World Leaders Look Forward to Security, Climate Cooperation with Biden Administration

World Leaders Look Forward to Security, Climate Cooperation with Biden Administration

Jan. 20, 2021 | By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory

Government leaders from across the globe took to Twitter to congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on taking the nation’s reigns during a turbulent moment in world history, expressing optimism about the prospect of collaborating with the new administration on topics ranging from security and counterterrorism to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Biden in a Jan. 20 statement, touting his country’s bond with the U.S. as “one of the most unique relationships in the world, built on a shared commitment to democratic values, common interests, and strong economic and security ties.”

“Our two countries are more than neighbors—we are close friends, partners, and allies,” he wrote.

Trudeau said the U.S. and Canada will keep working together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and “support a sustainable economic recovery that will build back better for everyone,” counter climate change, and champion diversity and inclusion, while simultaneously cultivating domestic and international “democracy, peace, and security.”

In a press briefing a day earlier, Trudeau said Biden’s inauguration would “mark a new chapter” in the U.S.-Canada relationship.

“I’m really looking forward to working closely with the new President and his team to create jobs and build back better for us all,” he said at the time.

Video: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on YouTube

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also heralded the inauguration as “a new beginning,” and said his country would stick with the U.S. to fight terror on the path towards peace.

“In these trying times, Afghanistan stands alongside the United States—our foundational partner—as it starts anew to restore partnerships for peace and to tackle the multilayered problem of terrorism,” he tweeted.               

In a video posted to Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the new American leadership, citing his decades-long “warm, personal friendship” with Biden.

“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance to continue expanding peace between Israel and the Arab world and to confront common challenges, chief among them, the threat posed by Iran,” he said.

The Twitter accounts of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had both notably stayed mum on the topic of Biden’s swearing-in as of press time.

However, Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted a jab at the Trump administration in a tweet, saying the memory of former Quds Force Commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani and others would “shine on.”

“Perhaps new folks in DC have learned,” he wrote.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he awaits collaborating with Biden to foster a more robust partnership between the two countries “through trade & economic engagement, countering climate change, improving public health, combating corruption & promoting peace in [the] region & beyond.”

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also tweeted congratulations to Biden and Harris, deeming U.S. leadership “vital” on issues important to both countries.

“As I said when I spoke with him on his election as President, I look forward to working with him and with his new administration, strengthening the partnership between our countries and working on our shared priorities from tackling climate change, building back better from the pandemic, and strengthening our transatlantic security,” Johnson said in remarks delivered on the floor of the British Parliament, captured in a video that was separately tweeted out by his office early on Jan. 20.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the new U.S. leadership will make the U.S. and France “stronger to face the challenges of our time,” to craft a collective future, and to safeguard the Earth.

“Welcome back to the Paris Agreement!” he added in the tweet.

In a speech to members of the French military a day prior, Macron expressed optimism the Biden administration would be more dedicated to countering terrorism in Iraq and Syria than its predecessors and urged the U.S. to step up its defense cooperation game, the Associated Press reported.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte called Jan. 20 “a great day for democracy, reaching far beyond the American borders,” and wished Biden and Harris “good work.”

Scandinavian leaders made a point to praise Biden’s first speech as Commander-in-Chief in addition to welcoming the new administration.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg tweeted thanks to Biden “for an encouraging inaugural speech offering us all to cooperate” and asserting that “Norway is ready!”

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven also tweeted approval of Biden’s “message of unity and respect” and a similar desire to get down to business.

https://twitter.com/SwedishPM/status/1351942898091225094

Chilean President Sebastian Piñera sent Biden well wishes on the morning of the inauguration, noting that the new administration would be tasked with “healing the soul of the country and strengthening civic friendship.”

New Team of Acting Leaders Take Command at DOD, USAF

New Team of Acting Leaders Take Command at DOD, USAF

Jan. 20, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine

A new team of acting leaders in the Defense Department and the Department of the Air Force took command at 12:01 p.m. Jan. 20, leading the military on a temporary basis while Biden administration nominees await confirmation.

Immediately after President Joe Biden took the oath of office, former Under Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist became Acting Defense Secretary, following the departure of now former Acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller.

“The Department of Defense remains ready to provide forces that deter war and protect the security of our nation,” Norquist said in a statement. “We look forward to seamlessly onboarding the incoming administration so America may maintain its strategic advantage and vast partnerships.”

