By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - The H1N1 flu virus won't be able count the Pacific Partnership 2009 mission among its casualties. Pacific Partnership will kick off as scheduled next month, delivering medical, dental, veterinary care and engineering support to the South Pacific -- albeit it on a new platform due to an H1N1 virus diagnosis.
USNS Richard E. Byrd will conduct the four-month humanitarian assistance mission to Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga, U.S. Pacific Fleet officials announced yesterday.
USNS Byrd is a Military Sealift Command underway replenishment ship assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet.
The Pacific Partnership mission initially had been assigned to USS Dubuque, a San Diego-based amphibious transport dock ship. But Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, cancelled the Dubuque's participation earlier this month after one of the 50 sailors aboard who reported flu-like symptoms tested positive for the H1N1 virus.
Despite the likelihood that the virus would run its course and the crew would recover fully while essentially quarantined as they transited the Pacific, Willard scratched Dubuque's participation to eliminate any risk of -- or concerns about -- spreading the virus.
Willard offered assurance, however, that the annual Pacific Partnership would go on – an effort Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said reinforces U.S. commitment to the mission and the region.
Byrd, although slightly bigger than the Dubuque, has fewer beds and less extensive onboard medical facilities. Its medical crew – a blend of medical-care providers from the military, nongovernmental organizations and volunteer groups – will treat patients ashore, just as they would have if based on the Dubuque, Keating said.
To help to make up for fewer medical providers, the Navy will tailor teams for each country to be visited to best meet its specific needs -- "the most important thing being the folks who are hoping for and expecting expert medical, dental and veterinary assistance will realize those expectations," Keating said.
"We are pleased to be able to continue on with Pacific Partnership and meet our commitments to the host nations," the Pacific Partnership 2009 mission commander, Navy Capt. Andrew Cully, said after yesterday's announcement of the Byrd's participation.
"After reviewing the available Navy assets and their capabilities, USNS Richard E. Byrd proved to have more than enough storage space for equipment and supplies necessary to support the mission," Cully said.
Byrd has a crew of 124 civil-service mariners working for Military Sealift Command, as well as a detachment of 11 Navy sailors who provide operational support and supply coordination. When needed, the ship also can carry a supply detachment, officials said.
Another side benefit of the new mission platform is that Byrd has as many engineers as medical personnel aboard. This will enhance Pacific Partnership's efforts to refurbish schools and medical clinics in nearly every country to be visited, officials said.
In Kiribati, the engineers are scheduled to replace a key bridge between North and South Tarawa.
For Pacific Partnership, Cully said, partner nations and nongovernmental organizations remain important members of the mission team. "We expect to execute a significant portion of the projects planned for in our initial concept of operations," he said.
Achieving that goal took some flexibility, but U.S. Pacific Fleet came up with a solid plan, he added.
The Pacific Partnership mission team and much of its equipment and supplies are slated to leave San Diego in early June aboard USNS Amelia Earhart as it makes its first deployment to 7th Fleet. The team and equipment then will transfer at sea to USNS Richard E. Byrd during the transit to Oceania, as Earhart continues on to other mission commitments.
Emphasizing the "partnership" in Pacific Partnership, Keating called the mission a "profoundly powerful" way to reach out to and bring hope to those in need. He recalled the way he personally witnessed past Pacific Partnership missions touching people's lives. A young Filipino boy whose potentially fatal digestive disorder was cured through a relatively simple surgery aboard now "has a full life ahead of him," Keating said, with the chance to grow up to be a farmer or a helicopter pilot or even president of the Philippines.
Keating also relayed the story of watching a young Vietnamese girl as the doctors took the bandages off after repairing her cleft palate. "Thank you for making me pretty," she said as she looked into a mirror to admire their work.
"It's the right thing to do," Keating said of the mission as he emphasized the "indelible imprint" it leaves on people's lives. It also helps reduce the likelihood that those who benefit from or know about the mission will elect to support violent extremists, Keating said.
In addition, he said, the mission lays a foundation for participants to work with potential future partners to prepare for future crises during peacetime.
"Our overarching mission is to defend the homeland and prevail in the struggle against violent extremism," he said. "And folks are less likely to support violent extremism if they understand the goodwill expressed by the citizens of the United States of America and other countries in our [area of responsibility]."
USNS Mercy, a San Diego-based Military Sealift Command hospital ship, conducted last year's Pacific Partnership mission, visiting the Philippines, Vietnam, Micronesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea. The previous year, USS Peleliu conducted Pacific Partnership 2007, visiting the Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.
As this year's Pacific Partnership prepares to kick off, a similar mission, Continuing Promise 2009, is under way in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The hospital ship USNS Comfort left its home port in Baltimore on April 1 to conduct a four-month mission to Antigua, Barbuda, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Panama.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gates Outlines Details of 'Reform Budget' for House Subcommittee
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - Characterizing it as a "reform budget," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today described for members of Congress the thinking underlying his recommendations for fiscal 2010 Pentagon spending. Gates' main themes in developing the Pentagon's budget proposal were military troops and families, balancing between current and future missions and reforming the Defense Department's buying process.
"First and foremost, this is a reform budget reflecting lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet also addressing the range of other potential threats around the world now and in the future," Gates told members of the House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee. He and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the details of President Barack Obama's proposed $534 billion defense base budget for fiscal 2010 during the hearing.
The defense secretary said that on a recent visit to Afghanistan he sought "unvarnished and unscripted" perspective from troops and commanders downrange.
"As we increase our presence there – and refocus our efforts with a new strategy – I wanted to get a sense from the ground level of the challenges and needs so that we can give our troops the equipment and support to be successful and come home safely," he said. Such input, Gates added, has provided the best source of ideas for directing the Defense Department.
"As I told a group of soldiers, they have done their job," he said. "Now it is time for us in Washington to do ours."
Gates laid out his three principal objectives, citing the need to reaffirm the commitment to take care of the all-volunteer force, which he said represents America's greatest strategic asset.
"As Admiral Mullen says, if we don't get the people part of this business right, none of the other decisions will matter," Gates said.
Mullen described military personnel and their families as the top strategic priority. "I've said many times, and remain convinced, the best way to guarantee our future security is to support our troops and their needs and the needs of their families. It is the recruit-and-retain choices of our members and their families -- and, quite frankly, the American citizens writ large -- that will make or break the all-volunteer force."
Potential servicemembers will be less inclined to serve if the department is unable to offer viable career options, adequate health care, suitable housing, advanced education and the promise of prosperity beyond their military commitments, he added.
The defense secretary's second objective is to rebalance the department's programs to enhance warfighting capabilities for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and to prepare for scenarios the United States is most likely to face in the years ahead, while hedging against other risks and contingencies.
Gates announced his recommendations last month, distributing the funds in accordance with what he characterized as the type of "complex, hybrid warfare" that he expects will be increasingly common. He allotted roughly half of his proposed budget for traditional, strategic and conventional conflict, about 40 percent for dual-purpose capabilities and the remaining 10 percent for irregular warfare.
In addition to the unique breakdown he outlined, the defense secretary's proposal seeks to move funding away from supplemental budgets and into the baseline budget. Gates today said his suggestions were derived from lessons he's learned during his tenure as defense secretary.
"As you know, this year we have funded the costs of the wars through the regular budgeting process – as opposed to emergency supplementals," he said. "By presenting this budget together, we hope to give a more accurate picture of the costs of the wars and also create a more unified budget process to decrease some of the churn usually associated with funding for the Defense Department."
Finally, Gates emphasized the need to reform the defense acquisition process, a goal he has stated repeatedly.
"We must reform how and what we buy," he said, "meaning a fundamental overhaul of our approach to procurement, acquisition, and contracting."
American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - Characterizing it as a "reform budget," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today described for members of Congress the thinking underlying his recommendations for fiscal 2010 Pentagon spending. Gates' main themes in developing the Pentagon's budget proposal were military troops and families, balancing between current and future missions and reforming the Defense Department's buying process.
"First and foremost, this is a reform budget reflecting lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet also addressing the range of other potential threats around the world now and in the future," Gates told members of the House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee. He and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the details of President Barack Obama's proposed $534 billion defense base budget for fiscal 2010 during the hearing.
The defense secretary said that on a recent visit to Afghanistan he sought "unvarnished and unscripted" perspective from troops and commanders downrange.
"As we increase our presence there – and refocus our efforts with a new strategy – I wanted to get a sense from the ground level of the challenges and needs so that we can give our troops the equipment and support to be successful and come home safely," he said. Such input, Gates added, has provided the best source of ideas for directing the Defense Department.
"As I told a group of soldiers, they have done their job," he said. "Now it is time for us in Washington to do ours."
Gates laid out his three principal objectives, citing the need to reaffirm the commitment to take care of the all-volunteer force, which he said represents America's greatest strategic asset.
"As Admiral Mullen says, if we don't get the people part of this business right, none of the other decisions will matter," Gates said.
Mullen described military personnel and their families as the top strategic priority. "I've said many times, and remain convinced, the best way to guarantee our future security is to support our troops and their needs and the needs of their families. It is the recruit-and-retain choices of our members and their families -- and, quite frankly, the American citizens writ large -- that will make or break the all-volunteer force."
Potential servicemembers will be less inclined to serve if the department is unable to offer viable career options, adequate health care, suitable housing, advanced education and the promise of prosperity beyond their military commitments, he added.
The defense secretary's second objective is to rebalance the department's programs to enhance warfighting capabilities for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and to prepare for scenarios the United States is most likely to face in the years ahead, while hedging against other risks and contingencies.
Gates announced his recommendations last month, distributing the funds in accordance with what he characterized as the type of "complex, hybrid warfare" that he expects will be increasingly common. He allotted roughly half of his proposed budget for traditional, strategic and conventional conflict, about 40 percent for dual-purpose capabilities and the remaining 10 percent for irregular warfare.
In addition to the unique breakdown he outlined, the defense secretary's proposal seeks to move funding away from supplemental budgets and into the baseline budget. Gates today said his suggestions were derived from lessons he's learned during his tenure as defense secretary.
"As you know, this year we have funded the costs of the wars through the regular budgeting process – as opposed to emergency supplementals," he said. "By presenting this budget together, we hope to give a more accurate picture of the costs of the wars and also create a more unified budget process to decrease some of the churn usually associated with funding for the Defense Department."
Finally, Gates emphasized the need to reform the defense acquisition process, a goal he has stated repeatedly.
"We must reform how and what we buy," he said, "meaning a fundamental overhaul of our approach to procurement, acquisition, and contracting."
Defense Department Launches Official Military Blogging Platform
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - The Defense Department has unveiled "DoDLive," a centrally linked and unified platform from which services can create and maintain blogs. "This blogging tool allows all branches of the military an opportunity to establish an official blog about their command, organization or unit," said Brian Natwick, acting director of the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate and general manager of the Pentagon Channel.
This tool will enable Defense Department organizations to communicate on a more personal level, and can be used as an extension to their Web sites.
"Having a central blogging capability means that not only can readers know they're receiving reliable content, but it enables conversations through which the Department of Defense can learn and grow," Natwick said.
Beta testing of the platform began in January. Since its soft launch, the Air Force and Army added service-specific blogs, and the Coast Guard is expected to join in soon.
The department's official blog is at http://DoDLive.mil and is managed by the emerging media directorate. Posts will cover a spectrum of content, including first-person updates from Pentagon Channel reporters and senior Defense Department officials, "DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable" content, internal messages for military audiences and updates on military news stories. The blog also will showcase the department's other social media products such as the Wounded Warrior Diaries, "DoDvClips," and the "Armed with Science" and "Dot Mil Docs" audio webcasts.
"We recognize our servicemembers and organizations are blogging already, and we encourage that," said Les Benito, director of the department's public Web site. "What 'DoDLive' gives us is the top-down support that will help the department dispel any lingering doubts about blogging and security and whether organizations should or shouldn't engage. We hope the conversation expands because of it."
