Official websites use .gov
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
You have reached a collection of archived material. The content available is no longer being updated and may no longer be applicable.
On June 6, 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed along a heavily fortified, 50-mile stretch of French coastline in the historic operation known as D-Day. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded on the beaches of Normandy, but by day’s end, the Allies had gained a foothold to begin liberating Europe.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched the ninth annual Feds Feed Families campaign, which extends throughout the government. The Defense Department will play a vital role in the fight against hunger.
The Defense Department honors 15 businesses and government organizations with the 2017 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers who support employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Hurricane Harvey made landfall early Aug. 26 as a Category 4 storm near Rockport, Texas, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain. Later downgraded, the storm again made landfall Aug. 30 near the Louisiana border. National Guard Bureau officials said the priority remains saving life, limb and property, while Guardsmen from several states are assisting federal and local agencies, with additional support from the Defense Department and the Coast Guard.
Sixteen years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Defense Department honors the memories of those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa.
Hurricane Irma made landfall as a Category 4 storm in the Florida Keys Sept. 10, and made landfall a second time on Marco Island on the state’s Gulf Coast. The Defense Department had troops and equipment positioned to respond, while continuing to assist authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. U.S. Northern Command is coordinating the response with support from several DoD components and agencies.
Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, Sept. 20 as a Category 4 storm with deadly flooding expected as troops remain in position to continue disaster relief missions. The Defense Department had troops and equipment already assisting authorities in the region that has seen two other powerful hurricanes, Irma and Jose, in recent weeks.
National Hispanic Heritage Month marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation.
U.S. Northern Command is leading the Defense Department's disaster response and relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which made landfall on the U.S. territory Sept. 20. DoD continues to synchronize efforts with the Puerto Rico National Guard and FEMA. Troops and equipment already were assisting authorities in the region, which has seen two other powerful hurricanes, Irma and Jose, in recent weeks.
Defense Department employees worldwide have the opportunity to give to their favorite charities from Oct. 2, 2017 to Jan. 12, 2018, through the annual Combined Federal Campaign.
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the many contributions of American workers with disabilities and reaffirm our admiration of the skills and talents they bring to today's workplace.
More than 500 competitors from around the world, including 80-plus from Team U.S., gather in Toronto to participate in the 2017 Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting event for injured active-duty and veteran service members. The games use the power of sports to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country and their loved ones.
The 21st century strategic environment demands our national deterrence strategy accounts for uncertainty and the expanding capability of world actors. Rebuilding and modernizing defense capabilities and infrastructure is essential to the continued effectiveness and resiliency of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis traveled to Colorado to meet with North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command leaders about protecting the homeland, ballistic missile defense and Northcom's role in assisting with natural disasters. He then headed to California to visit the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, speak at the Navy Fleet Synch Conference and attend a Marine Corps basic training graduation.
Deputy Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan traveled to Canada, his first international trip in his current role, to underscore the U.S. commitment to U.N. planning and coordination to enhance peacekeeping mission effectiveness. He also visited Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state to meet with leaders and service members and to observe military unit readiness firsthand.