than al qaeda or the taliban. and that is so important not only from an operational level to make sure they are not killing people, but when you weren't looking at how do you address it from an ideological perspective, or how are you going to counter the narrative or frame this so that the movements and that expand. if we do not understand the groups themselves and their particular units or group and we just try to wrap it all and run -- in one we fail in dealing with the problem. >> you can watch the rest of this program on c-span.org. we believe this year. remarks from vice president mike pence as he visits california. >> it is great to be back in lemoore. we were here in july of 2019. we are excited to be here to see you all today.

we love seeing these planes, too. our son flies the f-35. our son-in-law flies the super hornets. it is great to be here today. it is exciting for us. this is really our last official trip as vice president and second lady. there is no where we would rather be than right here at lemoore. today, i get to introduce the vice president. i just want you to know that he and i are so proud of your service. i had the privilege of handing over -- heading over to speak to some of the spouses and telling them how proud we are of them. we are so grateful for your sacrifice.

we are so grateful for your spouses and sacrifices of your children, your family. we know that you serve together. we understand that at our house. we have that going on, as well. we are so grateful for each and every one of you. please tell your spouses and your family, your parents, your children, how grateful we are for your service. we have made it a priority over the last four years to make the military one of our top priorities to let you know how much we care about you. [applause] >> so thank you so much for your service. now it is time to introduce to you the vice president of the united states, mike pence. [applause]

vice pres. pence: thank you all very much. hello, lemoore. [applause] the captain, doug peterson, captain aiden jason, captain bobby mark a vague. all of the men and women of the armed forces of the united states gathered here, honored guests. thanks for the warm welcome. thanks for the flight jacket. it is great to be here with the sailors at the navy's west coast master jet base naval air station lemoore. [applause] as my wonderful wife said, it is great to be back in strike fighter country. [applause]

before i begin, i want to ask you to join me in thanking someone who has literally spent the last four years showing our appreciation for people like this. [laughter] vice pres. pence: that's great. she is a marine corps mom. she has traveled the nation and traveled the world, coming alongside military spouses. she supported reforms and laws concerning and regulations concerning military spouse employment. she will be speaking to spouses right here. and i've got to tell you, i couldn't be more proud of my incredible wife, who i think is

the best second lady the u.s. has ever had. join me in thanking karen pence what she has done for our troops and families. >> thank you. vice pres. pence: i'm here to deliver a very simple message. to each and everyone one of you. on behalf of your commander in chief, from your vice president, and behalf of every american. thank you for your service. after traveling across this country for the past four years, i promise you the american people are more grateful for your service then you will ever know. you come from the rest of us, but we know, you are the best of us. and we are grateful. not only to those of you who wear the uniform, but as we have mentioned a few moments already,

we are grateful to all who stand beside you. so many of you serve everyday as a family. while you train and deploy, your wives, your husbands, the parents who keep the home fires burning, isn't it? we know what we are talking about. our daughter, charlotte, and our son-in-law are stationed right here at nas lemoore. we could not be more proud. our son is a marine corps f-35 pilot. he and his wife are stationed in arizona. like so many of you, they serve as a family. as we express our appreciation to each and every one of the men and women gathered before me, and all you represent, how about a bigger round of applause for all of the family members who support all of you who serve the united states of america in uniform? let's hear it. [applause]

vice pres. pence: it is inspiring to look out and see all of you today. remarkable to think of the countless american heroes who have stood where we are all standing. over 60 years, warriors have come here, trained here, gone out from here and deployed to every place in every corner of the world. this installation is the only master jet base of the navy, and all operational, specifically strike fighter squadrons. 16 operational strike fighter squadrons, two fleet replacement squadrons, one west coast carrier air wing, commanders, and staff. on average, more than 210,000 flight operations are conducted right here from naval air station lemoore every year.

