00:00Hi, I'm Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command.
00:03Less than six weeks ago, more than 50,000 of America's sons and daughters in uniform
00:08launched Operation Epic Fury and embarked on a mission of profound consequence.
00:13We set out to dismantle the Iranian regime's ability to project power beyond its own borders,
00:19and we clearly accomplished this task.
00:22Iran has suffered a generational military defeat.
00:25The United States and Israel systematically destroyed Iran's ability to conduct large-scale
00:31military operations for years to come.
00:34Iran's conventional military capability, built over 40 years at the cost of billions of dollars,
00:40has been eliminated.
00:41As the President expressed earlier this week, our core strategic military objectives have
00:47been achieved after destroying Iran's missile, drone, and naval capabilities and their defensive
00:53industrial base.
00:54After successfully conducting more than 13,000 strikes on Iranian military targets and flying
01:00thousands upon thousands of combat flights, U.S. forces have paused offensive operations
01:05in accordance with the ongoing ceasefire.
01:07However, we remain present.
01:10We remain vigilant and we remain ready if called.
01:14We also continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our regional partners in maintaining the
01:19most sophisticated and largest active air defense umbrella in the world.
01:25At the beginning of this campaign, I sent a letter to the Force expressing my expectations,
01:30and our extraordinary warfighters exceeded each and every one of them.
01:34So to all our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and Coast Guardsmen operating forward,
01:41you represent the strongest, most lethal military the world has ever known.
01:46In less than 40 days, you destroyed the military that Iran built for over 40 years.
01:51Your courage, grit, and ingenuity have served America extremely well.
01:57Finally, I want to close by remembering and honoring our 13 fallen warriors who made the
02:02ultimate sacrifice during Operation Epic Fury.
02:04We continue to hold their memories and their families, their friends, and their teammates in our prayers.
02:10Their selfless service and dedication will always be remembered as future generations follow their
02:15example and carry forward their legacy.
02:19Our men and women in uniform represent the best of America.
02:23I just could not be prouder and more humble to serve with them, and I know the American people
02:28share that same pride.
02:29So to our warriors, stay sharp, remain resolved, and continue to take care of
02:34one another.
02:35Thanks so much and Godspeed.
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