The emerging media directorate was established in October 2006 to educate Defense Department organizations about new media tools and applications, encourage their use throughout the department, and to communicate department messages and priorities more effectively with the public.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves with the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - The Defense Department has unveiled "DoDLive," a centrally linked and unified platform from which services can create and maintain blogs. "This blogging tool allows all branches of the military an opportunity to establish an official blog about their command, organization or unit," said Brian Natwick, acting director of the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate and general manager of the Pentagon Channel.
This tool will enable Defense Department organizations to communicate on a more personal level, and can be used as an extension to their Web sites.
"Having a central blogging capability means that not only can readers know they're receiving reliable content, but it enables conversations through which the Department of Defense can learn and grow," Natwick said.
Beta testing of the platform began in January. Since its soft launch, the Air Force and Army added service-specific blogs, and the Coast Guard is expected to join in soon.
The department's official blog is at http://DoDLive.mil and is managed by the emerging media directorate. Posts will cover a spectrum of content, including first-person updates from Pentagon Channel reporters and senior Defense Department officials, "DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable" content, internal messages for military audiences and updates on military news stories. The blog also will showcase the department's other social media products such as the Wounded Warrior Diaries, "DoDvClips," and the "Armed with Science" and "Dot Mil Docs" audio webcasts.
"We recognize our servicemembers and organizations are blogging already, and we encourage that," said Les Benito, director of the department's public Web site. "What 'DoDLive' gives us is the top-down support that will help the department dispel any lingering doubts about blogging and security and whether organizations should or shouldn't engage. We hope the conversation expands because of it."
The emerging media directorate was established in October 2006 to educate Defense Department organizations about new media tools and applications, encourage their use throughout the department, and to communicate department messages and priorities more effectively with the public.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves with the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Wounded Warrior, Guardsman Sworn Into Key VA Position
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. CardenAmerican Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - In an emotional return to Walter Reed Army Medical Center here today, Army National Guardsman Maj. L. Tammy Duckworth was sworn in as assistant secretary of veterans affairs for public and intergovernmental affairs. She pledged to continue her commitment to military veterans. "It is with excitement and humility that I begin my tenure as assistant secretary of public and intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs," Duckworth, fighting back tears, said to an audience of wounded warriors, close friends and hospital staff. "Serving our veterans is a tremendous responsibility that requires dedication and sacrifice, a dedication that I see daily in all of our VA employees."
President Barack Obama and VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki's vision of a "VA for the 21st Century" is a vision Duckworth is passionate about, she said. As a wounded Iraq war veteran and bilateral amputee, she knows first-hand of the sacrifices made by servicemembers and their families.
Duckworth spent nearly a year rehabilitating at Walter Reed after the Black Hawk helicopter she was piloting was shot down in Iraq in November 2004. She began a career in public service shortly thereafter -- specifically, she said, to ensure better care for military members and veterans, such as the ones who "didn't leave me behind" in the wreckage of the helicopter crash.
She's been an active voice for women servicemembers and wounded veterans. She ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois' 6th district in 2006, and became director of the Illinois state VA later that year.
As assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, Duckworth is the "voice and face" of the veteran community, Shinseki said. In this position, she's the primary contact for the White House and other federal agencies regarding VA matters.
Duckworth was officially sworn into her new position on April 22, after her Senate confirmation. But because of the impact her recovery at Walter Reed had on her life, she said, she was compelled to take the oath of office again at the medical center.
"I literally owe Walter Reed, and all the staff that work here, my life," she said. "I wanted to do this here, because this is the place where I got my life back."
She said the words, "Walter Reed" made her feel safe when she was still in shock and confused after the crash. The chain of heroism, she said, started with her crew at the crash site, but couldn't have succeeded without the staff and others at Walter Reed.
"Walter Reed is present in every day of my life," she said. "Just as you did not leave me behind, I am honored to join Secretary Shinseki and the rest of the VA family to make sure we never leave a veteran behind."
Bunny Wyckoff had been on the job as a physical therapist at Walter Reed for only about six months when Duckworth first arrived for care. Wyckoff said she always knew Duckworth would make a difference for her fellow veterans in public service. "She just has a spark and desire to push beyond everything to achieve what she wants," she said.
"It gives me great pleasure to see her moving on and doing great things," Wyckoff added. "Tammy represents veterans very well. She understands what it's like, and she has great compassion."
U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois and other members of Congress attended the ceremony, and Shinseki officiated. Many of the recovering troops who attended today's ceremony, although holding cameras and obviously excited about the event, admitted to not knowing what it was about and who Duckworth is, Wyckoff said.
When asked by her patients, she said, she simply replied: "You'd better learn who Tammy Duckworth is, because she's going to be your voice."
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 20, 2009
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Lankford Sysco, Inc., Pocomoke City, Md., is being awarded a maximum $31,250,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for total food and beverage support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four responses to the original proposed solicitation. The date of performance completion is May 24, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3126).
ARMY
Dutra Dredging Co., San Rafael, Calif., was awarded on May 15, 2009 an $18,224,915 firm-fixed-price contract for Harbor Improvements Phase III, St. Paul, Alaska, St. Paul, Alaska Dredging approximately 150,000 Cubic Yard (CY) for the entrance channel, maneuvering area, mooring area, and the intertidal beach area, dredging approximately 27,000 CY for the breakwater berth dredge area (optional item), demolish an existing rubblemound breakwater, construct a 435-foot long rubblemound breakwater (attached) in the existing harbor, construct a 160-foot long rubblemound breakwater (detached) in the existing harbor, construct a 485-foot long rubblemound circulation berm in the existing harbor. Work is to be performed in St. Paul Island, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 25, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three (3) bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Contracting Division, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0021).
Nickerson & O'Day, Inc. Brewer, Maine, was awarded on May 19, 2009 an $12,937,885 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a regional training institute, for the Maine Army National Guard, Located in Bangor, Maine. Work is to be performed in Bangor, Maine with an estimated completion date of Jun. 19, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. National Guard Bureau, USPFO for Maine, August, Maine is the contracting activity (W912JD-09-C-0001).
ALCAN Builders Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska, was awarded on May 15, 2009 an $ 11,737,800 firm-fixed-price contract to construct the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Satellite Operations Facility, Fairbanks, Alaska. This project is to replace the current operations facility with a new stat of the art facility. This facility will support the NOAA polar-orbiting satellite program. Work is to be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force base, Alaska is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0018).
Niche Inc, New Bedford, Mass., was awarded on May 15, 2009 an $11,499,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 6,000 each low cost low velocity cargo parachutes, NSN 1670-01-547-0401. Work is to be performed in New Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 2010. Sole Source bids were solicited. Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-09-C-0022).
Raytheon Co., AMDD , Andover, Mass., was awarded on May 19, 2009 an $8,808,000 firm-fixed-price contract for three-Patriot Depot Test Equipment upgrades and new depot Test Equipment including installation and training. Work is to be performed in Andover, Mass., (50 percent), Tewksbury, Mass., (20 percent), Sudbury, Mass., (20% percent), and Burlington, Mass., (10 percent) with an estimated completion date of Jun. 08, 2015. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0321).
NAVY
Earl Industries, LLC, Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $10,232,295 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4403) for the FY09 CNO availability for maintenance and repair of USS Carter Hall (LSD-50). Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $10,232,295 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Organizational Strategies, Inc.*, Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $10,000,000 Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program firm fixed price contract for Topic N98-057 entitled "Advanced Training Technology Delivery System." The contractor will provide services and materials required to deliver the Training Continuum Integration (TCI) portion of the H-53 and V-22 Integrated Training Systems. This will provide the integrated training system with collaborative product acquisition, deployment, and concurrency data. Successful completion will reduce program and operational risk, as well as produce an increase in safety, crew performance and operational capabilities for both the H-53 and V-22 programs. Work will be performed in New River, N.C., (60 percent); Patuxent River, Md., (20 percent); and Atlanta, Ga., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N98-057 with 15 offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0120).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $7,298,041 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for non-recurring engineering to retrofit 7 CV-22 aircraft with single configuration retrofit engineering change proposal V-22-0802; and provide the associated retrofit kits for 3 CV-22 aircraft. Effort will bring the 7 aircraft to a Block B/10 configuration. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., (60 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas, (40 percent) and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2012. 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.
Lankford Sysco, Inc., Pocomoke City, Md., is being awarded a maximum $31,250,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for total food and beverage support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four responses to the original proposed solicitation. The date of performance completion is May 24, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3126).
ARMY
Dutra Dredging Co., San Rafael, Calif., was awarded on May 15, 2009 an $18,224,915 firm-fixed-price contract for Harbor Improvements Phase III, St. Paul, Alaska, St. Paul, Alaska Dredging approximately 150,000 Cubic Yard (CY) for the entrance channel, maneuvering area, mooring area, and the intertidal beach area, dredging approximately 27,000 CY for the breakwater berth dredge area (optional item), demolish an existing rubblemound breakwater, construct a 435-foot long rubblemound breakwater (attached) in the existing harbor, construct a 160-foot long rubblemound breakwater (detached) in the existing harbor, construct a 485-foot long rubblemound circulation berm in the existing harbor. Work is to be performed in St. Paul Island, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 25, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three (3) bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Contracting Division, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0021).
Nickerson & O'Day, Inc. Brewer, Maine, was awarded on May 19, 2009 an $12,937,885 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a regional training institute, for the Maine Army National Guard, Located in Bangor, Maine. Work is to be performed in Bangor, Maine with an estimated completion date of Jun. 19, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. National Guard Bureau, USPFO for Maine, August, Maine is the contracting activity (W912JD-09-C-0001).
ALCAN Builders Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska, was awarded on May 15, 2009 an $ 11,737,800 firm-fixed-price contract to construct the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Satellite Operations Facility, Fairbanks, Alaska. This project is to replace the current operations facility with a new stat of the art facility. This facility will support the NOAA polar-orbiting satellite program. Work is to be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force base, Alaska is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0018).
Niche Inc, New Bedford, Mass., was awarded on May 15, 2009 an $11,499,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 6,000 each low cost low velocity cargo parachutes, NSN 1670-01-547-0401. Work is to be performed in New Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 2010. Sole Source bids were solicited. Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-09-C-0022).
Raytheon Co., AMDD , Andover, Mass., was awarded on May 19, 2009 an $8,808,000 firm-fixed-price contract for three-Patriot Depot Test Equipment upgrades and new depot Test Equipment including installation and training. Work is to be performed in Andover, Mass., (50 percent), Tewksbury, Mass., (20 percent), Sudbury, Mass., (20% percent), and Burlington, Mass., (10 percent) with an estimated completion date of Jun. 08, 2015. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0321).
NAVY
Earl Industries, LLC, Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $10,232,295 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4403) for the FY09 CNO availability for maintenance and repair of USS Carter Hall (LSD-50). Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $10,232,295 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Organizational Strategies, Inc.*, Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $10,000,000 Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program firm fixed price contract for Topic N98-057 entitled "Advanced Training Technology Delivery System." The contractor will provide services and materials required to deliver the Training Continuum Integration (TCI) portion of the H-53 and V-22 Integrated Training Systems. This will provide the integrated training system with collaborative product acquisition, deployment, and concurrency data. Successful completion will reduce program and operational risk, as well as produce an increase in safety, crew performance and operational capabilities for both the H-53 and V-22 programs. Work will be performed in New River, N.C., (60 percent); Patuxent River, Md., (20 percent); and Atlanta, Ga., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N98-057 with 15 offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0120).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $7,298,041 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for non-recurring engineering to retrofit 7 CV-22 aircraft with single configuration retrofit engineering change proposal V-22-0802; and provide the associated retrofit kits for 3 CV-22 aircraft. Effort will bring the 7 aircraft to a Block B/10 configuration. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., (60 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas, (40 percent) and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2012. 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.
Defense Comptroller Addresses 'Reform' Budget Proposal
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - The recently submitted $664 billion defense budget proposal for fiscal 2010 by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates can best be characterized as a "reform budget," the Pentagon's chief financial officer said. "We sometimes use that term 'reform' loosely, but I think this time it applies," Robert Hale, the Defense Department's comptroller, said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable May 15. "And I would say it's reform mainly because he is trying to [bring about], and I think gradually accomplishing, a reshaping of the budget to focus more on unconventional war and irregular war, while maintaining a balance of conventional capability."
