By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - Leading-edge software technology 25 years in the making by numerous Defense Department agencies and NASA has demonstrated a continuous 98 percent effectiveness rate of eliminating aircraft crashes, a NASA test flight director said. The primary development of the software technology began in 1984 by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the Lockheed Martin aeronautical company, said Mark Skoog, test director for the Automatic Collision Avoidance System Fighter Risk Reduction Program at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Skoog made the comments April 29 on Pentagon Web Radio's "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military."
"We based our test program off of mishap history of fighter aircraft at that time. We did an extensive study with Air Force Safety Center, out of Kirtland Air Force Base, to figure out what sort of mishaps we might be able to prevent with this collision avoidance system," Skoog said. "We found out that of all the mishaps that the F-16 had encountered, our system was able to prevent 98 percent of them."
The 98 percent effectiveness rating was gathered from an extensive evaluation of the F-16 system in 1998, he said.
Today, the program combines all of the subject-matter experts responsible for the technology under the same program so they can capture all of the knowledge that has been developed over the past 25 years and make it available to the aviation community, Skoog said.
ACAT systems sense collision threats, such as terrain or other aircraft, and activate an autopilot that can execute an avoidance maneuver. These systems were developed with three overarching requirements.
"Do no harm, do not interfere, and prevent collisions." he explained.
ACAT systems exhibit a high degree of control authority on the aircraft and use the aircraft's full maneuvering capability. Therefore, the biggest challenge is to ensure that ACAT systems operate "nuisance-free" in a way that does not interfere with the normal operations of the aircraft, Skoog said.
"Aircraft are already out there flying, conducting missions today," he said, "and we don't want to put a system on there that would inhibit them from accomplishing the mission."
In addition, ACAT developers aim to design a system that easily can be adapted to other military aircraft in the future.
"We're trying to create a modular software architecture -- somewhat of a plug-and-play capability for aircraft -- so that it can easily be adapted to other platforms and they can leverage the work that we're doing to the maximum extent possible," Skoog said.
Accompanying Skoog on the 13th "Armed with Science" audio webcast were David "Nils" Larsen from NASA, experienced pilot on both Air Force and Navy air frames, and retired Air Force pilot Kevin Prosser.
"We've got a system that we can field, and that's going to save lives," Prosser said. "We're really excited about that, and I look forward to doing some more flight tests with this program and hopefully getting out in the field soon."
Prosser has been flying fighter jets for more than 20 years. He flew F-15s operationally and did flight tests on the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor.
"I was brand new in the F-16," he said. "I think my first high-risk flight test sortie with Mark, ... I had 70 hours in the F-16 at that time. So, [I was] a fairly experienced F-15 pilot, but inexperienced in the F-16. And, I found myself throwing my body at the ground and seeing if it will avoid the ground."
Larsen has been involved with testing for about a year and a half. Also a retired Air Force pilot, he flew U-2s, F-15s, and even did an exchange tour with the Navy, teaching at their test pilot school and flying F-18s.
"The potential for the future in preventing these collisions with the ground and collisions with other airplanes, that's some pretty neat stuff," Larsen said.
ACAT FRRP is part of a tri-party effort including the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Defense Safety Oversight Council, Air Force Research Laboratory, and NASA.
"We have a very broad team," Skoog said. "What has made this a success is the dedication of a lot of people at various organizations."
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Service Exchanges Pull Hydroxycut Diet Supplement from Shelves
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - A recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning to consumers has prompted military exchanges to remove the diet supplement Hydroxycut from store shelves, officials said today. Military exchange officials contacted today confirmed that Hydroxycut products have been withdrawn from stores. The products are used by dieters and body builders.
In a May 1 news release, the FDA warned consumers "to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products." Usage of such products, the release stated, is "associated with a number of serious liver injuries."
Officials at the Dallas -based Army and Air Force Exchange Service directed managers to remove Hydroxycut from store shelves by noon May 2, said Judd Anstey, AAFES public relations manager.
The Marine Corps Exchange Service also removed Hydroxycut products from its stores in response to the FDA warning, said Bryan Driver, a spokesman for Marine Corps Community Services, based at Quantico, Va.
Navy Exchange stores removed Hydroxycut products from shelves on May 1, said Kristine Sturkie, a public affairs specialist for Navy Exchange Service Command at Virginia Beach, Va.
Patrons of Defense Commissary Agency grocery stores needn't worry about Hydroxycut, said Ronald Kelly, chief of DeCA's public affairs directorate based at Fort Lee, Va. "We do not carry the product in our inventory," he said.
The maker of Hydroxycut, the FDA release stated, agreed to pull the diet supplement off the market. The FDA release lists a number of products subject to the consumer warning.
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - A recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning to consumers has prompted military exchanges to remove the diet supplement Hydroxycut from store shelves, officials said today. Military exchange officials contacted today confirmed that Hydroxycut products have been withdrawn from stores. The products are used by dieters and body builders.
In a May 1 news release, the FDA warned consumers "to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products." Usage of such products, the release stated, is "associated with a number of serious liver injuries."
Officials at the Dallas -based Army and Air Force Exchange Service directed managers to remove Hydroxycut from store shelves by noon May 2, said Judd Anstey, AAFES public relations manager.
The Marine Corps Exchange Service also removed Hydroxycut products from its stores in response to the FDA warning, said Bryan Driver, a spokesman for Marine Corps Community Services, based at Quantico, Va.
Navy Exchange stores removed Hydroxycut products from shelves on May 1, said Kristine Sturkie, a public affairs specialist for Navy Exchange Service Command at Virginia Beach, Va.
Patrons of Defense Commissary Agency grocery stores needn't worry about Hydroxycut, said Ronald Kelly, chief of DeCA's public affairs directorate based at Fort Lee, Va. "We do not carry the product in our inventory," he said.
The maker of Hydroxycut, the FDA release stated, agreed to pull the diet supplement off the market. The FDA release lists a number of products subject to the consumer warning.
Airline Offers $1 Military Fares
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, JetBlue is offering active duty military personnel $1 fares for domestic, nonstop flights, for a limited time, departing from the two JetBlue cities nearest to the nation's capital: Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Va., and Richmond International Airport in Richmond, Va. The airline also will donate $15,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that honors and empowers wounded warriors.
To take advantage of the offer, servicemembers must book between today and May 7, or while seats last, for travel between May 8 and May 31 from Dulles or Richmond to any JetBlue destination in the continental United States served nonstop from those airports. Proof of eligibility is required. The fare is available to active-duty servicemembers only; retirees, reservists and military families are not eligible for this offer.
Nonstop destinations served by JetBlue from Dulles include Boston; Los Angeles/Long Beach and Oakland, Calif.; Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla.; and New York/JFK. Nonstop destinations from Richmond include: Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and New York/JFK.
Upon check-in, military travelers must present a valid Department of Defense common access card and official documentation at the JetBlue service counter verifying authorized leave from duty to show proof of active status. Travel booked with this offer is not eligible for online flight check-in or at an airport kiosk. Failure to present these documents will void the reservation, officials said.
Officials emphasized that tickets for the special fare cannot be purchased online or at the airport service counter. Servicemembers are responsible for applicable taxes and fees.
To book the $1 fare, call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) and select Option 4.
May 5, 2009 - In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, JetBlue is offering active duty military personnel $1 fares for domestic, nonstop flights, for a limited time, departing from the two JetBlue cities nearest to the nation's capital: Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Va., and Richmond International Airport in Richmond, Va. The airline also will donate $15,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that honors and empowers wounded warriors.
To take advantage of the offer, servicemembers must book between today and May 7, or while seats last, for travel between May 8 and May 31 from Dulles or Richmond to any JetBlue destination in the continental United States served nonstop from those airports. Proof of eligibility is required. The fare is available to active-duty servicemembers only; retirees, reservists and military families are not eligible for this offer.
Nonstop destinations served by JetBlue from Dulles include Boston; Los Angeles/Long Beach and Oakland, Calif.; Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla.; and New York/JFK. Nonstop destinations from Richmond include: Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and New York/JFK.
Upon check-in, military travelers must present a valid Department of Defense common access card and official documentation at the JetBlue service counter verifying authorized leave from duty to show proof of active status. Travel booked with this offer is not eligible for online flight check-in or at an airport kiosk. Failure to present these documents will void the reservation, officials said.
Officials emphasized that tickets for the special fare cannot be purchased online or at the airport service counter. Servicemembers are responsible for applicable taxes and fees.
To book the $1 fare, call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) and select Option 4.
Shipper-Supplied Security is Best Defense Against Pirates, Flournoy Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - The U.S. military will continue its efforts to help thwart acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia, but merchant-ship-supplied security is the best short-term defense, a senior Defense Department official told Capitol Hill legislators here today. "Our goal is to encourage all vessels to take appropriate security measures to protect themselves from pirates," Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, told Senate Armed Services Committee members.
"We will continue to respond when U.S.-flagged vessels and U.S. citizens are attacked by pirates," Flournoy continued. "But when ships have effective on-board security measures in place, the vast majority of attempted pirate attacks can be thwarted without any need for military intervention."
Therefore, the U.S. military's main task with regard to piracy, Flournoy said, is "to help commercial carriers turn their ships into hard targets."
About 78 percent of pirate attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yemen were thwarted by the ships' crews, Flournoy pointed out.
More than 33,000 vessels transit the Gulf of Aden area each year, Flournoy said. In 2008, she said, pirates achieved 42 successful attacks out of 122 attempts. And the relatively low instance of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden region, Flournoy said, "does have implications for how we allocate military resources." Military or law enforcement interventions, she noted, played a role in thwarting pirates in only 22 percent of unsuccessful assaults.
"This highlights the fact that the single most effective short-term response to piracy will be working with merchant shipping lines to ensure that the vessels in the region take appropriate security measures," Flournoy said. Such security measures, she said, can be passive or active in nature.
Passive anti-pirate security measures may include maintaining good communications with maritime security authorities, varying routes, avoiding high-risk areas, removal of external ladders, posting look-outs, limiting lighting, rigging barriers and other tactics, she said.
Commercial shipping companies also may opt to adopt active anti-pirate security measures, Flournoy said, such as rigging fire hoses to repel pirates or maintaining professional civilian armed security teams aboard ships.
The U.S. Congress could be engaged to offer tax credits so merchant shipping firms could more easily invest in anti-pirate measures, Flournoy said.
From the Defense Department's viewpoint, Flournoy said, confronting piracy off the coast of Somalia involves components of deterrence, disruption and interdiction, and prosecution. However, she said, combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden region is a challenging endeavor for several reasons:
-- The geographic area is vast; the Somalia-based pirates operate in a region of more than one million square nautical miles, making it difficult for naval or law enforcement authorities to reach the scene of a pirate attack quickly enough to thwart it.
-- The causes of Somali piracy are rooted to the poverty and instability that continues to plague that country.
-- International law recognizes a country's right to arrest pirates and put them on trial. However, some nations still lack a viable system of laws or an effective judicial system to prosecute pirates.
-- Many merchant shipping firms believe, unrealistically, that military forces always will be present to thwart pirate attacks. Consequently, many firms are unwilling to make investments to outfit their vessels with anti-pirate security measures.
Most merchant vessels plying the Gulf of Aden's waters that are prepared and equipped to thwart pirate attacks successfully do so, Navy Vice Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., the Joint Chiefs of Staff's director for strategic plans and policy, told committee members.
"The majority of ships, notably those with high access points and reasonable rates of speed," Winnefeld said, "are able to defend themselves quite well, without any kind of assistance, using the relatively simple passive measures that we've discussed."
Meanwhile, the U.S. military will continue its longer-term efforts to prevent and punish those who commit piracy off Somalia's coast, Flournoy said.
"We will work with allies and regional states to develop their capacity to control the seas and protect their own shipping and we will encourage them to take any steps necessary to prosecute pirates in their own courts," Flournoy said. "And we will work, when possible, with Somali authorities to address the on-shore components of piracy – tracking pirates' investors and safe havens.”
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - The U.S. military will continue its efforts to help thwart acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia, but merchant-ship-supplied security is the best short-term defense, a senior Defense Department official told Capitol Hill legislators here today. "Our goal is to encourage all vessels to take appropriate security measures to protect themselves from pirates," Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, told Senate Armed Services Committee members.
"We will continue to respond when U.S.-flagged vessels and U.S. citizens are attacked by pirates," Flournoy continued. "But when ships have effective on-board security measures in place, the vast majority of attempted pirate attacks can be thwarted without any need for military intervention."
Therefore, the U.S. military's main task with regard to piracy, Flournoy said, is "to help commercial carriers turn their ships into hard targets."
About 78 percent of pirate attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yemen were thwarted by the ships' crews, Flournoy pointed out.
More than 33,000 vessels transit the Gulf of Aden area each year, Flournoy said. In 2008, she said, pirates achieved 42 successful attacks out of 122 attempts. And the relatively low instance of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden region, Flournoy said, "does have implications for how we allocate military resources." Military or law enforcement interventions, she noted, played a role in thwarting pirates in only 22 percent of unsuccessful assaults.
"This highlights the fact that the single most effective short-term response to piracy will be working with merchant shipping lines to ensure that the vessels in the region take appropriate security measures," Flournoy said. Such security measures, she said, can be passive or active in nature.
Passive anti-pirate security measures may include maintaining good communications with maritime security authorities, varying routes, avoiding high-risk areas, removal of external ladders, posting look-outs, limiting lighting, rigging barriers and other tactics, she said.
Commercial shipping companies also may opt to adopt active anti-pirate security measures, Flournoy said, such as rigging fire hoses to repel pirates or maintaining professional civilian armed security teams aboard ships.
The U.S. Congress could be engaged to offer tax credits so merchant shipping firms could more easily invest in anti-pirate measures, Flournoy said.
From the Defense Department's viewpoint, Flournoy said, confronting piracy off the coast of Somalia involves components of deterrence, disruption and interdiction, and prosecution. However, she said, combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden region is a challenging endeavor for several reasons:
-- The geographic area is vast; the Somalia-based pirates operate in a region of more than one million square nautical miles, making it difficult for naval or law enforcement authorities to reach the scene of a pirate attack quickly enough to thwart it.
-- The causes of Somali piracy are rooted to the poverty and instability that continues to plague that country.
-- International law recognizes a country's right to arrest pirates and put them on trial. However, some nations still lack a viable system of laws or an effective judicial system to prosecute pirates.
-- Many merchant shipping firms believe, unrealistically, that military forces always will be present to thwart pirate attacks. Consequently, many firms are unwilling to make investments to outfit their vessels with anti-pirate security measures.
Most merchant vessels plying the Gulf of Aden's waters that are prepared and equipped to thwart pirate attacks successfully do so, Navy Vice Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., the Joint Chiefs of Staff's director for strategic plans and policy, told committee members.
"The majority of ships, notably those with high access points and reasonable rates of speed," Winnefeld said, "are able to defend themselves quite well, without any kind of assistance, using the relatively simple passive measures that we've discussed."
