REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED!!
Honoring Our Heroes: Remember Everyone Deployed
On this R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Friday, we unite as a community to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women. Across Connecticut, we stand in solidarity with our deployed troops, expressing our unwavering support and gratitude for their dedication to protecting our nation’s freedoms.
As we wear our red shirts today, let us not only symbolize our commitment to remembering those currently serving abroad but also reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Their courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of patriotism, inspiring us all to uphold the values for which they bravely fight.
In Connecticut, we are fortunate to have a rich history of military service, with countless individuals answering the call to serve their country. From the rolling hills of Litchfield County to the vibrant streets of New Haven, our state has produced generations of heroes who have defended our freedoms with valor and distinction.
As we observe R.E.D. Friday, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting veterans and their families upon their return home. Whether through employment opportunities, healthcare services, or community outreach programs, it is essential that we provide our veterans with the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into civilian life.
Additionally, let us not forget the families of our deployed service members, who bear a significant burden during their loved ones’ absence. Their strength and resilience serve as a source of inspiration, and it is incumbent upon us to offer them our unwavering support and gratitude.
On this R.E.D. Friday, let us come together as a community to honor our heroes, both past and present. Let us express our heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in every way possible. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of our veterans and service members is never forgotten.
Thank you to all who have served, are serving, and will serve. Your dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered and cherished by a grateful nation.
Remember Everyone Deployed. Wear Red. Honor Our Heroes.
U.S. Military Airlifts Americans Amid Escalating Violence in Haiti
Saturday 9 March and overnight, In a swift and coordinated operation, U.S. military personnel evacuated several Americans from the country’s embassy in Haiti as the nation faces a deepening crisis marked by escalating violence and instability.
“At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. military conducted an operation to augment the security of the U.S. Embassy at Port-au-Prince, allow our Embassy mission operations to continue, and enable non-essential personnel to depart,” stated U.S. Southern Command.
While the statement emphasized that no Haitians were evacuated on the aircraft used to remove embassy personnel, it did confirm that some were airlifted into the embassy to bolster security measures. However, exact figures regarding the number of evacuated personnel or those brought into the embassy were not immediately disclosed, with U.S. Southern Command declining to provide further details.
Haiti has been plunged into chaos in recent times, with mass prison escapes, gunfire erupting at critical locations like the main airport, central bank, and national soccer stadium, as armed gangs orchestrate coordinated attacks in a bid to destabilize the nation. This wave of violence has exploited a power vacuum left in the wake of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021, with armed groups now controlling an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, according to U.N. estimates.
The Haitian National Police, comprising approximately 9,000 officers tasked with safeguarding over 11 million people, find themselves routinely overwhelmed and outmatched by the firepower and organization of these gangs. Compounding the crisis is the absence of a functioning parliament, leaving the nation grappling with rampant sexual violence, kidnappings, and a surge in murder rates.
The situation deteriorated further when gangs targeted Haiti’s international airport in yet another brazen assault, prompting the U.S. Embassy to issue a travel advisory urging all American citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.
As Haiti grapples with unprecedented levels of violence and instability, the evacuation of American personnel underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for international intervention to restore peace and security to the beleaguered nation.
In Response
A team of U.S. Marines has been dispatched to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amidst escalating violence caused by gangs, as stated by the U.S. Southern Command. This deployment supplements the existing Diplomatic Security personnel from the State Department already present in Haiti. The U.S. Southern Command stated that, at the behest of the Department of State, they deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to reinforce security measures at the embassy and facilitate the rotation of current Marines, a standard procedure globally. Despite the situation, the U.S. Embassy remains operational, focusing on aiding American citizens and supporting Haitian efforts for a peaceful transition of power.
The Marine Corps dispatched a special response unit to Haiti to bolster security measures. This deployment aims to facilitate the departure of non-emergency personnel, relieve Marines stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, and address the escalating gang violence plaguing the country. A Marine Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) unit has arrived in the capital, as confirmed by a statement from U.S. Southern Command. The exact arrival time was not disclosed. This move follows an airlift evacuation of non-essential embassy personnel, with the embassy still operational but operating under limited capacity. The deployment of the FAST unit was made in response to a request from the State Department to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in Haiti. These units, falling under the Corps’ Security Force Regiment, are specialized in providing rapid security and anti-terrorism measures for naval and sensitive government installations abroad. The Pentagon has doubled funding for its multinational security support mission in Haiti and is collaborating with the Haitian National Police to restore stability, which may involve planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support. Recent events in Haiti, including the attempted seizure of government buildings by armed gangs, highlight the urgent need for intervention. The current situation stems from increased gang violence following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s efforts to seek international assistance have faced setbacks, with a recent ruling in Kenya deeming UN-backed police deployment unconstitutional. The Marine Corps plays a significant role in embassy security worldwide, with Marine security guards tasked with safeguarding personnel and sensitive materials. Col. Kelly Frushour emphasized the deterrence role of Marine security guards and the rigorous training they undergo to protect diplomatic missions. The deployment of the FAST unit underscores the readiness of the Marine Corps to respond to security challenges promptly.
Houthi Militants Target Container Ship in Red Sea: Escalating Tensions in Yemen
On March 12, in a troubling escalation of tensions, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Pinocchio, a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea. Fortunately, the missiles did not hit the vessel, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea initially claimed that the group had successfully targeted and hit an “American” ship, referring to the Pinocchio. However, CENTCOM confirmed that there was no damage or injuries resulting from the attack.
The Pinocchio, owned by Singapore-registered company OM-MAR 5 INC, was the apparent target of the Houthi missile strike. This incident marks yet another in a series of attacks by the Houthi group, disrupting global shipping routes and raising concerns about the broader implications for regional stability.
Sarea also announced that the Houthi group intends to escalate military operations during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in solidarity with Palestinians and in response to the conflict in Gaza. This announcement underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, with conflicts intersecting and potentially exacerbating tensions.
In response to the ongoing threats posed by the Houthi group, the United States and Britain have conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and recently redesignated the militia as a terrorist organization. CENTCOM reported conducting six self-defense strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, targeting an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles that posed a significant threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. As the international community grapples with the implications of these developments, efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a lasting solution to the crisis in Yemen become increasingly urgent.
