Houthi PC small group

But, we can easily pause. And if we do, I will do all we can to enforce 100% OPSEC. I welcome other thoughts.

The trade figures we have are 15% of global and 30% of container. It's difficult to break that down to US. Specific because much of the container either going through the red sea still or around the Cape of Good Hope our components going to Europe that turns into manufactured goods for transatlantic trade to the United States. Whether we pull the plug or not today European navies do not have the capability to defend against the types of sophisticated, antiship, cruise missiles, and drones the Houthis are now using. So whether it's now or several weeks from now, it will have to be the United States that reopens these shipping lanes. Per the president's request we are working with DOD and State to determine how to compile the cost associated and levy them on the Europeans.

As we stated in the in the first PC we have a fundamental decision of allowing the sea lanes to remain closed or to re-open them now or later, we are the only ones with the capability unfortunately. From a messaging standpoint we absolutely ad this to of horribles on why the Europeans must invest in their defense.

@Pete Hegseth if you think we should do it let's go. I just hate bailing Europe out again.

VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It's PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes. I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space.

As I heard it, the president was clear: green light, but we soon make clear to Egypt and Europe what we expect in return. We also need to figure out how to enforce such a requirement. EG, if Europe doesn't remunerate, then what? If the US successfully restores freedom of navigation at great cost there needs to be some further economic gain extracted in return.

Agree

TEAM UPDATE: TIME NOW (1144et): Weather is FAVORABLE. Just CONFIRMED w/ CENTCOM we are a GO for mission launch.

1536: F-18 2nd Strike Starts — also, first sea-based Tomahawks launched.

MORE TO FOLLOW (per timeline) We are currently clean on OPSEC. Godspeed to our Warriors.

I will say a prayer for victory

Good Job Pete and your team!!

The team in MAL did a great job as well.

VP, building collapsed. Had multiple positive ID. Pete, Kurilla, the IC, amazing job.

Great work all. Powerful start.

CENTCOM was/is on point. Great job all. More strikes ongoing for hours tonight, and will provide full initial report tomorrow. But on time, on target, and good readouts so far.

Kudos to all - most particularly those in theater and CENTCOM! Really great. God bless.

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What?

Typing too fast. The first target - their top missile guy - we had positive ID of him walking into his girlfriend's building and it's now collapsed.

Excellent

🙏 🙏 💪 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

Great work and effects!