John P. Roth became Acting Secretary of the Air Force following the inauguration. Former Air Force Secretary Barbara M. Barrett worked remotely until her tenure as the service’s 25th Secretary ended at noon, according to an Air Force statement.

“It is a privilege to serve Airmen and Guardians as the Acting Secretary of the Air Force,” Roth said in a statement. “Protecting the Nation is a solemn responsibility; one that the U.S. Air and Space Forces execute daily without fail.”

Roth, who previously was the Air Force’s comptroller, said he looks forward to working with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond to ensure Department of the Air Force personnel have the resources needed.

“I’m eager to continue the momentum Secretary Barrett and these two great military leaders put into motion as we work together to accelerate change for our Air Force and continue building America’s Space Force,” Roth said.

Before she left, Barrett met with Roth on Jan. 19 to discuss Air Force continuity and other transition issues, according to the Air Force. In a video posted to Twitter, Barrett told Airmen and Guardians that “it has been a joy to work alongside you” for the past 15 months. She highlighted Department of the Air Force missions such as innovation in air and space, responding to natural disasters, medical services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering space capabilities, and serving the Air Force core missions.

“You protect America and the American way of life,” Barrett said. “For that, America thanks you.”

Shortly after the inauguration, the Defense Department released an extensive list of leaders serving in temporary roles as well as a list of those virtually sworn in. For the Department of the Air Force, this includes:

  • Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs John A. Fedrigo
  • Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller Stephen Herrera
  • Acting Air Force General Counsel Craig A. Smith
  • Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Darlene Costello
  • Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Energy and Environment Jennifer L. Miller
  • Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Shawn J. Barnes
30 Years After Desert Storm: Jan. 21

30 Years After Desert Storm: Jan. 21

Jan. 20, 2021

In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, Air Force Magazine is posting daily recollections from the six-week war, which expelled Iraq from occupied Kuwait.

Jan. 21:

  • A USAF MH-53J helicopter rescues a Navy F-14 pilot more than 100 miles inside Iraq.
In this photo taken from the door of an MH-53 Pave Low, Navy Lt. Devon Jones runs toward pararescueman Sgt. Ben Pennington during the rescue effort. Photo: USAF
  • Heavy bombing of Republican Guard in southern Iraqi city of Basra occurs.
  • Iraq fires 10 Scud missiles at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Find our complete chronology of the Gulf War, starting with Iraq’s July 1990 invasion of Kuwait and running through Iraq’s April 1991 acceptance of peace terms, here.

Biden Pledges to Repair Alliances

Biden Pledges to Repair Alliances

Jan. 20, 2021 | By John A. Tirpak

President Joe Biden told American allies they’ll have a friendlier partner in the White House, pledging to renew cooperation and marking a stark departure from the Trump administration’s frequent threats to withdraw from alliances, and its transactional approach to bilateral and multilateral agreements and arms sales.

Addressing himself to “those beyond our borders,” Biden said, “America has been tested. And we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.” The U.S., he pledged in his inaugural address, will “lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example,” and the U.S. will be “a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg congratulated Biden on his inauguration and marked it as the “start of a new chapter for the transatlantic Alliance.”

The NATO alliance has been the bedrock of member security for more than 70 years, Stoltenberg said, and the “U.S leadership remains essential as we work together to protect our democracies, our values, and the rules-based international order.”

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union Commission, said there’s a “friend in the White House” again. Biden’s inauguration signals a “new dawn in America,” which the EU “has been waiting for [for] so long. Europe is ready for a new start with our oldest and most trusted partner.” She also said the EU views Biden’s swearing-in as “the starting point for our renewed cooperation.”

Stoltenberg said NATO allies must “stand together” to address the rise of China, the continuing threat of terrorism, “including in Afghanistan and Iraq,” and “a more assertive Russia.” NATO represents a billion people and half the world’s economic and military might, Stoltenberg added, and “none of us can face these challenges alone.”

Trump had threatened to leave NATO, saying U.S. allies in Europe were not “paying their dues,” meaning some members were not reaching the alliance goal of spending two percent of GDP on defense. Trump also reined in foreign aid, while at the same time launching a more merchant-like tone in offering American weaponry for sale, with fewer restrictions and questions asked about customers’ human rights records.

