The U.S. military assured the world Monday that it would provide full support for security of athletes and tourists during the Winter Olympics to open in Sochi next month. "The United States has offered its full support to the Russian government as it conducts security preparations for the Winter Olympics," Rear Adm. John F. Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement. "To that end, U.S. commanders in the region are conducting prudent planning and preparations, should that support be required." The U.S. has put its air and naval assets including two Navy ships in the Black Sea on standby for any type of emergency operations if requested, he added.