Naples, Italy - The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) entered the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations Dec. 25 to conduct a scheduled deployment.

Washington, DC - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the determination that aviation security at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), which serves as a last-point-of-departure airport for flights to the United States, does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  This determination was based on assessments by a team of security experts from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Al Asad Air Base - Al Anbar Province, Iraq - President Trump in Briefing at Al Asad Air Base:

Washington, DC - The United States continues to monitor the situation at the Sharara oil field and echoes the UN Support Mission for Libya’s call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of armed elements in the area, which is crucial to allow oil production for the benefit of all Libyans to resume. We call on all parties to resolve issues through constructive dialogue and peaceful means in the spirit of compromise, rather than through threats of violence.

Washington, DC - Yesterday, in Skopje, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan reaffirmed with President Gjorge Ivanov the United States’ continued support of the landmark Prespa Agreement.

Washington, DC - Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke on the phone with newly elected head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Metropolitan Epifaniy Tuesday to underscore U.S. support for religious freedom and Ukrainian sovereignty.