Hale provided examples of programs that will balance the need to fight the wars of today with the scenarios the Defense Department most likely will face in the years ahead, while at the same time providing a hedge against other risks and contingencies.
"We've added 2,400 people to the Special Operations Command," he said. "We've increased our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including [unmanned aerial vehicle] increases, heading for 50 combat air patrols with UAVs by fiscal year '11."
Despite much of the news coverage on the proposed Defense budget focusing on program terminations, there is a 5.6-percent increase in the weapons procurement budget between fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, Hale said. "This was a case where the secretary said, 'We got a lot of studies; we got a lot of information — it's time to act on some of these programs that are troubled as to cost, schedule or performance,'" he added. And although some prominent programs were cut, he said, the budget contains large increases for some, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and the extremely high frequency satellite program.
Significant reform also will occur in how the department buys equipment and services, Hale said, including a "beefing-up of the acquisition work force, because I think it's both too small and probably needs a higher percentage of government personnel involved."
"We've planned some overall insourcing," he continued. "Although we need contractors to run this department, we also feel the pendulum has swung too far toward dependence on contractors. We're going to hire more government employees and reduce somewhat our dependence on contractors. So there's a people side to how we buy differently."
Although the department ultimately will hire more civilian employees, Hale also addressed whether possible job impacts in the defense industry were considered in the decisions on which programs to keep or cut.
"The goal of the secretary of defense is to recommend to the president the programs that we think make sense for the national security," Hale said. "I sat through I don't know how many budget debates or meetings as we led up to this budget. Not once was there a discussion of job impacts. We really don't feel that it's our job to consider job impacts. Our job is to recommend what's best for national security.
"That said," he continued, "we are mindful that we are affecting people's lives and livelihoods. And certainly we hope that for those programs that were terminated or where there's going to be reduced employment, that there are other benefits -- whether they're federal, state or nongovernment -- that come to these people's aid. And we'd want to note there are programs that are growing. I mean, we're going to increase the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program by $3.5 billion between '09 and '10. There will be a lot of new jobs there."
Hale went on to say that deciding what programs to fund, increase or stop really depends on lots of small, but very important decisions.
"Increasing funding for things like the building partnership capacity, where we're either working with the State Department or our allies to provide them 'training and equip' roles so they can join us in supporting our common goals" plays into the decision process, he said.
Since the budget details were announced May 7, Hale said, he has been spending a lot of time briefing congressional members and staffers.
"The Constitution is real clear – we propose, they dispose," Hale said. "We have made our best proposal, and while we would like it back 100 percent, I think there probably will be some changes.
"We will provide the Congress with all the information they need and continue to make the case that the 2010 budget proposal is in the best interest of our warfighters, the department and the nation," he added.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2009 - The recently submitted $664 billion defense budget proposal for fiscal 2010 by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates can best be characterized as a "reform budget," the Pentagon's chief financial officer said. "We sometimes use that term 'reform' loosely, but I think this time it applies," Robert Hale, the Defense Department's comptroller, said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable May 15. "And I would say it's reform mainly because he is trying to [bring about], and I think gradually accomplishing, a reshaping of the budget to focus more on unconventional war and irregular war, while maintaining a balance of conventional capability."
Hale provided examples of programs that will balance the need to fight the wars of today with the scenarios the Defense Department most likely will face in the years ahead, while at the same time providing a hedge against other risks and contingencies.
"We've added 2,400 people to the Special Operations Command," he said. "We've increased our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including [unmanned aerial vehicle] increases, heading for 50 combat air patrols with UAVs by fiscal year '11."
Despite much of the news coverage on the proposed Defense budget focusing on program terminations, there is a 5.6-percent increase in the weapons procurement budget between fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, Hale said. "This was a case where the secretary said, 'We got a lot of studies; we got a lot of information — it's time to act on some of these programs that are troubled as to cost, schedule or performance,'" he added. And although some prominent programs were cut, he said, the budget contains large increases for some, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and the extremely high frequency satellite program.
Significant reform also will occur in how the department buys equipment and services, Hale said, including a "beefing-up of the acquisition work force, because I think it's both too small and probably needs a higher percentage of government personnel involved."
"We've planned some overall insourcing," he continued. "Although we need contractors to run this department, we also feel the pendulum has swung too far toward dependence on contractors. We're going to hire more government employees and reduce somewhat our dependence on contractors. So there's a people side to how we buy differently."
Although the department ultimately will hire more civilian employees, Hale also addressed whether possible job impacts in the defense industry were considered in the decisions on which programs to keep or cut.
"The goal of the secretary of defense is to recommend to the president the programs that we think make sense for the national security," Hale said. "I sat through I don't know how many budget debates or meetings as we led up to this budget. Not once was there a discussion of job impacts. We really don't feel that it's our job to consider job impacts. Our job is to recommend what's best for national security.
"That said," he continued, "we are mindful that we are affecting people's lives and livelihoods. And certainly we hope that for those programs that were terminated or where there's going to be reduced employment, that there are other benefits -- whether they're federal, state or nongovernment -- that come to these people's aid. And we'd want to note there are programs that are growing. I mean, we're going to increase the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program by $3.5 billion between '09 and '10. There will be a lot of new jobs there."
Hale went on to say that deciding what programs to fund, increase or stop really depends on lots of small, but very important decisions.
"Increasing funding for things like the building partnership capacity, where we're either working with the State Department or our allies to provide them 'training and equip' roles so they can join us in supporting our common goals" plays into the decision process, he said.
Since the budget details were announced May 7, Hale said, he has been spending a lot of time briefing congressional members and staffers.
"The Constitution is real clear – we propose, they dispose," Hale said. "We have made our best proposal, and while we would like it back 100 percent, I think there probably will be some changes.
"We will provide the Congress with all the information they need and continue to make the case that the 2010 budget proposal is in the best interest of our warfighters, the department and the nation," he added.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Washington Guard Works With Thai First Responders
By Army Staff Sgt. Jon SoucySpecial to American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - The National Guard's State Partnership Program pairs up Guard members from every state with foreign countries to provide mentorship and training, largely focusing on military training. But one state has been working with its partner country to build on another aspect unique to the Guard: domestic response. Members of the Washington National Guard have worked with first responders from their partnership country, Thailand, to build on their skills in port security, fire fighting, search and rescue and command and control, said Maj. Wil Johnston, director of the Washington Guard's State Partnership Program.
"The intent is to build their capacity to respond to a potential disaster that may or may not involve hazardous materials at the port," he said. Then, he added, they can respond with fire fighting, medical response and command and control components.
Members of the Washington Guard normally visit Thailand several times a year to conduct this training, which culminates in a full-scale field training exercise. However, the goal is to sustain the training program within Thailand. That comes about by training the trainers there, said Johnston, who added that the aim is simply to be in an advisory status within two years and have the training conducted solely by Thai officials.
Already, the training that has been provided has had positive benefits. A recent event here brought out emergency response teams from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Thailand's equivalent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who brought with them skills on operating in confined spaces.
"We actually used the knowledge that we have from the training just days ago, when a building collapsed at the construction site of a new major cinema complex," Ruamporn Kerdlarbpol, a senior plans and policy officer with DDPM, said through an interpreter. "A couple of people were trapped inside the building, and we sent our emergency response teams to the scene.
"Without the knowledge that we gained from Washington National Guard helping us with the training, we wouldn't have been able to do the job properly and as easily as we did."
Thailand's emergency response teams were first formed two years ago, Kerdlarbpol said.
"We will be needing more techniques and expertise to help build the capacity of these ERTs to be much better," she said. "We are looking to get more techniques in search and rescue, so we try and build our capacity based on our cooperation with the Washington National Guard."
And while the ERTs have a similar role as the National Guard's response to a similar disaster, there are differences.
"The complexity comes, because their organizational structure doesn't necessarily mirror ours," Johnston said. "So, who works for who may not be immediately clear."
One of the ways around that complexity is to provide a system of response and command and control that is the same across the country, he said.
Much of the recent training has been with fire fighters and port officials at the port of Laem Chabang, about 100 miles south of Bangkok. It has stirred interest with other agencies within Thailand.
"The port of Bangkok is now very interested in seeing what the port of Laem Chabang is doing," Johnston said. "They can then mirror that and eventually that will grow throughout the Marine Department and then throughout all of Thailand. Then there will be standard operating procedures." Thailand's Marine department oversees both ports.
But it's not as easy as it sounds, especially when it comes to command and control.
"Obviously, the command and control piece of it is very broad," Johnston said. It involves keeping the media informed, crowd control and using the incident command system, he said. While command and control is a complex issue, training on fire fighting and search and rescue techniques, he added, "is pretty straightforward."
But it is all starting to come together.
"They're doing a great job with the fire fighting, and they're doing a good job with the port security, but it's been a long time coming," Johnston said.
(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Mabus Sworn in as New Navy Secretary
Ray Mabus, former Mississippi governor and U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was sworn in today as the 75th Secretary of the Navy. Leading the Navy and Marine Corps, Secretary Mabus will be responsible for an annual budget in excess of $150 billion and almost 900,000 people.
The Secretary of the Navy is responsible for conducting all the affairs of the Department of the Navy, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, and mobilizing. Additionally, he oversees the construction, outfitting, and repair of naval ships, equipment and facilities, and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that are consistent with the national security policies and objectives established by the president and the secretary of defense.
Prior to joining the administration of President Barrack Obama, Mabus served in a variety of top posts in government and the private sector. In 1988, Mabus was elected governor of Mississippi where he stressed education and job creation. In 1994, he was appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, where during his tenure, the Kingdom officially abandoned the boycott of U.S. businesses that trade with Israel. Mabus also was chairman and chief executive officer of Foamex, a large manufacturing company, and also served as a Navy surface warfare officer aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock.
Secretary Mabus is a native of Ackerman, Miss., and received a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi, a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
The Secretary of the Navy is responsible for conducting all the affairs of the Department of the Navy, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, and mobilizing. Additionally, he oversees the construction, outfitting, and repair of naval ships, equipment and facilities, and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that are consistent with the national security policies and objectives established by the president and the secretary of defense.
Prior to joining the administration of President Barrack Obama, Mabus served in a variety of top posts in government and the private sector. In 1988, Mabus was elected governor of Mississippi where he stressed education and job creation. In 1994, he was appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, where during his tenure, the Kingdom officially abandoned the boycott of U.S. businesses that trade with Israel. Mabus also was chairman and chief executive officer of Foamex, a large manufacturing company, and also served as a Navy surface warfare officer aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock.
Secretary Mabus is a native of Ackerman, Miss., and received a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi, a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Officials Dedicate Humanitarian Relief Corridor in Pentagon
By John ValceanuAmerican Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates helped to dedicate a Pentagon corridor here today that recognizes the efforts of America's men and women in uniform to bring hope to people in need of help around the world. The "Humanitarian Relief Efforts at Home and Abroad" corridor has exhibits highlighting 27 major events, from the late 1940s to the present day, in which Defense Department personnel brought aid and comfort to those in need.
"The U.S. military is the greatest fighting force in the world – but there is another side to what they do," Gates said. "That side is represented in this exhibit. The suffering caused by war and natural disaster prompts a compassionate nation to respond."
The exhibit's displays include photographs from the operations, written words explaining what happened, and three-dimensional objects such as simulated mud, snow, debris, trees and containers with food and supplies.
"These vivid displays take us around the world, and back in time, to understand more about the relief operations of our military," Gates said. "Some of these missions of mercy have been carried out on foreign soil, others here in the United States. Some are legendary; many more deserve to be."
Gates mentioned the 462-day Berlin Airlift in 1948-49, in which U.S. and allied forces dropped food and supplies to a city blockaded by the Soviet Union. Many Berliners' lives may have been saved by the U.S. forces' actions, and 31 American servicemen gave their lives in the process.
Gates also spoke about the help U.S. forces provided Hungarians fleeing Soviet forces in 1956. He noted that the military has been increasingly involved in different types of humanitarian operations and has become more active in delivering humanitarian aid during disasters around the world.