Some NATO allies did increase their defense spending in the wake of Trump’s threats, although European leaders chalked this up to a more belligerent posture and threatening rhetoric by Russia in the same period.

The attitude toward alliances was a point of heavy friction between Trump and his first Defense Secretary James Mattis, who worked to reassure American partners of U.S. reliability and commitment to joint defense. Mattis ultimately resigned in late 2018 after Trump announced a quick withdrawal of American forces from Syria.   

Trump’s antipathy to allies, which he frequently portrayed as sponging off U.S. military capabilities, was belied by his own 2018 National Defense Strategy, which put alliances front and center for dealing with security challenges worldwide. The NDS pointedly says the U.S. will rely on allies to provide the additional capacity and capabilities necessary to deter powers like China and Russia, and these relationships are foundational to U.S. security.

Biden’s nominee to be Defense Secretary, former Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, said at his Nov. 19 confirmation hearing that he plans to review and update the NDS, and also will likely conduct a fresh Nuclear Posture Review. Austin said he is personally supportive of the nuclear triad and does not believe the U.S. should eliminate the land-based ICBM leg, as has been suggested by some Democratic lawmakers.

Biden’s choice for Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said in his confirmation hearing that he plans to engage quickly with Russia to extend the New START agreement, which expires Feb. 5. It will be up to Biden, Blinken said, to decide how long of an extension the U.S. will seek.

The current treaty provides the option to extend for up to five years, but the Trump administration, which has long said it wanted a new strategic arms treaty that included China, was pushing for a one-year extension. However, the administration struggled to convince China, which has a far smaller strategic arsenal than either the U.S. or Russia, to take a seat at the table.

Biden Sworn in as Commander in Chief, Pledges Unity

Biden Sworn in as Commander in Chief, Pledges Unity

Jan. 20, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine

President Joe Biden took the oath of office to become the 46th Commander in Chief on Jan. 20, pledging to unite a country that faces deep internal division and to project strength abroad by repairing alliances.

“This is a great nation. We are good people,” Biden said in his inaugural address. “And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we’ve come so far. But we still have far to go. We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do …, much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.”

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their oaths at a Capitol building that two weeks ago was the site of a violent insurrection while Congress was certifying the election. In his speech, Biden sought to reach out to those who did not support him in the election, asking them to give him a chance so they can work together to overcome the nation’s deep divisions.

“Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace,” Biden said. “And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”

Because of the violence at the Capitol, about 25,000 National Guard personnel were called up to help secure the surrounding area for the ceremony. The National Mall was blocked off and the crowd was much smaller than usual due to the enhanced security and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The continuing pandemic dominated Biden’s address, with the new President calling on the country to set aside politics and “finally face this pandemic as one nation.” Biden held a moment of silence for the more than 400,000 Americans who have died as a result of the pandemic.

“Folks, this is a time of testing,” Biden said. “We face an attack on our democracy and on truth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America’s role in the world. Any one of these will be enough to challenge us in profound ways.”

The speech, which lasted about 22 minutes, lightly touched on military and national security topics. Biden said the country under his administration will work to project strength through alliances, which have been under stress in recent years.

“Here’s my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested, and we’ve come out stronger for it,” he said. “We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again, not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges, and will lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”

Following the ceremony, Biden participated in the ceremonial review of troops through military formations marching in front of the Capitol before heading across the Potomac River to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery alongside former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

“With purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time, sustained by faith, driven by conviction, devoted to one another in the country we love with all our hearts,” Biden concluded. “May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America.”

Trump Touts Accomplishments Before Last Flight on Air Force One

Trump Touts Accomplishments Before Last Flight on Air Force One

Jan. 20, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine

Former President Donald J. Trump on the morning of Jan. 20 took off on Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews, Md., for the last time, after brief remarks highlighting his administration’s accomplishments in adding military funding and creating the Space Force as the newest military service.

Hours before President Joe Biden swore in, Trump flew to Andrews on Marine One and boarded the USAF VC-25 with the callsign Air Force One—since Trump was still in office at the time—in front of a crowd of family, supporters, and staff.  

“What we’ve done has been amazing by any standard,” Trump said. “We rebuilt the United States military, we created a new force called Space Force. That, in itself, would be a major achievement for a regular administration. We were not a regular administration.”

