RED Friday: Standing United in Support of Our Deployed Service Members

As another RED Friday dawns, we are reminded of our unwavering commitment to “Remember Everyone Deployed” and to stand behind our brave service members stationed across the globe. In these times of rising global tensions, the resolve of our U.S. military remains unshakable, and so does our support for them.

Recent events in the Middle East have highlighted the importance of this commitment. With escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States has increased its military presence in the region. Thousands of additional troops have been deployed, accompanied by advanced aircraft units such as the F-16, F-15E, A-10, and F-22. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, along with the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, remains stationed in critical areas, prepared to respond to any potential threats.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s decisive actions, such as ordering additional U.S. forces to remain in the Middle East, reflect the nation’s resolve to protect not only American interests but also the freedoms of our allies. The bravery of our deployed service members, whether stationed at sea aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln or on the ground with forward-deployed squadrons, is at the heart of these efforts. Their sacrifice, especially in the face of increasing threats from terrorist organizations and hostile nations, is a constant reminder of why we wear red each Friday.

This week, as we reflect on the recent deployment to the Philippines as part of Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA), we are reminded of the important role our military plays in maintaining peace across the Indo-Pacific as well. The joint exercises with our Southeast Asian allies highlight our determination to strengthen relationships and ensure regional security.

Through all these deployments, our men and women in uniform face challenges that test their courage and resilience. Whether patrolling the waters of the Mediterranean, securing vital airspaces in the Middle East, or engaging in training operations in Southeast Asia, they do so with the knowledge that they carry the unwavering support of a grateful nation.

RED Friday is more than a symbol of solidarity—it is a reminder that every service member deployed overseas is part of a larger family, a family that honors their service, stands by them through every mission, and supports their safe return home. As global conflicts intensify, the importance of this unity cannot be overstated.

Today, we wear red for those stationed in the Middle East, in Southeast Asia, and wherever else duty calls. We wear red to honor their bravery, their sacrifice, and the mission they serve to protect our freedoms and those of our allies. As we continue to stand united in support of our deployed troops, let us remember that their resolve, backed by the strength of the nation, is what keeps us safe and secure.

To our service members far from home—you are never alone. We are with you, today and always.

Increased U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East Amid Rising Tensions with Hezbollah

September 30, 2024

In response to escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of several thousand additional U.S. troops and aircraft to the Middle East. This decision follows intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which further heightened tensions in the region.

Pentagon spokesperson Tom Crosson confirmed that aircraft units previously scheduled to leave the Middle East will now remain in the region. Additionally, those set to replace them will deploy alongside, resulting in the mobilization of “a few thousand” troops from multiple aircraft squadrons.

Sabrina Singh, another Pentagon spokesperson, emphasized that Austin has also increased the readiness of additional U.S. forces to respond to any contingencies. She highlighted the robust, integrated air-defense capabilities that the U.S. has across the Middle East, ensuring the protection of U.S. personnel. While specific numbers were not disclosed, Singh confirmed that new and existing assets would include F-16, F-15E, A-10, and F-22 fighter aircraft, along with their associated personnel.

This increase in U.S. forces comes after Israel launched significant strikes in Lebanon, leading to the death of Nasrallah and other key Hezbollah leaders. As a result, Israel is preparing for a potential ground incursion into Lebanon, raising concerns about the possibility of a wider war in the region. This follows a year of Israeli offensives against Hamas in Gaza, after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel in October 2023.

In addition to deploying more aircraft squadrons, Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, which includes a Marine Expeditionary Unit, to remain in the region. According to Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, these forces were already moving toward the Middle East in anticipation of rising tensions.

Ryder also noted that Austin made it clear any harm to U.S. troops by Iran or its proxies would prompt a swift response. “Secretary Austin made clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people,” Ryder stated.

Austin has maintained close communication with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, affirming the U.S.’s full support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian-backed terrorist groups. Austin also underscored the U.S.’s determination to prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting the conflict or expanding it further.