Meanwhile, the U.S. military will continue its longer-term efforts to prevent and punish those who commit piracy off Somalia's coast, Flournoy said.
"We will work with allies and regional states to develop their capacity to control the seas and protect their own shipping and we will encourage them to take any steps necessary to prosecute pirates in their own courts," Flournoy said. "And we will work, when possible, with Somali authorities to address the on-shore components of piracy – tracking pirates' investors and safe havens.”
U.S. Sea Supremacy Permits Naval Budget Shifts, Lynn Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - The United States' maritime supremacy allows the Defense Department to slow production of sea-based defense systems, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said today at the Navy League's annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition in Oxon Hill, Md. Lynn addressed the group days before the department is slated to submit its budget proposal to Congress. Echoing remarks Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made last month when announcing his budget recommendations, Lynn said the new fiscal breakdown reflects the need to balance traditional and unconventional capabilities.
"The United States stands alone unsurpassed on, above and below the seas," Lynn said. "One consideration as we rebalance the department's priorities is that the military dominance that we enjoy is greater in some areas than in others. We look for ways to strengthen irregular warfare capabilities while maintaining the overwhelming edge we enjoy in conventional capabilities."
In terms of tonnage, the U.S. battle fleet is far larger than any potential combination of adversaries, and no other fleet can match the reach or combat power of a single American carrier battle group, he said.
The defense budget that is slated to reach Congress this week recommends shifting the Navy aircraft carrier program to a five-year build cycle to place it on a more "fiscally sustainable" path. This will result in 10 carriers after 2040, defense officials said.
The department also proposes delaying the Navy "CG-X" next-generation cruiser program to revisit its requirements and acquisition strategy. To allow more time to assess costs and analyze its necessity, Gates also proposed delaying the amphibious ship and sea-basing programs known as the 11th landing platform dock ship and the mobile landing platform ship until fiscal 2011.
Meanwhile, the department plans to use the budget to place greater emphasis on the Navy's ability to conduct nontraditional missions.
"The Navy must be ready for counterinsurgency and other irregular operations, which means dealing with nonstate actors at sea or near shore or with a swarm of speed boats sent by military groups from hostile countries," Lynn said.
Accordingly, Gates proposed improving the Navy's intertheater lift capacity by increasing the charter of joint high-speed vessel ships from two to four until the department's production program begins deliveries in 2011.
The defense secretary recommended buying more littoral combat ships – a key capability for presence, stability and counterinsurgency operations in coastal regions – from two to three ships in fiscal 2010, with the long-term goal of eventually acquiring 55 such ships.
"The requirement is predominance, for speed, it's the ability maneuver in shallow waters," Lynn said. "The ship that best fills this bill is the LCS, which, despite its past development problems, is a versatile ship that can be turned on a dime, go places that are either too shallow or too dangerous.
"And as we've seen off the coast of Somalia, it does not take a big ship to carry out anti-piracy missions," he said, referring to the U.S. Navy-led rescue of an American ship captain kidnapped by Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa.
"American people our more aware today of our maritime forces than they have been in a long time," he said. "Piracy off the Horn of Africa and the dedicated actions of our skilled and brave Navy SEALs have reminded us of why we have sea services."
Lynn underscored the role U.S. maritime forces have played in operations since Sept. 11, 2001.
"The first thing is to acknowledge how grateful we are to the men and women of the Marines, the Navy and the Coast Guard since Sept. 11, 2001," he said. "They have been engaged in operations around the world to defeat terrorist groups and to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The progress we've made owes so much to their skill, their dedication and too often, to their sacrifices," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2009 - The United States' maritime supremacy allows the Defense Department to slow production of sea-based defense systems, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said today at the Navy League's annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition in Oxon Hill, Md. Lynn addressed the group days before the department is slated to submit its budget proposal to Congress. Echoing remarks Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made last month when announcing his budget recommendations, Lynn said the new fiscal breakdown reflects the need to balance traditional and unconventional capabilities.
"The United States stands alone unsurpassed on, above and below the seas," Lynn said. "One consideration as we rebalance the department's priorities is that the military dominance that we enjoy is greater in some areas than in others. We look for ways to strengthen irregular warfare capabilities while maintaining the overwhelming edge we enjoy in conventional capabilities."
In terms of tonnage, the U.S. battle fleet is far larger than any potential combination of adversaries, and no other fleet can match the reach or combat power of a single American carrier battle group, he said.
The defense budget that is slated to reach Congress this week recommends shifting the Navy aircraft carrier program to a five-year build cycle to place it on a more "fiscally sustainable" path. This will result in 10 carriers after 2040, defense officials said.
The department also proposes delaying the Navy "CG-X" next-generation cruiser program to revisit its requirements and acquisition strategy. To allow more time to assess costs and analyze its necessity, Gates also proposed delaying the amphibious ship and sea-basing programs known as the 11th landing platform dock ship and the mobile landing platform ship until fiscal 2011.
Meanwhile, the department plans to use the budget to place greater emphasis on the Navy's ability to conduct nontraditional missions.
"The Navy must be ready for counterinsurgency and other irregular operations, which means dealing with nonstate actors at sea or near shore or with a swarm of speed boats sent by military groups from hostile countries," Lynn said.
Accordingly, Gates proposed improving the Navy's intertheater lift capacity by increasing the charter of joint high-speed vessel ships from two to four until the department's production program begins deliveries in 2011.
The defense secretary recommended buying more littoral combat ships – a key capability for presence, stability and counterinsurgency operations in coastal regions – from two to three ships in fiscal 2010, with the long-term goal of eventually acquiring 55 such ships.
"The requirement is predominance, for speed, it's the ability maneuver in shallow waters," Lynn said. "The ship that best fills this bill is the LCS, which, despite its past development problems, is a versatile ship that can be turned on a dime, go places that are either too shallow or too dangerous.
"And as we've seen off the coast of Somalia, it does not take a big ship to carry out anti-piracy missions," he said, referring to the U.S. Navy-led rescue of an American ship captain kidnapped by Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa.
"American people our more aware today of our maritime forces than they have been in a long time," he said. "Piracy off the Horn of Africa and the dedicated actions of our skilled and brave Navy SEALs have reminded us of why we have sea services."
Lynn underscored the role U.S. maritime forces have played in operations since Sept. 11, 2001.
"The first thing is to acknowledge how grateful we are to the men and women of the Marines, the Navy and the Coast Guard since Sept. 11, 2001," he said. "They have been engaged in operations around the world to defeat terrorist groups and to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The progress we've made owes so much to their skill, their dedication and too often, to their sacrifices," he said.
Monday, May 04, 2009
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 4, 2009
NAVY
Lockheed Martin MS2, Manassas, Va., is being awarded awarding a $39,373,147 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) for Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Insertions (A-RCI) Hardware consisting of Phase III, IV, V insertions, pre-cable kits, spares, production support, and legacy replacement systems, pre-cable kits, and spares. A-RCI is a sonar system upgrade that integrates and improves Towed Array, Hull Array, Sphere Array, and other ship sensor processing through rapid insertion of COTS-based hardware and software. It has already been successfully integrated into the first ten ships of the Va., Class which have now begun a modernization program and the procurement of new construction systems for the next four ships. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (65 percent) and Clearwater, Fla., (35 percent) and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Airborne Tactical Advantage Co., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $14,461,045 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00019-02-D-3158) to exercise an option for airborne threat simulation capabilities to train shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew how to counter potential enemy electronic warfare and electronic attack operations in today's electronic combat environment. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., (44 percent); Newport News, Va., (42 percent); Honolulu, Hawaii, (9 percent); and throughout various other countries (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Services, Inc., Mount Laurel, N.J., is being awarded a $8,830,652 firm fixed priced, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to provide technical and engineering support services to the Naval Air Warfare Center's Structures Division. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in May 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $987,143 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, and one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-09-D-0009).
Head, Incorporated,* Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $6,001,740 firm fixed price contract on Apr. 30, 2009, for runway repairs at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. The contractor will required to perform milling and asphalt overlayment of three primary airfield runways, the placement of steel plates in the runway, paving at the arresting gear systems on all four runways, and cured-in-place lining of storm and sanitary drain lines below the runways. The contract also contains eight unexercised options, which if exercise, will increase cumulative contract value to $12,764,970. Work will be performed in Kingsville, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Apr. 26, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-0761).
The Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $5,989,487 cost plus fixed price delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the supplies and services necessary to plan, manage, and execute engineering support for the U.S. Navy's E-6B aircraft Service Life Sustainment effort. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Joyce & Associates Construction, Inc.*, Newport, N.C., is being awarded $5,570,223 for firm fixed price task order #0097 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-09-D-1908) for major interior and exterior repairs to BEQS G540, G541, G542, G543 and G544, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for complete renovation including masonry and concrete repairs, window and door replacement, construction of new sloped wood-truss roof system and major mechanical and electrical renovation. Work also includes removal of lead and asbestos contaminated materials and new interior and exterior finishes and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Fisher Scientific Co., LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $8,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for laboratory supply distribution. Other locations of performance are Mass., Ill., Calif., Ken., Del., Col., Texas, N.J., Puerto Rico, N.Y., N.M., Wash., Ga., Md., and N.C. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on Dibbs with eight responses. This contract covers a one year base period with four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is May 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7340).
Allied Joint Venture, Hialeah, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $3,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, total set aside contract for medical and surgical items delivery. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. This contract covers a one year base period with four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is May 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7601).
Lockheed Martin MS2, Manassas, Va., is being awarded awarding a $39,373,147 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) for Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Insertions (A-RCI) Hardware consisting of Phase III, IV, V insertions, pre-cable kits, spares, production support, and legacy replacement systems, pre-cable kits, and spares. A-RCI is a sonar system upgrade that integrates and improves Towed Array, Hull Array, Sphere Array, and other ship sensor processing through rapid insertion of COTS-based hardware and software. It has already been successfully integrated into the first ten ships of the Va., Class which have now begun a modernization program and the procurement of new construction systems for the next four ships. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (65 percent) and Clearwater, Fla., (35 percent) and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Airborne Tactical Advantage Co., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $14,461,045 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00019-02-D-3158) to exercise an option for airborne threat simulation capabilities to train shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew how to counter potential enemy electronic warfare and electronic attack operations in today's electronic combat environment. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., (44 percent); Newport News, Va., (42 percent); Honolulu, Hawaii, (9 percent); and throughout various other countries (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Services, Inc., Mount Laurel, N.J., is being awarded a $8,830,652 firm fixed priced, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to provide technical and engineering support services to the Naval Air Warfare Center's Structures Division. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in May 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $987,143 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, and one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-09-D-0009).
Head, Incorporated,* Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $6,001,740 firm fixed price contract on Apr. 30, 2009, for runway repairs at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. The contractor will required to perform milling and asphalt overlayment of three primary airfield runways, the placement of steel plates in the runway, paving at the arresting gear systems on all four runways, and cured-in-place lining of storm and sanitary drain lines below the runways. The contract also contains eight unexercised options, which if exercise, will increase cumulative contract value to $12,764,970. Work will be performed in Kingsville, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Apr. 26, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-0761).
The Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $5,989,487 cost plus fixed price delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the supplies and services necessary to plan, manage, and execute engineering support for the U.S. Navy's E-6B aircraft Service Life Sustainment effort. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Joyce & Associates Construction, Inc.*, Newport, N.C., is being awarded $5,570,223 for firm fixed price task order #0097 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-09-D-1908) for major interior and exterior repairs to BEQS G540, G541, G542, G543 and G544, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for complete renovation including masonry and concrete repairs, window and door replacement, construction of new sloped wood-truss roof system and major mechanical and electrical renovation. Work also includes removal of lead and asbestos contaminated materials and new interior and exterior finishes and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Fisher Scientific Co., LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $8,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for laboratory supply distribution. Other locations of performance are Mass., Ill., Calif., Ken., Del., Col., Texas, N.J., Puerto Rico, N.Y., N.M., Wash., Ga., Md., and N.C. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on Dibbs with eight responses. This contract covers a one year base period with four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is May 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7340).
Allied Joint Venture, Hialeah, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $3,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, total set aside contract for medical and surgical items delivery. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. This contract covers a one year base period with four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is May 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7601).
After 60 Years, NATO Still Committed to Shaping Security Environment
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Sixty years after its inception, NATO remains committed to helping to shape the security environment, the alliance's chief of staff said. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union -- NATO's long-time ideological and military rival -- the 28-member collective security group currently is redefining itself, German Gen. Karl-Heinz Lather, chief of staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said last week in an interview and roundtable discussion with military bloggers.
"I think we are an alliance which is redefining itself, which is helping and shaping the security environment to safeguard the freedom of our citizens and increase security around the world," Lather said.
On the heels of NATO's historic 60th anniversary and summit in early April, Lather discussed some important recent developments to the alliance.
"We welcomed two new members, Croatia and Albania, and we welcomed France back into our integrated structures, where they have not been in for the past 30 years or so," he said. "In doing so, I think we reaffirmed our open-door policy to those who want to be members of the alliance."
He added: "We continue to advance the democracy throughout Europe and to get another step forward to what one of the visions of NATO is, which is a Europe whole and free."
The general noted that the summit in Strasbourg, France, and Kehl, Germany, produced the selection of the next NATO secretary general, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
The April 3-4 summit also saw members pledge more finances and personnel to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan – a move that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates characterized as a "pleasant surprise."
NATO members promised to finance and provide more security -- including 3,000 more personnel -- for the Afghan election in August, to send 300 additional military trainers and mentors, and 70 NATO embedded training teams to help grow the Afghan National Army. Other pledges include $500 million for civilian assistance and $100 million in support of the Afghan army.
"For the Europeans to have pledged an additional 3,000 or so troops plus the trainers, I think, was a significant achievement," said Gates, who did not attend the summit due to defense budget obligations here.
Lather said the commitments sounded an important message.
"We signaled a continued determination to stay the course in Afghanistan, even if all members don't see everything in the same way," he said. "But that's what an alliance is about."
The alliance faces significant challenges, not least of which include shaping the organization to meet operational and institutional needs within an increasingly dynamic security environment, the general said. But he expressed optimism at the alliance's ability to adapt to these 21st century requirements.
"What NATO does on the ground today, I think, is a visible demonstration to the world, to our peoples, of our willingness to act in the name of collective security for those peoples," he said. "NATO demonstrates its importance in today's environment, and we do that each and every day."
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Sixty years after its inception, NATO remains committed to helping to shape the security environment, the alliance's chief of staff said. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union -- NATO's long-time ideological and military rival -- the 28-member collective security group currently is redefining itself, German Gen. Karl-Heinz Lather, chief of staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said last week in an interview and roundtable discussion with military bloggers.
"I think we are an alliance which is redefining itself, which is helping and shaping the security environment to safeguard the freedom of our citizens and increase security around the world," Lather said.
On the heels of NATO's historic 60th anniversary and summit in early April, Lather discussed some important recent developments to the alliance.