Trump’s four years in office saw a massive increase in Pentagon spending, growing from $618.7 billion in fiscal 2017 to $732 billion in fiscal 2021, though Congress had to override a veto to pass the authorization bill. Pentagon leaders said the increased spending has contributed to improved readiness.

Trump also oversaw an increase in combat operations in the early years in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, before ordering a withdrawal of forces to levels not seen since the early days of combat in the theaters. Then-Acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller said the U.S. succeeded in its efforts to draw down forces, with just 5,000 troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Trump also touted changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs, saying his administration took care of our “beautiful vets. They were very badly treated before we came along.”

“Our vets are happy, our people are happy, our military is thrilled,” Trump said. 

Austin Emphasizes Importance of Civilian Control as Defense Secretary

Austin Emphasizes Importance of Civilian Control as Defense Secretary

Jan. 19, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine

Lloyd Austin, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Pentagon, spent his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 19 pressing his civilian bona fides to lawmakers, with some pledging opposition to the waiver Austin would need to become the nation’s first Black Defense Secretary.

Austin spent 40 years in the military before retiring in 2016 as a four-star general, which means he is still within the seven-year cooling off period required for former military officers to serve in the top Defense Department job, requiring a waiver from both the House and Senate for confirmation.

“If confirmed, I will carry out the mission of the Department of Defense, always with the goal to deter war and ensure our nation’s security,” Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “And I would not be here asking for your support if I felt that I was unable or unwilling to question people with whom I once served, in operations I once led, or [if I was] too afraid to speak my mind to you or the President. I was a general and a Soldier, and I’m proud of that. But today I appear before you as a citizen, the son of a postal worker and a homemaker from Thomasville, Ga., and I’m proud of that too.”

In early 2017, the committee approved a waiver for retired Gen. James N. Mattis to lead the Pentagon, but some of the lawmakers who supported say they do not support granting a second waiver for Austin.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said his vote to support a waiver for Mattis was a mistake, and he would not do so for Austin because approving two in four years sets a precedent that the exception will become the rule. Additionally, it would create the idea that getting four stars isn’t a capstone for a military officer, but “if they play their cards right, they too can become a Secretary.”

Opposition is bipartisan, with Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also saying they are against the waiver. All three senators are military veterans.

The bulk of the lawmakers in the hearing, however, expressed support for Austin’s nomination. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced “Mr. Austin” at the hearing, saying he “represents the best of America, [and is] a man of integrity, humility, and character with a wealth of relevant experience.” Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also praised Austin, saying “there is no doubt in my mind that he will uphold the principle of civilian control.”

Austin said, if confirmed, he will appoint other senior leaders who “have the right experiences and are not afraid to provide input.” He pointed to the nomination of Kathleen H. Hicks to be the first female deputy secretary of defense and Colin Kahl to be the under secretary of defense for policy. He also pledged to avoid the recent trend of having multiple senior leaders serving in acting roles.

“I think it’s imperative that the OSD staff maintain primacy in terms of crafting strategy and policy, and I think that we’ll need the right civilians in key positions to help us do that,” he said.

In a wide-ranging hearing, Austin faced several questions on Pentagon acquisition, nuclear policy, personnel issues, the problem of extremism in the ranks, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Austin said the Pentagon’s 2018 National Defense Strategy is largely “on track,” but if confirmed he would want to review the strategy and update it. He also said there would likely be a new Nuclear Posture Review, noting he is “personally” supportive of the nuclear triad and does not support removing one leg, as has been suggested by several lawmakers and experts. In extended questioning by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) on how he would change nuclear modernization, Austin avoided specifics, saying he looks forward to “getting under the hood” and going over specifics of nuclear modernization.

Several lawmakers pressed Austin on personnel issues, especially sexual assault. Austin would not commit to changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice related to the crimes, or moving sexual assault cases out of the military chain of command, but expressed anger about the lack of progress within the Defense Department to address the scourge of sexual assault, which he said is a leadership and a readiness issue. “I take the issue of sexual assault seriously and personally.”

“If confirmed, I will fight hard to stamp out sexual assault, and to rid our ranks of racists and extremists, and create a climate where everyone fit and willing has the opportunity to serve this country with dignity,” he said.

To that end, Austin also said he supports Biden’s plan to overturn the Trump administration’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.

