1 00:00:01,520 --> 00:00:03,742 Ladies and gentlemen , please stand for 2 00:00:03,742 --> 00:00:05,853 the arrival of the official party and 3 00:00:05,853 --> 00:00:07,798 remain standing for the playing of 4 00:00:07,798 --> 00:00:09,853 honors to the Secretary of Defense , 5 00:00:09,853 --> 00:00:12,020 the national anthem and the invocation 6 00:01:26,650 --> 00:01:27,650 part time . 7 00:01:31,910 --> 00:01:32,910 Have a face . 8 00:01:40,700 --> 00:01:41,540 Bring that 9 00:01:45,060 --> 00:01:47,700 Jose . Can you see 10 00:01:50,520 --> 00:01:53,820 early light ? What so proud 11 00:01:57,180 --> 00:02:00,780 at the twilight's last gleaming 12 00:02:00,790 --> 00:02:03,920 whose broad stripes and bright 13 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:05,400 stars 14 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:10,300 us fight ? Or the 15 00:02:11,770 --> 00:02:12,250 sorry 16 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:17,970 the streaming 17 00:02:30,170 --> 00:02:33,540 night that still 18 00:02:38,160 --> 00:02:39,190 bengal 19 00:02:43,970 --> 00:02:44,800 for the 20 00:03:00,290 --> 00:03:00,830 Oh 21 00:03:13,860 --> 00:03:14,610 all over 22 00:03:29,710 --> 00:03:31,932 ladies and gentlemen , chaplain Colonel 23 00:03:31,932 --> 00:03:33,766 Lance Giannone will now give the 24 00:03:33,766 --> 00:03:33,440 invocation 25 00:03:38,620 --> 00:03:42,330 good as our heads . Dear Lord , 26 00:03:42,340 --> 00:03:44,229 you place leaders in positions of 27 00:03:44,229 --> 00:03:46,284 authority for the common good of our 28 00:03:46,284 --> 00:03:48,340 nation and you charge us to pray for 29 00:03:48,340 --> 00:03:50,673 them . We thank you for Admiral Charles . 30 00:03:50,673 --> 00:03:52,618 Richard's leadership over the past 31 00:03:52,618 --> 00:03:54,618 three years as the 23rd Commander , 32 00:03:54,618 --> 00:03:57,120 United States Strategic Command by your 33 00:03:57,120 --> 00:03:59,120 providence . Admiral Richard led us 34 00:03:59,120 --> 00:04:01,050 through a global pandemic china's 35 00:04:01,050 --> 00:04:02,994 strategic breakout and the Russian 36 00:04:02,994 --> 00:04:05,150 invasion of Ukraine enabling stratcom 37 00:04:05,150 --> 00:04:07,039 to provide strategic deterrence . 38 00:04:07,039 --> 00:04:09,500 During these challenging times . As 39 00:04:09,500 --> 00:04:11,611 Admiral mrs Richard Complete 41 years 40 00:04:11,611 --> 00:04:13,722 of faithful service and transition to 41 00:04:13,722 --> 00:04:15,944 the next chapter . We pray . They would 42 00:04:15,944 --> 00:04:17,889 feel the gratitude of our grateful 43 00:04:17,889 --> 00:04:19,778 hearts as we say , fair winds and 44 00:04:19,778 --> 00:04:22,180 following seas . We pray . This will be 45 00:04:22,180 --> 00:04:24,170 a day . They will remember with a 46 00:04:24,170 --> 00:04:26,170 tremendous sense of fulfillment for 47 00:04:26,170 --> 00:04:28,410 standing the watch . We know that every 48 00:04:28,410 --> 00:04:30,500 military career is made successful 49 00:04:30,510 --> 00:04:32,510 because family members stand by our 50 00:04:32,510 --> 00:04:34,930 side . Thank you forever . Rich's wife , 51 00:04:34,940 --> 00:04:37,640 lisa and their Children chase ali and 52 00:04:37,640 --> 00:04:40,340 Emily provide the entire Richard family 53 00:04:40,350 --> 00:04:42,350 with a full measure of your care in 54 00:04:42,350 --> 00:04:44,650 keeping . And now Lord we welcome our 55 00:04:44,650 --> 00:04:46,850 new commander General Anthony Cotton 56 00:04:46,860 --> 00:04:49,030 and his wife Marcia . We are blessed 57 00:04:49,030 --> 00:04:50,974 with a leader who also cares about 58 00:04:50,974 --> 00:04:53,197 people and who understands the stratcom 59 00:04:53,197 --> 00:04:55,390 mission for he is no stranger to us as 60 00:04:55,390 --> 00:04:57,279 the former Commander of Air Force 61 00:04:57,279 --> 00:04:59,780 Global Strike Command as we anticipate 62 00:04:59,780 --> 00:05:01,613 the new lessons , challenges and 63 00:05:01,613 --> 00:05:03,620 successes that General Cotton will 64 00:05:03,620 --> 00:05:05,740 inspire in us . We ask that you grant 65 00:05:05,740 --> 00:05:07,962 him wisdom , strength and discernment . 66 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:10,410 Give him grace as we pursue our 67 00:05:10,410 --> 00:05:12,460 nation's priority of ensuring peace 68 00:05:12,460 --> 00:05:14,410 prevails in the global competitive 69 00:05:14,410 --> 00:05:17,070 environment . Finally , we ask your 70 00:05:17,070 --> 00:05:19,237 blessings on this ceremony and all who 71 00:05:19,237 --> 00:05:21,292 are here for it is in your name . We 72 00:05:21,292 --> 00:05:22,140 pray amen . 73 00:05:25,490 --> 00:05:27,712 Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated 74 00:05:32,140 --> 00:05:33,918 ladies and gentlemen , it is my 75 00:05:33,918 --> 00:05:35,918 pleasure to introduce the honorable 76 00:05:35,918 --> 00:05:37,918 frank Kindle . Secretary of the Air 77 00:05:37,918 --> 00:05:37,760 Force . 78 00:05:46,830 --> 00:05:49,052 Thank you all so much for being with us 79 00:05:49,052 --> 00:05:51,163 this morning . Uh My role is a little 80 00:05:51,163 --> 00:05:53,386 unusual and a change of command to give 81 00:05:53,386 --> 00:05:56,280 an award to the incoming commander . 82 00:05:56,290 --> 00:05:58,650 Well , in your mind's eye , imagine the 83 00:05:58,650 --> 00:06:00,594 Secretary of the Air Force chasing 84 00:06:00,594 --> 00:06:02,706 General Cotton around the country for 85 00:06:02,706 --> 00:06:04,928 48 hours trying to catch up with him to 86 00:06:04,928 --> 00:06:07,039 give him an award . It turns out that 87 00:06:07,039 --> 00:06:09,261 Gerald Cotten didn't make it to his own 88 00:06:09,261 --> 00:06:11,206 change of command at Global Strike 89 00:06:11,206 --> 00:06:13,372 Command . Uh He was busy getting ready 90 00:06:13,372 --> 00:06:15,594 for his new job at stratcom And I think 91 00:06:15,594 --> 00:06:17,761 that may give you a sense of what's to 92 00:06:17,761 --> 00:06:19,983 come here . Uh Marshall . I hope you've 93 00:06:19,983 --> 00:06:22,094 enjoyed your 48 hours of unemployment 94 00:06:22,094 --> 00:06:23,872 because it's about to come to a 95 00:06:23,872 --> 00:06:25,872 screeching end in a few minutes . I 96 00:06:25,872 --> 00:06:29,620 think General Cotton is an 97 00:06:29,620 --> 00:06:32,490 exceptional leader . He is a person of 98 00:06:32,500 --> 00:06:34,722 leader of great character and leader of 99 00:06:34,722 --> 00:06:36,944 great wisdom . So when it came time for 100 00:06:36,944 --> 00:06:39,056 us to recommend some of the Secretary 101 00:06:39,056 --> 00:06:41,278 Austin to take on the role of increased 102 00:06:41,278 --> 00:06:43,500 responsibility that he will see today . 103 00:06:43,500 --> 00:06:45,333 It was very , very easy for us . 