give yourselves a round of applause. that is an incredible history and tradition of service. [applause] vice pres. pence: two air wings are currently deployed, 11 on the uss teddy, nine squadrons, including the black diamond and the knights stationed here. carrier air wing 17 is deployed for the nimitz. it includes nine squadrons, including f-18 super hornets from here at lemoore, flown by the red cross, the castro's, and the mighty strikes. how about a big round of applause for all of the nas lemoore squadrons deployed around the world? we are proud of you all. the men and women of naval air station lemoore soar across the

sky in defense of our nation and freedom. it inspires every day. many people wonder all their lives if they have ever made a difference. you will never have that problem. you step forward, join the armed forces, you became part of the greatest force for good the world has ever known. you chose to do your part in your time to defend the flame of freedom and hand it on to generations yet to come. the american people are grateful. the bible says you did not love your lives so much as to shrink from this calling. i want to assure you, you have our deepest respects for the selflessness and courage you personify every day. for four years, i have had the honor of being vice president of

the united states. since the first day of our administration, we have worked every day to make the strongest military force in the history of the world stronger still. four years ago, we inherited a military that had been hollowed out by devastating budget cuts. . our troops hadn't seen a significant pay raise in nearly 10 years. almira terri -- our military lacked readiness. our nato allies were not meeting their commitments to our common defense. iran was resurgent across the middle east. a terrorist organization controlled a landmass the size of pennsylvania. i could not be more proud to stand before you today. under the leadership of president trump, we have rebuilt our military. we have restored the arsenal of democracy. we have enacted the largest increases in our national defense since the days of ronald reagan.

[applause] vice pres. pence: we are once again giving our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guard, and guardians of the resources and support you deserve. we provided for active-duty personnel, the largest pay raise in nearly 10 years, and you deserve every penny. [applause] vice pres. pence: our military is now more equipped than ever before. under our administration, we secured nearly 500 f-35 fighters, 21 more deployable ships, with another 59 on the way. we have upgraded our tanks, artillery, rocket systems, bolstered our fleet of attack helicopters and broader fighter planes, as well. with that strong commitment to our national defense, and willingness to use american power to advance american

security, our allies have also stepped up as never before. since 2016, our nato allies have increased their conch tribute -- contribution to our common defense by more than $130 billion. history teaches weakness comes out of people, and our history has proven a strong america deters it. our administration has always understood if you want peace, prepare for war. with that renewed american strength, we have defended this nation and america's vital international interests and around the world. with a few days left, i'm proud to say that this is the first administration in decades not

to get america into a new war. [applause] vice pres. pence: but all along the way with that renewed american strength, we stood with our allies and stood up to our enemies. we insured peace and stability. it requires two things, strong american military and willingness to act to defend america's interests around the world. under this administration, we have done just that. we took historic steps, first to stand with our most cherished allies. we moved the american embassy to jerusalem, the capitol of the state of israel. we recognize their sovereignty over golan heights. and after 26 years, four arab countries have recognized israel's right to exist.

and under our administration, we have taken the fight to radical islam it terrorists on our terms on their soil. during these last four years, the armed forces of the u.s. captured the last inch of territory controlled by isis, and a strike fighters stationed right here at nas lemoore were in the fight early on, hitting isis, giving terrorists no quarter, driving them from their strongholds. with the courage of our armed forces, i'm proud to report more than a year ago, we crushed their caliphate, captured the last inch of territory under the black flag of isis, and took down their leader without one american casualty. [applause] vice pres. pence: and we stood up to the leading state sponsor of terror. drawing from the iran nuclear deal, we strengthened our

alliances in the region and isolated iran as never before. and when the most dangerous terrorists in the world threatened american forces in the region, our armed forces took action and iran's top general, because some soleimani, is gone. [applause] vice pres. pence: thanks to american leadership, a more peaceful middle east is within our sites. and with renewed american strength, we embrace our role as leader of the free world. whether it be in the global war on terror or manning the ramparts of freedom in europe, or the asia-pacific, the men and women of the u.s. navy have been that global force for good every step of the way. a strong and ready navy is more important than ever before. as a new american administration

