The U.S. military announced today, Wednesday, that its mission to install and operate a temporary floating dock off the coast of the Gaza Strip has been completed, officially ending an exceptional yet troubled effort to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Admiral Brad Cooper, Vice Commander of the U.S. Central Command, stated in a press briefing: "The maritime mission involving the floating dock is complete. Therefore, there is no longer a need to use the dock." The official noted that the U.S. will shift from the temporary floating dock off Gaza to the Port of Ashdod for aid transportation.