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Week in Review 5 October 2024

Lebanon: Medical aid arrives in Beirut amid intensifying Israeli strikes As Lebanon suffered another night of heavy Israeli bombing, UN humanitarians and partners described how people desperate to flee the violence found the country's main border crossing into Syria cut by a new dawn strike, forcing them to skirt "a huge crater" and rubble on foot, to reach the other side. Read more Peace and Security The week the world comes to Manhattan: Looking back at UNGA79 Every September when UN Headquarters in New York is swamped – massive motorcades, intense security, snipers on rooftops and world leaders descending along with throngs of diplomats, media and celebrities – it's not easy to grasp what exactly is going on or what was achieved.  Read more UN Affairs SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: End 'sickening cycle' of escalation across the Middle East, Guterres urges Security Council members met in emergency session on Tuesday morning in New York with the Middle East on the brink of all-out war. App users can reprise our live coverage here. Read more Peace and Security Explainer: The journey of a UN Security Council resolution How does a Security Council resolution get adopted? Read more Peace and Security UN condemns deadly West Bank airstrike, attacks on Gaza schools The UN chief has strongly condemned the killing of several Palestinians, including women and children, who died when a residential building in Tulkarem camp in the West Bank was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Thursday night. Read more Peace and Security 'Orphanage city' helps children in Gaza as the war grinds on Some Palestinian orphans in Gaza have gotten a glimmer of hope as the tragedies triggered by the grinding nearly year-long war continue to deplete the Strip. Read more Human Rights Explainer: What is Security Council resolution 1701? Diplomats have been highlighting Security Council resolution 1701 in official meetings and in the corridors over the busy High-Level Week at UN Headquarters. Read more Peace and Security Chagos Islands: UK's last African colony returned to Mauritius The United Kingdom announced on Thursday that agreement has been reached to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending decades of dispute and negotiation over Britain's last African colony. Read more UN Affairs UN rights council examines nuclear legacy consequences in the Marshall Islands The UN Human Rights Council held a dialogue on Friday to examine the nuclear testing legacy in the Marshall Islands, which representatives from the Pacific nation said has left their people with some of the highest rates of cancer globally.  Read more Human Rights Sudan war: 'Horror' grows as reports of summary executions emerge The UN-designated human rights expert on Sudan has called for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their allied militias, to take immediate steps to protect civilians in greater Khartoum amid escalating violence and alarming reports of summary executions. Read more Human Rights First Person: Swapping guns for ballpens in the Philippines A former combatant fighting for the rights of her people on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines has been talking about how she has swapped her combat fatigues for jilbabs [outer garment] and her life in the jungle for a more peaceful rural community. Read more Peace and Security Nepal: Hundreds killed as 'unprecedented' flash floods strike capital Kathmandu More than 215 people, including 35 children, have been killed and dozens are missing after heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Nepal, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday. Read more Humanitarian Aid Ukraine: Top UN aid official condemns deadly marketplace strike in Kherson The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine condemned a deadly Russian strike in Kherson on Tuesday morning and underscored the need to protect civilians caught in the war, which is entering its 30th month.  Read more Peace and Security UN Assembly President calls for global unity as high-level debate concludes The President of the General Assembly on Monday reminded UN Member States that the Organization's strength "lies in our diversity" and ability to unite around common goals, as the curtains drew on the 79th session's high-level debate. Read more UN Affairs

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Brown Highlights Critical Role of Logistics at Transcom Change of Command

View Online Brown Highlights Critical Role of Logistics at Transcom Change of Command Oct. 4, 2024 | By Joseph Clark Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., underscored the foundational role logistics plays in maintaining the U.S. military's edge as the world's foremost fighting force as he welcomed Air Force Gen. Randall Reed as the 15th commander of the U.S. Transportation Command today.   Reed assumed leadership of the combatant command charged with overseeing the Defense Department's global mobility mission from Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost during a change of command ceremony at Transcom headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.   "Army Gen. John J. Pershing, who was the commander of American Forces in World War I famously said, 'Infantry wins battles. Logistics wins wars'," Brown said. "U.S. Transportation Command is the backbone of our nation's ability to project power globally. They make Pershing's words a reality day-in and day-out."  As DOD's premier logistics provider, Transcom's more than 120,000 service members, civilians and contractors provide continuous, global support across the U.S. combatant commands, military services and interagency partners.   Transcom's mission remains critical amid an increasingly complex national security landscape.   Since January 2022, Transcom has delivered more than 3 million pieces of military assistance, including ammunition and air defense systems and other capabilities to Ukraine.   The command has also been a linchpin to DOD's continued commitment to providing key capabilities in support of Israel's defense following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas terrorists.   During his remarks, Brown thanked those that carry out Transcom's mission day-in and day-out for their dedication.   "Thanks for your selfless service, for all you do providing logistics capability for our joint force and all you do to guarantee our security," he said. "And thanks to your families for the tremendous support they provide each of you."  The chairman also praised Van Ovost for the impact she has had on the Joint Force throughout her career and for her tremendous leadership while commander of Transcom.  "Every role since she was first commissioned, she's demonstrated great skill, courage and leadership," Brown said. "The Air Force benefited from her roles as a test pilot, an acquisitions officer and as a commander flying C-141's during Operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort and Provide Hope."  The nation has also benefited tremendously from Van Ovost's leadership of Transcom, he said.  Brown also highlighted Reed's demonstrated excellence throughout his career, from commanding airlift and refueling squadrons to serving in strategic roles in the Pentagon and fostering international partnerships as a defense attache in Turkey.  "The fact is, Randall has elevated each position he's served in to new heights," he said.   Brown added that he has complete confidence Transcom will continue to excel under Reed's leadership.