"The scale and scope of these missions has widened over the decades," Gates said. "Our servicemen and women have responded to natural disasters on our own shores, from forest fires and blizzards to Hurricane Katrina, and have gone to every corner of the globe in the wake of tsunamis, earthquakes, mudslides and floods."
The secretary pointed out that military humanitarian operations are part of a broader effort that requires cooperation with other branches of government.
"In all of these missions, the military plays an important role – not necessarily in the lead, but in support of and partnership with the civilian agencies of our government," Gates said. "Today's broad range of activities requires close cooperation between civil and military institutions, whether we are talking about a hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, which has provided health care to thousands of people in Latin America and the Caribbean, or civil affairs teams in eastern Africa."
While the military's "fancy technology and lift capability" help to make humanitarian operations possible, Gates credited the men and women in uniform and "their desire to make something good and decent happen, even amid situations of chaos and destruction" for also helping to accomplish the missions.
As an example of this desire to help people, Gates pointed to Air Force Col. Gail S. Halvorsen, who earned worldwide acclaim as the "Candy Bomber" during the Berlin Airlift. While flying missions during the airlift, Halvorsen began dropping chocolate bars with tiny parachutes to Berlin's children. His actions earned him the love and gratitude of Berliners and the acclaim of people in the United States and throughout the free world.
Halvorsen was on hand to help to dedicate the corridor, and he also spoke during the ceremony. He reminisced about his experiences and how he was inspired by some German children he met at the Berlin fence in 1948 who told him, "Someday, we'll have enough to eat. But if we lose our freedom, we'll never have it back."
Feeling the need to do something extra to help Berlin's children, Halvorsen began dropping candy to them, and his deeds earned him his Candy Bomber nickname, along with others such as "Chocolate Pilot" and "Uncle Wiggly Wings."
Halvorsen spoke of a visit back to Europe in 1998, when he was approached by a man who remembered being a boy in Berlin and having one of the chocolates drop out of the clouds on a parachute. "It wasn't the chocolate that was important," the man told Halvorsen. "What was important was that someone in America knew that I was in trouble. Somebody cared. ... I can live on thin rations, but not without hope. Without hope, the soul dies."
Halvorsen said the efforts of those who took part in the Berlin airlift not only resulted in gaining the gratitude of the German people, but also helped to fulfill the U.S. forces who had an opportunity to be of service to others and put service before themselves.
"That's what this wall is; that's what this exhibit is," Halvorsen said. "It's service before self, and we see that today in our men and women serving right now."
In addition to Gates and Halvorsen, Michael L. Rhodes, acting director of administration and management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, spoke during the ceremony.
"This is truly a special day," he said. "It's a day when we pay tribute to the men and women who have carried out the mission of the department during times of need. These men and women have displayed good will assisting civilians not only in our great nation but around the world."
Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also attended the ceremony. Rumsfeld had the initial idea for the corridor in November 2005.
Students Find Connection to Central Asia Through Book, Army Colonel
By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
, May 19, 2009 - In a quest to expand their understanding of the world they live in, a group of California high school seniors turned away from their textbooks to indulge in "Three Cups of Tea" and a video conference with an Army colonel. Reading "Three Cups of Tea," which tells of author Greg Mortenson's dedication to bringing education to Afghanistan and Pakistan, was part of what officials at Olympian High School in Chula Vista, Calif., call the Senior Common Experience. Every senior read the book in English class and discussed it in other classes.
"Reading the book for the Olympian Senior Common Experience was designed to help develop a spirit of giving and a greater sense of global awareness among our seniors," said Steve Rodriguez, one of the school's English teachers. "The senior class has tackled the project with great enthusiasm throughout the year."
One part of the project was an ongoing effort to raise $12,000, the amount needed for Mortenson's Central Asia Institute to build a school in Afghanistan. The students raised $3,000 toward that goal.
The check will be presented and students will get to show off other book-related special projects they've been working on all year when the project culminates tomorrow night with the Senior Showcase. Before making their presentations, however, there was one final opportunity yesterday to gather as much first-hand knowledge as possible in a video conference with Army Col. Christopher Kolenda.
Kolenda was a task force commander in Afghanistan from May 2007 through July 2008. He read the book on his wife's suggestion. Kolenda said he'd seen much of what Mortenson details in the book firsthand. He was so impressed that he contacted the Central Asia Institute, never expecting to hear back, he told the students during the video conference.
"A couple weeks later, I got a note back from Greg Mortenson," Kolenda said. "We began a dialogue which resulted in two schools being constructed while I was there, and then he's got two more schools going into that area right now."
That area is the difficult terrain of the Kush Mountains, a rural part of Afghanistan, about 150 miles north of Jalalabad near the Pakistan border.
"There were no paved roads, no cell phones, no flush toilets, no running water, no telephones, no television, very little electricity and no health care system," he told the students. "Things that we take for granted in terms of school buildings with great libraries and computers and teachers, they just didn't have that."
More than 90 percent of the schools in the area of about 190,000 people were open-air schools, which meant they had class outside, underneath a tree, in the open air or underneath a tarp, he added.
The situation was compounded by a lack of school supplies. Teachers were writing on a single chalkboard propped against a tree or even in the dirt, he said.
But this also gave Kolenda and his soldiers a means to reach out and build bridges. The children wanted to go to school, and the village elders wanted to rebuild their communities.
"We recognize that [with] the past 30 years of warfare, education has really suffered in Afghanistan," he said. "It's part of the reason why you have radicalism, why you have insurgency in that area.
"I'm convinced that an educated society tends to be more peaceful," Kolenda added. "Educated young men tend not to resort to violence to solve problems. Communities that educate their women tend to have lower infant mortality [and] tend to be more peaceful societies."
To work toward that goal, Kolenda first reached out to the elders in the village of Saw. In the summer of 2007, it had been a hostile village where attacks against coalition forces were originating.
"The Afghan army went to the village of Saw and met with the elders and they came back and told me how the elders really wanted schools [and] really wanted an education for their children," he said.
On the next visit to the village, the Afghan army rolled in with truckloads of school supplies. The elders then presented Kolenda with 100 thank you notes from the children for the supplies. They also reiterated how important educating their children was and that they lacked a school, he said. So when Mortenson asked Kolenda for possible locations to build a school, Kolenda had no trouble answering the question.
One of the neat things about Mortenson's schools is that the local people are in charge, he added.
Too often, he explained, aid organizations will plop down a structure using outside labor and without really coordinating with the local people. "In a place like Afghanistan," he said, "where being able to protect your village and having control of your village [is important], a lot of [people] will resent that outside effort at development.
"The Afghans have a saying: 'If you sweat for it, you will protect it,'" he added.
When local residents make it their project, the villages feel a great sense of ownership, he said. And in every village where Mortenson has built a school, he added, violence has decreased, because development of the villages beginning with the schools creates a new sense of hope.
Before, the elders had lost credibility because they couldn't bring jobs, money and services to their villages. The radicals, however, could bring in money. But they also brought violence.
"By working together with the elders and bringing development and jobs and benefits to the village, the elders began to [regain] credibility in the eyes of their people," Kolenda said. "A young man could now be presented with a choice: you can make money by building your community, or you can make money by destroying it."
More often than not, they chose the first option, he added. These gains then allowed Kolenda and his team to work with the elders on security and governance issues.
What Kolenda's team and Mortenson helped the villagers achieve by reaching out and helping them build schools was hope for a brighter future.
"Education is one of those key things ... that brings a community together where the elders can pass a brighter future to their children and grandchildren," Kolenda said.
Rodriguez said he is proud of his advanced-placement English students who kept Kolenda hopping with an hour's worth of meticulous questions.
"I thought my students did a great job this past week using their intellectual curiosity and analysis skills to develop questions for the video conference," he said. "And I thought they demonstrated poise during the actual video conference."
Joint Chiefs Chairman Lists Top Priorities
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff identified increasing Middle East security, revitalizing U.S. forces and focusing on global challenges as his top priorities in remarks at the Brookings Institution here yesterday. Detailing his priority list, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen defined the broader Middle East as stretching from Lebanon to Iran and even including parts of South Asia.
Mullen cited the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy President Barack Obama's administration unveiled in March as an example of the regional approach that's needed. "Certainly, our president and the new administration has put together a comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. "And I felt this was vital -- to focus on the region, not just focus on one country or the other but, in fact, have a comprehensive strategy for the entire region."
The military contribution to security is necessary, Mullen said, but not sufficient. He emphasized the need for increased presence of nonmilitary U.S. agencies, and he called for better resourcing of the State Department and the rest of the American government, which he characterized as increasingly "expeditionary."
"I think it's an absolute priority that we resource our State Department and other agencies to do this, not just for the near term -- and we clearly need those resources in Afghanistan -- but also for the long term," he said.
The chairman said that in Iraq – where roughly 140,000 U.S. troops are deployed – the situation is "fragile" as forces began to draw down in accordance with agreements between Washington and Baghdad.
"And at the same time, we see the strategic growth of required forces in Afghanistan and, again, a focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. Mullen added that like Iraq, security in Afghanistan will depend on its own national security forces gaining momentum and responsibility.
"So [there is a] heavy focus, obviously, in my life and with my staff, in engagement on the broader Middle East. But a lot of what's going on there also applies to other parts of the world," he said.
Another of Mullen's priorities – focusing on the health of U.S. forces – also occupies much of his time, he said.
"There's a resilience in that force, a skip in their step, a capability that is truly extraordinary in its evolution, and really revolution, to become what I believe is the best counterinsurgency force in the world, and in doing so has set a standard about how quickly we can change, given the strategy is put in the right place," he said.
But despite their counterinsurgency progress in Iraq, he said, the U.S. military is under the strain of multiple deployments and combat stress. He said both the Army and Marine Corps are at their newly increased end strength, but that it will take some time before new troops are trained and can relieve current forces.
"Over the next 18 to 24 months, that stress is going to continue," he said. "And then after that, I can start to see a time where dwell time [at home stations between deployments] will increase, and we can start to bring the pressure down, based on what I understand right now."
The chairman also stressed the need to take care of injured troops – including those suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress -- and their families, and to care for the spouses and children of those killed.
"And when I say, 'take care of them,' I really mean take care of them for the rest of their lives," he said. "These are young people who have gone out, done what our country has asked them to do, and they should be well taken care of, not just by the Department of Defense or [Veterans Affairs], but by America -- communities throughout the land, reaching out to these young people, whose dreams haven't changed.
"They want their kids to go to school. They'd like to go to school. And they'd like to own a piece of the rock," he continued. "It's just the path has been altered. And as far as I'm concerned, we owe them that debt."
Mullen said the Defense Department budget should reflect its care for the people who commit to military service.
"We're going through a big debate right now about systems, major acquisition programs, what we should buy for the future," he said. "What we should buy for the future is to make sure we get it right for our people. That's health care, that's housing, that's benefits, that's the compensation package, that's bonuses -- all those kinds of things."
Mullen said his other priority is to make sure the United States is adequately engaged in parts of the world that don't fall under the U.S. Central Command, where American forces are engaged in both Iraq in Afghanistan.
"It's not a small globe," he said. "There are challenges that exist throughout the world, and [I'm] making sure right now, with so many of my forces focused in the Central Command area, that I have enough forces that are engaged in other parts of the world."
The chairman underscored how interwoven the world is – as evidenced by the global financial crisis – and said countries are "very dependent on each other."
"Stability is a key for the future in that regard," he said. "And along those lines, that stability -- again, not unlike Iraq and not unlike Afghanistan -- that stability is going to be a necessary condition, but not sufficient, because we need education development, we need economic development, we need good governance. Those are also key to progress, not [only] in the current conflicts, but progress in the future as well."
American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff identified increasing Middle East security, revitalizing U.S. forces and focusing on global challenges as his top priorities in remarks at the Brookings Institution here yesterday. Detailing his priority list, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen defined the broader Middle East as stretching from Lebanon to Iran and even including parts of South Asia.
Mullen cited the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy President Barack Obama's administration unveiled in March as an example of the regional approach that's needed. "Certainly, our president and the new administration has put together a comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. "And I felt this was vital -- to focus on the region, not just focus on one country or the other but, in fact, have a comprehensive strategy for the entire region."
