Washington, D.C. — In a press briefing on November 26, 2024, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided updates on key activities within the Department of Defense, including Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III’s Thanksgiving outreach to service members, global conflict developments, and emerging security concerns.
Thanksgiving Outreach
Maj. Gen. Ryder opened the briefing by announcing Secretary Austin’s plans to speak with service members deployed across the globe during the Thanksgiving holiday. “Secretary Austin will reach out to service members from each branch of the Armed Forces to wish them and their families a Happy Thanksgiving,” Ryder stated.
The Secretary’s calls will include:
- U.S. Army: 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, deployed in Poland supporting NATO operations.
- U.S. Marine Corps: Combat Logistics Battalion 31 in Okinawa, supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
- U.S. Navy: USS Stockdale, deployed in the 5th Fleet AOR under U.S. Central Command.
- U.S. Air Force: 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
- U.S. Space Force: 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
A readout of the Secretary’s calls will be made available on Defense.gov. Ryder extended holiday greetings on behalf of the Department, wishing everyone a safe and restful Thanksgiving.
Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza
When asked about humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, Ryder acknowledged ongoing challenges. He confirmed U.S. discussions with Israeli counterparts about increasing security for aid convoys. “Much more needs to be done,” he emphasized, while refraining from announcing U.S. airdrops like those recently initiated by Jordan.
ATACMS Use in Ukraine
Responding to questions about Ukraine’s use of long-range ATACMS systems, Ryder confirmed that Ukraine had targeted Russian positions in the Kursk region but deferred to Ukrainian officials for operational specifics.
Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon
Ryder described the newly brokered Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as a significant step toward regional stability. While he didn’t confirm specific U.S. military roles in enforcing the ceasefire, he emphasized ongoing consultations with interagency partners to determine the Department’s contribution.
He also expressed optimism that the ceasefire could influence the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza and advancing efforts to secure a ceasefire with Hamas.
Drone Incursions in the UK
Ryder addressed recent reports of unidentified drones over U.S. bases in the United Kingdom. He assured that the incidents were under active investigation in coordination with UK authorities, emphasizing that no operational or safety impacts had been reported.
When asked why drones weren’t being shot down, Ryder explained, “We maintain the right to defend ourselves, but force protection measures must consider the safety of local communities.” He cautioned against speculating about the intent behind the drone activity, noting that hobbyist drones were also a possibility.
North Korea-Russia Cooperation
Ryder expressed concern over increasing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, including reports of North Korean troops supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supplying ballistic missiles. “We will continue to take this seriously and work closely with regional partners to address these threats,” he affirmed.
Russia’s Threats to South Korea
Addressing Kremlin warnings to South Korea over potential arms support to Ukraine, Ryder dismissed the rhetoric as “gaslighting” and reiterated that Russia could end the conflict by withdrawing from Ukraine.
Iranian Proxy Threats
Ryder highlighted ongoing threats from Iranian-backed groups in the region but reported no significant new developments. “We will continue to work with Israel and our partners to address these threats,” he said.
Other Updates
Ryder provided additional insights:
- China Military Power Report: No specific release timeline was provided.
- Elon Musk’s Comments on F-35: Ryder declined to respond to Musk’s critique of the aircraft program, emphasizing that Musk is a private citizen.
The briefing concluded with Ryder reiterating the Department’s commitment to addressing global challenges while supporting U.S. service members and their families during the holiday season.–News Desk