Secretary Mabus Names Two Destroyers for Medal of Honor Recipients

Oxford, Mississippi - In a ceremony at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Sept. 17, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG 125, will be named Jack H. Lucas in honor of the Marine Corps hero and Medal of Honor recipient. Mabus also announced that DDG 126 would be named Louis H. Wilson Jr. in honor of the 26th commandant of the Marine Corps who was also a Medal of Honor recipient.

NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Terrorist Attack in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan

Washington, DC - The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan, which has killed as many as 25 and injured many more.  This attack against civilians at a mosque during Friday prayers is an appalling reminder that terrorism threatens all countries in the region, and we send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed as well as our thoughts and prayers to those injured.

Secretary of State John Kerry's Call With Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry spoke today via telephone with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Syria. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Lavrov reaffirmed the importance of extending and solidifying the cessation of hostilities in Syria. They agreed on the urgent need for humanitarian aid to begin flowing.

Chile's National Day

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer warm wishes to the people of Chile as you observe your nation’s Independence Day on September 18.

State Department Terrorist Designation of Senior Hamas Official - Fathi Hammad

Washington, DC - The Department of State has designated Fathi Ahmad Mohammad Hammad as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons and groups determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. As a result of this designation, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which Hammad has any interest is blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with Hammad.