The military contribution to security is necessary, Mullen said, but not sufficient. He emphasized the need for increased presence of nonmilitary U.S. agencies, and he called for better resourcing of the State Department and the rest of the American government, which he characterized as increasingly "expeditionary."
"I think it's an absolute priority that we resource our State Department and other agencies to do this, not just for the near term -- and we clearly need those resources in Afghanistan -- but also for the long term," he said.
The chairman said that in Iraq – where roughly 140,000 U.S. troops are deployed – the situation is "fragile" as forces began to draw down in accordance with agreements between Washington and Baghdad.
"And at the same time, we see the strategic growth of required forces in Afghanistan and, again, a focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. Mullen added that like Iraq, security in Afghanistan will depend on its own national security forces gaining momentum and responsibility.
"So [there is a] heavy focus, obviously, in my life and with my staff, in engagement on the broader Middle East. But a lot of what's going on there also applies to other parts of the world," he said.
Another of Mullen's priorities – focusing on the health of U.S. forces – also occupies much of his time, he said.
"There's a resilience in that force, a skip in their step, a capability that is truly extraordinary in its evolution, and really revolution, to become what I believe is the best counterinsurgency force in the world, and in doing so has set a standard about how quickly we can change, given the strategy is put in the right place," he said.
But despite their counterinsurgency progress in Iraq, he said, the U.S. military is under the strain of multiple deployments and combat stress. He said both the Army and Marine Corps are at their newly increased end strength, but that it will take some time before new troops are trained and can relieve current forces.
"Over the next 18 to 24 months, that stress is going to continue," he said. "And then after that, I can start to see a time where dwell time [at home stations between deployments] will increase, and we can start to bring the pressure down, based on what I understand right now."
The chairman also stressed the need to take care of injured troops – including those suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress -- and their families, and to care for the spouses and children of those killed.
"And when I say, 'take care of them,' I really mean take care of them for the rest of their lives," he said. "These are young people who have gone out, done what our country has asked them to do, and they should be well taken care of, not just by the Department of Defense or [Veterans Affairs], but by America -- communities throughout the land, reaching out to these young people, whose dreams haven't changed.
"They want their kids to go to school. They'd like to go to school. And they'd like to own a piece of the rock," he continued. "It's just the path has been altered. And as far as I'm concerned, we owe them that debt."
Mullen said the Defense Department budget should reflect its care for the people who commit to military service.
"We're going through a big debate right now about systems, major acquisition programs, what we should buy for the future," he said. "What we should buy for the future is to make sure we get it right for our people. That's health care, that's housing, that's benefits, that's the compensation package, that's bonuses -- all those kinds of things."
Mullen said his other priority is to make sure the United States is adequately engaged in parts of the world that don't fall under the U.S. Central Command, where American forces are engaged in both Iraq in Afghanistan.
"It's not a small globe," he said. "There are challenges that exist throughout the world, and [I'm] making sure right now, with so many of my forces focused in the Central Command area, that I have enough forces that are engaged in other parts of the world."
The chairman underscored how interwoven the world is – as evidenced by the global financial crisis – and said countries are "very dependent on each other."
"Stability is a key for the future in that regard," he said. "And along those lines, that stability -- again, not unlike Iraq and not unlike Afghanistan -- that stability is going to be a necessary condition, but not sufficient, because we need education development, we need economic development, we need good governance. Those are also key to progress, not [only] in the current conflicts, but progress in the future as well."
America Needs Service, Petraeus Tells VMI Grads
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Central Command told graduates of the Virginia Military Institute during their commencement ceremony yesterday that America needs their service. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told the 249 graduates to recall the wisdom of President Theodore Roosevelt, who said that "far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
A total of 131 graduates in the class were commissioned into the various services. Many, undoubtedly, will serve in U.S. Central Command. Petraeus spoke before more than 5,000 "keydets" and family members at Cameron Hall on campus.
"In choosing to attend VMI, you have demonstrated a clear understanding of the concept of work that is worth doing," the general said. "Such work is ... characterized by commitment to something larger than self, to a greater good, to the service of others."
This has been the hallmark of graduates since the school's founding in 1839. "I would submit that now more than ever, our nation and our world need leaders like those developed here — disciplined, intelligent, innovative and courageous leaders who are committed to service," he said. "Whether in the deserts of Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan, in the commercial sector or in the domestic political arena, there is much work worth doing."
Petraeus said the graduates will face frustrations as they move to new fields. "To the new lieutenants in this graduating class: you've chosen a unique and wonderful profession, but one in which, again, few tasks are ever simple," he said. "The frustration of many of the situations with which leaders deal in combat is real and constant.
"For those who will serve in other ways, the challenges will be no less real," he added, "even though they may be found not on a battlefield, but in a boardroom or a lab, a town hall meeting or a classroom."
No matter where the graduates go, the general said, the values they have learned at VMI will "prompt you to be relentless and determined in the pursuit of worthwhile work."
American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Central Command told graduates of the Virginia Military Institute during their commencement ceremony yesterday that America needs their service. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told the 249 graduates to recall the wisdom of President Theodore Roosevelt, who said that "far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
A total of 131 graduates in the class were commissioned into the various services. Many, undoubtedly, will serve in U.S. Central Command. Petraeus spoke before more than 5,000 "keydets" and family members at Cameron Hall on campus.
"In choosing to attend VMI, you have demonstrated a clear understanding of the concept of work that is worth doing," the general said. "Such work is ... characterized by commitment to something larger than self, to a greater good, to the service of others."
This has been the hallmark of graduates since the school's founding in 1839. "I would submit that now more than ever, our nation and our world need leaders like those developed here — disciplined, intelligent, innovative and courageous leaders who are committed to service," he said. "Whether in the deserts of Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan, in the commercial sector or in the domestic political arena, there is much work worth doing."
Petraeus said the graduates will face frustrations as they move to new fields. "To the new lieutenants in this graduating class: you've chosen a unique and wonderful profession, but one in which, again, few tasks are ever simple," he said. "The frustration of many of the situations with which leaders deal in combat is real and constant.
"For those who will serve in other ways, the challenges will be no less real," he added, "even though they may be found not on a battlefield, but in a boardroom or a lab, a town hall meeting or a classroom."
No matter where the graduates go, the general said, the values they have learned at VMI will "prompt you to be relentless and determined in the pursuit of worthwhile work."
Season Approaches for Severe Weather Awareness
By Army Spc. John CrosbySpecial to American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2009 - As tornado season approaches it is time to be more aware of the possible dangers these violent storms can pose. More than 3,500 people were on this installation in Edinburgh, Ind., when a tornado struck the camp in June. National Weather Service officials said wind gusts reached upward of 135 miles an hour. The damage extended to military and civilian vehicles, power and gas lines, fences and more than 50 buildings.
The tornado caused about $50 million in damage, including the cost of repairs and construction.
The damage from tornadoes comes from the strong winds they contain. It is generally believed that the most violent tornadoes can produce wind speeds of up to 300 mph, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Wind speeds that high can cause automobiles to become airborne, rip ordinary homes to shreds and turn broken glass and other debris into lethal missiles.
Despite all of the damage and devastation here, the tornado caused no injuries. This success can be directly credited to the Camp Atterbury command and the 205th Infantry Brigade, officials said.
Army Col. Barry Richmond and Army Col. Christopher M. Holden -- the post and 205th Infantry Brigade commanders, respectively, when the tornado struck -- spent hours before the storm preparing for the worst by adjusting training and moving servicemembers to safe areas, according to a news article written after the tornado by Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell, a public affairs soldier here.
"We mitigated the effects of the thunderstorm by finishing up our outside transportation training early," Holden said. "We got [servicemembers] in hardstand buildings prior to the storms due to the installation's severe storm warnings, which were truly the primary reason we were able to successfully prevent any injuries."
Severe weather advisories come in two categories: watches and warnings. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. A tornado warning means that one has been spotted or computers have indicated rotation in the storm.
Beyond warnings issued via radio, television and disaster sirens, there are several things to look for. Be prepared to take shelter immediately. Be aware of dark, often greenish sky and large hail or a large, dark, low-lying cloud, especially if there is rotation accompanied by a loud roar, similar to a freight train.
In a structured building such as a brick-walled barracks, a hospital, a school or a shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level if a tornado approaches. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior hallway or closet or a room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
If there is no hallway or closet, get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. If there are no nearby structures that will provide good cover from flying debris, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter and watch out for flying debris.
In the event of a tornado, said Army Maj. Kenneth Knight, installation safety and occupational health director here, commanders and soldiers should think about accountability and moving to a safer location, but only after a safe amount of time, which is about 30 to 45 minutes after a storm.
"Accountability needs to be aggressive," he said. "All ... leaders must have the whereabouts of each individual soldier and report up their proper chains."
Though last year's storm reinforced safety measure, Knight said, "there are always things we can improve on."
"Everybody is more aware now," he said. "The more knowledge we have, the more appropriate action can be taken to prevent loss of life while training here so units can deploy with maximum fighting capacity downrange."
(Army Spc. John Crosby serves in the 205th Infantry Brigade public affairs office.)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Rolling Thunder Plans 'Saluting Our Troops' Program
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - Mike Corrado, the Marine recording artist whose 2005 hit song "On My Watch Tonight" was featured on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" and has become an anthem for servicemembers worldwide, is one of the headliners in Rolling Thunder's "Saluting the Troops" program in Washington, D.C., May 23. Vietnam Memorial Founder and veterans' activist Jan Scruggs also will be a featured speaker at the event, which will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the reflecting pool at the base of the Lincoln Memorial.
In addition to Corrado, musical guests include national recording artist Spike Ivory and U.S. Army veteran and country music singer and songwriter Ted Painter.
The keynote speaker for this year's program is Patrick Campbell, the chief legislative counsel for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Campbell also is a sergeant and combat medic in the District of Columbia National Guard who served in Iraq with the 256th Infantry Brigade. Campbell's blog has been noted by the MSNBC television network, and he has made many network media appearances. He also has testified before the Senate and House veterans affairs committees on mental health, education benefits and appropriation issues.
Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder is a nonprofit organization with more than 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States. Officials said 40 to 45 percent of the men and women in the group are nonveterans, with the balance being veterans from all wars and peacetime. Although many of its members ride motorcycles, they added, owning or riding a motorcycle is not a condition for membership; all that's necessary is having the time and willingness to be an advocate for troops, veterans, and the nation's prisoners of war and servicemembers missing in action.
(From a Rolling Thunder news release.)
May 18, 2009 - Mike Corrado, the Marine recording artist whose 2005 hit song "On My Watch Tonight" was featured on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" and has become an anthem for servicemembers worldwide, is one of the headliners in Rolling Thunder's "Saluting the Troops" program in Washington, D.C., May 23. Vietnam Memorial Founder and veterans' activist Jan Scruggs also will be a featured speaker at the event, which will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the reflecting pool at the base of the Lincoln Memorial.
In addition to Corrado, musical guests include national recording artist Spike Ivory and U.S. Army veteran and country music singer and songwriter Ted Painter.
The keynote speaker for this year's program is Patrick Campbell, the chief legislative counsel for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Campbell also is a sergeant and combat medic in the District of Columbia National Guard who served in Iraq with the 256th Infantry Brigade. Campbell's blog has been noted by the MSNBC television network, and he has made many network media appearances. He also has testified before the Senate and House veterans affairs committees on mental health, education benefits and appropriation issues.
Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder is a nonprofit organization with more than 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States. Officials said 40 to 45 percent of the men and women in the group are nonveterans, with the balance being veterans from all wars and peacetime. Although many of its members ride motorcycles, they added, owning or riding a motorcycle is not a condition for membership; all that's necessary is having the time and willingness to be an advocate for troops, veterans, and the nation's prisoners of war and servicemembers missing in action.
(From a Rolling Thunder news release.)
Army Air Defense Unit to Activate at Fort Sill
The Department of the Army announced today the planned activation of the 4th Batallion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Patriot) at Fort Sill, Okla. This stationing action represents an increase of 603 military authorizations at Fort Sill and no change in civilian authorizations. This stationing action will be completed by Oct. 17, 2010.
