The vast territory the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria claimed has been liberated thanks in large part to the U.S.-led Defeat-ISIS coalition of nations that pioneered a new and effective way of confronting this worldwide threat.

The efforts include thousands of DOD personnel, vehicles and equipment providing relief on the ground in the affected states of Florida and North Carolina, as well as executive-level coordination in the nation's capital.

The United States' engagement in the Arctic is critical, the chairman said, as it works with allies to promote peace and stability throughout the rapidly evolving region.

Defense cooperation and shared security interests between the U.S. and Vietnam have been expanding as the two nations build a partnership based on a range of diplomatic, economic and defense industrial endeavors, a DOD official said.

Becoming more energy innovative and resilient is a priority of the Defense Department, particularly in light of climate change and its negative impacts for national security, the deputy defense secretary said.

U.S. Transportation Command's new leader, Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, also praised the whole-of-government approach that he believes contributes to Transcom being able to execute its mission on a global level.

The United States continues to stand with Ukraine as the country stands against Russian aggression, senior Defense Department officials said.