Pool Reports of August 29, 2021

Travel pool report #1: Motorcade

Good morning.

Motorcade is rolling from White House for undisclosed destination at 7:45.

Pool has not seen POTUS this morning yet.

Travel pool report #2: JBA en route to Dover

Motorcade arrived at a very misty JBA at 08:03.

We are traveling on the small Air Force One, which brings with it the usual comms problems.

It is now reportable that our destination is Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the remains of service members killed in Kabul.

From White House:

Upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, the President and the First Lady will be greeted by:
Col. William C. McDonald, Vice Commander, 89th Airlift Wing
Traveling with the President and the First Lady to Dover Air Force Base:
Jen O'Malley Dillon, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Advisor to the First Lady
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Yohannes Abraham, Deputy Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary for the National Security Council
Maju Varghese, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of the White House Military Office
Rory Brosius, Special Assistant to the President & Executive Director of Joining Forces
Meghan Hays, Special Assistant to the President & Director of Message Planning
Stephen Goepfert, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

Travel pool report #3: Ai

POTUS in a black suit and FLOTUS in a black raincoat spoke briefly to greeters before boarding. POTUS saluted at top of stairs.

Wheels up imminently

Travel pool report #4: Dover Air Force Base

Wheels down Dover at 08:40 after uneventful flight.

As you will see from updated guidance, POTUS and FLOTUS first meet with families ahead of the 'dignified transfer' scheduled for noon.

Note subject of previous report #3 should have been Air Force One.

Travel pool report #5: air base

POTUS emerged from AF1 at 08:54. He walked slowly down the steps hand in hand with FLOTUS. At the bottom he saluted the greeters before stopping to talk with them in a small circle. All are masked.

After a couple of minutes they climbed into a black SUV.

Motorcade rolling at 08:56 a couple of hundred yards to an air base building.

Pool is moving separately to our holding area where we will be briefed on today's events.

From White House:

Upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, the President and the First Lady will be greeted by:

Col. Matthew S. Husemann, Commander, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base

Mrs. Sarah Husemann, wife of Col. Husemann

Col. Chip W. Hollinger, Commander, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Dover Air Force Base

On Aug 29, 2021, at 7:59 AM, Kikukawa, Michael A. EOP/WHO Michael.Kikukawa@who.eop.gov wrote:

This was sent to the in-town pool, but sharing with you all to send as well:

From a White House official:

From August 28 at 3:00 AM EDT to August 29 at 3:00 AM EDT, a total of approximately 2,900 people were evacuated from Kabul. This is the result of 32 U.S. military flights (26 C-17s and 6 C-130s), which carried approximately 2,200 evacuees, and 9 coalition flights, which carried 700 people.

Since August 14, the U.S. has evacuated and facilitated the evacuation of approximately 114,400 people. Since the end of July, we have relocated approximately 120,000 people.

Travel pool report #6: Holding and briefing

Pool is holding in the air force base terminal for the dignified transfer. In the meantime we have been briefed on ground rules and what to expect.

No one will be allowed to have their phones with them. This means Pool will be unable to send pool reports as it happens. We will endeavour to give you a heads up so that you know it's coming, but we will only be able to send details after the event has concluded.

Officials are precise in their language. They refer to a 'dignified transfer' which is not a 'ceremony' but is instead a 'solemn movement.' They use this language so that family members do not feel obliged to attend.

'Fallen service members' return in a flag-draped 'transfer case,' rather than a cask or coffin.

Travel pool report #7: Radio silence

Pool is moving to the transfer site. Once there we will have no phone access until after the event. There is no streaming or transmission of images until after the event.

These are the rules of the Air Force officials handling the transfer.

So this will be the last pool report until after the dignified transfer has concluded when we will send as much detail and color as possible.

Travel pool report #8: POTUS meeting

From White House:

The President and the First Lady are meeting with the families of fallen American service members in the Center for Families of the Fallen.

Travel pool report #9: Dignified transfer 1

The transfer began at 11:18 with a cry of 'Wheels rolling, wheels rolling,' denoting that the bus carrying families was on its way.

It finished at about 12:07 when four transfer vehicles drove away, after 11 transfer cases had been removed from a C-17 Globemaster II and carried to the vans.

Two further transfers were to be conducted once Pool was removed as the families had requested privacy.

POTUS and FLOTUS arrived with Secy Austen and other dignitaries taking part in the transfers. Their party of eight walked up the ramp into the C-17 for a minute's prayer. They then emerged to take up position opposite pool as the transfers began.