President Joe Biden echoed this sentiment, calling Nasrallah’s death “a measure of justice for his many victims,” which include Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians. He also condemned Nasrallah’s involvement in coordinating efforts with Hamas to create a “Northern front” against Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks along the Gaza-Israel border.

USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Extends Deployment in Middle East Amid Rising Conflict

October 1, 2024

In alignment with recent statements by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Carrier Strike Group will continue its deployment in the Middle East, operating under U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). This decision comes as tensions escalate between Israel and terrorist factions active in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, part of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, was initially redeployed to the region in late August 2024. The move followed a conversation between Secretary Austin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which occurred shortly after a preemptive Israeli strike on Hezbollah forces in Lebanon on August 25. As a result, the carrier and its accompanying vessels were ordered to shift from their operational post in the Western Pacific to the 5th Fleet in the Middle East.

Recent developments, including Israeli airstrikes and the reported assassination of a Hezbollah leader in Lebanon, have further justified the extended presence of the Lincoln Strike Group. Its mission will involve safeguarding both land and maritime assets from potential threats such as drone attacks, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

The current naval deployment complements the presence of other U.S. Navy ships, such as the USS Wasp (LHD-10), USS New York (LPD-21), and USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), which have been stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean since June. Their arrival anticipated the rising possibility of conflict in Lebanon, which has intensified with Israeli Defense Forces conducting operations on the ground.

In a related statement from the Pentagon, it was revealed that “this presence at sea is reinforced by an increased deployment of combat and attack aircraft from the Department of Defense, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft. Additional defensive air support capabilities are expected to be implemented in the coming days.”

These combined efforts are intended to bolster the United States’ strategic military presence in the region, ensuring a robust defense posture as tensions continue to unfold in the Middle East.

U.S. Marines Arrive in the Philippines for Third Annual MRF-SEA Deployment

October 2, 2024

Manila, Philippines – U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force have arrived in the Philippines for the third annual rotational deployment of Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA). Their six-month mission, which runs from October 2024 to March 2025, begins with joint training alongside Philippine forces in the Sama Sama 2024 and KAMANDAG 8 exercises, scheduled from October 7-24, 2024.

The MRF-SEA deployment will involve six additional exercises and numerous security cooperation engagements across Southeast Asia. In addition to working with the Philippine Marine Corps, MRF-SEA will train alongside the Malaysian Army, Indonesian Marine Corps, Royal Brunei Land Forces, Singapore Armed Forces, and Royal Thai Armed Forces.

This deployment aims to strengthen cooperative relationships with regional Allies and partners, increase interoperability, and maintain a forward U.S. Marine Corps presence in the Indo-Pacific. MRF-SEA is a highly flexible task force designed to adapt to various missions, much like the Unit Deployment Program or Marine Expeditionary Unit. Its presence enhances the Marine Corps’ ability to respond to crises and contingencies while supporting shared security objectives in Southeast Asia.

“Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia is deploying to train and operate alongside our Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” said Col. Stuart W. Glenn, commanding officer of MRF-SEA. “The Marine Corps is committed to preserving the freedom of the region and its people. By training together, we strengthen relationships and collective capabilities, working to uphold a rules-based international order.”

During this deployment, MRF-SEA will engage in expert-led training exchanges focused on key areas such as ground and aircraft fires integration, combat medical care, logistics in contested environments, and amphibious operations. Training will also cover Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Neurological response, small boat operations, Unmanned Aerial Surveillance, and urban combat. Live fire exercises and hand-to-hand combat training will further enhance partnered interoperability.

As the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin returns to the U.S. from Australia, MRF-SEA will ensure a continued, adaptable U.S. Marine presence in the Indo-Pacific. This persistent presence is critical for maintaining operational planning, command, control, and theater security cooperation across the region.

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit command element will lead MRF-SEA throughout this rotation, tailoring the size and composition of the force to effectively execute each of the eight planned exercises. They will be supported by elements from the 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and 1st Marine Division to achieve the objectives of the deployment and maintain U.S. Marine forces in Southeast Asia.