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Austin Praises Transcom for Enabling DOD to Project Power Globally

View Online Austin Praises Transcom for Enabling DOD to Project Power Globally Oct. 4, 2024 | By David Vergun U.S. Transportation Command provides the Defense Department with the means to project, maneuver and sustain its forces anywhere in the world, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, who spoke today at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois during a Transcom change of command. Air Force Gen. Randall Reed assumed command of Transcom, succeeding Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost.  "The department cannot keep America safe without you," Austin said, outlining some of the command's recent achievements:  Over the past 30 months, Transcom delivered over $21 billion in weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself. The command also surged forces to Europe to reinforce NATO allies.  Since the Oct. 7, terrorist assault on Israel by Hamas, prompted Transcom to move forces into U.S. Central Command to deliver security assistance to help Israel defend itself and deliver critical humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.  Last summer during Exercise Mobility Guardian 23, Transcom worked with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region in an effort involving 70 cargo and refueling aircraft from seven nations.  This spring, cargo aircraft moved an Army Typhon missile battery from Washington state to the Philippines, 8,000 miles away in just 15 hours. The secretary lauded Van Ovost's career achievements, noting that she piloted 30 aircraft types, including the C-141, F-15 and F-16.  "Over your distinguished career, you have been an outstanding pilot, an outstanding mentor and an outstanding leader," he said.  "You've always been at home in the sky. But getting there wasn't easy. As you have said, you've always tried to make the path wider — with more opportunity, and with fewer barriers," he said.  "And you have always had a message for women in uniform, and that message is: 'Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it,'" Austin said. "Every time you encountered an obstacle, you kept at it."  Austin then turned to Reed and said, "You are the right person for this job."  Like Van Ovost, Austin noted that Reed also flew C-141 aircraft.  The secretary also mentioned that Reed's past assignments helped prepare him to take command of Transcom. His assignments include: commanding an air-refueling squadron in Central Asia, an expeditionary operations group in the Middle East, Third Air Force in Germany and deputy commander of Air Mobility Command.  "So, you know how it feels to be a Transcom provider and a Transcom customer," he said. Van Ovost credited her Transcom team with not only responding with agility and ingenuity to crises around the globe but also with endeavors that included:  Providing the trusted assessments necessary to advocate for accelerated recapitalization and modernization of critical fleets, addressing manpower shortages, and reorganizing teams to address the new strategic environment;   Delivered on empowering a competitive and resilient warfighting team, rapidly forming the team and getting to initial operating capability on the global bulk fuels mission, building a culture of trust and respect where each team member feels valued, beginning shipments under the Global Household Goods contract and fostering a learning environment where everyone is invited to grow;   Delivered on cyber domain mission assurance, building critical partnerships with the National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, Joint Force Headquarters, the Department of Defense Information Networks and commercial partners to mitigate vulnerabilities; and      Delivered on decision advantage, driving towards a single, authoritative data set and tools that will enable better decisions, made faster, integrated across the joint force, to outpace adversaries and provide vital options to our nation's leaders.   "Ultimately, you delivered hope, deterrence and freedom around the world, and I am honored to have served with you," she said, adding that Transcom will be in good hands with Reed. Reed said he's "honored, ready and humbled to serve."  He praised Van Ovost, saying, "Your authentic, transparent and empathic leadership style inspired all of us within Transcom to do our very best."  He also said he would continue Transcom's excellency in delivering people and capability globally. "No matter the crisis, you can continue to depend on the men and women of U.S. Transportation Command."  Following the ceremony, Austin held a news conference.  "Nobody can project power like the United States. Nobody even comes close to what we can do. It's a great capability," he said.  Austin, who was commissioned in the Army in 1975, serving years before Transcom being stood up, said he's watched Transcom grow and improve in delivering. "It's been amazing watching the evolution," he said.  Centralization of delivery capabilities, whether by sea or air has improved the way resources are managed and prioritized, he said.  Transcom continues to evolve every day, the secretary said, adding that the military has always been a learning organization and Transcom has been on the forefront of this.  Transcom's workforce totals 120,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide in three service components: Air Mobility Command, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and the Military Sealift Command — along with one joint subordinate command, the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command. Transcom stood up in 1987.   During the ceremony, Austin awarded Van Ovost the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. The medal is awarded to the most senior officers for exceptional service that contributes to national security or defense. The secretary of defense is the only person who can award the DDSM. The accompanying citation highlights Van Ovost's major contributions to the security of the United States, and notes, "Through new legislation, strategic defense policy and military transformation initiatives, she has accelerated Transcom's decision advantage for years to come."

