By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det. Japan
YOKOHAMA, Japan (NNS) -- More than 40 service members from installations across Japan's Kanagawa prefecture gathered at Yokohama's North Dock facility April 10 to practice motorcycle safety at the 2010 Motorcycle Rodeo.
The rodeo included a variety of events, such as a slow speed race, relays and an obstacle course.
The events were intended to teach riders how to maintain control on the road and improve their riding skills.
"We have riders from all military installations in the area practicing their skills," said Randall Mills, a volunteer from Cape Fox Pro Services and the event organizer. "We also answer safety questions. A lot of riders new to the area aren't familiar with the required safety gear, like vests we have to wear by law in Japan."
Some Sailors found the rodeo a good opportunity to hone their riding skills and learn more about the culture of riding a motorcycle in Japan.
"It's always a good opportunity to come out and practice skills in a controlled environment," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jody Sawyer. "Once you learn your capabilities you are more likely to be safer on the road."
The free event included a cookout, giveaways and safety takeaways.
"The riders get to improve themselves, exchange stories and have fun," said Mills. "It's all about honing skills to become a safer rider."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
MDSU-1 Sailors Reflect on Humanitarian Mission in Haiti
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 deployed to Haiti to support Operation Unified Response Jan. 20, providing humanitarian assistance to the earthquake-ravaged nation.
After spending a week in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, MDSU-1 personnel were sent to Haiti for two weeks to be part of a command and control element.
"We arrived in Haiti by way of the Dutch ship HNLMS Pelikaan, about eight days after the earthquake happened and there was a lot of smoke and physical damage that we could see from afar," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Landry. "It was completely devastating, and the nation was in terrible condition."
"There were a lot of cracks in the ground and it looked and felt like the Earth had literally been ripped open," added Navy Diver 2nd Class Curtis Wiley. "I've been to third-world countries before but I've never seen a place in that bad of a condition. You could definitely tell they needed aid and help."
While in Port-Au-Prince, MDSU-1 personnel worked with many other commands to aid the citizens.
"As a part of the Command and Control element for salvage operations, we worked with several commands including Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, MDSU-2, the Air Force and the Haitian Army along with others," said Landry. "MDSU-1 did a great job of coordinating not only salvage related work, but also with being able to get food, water, fuel and basic life support for people."
Wiley reflected on the experience of helping the citizens of Haiti in their time of need.
"Anytime you get to help other people it's very rewarding and it was even more so this time being that their country had just gone through a major catastrophe," Wiley said. "My biggest reward was to be involved in a mission that not only the United States military was a part of, but also all of the other countries' militaries that were involved with the relief effort."
Other MDSU-1 personnel that were deployed to Haiti were Cmdr. John Moulton, commanding officer of MDSU-1; Command Master Chief Jose Lara; Master Chief Navy Diver Cliff Morin; and Senior Chief Navy Diver John Hopkins.
Navy Seabees are still on the ground in Haiti, improving roads and other infrastructure in advance of the rainy season, expected to start in mid-April. The engineering efforts, like the work of other Sailors who have served in Haiti, are expected to continue to save many lives.
Sailors stationed from throughout the world have served in Haiti as medical first responders, relief coordinators, engineers and even divers.
MDSU-1's mission is to provide swift and mobile ship salvage, towing, battle damage repair, deep ocean recovery, harbor clearance and underwater ship repair capabilities in support of the 3rd and 7th fleets.
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 deployed to Haiti to support Operation Unified Response Jan. 20, providing humanitarian assistance to the earthquake-ravaged nation.
After spending a week in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, MDSU-1 personnel were sent to Haiti for two weeks to be part of a command and control element.
"We arrived in Haiti by way of the Dutch ship HNLMS Pelikaan, about eight days after the earthquake happened and there was a lot of smoke and physical damage that we could see from afar," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Landry. "It was completely devastating, and the nation was in terrible condition."
"There were a lot of cracks in the ground and it looked and felt like the Earth had literally been ripped open," added Navy Diver 2nd Class Curtis Wiley. "I've been to third-world countries before but I've never seen a place in that bad of a condition. You could definitely tell they needed aid and help."
While in Port-Au-Prince, MDSU-1 personnel worked with many other commands to aid the citizens.
"As a part of the Command and Control element for salvage operations, we worked with several commands including Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, MDSU-2, the Air Force and the Haitian Army along with others," said Landry. "MDSU-1 did a great job of coordinating not only salvage related work, but also with being able to get food, water, fuel and basic life support for people."
Wiley reflected on the experience of helping the citizens of Haiti in their time of need.
