"I share your concern about our Army's operational readiness and force protection posture, " Casey said in his reply to Sanchez.

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"Even a six-month stand down of units will have significant long-term, multi-year impacts on our operational readiness, " Air Combat Command spokesman Maj.

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"The exact timing of a potential towing activity will depend on weather, tides and operational readiness, " Churchfield told reporters in a news conference.

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