"We welcomed two new members, Croatia and Albania, and we welcomed France back into our integrated structures, where they have not been in for the past 30 years or so," he said. "In doing so, I think we reaffirmed our open-door policy to those who want to be members of the alliance."
He added: "We continue to advance the democracy throughout Europe and to get another step forward to what one of the visions of NATO is, which is a Europe whole and free."
The general noted that the summit in Strasbourg, France, and Kehl, Germany, produced the selection of the next NATO secretary general, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
The April 3-4 summit also saw members pledge more finances and personnel to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan – a move that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates characterized as a "pleasant surprise."
NATO members promised to finance and provide more security -- including 3,000 more personnel -- for the Afghan election in August, to send 300 additional military trainers and mentors, and 70 NATO embedded training teams to help grow the Afghan National Army. Other pledges include $500 million for civilian assistance and $100 million in support of the Afghan army.
"For the Europeans to have pledged an additional 3,000 or so troops plus the trainers, I think, was a significant achievement," said Gates, who did not attend the summit due to defense budget obligations here.
Lather said the commitments sounded an important message.
"We signaled a continued determination to stay the course in Afghanistan, even if all members don't see everything in the same way," he said. "But that's what an alliance is about."
The alliance faces significant challenges, not least of which include shaping the organization to meet operational and institutional needs within an increasingly dynamic security environment, the general said. But he expressed optimism at the alliance's ability to adapt to these 21st century requirements.
"What NATO does on the ground today, I think, is a visible demonstration to the world, to our peoples, of our willingness to act in the name of collective security for those peoples," he said. "NATO demonstrates its importance in today's environment, and we do that each and every day."
Chairman Emphasizes Importance of Personnel in Budget Considerations
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Getting the defense budget right for servicemembers and their families will be the measure of success, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today. "There's no more important part of that than our people and their families," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told an audience at the Navy League's 2009 Sea-Air-Space Exposition. "If we get it right for our mid-grade [noncommissioned officers] and we get it right for our young officers, we will get it right for the future of this country from a national security standpoint and for the capabilities that we need no matter what the challenge."
The fiscal 2010 defense budget has been submitted to Congress and soon will be the subject of much testimony by senior military officials, Mullen said.
When he served as the chief of naval operations, Mullen said, an estimated 60 to 70 percent of every dollar the Navy had was connected to personnel. Today, that focus on personnel should include wounded warriors, their families and the families of the fallen, he added.
"They still want to contribute. They want to raise their kids in a nice place. They'd like an education. They want their kids to go to school, and they want to make a difference," Mullen said. "In my view, we cannot do enough for them, and that's a check we ought to write right off the top of our budget to make sure they're taken care of for the rest of their lives."
It's an area where the Defense Department has made great progress, but it still has a long way to go, he said.
The chairman said he considers "people issues" to be his top strategic priority, and fighting the wars the country is in as the top operational priority. That includes shifting the military's focus to Afghanistan, he said.
"As we look at the operational requirements right now, you see us, as a nation, shifting our weight where the main effort is now Afghanistan," he said. "We've got to make it so. We must shift our weight and make it a priority."
Part of making it a priority means breaking down service cultures, the chairman said. War College attendance, career paths or other institutional entities should not impede making Afghanistan the country's No. 1 priority, he said. Mullen noted that today's military is is a combat-hardened force that has maintained an accelerated operations tempo for nearly eight years. In response, he's calling for, among other things, a focus on balance of forces and resources. He said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has made that clear in his budget recommendations.
"I think Secretary Gates has sent pretty strong signals that programs that are spinning out of control just don't have much of a future," Mullen said. That's also true, he said, for "over-required" programs that are increasing in cost.
"Clearly, there's focus on balance that we need to make sure we get that right," he said. "The characteristics ... which our Special Forces have - an agility, a speed, an adaptability, a precision, a lethality, a small footprint – those are types of characteristics are absolutely vital for our military, not just now, but in the future."
The Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Exposition is a maritime exposition featuring more than 150 Defense industry exhibits and professional seminars. The organization has presented the expo in Washington for more than 40 years.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Getting the defense budget right for servicemembers and their families will be the measure of success, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today. "There's no more important part of that than our people and their families," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told an audience at the Navy League's 2009 Sea-Air-Space Exposition. "If we get it right for our mid-grade [noncommissioned officers] and we get it right for our young officers, we will get it right for the future of this country from a national security standpoint and for the capabilities that we need no matter what the challenge."
The fiscal 2010 defense budget has been submitted to Congress and soon will be the subject of much testimony by senior military officials, Mullen said.
When he served as the chief of naval operations, Mullen said, an estimated 60 to 70 percent of every dollar the Navy had was connected to personnel. Today, that focus on personnel should include wounded warriors, their families and the families of the fallen, he added.
"They still want to contribute. They want to raise their kids in a nice place. They'd like an education. They want their kids to go to school, and they want to make a difference," Mullen said. "In my view, we cannot do enough for them, and that's a check we ought to write right off the top of our budget to make sure they're taken care of for the rest of their lives."
It's an area where the Defense Department has made great progress, but it still has a long way to go, he said.
The chairman said he considers "people issues" to be his top strategic priority, and fighting the wars the country is in as the top operational priority. That includes shifting the military's focus to Afghanistan, he said.
"As we look at the operational requirements right now, you see us, as a nation, shifting our weight where the main effort is now Afghanistan," he said. "We've got to make it so. We must shift our weight and make it a priority."
Part of making it a priority means breaking down service cultures, the chairman said. War College attendance, career paths or other institutional entities should not impede making Afghanistan the country's No. 1 priority, he said. Mullen noted that today's military is is a combat-hardened force that has maintained an accelerated operations tempo for nearly eight years. In response, he's calling for, among other things, a focus on balance of forces and resources. He said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has made that clear in his budget recommendations.
"I think Secretary Gates has sent pretty strong signals that programs that are spinning out of control just don't have much of a future," Mullen said. That's also true, he said, for "over-required" programs that are increasing in cost.
"Clearly, there's focus on balance that we need to make sure we get that right," he said. "The characteristics ... which our Special Forces have - an agility, a speed, an adaptability, a precision, a lethality, a small footprint – those are types of characteristics are absolutely vital for our military, not just now, but in the future."
The Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Exposition is a maritime exposition featuring more than 150 Defense industry exhibits and professional seminars. The organization has presented the expo in Washington for more than 40 years.
Gates Trip Aims to Reaffirm Ties With Egypt, Saudi Arabia
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is en route to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for sessions aimed at reaffirming ties with the important regional powers that both have strong military-to-military relationships with the United States. The visits "clearly are all about strengthening relationships with long-time friends," Gates told reporters traveling aboard a military aircraft with him.
The secretary, who last visited both countries a year and a half ago, is expected to focus on regional security issues, including the Middle East peace process and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The trip is Gates' first overseas visit in almost five months, except for a brief NATO conference in Krakow, Poland, in February.
"I felt that it was important to focus on the budget and the strategy relating to the budget," he explained. "And I also thought it was important to stick around Washington and get to know my new colleagues and establish strong relationships with them, which I think I have been able to do."
Now back on the road, Gates said, he'll encourage both Egypt and Saudi Arabia to forge stronger diplomatic ties with Iraq. Recognizing suspicion "about how much influence Iran has in Baghdad," Gates credited the Egyptians with taking "some serious steps forward to re-engage" with the Iraqi government.
"If the Arab world is concerned about Iranian influence, then the way to deal with that is to have more Arab influence in Baghdad – more ambassadors, more engagement with regional security arrangements that involve the Arab states," he said. "So I think one way to allay their concerns if for them to reach out and be a counter-influence in Baghdad. I think that is very important."
Gates said he'll also offer assurances that any U.S. outreach to Iran "will not be at the expense of our long-term relationships with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states that have been our partners and our friends for decades."
The United States will deal with Iran "in a sensible way, and in a way that hopefully increases the security of everybody in the region, not just us," he said.
"I just think it is important to reassure our friends and allies in the region that while we are willing to reach out to the Iranians -- as the president said, with an open hand -- I think everybody in the administration from the president on down is pretty realistic and will be pretty tough-minded if we still encounter a closed fist," Gates said.
During the first stop of his trip, in Cairo, Gates said, he plans to discuss Egypt's role in the Middle East peace process.
"The Egyptians have played a huge role in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian problem in trying to be a go-between and help move that process forward," he said. "The Egyptians have played a critical role in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations for a long time."
The U.S.-Egyptian bilateral military relationship will be another major agenda item. "We also undoubtedly will talk about smuggling in the Gaza and the programs we are working on together to try and limit that kind of smuggling," Gates said.
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team in Egypt is testing advanced tunnel detection systems to be used to stem Palestinian weapons smuggling along Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip. The team also will teach Egyptian security forces how to operate the system, purchased through the military sales program.
During the next leg of the trip, in Saudi Arabia, Gates is likely to discuss its possible role in helping Afghanistan's democratically elected government reconcile with the Taliban. Gates said he'll also encourage continued efforts to influence events in Pakistan.
"Whatever they can do to help bring the Pakistanis together in a broader sense to deal with the challenge for the government in Islamabad obviously would be welcomed," he said.
Gates said he expects the discussions to extend to the deposition of Yemeni detainees now at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "The Saudis have perhaps the most successful repatriation [and] reeducation program of any country at this point," he said. "So clearly there will be an interest in pursuing that with them."
The secretary turned reminiscent as he anticipated returning to Egypt. He recalled the exact date of his first meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek – Aug. 4, 1990 – as the United States was preparing to send troops into Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.
He also remembered his first visit to Egypt 30 years ago, accompanying then-President Jimmy Carter during the final stages of the Camp David peace talks. "So I always look forward to visiting Egypt and rekindling old friendships," he said. "It is basically all about strengthening relationships."
Similarly, Gates said he has made several return visits to Saudi Arabia. "It is good to go back and renew these relationships," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is en route to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for sessions aimed at reaffirming ties with the important regional powers that both have strong military-to-military relationships with the United States. The visits "clearly are all about strengthening relationships with long-time friends," Gates told reporters traveling aboard a military aircraft with him.
The secretary, who last visited both countries a year and a half ago, is expected to focus on regional security issues, including the Middle East peace process and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The trip is Gates' first overseas visit in almost five months, except for a brief NATO conference in Krakow, Poland, in February.
"I felt that it was important to focus on the budget and the strategy relating to the budget," he explained. "And I also thought it was important to stick around Washington and get to know my new colleagues and establish strong relationships with them, which I think I have been able to do."
Now back on the road, Gates said, he'll encourage both Egypt and Saudi Arabia to forge stronger diplomatic ties with Iraq. Recognizing suspicion "about how much influence Iran has in Baghdad," Gates credited the Egyptians with taking "some serious steps forward to re-engage" with the Iraqi government.
"If the Arab world is concerned about Iranian influence, then the way to deal with that is to have more Arab influence in Baghdad – more ambassadors, more engagement with regional security arrangements that involve the Arab states," he said. "So I think one way to allay their concerns if for them to reach out and be a counter-influence in Baghdad. I think that is very important."
Gates said he'll also offer assurances that any U.S. outreach to Iran "will not be at the expense of our long-term relationships with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states that have been our partners and our friends for decades."
The United States will deal with Iran "in a sensible way, and in a way that hopefully increases the security of everybody in the region, not just us," he said.
"I just think it is important to reassure our friends and allies in the region that while we are willing to reach out to the Iranians -- as the president said, with an open hand -- I think everybody in the administration from the president on down is pretty realistic and will be pretty tough-minded if we still encounter a closed fist," Gates said.
During the first stop of his trip, in Cairo, Gates said, he plans to discuss Egypt's role in the Middle East peace process.
"The Egyptians have played a huge role in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian problem in trying to be a go-between and help move that process forward," he said. "The Egyptians have played a critical role in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations for a long time."
The U.S.-Egyptian bilateral military relationship will be another major agenda item. "We also undoubtedly will talk about smuggling in the Gaza and the programs we are working on together to try and limit that kind of smuggling," Gates said.
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team in Egypt is testing advanced tunnel detection systems to be used to stem Palestinian weapons smuggling along Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip. The team also will teach Egyptian security forces how to operate the system, purchased through the military sales program.
During the next leg of the trip, in Saudi Arabia, Gates is likely to discuss its possible role in helping Afghanistan's democratically elected government reconcile with the Taliban. Gates said he'll also encourage continued efforts to influence events in Pakistan.
"Whatever they can do to help bring the Pakistanis together in a broader sense to deal with the challenge for the government in Islamabad obviously would be welcomed," he said.
Gates said he expects the discussions to extend to the deposition of Yemeni detainees now at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "The Saudis have perhaps the most successful repatriation [and] reeducation program of any country at this point," he said. "So clearly there will be an interest in pursuing that with them."
The secretary turned reminiscent as he anticipated returning to Egypt. He recalled the exact date of his first meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek – Aug. 4, 1990 – as the United States was preparing to send troops into Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.
He also remembered his first visit to Egypt 30 years ago, accompanying then-President Jimmy Carter during the final stages of the Camp David peace talks. "So I always look forward to visiting Egypt and rekindling old friendships," he said. "It is basically all about strengthening relationships."
Similarly, Gates said he has made several return visits to Saudi Arabia. "It is good to go back and renew these relationships," he said.
Fort Lewis Warrior Transition Battalion Hosts Paralympics Sports Camp
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Wounded warriors will get a chance to compete in sports while working toward their rehabilitation this week when the Warrior Transition Battalion on Fort Lewis, Wash., hosts a Paralympics Military Regional Sports Camp. More than 30 WTB soldiers and veterans are scheduled to participate in the battalion's first-ever Paralympics sports camp May 5-8. The camp will expose them to adaptive sports as part of their recovery and continued transition in life.
"We are thrilled to host the Paralympics Military Regional Sports Camp here, enabling our warriors and other veterans to improve their physical and mental fitness," Army Lt. Col. K.C. Bolton, Warrior Transition Battalion commander, told listeners of the Pentagon's "DotMilDocs" webcast April 30.
Bolton said he considers the battalion's work with U.S. Paralympics one of the most important efforts for his unit and the warriors and veterans they support.
"The camp is a chance for us to showcase the Paralympics movement and get warriors excited about engaging in adaptive sports and maybe inspire them to a lifetime of fitness, regardless of their disability," he said.
Servicemembers and veterans from around the country will descend on Fort Lewis for the two-day competition to motivate wounded warriors in competition, to foster teamwork, and to improve overall fitness.
Coaches from the U.S. Paralympics team will be running the camp, while Fort Lewis is handling all of the logistics required to put on a large-scale regional sports competition.
"For warriors in transition, we sometime have challenges in helping them find their new normal of what their life is going to be, and through sports we are able in a different way get them out and active and understanding 'yeah, I can do that,'" Bolton said. "And, getting over that mental block ... it is easier when we are throwing them into the sports environment."
With the help of U.S. Paralympics, the battalion created the "amazing warriors adaptive sports program," he said, that gives the battalion "a fitness aspect for our comprehensive transition plan."