prepares to take office, we do well to remember as americans that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, and a free and open indo pacific is important to our prosperity, security, and vitality of freedom of us the world. after generations where america and our allies defended the freedom of navigation and the interests of free nations across the asia-pacific, today, the people's republic of china is determined to expand beijing's influence across the region through military provocations and dead diplomacy. so i urge the incoming administration to stay the course. do what we have done. stand up to chinese aggression, and trade abuses. stand strong for a free and open indo pacific and put america and

our freedom loving allies first. [applause] vice pres. pence: and i know the u.s. navy will continue to stand strong. in the indo pacific and all over the world. in the years ahead, the american people in the free world will rely on the strength of the u.s. navy more than ever to safeguard the free and open flow of commerce and our ideals on the seven seas. so on behalf of your commander-in-chief, let me offer you this admonition. in these challenging times across the wider world, be vigilant. mind your mission. respect the unified chain of command. take care of each other.

never doubt that every decision you make, every action you take, matters to the security of the american people. give america your best every day. the american people are counting on you. because we know we can. as you stand at post, i can assure you, the american people will be behind you 100%. so as i close, let me say again, on behalf of my family and a grateful nation, thank you for your service. america is the freest and strongest nation in the history of the world.

and you secure that freedom. and you are that strength. you step forward in a calling were you decided to count our lives as more important than your own. just like generations that have gone before, you did so knowing the sailor and the soldier do not bear the sword in vain. i want to assure you the american people understand the risk you take every day. but know this. you do not bear that burden alone. wherever you are called to serve, wherever you are deployed, i promise you, you will carry with you the strength and pride of this nation, and the prayers of millions of americans. there will pray in the ancient

words of the psalmists that no harm will before you, no disaster will come near your tent, that as you serve here and around the world, that his faithfulness will be your shield. you are the strength and the pride of the american people. and a source of great pride to our family. and whether you serve on land, at sea, or in the skies above, just know that every day, in homes large and small around dinner tables and gatherings, and in quiet moments, the american people pray for each and everyone. give thanks for your selfless courage, and wish you fair

winds and following seas. thank you for the privilege of being with you today. as my time in office draws to a close, allow me to thank you for the privilege of serving as your vice president these past four years. it has been the greatest honor of my life. and it has been a special privilege to serve men and women like all of you, members of the armed forces of the united states. i truly believe as long as we have men and women like you, with the courage and selflessness to step forward and serve, as long as we have heroes willing to put your lives on the line, as long as we have patriots willing to defend our

nation, i know our country will be safe. our freedom will be secure, and the best days for the greatest nation on earth are yet to come. so may god bless the men and women of naval air station lemoore here and deployed. god bless you and his protection, and with that fighter spirit. may god bless all those serving in our armed forces. and god bless america. ♪ ♪♪ sun coming up over new york city ♪ ♪

still both driver in a -- town ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ checking out the faces in her rearview mirror ♪ ♪ looking at -- at the promised land ♪ ♪ one kid dreams of fame and fortune ♪ ♪ one kid -- ♪ ♪ one could end up going to prison ♪ ♪ one just might be -- only in america, dreaming in red, white, and blue ♪

we all get a chance ♪ everybody gets to dance in the back of a limousine ♪ ♪ a welder's son and a bankers daughter ♪ ♪ all they want is everything ♪ ♪ she came out here to be an actress ♪ ♪ he was a singer in a band ♪ ♪

they might just go back to oklahoma ♪ and talk about the stars they could have been ♪ only in america ♪ dreaming in a red, white, and blue ♪ only in america ♪ where we dream as big as we want to ♪ ♪ ♪ only in america ♪ where we dream in red, white, and blue ♪ only in america ♪ while we dream as big as we want to ♪ we all get a chance ♪