104 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:47,471 General Cotton is about to receive an 105 00:06:47,471 --> 00:06:49,471 award and you'll hear about as many 106 00:06:49,471 --> 00:06:51,360 accomplishments and Global Strike 107 00:06:51,360 --> 00:06:53,582 Command . But it's those qualities that 108 00:06:53,582 --> 00:06:55,749 that set him apart . And I'm delighted 109 00:06:55,749 --> 00:06:57,804 to present this award to him and I'm 110 00:06:57,804 --> 00:06:59,971 delighted to see him uh stepping up to 111 00:06:59,971 --> 00:07:01,860 his new responsibilities . Gerald 112 00:07:01,860 --> 00:07:03,971 Cotten . Could you join me up here on 113 00:07:03,971 --> 00:07:03,260 the stage please , 114 00:07:08,790 --> 00:07:10,790 Ladies and gentlemen , please stand 115 00:07:10,790 --> 00:07:12,846 while Secretary Kendall presents the 116 00:07:12,846 --> 00:07:15,012 Distinguished Service Medal to General 117 00:07:15,012 --> 00:07:16,957 Cotton , Attention to orders . The 118 00:07:16,957 --> 00:07:18,846 President of the United States of 119 00:07:18,846 --> 00:07:21,068 America authorized by act of Congress , 120 00:07:21,068 --> 00:07:23,123 july 9 1918 Awards the Distinguished 121 00:07:23,123 --> 00:07:25,068 Service Medal to General Anthony J 122 00:07:25,068 --> 00:07:27,123 Cotton for exceptionally meritorious 123 00:07:27,123 --> 00:07:28,623 service in duties of great 124 00:07:28,623 --> 00:07:30,580 responsibility . General Cotton 125 00:07:30,580 --> 00:07:32,358 distinguished himself as Deputy 126 00:07:32,358 --> 00:07:34,469 Commander and Commander , Air Force , 127 00:07:34,469 --> 00:07:36,580 Global Strike Command and Commander . 128 00:07:36,580 --> 00:07:39,060 Air Force's Strategic Air United States 129 00:07:39,060 --> 00:07:41,300 Strategic Command , barksdale Air Force 130 00:07:41,300 --> 00:07:45,170 Base Louisiana from 28 october 2019 131 00:07:45,180 --> 00:07:48,680 to 28 november 2022 . During this 132 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:50,902 period , General Cotton brilliantly led 133 00:07:50,902 --> 00:07:54,250 34,000 airmen in operating sustaining 134 00:07:54,260 --> 00:07:56,482 and securing two thirds of the nation's 135 00:07:56,482 --> 00:07:58,704 nuclear forces in direct support of the 136 00:07:58,710 --> 00:08:00,670 Air Force's number one priority . 137 00:08:00,680 --> 00:08:03,710 General Cotton's precise and deliberate 138 00:08:03,720 --> 00:08:05,664 leadership resulted in the largest 139 00:08:05,664 --> 00:08:07,620 nuclear modernization portfolio in 140 00:08:07,630 --> 00:08:09,890 decades while achieving unprecedented 141 00:08:09,890 --> 00:08:12,800 levels of operational readiness as the 142 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:14,967 single accountable officer for the Air 143 00:08:14,967 --> 00:08:17,133 Force nuclear mission . General Cotton 144 00:08:17,133 --> 00:08:20,020 secured $214 billion for the 145 00:08:20,020 --> 00:08:22,076 transformation of its bomber fleet , 146 00:08:22,076 --> 00:08:24,020 intercontinental ballistic missile 147 00:08:24,020 --> 00:08:26,076 forces , nuclear command control and 148 00:08:26,076 --> 00:08:28,131 communication systems and helicopter 149 00:08:28,131 --> 00:08:30,480 weapons systems all being delivered on 150 00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:33,180 time and on budget and assured future 151 00:08:33,180 --> 00:08:35,291 sustainment viability through digital 152 00:08:35,291 --> 00:08:37,900 engineering , modular design and owning 153 00:08:37,900 --> 00:08:39,910 the technical baseline . He 154 00:08:39,910 --> 00:08:41,910 reinvigorated the commands cultural 155 00:08:41,910 --> 00:08:44,170 campaign striker culture with a focus 156 00:08:44,170 --> 00:08:46,570 on creativity , collaboration and 157 00:08:46,570 --> 00:08:48,737 mutual respect to the airmen and their 158 00:08:48,737 --> 00:08:50,920 families , driving positive impacts at 159 00:08:50,920 --> 00:08:53,400 the personal and institutional levels . 160 00:08:54,030 --> 00:08:56,350 As commander , General Cotton expertly 161 00:08:56,350 --> 00:08:58,350 pivoted the command from continuous 162 00:08:58,350 --> 00:09:00,680 bomber presence operations to executing 163 00:09:00,680 --> 00:09:03,470 11 bomber task force missions and 25 164 00:09:03,470 --> 00:09:05,692 missions departing and returning to the 165 00:09:05,692 --> 00:09:07,859 continental United States in an effort 166 00:09:07,859 --> 00:09:10,080 to keenly manage bomber capacity and 167 00:09:10,080 --> 00:09:12,100 enhanced lethality and supporting a 168 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:14,000 diverse range of operations for 169 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:16,222 combatant commanders across the globe . 170 00:09:16,410 --> 00:09:18,920 Finally , under his leadership , Air 171 00:09:18,920 --> 00:09:20,920 Force Global Strike Command emerged 172 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:22,864 from a global health pandemic with 173 00:09:22,864 --> 00:09:24,753 unmatched readiness levels and un 174 00:09:24,753 --> 00:09:26,976 impacted nuclear deterrence , providing 175 00:09:26,976 --> 00:09:28,698 uninterrupted strategic combat 176 00:09:28,698 --> 00:09:30,864 capability to the Secretary of Defense 177 00:09:30,864 --> 00:09:33,142 and the President of the United States . 178 00:09:33,890 --> 00:09:35,460 The singularly distinctive 179 00:09:35,460 --> 00:09:37,590 accomplishments of General Cotton 180 00:09:37,600 --> 00:09:40,010 reflect the highest credit upon himself 181 00:09:40,020 --> 00:09:42,050 and the United States Air Force . 182 00:10:30,860 --> 00:10:33,082 Thank you Secretary Kendall and General 183 00:10:33,082 --> 00:10:35,249 Cotton . Ladies and gentlemen , please 184 00:10:35,249 --> 00:10:36,249 be seated . 185 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:41,398 Ladies and gentlemen , it is my 186 00:10:41,398 --> 00:10:43,398 pleasure to introduce the honorable 187 00:10:43,398 --> 00:10:45,509 Lloyd Austin , Secretary of Defense . 188 00:10:56,980 --> 00:10:59,100 Well , good morning everyone . It's 189 00:10:59,100 --> 00:11:01,480 great to be back at office and I'm 190 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:04,770 delighted to be joined by so many 191 00:11:04,780 --> 00:11:06,790 distinguished supporters of United 192 00:11:06,790 --> 00:11:09,800 States Strategic Command . Governor 193 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:12,280 Ricketts , Senator Fischer , 194 00:11:13,100 --> 00:11:15,120 congressman flood , Thanks for your 195 00:11:15,120 --> 00:11:15,860 leadership , 196 00:11:18,330 --> 00:11:20,980 administrator ruby and Secretary 197 00:11:20,980 --> 00:11:23,750 Kendall , Thanks for being here as well . 198 00:11:23,750 --> 00:11:26,090 It's always great to see you . And 199 00:11:26,090 --> 00:11:28,201 above all , I'd like to recognize the 200 00:11:28,201 --> 00:11:30,750 men and women of stratcom . Thanks for 201 00:11:30,750 --> 00:11:32,861 the warm welcome and for all that you 202 00:11:32,870 --> 00:11:35,070 do to protect our democracy . 203 00:11:36,400 --> 00:11:39,640 So let's give the men and women of 204 00:11:39,640 --> 00:11:41,470 stratcom around the part 205 00:11:51,840 --> 00:11:54,720 truly well deserved . Now , this 206 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:57,960 command's motto declares peace is our 207 00:11:57,960 --> 00:12:01,870 profession . Your mission is to deter 208 00:12:01,870 --> 00:12:04,800 war and to do it with unmatched 209 00:12:04,810 --> 00:12:08,730 professionalism . Today , stratcom 210 00:12:08,730 --> 00:12:12,620 faces new challenges . United States 211 00:12:12,620 --> 00:12:14,398 is on the verge of a new face . 