NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — As some Norfolk-based ships and sailors continue to respond to the escalating fighting in the Middle East, News 3 is hearing from the nation’s highest-ranking military leader.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown, spent some time at Christopher Newport University Thursday.
Brown said he's focused.
“I’ll just say, as you said, there’s a lot of things going on. My focus in doing my job is to stay on top of it," Brown responded when asked by News about his thoughts on everything going on in the world.
Watch: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs visits ships, sailors at Naval Station Norfolk
In February, he visited sailors and toured ships at Naval Station Norfolk.
The rest of the general’s comments during his quick tour of CNU’s Ferguson Center Thursday were about his memories there as a student back when the center was a high school.
Watch: New initiative at Christopher Newport University looks to cut textbook costs for students
After the tour, he spent time talking to CNU ROTC cadets. He started off by talking about his five points of advice.
Media was only allowed in for his opening remarks.
As News 3 has reported, Oct. 1 Iran launched numerous ballistic missiles at Israel. The Norfolk-based USS Cole was involved in the effort to shoot them down.
Watch: Jewish community reacts to Iran's missile attack on Israel
“This is a growing challenge," Virginia U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine said.
News recently asked Virginia Kaine about his thoughts on the fighting in the Middle East.
Along with the USS Cole, the Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group recently deployed, potentially to join two other U.S. carrier strike groups already in the region.
Watch: Thousands deploy with USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group
“The last thing we need is for the U.S. to be involved in another war n the Middle East right now," said Kaine.
He said the U.S. needs to be focused on deescalating tensions in the region.
In a recent interview with News 3’s Blaine Stewart, Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo said the navy is focused on containing the fighting.
“Peace through strength, maritime presence. We’re really trying to, at our best, be ready to respond so that the war doesn’t expand," Verissimo explained.
Watch: For the first time in years, US Navy on track to reach recruiting goal in 2024
Kaine said the military also needs to have a presence in the region to evacuate Americans if necessary, particularly from Lebanon.