4th Batallion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment provides high to medium altitude air defense of ground combat forces and high value assets against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles /unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and rotary and fixed wing aircraft. This stationing action is in support of the integrated force structure changes resulting from the President's Grow the Army initiative.
This stationing action is part of integrated force structure changes that support the Army's transformation requirements. This initiative supports and provides Combatant Commanders with forces at a higher level of readiness.
For more information on this unit activation contact Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, (703) 614-2487 or Maj. Jimmie Cummings, (703) 697-3491, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
4th Batallion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment provides high to medium altitude air defense of ground combat forces and high value assets against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles /unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and rotary and fixed wing aircraft. This stationing action is in support of the integrated force structure changes resulting from the President's Grow the Army initiative.
This stationing action is part of integrated force structure changes that support the Army's transformation requirements. This initiative supports and provides Combatant Commanders with forces at a higher level of readiness.
For more information on this unit activation contact Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, (703) 614-2487 or Maj. Jimmie Cummings, (703) 697-3491, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
Pacific Command Strategy Centers on Partnership, Readiness, Presence
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - The three major tenets of the U.S. Pacific Command strategy – partnership, readiness and presence – are having a powerful impact in bringing together the joint, interagency and international capabilities required to promote regional stability, the command's top officer told American Forces Press Service. The strategy, revised last fall to better support the new U.S. national military strategy, establishes the three major keystones for engagements throughout Pacom's area of responsibility, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating said.
The strategy recognizes the broad focus of the Pacom mission, he said, as well as the importance of galvanizing the broadest array of alliances, partnerships and working relationships possible to carry it out.
Almost three years into the job, Keating said he's more convinced than ever that every player counts.
"It is more indelibly imprinted on my mind than it was on Day 1 or Day 100 or Day 500 the necessity for working on an interagency, international, multilateral basis," he said. "It's greater than ever, and the spirit of cooperation and collaboration engendered is unmistakable."
As he travels Pacom's vast area of responsibility – half the surface of the globe that includes half its population spread across 36 countries – Keating works to build on that spirit of partnership.
And with few exceptions, he said, he's impressed to find that across a very broad spectrum, "folks have common goals and are increasingly cohesive in working together to achieve those goals."
Even the smallest countries in the region have a role to play, he said. "There is no country so big that they can make all the strategic decisions and execute themselves, and there is no country so small that it can't make a contribution," Keating said, borrowing an observation from former Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace.
"We've got big countries and we've got small countries [within the AOR]," he said. "And as we travel and talk and watch and work with the folks of Tonga through Mongolia to India and everybody in between, we are seeing firsthand that they are all interested" in working together toward common goals.
The most striking example of these growing military-to-military relationships comes in the form of military exercises, which have increased significantly in scope, sophistication and participation.
Keating pointed to the Malabar 2009 naval exercise that wrapped up May 3 as an example of the growing combined exercise program. India led this year's Malabar, in which about 4,000 members of the Indian, U.S. and Japanese navies trained together in surface, subsurface and air operations. They also conducted a visit, board, search and seizure operation aboard USS Blue Ridge to simulate searching a merchant vessel.
Similarly, this year's Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand included five principal participants and 22 observers, including China.
"These are full-scale amphibious landings with jets screeching overhead, ships operating offshore and thousands of soldiers participating in real field training exercises," Keating said. Cobra Gold also included a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise, as well as U.N. peacekeeping training.
The scenarios are designed to be tactically and operationally challenging, with a span that's appealing and valuable to every participant, Keating said.
"Not everybody in our AOR ... has aircraft carriers, F22s and the 25th Infantry Division," he said. "But the key is tactics, techniques and procedures. ... And the exercises are devised and implemented to be very challenging across a wide spectrum, because everyone has some contribution to make."
Dovetailing with exercises, military educational exchanges provide forums for sharing expertise as well as understanding. Keating noted high interest among partner nations in sending their senior commissioned and noncommissioned officers – and those destined to fill those ranks -- to U.S. military schools.
"That is one of the most important initiatives our country has," he said. U.S. training assistance pays off in enhancing partner nations' capabilities so they can play a bigger role in current and potential missions, the admiral explained.
One striking example is taking place in the Straits of Malacca. The strategic waterway linking the Indian and Pacific oceans that was plagued by piracy until Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore formed a partnership focused on maritime security. Thailand and the Philippines are increasingly participating as well.
The result is a dramatic drop in pirate attacks – from almost 50 a year just three years ago to less than five in 2008, Keating said.
Although the U.S. military provided training as well as technology and equipment support to the initiative, Keating described it as a minor supporting role, as the partners took center stage to carry it out. That's a critical point, he said, because the U.S. military simply can't be everywhere there's a current or potential threat.
"This is an advantage of partnership," he said. "We in the United States don't have to be everywhere, doing everything. By increased cooperation and collaboration, we can rely on and depend on our friends, allies [and] partners throughout the region."
As Pacom strives to increase capability among partner militaries, it's also promoting another key tenet of its strategy – readiness – at home, Keating said.
Like their counterparts elsewhere throughout the U.S. military, Pacom-based ground, air and naval elements have been taxed supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Keating conceded. But these demands have never jeopardized the command's ability to execute its security plans, he said.
"We are a force ready. We are a force equipped. We are a force trained," he said.
In fact, Pacom is benefitting from the vast combat experience of its force, which Keating called "unparalleled in our country's history."
"These young men and women have been in the crucible," he said. Young troops have been thrust into leadership roles in combat, and find themselves making strategic-level decisions at the corporal level.
"We have this bench strength that is unprecedented, and we will enjoy the benefits of their very, very demanding work for decades," Keating said. "And in United States Pacific Command, we capitalize on that every day."
These forces provide the day-to-day presence Keating said sends an unmistakable message of the United States' continued commitment to the region.
"Virtual presence equals actual absence," he said, borrowing a junior officer term. "You can do all the [video teleconferences] you want, and you can have instantaneous global communications. But nothing replaces boots on the ground, jets in the air and ships in the harbor. You have to have forces ready, and then you have to have forces present."
Sometimes that presence is subtle, as in the upcoming Pacific Partnership mission that will send U.S. military, nongovernmental agency and volunteer medical professionals throughout the South Pacific on a humanitarian assistance mission.
Emphasizing the "partnership" in the Pacific Partnership mission, Keating called the program a "profoundly powerful" way to reach out to and bring hope to those in need.
"It's also a great way to win the hearts and minds of thousands and thousands of people in our area of responsibility," he said.
The direct result, he said, is less likelihood that they'll elect to support violent extremists, making it more difficult for them to operate.
"Our overarching mission is to defend the homeland and prevail in the struggle against violent extremism," he said. "And folks are less likely to support violent extremism if they understand the goodwill expressed by the citizens of the United States of America and other countries in our AOR."
These and other initiatives – all promoting partnership, readiness and presence in the region – are having a positive impact in promoting peace and stability, Keating said.
"I am convinced it is working," he said of the Pacom strategy.
One measure of that success, he said, is the fact that the region continues to enjoy a relative peace, with no significant military incidents and no state-on-state conflict.
"In a way, it's what hasn't happened," Keating said. "Some of that is good fortune. But a lot of it is due to a concerted effort by a lot of people, including those at Pacific Command."
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - The three major tenets of the U.S. Pacific Command strategy – partnership, readiness and presence – are having a powerful impact in bringing together the joint, interagency and international capabilities required to promote regional stability, the command's top officer told American Forces Press Service. The strategy, revised last fall to better support the new U.S. national military strategy, establishes the three major keystones for engagements throughout Pacom's area of responsibility, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating said.
The strategy recognizes the broad focus of the Pacom mission, he said, as well as the importance of galvanizing the broadest array of alliances, partnerships and working relationships possible to carry it out.
Almost three years into the job, Keating said he's more convinced than ever that every player counts.
"It is more indelibly imprinted on my mind than it was on Day 1 or Day 100 or Day 500 the necessity for working on an interagency, international, multilateral basis," he said. "It's greater than ever, and the spirit of cooperation and collaboration engendered is unmistakable."
As he travels Pacom's vast area of responsibility – half the surface of the globe that includes half its population spread across 36 countries – Keating works to build on that spirit of partnership.
And with few exceptions, he said, he's impressed to find that across a very broad spectrum, "folks have common goals and are increasingly cohesive in working together to achieve those goals."
Even the smallest countries in the region have a role to play, he said. "There is no country so big that they can make all the strategic decisions and execute themselves, and there is no country so small that it can't make a contribution," Keating said, borrowing an observation from former Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace.
"We've got big countries and we've got small countries [within the AOR]," he said. "And as we travel and talk and watch and work with the folks of Tonga through Mongolia to India and everybody in between, we are seeing firsthand that they are all interested" in working together toward common goals.
The most striking example of these growing military-to-military relationships comes in the form of military exercises, which have increased significantly in scope, sophistication and participation.
Keating pointed to the Malabar 2009 naval exercise that wrapped up May 3 as an example of the growing combined exercise program. India led this year's Malabar, in which about 4,000 members of the Indian, U.S. and Japanese navies trained together in surface, subsurface and air operations. They also conducted a visit, board, search and seizure operation aboard USS Blue Ridge to simulate searching a merchant vessel.
Similarly, this year's Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand included five principal participants and 22 observers, including China.
"These are full-scale amphibious landings with jets screeching overhead, ships operating offshore and thousands of soldiers participating in real field training exercises," Keating said. Cobra Gold also included a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise, as well as U.N. peacekeeping training.
The scenarios are designed to be tactically and operationally challenging, with a span that's appealing and valuable to every participant, Keating said.
"Not everybody in our AOR ... has aircraft carriers, F22s and the 25th Infantry Division," he said. "But the key is tactics, techniques and procedures. ... And the exercises are devised and implemented to be very challenging across a wide spectrum, because everyone has some contribution to make."
Dovetailing with exercises, military educational exchanges provide forums for sharing expertise as well as understanding. Keating noted high interest among partner nations in sending their senior commissioned and noncommissioned officers – and those destined to fill those ranks -- to U.S. military schools.
"That is one of the most important initiatives our country has," he said. U.S. training assistance pays off in enhancing partner nations' capabilities so they can play a bigger role in current and potential missions, the admiral explained.
One striking example is taking place in the Straits of Malacca. The strategic waterway linking the Indian and Pacific oceans that was plagued by piracy until Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore formed a partnership focused on maritime security. Thailand and the Philippines are increasingly participating as well.
The result is a dramatic drop in pirate attacks – from almost 50 a year just three years ago to less than five in 2008, Keating said.
Although the U.S. military provided training as well as technology and equipment support to the initiative, Keating described it as a minor supporting role, as the partners took center stage to carry it out. That's a critical point, he said, because the U.S. military simply can't be everywhere there's a current or potential threat.
"This is an advantage of partnership," he said. "We in the United States don't have to be everywhere, doing everything. By increased cooperation and collaboration, we can rely on and depend on our friends, allies [and] partners throughout the region."
As Pacom strives to increase capability among partner militaries, it's also promoting another key tenet of its strategy – readiness – at home, Keating said.
Like their counterparts elsewhere throughout the U.S. military, Pacom-based ground, air and naval elements have been taxed supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Keating conceded. But these demands have never jeopardized the command's ability to execute its security plans, he said.
"We are a force ready. We are a force equipped. We are a force trained," he said.
In fact, Pacom is benefitting from the vast combat experience of its force, which Keating called "unparalleled in our country's history."
"These young men and women have been in the crucible," he said. Young troops have been thrust into leadership roles in combat, and find themselves making strategic-level decisions at the corporal level.
"We have this bench strength that is unprecedented, and we will enjoy the benefits of their very, very demanding work for decades," Keating said. "And in United States Pacific Command, we capitalize on that every day."
These forces provide the day-to-day presence Keating said sends an unmistakable message of the United States' continued commitment to the region.
"Virtual presence equals actual absence," he said, borrowing a junior officer term. "You can do all the [video teleconferences] you want, and you can have instantaneous global communications. But nothing replaces boots on the ground, jets in the air and ships in the harbor. You have to have forces ready, and then you have to have forces present."