Bolton expects at least 40 warriors will compete in the first regional sports camp. Ten of them will represent the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Lewis. Adaptive rowing, sitting volleyball, track and field, and swimming are some of the scheduled events.
Sitting volleyball is a favorite. "It is very competitive," he said. "When I was at Colorado Springs, the Paralympians for sit volleyball absolutely crushed me when we were practicing."
Paralympics levels the playing field in sports so even non-disabled compete alongside with those with disabilities, Bolton said.
"We are hoping that we get some Paralympians out of it," he said. "It would be an absolute joy to see one of my former warriors competing at the Olympics in the future."
The Warrior Transition Unit was one of the recommendations outlined in the Army Medical Action Plan to develop a holistic, sustainable system where soldiers are supported, treated and vocationally rehabilitated to prepare them to successfully return to duty or transition to civilian life.
"The camp allows warriors to build upon not only their physical fitness but also their self-confidence, which is in line with our goals for holistic healing," Bolton said.
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, offers Military Sports Camps in partnership with community groups and military installations for wounded troops. The camps foster the development of sports and fitness programs for wounded and injured military personnel. Additionally, U.S. Paralympics is helping to connect injured military personnel with sports programming in their local communities so they can continue to participate when they return home.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg is assigned to the New Media Directorate of the Emerging Media Directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - Wounded warriors will get a chance to compete in sports while working toward their rehabilitation this week when the Warrior Transition Battalion on Fort Lewis, Wash., hosts a Paralympics Military Regional Sports Camp. More than 30 WTB soldiers and veterans are scheduled to participate in the battalion's first-ever Paralympics sports camp May 5-8. The camp will expose them to adaptive sports as part of their recovery and continued transition in life.
"We are thrilled to host the Paralympics Military Regional Sports Camp here, enabling our warriors and other veterans to improve their physical and mental fitness," Army Lt. Col. K.C. Bolton, Warrior Transition Battalion commander, told listeners of the Pentagon's "DotMilDocs" webcast April 30.
Bolton said he considers the battalion's work with U.S. Paralympics one of the most important efforts for his unit and the warriors and veterans they support.
"The camp is a chance for us to showcase the Paralympics movement and get warriors excited about engaging in adaptive sports and maybe inspire them to a lifetime of fitness, regardless of their disability," he said.
Servicemembers and veterans from around the country will descend on Fort Lewis for the two-day competition to motivate wounded warriors in competition, to foster teamwork, and to improve overall fitness.
Coaches from the U.S. Paralympics team will be running the camp, while Fort Lewis is handling all of the logistics required to put on a large-scale regional sports competition.
"For warriors in transition, we sometime have challenges in helping them find their new normal of what their life is going to be, and through sports we are able in a different way get them out and active and understanding 'yeah, I can do that,'" Bolton said. "And, getting over that mental block ... it is easier when we are throwing them into the sports environment."
With the help of U.S. Paralympics, the battalion created the "amazing warriors adaptive sports program," he said, that gives the battalion "a fitness aspect for our comprehensive transition plan."
Bolton expects at least 40 warriors will compete in the first regional sports camp. Ten of them will represent the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Lewis. Adaptive rowing, sitting volleyball, track and field, and swimming are some of the scheduled events.
Sitting volleyball is a favorite. "It is very competitive," he said. "When I was at Colorado Springs, the Paralympians for sit volleyball absolutely crushed me when we were practicing."
Paralympics levels the playing field in sports so even non-disabled compete alongside with those with disabilities, Bolton said.
"We are hoping that we get some Paralympians out of it," he said. "It would be an absolute joy to see one of my former warriors competing at the Olympics in the future."
The Warrior Transition Unit was one of the recommendations outlined in the Army Medical Action Plan to develop a holistic, sustainable system where soldiers are supported, treated and vocationally rehabilitated to prepare them to successfully return to duty or transition to civilian life.
"The camp allows warriors to build upon not only their physical fitness but also their self-confidence, which is in line with our goals for holistic healing," Bolton said.
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, offers Military Sports Camps in partnership with community groups and military installations for wounded troops. The camps foster the development of sports and fitness programs for wounded and injured military personnel. Additionally, U.S. Paralympics is helping to connect injured military personnel with sports programming in their local communities so they can continue to participate when they return home.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg is assigned to the New Media Directorate of the Emerging Media Directorate.)
Face of Defense: Drill Sergeant Excels in Senior Leader Course
By Maureen Rose
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - A drill sergeant with two Iraq tours under his belt continued to show his mettle in the Senior Leaders Course at Fort Gordon, Ga. Staff Sgt. Mark Gomez finished as the honor graduate by maintaining a grade-point average of 97 percent, in addition to passing his physical training and field training exercise with flying colors.
On top of that, his peers chose him for the Distinguished Leadership Award.
Gomez is a drill sergeant in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry here, and he said he loves it.
"I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing," Gomez said. "It's been a dream of mine ever since I was in basic [training]; I love training new soldiers."
Gomez, a qualified instructor, said his experience me him a better trainer. Soldiers in training "understand you know what you're talking about; they have more respect for you," he explained. "They know you functioned in combat situations, so they need to learn from you."
Gomez deployed with the 75th Field Artillery Brigade as well as the 555th Combat Engineer Brigade. He said the strongest noncommissioned officer influence in his career came from a now-retired NCO.
"My last NCO at the 'Triple Nickel' taught me how to take care of soldiers and train them while still taking care of myself and my career," Gomez said. "He taught me to balance Army life with civilian life."
The 27-year-old soldier enlisted in the Army right out of high school, so he's been in for nine years. The father of three said his wife is very supportive, even though being "on the trail" takes extra hours away from the family. She stays busy through the unit family readiness group, friends and their children, Gomez said.
In spite of the toll it takes on the family, Gomez is proud of his work.
"An NCO's job is rewarding; it's almost like being a teacher. You see [soldiers in training] graduate, and know how much you impacted them," he said. "They come in as civilians and walk across the stage as soldiers. That is really rewarding."
He cited another example of an NCO's reward.
"One of my soldiers from a combat tour in Iraq is now a coworker in the same company," Gomez said, "and he's also a drill [sergeant]. I was his first NCO. I think I was a good influence."
No job, however, is without its drawbacks. If he could make one change in the NCO Corps, Gomez said, he would pump up the knowledge base.
"NCOs need more time to get together and go over NCO business to ensure everybody is training to standards," Gomez said. "Many NCOs today are very young; promotions come faster, and perhaps some younger NCOs are in leadership jobs without the NCO knowledge they should have. Perhaps we just need some fine-tuning of NCO knowledge."
That NCO knowledge, of course, is necessary to accomplish an NCO's most important job.
"The most important thing NCOs do is to take care of soldiers and train them, set an example for them, be a good mentor, and show them what 'right' looks like," Gomez said.
Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coleman, the 2-46th Battalion commander, said Gomez is a professional NCO who carries out his mission extremely well. "He is what 'right' looks like," Coleman said.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - A drill sergeant with two Iraq tours under his belt continued to show his mettle in the Senior Leaders Course at Fort Gordon, Ga. Staff Sgt. Mark Gomez finished as the honor graduate by maintaining a grade-point average of 97 percent, in addition to passing his physical training and field training exercise with flying colors.
On top of that, his peers chose him for the Distinguished Leadership Award.
Gomez is a drill sergeant in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry here, and he said he loves it.
"I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing," Gomez said. "It's been a dream of mine ever since I was in basic [training]; I love training new soldiers."
Gomez, a qualified instructor, said his experience me him a better trainer. Soldiers in training "understand you know what you're talking about; they have more respect for you," he explained. "They know you functioned in combat situations, so they need to learn from you."
Gomez deployed with the 75th Field Artillery Brigade as well as the 555th Combat Engineer Brigade. He said the strongest noncommissioned officer influence in his career came from a now-retired NCO.
"My last NCO at the 'Triple Nickel' taught me how to take care of soldiers and train them while still taking care of myself and my career," Gomez said. "He taught me to balance Army life with civilian life."
The 27-year-old soldier enlisted in the Army right out of high school, so he's been in for nine years. The father of three said his wife is very supportive, even though being "on the trail" takes extra hours away from the family. She stays busy through the unit family readiness group, friends and their children, Gomez said.
In spite of the toll it takes on the family, Gomez is proud of his work.
"An NCO's job is rewarding; it's almost like being a teacher. You see [soldiers in training] graduate, and know how much you impacted them," he said. "They come in as civilians and walk across the stage as soldiers. That is really rewarding."
He cited another example of an NCO's reward.
"One of my soldiers from a combat tour in Iraq is now a coworker in the same company," Gomez said, "and he's also a drill [sergeant]. I was his first NCO. I think I was a good influence."
No job, however, is without its drawbacks. If he could make one change in the NCO Corps, Gomez said, he would pump up the knowledge base.
"NCOs need more time to get together and go over NCO business to ensure everybody is training to standards," Gomez said. "Many NCOs today are very young; promotions come faster, and perhaps some younger NCOs are in leadership jobs without the NCO knowledge they should have. Perhaps we just need some fine-tuning of NCO knowledge."
That NCO knowledge, of course, is necessary to accomplish an NCO's most important job.
"The most important thing NCOs do is to take care of soldiers and train them, set an example for them, be a good mentor, and show them what 'right' looks like," Gomez said.
Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coleman, the 2-46th Battalion commander, said Gomez is a professional NCO who carries out his mission extremely well. "He is what 'right' looks like," Coleman said.
'Hybrid War' to Pull U.S. Military in Two Directions, Flournoy Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - The type of "hybrid warfare" that defense experts predict the United States is increasingly likely to face will pull the military in two directions, the Defense Department's top policy official said today. Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, said America's conventional dominance gives incentive to its enemies to use asymmetric means to undermine U.S. strengths and exploit its weaknesses.
"Preparing for this operating environment will pull the Army, and the military writ large, in two very different directions," she told the roughly 200-person audience at the Army Leader Forum at the Pentagon.
On the one hand, the United States must be ready for irregular warfare, in which combatants blend in with civilian populations and conduct roadside-bomb attacks, suicide bombings and similar tactics, she said.
"Those of you who served in Iraq and Afghanistan know firsthand how challenging it is to operate effectively in such an environment," she said.
Meanwhile, she said, the United States must remain prepared to deal with high-end threats, though these are much more likely to be asymmetric in character. Illustrating this concept, Flournoy described a scenario in which rising regional powers and rogue states use highly sophisticated technologies to deny U.S. access to critical regions and to thwart its operations.
These tactics range from anti-satellite capabilities, anti-air capabilities and anti-ship weapons to weapons of mass destruction and cyber attacks.
Further complicating the battle landscape is the prospect of sophisticated nonstate actors using high-end capabilities such as weapons of mass destruction or guided rockets or munitions, as in the case of Hezbollah in Lebanon during its 2006 war with Israel.
"We can expect to see more hybrid conflicts in which the enemy combines regular warfare tactics with irregular and asymmetric forms of warfare," she said.
The concept of hybrid warfare garnered attention last month when Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced his budget recommendations at a Pentagon news conference.
Gates proposed distributing allocated funds in accordance with what he characterized as the type of "complex hybrid" warfare he expects will be increasingly common. He placed roughly half of his proposed budget for traditional, strategic and conventional conflict, about 40 percent in dual-purpose capabilities and the remaining 10 percent in irregular warfare.
Gates also said recently that the upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review – a congressionally mandated Defense Department strategy review completed every four years – would be unique in its consideration of this blended type of warfare.
"This will be the first QDR able to fully incorporate the numerous lessons learned on the battlefield these last few years; lessons about what mix of hybrid tactics future adversaries, both state and nonstate actors, are likely to pursue," he said at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.
Flournoy provided a glimpse of the 2010 QDR, which the department will submit to Congress early next year.
In addition to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, key security challenges include violent extremist movements, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, rising powers with sophisticated weapons and increasing encroachment across the so-called global commons, which include air, sea, space and cyberspace, she said.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2009 - The type of "hybrid warfare" that defense experts predict the United States is increasingly likely to face will pull the military in two directions, the Defense Department's top policy official said today. Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, said America's conventional dominance gives incentive to its enemies to use asymmetric means to undermine U.S. strengths and exploit its weaknesses.
"Preparing for this operating environment will pull the Army, and the military writ large, in two very different directions," she told the roughly 200-person audience at the Army Leader Forum at the Pentagon.
On the one hand, the United States must be ready for irregular warfare, in which combatants blend in with civilian populations and conduct roadside-bomb attacks, suicide bombings and similar tactics, she said.
"Those of you who served in Iraq and Afghanistan know firsthand how challenging it is to operate effectively in such an environment," she said.
Meanwhile, she said, the United States must remain prepared to deal with high-end threats, though these are much more likely to be asymmetric in character. Illustrating this concept, Flournoy described a scenario in which rising regional powers and rogue states use highly sophisticated technologies to deny U.S. access to critical regions and to thwart its operations.
These tactics range from anti-satellite capabilities, anti-air capabilities and anti-ship weapons to weapons of mass destruction and cyber attacks.
Further complicating the battle landscape is the prospect of sophisticated nonstate actors using high-end capabilities such as weapons of mass destruction or guided rockets or munitions, as in the case of Hezbollah in Lebanon during its 2006 war with Israel.
"We can expect to see more hybrid conflicts in which the enemy combines regular warfare tactics with irregular and asymmetric forms of warfare," she said.
The concept of hybrid warfare garnered attention last month when Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced his budget recommendations at a Pentagon news conference.
Gates proposed distributing allocated funds in accordance with what he characterized as the type of "complex hybrid" warfare he expects will be increasingly common. He placed roughly half of his proposed budget for traditional, strategic and conventional conflict, about 40 percent in dual-purpose capabilities and the remaining 10 percent in irregular warfare.
Gates also said recently that the upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review – a congressionally mandated Defense Department strategy review completed every four years – would be unique in its consideration of this blended type of warfare.
"This will be the first QDR able to fully incorporate the numerous lessons learned on the battlefield these last few years; lessons about what mix of hybrid tactics future adversaries, both state and nonstate actors, are likely to pursue," he said at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.
Flournoy provided a glimpse of the 2010 QDR, which the department will submit to Congress early next year.
In addition to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, key security challenges include violent extremist movements, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, rising powers with sophisticated weapons and increasing encroachment across the so-called global commons, which include air, sea, space and cyberspace, she said.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
1000 Military Servicemembers
On May 2, 2009, Military-Writers.com added the 1000th servicemember who has written a book. The site lists current, former and retired military personnel who have authored books. In addition to being categorized by branch of service, the books written by military personnel can be searched by subject such as military fiction, military tactics and doctrine, leadership, non-military fiction and by conflict.
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Military Books
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Soldier, Cop, Musician and Author
On May 8, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Sergeant Gregory Allen Doyle, Upland Police Department.
