"This base transfer occurred amid force protection concerns sparked by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran and its proxy militias, which CJTF-OIR said led to an acceleration of the long-term transfer plan."
Lt. Adara Story, a spokeswoman for Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, told Marine Corps Times in an emailed statement that the training had been deemed “mission essential training” by Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, “and will continue as planned.”
According to Australia’s Department of Health, there are 565 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 6:30 am Thursday — that’s an increase of 111 cases over a 24-hour period.
Commanding officers “may allow for additional hair length and bulk on the sides, top and back of the head. At no time will relaxed grooming interfere with the proper wearing of Navy head gear proper use of protective personal equipment (helmets, masks, hoods, etc.).”
Other installations across the U.S. have announced HPCON Bravo conditions to include: Fort Mead, Maryland; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and the Marine Barracks in Washington D.C.
The coalition has come under criticism for not fielding counter rocket, artillery, and mortar, or C-RAM systems at Iraqi bases, especially Camp Taji, which has been the target of multiple rocket attacks.
“This is the second and third time this week that incursions into our air defense identification zones were met and escorted by NORAD fighters. We continue to see repeated Russian military aviation activity in the Arctic and we will defend the U.S. and Canada against these threats emanating from our northern approaches."
“I would caution Iran and its proxies from attempting a response that would endanger U.S. and coaltion forces,” McKenzie said. “We have the flexibility, the capability, and the will to respond to any threat.”