When asked about the pandemic, Austin called it the greatest threat to the U.S., saying he will look at ways to scale and speed up DOD support. “It’s killed over 400,000 of our American citizens. That’s just an incredible loss of life.”

The more than three-hour hearing was light on specifics related to the Air Force. In response to questioning from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) related to delays in the KC-46 program and problems with the aircraft’s remote vision system, Austin said he would “stay on this issue.”

“I think it’s critical,” he said of the KC-46. “It’s a critical component of our overall force.”

In response to questions from Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) on prospective cuts to legacy programs, especially MQ-9 Reapers in U.S. Central Command, Austin said he wants to look at requirements and the global force posture to ensure that combatant commands, especially U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, have what they need. That said, there will be a lingering need for legacy ISR aircraft in the Middle East and “the Air Force has a strong voice in this, in what they can afford to keep on in light of the investments they are making in modernization.” 

Austin, who served as a member of the board of directors for Raytheon Technologies, pledged to recuse himself from decisions related to that company for four years—four times the one year requirement. He also told Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) that he has no plans to become a lobbyist after serving in the Pentagon.

A committee vote on the waiver for Austin has not been set. The House Armed Services Committee on Jan. 19 canceled its planned hearing on the topic, with leaders in the committee such as chairman Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) urging approval. In the meantime, Under Secretary of Defense David Norquist will lead the Biden Pentagon in an acting role. 

At Least 12 Guard Troops Banned from Inauguration After Vetting

At Least 12 Guard Troops Banned from Inauguration After Vetting

Jan. 19, 2021 | By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory

Twelve National Guard personnel who deployed to the nation’s capital to support the presidential inauguration have been sent home after they were vetted by the Army and Federal Bureau of Investigation, though only two were pulled over concerns about extremism, defense officials confirmed in a Jan. 19 Pentagon press briefing. The number of Guardsmen removed from inauguration duty may grow as their deep-dive continues.

“We’re, out of an abundance of caution, taking action and immediately removing them from the line of duty at the Capitol and the events taking place, and then we will address them—whether it’s through law enforcement, if necessary, or through their own chain of command,” outgoing Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Rath Hoffman said in his final Pentagon briefing.

Of the two troops sidelined due to potential extremist activity or ties, one was flagged by their command, and the other raised alarms during the FBI vetting process, Hoffman explained. 

“All I would say with those two individuals is inappropriate comments or texts that were put out there.” National Guard Bureau Chief Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson said during the same briefing. Neither Hokanson nor Hoffman would provide further details about the nature of those communications.

Earlier in the day, the Associated Press reported that neither service member’s communications contained threats against President-elect Joe Biden.

The other 10 troops were disqualified from supporting the inauguration for reasons unrelated to the inauguration or extremist or militia concerns, Hoffman said.

However, U.S. officials reportedly contradicted this assertion in conversations with the AP.

“Two U.S. officials told The AP that all 12 were found to have ties with right-wing militia groups or posted extremist views online,” the outlet wrote, noting that all of the potentially implicated troops were members of the Army National Guard. “The officials, a senior intelligence official and an Army official briefed on the matter, did not say which fringe groups the Guard members belonged to or what unit they served in.”

Hoffman wouldn’t detail the vetting process, but said it involves “a lot of looking back at anything that could potentially flag in a criminal history check, anything that could come up in a civilian database that’s being scrubbed by our partners.” 

“These are vetting efforts that identify any questionable behavior in the past or any potential link to questionable behavior—not just related to extremism,” he clarified.

Hoffman also stressed that the things that might flag a service member for removal from inauguration duty—which he said would be standard deal-breakers for anyone looking to attend the event—might not be indicative of illegal activity. However, he explained, the tight timeline leading up to Inauguration Day meant that the military and FBI weren’t taking any chances, and were preemptively sending these service members home.

The vetting is still underway, Hoffman said, but the Pentagon is confident the 25,000-plus Guard troops currently on the ground in D.C. can be screened in time for the Jan. 20 ceremony.

“This is obviously an unusual situation in which it is all hands on deck and we’re leaving no stone unturned, but we are confident that there will be no opportunity to identify any potential threat left un[turned],” Hoffman said. “And so we’re going to do all we can. We’re gonna partner with the Secret Service, and the FBI, and others to ensure that we’re all doing everything we can. We’re all rowing in the same direction, and that is to ensure that the President-elect and vice president-elect have a safe and secure inauguration tomorrow at 12 noon.”

