War Department Weekly Update Focuses on Memphis Security Drug Trafficking and POW MIA Remembrance
Hegseth Honors Missing Warriors Trump Orders Guard to Memphis US Strikes Hit Narco Terrorists
Sept. 19, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | By C. Todd Lopez –
This week, the War Department (DOW) highlighted efforts to safeguard American communities, fight transnational crime, and honor fallen warriors during its Weekly Sitrep video briefing.
Pentagon Marks National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, observed annually on the third Friday of September. At the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted the department’s official ceremony.
“We will forever remember the sacrifice of these warriors and their families,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson.
Hegseth emphasized that more than 80,000 service members from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War remain unaccounted for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is working with 46 nations worldwide to recover and identify them.
“Our prisoners of war and those missing in action gave the greatest possible sacrifice on the altar of freedom,” Hegseth said. “We will never leave them, and we will not forget them.”
Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis
Earlier this week, President Donald J. Trump, alongside Hegseth, announced that the Tennessee National Guard will deploy to Memphis to address escalating crime.
The move follows Trump’s August crime emergency declaration in Washington, D.C. Similar to that operation, federal agencies including Justice, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the FBI will coordinate with state and local partners.
“The department is ready to assist in any way possible to save our great American cities,” Wilson said.
U.S. Strikes Narco-Terrorists in International Waters
In another operation, U.S. Southern Command forces struck narco-terrorists at sea under presidential orders. According to Trump, three Venezuelan traffickers were killed.
“Narco-terrorists are enemies of the United States. We will stop at nothing to track them, kill them, and dismantle their networks,” Hegseth said.
Ranger Champions Recognized at Pentagon
The winners of the 41st Annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, Capt. Kevin Moore and Capt. Griffin Hokanson, met with Hegseth this week. The secretary praised their preparation and commitment, linking their discipline to battlefield readiness.
“How you prepare is how you perform,” Hegseth told them.
Air Force Celebrates 78th Anniversary
Finally, the U.S. Air Force marked 78 years of service. Established in 1947 as an independent branch, it continues to “fly, fight, and win,” Wilson said, ensuring unmatched air dominance across the globe.
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