212 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:18,460 One were , for the first time we faced 213 00:12:18,470 --> 00:12:21,720 two major nuclear powers as strategic 214 00:12:21,720 --> 00:12:24,970 competitors . The people's republic of 215 00:12:24,980 --> 00:12:28,000 china is expanding and modernizing and 216 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:31,160 diversifying its nuclear forces 217 00:12:32,330 --> 00:12:35,890 and Russia is also modernizing and 218 00:12:35,890 --> 00:12:39,840 expanding its nuclear arsenal and as 219 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:42,370 the Kremlin continues its cruel and 220 00:12:42,370 --> 00:12:44,560 unprovoked war of choice against 221 00:12:44,560 --> 00:12:47,670 Ukraine . The whole world has seen 222 00:12:47,670 --> 00:12:50,870 Putin engage in deeply irresponsible 223 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:54,860 nuclear saber rattling . So 224 00:12:54,860 --> 00:12:58,710 make no mistake , nuclear powers 225 00:12:58,710 --> 00:13:02,150 have a profound responsibility to avoid 226 00:13:02,160 --> 00:13:05,810 provocative behavior and to lower the 227 00:13:05,810 --> 00:13:09,420 risk of proliferation and to prevent 228 00:13:09,430 --> 00:13:11,920 escalation and nuclear war . 229 00:13:13,370 --> 00:13:16,340 So stratcom , it's your mission to be 230 00:13:16,350 --> 00:13:19,240 the responsible custodians of America's 231 00:13:19,250 --> 00:13:23,050 nuclear arsenal . And you're meeting 232 00:13:23,060 --> 00:13:25,450 this challenging and dangerous moment 233 00:13:25,460 --> 00:13:28,240 with clear eyes and determination 234 00:13:30,010 --> 00:13:31,788 stratcom is leading the push to 235 00:13:31,788 --> 00:13:35,440 modernize our nuclear triad . You know , 236 00:13:35,440 --> 00:13:38,670 a week ago I was in California To 237 00:13:38,670 --> 00:13:41,540 unveil the B- 21 raider which is the 238 00:13:41,540 --> 00:13:43,484 backbone of the Air Force's Bomber 239 00:13:43,484 --> 00:13:47,260 Fleet . We're going and we're 240 00:13:47,260 --> 00:13:49,600 working to modernize the other legs of 241 00:13:49,600 --> 00:13:52,560 the triad through new Columbia class 242 00:13:52,560 --> 00:13:55,660 submarines and the sentinel I C B . M . 243 00:13:55,660 --> 00:13:59,410 System stratcom is here 244 00:13:59,410 --> 00:14:02,040 to deter conflict and keep the peace 245 00:14:02,870 --> 00:14:05,570 and that means a secure and safe and 246 00:14:05,570 --> 00:14:08,320 effective nuclear arsenal as the 247 00:14:08,320 --> 00:14:10,630 ultimate backstop to deter strategic 248 00:14:10,630 --> 00:14:13,640 attacks on our country and our allies 249 00:14:13,650 --> 00:14:16,990 including NATO Japan republic of 250 00:14:16,990 --> 00:14:20,990 Korea and Australia stratcom is 251 00:14:20,990 --> 00:14:23,060 working to build a truly integrated 252 00:14:23,060 --> 00:14:26,220 deterrence and that lies at the heart 253 00:14:26,230 --> 00:14:28,820 of our national defense strategy which 254 00:14:28,820 --> 00:14:31,240 includes our nuclear posture , review , 255 00:14:32,910 --> 00:14:35,320 our nuclear capabilities don't exist in 256 00:14:35,320 --> 00:14:38,560 a vacuum . So we must integrate our 257 00:14:38,560 --> 00:14:40,800 nuclear deterrent across all domains 258 00:14:40,800 --> 00:14:44,090 including space and cyberspace . We 259 00:14:44,090 --> 00:14:45,920 must also reduce the risk that 260 00:14:45,930 --> 00:14:49,210 escalation in one domain could spill 261 00:14:49,210 --> 00:14:53,200 over into another as our 262 00:14:53,200 --> 00:14:55,311 National Defense strategy and nuclear 263 00:14:55,311 --> 00:14:58,730 posture . Review . Make clear that type 264 00:14:58,730 --> 00:15:00,841 of integration is more essential than 265 00:15:00,841 --> 00:15:02,540 ever to prevent conflict and 266 00:15:02,540 --> 00:15:06,260 catastrophe . And we all understand 267 00:15:06,260 --> 00:15:09,300 that nuclear deterrence isn't just a 268 00:15:09,300 --> 00:15:12,690 numbers game in fact that sort of 269 00:15:12,690 --> 00:15:15,940 thinking can spur a dangerous arms race . 270 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:19,550 So stripe com is developing the 271 00:15:19,550 --> 00:15:21,717 credible capabilities and the concepts 272 00:15:21,717 --> 00:15:24,260 that we need to prevent conflict in 273 00:15:24,260 --> 00:15:27,240 this century . You are integrating our 274 00:15:27,240 --> 00:15:30,310 efforts across all domains and you're 275 00:15:30,310 --> 00:15:32,477 weaving our capabilities together with 276 00:15:32,477 --> 00:15:35,390 those of our allies and partners . And 277 00:15:35,390 --> 00:15:38,380 finally , we know that the torrents 278 00:15:38,380 --> 00:15:41,560 alone will not eliminate nuclear 279 00:15:41,560 --> 00:15:44,940 dangers . So we're working to reduce 280 00:15:44,950 --> 00:15:46,894 the global role of nuclear weapons 281 00:15:46,894 --> 00:15:49,860 through arms control , nonproliferation 282 00:15:49,860 --> 00:15:53,700 and strategic stability . For decades . 283 00:15:53,700 --> 00:15:55,867 The United States has used these tools 284 00:15:55,867 --> 00:15:58,620 to decrease the potential for nuclear 285 00:15:58,620 --> 00:16:01,540 war , all underwritten by our 286 00:16:01,540 --> 00:16:03,900 strong deterrent . 287 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:07,569 So we remain committed to putting 288 00:16:07,569 --> 00:16:09,620 diplomacy first and to enhancing 289 00:16:09,620 --> 00:16:12,980 transparency and predictability . And 290 00:16:12,980 --> 00:16:15,250 we stand ready to pursue new arms 291 00:16:15,250 --> 00:16:17,139 control arrangements with willing 292 00:16:17,139 --> 00:16:19,420 partners operating in good faith , 293 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:26,100 nothing that this department does is 294 00:16:26,100 --> 00:16:29,270 more important than reducing 295 00:16:29,280 --> 00:16:31,940 reducing the risk of nuclear conflict 296 00:16:31,950 --> 00:16:34,110 escalation and arms races 297 00:16:37,580 --> 00:16:39,580 for three years . The vital work of 298 00:16:39,580 --> 00:16:41,636 this command has been led by admiral 299 00:16:41,636 --> 00:16:45,600 Charles Richard Chaz . We're 300 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:47,822 really sorry to see you retire for many 301 00:16:47,822 --> 00:16:51,410 reasons , but one of them is 302 00:16:51,410 --> 00:16:54,730 that you'll have even more time to root 303 00:16:54,730 --> 00:16:56,952 for the Alabama football team , which I 304 00:16:56,952 --> 00:17:00,900 really worry about . You see , I'm 305 00:17:00,900 --> 00:17:01,820 an auburn guy . 306 00:17:05,650 --> 00:17:08,790 So Chaz , I'll say this because you are 307 00:17:08,790 --> 00:17:11,410 the man of the hour . I'll deny it 308 00:17:11,410 --> 00:17:13,690 later on . But I have to congratulate 309 00:17:13,690 --> 00:17:16,080 you on that iron bow victory a few 310 00:17:16,080 --> 00:17:19,270 weeks ago , I'll probably be 311 00:17:19,270 --> 00:17:21,381 excommunicated from the auburn family 312 00:17:21,381 --> 00:17:22,881 for saying that publicly . 