Sometimes that presence is subtle, as in the upcoming Pacific Partnership mission that will send U.S. military, nongovernmental agency and volunteer medical professionals throughout the South Pacific on a humanitarian assistance mission.
Emphasizing the "partnership" in the Pacific Partnership mission, Keating called the program a "profoundly powerful" way to reach out to and bring hope to those in need.
"It's also a great way to win the hearts and minds of thousands and thousands of people in our area of responsibility," he said.
The direct result, he said, is less likelihood that they'll elect to support violent extremists, making it more difficult for them to operate.
"Our overarching mission is to defend the homeland and prevail in the struggle against violent extremism," he said. "And folks are less likely to support violent extremism if they understand the goodwill expressed by the citizens of the United States of America and other countries in our AOR."
These and other initiatives – all promoting partnership, readiness and presence in the region – are having a positive impact in promoting peace and stability, Keating said.
"I am convinced it is working," he said of the Pacom strategy.
One measure of that success, he said, is the fact that the region continues to enjoy a relative peace, with no significant military incidents and no state-on-state conflict.
"In a way, it's what hasn't happened," Keating said. "Some of that is good fortune. But a lot of it is due to a concerted effort by a lot of people, including those at Pacific Command."
NORAD Officials Reschedule Capital-area Exercise
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - A North American Aerospace Defense Command exercise designed to test the command's aerospace defense capabilities in the national capital area has been rescheduled after inclement weather last week forced its postponement. Exercise Falcon Virgo, originally planned for the May 15-16 overnight period, now is scheduled for May 19-20.
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, Coast Guard Dolphin choppers and Civil Air Patrol Cessnas will participate in the exercise over the nation's capital and its suburbs. A number of Falcon Virgo exercises have taken place since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, officials said. The most recent one over Washington was in March.
"The exercise is always held in the middle of the night to not interfere with civilian air traffic," Pentagon spokeswoman Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk said. "The aircraft involved follow all noise abatement procedures."
The exercise is in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region Command Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, the Civil Air Patrol and the Coast Guard.
Residents in the area can expect flights to occur shortly after midnight and into the early morning hours of May 20. The exercise should wrap up during the morning.
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - A North American Aerospace Defense Command exercise designed to test the command's aerospace defense capabilities in the national capital area has been rescheduled after inclement weather last week forced its postponement. Exercise Falcon Virgo, originally planned for the May 15-16 overnight period, now is scheduled for May 19-20.
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, Coast Guard Dolphin choppers and Civil Air Patrol Cessnas will participate in the exercise over the nation's capital and its suburbs. A number of Falcon Virgo exercises have taken place since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, officials said. The most recent one over Washington was in March.
"The exercise is always held in the middle of the night to not interfere with civilian air traffic," Pentagon spokeswoman Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk said. "The aircraft involved follow all noise abatement procedures."
The exercise is in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region Command Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, the Civil Air Patrol and the Coast Guard.
Residents in the area can expect flights to occur shortly after midnight and into the early morning hours of May 20. The exercise should wrap up during the morning.
Social Science Research Assists Navigation of 'Human Terrain'
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - The Defense Department is funding research to help warfighters learn and adapt to the social and cultural norms in their deployment areas, a Navy program officer said in a May 13 webcast of "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military" on Pentagon Web Radio. "It's been a shift in the thinking of the Department of Defense away from conventional warfare practices to the asymmetric and irregular warfare environment, which requires our warfighters to interact with the native population at a much more intense level," said Ivy Estabrooke, program manager for the human, social, cultural and behavioral sciences in the expeditionary and maneuver warfare and combating terrorism department at the Office of Naval Research.
This investment in social science research is driven by the current warfighting environment in Iraq and Afghanistan, which requires more direct interactions with the general population, said Estabrooke, who holds a doctorate in neuroscience.
"We are funding work that will enable the warfighter to learn cross-cultural skills more easily, more quickly, so that when they're being sent to a new area of operations they can quickly learn what the social and cultural norms are and what appropriate and acceptable behavior will be in those areas," Estabrooke said.
This research is part of a larger Defense Department initiative that includes the Office of the Secretary of Defense's human, social, cultural and behavioral modeling program; the director of Defense Research and Engineering; the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Army Research Institute.
Joining Estabrooke on the webcast was Elisa Bienenstock, chief human science officer at NSI Inc. and adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, who said social science methodology is particularly challenging in the battlefield because gathering data often interferes with the environment being studied.
"The problems that we're dealing with are intrinsically hard, ... even under the best of circumstances," said Bienenstock, who holds a doctorate in mathematical sociology. "What makes it more difficult is that the answers were needed yesterday, not tomorrow."
As a sociologist, Bienenstock has spent a number of years researching social network analysis to bring about a better understanding of how culture and communications affect the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. She said that as the conflicts developed, the Defense Department didn't have the tools or expertise to understand the diverse communities and cultures.
"As a sociologist, I was being called on to try to figure out a way that the [Defense Department] could leverage some of the useful tools and methods and theories in the social sciences," Bienenstock said.
Both women added that this type of research is multidisciplinary and requires a full range of researchers.
"We need to bring to the table sociologists and anthropologists and political scientists and computational scientists and modelers," Estabrooke said. "Everyone speaks a different language almost, so bringing these teams together and getting them to work well together takes some time and some effort."
Office of Naval Research officials hope to connect with a diverse pool of researchers through several outreach efforts. In June, ONR will release a broad agency announcement that seeks ideas for how to better address the challenges in the human, social, cultural and behavioral sciences domain. In August, the secretary of defense's HSCB Modeling Program will host a conference aimed at uniting current and prospective grantees, members of the operational community and a number of government agencies that fund social science research.
"[It's] an opportunity for researchers, both at universities and from companies, from industry, to submit their ideas of how they can address the challenges in the human, social, cultural and behavioral domain," Estabrooke said.
Bienenstock emphasized that these outreach efforts could play an important part in bridging the gap between social scientists and the military.
"To most effectively engage social scientists, it will require outreach that alerts the social science community about the existence of these funding and networking opportunities," she said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2009 - The Defense Department is funding research to help warfighters learn and adapt to the social and cultural norms in their deployment areas, a Navy program officer said in a May 13 webcast of "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military" on Pentagon Web Radio. "It's been a shift in the thinking of the Department of Defense away from conventional warfare practices to the asymmetric and irregular warfare environment, which requires our warfighters to interact with the native population at a much more intense level," said Ivy Estabrooke, program manager for the human, social, cultural and behavioral sciences in the expeditionary and maneuver warfare and combating terrorism department at the Office of Naval Research.
This investment in social science research is driven by the current warfighting environment in Iraq and Afghanistan, which requires more direct interactions with the general population, said Estabrooke, who holds a doctorate in neuroscience.
"We are funding work that will enable the warfighter to learn cross-cultural skills more easily, more quickly, so that when they're being sent to a new area of operations they can quickly learn what the social and cultural norms are and what appropriate and acceptable behavior will be in those areas," Estabrooke said.
This research is part of a larger Defense Department initiative that includes the Office of the Secretary of Defense's human, social, cultural and behavioral modeling program; the director of Defense Research and Engineering; the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Army Research Institute.
Joining Estabrooke on the webcast was Elisa Bienenstock, chief human science officer at NSI Inc. and adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, who said social science methodology is particularly challenging in the battlefield because gathering data often interferes with the environment being studied.
"The problems that we're dealing with are intrinsically hard, ... even under the best of circumstances," said Bienenstock, who holds a doctorate in mathematical sociology. "What makes it more difficult is that the answers were needed yesterday, not tomorrow."
As a sociologist, Bienenstock has spent a number of years researching social network analysis to bring about a better understanding of how culture and communications affect the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. She said that as the conflicts developed, the Defense Department didn't have the tools or expertise to understand the diverse communities and cultures.
"As a sociologist, I was being called on to try to figure out a way that the [Defense Department] could leverage some of the useful tools and methods and theories in the social sciences," Bienenstock said.
Both women added that this type of research is multidisciplinary and requires a full range of researchers.
"We need to bring to the table sociologists and anthropologists and political scientists and computational scientists and modelers," Estabrooke said. "Everyone speaks a different language almost, so bringing these teams together and getting them to work well together takes some time and some effort."
Office of Naval Research officials hope to connect with a diverse pool of researchers through several outreach efforts. In June, ONR will release a broad agency announcement that seeks ideas for how to better address the challenges in the human, social, cultural and behavioral sciences domain. In August, the secretary of defense's HSCB Modeling Program will host a conference aimed at uniting current and prospective grantees, members of the operational community and a number of government agencies that fund social science research.
"[It's] an opportunity for researchers, both at universities and from companies, from industry, to submit their ideas of how they can address the challenges in the human, social, cultural and behavioral domain," Estabrooke said.
Bienenstock emphasized that these outreach efforts could play an important part in bridging the gap between social scientists and the military.
"To most effectively engage social scientists, it will require outreach that alerts the social science community about the existence of these funding and networking opportunities," she said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 18, 2009
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Hawker Beechcraft Corp., of Wichita, Kan., for an amount not-to-exceed $123,794,733. This contract will provide for 20 T6A trainer aircraft, training devices and technical publications. At this time, $69,325,051 has been obligated. ASC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-09-C-6166).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., for $11,556,957. This contract action will provide for development of survivable conventional force requirements and technical analyses of combat operations for commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force. At this time, $676,329 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of Poway, Calif., for $9,828,520. This contract action is for the Predator receiver terminals, installation and software updates. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 703 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028).
NAVY
Air Rover, Incorp.*, Tyler, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price with for Environmental Control Units. The units will be used for various types of expeditionary facilities (e.g. shelters, enclosed trailers, tent complexes). The government has a current requirement for four units to be delivered. Work will be performed in Tyler, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with an unspecified number of proposals being solicited via Federal Business Opportunities website and the internet, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-JS25).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $14,302,280 firm-fixed-priced modification to previously awarded delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Field Service Representatives and Instructors to support Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by the Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Misener Marine Construction, Inc., Tampa, Fla., is being awarded a $12,107,587 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of wharf Alpha improvements at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Work will be performed in Mayport, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Online website, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1259; Project Number P-999).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Barnes Aerospace, Windsor, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $6,082,411 firm fixed price contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were originally 2 proposals solicited with 2 responses. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Oklahoma City, Tinker AFB, Okla., (SPRTA1-09-C-0120).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Hawker Beechcraft Corp., of Wichita, Kan., for an amount not-to-exceed $123,794,733. This contract will provide for 20 T6A trainer aircraft, training devices and technical publications. At this time, $69,325,051 has been obligated. ASC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-09-C-6166).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., for $11,556,957. This contract action will provide for development of survivable conventional force requirements and technical analyses of combat operations for commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force. At this time, $676,329 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of Poway, Calif., for $9,828,520. This contract action is for the Predator receiver terminals, installation and software updates. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 703 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028).
NAVY
Air Rover, Incorp.*, Tyler, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price with for Environmental Control Units. The units will be used for various types of expeditionary facilities (e.g. shelters, enclosed trailers, tent complexes). The government has a current requirement for four units to be delivered. Work will be performed in Tyler, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with an unspecified number of proposals being solicited via Federal Business Opportunities website and the internet, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-JS25).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $14,302,280 firm-fixed-priced modification to previously awarded delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Field Service Representatives and Instructors to support Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by the Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Misener Marine Construction, Inc., Tampa, Fla., is being awarded a $12,107,587 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of wharf Alpha improvements at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Work will be performed in Mayport, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Online website, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1259; Project Number P-999).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Barnes Aerospace, Windsor, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $6,082,411 firm fixed price contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were originally 2 proposals solicited with 2 responses. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Oklahoma City, Tinker AFB, Okla., (SPRTA1-09-C-0120).
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Ever wonder how the leaders of America start their journeys? Want to honor the young heroes that are learning early the importance of helping others? I’m contacting you today on behalf of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. For their extraordinary efforts in serving others through volunteerism, ten middle and high school students from across the country were named America's top ten youth volunteers for 2009 in a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters, capping the 14th year of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Each year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors the outstanding community service of young Americans. The results are now in the top ten youth volunteers from the May 4th ceremony have been announced!
