 The 11th Mu Composited in September 2018 for deployment this year. It's composed of a Brown Combat Element, the Italian Landing Team 3-5, a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, an Aviation Combat Element, the MM163 Reinforced, and our Maritime Raid Force from Force Company First Recon. After Composite, our Marines began a grueling pre-deployment training cycle, composed of four major training exercises and multiple unit level training events. The mission of the ACE, since we've been here in 11th Mu, so far it's been to maintain a ready-to-deploy squadron. We don't take a challenge anytime anywhere. The mission of the BLT in relation to the Mu was we were the first and foremost ground combat element, so we were there to be that frontal assault, establish a beachhead in order for the combat logistics team to come and support us. We were trained to locate and position the soldiers. The mission of the CLB in relation to the Mu is providing logistical support with fuel, water, heavy equipment, power generation, water transport, maintenance, even explosive ordnance disposal. Working with the Navy in the beginning it wasn't as easy as I would have thought it was going to be, but honestly, right after that, once we've meshed together and we knew each other's jobs, we actually realized that we needed each other a lot more than expected. So once that brotherhood and cohesion came in, we understood what our mission was and we worked together to get it accomplished. We have this idea that we work the hardest. No one works as hard as us, and then I saw the Air Department and when they're not calling in aircraft and not working the flight deck, they're fixing pad eyes, they're busting rust, to do all the same stuff we do and they do it for longer hours. We are still under the Navy that us being together, working together to know each other what each other does is very important on land and sea. I think that integration is very important to the knowledge and the morale and integration with all of us together. What our pre-deployment training cycle did was prepare the Mew to be our nation's 9-1-1 force, capable of responding to processes from the military assistance to contingency operations. With that experience and knowledge gained, the 11th Mew embarked on deployment. The first notable one was in Hawaii, just because that was the first, you know, here we are, we're on deployment. I mean, we're still in the States, but it was our first introduction to the jungle. We've never been in the jungle before. That one was kind of a little stressful. Integration with our blue side partners was essential at this time. While closely working together, the ARC Mew team was able to conduct 22 total theater security cooperation events with 23 partner nations. Each time the sailors aboard the Boxer, John P. Murtha and Harper's Ferry facilitated the movement of new assets ashore. What that did was showcase the combat power of our blue-green team to all of our partners and allies in the regions we were working in. Our partnership with the Navy was tested and proven by performing operations, supporting maritime stability and security in the central region. The White House announced that the United States, the USS Boxer, has shot down an Iranian drone. Tonight with a new escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran. Late today from President Trump, the warship USS Boxer took down an Iranian drone in the Strait of Pormoud. The USS Boxer, already on patrol in the Arabian Sea, shot down the Iranian drone after President Trump said it got too close for comfort. The Boxer took defensive action against an Iranian drone which had closed into a very, very near distance, approximately 1,000 yards. Our David Martin has learned a U.S. Navy ship may have brought down more than one Iranian drone during a close encounter last week in the Strait of Pormoud. The top U.S. commander for the Middle East told us it now looks like the Boxer took down two drones. As always, it was a complex tactical picture. We believe two drones, we believe two drones were successfully engaged. There may have been more that we're not aware of. Those are the two that we engaged successfully. This team brought combined commanders the ability to conduct complex, deliberate missions such as amphibious assaults, precision raids, airfield seizures and embassy reinforcements. As a team, we were able to complete each and every task we were charged with supporting regional stability, reassuring partners and allies and maintaining a forward presence capable of responding to any crisis. It wasn't easy, but due to your hard work, perseverance, unwavering courage, our Marines and Navy team were successful in achieving what we were made to do. Serve as an expeditionary force to bring the fight to the enemy wherever they may be. I'm extremely proud of you and everything that we have achieved together over the past year. Never forget who you are and what team you're a part of. The name Pride of the Pacific wasn't chosen. It was earned. The 11th view I previously shown greatness in combat and humanitarian operations. You exemplary Marines and sailors continue that legacy and have contributed to what will ensure the 11th view and boxer arc are remembered for years to come.