Program Date: May 8, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Soldier, Cop, Musician and Author
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/09/Soldier-Cop-Musician-and-Author
About the Guest
Sergeant Gregory Allen Doyle, Upland Police Department is currently a patrol sergeant. During his law enforcement career has served as a gang detective, street gang officer, undercover narcotics officer, school resource officer and patrol officer. Prior to entering law enforcement Sergeant Gregory Doyle served four years in the United States Army in a Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Sergeant Greg Doyle is a writer who has published articles in professional magazines and the author of three books: The Sting of the Gadfly; God Is Not an Option; and, The Stinging Salve.
Sergeant Gregory Doyle writes contemporary Christian music with Associate Pastor Don Maresh (Discovery Christian Church, Moreno Valley); and, together, Greg and Don lead the Good News Praise Band at Discovery and have professionally recorded three CDs of original music: No Other God (2000- 15 songs); The God That I Love (2002 - 19 songs);
You're My God (2006 - 23 songs).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Law Enforcement Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/09/Soldier-Cop-Musician-and-Author
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: May 8, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Soldier, Cop, Musician and Author
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/09/Soldier-Cop-Musician-and-Author
About the Guest
Sergeant Gregory Allen Doyle, Upland Police Department is currently a patrol sergeant. During his law enforcement career has served as a gang detective, street gang officer, undercover narcotics officer, school resource officer and patrol officer. Prior to entering law enforcement Sergeant Gregory Doyle served four years in the United States Army in a Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Sergeant Greg Doyle is a writer who has published articles in professional magazines and the author of three books: The Sting of the Gadfly; God Is Not an Option; and, The Stinging Salve.
Sergeant Gregory Doyle writes contemporary Christian music with Associate Pastor Don Maresh (Discovery Christian Church, Moreno Valley); and, together, Greg and Don lead the Good News Praise Band at Discovery and have professionally recorded three CDs of original music: No Other God (2000- 15 songs); The God That I Love (2002 - 19 songs);
You're My God (2006 - 23 songs).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Law Enforcement Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/09/Soldier-Cop-Musician-and-Author
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Friday, May 01, 2009
'Home of Warrior Care' Hits Century Mark
By John J. KruzelAmerican Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - Walter Reed Army Medical Center opened its doors here 100 years ago today as an 80-bed facility at a time of U.S. peace. "There was no ceremony, no dedication and no fanfare," Walter Reed historian Sherman Fleek said. "Medical treatment and care commenced quietly."
Not long after, the hospital swelled with World War I casualties suffering from head injuries, amputations, mustard gas exposure and other injuries. The Army's "Home of Warrior Care" expanded to as many as 2,500 beds as veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam returned home wounded.
In recent times, the Defense Department's largest military hospital has adapted to the needs of war-injured servicemembers from the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and in the broader fight against extremism. Today, the 247-bed center is one of the world's foremost medical facilities, Army officials said, with 60 outpatient clinics and 16 operating rooms and a staff that combines patient care, teaching and research.
Army Col. (Dr.) Norvell V. Coots, commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System, said the medical center staff learns something new about military health care from each of the soldiers it treats.
"When you add it all together, these individual nuances in a soldier's treatment, his or her medical or surgical care, their special technology needs, and the impact on family members and loved ones, all teach us invaluable lessons in patient care," he said in an e-mailed response to questions.
The Military Advanced Training Center, a recently added 31,000-square-foot rehabilitation center and gym with a nearly $9 million price tag, is one example of the hospital responding to soldiers' needs.
Since it opened in September 2007, troops who have undergone amputations have used the center's computer- and video-monitoring systems, infrared camera-assisted motion analysis and other sophisticated technology to help them adapt to new prosthetic limbs.
On the center's bottom floor last week, a young Afghanistan war veteran inside the mirror-lined workout area stood on a prosthetic leg as he finished sets on a weight machine.
Army Sgt. Joshua Ben was a cavalry scout with the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Kabul in late 2007 when he encountered a massive ambush. Ben was told some 300 insurgents had been hiding in the tree line, waiting for his convoy.
"We had four trucks patrolling through this one town, and we hit a straight gravel road that was about four miles long," he recalled. "My truck took nine [rocket-propelled grenades]. The first one came through the door and took my leg off."
The sergeant also was shot eight times, with his protective equipment absorbing the blows of six rounds. He was one of a dozen soldiers in the 18-man unit to suffer wounds.
Ben, who plans to use the GI Bill to earn an undergraduate degree in forensic science, now is an outpatient who lives at Walter Reed's Mologne House and is part of a warrior transition brigade – a regimented recovery infrastructure designed to ease the healing process.
"It's gone pretty good," he said of his time at the hospital. "It's just all about the recovery. Physical therapy every day, and going to appointments."
Walter Reed, however, has not always enjoyed such favorable reports regarding its outpatient care.
In early 2007, the Washington Post published a series of articles that shed light on poor conditions at the hospital's facilities, describing America's wounded warrior outpatients living in moldy rooms laden with belly-up cockroaches and stained carpets, and soldiers forced to face a cumbersome bureaucracy at the hospital.
In the wake of the reports, a bipartisan panel was tasked to fix problems with wounded servicemembers' care. Since then, the hospital has implemented a series of sweeping reforms amid what Coots referred to as the "era of opportunity."
During this period, the Army launched the Warrior Transition System, which assigns a primary care manager, nurse case manager and squad leader to each of the wounded. Among other initiatives, the hospital now boasts the Soldier Family Assistance Center and a primary care clinic that exclusively treats those recently injured.
"So many great initiatives have developed out of that crisis," Coots said via e-mail. "National and military leadership from around the world come to Walter Reed to see and earn about all of the great things that are being done in this world-class facility."
Army Maj. Walter Reed, who earned his first medical degree in 1869 at the age of 17, is best known for leading a research team to the watershed discovery that mosquitoes were responsible for transmitting yellow fever. The hospital that bears his name continues the quest for medical breakthroughs.
The medical center is at the forefront of research covering post-traumatic stress disorder and other emotional and mental manifestations of the war experience, Coots said.
"It has always been a place for research, and through all of these years, great advances in the science and application of medicine have been made by notable staff members," Coots said. "War has always been the motivator behind rapid advances in clinical care and medical technology, and that is certainly no different now."
Program Makes High-Cost Schooling Accessible to Troops, Vets
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - Servicemembers and veterans who enroll in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill will be able to attend some of the country's most prestigious – and high-cost –universities, thanks to a new program that's gaining momentum in academic circles. Keith Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration, reported growing interest in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
"We're getting a lot of activity in that area," he said. "There are a lot of schools that have expressed interest in participating."
Participating colleges and universities enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses above the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. That rate, the maximum the Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay by law, varies from state to state.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the school waives or offsets up to 50 percent of those higher costs, and VA will match that same amount.
If, for example, the tuition bill at a participating university is $20,000 and the Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay only $15,000, the university and VA will split the $5,000 difference, explained Tammy Duckworth, who was confirmed last week as VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs.
Duckworth's alma mater, Washington's George Washington University, became the latest institution to sign on to the program this week. GW's commitment provides for 360 veteran students to benefit during the 2009-2010 academic year, which university officials expect to cover all eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
Under the agreement, qualified servicemembers and veterans attending GW as undergraduates will receive free tuition, and those attending as graduate students will receive a significantly discounted rate.
In announcing the university's participation, GW President Steven Knapp called the school's estimated $2.5 million investment in the program during the upcoming school year a way of giving back.
"This is a significant investment in those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf," he said. "We as a nation owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and this commitment will enable veterans who attend GW to have the kind of educational opportunity the original GI Bill envisioned."
Other schools large and small have signed on or are considering the program.
At Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., officials said they couldn't say no to the initiative. "It's really exciting for us, because it's an opportunity for us to serve veterans who have served our country," public relations director Karrie Heartlein said. "As you know, veterans deserve the best our country has to offer, and that includes the opportunity to attend the college of their choice. The opportunity for them to attend Knox College is very exciting."
La Roche College in McCandless, Pa., also joined the program. "We're honored to play a role in helping our veterans reach their education and career goals," said Hope Schiffgens, director of the school's Office of Graduate Studies and Adult Education. "This is a time in our nation's history when education and retraining is vitally important, especially to this group of men and women who have given so much to us."
Jerry Jackson, dean of enrollment management at Union College in Barbourville, Ky., said his school also looks forward to working with veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program. "We're eager to get this program started and to make sure our veterans know they're welcome as students at Union," he said. "We're proud to be able to help cover the cost of a college education for people who have served our country."
"I am so pleased that Centenary College will be able to provide this benefit to the fine men and women who have served our country," echoed Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, acting president of Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J. "It is an honor to be able to reward these individuals for their dedication. Additionally, we look forward to benefiting from their global experiences in the classroom based on their military service."
In announcing his school's participation, Mari Ditzler, president of Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill., said he looks forward to the opportunity "to serve those who have served our country."
"The residential liberal arts experience at colleges like Monmouth has been described as uniquely American," he said. "We are pleased that the Yellow Ribbon Program will enable our veterans to experience this special approach to learning and living."
"We are excited to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program and to support our nation's veterans," agreed Joel Bauman, vice president of enrollment services at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. "This program allows us to offer educational opportunities to those who have made tremendous sacrifices, and this is one way we can give back and thank them for their service."
In Pittsburgh, Seton Hill University's vice president for enrollment services, Barbara Hinkle, called the program a win-win situation. "We're very excited about the possibilities -- both for our current students whose families may qualify, but also for future students as they come back from being deployed or their family members who are here," she said.
Wilson said he expects more schools to join their ranks as Yellow Ribbon Program participants.
"We just started soliciting applications about two weeks ago," he said. "We're processing them as they come in, and we're getting them coming in every day."
VA began accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill today. The new benefit takes effect Aug. 1. It is among several VA-sponsored educational benefits available to servicemembers and veterans.
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - Servicemembers and veterans who enroll in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill will be able to attend some of the country's most prestigious – and high-cost –universities, thanks to a new program that's gaining momentum in academic circles. Keith Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration, reported growing interest in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
"We're getting a lot of activity in that area," he said. "There are a lot of schools that have expressed interest in participating."
Participating colleges and universities enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses above the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. That rate, the maximum the Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay by law, varies from state to state.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the school waives or offsets up to 50 percent of those higher costs, and VA will match that same amount.
If, for example, the tuition bill at a participating university is $20,000 and the Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay only $15,000, the university and VA will split the $5,000 difference, explained Tammy Duckworth, who was confirmed last week as VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs.
Duckworth's alma mater, Washington's George Washington University, became the latest institution to sign on to the program this week. GW's commitment provides for 360 veteran students to benefit during the 2009-2010 academic year, which university officials expect to cover all eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
Under the agreement, qualified servicemembers and veterans attending GW as undergraduates will receive free tuition, and those attending as graduate students will receive a significantly discounted rate.
In announcing the university's participation, GW President Steven Knapp called the school's estimated $2.5 million investment in the program during the upcoming school year a way of giving back.
"This is a significant investment in those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf," he said. "We as a nation owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and this commitment will enable veterans who attend GW to have the kind of educational opportunity the original GI Bill envisioned."
Other schools large and small have signed on or are considering the program.
At Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., officials said they couldn't say no to the initiative. "It's really exciting for us, because it's an opportunity for us to serve veterans who have served our country," public relations director Karrie Heartlein said. "As you know, veterans deserve the best our country has to offer, and that includes the opportunity to attend the college of their choice. The opportunity for them to attend Knox College is very exciting."
La Roche College in McCandless, Pa., also joined the program. "We're honored to play a role in helping our veterans reach their education and career goals," said Hope Schiffgens, director of the school's Office of Graduate Studies and Adult Education. "This is a time in our nation's history when education and retraining is vitally important, especially to this group of men and women who have given so much to us."
Jerry Jackson, dean of enrollment management at Union College in Barbourville, Ky., said his school also looks forward to working with veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program. "We're eager to get this program started and to make sure our veterans know they're welcome as students at Union," he said. "We're proud to be able to help cover the cost of a college education for people who have served our country."
"I am so pleased that Centenary College will be able to provide this benefit to the fine men and women who have served our country," echoed Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, acting president of Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J. "It is an honor to be able to reward these individuals for their dedication. Additionally, we look forward to benefiting from their global experiences in the classroom based on their military service."
In announcing his school's participation, Mari Ditzler, president of Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill., said he looks forward to the opportunity "to serve those who have served our country."
"The residential liberal arts experience at colleges like Monmouth has been described as uniquely American," he said. "We are pleased that the Yellow Ribbon Program will enable our veterans to experience this special approach to learning and living."
"We are excited to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program and to support our nation's veterans," agreed Joel Bauman, vice president of enrollment services at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. "This program allows us to offer educational opportunities to those who have made tremendous sacrifices, and this is one way we can give back and thank them for their service."
In Pittsburgh, Seton Hill University's vice president for enrollment services, Barbara Hinkle, called the program a win-win situation. "We're very excited about the possibilities -- both for our current students whose families may qualify, but also for future students as they come back from being deployed or their family members who are here," she said.
Wilson said he expects more schools to join their ranks as Yellow Ribbon Program participants.
"We just started soliciting applications about two weeks ago," he said. "We're processing them as they come in, and we're getting them coming in every day."
VA began accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill today. The new benefit takes effect Aug. 1. It is among several VA-sponsored educational benefits available to servicemembers and veterans.
Obama Lauds Newly Naturalized U.S. Servicemembers
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - President Barack Obama today welcomed two dozen American servicemembers as newly naturalized citizens of the United States. "It is my honor and my personal pleasure to be the first to address you as my fellow Americans. Welcome to your White House," Obama told the group after it had recited the oath of citizenship during a ceremony in the East Room attended by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other guests.
Obama also presented the Outstanding American by Choice Award to Canadian-born Peter Lemon, who became an American citizen at age 12 and later deployed to Vietnam as a U.S. Army Ranger.
Lemon was wounded four times when his unit came under fire in Tay Ninh province, yet he continued defending his fellow soldiers. President Richard M. Nixon awarded Lemon the Medal of Honor for his actions.
"His experience is a testament to the men and women who have come to this country to build a better life for themselves and their families, and who have, by their commitment and contribution, made America a much better place as well," Obama said.
"One of you might win this some day," Obama told the audience as he held the commendation. "You're already well on the way."
Troops who achieved citizenship today were:
-- Army Spc. Anthony Barber Agraviador, originally of the Phillipines.
-- Army National Guardsman Alex Almendras Butron, originally of Bolivia. His rank was not available.
-- Army Pfc. Priscella Decoda Beacher, originally of Jamaica.
-- Navy Seaman Recruit Carlyle Christophe Campbell, originally of Jamaica.
-- Navy Seaman Apprentice Jeanne Ginette Ebongue Tapo, originally of Gabon.
-- Army Pvt. Ricardo Kelene Fender, originally of Jamaica.
-- Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Karl Glenn, originally of Germany.
-- Army Spc. Xaverie Caroline Hildebrandt, originally of Cameroon.
-- Marine Sgt. Donaven Jack, originally of Micronesia.