313 00:17:24,930 --> 00:17:27,041 Actually it was a great game and well 314 00:17:27,041 --> 00:17:30,790 deserved victory . Jazz ! I'm pleased 315 00:17:30,790 --> 00:17:33,012 that we're joined today by some of your 316 00:17:33,012 --> 00:17:36,090 family . Your wife lisa is a dedicated 317 00:17:36,090 --> 00:17:39,720 public servant herself . She's worked 318 00:17:39,720 --> 00:17:41,880 as a Senate staffer including on the 319 00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:44,530 Veterans Affairs Committee and she's 320 00:17:44,530 --> 00:17:46,474 worked in a range of roles serving 321 00:17:46,474 --> 00:17:48,530 military families and communities in 322 00:17:48,530 --> 00:17:52,170 need Lisa . Thank you for supporting 323 00:17:52,170 --> 00:17:56,080 Chaz for 34 years of marriage and for 324 00:17:56,080 --> 00:17:59,880 your service to our nation . We 325 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:02,110 also have your three Children here , 326 00:18:02,120 --> 00:18:04,930 Chase , Allison and Emily . 327 00:18:06,090 --> 00:18:08,530 And today is actually Chase's birthday . 328 00:18:09,980 --> 00:18:11,700 So happy birthday Chase 329 00:18:20,350 --> 00:18:22,530 and thank you to all the members of 330 00:18:22,530 --> 00:18:24,474 Admiral Richard's family for their 331 00:18:24,474 --> 00:18:26,710 service and their sacrifice . 332 00:18:28,450 --> 00:18:32,110 You know , Admiral Richard only 333 00:18:32,110 --> 00:18:34,110 plan to be in the military for four 334 00:18:34,110 --> 00:18:38,000 years , But he ended up talking out 335 00:18:38,010 --> 00:18:41,960 at 41 years . It is one of 336 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:43,793 our military's most accomplished 337 00:18:43,793 --> 00:18:46,660 submarine officers . He's modeled the 338 00:18:46,660 --> 00:18:48,604 dedication , the expertise and the 339 00:18:48,604 --> 00:18:51,670 commitment to excellence of our silent 340 00:18:51,670 --> 00:18:54,820 service . At the start of his career . 341 00:18:54,820 --> 00:18:56,709 He interviewed with the legendary 342 00:18:56,709 --> 00:18:59,270 Admiral Rickover to get a job in the 343 00:18:59,270 --> 00:19:01,470 Navy nuclear Navy's nuclear power 344 00:19:01,470 --> 00:19:04,210 program . And that was the beginning of 345 00:19:04,210 --> 00:19:06,080 four decades of extraordinary 346 00:19:06,080 --> 00:19:08,530 contributions to America's sea bass to 347 00:19:08,530 --> 00:19:10,960 turn including 348 00:19:11,620 --> 00:19:15,030 Incredibly seven years spent underwater . 349 00:19:16,500 --> 00:19:18,611 He was the Navy's youngest commanding 350 00:19:18,611 --> 00:19:20,889 officer of a nuclear powered submarine . 351 00:19:21,190 --> 00:19:24,300 He commanded the famed U . S . S . 352 00:19:24,310 --> 00:19:27,960 Party and he led us submarine 353 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:31,500 forces before taking his capstone role 354 00:19:31,500 --> 00:19:35,240 here at stratcom Along the way . He 355 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:37,880 even got to land on the ocean floor and 356 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:40,730 discover a series of 2000 year old 357 00:19:40,730 --> 00:19:44,300 shipwrecks . Admiral Richard has led 358 00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:46,650 stratcom with vigilance and resolve at 359 00:19:46,650 --> 00:19:49,660 a time of evolving threats and during a 360 00:19:49,660 --> 00:19:53,460 global pandemic , he has focused 361 00:19:53,470 --> 00:19:56,130 relentlessly on china's expansion of 362 00:19:56,130 --> 00:19:59,000 its nuclear capabilities and on 363 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:02,290 Russia's dangerous escalatory behavior . 364 00:20:03,140 --> 00:20:05,480 He's worked to ensure that our extended 365 00:20:05,480 --> 00:20:08,050 deterrence commitments to our allies 366 00:20:08,060 --> 00:20:11,950 remains ironclad . And he's overseeing 367 00:20:11,960 --> 00:20:13,793 important investments in nuclear 368 00:20:13,793 --> 00:20:15,990 command and control and in the 369 00:20:15,990 --> 00:20:18,200 modernization of our nuclear trial . 370 00:20:19,690 --> 00:20:23,050 Admiral Richard , thank you for your 41 371 00:20:23,050 --> 00:20:25,272 years of patriotic service and for your 372 00:20:25,272 --> 00:20:27,300 leadership and I'm . 373 00:20:37,850 --> 00:20:39,850 And on behalf of the department , I 374 00:20:39,850 --> 00:20:42,860 wish you and your family fair winds and 375 00:20:42,860 --> 00:20:43,860 following seas . 376 00:20:46,730 --> 00:20:49,620 Today the leadership of this command 377 00:20:49,620 --> 00:20:51,620 passes to general Anthony cotton , 378 00:20:53,270 --> 00:20:55,870 Tony . I'd like to welcome you and all 379 00:20:55,870 --> 00:20:58,780 your family members here today . I had 380 00:20:58,780 --> 00:21:01,560 a chance to meet , meet them earlier . 381 00:21:02,720 --> 00:21:06,620 All 50 of them . Just kidding . That's 382 00:21:06,630 --> 00:21:08,852 a gross exaggeration . There's probably 383 00:21:08,852 --> 00:21:12,820 only 20 , which is 384 00:21:12,820 --> 00:21:15,590 remarkable and says a lot about you and 385 00:21:15,590 --> 00:21:19,540 Marcia , Tony . And let me especially 386 00:21:19,540 --> 00:21:23,290 thank your wife Marcia . She's a 387 00:21:23,290 --> 00:21:26,190 teacher , a compassionate advocate for 388 00:21:26,190 --> 00:21:29,180 our men and women in uniform In your 389 00:21:29,190 --> 00:21:31,220 greatest champion for more than 30 390 00:21:31,220 --> 00:21:34,590 years . You've also got your daughter 391 00:21:35,430 --> 00:21:38,790 bring and your son Russell with us . 392 00:21:39,340 --> 00:21:42,840 And I know that bree and russell are 393 00:21:42,850 --> 00:21:45,017 very glad to be here . And I know that 394 00:21:45,017 --> 00:21:47,072 you know how much this means to your 395 00:21:47,072 --> 00:21:49,072 parents that you're here today . So 396 00:21:49,072 --> 00:21:52,420 welcome Now General Cotton , you knew 397 00:21:52,420 --> 00:21:54,642 from a young age and that you wanted to 398 00:21:54,642 --> 00:21:56,809 carry on in your father's proud legacy 399 00:21:57,930 --> 00:22:00,550 of service in the Air Force . And I'm 400 00:22:00,550 --> 00:22:03,650 certain that he would be so very proud 401 00:22:03,650 --> 00:22:05,761 today if he could witness you take in 402 00:22:05,761 --> 00:22:09,390 the colors of strategic command . You 403 00:22:09,390 --> 00:22:11,223 started your career as a missile 404 00:22:11,223 --> 00:22:13,770 officer at Minot and that became one of 405 00:22:13,770 --> 00:22:16,470 your favorite duty stations because 406 00:22:16,480 --> 00:22:19,750 that's where you met Marcia , you've 407 00:22:19,750 --> 00:22:21,750 commanded missile and space wings . 408 00:22:22,560 --> 00:22:24,449 You've supported our intelligence 409 00:22:24,449 --> 00:22:27,270 community and you've held both the 410 00:22:27,270 --> 00:22:29,860 deputy commander and the commander jobs 411 00:22:29,870 --> 00:22:32,920 at Air Force , Global Strike Command . 