00:00I'm Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command here in the Middle East with our 50,000
00:04service members to provide my sixth update on Operation Epic Fury. Now in our fifth week of
00:10the campaign, it is my operational assessment that we are making undeniable progress in eliminating
00:16Iran's ability to project power in meaningful ways outside its borders. We don't see their
00:21Navy sailing, we don't see their aircraft flying, and their air defense and missile defense systems
00:26have largely been destroyed. Despite our clear dominance, our forces remain vigilant. It's long
00:33been my belief that every success we have begins and ends with our people, and our warfighters
00:38deployed forward are doing outstanding work. During this trip, I've had the privilege to recognize
00:43and award our troops for their courage, resilience, and tenacity as they continue to go above and beyond.
00:50Yeah, it's pretty fun to work. Great job, great job. You enjoy it, huh? How long have you been in?
00:5412 years, sir. Fantastic. How are you doing? Pretty good, sir. I'm from Ohio. Okay, what part?
00:59Toledo, sir. Okay, great. Fantastic, fantastic. Thanks for what you're doing. Much appreciated.
01:03Yes, sir. What's your job? I'm always there for the striking. Okay, and how many missions have you
01:07flown? Probably a couple dozen at this point. And how long have you personally been out here?
01:11I've been out here only since February, sir. Yeah, yeah, fantastic. Well, thanks for giving
01:16the great work. Thanks so much. In the meantime, I'm wishing you all the best. I think of you
01:21every day and with a lot of pride. So thanks for what you're doing. I really appreciate it and
01:26couldn't be prouder. I met with our service members who are operating the most sophisticated
01:31and largest active air defense umbrella in the world right here in the Middle East to defend
01:36against Iran's indiscriminate missile and drone attacks. Since day one, our warfighters have also
01:43shown unmatched reach and lethality in systematically dismantling Iran's drone, missile, and naval
01:50capabilities by delivering a massive amount of firepower. Every branch of the military is
01:55achieving unprecedented success. Our naval forces have launched waves upon waves of cruise missiles
02:01and fighter aircraft from the sea. U.S. air forces have extended our reach with refueling
02:06tankers while executing a high volume of air strikes into Iran with fighters and bombers.
02:11Our soldiers and Marines have delivered long-range strikes from land and mounted a robust air
02:17defense to not only protect Americans, but our partners as well. And our Space Force has
02:22given us the ultimate high ground, delivering space superiority, which has been a critical
02:27enabler to this fight. After witnessing the absolute professionalism, discipline, and dedication
02:34of our men and women in uniform supporting Operation Epic Fury, I just could not be prouder.
02:39And I know that their families, friends, and loved ones back home share this pride. So to all the moms,
02:46dads, husbands, wives, friends, and loved ones back home, thank you for everything that you're doing
02:51to support our outstanding warriors. There is no adversary too determined, no mission too difficult,
02:57and no task too great for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Guardian, and Coast Guardsmen
03:04that make up the most powerful military the world has ever seen. To all our warfighters, keep up the great
03:09work,
03:09and Godspeed. Thanks so much.
Comments