-- Navy Seaman Przemyslaw Lesniewica, originally of Poland.
-- Marine Lance Cpl. Juan Miguel Leyva Marrero, originally of Cuba.
-- Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony Marcus McKoy, originally of Guyana.
-- Navy Seaman Apprentice Nijinsky Orlando Mendez Belmonte, originally of Bolivia.
-- Marine Sgt. Abdul Goffur Guillermo Mondol Romero, originally of Nicaragua.
-- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Nunez, originally of Mexico.
-- Army Spc. Chryshann Pierre, originally of the Bahamas.
-- Navy member Leonardo Porras, originally of Colombia. His rank was not available.
-- Marine Pfc. Jose Miguel Quijano, originally of Peru.
-- Marine Cpl. Hazzell Abigail Ramos, originally of Nicaragua.
-- Army Pfc. Jorge Fancisco Sifuentos Velasco, originally of El Salvador.
-- Navy Seaman Eder Asael Valle Hernandez, originally of Mexico.
-- Air Force member Armel Possi Yepmo, originally of Cameroon, whose rank was not available.
-- Army National Guardsman Can Yurdagul, originally of Turkey, whose rank was not available.
-- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeonathan Ezequiel Zapata, originally of Nicaragua.
"Each of you has a unique story to tell about the journey that led you here," Obama told the new citizens. "You hail from every corner of the earth, from Southeast Asia to Central Europe, from West Africa to South America. But all of you have one thing in common. You're here because you have not merely chosen to live in this country. You've chosen to serve this country."
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - President Barack Obama today welcomed two dozen American servicemembers as newly naturalized citizens of the United States. "It is my honor and my personal pleasure to be the first to address you as my fellow Americans. Welcome to your White House," Obama told the group after it had recited the oath of citizenship during a ceremony in the East Room attended by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other guests.
Obama also presented the Outstanding American by Choice Award to Canadian-born Peter Lemon, who became an American citizen at age 12 and later deployed to Vietnam as a U.S. Army Ranger.
Lemon was wounded four times when his unit came under fire in Tay Ninh province, yet he continued defending his fellow soldiers. President Richard M. Nixon awarded Lemon the Medal of Honor for his actions.
"His experience is a testament to the men and women who have come to this country to build a better life for themselves and their families, and who have, by their commitment and contribution, made America a much better place as well," Obama said.
"One of you might win this some day," Obama told the audience as he held the commendation. "You're already well on the way."
Troops who achieved citizenship today were:
-- Army Spc. Anthony Barber Agraviador, originally of the Phillipines.
-- Army National Guardsman Alex Almendras Butron, originally of Bolivia. His rank was not available.
-- Army Pfc. Priscella Decoda Beacher, originally of Jamaica.
-- Navy Seaman Recruit Carlyle Christophe Campbell, originally of Jamaica.
-- Navy Seaman Apprentice Jeanne Ginette Ebongue Tapo, originally of Gabon.
-- Army Pvt. Ricardo Kelene Fender, originally of Jamaica.
-- Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Karl Glenn, originally of Germany.
-- Army Spc. Xaverie Caroline Hildebrandt, originally of Cameroon.
-- Marine Sgt. Donaven Jack, originally of Micronesia.
-- Navy Seaman Przemyslaw Lesniewica, originally of Poland.
-- Marine Lance Cpl. Juan Miguel Leyva Marrero, originally of Cuba.
-- Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony Marcus McKoy, originally of Guyana.
-- Navy Seaman Apprentice Nijinsky Orlando Mendez Belmonte, originally of Bolivia.
-- Marine Sgt. Abdul Goffur Guillermo Mondol Romero, originally of Nicaragua.
-- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Nunez, originally of Mexico.
-- Army Spc. Chryshann Pierre, originally of the Bahamas.
-- Navy member Leonardo Porras, originally of Colombia. His rank was not available.
-- Marine Pfc. Jose Miguel Quijano, originally of Peru.
-- Marine Cpl. Hazzell Abigail Ramos, originally of Nicaragua.
-- Army Pfc. Jorge Fancisco Sifuentos Velasco, originally of El Salvador.
-- Navy Seaman Eder Asael Valle Hernandez, originally of Mexico.
-- Air Force member Armel Possi Yepmo, originally of Cameroon, whose rank was not available.
-- Army National Guardsman Can Yurdagul, originally of Turkey, whose rank was not available.
-- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeonathan Ezequiel Zapata, originally of Nicaragua.
"Each of you has a unique story to tell about the journey that led you here," Obama told the new citizens. "You hail from every corner of the earth, from Southeast Asia to Central Europe, from West Africa to South America. But all of you have one thing in common. You're here because you have not merely chosen to live in this country. You've chosen to serve this country."
Take Anti-Flu Drugs Only After Diagnosis, Military Doc Says
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - Senior military health officials are warning against taking antiviral medicines to fight the H1N1 flu virus until a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis. Most patients treated at military medical treatment facilities for flu-like symptoms don't actually have the H1N1 or any other kind of flu virus, officials said.
"Everything that looks like flu is not flu. Most of the cases where people think they have the flu, they actually have some other respiratory disease," said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wayne Hachey, director of preventive medicine for the Defense Department's health affairs office.
Taking the flu medicine without having the virus causes several problems, Hachey said. First, the medicine will have no effect on what actually ails the patient, so the symptoms may only get worse.
The antiviral medicine does not act like a flu vaccine to prevent the flu. Taking the antiviral medicine before diagnosis negates the drug's ability to later fight the virus if the patient is infected, Hachey explained, and it simply depletes the national stockpile available to those actually diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.
Finally, Hachey warned that all drugs have potential side effects. "Taking a medication that you don't need subjects you to increased risks," he said.
Military treatment facilities are not prescribing antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu unless they suspect the H1N1 virus. Tests done locally cannot determine conclusively that a patient has the virus, but Hachey said they are fairly accurate at pinpointing it.
Military doctors send their suspected samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to confirm the diagnosis. In the meantime, if doctors suspect the virus based on local tests, they take the necessary precautions with the patient and prescribe treatment, Hachey said.
In the next few weeks, military doctors should be able to conduct the tests locally, Hachey said. In the meantime, the Defense Department has a robust system of detection across the globe to protect its servicemembers and families, he added.
Defense Department health officials are "pretty familiar with being able to control and limit the impact of those kinds of diseases, especially influenza," he said. The department has been preparing for a pandemic for the past decade, and has been ramping up its abilities to detect and provide services for the past five years, he noted. A robust surveillance system of 200 sites in 100 countries is tied into a network that reports on patients' symptoms. If several patients in the same region report similar symptoms, the system shows a spike in that area.
Doctors are tied into the system locally, and senior commanders at the Pentagon can view the results globally in near-real time.
"We really do have a nice global perspective using a multitude of different surveillance assets across the [Defense Department] community that all channel into one site," Hachey said. "That way we can shift resources, we can do further investigations, and ... we can also tell someone in a particular area [they may] have a problem."
All the information is shared with the CDC and other state and federal agencies, he said.
The Defense Department is not an island, the doctor noted. "We're part of the national community, so what happens on one part of the fence really impacts what happens on the other side of the fence," he said. "So the more we share information, the better off both of us are."
But for now, military doctors are reporting that the H1N1 virus is relatively mild and is not having much of an impact on the young, healthy troops who make up most of the military. They are, however, urging caution for those who feel they are showing symptoms, and pushing preventive measures to prevent the disease.
"The most important thing right now ... is if you're sick, stay home," Hachey said. "Right now it's a mild disease, so staying at home is a very effective treatment."
The most critical preventive measures include washing hands and covering your mouth when you cough, the same as with any flu, said U.S. Public Health Service Rear Adm. Thomas J. McGinnis, chief of pharmaceutical operations for the Tricare Management Activity.
"From what we see right now, it's not much different than the regular seasonal flu," McGinnis said. "It has a possibility of becoming a pandemic, or it may mediate. We don't know yet."
Most will know the difference between the symptoms of the common cold and the flu, McGinnis said.
"The flu really debilitates you. It knocks you down. And only at that point do we recommend you go to the doctor and seek treatment for the flu," he said. "When you have aches and pains all over, fever, chills, cough, that's when you need to be seen by a provider."
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - Senior military health officials are warning against taking antiviral medicines to fight the H1N1 flu virus until a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis. Most patients treated at military medical treatment facilities for flu-like symptoms don't actually have the H1N1 or any other kind of flu virus, officials said.
"Everything that looks like flu is not flu. Most of the cases where people think they have the flu, they actually have some other respiratory disease," said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wayne Hachey, director of preventive medicine for the Defense Department's health affairs office.
Taking the flu medicine without having the virus causes several problems, Hachey said. First, the medicine will have no effect on what actually ails the patient, so the symptoms may only get worse.
The antiviral medicine does not act like a flu vaccine to prevent the flu. Taking the antiviral medicine before diagnosis negates the drug's ability to later fight the virus if the patient is infected, Hachey explained, and it simply depletes the national stockpile available to those actually diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.
Finally, Hachey warned that all drugs have potential side effects. "Taking a medication that you don't need subjects you to increased risks," he said.
Military treatment facilities are not prescribing antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu unless they suspect the H1N1 virus. Tests done locally cannot determine conclusively that a patient has the virus, but Hachey said they are fairly accurate at pinpointing it.
Military doctors send their suspected samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to confirm the diagnosis. In the meantime, if doctors suspect the virus based on local tests, they take the necessary precautions with the patient and prescribe treatment, Hachey said.
In the next few weeks, military doctors should be able to conduct the tests locally, Hachey said. In the meantime, the Defense Department has a robust system of detection across the globe to protect its servicemembers and families, he added.
Defense Department health officials are "pretty familiar with being able to control and limit the impact of those kinds of diseases, especially influenza," he said. The department has been preparing for a pandemic for the past decade, and has been ramping up its abilities to detect and provide services for the past five years, he noted. A robust surveillance system of 200 sites in 100 countries is tied into a network that reports on patients' symptoms. If several patients in the same region report similar symptoms, the system shows a spike in that area.
Doctors are tied into the system locally, and senior commanders at the Pentagon can view the results globally in near-real time.
"We really do have a nice global perspective using a multitude of different surveillance assets across the [Defense Department] community that all channel into one site," Hachey said. "That way we can shift resources, we can do further investigations, and ... we can also tell someone in a particular area [they may] have a problem."
All the information is shared with the CDC and other state and federal agencies, he said.
The Defense Department is not an island, the doctor noted. "We're part of the national community, so what happens on one part of the fence really impacts what happens on the other side of the fence," he said. "So the more we share information, the better off both of us are."
But for now, military doctors are reporting that the H1N1 virus is relatively mild and is not having much of an impact on the young, healthy troops who make up most of the military. They are, however, urging caution for those who feel they are showing symptoms, and pushing preventive measures to prevent the disease.
"The most important thing right now ... is if you're sick, stay home," Hachey said. "Right now it's a mild disease, so staying at home is a very effective treatment."
The most critical preventive measures include washing hands and covering your mouth when you cough, the same as with any flu, said U.S. Public Health Service Rear Adm. Thomas J. McGinnis, chief of pharmaceutical operations for the Tricare Management Activity.
"From what we see right now, it's not much different than the regular seasonal flu," McGinnis said. "It has a possibility of becoming a pandemic, or it may mediate. We don't know yet."
Most will know the difference between the symptoms of the common cold and the flu, McGinnis said.
"The flu really debilitates you. It knocks you down. And only at that point do we recommend you go to the doctor and seek treatment for the flu," he said. "When you have aches and pains all over, fever, chills, cough, that's when you need to be seen by a provider."
Obama Says N1H1 Flu 'Cause for Concern, Not Alarm'
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - The outbreak of N1H1 flu "is a cause for concern, but not alarm," President Barack Obama said today after meeting with his Cabinet. Government officials are monitoring the situation closely, he said, and the health and the safety of the American people is his top priority.
A week after learning about the novel strain of flu virus affecting people in Mexico, the United States and other countries around the globe, Obama said, he is proud of the work done by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security.
"We're obviously focused on what needs to be done immediately, identifying and mitigating cases of H1N1 in the United States, pre-positioning anti-viral treatments for those who are infected and making sure that they are distributed appropriately around the country, providing clear guidance as well as the best science for state and local officials as they move forward and speak clearly to the American people, as I did the evening of the news conference about the mitigation steps that they personally can take," the president said.
Obama noted that officials are not certain that the H1N1 flu will be more severe than other seasonal flus that kill 36,000 people on average every year and cause about 200,000 hospitalizations. H1N1 may run its course like ordinary flus, he said, noting that the reason scientists are concerned is that this is a new strain.
"Americans and people around the world have not built up immunity in the same way that they've built up immunity to the seasonal flus that we're accustomed to," Obama said. "Those seasonal flus may change, mutate slightly from year to year, but they're all roughly in the same band. When you have a new strain, then potentially our immune systems can't deal with it as effectively. And there are indications that in Mexico, at least, what you saw were relatively young, healthy people die from the H1N1, rather than people whose immune system is already compromised -- older individuals, very small infants, and so forth."
Although the United States has not yet seen those same kinds of fatalities among young, healthy people, he said, White House officials want to ensure they're preparing appropriately.
"So I just want everybody to be clear that this is why this is a cause for concern, but not alarm," he said. "We are essentially ensuring that in the worst-case scenario we can manage this appropriately -- government working with businesses, individuals, and the private sector -- and are containing an outbreak so we can ultimately get through this."
Along with focusing on immediate needs, the president said, government officials also need to prepare for the long term. "Even if it turns out that the H1N1 is relatively mild on the front end, it could come back in a more virulent form during the actual flu season," Obama warned.
To this end, he said, officials are investing in the public health infrastructure and discussing the production of vaccines in anticipation of the flu season. They also are making sure federal agencies are coordinating, and that they have that they have appropriate action plans.
For example, he noted, White House officials are working with the Department of Education to provide clear guidelines for school closures. They're also working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to ensure that businesses are supportive of hourly workers who need to stay home but may be worried about losing their jobs because they don't have sick leave.
White House officials also are involved in discussions with the secretary of state and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, he said, "about how we're going to respond to potential requests from other countries for assistance in dealing with this issue."
"Overall I'm very pleased with the progress that we've made," Obama said. "I think that those who have been on top of this have done an extraordinary job. I'm optimistic that we're going to be able to manage this effectively, but we still have more work to do, and I'm glad I've got such a great team doing it.
Obama said he wanted the American people to know their government is doing everything it can and should in the face of the outbreak. "The reason I brought this Cabinet meeting together is that we are taking this very seriously, and we will take every single step that's necessary to make sure that the American people are safe," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - The outbreak of N1H1 flu "is a cause for concern, but not alarm," President Barack Obama said today after meeting with his Cabinet. Government officials are monitoring the situation closely, he said, and the health and the safety of the American people is his top priority.
A week after learning about the novel strain of flu virus affecting people in Mexico, the United States and other countries around the globe, Obama said, he is proud of the work done by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security.