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Brown Discusses Leadership, Service With Christopher Newport University Students

View Online Brown Discusses Leadership, Service With Christopher Newport University Students Oct. 4, 2024 | By Joseph Clark Building relationships is critical to leading effectively, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., said yesterday as he met with ROTC cadets and students enrolled in Christopher Newport University's President's Leadership Program at the university's campus in Newport News, Virginia.   Brown, the highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the president, discussed his key leadership tenets and the core values that have shaped his nearly 40-year career yesterday as part of a wide-ranging fireside chat that drew more than 1,500 attendees.   The event, which was held at Christopher Newport's Ferguson Center for the Arts, the former site of Ferguson High School where Brown graduated in 1980, also marked a homecoming for the chairman and a chance to connect with former classmates in the audience.  A recurring theme throughout the evening was Brown's emphasis on the role trust and relationships play in leading effectively, whether in government or the private sector.   "You never want to cold call in a crisis, and you never want to burn a bridge," Brown said. "And so, you need to build those relationships before you need them."  He said working to build lasting connections and trust with others has been a constant practice throughout his career. And he said he hasn't let up as chairman.   "In my position as the chairman of the joint chiefs, I talk to my counterparts all around the world," he said. "Over the year I've been in this job, I've probably had 300 different engagements, probably three or four per week."  Those consistent connections, regardless of the topics being discussed, are important, Brown said.   "It builds on those personal relationships," he said. "You will do something for someone you know and have spent time with."  Christopher Newport University President William G. Kelly kicked off the event by introducing Brown. He also welcomed Thomas W. Newton, one of the few remaining original Tuskegee Airmen and distinguished guest at yesterday's event.  During World War II, Newton served in the U.S. Army Air Corps' 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, the first all-African American fighters that became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.   Brown was named an honorary Tuskegee Airman in 2021 and said yesterday that the unit's service has continued to inspire him throughout his career.    "They pushed for the opportunity to serve," he said. "It was an uphill battle."  But he said once they broke through the barriers in their way, they proved themselves in battle.  "One of the things I think about in my position is that every wants an opportunity," Brown said. "And the fact that they were able to have an opportunity to demonstrate their immense capability and gain that respect, I thought was immense."  The remainder of the fireside chat was led by two student moderators, Stephany Lindo-Batlle and Rachel Freeman, before opening the floor for questions.   Beyond questions about leadership, students also had the opportunity to ask about how Brown approaches high-level decisions and thinks through pressing issues impacting national security.   The students also asked about high and low points he has experienced throughout his career and who Brown has admired throughout his life.   Brown underscored the value of service and the incredible opportunities his career had given him.   "You should be very proud of your military," Brown said. "We have 2.1 million men and women serving around the world keeping watch so we can actually sit here and have this event tonight."  He added that he is "extremely confident in our capabilities as a nation and as a military."  "I just feel so privileged and blessed to have this opportunity" to serve as chairman, he said.

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Austin Says DOD Fully Engaged at Home and Abroad

View Online Austin Says DOD Fully Engaged at Home and Abroad Oct. 4, 2024 | By David Vergun Following a U.S. Transportation Command change of command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a news briefing to provide updates about the Middle East, Hurricane Helene response, Ukraine and the trilateral security partnership that the United States participates in with the United Kingdom and Australia.   Earlier this week, Iran launched an "outrageous missile attack against Israel, and you saw once more that the U.S. came to their defense and helped Israel defend itself," Austin said.  "We condemn this brazen attack by Iran. We've been in close conversation with our Israeli counterparts about defending against this kind of attack, and we'll stay in close coordination with them over the coming days," the secretary said.  Closer to home, the Defense Department is actively supporting federal, state and local efforts to respond to Hurricane Helene. "This was a tough storm, a lot of loss of life, and a lot of people's lives changed overnight. And the fact that it went through so many states and created such damage, I think, really presented us, presented the country, with some challenges," he said.  "But we've been here before, and we will, we will rise to meet the challenge," Austin added.  Already, thousands of National Guard troops have come to the aid of their home states, activated by their governors, working under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "We're going to continue to stay actively engaged on this, and we'll keep our fellow Americans who have been impacted by the storm in our thoughts," he said.  "Additionally, we're also laser-focused on quickly getting Ukraine the capabilities that it needs," Austin said, adding that he's looking forward to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting next week, in which President Joe Biden will also participate.  Switching subjects to focus on AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, Austin said that last week's visit in London with his counterparts from those two nations was productive. He also said that objectives and benchmarks are being met on the optimal path forward to get Australia nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines and other critical military technologies.

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