POTUS clasped his right hand to his chest when the order to 'present arms' came with each transfer case, while military officers salutes. His eyes were locked on the cases as they were carried to the transfer vehicles, occasionally bowing his head and appearing to close his eyes.

More to follow.

From the White House:

List of the 11 fallen service members whose dignified transfers will be covered by the press pool:
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California.
Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.
Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.
Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio.

Participating in the dignified transfers:
The President
The First Lady
Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense
Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps
Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army
Adm. Michael M. Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations
Col. Chip W. Hollinger, Commander, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

Viewing the dignified transfers:
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Kathleen H. Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Chief Master Sgt. Ramón Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army
Michael A. Grinston, Sergeant Major of the Army
Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy
Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
MCPON Russell Smith, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Brig. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, Deputy Secretary of Defense Senior Military Advisor
Air Force Col. Matthew S. Husemann, Commander, 436th Airlift Wing
Air Force Col. Shanon Anderson, Vice Commander, 436th Airlift Wing

Travel pool report #10: Dignified transfer 2

The fallen service members arrived from Ramstein Air Base at 8am on Sunday, according to Christin Michaud, chief of public affairs for Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. Their journey took them from Kabul, to Kuwait, then to Germany and Dover.

The weather was overcast - a slight spot of rain before the proceedings began - and about 77F.

Pool was lined up by the base of the ramp of the C-17. To our right, screened by vehicles, was an area for family members. Pool was instructed not to look, film or photograph in that direction. At certain points during the transfer, the sound of anguished sobbing could be heard from that area - during the transfer of the second case and after the end of the transfer

Directly across from Pool were the people viewing or taking part in the transfers, they were arranged into 10 ranks of 3, or 4 in parts.

Four transfer vehicles were lined up to our right, about 30 yards from the base of the C-17 ramp.

11:04 POTUS motorcade arrived. POTUS, FLOTUS and Secretary Austin could be seen talking to members of one of the transfer teams (the squads of service members Army, Marines, Navy, carrying the transfer cases from C-17 to transfer vehicles)

Everyone present was masked.

The family bus pulled up at about 11:20 after a cry of 'Family in sight, family in sight.' A marshal in fatigues with white gloves use orange batons to guide it in.

Proceedings got under way when the first seven-strong transfer party - the Army Old Guard - marched slowly towards the C-17. Behind them came an eight-strong party including Austin, Milley, Berger, McConville, Gilday, and Hollinger - FLOTUS and POTUS brought up the rear, emerging from behind the transfer vehicles.

POTUS was the last person to walk slowly up the ramp. They emerged a minute or so later with POTUS again at the rear - we were told there had been a prayer inside - to take up the positions with the other viewers. POTUS was on the far left - with FLOTUS next to him, then Austin and Milley.

At a command of 'present arms' the officers all saluted while civilians - including POTUS and FLOTUS - put their right hands to their chests.

The Army transfer team carried out a flag-draped transfer case, walking slowly - heel to toe - to the transfer vehicle. POTUS kept his eyes locked on the case until it was secure on the transfer vehicle.

The Army team then moved off to the side, replaced by a pair of Marine teams who had nine cases to remove. The Navy brought out the final transfer case. Each of the teams wore their battle dress uniform and white gloves.

As each case passed by, Biden followed its progress turning his head to watch it reach the transfer vehicles. He bowed his head after most of them as if to say a prayer.

There was barely a sound made by anyone present, except for the orders barked by a marshal, the 'hup, hup' of the transfer teams quietly keeping time. It would have been silent were it not for the gentle thrum of aircraft machinery.

It was a sticky, overcast day. And the weather appeared to take its toll on a woman standing a couple of rows behind FLOTUS. Just as the 11th case was about to emerge she appeared to faint and had to be carried away for treatment, but it made no impact on the transfer as the Navy transfer team emerged from the C-17.

After the transfer concluded, FLOTUS made her way to an ambulance as if to check on the condition of the woman.

POTUS and FLOTUS climbed into their black Suburban at about 12-15.

Some other details, background and language guidance - some of which was sent earlier.

Since 2009, when the media policy changed, more than 2000 fallen service members have passed through Dover, in transfers attended by 10,000 family members.

President Obama attended twice - 2009, 2011

President Trump four times

This is President Biden's first visit

Officials are precise in their language. They refer to a 'dignified transfer' which is not a 'ceremony' but is instead a 'solemn movement.' They use this language so that family members do not feel obliged to attend.

Fallen troops return in a flag-draped 'transfer case,' rather than a cask or coffin.

Travel pool report #11: AF1

POTUS motorcade pulled up to AF1 at 13:20

POTUS emerged and saluted a military officer. He then walked away from the plane to talk to ranks of service personnel in battle dress uniform and white gloves.