"We're obviously focused on what needs to be done immediately, identifying and mitigating cases of H1N1 in the United States, pre-positioning anti-viral treatments for those who are infected and making sure that they are distributed appropriately around the country, providing clear guidance as well as the best science for state and local officials as they move forward and speak clearly to the American people, as I did the evening of the news conference about the mitigation steps that they personally can take," the president said.
Obama noted that officials are not certain that the H1N1 flu will be more severe than other seasonal flus that kill 36,000 people on average every year and cause about 200,000 hospitalizations. H1N1 may run its course like ordinary flus, he said, noting that the reason scientists are concerned is that this is a new strain.
"Americans and people around the world have not built up immunity in the same way that they've built up immunity to the seasonal flus that we're accustomed to," Obama said. "Those seasonal flus may change, mutate slightly from year to year, but they're all roughly in the same band. When you have a new strain, then potentially our immune systems can't deal with it as effectively. And there are indications that in Mexico, at least, what you saw were relatively young, healthy people die from the H1N1, rather than people whose immune system is already compromised -- older individuals, very small infants, and so forth."
Although the United States has not yet seen those same kinds of fatalities among young, healthy people, he said, White House officials want to ensure they're preparing appropriately.
"So I just want everybody to be clear that this is why this is a cause for concern, but not alarm," he said. "We are essentially ensuring that in the worst-case scenario we can manage this appropriately -- government working with businesses, individuals, and the private sector -- and are containing an outbreak so we can ultimately get through this."
Along with focusing on immediate needs, the president said, government officials also need to prepare for the long term. "Even if it turns out that the H1N1 is relatively mild on the front end, it could come back in a more virulent form during the actual flu season," Obama warned.
To this end, he said, officials are investing in the public health infrastructure and discussing the production of vaccines in anticipation of the flu season. They also are making sure federal agencies are coordinating, and that they have that they have appropriate action plans.
For example, he noted, White House officials are working with the Department of Education to provide clear guidelines for school closures. They're also working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to ensure that businesses are supportive of hourly workers who need to stay home but may be worried about losing their jobs because they don't have sick leave.
White House officials also are involved in discussions with the secretary of state and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, he said, "about how we're going to respond to potential requests from other countries for assistance in dealing with this issue."
"Overall I'm very pleased with the progress that we've made," Obama said. "I think that those who have been on top of this have done an extraordinary job. I'm optimistic that we're going to be able to manage this effectively, but we still have more work to do, and I'm glad I've got such a great team doing it.
Obama said he wanted the American people to know their government is doing everything it can and should in the face of the outbreak. "The reason I brought this Cabinet meeting together is that we are taking this very seriously, and we will take every single step that's necessary to make sure that the American people are safe," he said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 1, 2009
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a time and materials contract to TASC, Inc. of Andover, Mass., for $19.3 million. This action will provide engineering and technical support services. At this time, $1.6 million has been obligated. 95 ELSG/PK, San Antonio, Texas is the contracting activity (FA8707-09-F-0006).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for an estimated $17,727,575. This contract will provide technical area tasking to provide the Office of Information Assurance and Compliance with innovative Information Assurance analysis for the U.S. Army's cryptographic modernization programs which link satellites, sensors, communication devices and aircraft throughout the field. At this time, $367,150 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with McDonnell Douglas Corp., of Long Beach, Calif., for an increase of $16,000,000. This contract modification is for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership contract to increase funding for FY09 material improvement projects for the USAF. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 16 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8814-04-C-2004).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Chromalloy Component Services, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas for an estimated $15,812,960. This action will provide for remanufacturing of Module 13/13 Assemblies in support of F-108 engines. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8121-09-D-0012).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Northrop Grumman Information Technology of Chantilly, Va., for $12,645,999. This contract action will provide Space Control Architecture Development in support of offensive and defensive counterspace, space situational awareness, and command and control mission areas. At this time, $5,525,693 has been obligated. SYSW/PK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-09-C-0001).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for $9,661,001. This action will provide the Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Directorate with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance strategic integration capability analysis and assessments. At this time, $144,928 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
NAVY
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO), Hughesville, Md., is being awarded a $154,000,000 utilities privatization contract for electric distribution services to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Md. The initial two years of the contract are fixed price. The work to be performed provides for installation of metering during the initial two year fixed-price period; operation, maintenance and repair of the systems as well as renewal and replacement of the system's components over the term of the contract. This procurement was initiated and procured under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2688. At the conclusion of the two year period, the contract will be subject to SMECO's Retail Electric Service Tariff. The facilities covered under this contract include Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Webster Field Annex, and Solomon's Island Annex. The contract consists of a utilities service contract which provides the electrical distribution services for a period not to exceed fifty years. The utility assets will be conveyed via a sale and quitclaim deed. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two offers received. ; The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. is the procuring contracting activity and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, D.C., is the administrative contracting activity (N62470-09-C-9026).
Straub-Martin A Joint Venture, Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded a $92,249,000 firm fixed price contract for design and build of three USMC Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) and a parking structure at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Each BEQ will house 384 Marines in the standard 2+0 configuration and will include a multipurpose community area and laundry facilities. This contract contains three options which may be exercised within 548 calendar days from award, bringing the total contract amount to $101,351,672. Work will be performed at Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 10 proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-C-1228).
Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded an $83,629,539 firm fixed priced contract for the 11th full-rate-production of 93 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receivers for the U.S. Navy (43) and the Governments of Canada, (26), Australia, (19), and Switzerland, (5), including supplies and services. The AN/ALR-67A(V)3, which is installed on the F/A-18E/F aircraft, provides accurate identification, lethality and azimuth displays of hostile and friendly emitters. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., (41 percent); Lansdale, Pa., (18 percent); Forest, Miss., (12 percent); Chatsworth, Calif., (11 percent); San Diego, Calif., (10 percent); Sydney, Australia, (4 percent); Milwaukie, Ore., (2 percent); and McKinney, Texas, (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($35,808,159 (43 percent), and the Governments of Canada, ($22,293,498; 27 percent); Australia, ($13,410,804; 16 percent); and Switzerland, ($12,117,078; 14 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0052).
Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $72,160,269 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for on-post 911 Regional Armed Security Officer Services at Cheatham Annex/Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va.; Naval Security Group Activity, Northwest Annex, Va.; Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine; Naval Air Station Lakehurst, N.J.; Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn.; and Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, N.H. The work to be performed provides security operations to ensure protection and safety for personnel, property, facilities and assets. The Contractor shall provided armed and administrative security services and may be working alongside existing government security forces that have law enforcement responsibilities. Work will be performed in Yorktown, Va.; Chesapeake, Va.; Brunswick, Maine; Lakehurst, N.J.; New London, Conn.; and Portsmouth, N.H., and work is expected to be completed April 2014. Concurrently, Task Order 0001 will be awarded for the base year in the amount of $5,746,451. Contract funds for Task Order 0001 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured utilizing the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Program and was advertised via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09! -D-9967) .
Harkins Builders, Inc., Marriottsville, Md., is being awarded a $68,496,080 firm fixed price construction contract for design and construction of student quarters, instruction facility, instruction facility addition and student officers quarters in support of The Basic School (TBS), Marine Corps Base Quantico. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by February 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 13 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-09-C-0009).
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, LP, Waco, Texas, is being awarded a $15,180,706 cost plus fixed fee modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0008) to provide Zone 5 critical airframe structures replacement for the P-3C aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas, (50 percent) and Birmingham, Ala., (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Ultra Electronics, Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $14,791,576 firm fixed price contract to provide the necessary equipment, materials, personnel, and facilities to design, develop, build, and deliver, and support an upgraded Command and Control (C2) and microwave system for the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF). Systems/equipment shall be installed and tested at the following locations, Jebel Al Dukhan Radar Site, Sheikh Isa Air Base, BDF General Headquarters, Mina Salman Naval Base, and Kusayyfa. Included with the upgraded systems, the contractor shall provide training and on-site field service support. The work is to be accomplished in two phases. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the country of Bahrain. This contract contains two one-year options, which if exercised, will bring the total contract value to $20,606,505. Work will be performed in Bahrain, and work is expected to be completed in April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was sole sourced under FAR 6.302-4/DFAR 206.302-4 International Agreement. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-C-2112).
Straub Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded $9,573,000 for firm fixed price task order #0004 under a multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8616) for the design and construction of a multi-story Infantry Training Center with administrative and support areas and a Grounds Maintenance Building with a vehicle holding shed at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works (BIW), Bath, Maine, is being awarded contract N00024-09-C-2302 for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) FY09 Flight 0+ ship construction, class design services, configuration management services, additional crew and shore support, special studies and post delivery support. As this award represents Phase I of a competitive two-phased acquisition approach to procure FY09/FY10 LCS, with Phase II including potential award of up to three additional LCS Flight 0+ Class ships, the award amount is considered source selection information (see FAR 2.101 and 3.104) and will not be made public at this time. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., (50 percent); Bath, Maine, (17 percent); Pittsfield, Mass., (14 percent); Ottowa, Ontario, (2 percent); California, Md., (1 percent); Baltimore, Md., (1 percent); Leesburg, Va., (1 percent); Burlington, Vt., (1 percent); and various locations of less than 1 percent each totaling 13 percent, and work is expected to be completed by June 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-2302).
ARMY
Satterfield-Pontikes Construction, Houston Texas, was awarded on Apr. 30, 2009 a $23,320,394 firm fixed price contract for the design/build construction of and AFRC located in San Marcos, Texas. Work is to be performed in San Marcos, Texas with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web and twenty-one (21) bids were received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Louisville, Kan., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0027).
RAND Enterprises, Inc., Newport News, Va., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2009 a $16,799,709 firm fixed price contract for the design/build dining facilities, Fort Jackson, S.C., The scope of this contract shall be design and construct a dining facility for 2600 people. The project shall include site work, building, food service equipment and furnishings. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited using FedBizOps and one bid received. USACE, Norfolk District, Norfolk Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-09-D-0014).
Daimler Trucks North America LLC., Portland, Ore.., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2009 a $6,770,570 firm fixed price contract for the delivery order 0115 adds 40 each, M915A3 Trucks Tractors and 10 each, M916A3 Light Equipment Transporters to the contract. Work is to be performed in Portland, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2009. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web and two bids were received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-S002).
FN Manufacturing, LLC, Columbia, S.C. was awarded on Apr. 29, 2009 a $ 7,814,587 firm fixed price contract for the purchase of a total quantity of 181,639 each M249 Machine Gun short barrels. Work is to be performed in Columbia, S.C. with an estimated completion date of Oct. 19, 2009. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Rock Island, III. is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-C-0100).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, Poway, Calif. was awarded a $ 23,520,000 cost plus incentive fee contract for the acquisition of Production Ready Test Assets (PRTA) Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in FY 2009, in support of rapid Acquisition Authority (RAA) approved by the secretary of defense in Apr. 17, 2009. Work is to be performed in Poway, Calif., (46 precent), Adelanto, Calif., (14 precent), Palmdale, Calif., (8 precent), Salt Lake City, Utah, (18 precent) and Hunt Valley, Md., (14 precent), with an estimated completion date of May. 21, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0151).
The Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Mo., was awarded on Apr. 28, 2009 a $ 10,000,000 cost plus fixed fee contract for the War fighters Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Point of Presence (PoP) and the FCS Integrated Computer System (INS). Integrate WIN-T functions (HAIPE & RFNM) with the FCS ICS. Also, integation of the Network Management System (NMS). Work is to be performed in Bloomington, Minn., (93.02 precent), and St. Louis, Mo. (06.98 precent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, AMSXCC-TAC-AB, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0724).
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Apr. 27, 2009 a $ 27,040,000 firm fixed price contract for the action for the purchase of M-TAD/PNVS arrowhead kits, partial b-kits, spares and tads electronic display and control (TEDAC). Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Grove, Shady Grove, Pa. is being awarded a maximum $46,299,750 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for parts. Other location of performance is in Indiana. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9027).
Marathon Alaska Natural Gas Co., Anchorage, Alaska is being awarded a maximum $18,655,121 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for direct supply of natural gas. Other locations of performance are in Alaska. Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-7505).
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
Teledyne Scientific & Imaging LLC, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $8,275,593 cost plus fixed fee contract to develop terahertz electronics for transceiver arrays. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., (70 percent), Santa Barbara, Calif., (12 percent), Tewksbury, Mass., (1 percent), La Jolla, Calif., (3 percent), Pasadena, Calif., (14 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Funds in the amount of $4,410,000 are being obligated at time of award; of this amount, $2,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued a solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on June 13, 2008, and 9 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-09-C-0060).
Microelectronics Advanced Research Corp., (MARCO), Durham, N.C., was awarded on April 28, 2009, a $10,000,000 modification to a previously awarded other transaction agreement for additional funding for phase four of the Focus Center Research Program. Work will be performed in Durham, N.C., (1 percent), Pittsburgh, Pa., (20 percent), Atlanta, Ga., (21 percent), Cambridge, Mass., (19 percent), Berkeley, Calif., (19 percent), and Los Angeles, Calif., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2010. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-07-3-0002, P00009).
The Air Force is awarding a time and materials contract to TASC, Inc. of Andover, Mass., for $19.3 million. This action will provide engineering and technical support services. At this time, $1.6 million has been obligated. 95 ELSG/PK, San Antonio, Texas is the contracting activity (FA8707-09-F-0006).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for an estimated $17,727,575. This contract will provide technical area tasking to provide the Office of Information Assurance and Compliance with innovative Information Assurance analysis for the U.S. Army's cryptographic modernization programs which link satellites, sensors, communication devices and aircraft throughout the field. At this time, $367,150 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with McDonnell Douglas Corp., of Long Beach, Calif., for an increase of $16,000,000. This contract modification is for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership contract to increase funding for FY09 material improvement projects for the USAF. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 16 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8814-04-C-2004).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Chromalloy Component Services, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas for an estimated $15,812,960. This action will provide for remanufacturing of Module 13/13 Assemblies in support of F-108 engines. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8121-09-D-0012).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Northrop Grumman Information Technology of Chantilly, Va., for $12,645,999. This contract action will provide Space Control Architecture Development in support of offensive and defensive counterspace, space situational awareness, and command and control mission areas. At this time, $5,525,693 has been obligated. SYSW/PK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-09-C-0001).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for $9,661,001. This action will provide the Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Directorate with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance strategic integration capability analysis and assessments. At this time, $144,928 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
NAVY
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO), Hughesville, Md., is being awarded a $154,000,000 utilities privatization contract for electric distribution services to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Md. The initial two years of the contract are fixed price. The work to be performed provides for installation of metering during the initial two year fixed-price period; operation, maintenance and repair of the systems as well as renewal and replacement of the system's components over the term of the contract. This procurement was initiated and procured under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2688. At the conclusion of the two year period, the contract will be subject to SMECO's Retail Electric Service Tariff. The facilities covered under this contract include Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Webster Field Annex, and Solomon's Island Annex. The contract consists of a utilities service contract which provides the electrical distribution services for a period not to exceed fifty years. The utility assets will be conveyed via a sale and quitclaim deed. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two offers received. ; The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. is the procuring contracting activity and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, D.C., is the administrative contracting activity (N62470-09-C-9026).