everybody gets to dance ♪ only in america ♪ only in america ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ >> rising up, back on the street ♪ ♪ did my time, took my chances ♪ went the distance, now i'm back on my feet ♪ just a man and his will to survive ♪ so many times it happens too fast ♪ you change your passion for glory ♪ don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past, you must fight just to keep them alive ♪ it's the eye of the tiger ♪ it's the thrill of the fight ♪ rising up to the challenge of survival

and the last known survivor stocks his pray in the night ♪ and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger ♪ face-to-face, out in the heat ♪ hanging tough, staying hungry ♪ they stack the odds until we take to the street ♪ further kill with the skill to survive ♪ it's the eye of the tiger ♪ it's the thrill of the fight ♪ rising up to the challenge of our arrival ♪ and the last known survivor ♪ stocks his pray in the night ♪ and he's watching us all with the i have the tiger ♪ ♪ ♪ rising up, straight to the top ♪ had the guts, got the glory ♪

went the distance, now i am not going to stop ♪ just a man and his will to survive ♪ it's the eye of the tiger ♪ it's the thrill of the fight ♪ rising up to the challenge of our arrival ♪ and the last known survivor ♪ stalks his prey in the night ♪ and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger ♪ ♪ the eye of the tiger ♪ the eye of the tiger ♪

the eye of the tiger ♪ the eye of the tiger ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

>> ♪ and the girls who try to look pretty ♪ and if your trains on time, you can get to work by nine ♪ and start slaving at your job to get your pay ♪ if you ever get annoyed, look at me, i'm self-employed ♪ i love to work at nothing all day ♪ and i'll be taking care of business ♪ every day ♪ taking care of business ♪ every way ♪ i've been taking care of business ♪ it's all mine ♪ taking care of business and working overtime, workout ♪ ♪

if it were wheezy as fishing, you could be a musician ♪ secondhand garb, hence as you go for ♪ people see you having fun just lying in the sun ♪ tell them that you like it this way ♪ it's the work that we avoid and we are all self-employed ♪ we love to work at nothing all day ♪ and we be taking care of business ♪ every day ♪ taking care of business ♪ every way ♪ we be taking care of business ♪ it's all mine ♪ taking care of business and working overtime ♪ mercy ♪ whoo all right ♪

take good care of my business ♪ when i'm away, every day ♪ whoo ♪ ♪ ♪ >> vice president pence and mrs. pence will be in fort drum, new york on sunday to speak to the 10th mountain division --, many of whom have returned from afghanistan. ♪ >> and if your train is on time, you can get to work by nine ♪ and starts leaving your job to get your pay ♪ if you give her get annoyed, look at me, i'm self-employed ♪

i love work at nothing all day ♪ and i be taking care of business every day ♪ taking care of business every way ♪ i've been taking care of business it's all mine ♪ taking care of business and working overtime, take care ♪ ♪ taking care of business ♪ >> wednesday, joe biden will be sworn in as the 46 president of the united states in our nation's capitol. in light of the attack on the capitol, and temporary closing of the national mall, the traditional inauguration ceremony has been modified. follow our live coverage as the day unfolds starting at 7:00 a.m. eastern. watch the arrivals at the capitol, the swearing in of joe biden and kamala harris, and the inaugural address. the inauguration of joe biden, beginning at 7:00 a.m. eastern wednesday.

live coverage on c-span and c-span.org, or listen live on the free c-span radio app. >> the senate confirmation hearings has begun -- begun for the incoming biden administration. follow the hearings on c-span, c-span.org, and the c-span radio app. the first hearings include national intelligence admiral haynes, homeland security ellie hunter may arcus, state and to lincoln, and janet yellen, defense, lloyd austin. watch the confirmation hearings on c-span, on demand at c-span.org, or listen on the free c-span radio app. south dakota's governor highlighted the growth in agricultural revenues, aggregation, and tourism during her state of the state address. she also talked about how the state is handling the coronavirus pandemic.