Want to watch the winners receive their awards? Watch a webcast event, replaying all of the wonderfully inspiring moments and announcements: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=57997
You can get your children and community involved by encouraging them to visit http://spirit.prudential.com where they can find out how to become a nominee for next year’s honorary ceremony.
Please let me know if you would be interested in sharing this information with Military Online readers, as it is support like yours, from their communities, that keep these young people motivated and proud of the work they have accomplished all throughout the year!
Each year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors the outstanding community service of young Americans. The results are now in the top ten youth volunteers from the May 4th ceremony have been announced!
Want to watch the winners receive their awards? Watch a webcast event, replaying all of the wonderfully inspiring moments and announcements: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=57997
You can get your children and community involved by encouraging them to visit http://spirit.prudential.com where they can find out how to become a nominee for next year’s honorary ceremony.
Please let me know if you would be interested in sharing this information with Military Online readers, as it is support like yours, from their communities, that keep these young people motivated and proud of the work they have accomplished all throughout the year!
New Book Aims to Help Children of Troops Buried in Arlington
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. CardenAmerican Forces Press Service
May 17, 2009 - Generals, congressmen and, in many cases, presidents of the United States have attended military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery here and given their condolences to children who have lost loved ones to war. But for many of those unfortunate children, it may still be difficult to understand the honor of their loved ones' sacrifices and what it means for a servicemember to be buried here.
A new book titled "For Children of Valor: Arlington National Cemetery" is dedicated to helping children and families of the fallen buried here to cope with their loss. Five such families, representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps were presented with first-edition copies of the book during a May 15 ceremony at the cemetery's information center.
"This small gift conveys our admiration and our respect by acknowledging the pain and the loss these sacrifices must bring," said retired Army Maj. Gen. Carl H. McNair, Jr., president and chairman of the Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project. "We wanted to provide a gift that captures the honor of Arlington National Cemetery.
"May this gift bring the spirit and fond memories of your family a little closer to home, and may you gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the hallowed grounds on which we stand," McNair said.
The Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project produced the book in conjunction with illustration and photography support from the Washington Post. Dr. Stephen J. Cozza, a retired Army colonel, advised and helped author portions of the book. Cozza is a psychiatrist and expert in child trauma currently serving as a professor with the Uniformed Service University of Health Sciences, Children's author Linda Tyler wrote the main text, and artist Deborah Withey illustrated the book.
The 52-page book is filled with somber images of children and families visiting the cemetery, as well as colorful patriotic graphics typical of an elementary school arts-and-craft project. Educational messages and information about Arlington cemetery history appear on the pages. There is also a section of artwork toward the back of the book for children to color in themselves.
During the ceremony, Army Secretary Pete Geren spoke of the sacrifices made by the more than 340,000 American military members buried here since the Revolutionary War as well as the millions of others buried elsewhere throughout the world. He credited the families of the fallen for supporting their military loved ones despite the frightening realities of war. The families are heroes, too, he said.
"Military families are the strength behind our servicemembers," he said. "The families don't get medals, but they're heroes, and these heroes come in all ages and sizes."
Americans are indebted to the families for their sacrifices, he added. "For Children of Valor" is an "expression of gratitude from the heart of a grateful nation."
Angie Capra said it was a great honor for her and her family to be a part of the presentation ceremony. Capra and her five children, Mark, 12, Victoria, 10, Jared, 7, Shawn, 5, and Adrianna, 3, were recognized for the loss of husband and father, Air Force Tech Sgt. Anthony L. Capra.
"The book is great," said Capra, who drives about 40 miles from Fredricksburg, Va., to visit her husband's grave here at least once a month. "It's a wonderful memory for my children to have, and to know that people still think of their father and honor him and everyone else who've lost their life in combat."
Tech Sgt. Capra was killed in northern Iraq in April 2008. He was an explosive ordnance technician whose job was to dismantle and handle insurgent-made bombs, which have claimed the majority of the civilian and coalition lives lost in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11.
"My husband went into the service wanting to do his part at whatever the cost, so we accepted that a long time ago," she said, adding that her and husband were both "Air Force brats" and met more than 13 years ago when their parents were stationed in Turkey. "[The presentation] is a great honor for our family."
Other families recognized at the presentation were:
-- Marissa Alexander and 3 -year-old twins Avery and Alaya who survive Army Staff Sgt. Leroy Alexander, a Special Forces engineer killed in Afghanistan in June 3, 2005.
-- Lisa Dolan and her son, Beau, and daughter, Rebecca, survive Navy Capt. Robert E. Dolan, killed in the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
-- Terry Valentine, along with her son, John, and daughter, Meghan, survive Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas J. Valentine, a Navy SEAL who died during a pre-deployment airborne operation Feb. 13, 2008, in Casa Grande, Ariz.
-- Pamela Zembiec and her daughter Fallyn survive Marine Maj. Douglas Zembiec, killed May 11, 2007, in Baghdad.
"For Children of Valor" follows the publication "Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery," which was also produced by The Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project, in conjunction with National Geographic, and Rich Clarkson and Associates. "Where Valor Rests" was released two years ago today as a salute to members of the U.S. armed forces who are buried here.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Industrial Security Protection
On May 29, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion on Industrial Security Protection with former Army Captain Jeffrey W. Bennett.
Program Date: May 29, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Industrial Security Protection
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/30/Industrial-Security-Protection
About the Guest
Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is a former Army Officer with experience in intelligence, security and logistics. He is also an accomplished author with periodical, novel and non-fiction book credits. His book, ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual has helped security professionals better understand their profession as well as earn their certification.
Jeffrey W. Bennett is ISP certified with certificate number 117. He writes books on national security to offer peers, professionals and students resources to improve their skills and ability to safeguard classified material. His primary goal is to train security professionals and decrease security violations . Jeffrey W. Bennett is an active member of NCMS (Society of Industrial Security Professional) and currently serves as the vice-chair of one of the largest chapters. Jeffrey W. Bennett is also a member of ASIS International and serves as the nomination chair for the local chapter. Jeffrey W. Bennett is the author of ISP Certification: The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual.
According to the book description of ISP Certification: The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual, “What can be more important than protecting our Nation's secrets? This study system offers easy to understand career advice and delivers timely information to help students, industrial security professionals and Government security specialists better understand the National Industrial Security Program. This book is perfect for Homeland Security and Criminal Justice students, security professionals and should be in every library. Industrial security professionals serving in the government, private or DoD Contractor industry benefit by improving their study of executive orders and the National Industrial Security Operating Manual. Situations and questions throughout the book are designed to help improve security programs designed to protect classified material. In fact, many Facility Security Officers and industrial security professionals face similar situations identified in the book as they implement and direct policies to safeguard our nation’s secrets.”
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/2009/05/30/Industrial-Security-Protection
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: May 29, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Industrial Security Protection
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/30/Industrial-Security-Protection
About the Guest
Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is a former Army Officer with experience in intelligence, security and logistics. He is also an accomplished author with periodical, novel and non-fiction book credits. His book, ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual has helped security professionals better understand their profession as well as earn their certification.
Jeffrey W. Bennett is ISP certified with certificate number 117. He writes books on national security to offer peers, professionals and students resources to improve their skills and ability to safeguard classified material. His primary goal is to train security professionals and decrease security violations . Jeffrey W. Bennett is an active member of NCMS (Society of Industrial Security Professional) and currently serves as the vice-chair of one of the largest chapters. Jeffrey W. Bennett is also a member of ASIS International and serves as the nomination chair for the local chapter. Jeffrey W. Bennett is the author of ISP Certification: The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual.
According to the book description of ISP Certification: The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual, “What can be more important than protecting our Nation's secrets? This study system offers easy to understand career advice and delivers timely information to help students, industrial security professionals and Government security specialists better understand the National Industrial Security Program. This book is perfect for Homeland Security and Criminal Justice students, security professionals and should be in every library. Industrial security professionals serving in the government, private or DoD Contractor industry benefit by improving their study of executive orders and the National Industrial Security Operating Manual. Situations and questions throughout the book are designed to help improve security programs designed to protect classified material. In fact, many Facility Security Officers and industrial security professionals face similar situations identified in the book as they implement and direct policies to safeguard our nation’s secrets.”
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/2009/05/30/Industrial-Security-Protection
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Wounded Soldier
There is a wounded soldier in Fort Sam Houston Fisher House. He was severely wounded over in the Sand Box. He lost both of his legs and was burned extensively over his entire body. His birthday is next week and his family put out a gentle request to send a card. He has been in the hospital for over 2 years now:
Sgt. David Thornhill
Fort Sam Houston
Fisher House
3623 George C. Beach Road
Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 78234
Sgt. David Thornhill
Fort Sam Houston
Fisher House
3623 George C. Beach Road
Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 78234
Special Forces Soldier
On May 22, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. United States Army (ret.).
Program Date: May 22, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Special Forces Soldiers
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/23/Special-Forces-Soldiers-
About the Guest
Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata Jr., USA (ret.) was an Army Special Operations NCO and retired as a Master Sergeant in 2003 after 28 years of service with the U.S. Army Special Forces. He now lives in Gilroy (California). Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. is the author of Desperate Lands: The War on Terror through the Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier.
According to the book description of Desperate Lands: The War on Terror Through the Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier it “is the unprecedented story of U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and the missions they have carried out while fighting the war on terror in the Horn of Africa and in Afghanistan. The book is unique and timely, in that it tells the compelling story of our nations struggle and of its soldiers fighting a new and different kind of war never fought before a Global War on Terror. This true story comes at a time when our nation has divided feelings and opinions about this war a division that exists among both government leaders and the American people. These pages offer a different perspective that of lower enlisted soldiers reflecting their personal experience in combat zones in Africa and Afghanistan as they witnessed and experienced the fog of war. The author Special Forces Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. shares his extraordinary journey through ancient and desperate lands at the front lines of this ongoing war. Here are true stories of sacrifice, bravery, excitement, horror, anger, tedium, fear, camaraderie, and more a firsthand look behind the headlines at the reality of the exceptional and difficult challenges U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers face as they defend America against the terrorist threat.”
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/2009/05/23/Special-Forces-Soldiers-
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: May 22, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Special Forces Soldiers
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/23/Special-Forces-Soldiers-
About the Guest
Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata Jr., USA (ret.) was an Army Special Operations NCO and retired as a Master Sergeant in 2003 after 28 years of service with the U.S. Army Special Forces. He now lives in Gilroy (California). Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. is the author of Desperate Lands: The War on Terror through the Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier.
According to the book description of Desperate Lands: The War on Terror Through the Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier it “is the unprecedented story of U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and the missions they have carried out while fighting the war on terror in the Horn of Africa and in Afghanistan. The book is unique and timely, in that it tells the compelling story of our nations struggle and of its soldiers fighting a new and different kind of war never fought before a Global War on Terror. This true story comes at a time when our nation has divided feelings and opinions about this war a division that exists among both government leaders and the American people. These pages offer a different perspective that of lower enlisted soldiers reflecting their personal experience in combat zones in Africa and Afghanistan as they witnessed and experienced the fog of war. The author Special Forces Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. shares his extraordinary journey through ancient and desperate lands at the front lines of this ongoing war. Here are true stories of sacrifice, bravery, excitement, horror, anger, tedium, fear, camaraderie, and more a firsthand look behind the headlines at the reality of the exceptional and difficult challenges U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers face as they defend America against the terrorist threat.”
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/2009/05/23/Special-Forces-Soldiers-
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Friday, May 15, 2009
Inspiring Alliance - Military Support Network
Inspiring Alliance is a nonprofit service organization offering emergency care and long-term support to military service members, veterans, and their families. Our audience includes the active or retired service member or a veteran, who is in need of transitional assistance for medical, financial, education or employment support. The programs we refer clients to are supported through a variety of qualified nonprofit organizations and federal agencies whose web links are located on our Military Support Links landing page. In addition, we offer assistance through our own self-funded programs at Inspiring Alliance.
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.inspiringalliance.org
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.inspiringalliance.org
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