Straub-Martin A Joint Venture, Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded a $92,249,000 firm fixed price contract for design and build of three USMC Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) and a parking structure at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Each BEQ will house 384 Marines in the standard 2+0 configuration and will include a multipurpose community area and laundry facilities. This contract contains three options which may be exercised within 548 calendar days from award, bringing the total contract amount to $101,351,672. Work will be performed at Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 10 proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-C-1228).
Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded an $83,629,539 firm fixed priced contract for the 11th full-rate-production of 93 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receivers for the U.S. Navy (43) and the Governments of Canada, (26), Australia, (19), and Switzerland, (5), including supplies and services. The AN/ALR-67A(V)3, which is installed on the F/A-18E/F aircraft, provides accurate identification, lethality and azimuth displays of hostile and friendly emitters. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., (41 percent); Lansdale, Pa., (18 percent); Forest, Miss., (12 percent); Chatsworth, Calif., (11 percent); San Diego, Calif., (10 percent); Sydney, Australia, (4 percent); Milwaukie, Ore., (2 percent); and McKinney, Texas, (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($35,808,159 (43 percent), and the Governments of Canada, ($22,293,498; 27 percent); Australia, ($13,410,804; 16 percent); and Switzerland, ($12,117,078; 14 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0052).
Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $72,160,269 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for on-post 911 Regional Armed Security Officer Services at Cheatham Annex/Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va.; Naval Security Group Activity, Northwest Annex, Va.; Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine; Naval Air Station Lakehurst, N.J.; Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn.; and Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, N.H. The work to be performed provides security operations to ensure protection and safety for personnel, property, facilities and assets. The Contractor shall provided armed and administrative security services and may be working alongside existing government security forces that have law enforcement responsibilities. Work will be performed in Yorktown, Va.; Chesapeake, Va.; Brunswick, Maine; Lakehurst, N.J.; New London, Conn.; and Portsmouth, N.H., and work is expected to be completed April 2014. Concurrently, Task Order 0001 will be awarded for the base year in the amount of $5,746,451. Contract funds for Task Order 0001 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured utilizing the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Program and was advertised via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09! -D-9967) .
Harkins Builders, Inc., Marriottsville, Md., is being awarded a $68,496,080 firm fixed price construction contract for design and construction of student quarters, instruction facility, instruction facility addition and student officers quarters in support of The Basic School (TBS), Marine Corps Base Quantico. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by February 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 13 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-09-C-0009).
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, LP, Waco, Texas, is being awarded a $15,180,706 cost plus fixed fee modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0008) to provide Zone 5 critical airframe structures replacement for the P-3C aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas, (50 percent) and Birmingham, Ala., (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Ultra Electronics, Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $14,791,576 firm fixed price contract to provide the necessary equipment, materials, personnel, and facilities to design, develop, build, and deliver, and support an upgraded Command and Control (C2) and microwave system for the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF). Systems/equipment shall be installed and tested at the following locations, Jebel Al Dukhan Radar Site, Sheikh Isa Air Base, BDF General Headquarters, Mina Salman Naval Base, and Kusayyfa. Included with the upgraded systems, the contractor shall provide training and on-site field service support. The work is to be accomplished in two phases. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the country of Bahrain. This contract contains two one-year options, which if exercised, will bring the total contract value to $20,606,505. Work will be performed in Bahrain, and work is expected to be completed in April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was sole sourced under FAR 6.302-4/DFAR 206.302-4 International Agreement. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-C-2112).
Straub Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded $9,573,000 for firm fixed price task order #0004 under a multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8616) for the design and construction of a multi-story Infantry Training Center with administrative and support areas and a Grounds Maintenance Building with a vehicle holding shed at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works (BIW), Bath, Maine, is being awarded contract N00024-09-C-2302 for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) FY09 Flight 0+ ship construction, class design services, configuration management services, additional crew and shore support, special studies and post delivery support. As this award represents Phase I of a competitive two-phased acquisition approach to procure FY09/FY10 LCS, with Phase II including potential award of up to three additional LCS Flight 0+ Class ships, the award amount is considered source selection information (see FAR 2.101 and 3.104) and will not be made public at this time. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., (50 percent); Bath, Maine, (17 percent); Pittsfield, Mass., (14 percent); Ottowa, Ontario, (2 percent); California, Md., (1 percent); Baltimore, Md., (1 percent); Leesburg, Va., (1 percent); Burlington, Vt., (1 percent); and various locations of less than 1 percent each totaling 13 percent, and work is expected to be completed by June 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-2302).
ARMY
Satterfield-Pontikes Construction, Houston Texas, was awarded on Apr. 30, 2009 a $23,320,394 firm fixed price contract for the design/build construction of and AFRC located in San Marcos, Texas. Work is to be performed in San Marcos, Texas with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web and twenty-one (21) bids were received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Louisville, Kan., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0027).
RAND Enterprises, Inc., Newport News, Va., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2009 a $16,799,709 firm fixed price contract for the design/build dining facilities, Fort Jackson, S.C., The scope of this contract shall be design and construct a dining facility for 2600 people. The project shall include site work, building, food service equipment and furnishings. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited using FedBizOps and one bid received. USACE, Norfolk District, Norfolk Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-09-D-0014).
Daimler Trucks North America LLC., Portland, Ore.., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2009 a $6,770,570 firm fixed price contract for the delivery order 0115 adds 40 each, M915A3 Trucks Tractors and 10 each, M916A3 Light Equipment Transporters to the contract. Work is to be performed in Portland, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2009. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web and two bids were received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-S002).
FN Manufacturing, LLC, Columbia, S.C. was awarded on Apr. 29, 2009 a $ 7,814,587 firm fixed price contract for the purchase of a total quantity of 181,639 each M249 Machine Gun short barrels. Work is to be performed in Columbia, S.C. with an estimated completion date of Oct. 19, 2009. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Rock Island, III. is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-C-0100).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, Poway, Calif. was awarded a $ 23,520,000 cost plus incentive fee contract for the acquisition of Production Ready Test Assets (PRTA) Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in FY 2009, in support of rapid Acquisition Authority (RAA) approved by the secretary of defense in Apr. 17, 2009. Work is to be performed in Poway, Calif., (46 precent), Adelanto, Calif., (14 precent), Palmdale, Calif., (8 precent), Salt Lake City, Utah, (18 precent) and Hunt Valley, Md., (14 precent), with an estimated completion date of May. 21, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0151).
The Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Mo., was awarded on Apr. 28, 2009 a $ 10,000,000 cost plus fixed fee contract for the War fighters Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Point of Presence (PoP) and the FCS Integrated Computer System (INS). Integrate WIN-T functions (HAIPE & RFNM) with the FCS ICS. Also, integation of the Network Management System (NMS). Work is to be performed in Bloomington, Minn., (93.02 precent), and St. Louis, Mo. (06.98 precent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, AMSXCC-TAC-AB, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0724).
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Apr. 27, 2009 a $ 27,040,000 firm fixed price contract for the action for the purchase of M-TAD/PNVS arrowhead kits, partial b-kits, spares and tads electronic display and control (TEDAC). Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Grove, Shady Grove, Pa. is being awarded a maximum $46,299,750 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for parts. Other location of performance is in Indiana. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9027).
Marathon Alaska Natural Gas Co., Anchorage, Alaska is being awarded a maximum $18,655,121 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for direct supply of natural gas. Other locations of performance are in Alaska. Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-7505).
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
Teledyne Scientific & Imaging LLC, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $8,275,593 cost plus fixed fee contract to develop terahertz electronics for transceiver arrays. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., (70 percent), Santa Barbara, Calif., (12 percent), Tewksbury, Mass., (1 percent), La Jolla, Calif., (3 percent), Pasadena, Calif., (14 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Funds in the amount of $4,410,000 are being obligated at time of award; of this amount, $2,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued a solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on June 13, 2008, and 9 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-09-C-0060).
Microelectronics Advanced Research Corp., (MARCO), Durham, N.C., was awarded on April 28, 2009, a $10,000,000 modification to a previously awarded other transaction agreement for additional funding for phase four of the Focus Center Research Program. Work will be performed in Durham, N.C., (1 percent), Pittsburgh, Pa., (20 percent), Atlanta, Ga., (21 percent), Cambridge, Mass., (19 percent), Berkeley, Calif., (19 percent), and Los Angeles, Calif., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2010. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-07-3-0002, P00009).
Obama Employs New Media Tools to Keep Public Up to Date on N1H1 Flu
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - In an effort to ensure the public stays up to date on the latest news and information on the H1N1 flu outbreak, White House officals are employing such new media Web and social networking tools as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. In his last weekly address, President Barack Obama called on government to "recognize that we cannot meet the challenges of today with old habits and stale thinking. We need to reform our government so that it is more efficient, more transparent, and more creative."
Obama pledged to "reach beyond the halls of government" to engage the public. With the H1N1 flu outbreak, White House officials say they are expanding how the administration communicates to ensure they reach the public quickly and effectively.
In addition to WhiteHouse.gov, news and information about the virus can be found on: Facebook.com/WhiteHouse, MySpace.com/WhiteHouse and Twitter.com/WhiteHouse.
The WhiteHouse blog, available at WhiteHouse.gov and by RSS feed, will power a lot of the content in these networks, but officials say they are also looking forward to hearing from fans, friends and followers about Flickr.com/WhiteHouse, Vimeo.com/WhiteHouse, YouTube.com/WhiteHouse and videos and podcasts on iTunes.
May 1, 2009 - In an effort to ensure the public stays up to date on the latest news and information on the H1N1 flu outbreak, White House officals are employing such new media Web and social networking tools as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. In his last weekly address, President Barack Obama called on government to "recognize that we cannot meet the challenges of today with old habits and stale thinking. We need to reform our government so that it is more efficient, more transparent, and more creative."
Obama pledged to "reach beyond the halls of government" to engage the public. With the H1N1 flu outbreak, White House officials say they are expanding how the administration communicates to ensure they reach the public quickly and effectively.
In addition to WhiteHouse.gov, news and information about the virus can be found on: Facebook.com/WhiteHouse, MySpace.com/WhiteHouse and Twitter.com/WhiteHouse.
The WhiteHouse blog, available at WhiteHouse.gov and by RSS feed, will power a lot of the content in these networks, but officials say they are also looking forward to hearing from fans, friends and followers about Flickr.com/WhiteHouse, Vimeo.com/WhiteHouse, YouTube.com/WhiteHouse and videos and podcasts on iTunes.
Gunnery Sergeant's Name to be Added to Vietnam Veterans Memorial
American Forces Press Service
May 1, 2009 - The name of an American serviceman who died as a result of wounds suffered in combat in the Vietnam War will be inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial next week, the founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund announced. Jan C. Scruggs said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Valdez's name will be added to Panel 17W, Row 51 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial May 5 at 9 a.m. Valdez's four children are expected to be on hand to watch their father's name being added to The Wall.
"We will add Gunnery Sergeant Valdez's name as close as possible to his date of casualty, so he can remain in the company of those he served with," Scruggs said.
Valdez was a native of Santa Fe, N.M., who enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1955. He served for 14 years, with several tours of duty in Vietnam. On his last tour, beginning in March 1969, he was serving with the 1st Marine Division's B Company, 1st Battalion. He was wounded Aug. 26, 1969, when his spinal cord was severed by shrapnel. The wound left him quadriplegic, and when Valdez succumbed to pneumonia on Feb. 4, 1994, it Marine Corps officials determined his death to be directly attributable to the wounds he suffered in Vietnam.
In addition to the addition of Valdez's name to The Wall, the designations of five others will be changed, Scruggs said. "Designation" refers to the symbol that has been inscribed beside every name on The Wall. A diamond denotes confirmed death, and a cross represents missing in action. When a servicemember's remains are returned or accounted for, the diamond is superimposed over the cross.
This year, symbols will be changed for Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ralph C. Bisz of Miami; Air Force Senior Master Sgt. James K. Caniford of Frederick, Md.; Air Force Maj. John L. McElroy of Schenectady, N.Y.; Air Force Maj. Barclay B. Young of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Air Force Col. David H. Zook Jr. of West Liberty, Ohio.
Next week's change will bring the total number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to 58,261 men and women who were killed or remain missing in action, Scruggs said.
The new name will become "official" when it is read aloud during the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the memorial May 25 at 1 p.m.
The Defense Department sets the criteria for and makes decisions about whose names are eligible for inscription on The Wall. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund pays for the name additions and status changes, and works with the National Park Service to ensure the memorial's long-term preservation and maintenance.
Dedicated on Nov. 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built to honor all who served with the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam War. It has become known as an international symbol of healing and is one of the most-visited memorials on the National Mall.
May 1, 2009 - The name of an American serviceman who died as a result of wounds suffered in combat in the Vietnam War will be inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial next week, the founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund announced. Jan C. Scruggs said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Valdez's name will be added to Panel 17W, Row 51 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial May 5 at 9 a.m. Valdez's four children are expected to be on hand to watch their father's name being added to The Wall.
"We will add Gunnery Sergeant Valdez's name as close as possible to his date of casualty, so he can remain in the company of those he served with," Scruggs said.
Valdez was a native of Santa Fe, N.M., who enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1955. He served for 14 years, with several tours of duty in Vietnam. On his last tour, beginning in March 1969, he was serving with the 1st Marine Division's B Company, 1st Battalion. He was wounded Aug. 26, 1969, when his spinal cord was severed by shrapnel. The wound left him quadriplegic, and when Valdez succumbed to pneumonia on Feb. 4, 1994, it Marine Corps officials determined his death to be directly attributable to the wounds he suffered in Vietnam.
In addition to the addition of Valdez's name to The Wall, the designations of five others will be changed, Scruggs said. "Designation" refers to the symbol that has been inscribed beside every name on The Wall. A diamond denotes confirmed death, and a cross represents missing in action. When a servicemember's remains are returned or accounted for, the diamond is superimposed over the cross.
This year, symbols will be changed for Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ralph C. Bisz of Miami; Air Force Senior Master Sgt. James K. Caniford of Frederick, Md.; Air Force Maj. John L. McElroy of Schenectady, N.Y.; Air Force Maj. Barclay B. Young of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Air Force Col. David H. Zook Jr. of West Liberty, Ohio.
Next week's change will bring the total number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to 58,261 men and women who were killed or remain missing in action, Scruggs said.
The new name will become "official" when it is read aloud during the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the memorial May 25 at 1 p.m.
The Defense Department sets the criteria for and makes decisions about whose names are eligible for inscription on The Wall. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund pays for the name additions and status changes, and works with the National Park Service to ensure the memorial's long-term preservation and maintenance.
Dedicated on Nov. 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built to honor all who served with the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam War. It has become known as an international symbol of healing and is one of the most-visited memorials on the National Mall.
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