412 00:22:34,410 --> 00:22:36,577 And in between all of that you somehow 413 00:22:36,577 --> 00:22:38,632 managed to find time for one of your 414 00:22:38,632 --> 00:22:41,720 favorite hobbies and that is fixing 415 00:22:41,720 --> 00:22:45,190 cars and appliances . Now , Tony . I'm 416 00:22:45,190 --> 00:22:47,620 told that you once fixed a dryer in 15 417 00:22:47,620 --> 00:22:51,290 minutes with a $40 part and saved 418 00:22:51,300 --> 00:22:54,820 hundreds of bucks in that process . And 419 00:22:54,820 --> 00:22:56,876 so come to think of it the next time 420 00:22:56,876 --> 00:23:00,340 you're in Washington , Tony I know that 421 00:23:00,340 --> 00:23:02,507 some of your friends could use some of 422 00:23:02,507 --> 00:23:04,784 your help in fixing a couple of things . 423 00:23:04,784 --> 00:23:08,490 So Tony you've had a tremendous 424 00:23:08,490 --> 00:23:10,810 career . But one of your favorite 425 00:23:10,820 --> 00:23:13,370 assignments was serving as Commander of 426 00:23:13,380 --> 00:23:16,380 Air University because you love shaping 427 00:23:16,380 --> 00:23:18,530 the careers of young service members 428 00:23:18,540 --> 00:23:22,060 and civilians through education . So 429 00:23:22,060 --> 00:23:23,893 thank you for your compassionate 430 00:23:23,893 --> 00:23:26,780 leadership and for the example that you 431 00:23:26,780 --> 00:23:29,860 set for the next generation throughout 432 00:23:29,860 --> 00:23:33,640 your trail blazing career . And 433 00:23:33,640 --> 00:23:35,862 thanks in advance for everything that I 434 00:23:35,862 --> 00:23:37,807 know that you're going to bring to 435 00:23:37,807 --> 00:23:41,690 stratcom . You know , 436 00:23:41,700 --> 00:23:44,570 deterrence has never been just about 437 00:23:44,580 --> 00:23:47,960 the numbers , the weapons or the 438 00:23:47,960 --> 00:23:51,670 platforms . The 439 00:23:51,670 --> 00:23:54,860 heart of american deterrence is the 440 00:23:54,860 --> 00:23:58,240 people who protect us and our allies . 441 00:23:59,560 --> 00:24:01,616 It's the young missile ears who keep 442 00:24:01,616 --> 00:24:04,890 the watch , the sailors who patrol the 443 00:24:04,890 --> 00:24:08,780 depths of the ocean and the pilots who 444 00:24:08,780 --> 00:24:10,800 remain ready at a moment's notice . 445 00:24:12,580 --> 00:24:14,747 It's the technicians and the operators 446 00:24:14,747 --> 00:24:18,090 who keep our systems hunting . And it's 447 00:24:18,090 --> 00:24:20,770 a quiet patriots who stand guard in any 448 00:24:20,770 --> 00:24:23,730 climate under any conditions 449 00:24:26,540 --> 00:24:29,700 here at stratcom , you proudly stand up 450 00:24:29,710 --> 00:24:32,360 day in and day out around the clock 451 00:24:33,670 --> 00:24:36,720 to defend us from catastrophe and to 452 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:39,570 build a safer and more peaceful future . 453 00:24:41,580 --> 00:24:44,720 So let us always ensure that the most 454 00:24:44,720 --> 00:24:46,664 dangerous weapons ever produced by 455 00:24:46,664 --> 00:24:50,220 human science are managed with the 456 00:24:50,220 --> 00:24:53,620 greatest responsibility ever produced 457 00:24:53,620 --> 00:24:57,300 by human government . Thank you . 458 00:24:57,300 --> 00:24:59,840 Admiral Richard and General Cotton and 459 00:24:59,840 --> 00:25:02,640 the men and women of this command may 460 00:25:02,640 --> 00:25:05,060 God bless you and may God continue to 461 00:25:05,060 --> 00:25:07,116 bless the United States of America . 462 00:25:07,116 --> 00:25:08,338 Thank you very much . 463 00:25:21,920 --> 00:25:24,090 Thank you Mr Secretary Admiral Grady 464 00:25:24,090 --> 00:25:26,201 and Admiral Richard , will you please 465 00:25:26,201 --> 00:25:29,240 come to center stage Ladies and 466 00:25:29,240 --> 00:25:31,407 gentlemen , please stand while Admiral 467 00:25:31,407 --> 00:25:33,462 Grady presents the Joint meritorious 468 00:25:33,462 --> 00:25:35,573 Unit Award to United States Strategic 469 00:25:35,573 --> 00:25:38,600 Command . The United States Strategic 470 00:25:38,600 --> 00:25:40,430 Command and its three component 471 00:25:40,430 --> 00:25:42,486 commands distinguished themselves by 472 00:25:42,486 --> 00:25:44,486 exception exceptionally meritorious 473 00:25:44,486 --> 00:25:47,750 service . From 18 November 2019 to 1 474 00:25:47,750 --> 00:25:51,340 May 2022 during this period of historic 475 00:25:51,340 --> 00:25:53,430 stress across the joint force . The 476 00:25:53,430 --> 00:25:55,374 strategic security environment was 477 00:25:55,374 --> 00:25:57,760 shaped by an unprecedented evolution to 478 00:25:57,760 --> 00:26:00,610 a three party nuclear near pier reality 479 00:26:00,620 --> 00:26:02,570 characterized by a breathtaking 480 00:26:02,570 --> 00:26:04,514 strategic breakout by the people's 481 00:26:04,514 --> 00:26:06,459 republic of china and a continuous 482 00:26:06,459 --> 00:26:08,610 technological advancements by Russia 483 00:26:09,460 --> 00:26:11,571 facing two pure adversaries . For the 484 00:26:11,571 --> 00:26:13,627 first time in our nation's history , 485 00:26:13,627 --> 00:26:15,571 the command posture , the nation's 486 00:26:15,571 --> 00:26:17,404 nuclear forces to hold strategic 487 00:26:17,404 --> 00:26:19,182 deterrence and provide extended 488 00:26:19,182 --> 00:26:21,349 assurance and deterrence to our allies 489 00:26:21,349 --> 00:26:23,016 and partners . Under the most 490 00:26:23,016 --> 00:26:24,904 challenging conditions the United 491 00:26:24,904 --> 00:26:27,182 States has faced in more than 40 years . 492 00:26:27,182 --> 00:26:29,404 Additionally , the command was the lead 493 00:26:29,404 --> 00:26:31,516 combatant command to provide periodic 494 00:26:31,516 --> 00:26:33,840 updates on the strategic situation , 495 00:26:33,850 --> 00:26:35,870 deliver key analysis of the risk of 496 00:26:35,870 --> 00:26:37,830 strategic deterrence failure and 497 00:26:37,830 --> 00:26:39,920 subject matter expertise on policy 498 00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:41,920 decisions to United States . Senior 499 00:26:41,920 --> 00:26:43,698 leaders in response to Russia's 500 00:26:43,698 --> 00:26:45,920 conventional attack and nuclear threats 501 00:26:45,920 --> 00:26:48,330 in Ukraine , the command evaluated 502 00:26:48,340 --> 00:26:50,507 thousands of ballistic missile attacks 503 00:26:50,507 --> 00:26:52,507 and assess the threats posed to the 504 00:26:52,507 --> 00:26:54,729 homeland and to north atlantic atlantic 505 00:26:54,729 --> 00:26:56,620 treaty organization nations 506 00:26:56,630 --> 00:26:59,090 simultaneously , the command ensured 507 00:26:59,090 --> 00:27:01,160 continuous , reliable and robust 508 00:27:01,170 --> 00:27:02,820 nuclear command control and 509 00:27:02,820 --> 00:27:04,770 communications connectivity by 510 00:27:04,770 --> 00:27:06,826 establishing a comprehensive plan to 511 00:27:06,826 --> 00:27:08,437 harden critical networks and 512 00:27:08,437 --> 00:27:10,270 infrastructure against adversary 513 00:27:10,270 --> 00:27:12,860 exploitation and attack while 514 00:27:12,860 --> 00:27:15,027 maintaining vigilant focus to pace the 515 00:27:15,027 --> 00:27:16,916 threat . The command continued to 516 00:27:16,916 --> 00:27:19,082 advocate for the future of the nuclear 517 00:27:19,082 --> 00:27:20,971 enterprise and improve its forces 518 00:27:20,971 --> 00:27:23,082 through the planning and execution of 519 00:27:23,082 --> 00:27:25,240 six Tier one exercises and over 1000 520 00:27:25,240 --> 00:27:27,460 scenarios to forge 21st century 521 00:27:27,460 --> 00:27:29,930 deterrence across the entire nuclear 522 00:27:29,930 --> 00:27:32,180 enterprise through their exemplary 523 00:27:32,180 --> 00:27:34,236 performance of duty . The members of 524 00:27:34,236 --> 00:27:36,291 United States Strategic Command have 525 00:27:36,291 --> 00:27:38,347 brought great credit upon themselves 526 00:27:38,347 --> 00:27:40,124 and the Department of Defense . 