Air National Guard personnel account for almost 2,150 of the Guard troops currently working in the nation’s capital, with “nearly 23,200” Army National Guard troops comprising the remaining end-strength, NGB spokesperson USAF Maj. Matt Murphy told Air Force Magazine on Jan. 19.

“After the inauguration, we’ll look at the conditions, and the environment, and the mission set that we’re asked to perform,” Hokanson said of the current Guard presence in D.C. “And if that is below the number of personnel that we have, then we’ll start identifying those folks to get ’em home as quickly as possible.”

The FBI regularly investigates reports of troops across the DOD services as well as the Coast Guard who might “be making questionable comments or inappropriate associations,” Murphy said in a call following the press briefing.

“The FBI notifies the branch of service, the branch of service notifies the chain of command, [and] the chain of command investigates the allegations,” he explained of the process, which he said applies across the services. “If they’re substantiated, then the member is entitled to due process.”

When questioned about whether he felt the vetting process’ findings might warrant a future re-screening of the entire Guard force for potential insider threats, Hokanson said he believes current policies and processes should suffice.

“We’ll continue to do those and also, really looking [sic] across the chain of command and their coordination with their Soldiers and Airmen at every level, but I don’t see any current change of policies,” he said. “If there are, obviously, we’ll enforce them. But I think the policies are already there in place, and we’ll continue to utilize those to identify any concerns that we might have.”

How the Air Force Is Protecting the 59th Inauguration

How the Air Force Is Protecting the 59th Inauguration

Jan. 19, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine

The Air Force’s role in Joe Biden’s inauguration will look much different from past inaugurations, with a historic national airlift bringing in thousands of Guardsmen to protect the Capitol and surrounding areas and a ceremonial component that is much smaller than previous events because of the security situation in Washington, D.C., and the ongoing pandemic.

In the run-up to the 59th inauguration, the Air Force activated the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing as the USAF service component of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region—the military effort that contributes to the overall inauguration security effort led by the U.S. Secret Service. On Jan. 20, about 400 USAF personnel will support inaugural events, including flying VIPs, Honor Guards and bands, and communications and other support. This is down from the 1,000 who participated in front of and behind the scenes in 2017.

For the ceremony, the USAF Total Force support includes:

  • 316th Wing—Rotary airlift and base operating support
  • 89th Airlift Wing—Special Air Mission airlift support for VIPs, including outgoing President Donald J. Trump
  • 11th Wing—U.S. Air Force Band and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard providing ceremonial and musical support
  • 844th Communications Group—Providing enhanced communications and support in the National Capital Region.

At Joint Base Andrews, Md., F-16s from the District of Columbia National Guard’s 113th Wing “Capitol Guardians” will be ready for air sovereignty protection missions, along with KC-135s from the 459th Air Refueling Wing for tanking support.

North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement that its support to the U.S. Secret Service-led National Special Security Event will be protecting D.C.’s airspace, though the inauguration will not be that different from regular operations.

“NORAD’s support will fall within its regular enforcement of the Special Flight Rules Area, which is in place over the nation’s capital 24/7/365,” the command said in a statement. “The NCR is a land-based buffer zone surrounding Washington, D.C. The airspace associated with the NCR (and identified as the Special Flight Rules Area) facilitates the identification of aircraft approaching the nation’s capital. Established by the FAA, its airspace of defined dimensions within the ready identification, location, and control of airborne vehicles are required.”

Unlike previous inaugurations, there is no ceremonial flyover scheduled for the ceremony, according to the Air Force and the JTF-NCR. For the 2017 event, an F-15E, F-16, F-22, and F-35 flew over the Capitol during the ceremony.

The airspace over Washington, D.C., has been busy in the run-up to the inauguration as thousands of National Guard personnel have streamed in for enhanced protection of the event following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, as part of a mission called “Operation Capitol Response.”

The Air National Guard has conducted a historic airlift, which as of midday Jan. 19 included 155 sorties, carrying 6,838 total passengers and 607 short tons of cargo with Guard units from 31 states flowing in. C-17s, C-130s, KC-135s, and other Guard and Active duty aircraft have constantly streamed into Joint Base Andrews, Md., bringing in personnel from as far as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico to contribute to the security mission.