War Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer spent Thanksgiving with Navy sailors stationed in Latin America as part of the Southern Spear mission, which targets narco-terror networks across the region. The visit, which included serving holiday meals and sharing a message of gratitude, took place on warships such as the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Winston S. Churchill. In a video posted to X, Hegseth noted that he has been deployed three times and understood the sacrifices of soldiers who are away from their families during the holiday.
Hegseth addressed the recent attack on two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., offering prayers for the victims and their families. He highlighted the importance of protecting American citizens from threats, emphasizing that the sailors’ mission is crucial to the nation’s security. The war secretary also reflected on the values of duty and patriotism, calling the service of military personnel a reminder of the bravery, selflessness, and commitment of Americans who place their lives on the line for their country.
During the visit, Hegseth expressed his gratitude for the sailors and their families, acknowledging the challenges of being deployed during the holiday season. He concluded by reading George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation and offering a prayer for all deployed forces, emphasizing the nation’s collective thanks for their service. The visit was part of a broader effort to strengthen morale and recognize the sacrifices of military personnel, especially those serving in the Southern Spear mission in Latin America.