527 00:27:58,210 --> 00:27:59,932 Thank you . Admiral brady Mr . 528 00:27:59,932 --> 00:28:02,154 Secretary and General Cotton . Will you 529 00:28:02,154 --> 00:28:04,266 please join Admiral Richard at center 530 00:28:04,266 --> 00:28:06,377 stage for the United States Strategic 531 00:28:06,377 --> 00:28:08,543 Command change of command . Ladies and 532 00:28:08,543 --> 00:28:10,488 gentlemen , please remain standing 533 00:28:11,450 --> 00:28:13,750 attention to orders by direction of the 534 00:28:13,750 --> 00:28:16,410 president . Admiral Charles A Richard 535 00:28:16,420 --> 00:28:18,309 will relinquish command of United 536 00:28:18,309 --> 00:28:20,531 States Strategic Command effective nine 537 00:28:20,531 --> 00:28:24,040 december 2022 . General Anthony J 538 00:28:24,040 --> 00:28:26,262 Cotton is directed to assume command of 539 00:28:26,262 --> 00:28:28,040 United States Strategic Command 540 00:28:28,040 --> 00:28:30,830 effective nine december 2022 . 541 00:28:32,200 --> 00:28:34,422 Cheryl Honey , I'm ready to be relieved 542 00:28:35,840 --> 00:28:39,380 Admiral Richard . We're leaving ST 543 00:28:41,110 --> 00:28:42,110 stand release 544 00:28:47,550 --> 00:28:48,550 Mr . Secretary 545 00:28:51,250 --> 00:28:52,250 United States 546 00:29:02,650 --> 00:29:05,340 Mr . Report properly being relieved . 547 00:29:14,040 --> 00:29:16,207 Thank you . Mr . Secretary and Admiral 548 00:29:16,207 --> 00:29:16,170 Richard . 549 00:29:40,750 --> 00:29:43,083 Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated . 550 00:29:44,110 --> 00:29:46,277 Ladies and gentlemen , the Commander , 551 00:29:46,277 --> 00:29:48,240 United States Strategic Command . 552 00:29:48,250 --> 00:29:50,700 General , Anthony Tony cotton 553 00:30:01,660 --> 00:30:05,530 wow . Secretary 554 00:30:05,530 --> 00:30:08,970 Austin . Secretary Kendall Ministry 555 00:30:08,970 --> 00:30:12,960 robi on wall tree . Vice 556 00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:15,300 Chairman brady . General heighten . 557 00:30:17,390 --> 00:30:20,170 Admiral Richard , Governor 558 00:30:21,050 --> 00:30:24,020 Senator Fischer , Congressman Flood . 559 00:30:24,870 --> 00:30:27,800 There's lambert hike and grossly and 560 00:30:27,800 --> 00:30:30,360 the many civic leaders across the 561 00:30:30,360 --> 00:30:33,950 country that are here with us today and 562 00:30:33,950 --> 00:30:37,090 many , many friends and colleagues that 563 00:30:37,090 --> 00:30:38,979 are here today . Not just for the 564 00:30:38,979 --> 00:30:40,868 Cotton family but for the Richard 565 00:30:40,868 --> 00:30:43,720 family , our great allies and partners 566 00:30:43,720 --> 00:30:45,831 from around the world that are here . 567 00:30:46,550 --> 00:30:49,300 But most importantly all of the 568 00:30:49,300 --> 00:30:51,411 soldiers , sailors , airmen , marines 569 00:30:51,411 --> 00:30:53,910 and guardians of U . S . Strategic 570 00:30:53,910 --> 00:30:55,670 Command . Good morning . 571 00:30:58,360 --> 00:31:00,660 It's so great to be here in Omaha Aw , 572 00:31:01,530 --> 00:31:03,700 I know so many of our family members 573 00:31:03,700 --> 00:31:05,422 and military families that are 574 00:31:05,422 --> 00:31:07,650 stationed here and how they absolutely 575 00:31:07,650 --> 00:31:10,980 love this community and this community 576 00:31:10,980 --> 00:31:14,580 welcomes us with open arms and we can't 577 00:31:14,580 --> 00:31:17,790 thank you enough . But before I get 578 00:31:17,790 --> 00:31:21,610 started I need to thank President Biden . 579 00:31:22,190 --> 00:31:24,850 Secretary Austin , General Milley , 580 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:29,300 Secretary Kindle for their faith and 581 00:31:29,300 --> 00:31:31,980 confidence in the in this critical 582 00:31:31,980 --> 00:31:35,460 position I do not take from granted 583 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:38,580 the trust and responsibility that have 584 00:31:38,580 --> 00:31:42,120 been placed upon me . Secretary Kendall , 585 00:31:42,130 --> 00:31:44,790 thank you for everything The Air force 586 00:31:44,790 --> 00:31:47,060 is moving fast in the right direction . 587 00:31:47,070 --> 00:31:50,330 Thanks for your leadership . What a 588 00:31:50,330 --> 00:31:53,710 dynamic duo between Secretary Kendall 589 00:31:53,720 --> 00:31:57,360 and General C . Q . Brown , but thank 590 00:31:57,360 --> 00:31:59,471 you for the confidence that supported 591 00:31:59,471 --> 00:32:01,740 me in the stead fast support of the 592 00:32:01,740 --> 00:32:04,040 modernization of the two legs of the 593 00:32:04,040 --> 00:32:06,560 nuclear triad of which I was 594 00:32:06,560 --> 00:32:08,782 responsible for until about a couple of 595 00:32:08,782 --> 00:32:10,560 days ago . Now , I get it all . 596 00:32:13,990 --> 00:32:17,470 Richard Chaz , we've been together for 597 00:32:17,470 --> 00:32:21,460 a while . I said 598 00:32:21,460 --> 00:32:23,571 that that might change of command and 599 00:32:23,571 --> 00:32:26,360 global strike command in 2021 that you 600 00:32:26,360 --> 00:32:28,420 had a vision driven by action and 601 00:32:28,420 --> 00:32:31,800 results . It's been inspiring to see 602 00:32:31,800 --> 00:32:34,620 the changes that you've made . I've 603 00:32:34,620 --> 00:32:36,620 watched you lead during challenging 604 00:32:36,620 --> 00:32:38,980 times and I know we are in a better 605 00:32:38,980 --> 00:32:41,650 position to deter and present forces to 606 00:32:41,650 --> 00:32:45,410 our leadership Marcia and I wish you 607 00:32:45,410 --> 00:32:48,560 and lisa all the best as you begin the 608 00:32:48,560 --> 00:32:51,220 next chapter of your journey in your 609 00:32:51,220 --> 00:32:53,100 Griswold mobile . 610 00:32:54,920 --> 00:32:58,640 So if you see a 29 ft camper 611 00:32:58,650 --> 00:33:01,280 with a 40-foot antenna on the back , 612 00:33:03,290 --> 00:33:06,030 you know it's Chaz and lisa as are 613 00:33:06,040 --> 00:33:07,730 hitting the national parks 614 00:33:09,830 --> 00:33:13,440 to my family . There are many 615 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:16,770 here to show support but I want to 616 00:33:16,780 --> 00:33:20,660 speak to a few obviously Marsha , 617 00:33:21,420 --> 00:33:23,587 the love of my life who I met in Minot 618 00:33:23,587 --> 00:33:25,420 north Dakota . So mr secretary . 619 00:33:25,420 --> 00:33:27,753 Absolutely right . There's nothing else . 