These are the men who were in the transfer teams during the dignified transfer. He handed out challenge coins by placing them in his palm and then shaking hands.

He and FLOTUS then said goodbye to their hosts at the air force base before climbing the steps.

He waved and saluted at the top. 13:27

Wheels up imminently.

Travel pool report #12: JBA

Wheels down JBA at 13:59 after uneventful flight.

Just waiting for POTUS and FLOTUS to deplane.

From White House:

Upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, the President and the First Lady will be greeted by:

Col. William C. McDonald, Vice Commander, 89th Airlift Wing

Travel pool report #13: Motorcade

POTUS and FLOTUS deplaned at 14:21 and spoke briefly to greeters at bottom of steps. He climbed straight into a waiting SUV and motorcade rolling at 14:23.

Travel pool report #14: FEMA

Motorcade arrived at FEMA HQ in SW DC at 14:40 for an unadvertised visit.

From White House:

The President will be visiting FEMA to receive a briefing on Hurricane Ida.

Travel pool report #15: IDA

As we wait for POTUS to arrive in the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA Jaclyn Rothenberg, FEMA spokesperson, just offered update on emergency supplies sent to Louisiana ahead of Ida hitting.

200 ambulances

139k tarps (includes tarps sent to Mississippi)

3.5 million meals (includes meals sent to Mississippi)

2.5 million litres of water

22 federal agencies are supporting the effort.

Millions more meals and litres of water are on their way.

Travel pool report #16: Two min warning

WH is streaming POTUS remarks at the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA HQ

Travel pool report #17: FEMA remarks

POTUS entered the open plan National Response Coordination Center - with banks of screens and computers - at 15:20.

He spoke briefly to a handful of members of staff who erupted with laughter, before making his way to the lectern to be introduced by FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell.

He spoke about Afghanistan off the top.

'You've got your hands full, but you've done an incredible job so far in prep for this job.

Jill and I are just getting back from Dover Air Force Base in my home state, where we met with the families of 13 fallen heroes in Afghanistan... 'lost their lives in service to our country,'

While preparing for Ida, he asked everyone present to keep them in their prayers.

As ever check quotes - we are on move immediately.

Otter link to recording and transcript https://otter.ai/u/u-HvyCK6Uupkti5SN0j3_Z5u4PI

Ended remarks at

Travel pool report #18: Afghanistan question

At end of remarks POTUS said:

'i'm not supposed to take any questions but go ahead'

Q: 'Mr President on Afghanistan...

A: 'I'm not going to answer Afghanistan now.'

With that he turned his back to the Pool and started talking to FEMA staff

Travel pool report #19: motorcade

Motorcade rolling at 15:36 from FEMA

Travel pool report #20: White House

Motorcade arrived White House 15:45. Pool could see FLOTUS climb out of the SUV parked in front of the residence, but couldn't see POTUS from our vantage point at rear of motorcade.

That's it from the out of town pool. Thanks for all co-poolers and handing over to in town pool for rest of the day.

In town pool report #1: Evacuation numbers

?Good morning. The in-town call time is not until 2 pm ET, when POTUS returns from Dover. Here are some updated evacuation numbers from the White House.

From August 28 at 3:00 AM EDT to August 29 at 3:00 AM EDT, a total of approximately 2,900 people were evacuated from Kabul. This is the result of 32 U.S. military flights (26 C-17s and 6 C-130s), which carried approximately 2,200 evacuees, and 9 coalition flights, which carried 700 people.

Since August 14, the U.S. has evacuated and facilitated the evacuation of approximately 114,400 people. Since the end of July, we have relocated approximately 120,000 people.

In town pool report #2

Call time has been pushed back to 5 p.m. The president will be returning to the White House via motorcade, and it will be closed press.

In town pool report #2.5

Just to clarify my wording in the last pool report — the president's return to the White House is not closed press, it's being handled by the out-of-town pool.

In town pool report #3 — Motorcade departs

?The pool gathered at 5 and boarded vans. The motorcade began rolling toward an undisclosed location at 5:29. We did not see POTUS.

In town pool report #4: Church

?The motorcade arrived at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown at 5:37.

POTUS is attending mass. We saw him walk in alone.

In town pool report #5: Church departure

?POTUS left church at 6:27. A few people nearby cheered. He did not answer a shouted question about threats at the Kabul airport. We loaded back into the motorcade and we're rolling.

In town pool report #6: White House return

?We made it back to the White House at 6:35. We did not see POTUS.

In town pool report #7: Lid

?We have a travel/photo lid at 6:38.