Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks engaged in video calls with deployed service members from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy to extend holiday greetings. Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon shared details of the calls.
Hicks expressed gratitude to the service members and their families for their dedication and sacrifice in defending the nation. She praised their efforts in maintaining the safety and security of the United States and their ongoing support for America's allies worldwide.
The Deputy Secretary communicated with personnel from several units:
- The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, stationed at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, focuses on enhancing the capabilities of Djiboutian security forces.
- The 480th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, located at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, supports aircraft operations within the U.S. Central Command area.
- Sailors aboard USS Gettysburg (CG 64), a guided-missile cruiser, are part of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group ensuring regional stability in the same command area.
Hicks also acknowledged the professionalism and integrity of U.S. service members globally and recognized military families' vital contributions to supporting an all-volunteer force.