620 00:33:29,000 --> 00:33:30,944 You know , we have to go there for 621 00:33:30,944 --> 00:33:34,110 holidays in the winter time . And I can 622 00:33:34,110 --> 00:33:36,640 tell you stories about the pact that a 623 00:33:36,640 --> 00:33:39,160 lot of us that were assigned there said 624 00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:41,438 about marrying women from North Dakota . 625 00:33:41,438 --> 00:33:44,290 So we didn't have to go to holidays in 626 00:33:44,290 --> 00:33:46,670 the winter time but it's been 627 00:33:46,670 --> 00:33:48,559 incredible . And Miss Secretary . 628 00:33:48,559 --> 00:33:51,560 Absolutely right . I think we've taken 629 00:33:51,560 --> 00:33:54,110 half of the population of north Dakota 630 00:33:54,120 --> 00:33:56,342 and they're all sitting on that side of 631 00:33:56,342 --> 00:33:58,810 the of the atrium right now . But the 632 00:33:58,810 --> 00:34:00,921 military brought us together 33 years 633 00:34:00,921 --> 00:34:04,820 ago and uh it's been incredible and I'm 634 00:34:04,820 --> 00:34:07,042 happy to have her by my side through it 635 00:34:07,042 --> 00:34:10,060 all . Russ and brie . So proud to be 636 00:34:10,060 --> 00:34:13,900 your dad . So brie is 637 00:34:13,910 --> 00:34:17,900 a Carolina graduate . I'm a N . C . 638 00:34:17,900 --> 00:34:20,510 State graduate , paid for her to go to 639 00:34:20,510 --> 00:34:22,621 Carolina University of north Carolina 640 00:34:22,621 --> 00:34:24,899 Chapel hill . That wasn't a good thing . 641 00:34:24,930 --> 00:34:28,530 Um and she's also a law school graduate 642 00:34:28,530 --> 00:34:30,586 from the University of Michigan . So 643 00:34:30,586 --> 00:34:32,641 she's she's got her opportunities to 644 00:34:32,641 --> 00:34:34,640 pickle a couple of really powerful 645 00:34:34,640 --> 00:34:37,320 teams in sports . But I think Carolina 646 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:39,680 blue is her , our incredible son 647 00:34:39,680 --> 00:34:43,190 Russell um is an intel 648 00:34:43,190 --> 00:34:45,412 analyst and I'm looking at Ron Moultrie 649 00:34:46,220 --> 00:34:49,490 and he's doing some incredible work for 650 00:34:49,500 --> 00:34:52,820 the United States today . I'm so , so , 651 00:34:52,820 --> 00:34:56,450 so proud of them . Now . To the men and 652 00:34:56,450 --> 00:34:59,130 women of your Strategic command , I 653 00:34:59,130 --> 00:35:01,297 cannot put into words how honored I am 654 00:35:01,297 --> 00:35:03,680 to be part of this organization and to 655 00:35:03,680 --> 00:35:07,100 serve with you . I don't want to date 656 00:35:07,100 --> 00:35:10,260 myself , but I was part of Strategic 657 00:35:10,270 --> 00:35:14,080 Air Command during my confirmation and 658 00:35:14,080 --> 00:35:17,280 I see Senator fisher here . I had to 659 00:35:17,280 --> 00:35:20,110 correct myself a few times because I 660 00:35:20,110 --> 00:35:22,110 kept saying Strategic Air Command . 661 00:35:22,590 --> 00:35:25,170 That's because it's I have a tattoo on 662 00:35:25,170 --> 00:35:28,190 my over my heart instead of stratcom . 663 00:35:29,740 --> 00:35:31,796 Thankfully one of the centers during 664 00:35:31,796 --> 00:35:33,907 the confirmation hearing did the same 665 00:35:33,907 --> 00:35:36,018 thing and she said don't worry , it's 666 00:35:36,018 --> 00:35:39,170 okay . But the fact of the matter is we 667 00:35:39,170 --> 00:35:42,330 are not Strategic Air Command sack 668 00:35:42,330 --> 00:35:44,550 achieved many successes over time , 669 00:35:44,560 --> 00:35:47,170 including helping to bring the end of 670 00:35:47,170 --> 00:35:50,980 the Cold War . But however new perils 671 00:35:50,980 --> 00:35:53,530 are end of us . While the post Cold War 672 00:35:53,530 --> 00:35:56,010 era is over , The competition is 673 00:35:56,010 --> 00:35:59,590 underway among major powers to try to 674 00:35:59,590 --> 00:36:01,750 shape what comes ahead . 675 00:36:03,740 --> 00:36:06,420 What we face today is different from 676 00:36:06,420 --> 00:36:08,840 the situation our Cold War heroes faced 677 00:36:10,040 --> 00:36:12,810 in this new phase of competition . We 678 00:36:12,810 --> 00:36:16,220 face to peer adversaries . And guess 679 00:36:16,220 --> 00:36:18,590 what ? Strategic command must be ready 680 00:36:18,600 --> 00:36:20,489 for the global challenges of that 681 00:36:20,489 --> 00:36:23,130 strategic environment , Ready for the 682 00:36:23,130 --> 00:36:25,370 complex challenges to deter adversary 683 00:36:25,370 --> 00:36:28,100 aggression and coercion 24 7 . 684 00:36:29,560 --> 00:36:31,850 But we're positioning a 21st century 685 00:36:31,850 --> 00:36:35,450 command for the future . And what we're 686 00:36:35,450 --> 00:36:38,530 doing is incredibly important . As 687 00:36:38,530 --> 00:36:40,540 Secretary Austin has said before , 688 00:36:40,540 --> 00:36:43,040 America's defense will always be rooted 689 00:36:43,050 --> 00:36:46,250 into turn conflict . So we are again 690 00:36:46,250 --> 00:36:48,560 making it clear to any potential foe . 691 00:36:49,180 --> 00:36:52,540 The risks and costs of aggression far 692 00:36:52,540 --> 00:36:56,440 outweigh any conceivable gains . The 693 00:36:56,440 --> 00:36:59,140 deterrence and combat capability we 694 00:36:59,140 --> 00:37:02,430 provide is bedrock to 695 00:37:02,430 --> 00:37:06,040 all operations . Everything we do is 696 00:37:06,040 --> 00:37:07,651 foundational to national and 697 00:37:07,651 --> 00:37:11,110 international security . It's not just 698 00:37:11,120 --> 00:37:13,500 our nation that's counting on US , it's 699 00:37:13,500 --> 00:37:16,620 our allies and partners NATO cause our 700 00:37:16,620 --> 00:37:19,180 strategic forces of the alliance , 701 00:37:19,190 --> 00:37:21,523 particularly those of the United States , 702 00:37:21,523 --> 00:37:24,550 the supreme guarantee of the alliance's 703 00:37:24,550 --> 00:37:27,610 security and we embrace that . 704 00:37:28,790 --> 00:37:31,068 We know what's riding on our shoulders . 705 00:37:31,620 --> 00:37:35,380 The US owns all I C . B M . S 706 00:37:35,560 --> 00:37:39,000 for our allies , the US owns 707 00:37:39,790 --> 00:37:43,510 all bombers for our allies . The 708 00:37:43,510 --> 00:37:47,020 US is the only one of 3 NATO 709 00:37:47,020 --> 00:37:50,840 members with SS . B . n . And we have 710 00:37:50,840 --> 00:37:53,410 made investments that will ensure that 711 00:37:53,410 --> 00:37:55,530 our capabilities and readiness do not 712 00:37:55,530 --> 00:37:58,900 atrophy and that our deterrence remains 713 00:37:58,910 --> 00:38:02,660 safe , secure , effective and credible 714 00:38:04,550 --> 00:38:06,606 but deterrence is not just nuclear . 