shot at the American dream.

These critical investments are first steps in advancing equity and racial justice throughout our economy. The President believes additional investments are needed in our nation’s caregiving infrastructure, housing supply, regional development, and workforce development programs to ensure that communities of color and other underserved communities can access economic opportunity and justice. And, earlier this month in Tulsa, OK, President Biden announced a whole-of-government effort to increase the share of federal contracts going to small disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent over the next five years, leveraging the government’s purchasing power to help more Americans realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework:

DELIVERS HIGH SPEED INTERNET TO EVERY AMERICAN HOUSEHOLD...     more

June 29, 2021
Department Briefing
Defense Department Spokesman John Kirby briefs reporters at the Pentagon.

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing

JUNE 29, 2021

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby

PRESS SECRETARY JOHN F. KIRBY: There's a happy face.

Q: Hidden behind the mask, can't tell.

MR. KIRBY: All right. A couple of things at the top, we'll get right to it. As some of you know, General Gus Perna, who serves as the chief operating officer of the Countermeasures Acceleration Group, who is going to retire at the end of the week. His deputy, retired Lieutenant General Paul Ostrowski, a 35-year veteran himself, will also step down from his position as director of supply production and distribution, and return to civilian service.

...On a new topic, as I mentioned last week, this Monday -- yesterday, U.S. Navy Europe and the Ukrainian Navy kicked off Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 in the Black Sea with the largest number of participants in the exercise's 21 iterations.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Commander Captain Kyle Gantt explained that there is nothing provocative about a naval exercise in international waters, and he's absolutely right. This longstanding exercise continues to support security and stability in the region through interoperability with our Black Sea NATO allies and partners...     quoted from

USS Ross during a previous visit to the Black Sea, April 25, 2019
U.S. Destroyer Shows Up Right Off Crimea On Vessel Tracking Sites But It Never Left Port

This bizarre spoofing incident around the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea is the second of its kind in the last two weeks.

Jun. 30 - Acouple of hours ago, in what appeared to be the latest development in the cat-and-mouse naval activities being played out by Russia and NATO in the Black Sea, online ship tracking services showed the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71), sailing together with a Ukrainian patrol boat just five miles off the coast of the contested Crimean Peninsula in the middle of the night. The Navy has denied that ship was ever anywhere near Crimea. What looked at first sight like a deliberate passage through what NATO recognizes as Ukrainian territorial waters, but which are also claimed by Russia, now seems to have been a case of deliberate spoofing of maritime tracking data, something that also occurred two weeks ago in the same area.

Earlier this evening, MarineTraffic and VesselFinder, aggregators that provide real-time information on ship movements, showed USS Ross sailing very close to the Crimean coast, causing a big stir in the online open source intelligence community. If true, this would have put the ship closer to the Russian-occupied peninsula than the U.K. Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender had been on June 23...     more