715 00:38:07,160 --> 00:38:09,160 When Secretary Austin delivered our 716 00:38:09,160 --> 00:38:10,882 national defense strategy , he 717 00:38:10,882 --> 00:38:12,938 presented one of the primary ways we 718 00:38:12,938 --> 00:38:14,993 advance as a department . Integrated 719 00:38:14,993 --> 00:38:17,216 Defense , integrated Defense , combines 720 00:38:17,216 --> 00:38:20,210 all of our streets , that means every 721 00:38:20,210 --> 00:38:22,660 domain , every theater , every 722 00:38:22,670 --> 00:38:26,110 instrument of US national power , the 723 00:38:26,110 --> 00:38:28,470 world's greatest allies and partners 724 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:30,600 all working together to make an 725 00:38:30,610 --> 00:38:32,920 insurmountable problem for any 726 00:38:32,920 --> 00:38:36,170 potential adversary . And ensure a free 727 00:38:36,180 --> 00:38:38,660 and prosperous and secure international 728 00:38:38,670 --> 00:38:41,570 order and we know our nuclear 729 00:38:41,570 --> 00:38:43,840 capability is at the heart of 730 00:38:43,840 --> 00:38:46,490 deterrence . The importance of our 731 00:38:46,490 --> 00:38:49,440 mission will continue to be paramount 732 00:38:49,450 --> 00:38:51,506 and the backstop of U . S . National 733 00:38:51,506 --> 00:38:54,480 security and we must maintain our 734 00:38:54,480 --> 00:38:57,450 position of strength . But to safeguard 735 00:38:57,450 --> 00:38:59,950 our capabilities and credibility , we 736 00:38:59,950 --> 00:39:02,550 can't settle on the status quo . So 737 00:39:02,550 --> 00:39:06,160 we're taking actions now . Our mission 738 00:39:06,290 --> 00:39:09,350 cannot fail . So we're modernizing our 739 00:39:09,350 --> 00:39:12,500 systems . As the 740 00:39:12,510 --> 00:39:15,560 secretary mentioned last friday , I 741 00:39:15,560 --> 00:39:18,290 also had the pleasure to receive the 742 00:39:18,290 --> 00:39:21,690 first glimpse of the new B 21 raider , 743 00:39:22,430 --> 00:39:25,890 our first strategic bomber in more than 744 00:39:25,900 --> 00:39:28,590 three decades . As noted by Secretary 745 00:39:28,590 --> 00:39:30,760 Austin during the unveiling , it's a 746 00:39:30,760 --> 00:39:33,590 testament not only to America's 747 00:39:33,590 --> 00:39:36,590 enduring advantages in ingenuity and 748 00:39:36,590 --> 00:39:39,790 innovation , but also to our strategy 749 00:39:39,790 --> 00:39:41,910 of deterrence backed up with the 750 00:39:41,910 --> 00:39:44,950 capabilities we need every 751 00:39:44,950 --> 00:39:48,240 time , any time , every time 752 00:39:49,960 --> 00:39:53,300 the raider sentinel our next generation 753 00:39:53,300 --> 00:39:55,660 I C . B . M , the new Columbia class 754 00:39:55,660 --> 00:39:57,660 ballistic missile , submarine , the 755 00:39:57,660 --> 00:39:59,882 next generation nuclear command control 756 00:39:59,882 --> 00:40:02,200 and communications represents an era of 757 00:40:02,200 --> 00:40:04,560 significant transformation for our 758 00:40:04,560 --> 00:40:07,890 nuclear forces . And as we transition 759 00:40:07,890 --> 00:40:10,800 to these new systems that are going to 760 00:40:10,800 --> 00:40:12,960 be even more capable and synchronize 761 00:40:12,960 --> 00:40:14,738 all of our capabilities through 762 00:40:14,738 --> 00:40:16,793 integrated deterrents are deterrents 763 00:40:16,793 --> 00:40:20,060 will only get stronger . But I don't 764 00:40:20,060 --> 00:40:22,380 want anyone to think that our strength 765 00:40:22,380 --> 00:40:24,660 and confidence comes solely from our 766 00:40:24,670 --> 00:40:27,560 combat capabilities . What gives me the 767 00:40:27,560 --> 00:40:29,393 greatest confidence is the solid 768 00:40:29,393 --> 00:40:31,393 foundation of relationships that we 769 00:40:31,393 --> 00:40:35,360 have with allies and partners . We're 770 00:40:35,360 --> 00:40:38,540 the best in the world , combined with 771 00:40:38,540 --> 00:40:41,510 the best allies in the world and 772 00:40:41,510 --> 00:40:43,177 there's nothing that we can't 773 00:40:43,177 --> 00:40:46,080 accomplish . I've seen it firsthand . 774 00:40:46,090 --> 00:40:48,440 The relationship and integration with 775 00:40:48,440 --> 00:40:50,990 our allies and partners , whether it's 776 00:40:50,990 --> 00:40:53,212 major exercises with our friends in the 777 00:40:53,212 --> 00:40:55,550 United Kingdom , integrating with indo 778 00:40:55,550 --> 00:40:59,190 picon providing conventional bomber 779 00:40:59,200 --> 00:41:02,120 exercises with the Japanese air self 780 00:41:02,120 --> 00:41:05,760 Defense force refueling bombers 781 00:41:06,130 --> 00:41:08,130 with the Royal Australian Air Force 782 00:41:08,780 --> 00:41:12,510 landing and arctic base in Norway or 783 00:41:12,510 --> 00:41:14,960 conducting ss being support visits in 784 00:41:14,960 --> 00:41:18,370 Scotland , Gibraltar and Diego 785 00:41:18,370 --> 00:41:22,160 Garcia . It shouldn't be a surprise 786 00:41:23,540 --> 00:41:25,818 that I as a commander of global strike . 787 00:41:25,818 --> 00:41:28,400 There we go . As the commander of US 788 00:41:28,400 --> 00:41:30,860 Strategic Command . Sorry bro , 789 00:41:32,540 --> 00:41:34,530 will continue to reinforce those 790 00:41:34,530 --> 00:41:36,880 relationships with our allies and 791 00:41:36,880 --> 00:41:39,240 partners which the Churchill said it 792 00:41:39,240 --> 00:41:42,470 best if we are together , nothing is 793 00:41:42,470 --> 00:41:46,390 impossible . And together we have a 794 00:41:46,390 --> 00:41:49,480 team that our adversaries will never be 795 00:41:49,480 --> 00:41:52,990 able to overcome . People . Often ask 796 00:41:52,990 --> 00:41:55,190 me john cotton , what keeps you up at 797 00:41:55,190 --> 00:41:58,680 night ? Well 798 00:41:59,710 --> 00:42:02,300 I really don't lose sleep at night when 799 00:42:02,300 --> 00:42:05,420 I go to bed and here are the reasons 800 00:42:05,420 --> 00:42:08,180 why . First the United States has the 801 00:42:08,180 --> 00:42:10,347 greatest military power in the history 802 00:42:10,347 --> 00:42:13,060 of the world . Second , the United 803 00:42:13,060 --> 00:42:15,171 States is part of the most successful 804 00:42:15,171 --> 00:42:17,393 security alliance in the history of the 805 00:42:17,393 --> 00:42:19,560 world that has enabled almost 75 years 806 00:42:19,560 --> 00:42:21,616 of stability , prosperity and growth 807 00:42:21,616 --> 00:42:24,080 and finally I don't lose sleep because 808 00:42:24,080 --> 00:42:26,191 there are brave men and women who are 809 00:42:26,191 --> 00:42:28,760 keeping watch 24 7 , even as I speak , 810 00:42:30,330 --> 00:42:32,497 they may be underwater , underground , 811 00:42:32,497 --> 00:42:35,660 airborne or watching space . This gives 812 00:42:35,660 --> 00:42:38,450 me confidence . The generations that 813 00:42:38,450 --> 00:42:40,506 follow us will continue to live in a 814 00:42:40,506 --> 00:42:42,450 free world . Thanks to the men and 815 00:42:42,450 --> 00:42:45,020 women of U . S . Strategic Command . 816 00:42:46,960 --> 00:42:50,640 And I am so incredibly proud to lead 817 00:42:50,650 --> 00:42:52,920 those men and women and they'll 818 00:42:52,920 --> 00:42:56,560 continue to set the bar high so our 819 00:42:56,560 --> 00:42:58,727 nation and our allies and partners can 820 00:42:58,727 --> 00:43:01,360 rest well knowing that we will keep 821 00:43:01,360 --> 00:43:05,340 watch . May God bless all 822 00:43:05,340 --> 00:43:08,700 of our personnel in harm's way and this 823 00:43:08,700 --> 00:43:11,240 great nation we call America . Thank 824 00:43:11,240 --> 00:43:12,240 you so much . 825 00:43:35,690 --> 00:43:37,810 Thank you General Cotton . Ladies and 826 00:43:37,810 --> 00:43:39,921 gentlemen , this concludes the change 827 00:43:39,921 --> 00:43:41,540 of command portion of the ceremony .