"Anytime you get to help other people it's very rewarding and it was even more so this time being that their country had just gone through a major catastrophe," Wiley said. "My biggest reward was to be involved in a mission that not only the United States military was a part of, but also all of the other countries' militaries that were involved with the relief effort."
Other MDSU-1 personnel that were deployed to Haiti were Cmdr. John Moulton, commanding officer of MDSU-1; Command Master Chief Jose Lara; Master Chief Navy Diver Cliff Morin; and Senior Chief Navy Diver John Hopkins.
Navy Seabees are still on the ground in Haiti, improving roads and other infrastructure in advance of the rainy season, expected to start in mid-April. The engineering efforts, like the work of other Sailors who have served in Haiti, are expected to continue to save many lives.
Sailors stationed from throughout the world have served in Haiti as medical first responders, relief coordinators, engineers and even divers.
MDSU-1's mission is to provide swift and mobile ship salvage, towing, battle damage repair, deep ocean recovery, harbor clearance and underwater ship repair capabilities in support of the 3rd and 7th fleets.
DFT Latvia Breaks New Ground
VENTSPILS, Latvia (NNS) -- A Deployment for Training of 24 Seabees, from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7, has begun construction projects in preparation for Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2010.
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 are in Latvia working on construction projects in support of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2010.
The Seabees are involved in the deployment for training (DFT), which will include a variety of construction projects and possible humanitarian outreach missions.
"Our mission is to provide Exercise Related Construction (ERC) in support of BALTOPS 2010," said Ens. Li-wei Chen, DFT Latvia officer-in-charge (OIC). "We will establish a five-acre base camp for a Marine Landing Group and place a reinforced concrete pad for a Maritime pre-positioned ship offload of Marine support equipment. If time permits, we will engage in U.S. Embassy-coordinated humanitarian missions."
Upon arriving, the 24 Seabees were welcomed by Latvian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and U.S. Embassy representatives. But 24-hours later, the DFT Seabees received custody of heavy construction equipment, which they quickly learned were called "techniks" in Latvian slang.
"The initial transit from the equipment yard to the project site was rather interesting," said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Joshua Lenhart. "I don't think we needed our police escort, the way traffic halted as we convoyed through the town of Ventspils, which has a population of approximately 40,000."
According to Chen, DFT Latvia's emphasis is on construction trades needed for expeditionary camp setup and humanitarian relief, and the construction tempo has been extremely high, since all construction projects must be completed by June prior to BALTOPS 2010.
As true force enablers in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), the Seabees have faced unforeseen challenges early in their mission, Chen said. Melting snow, which oversaturated the ground around the base camp, has been the primary challenge, making heavy equipment operations a very difficult and time-consuming evolution.
While the five-acre gravel laydown pad located at base camp and a dune cut enabling Marine tanks to offload with minimal damage to surrounding forests, represent the bulk of DFT Latvia Seabees taskings, the Seabees also plan to improve their current camp conditions, which should benefit the Latvian National Guard, who will take control of the camp upon completion of BALTOPS 2010.
The Latvian MoD assigned two military representatives as liaisons to assist the Seabees in overcoming language barriers during their operations, something Chen said has proven instrumental.
"Their combined support has been a tremendous aid in assisting us with material contractors and general communications," she said.
While DFT Latvia marks the first deployment for some participating Seabees, other seasoned construction force personnel hope the workload, experience of being in another country and interaction with their Latvian counterparts are something junior Seabees can appreciate.
"Having been on multiple detachments and DFTs, I think that this will be some of the best experiences the younger Seabees will have," said Chief Equipment Operator Jerry Greer, senior enlisted advisor (SEA) and assistant officer in charge. "I'm looking forward to a safe deployment and hope the troops take back great memories of our partnership with the Latvians."
Originally started in 1971, BALTOPS is an exercise sponsored by Commander, United States European Command, aiming to promote a mutual understanding of maritime interoperability between U.S. Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants.
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 are in Latvia working on construction projects in support of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2010.
The Seabees are involved in the deployment for training (DFT), which will include a variety of construction projects and possible humanitarian outreach missions.
"Our mission is to provide Exercise Related Construction (ERC) in support of BALTOPS 2010," said Ens. Li-wei Chen, DFT Latvia officer-in-charge (OIC). "We will establish a five-acre base camp for a Marine Landing Group and place a reinforced concrete pad for a Maritime pre-positioned ship offload of Marine support equipment. If time permits, we will engage in U.S. Embassy-coordinated humanitarian missions."
Upon arriving, the 24 Seabees were welcomed by Latvian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and U.S. Embassy representatives. But 24-hours later, the DFT Seabees received custody of heavy construction equipment, which they quickly learned were called "techniks" in Latvian slang.
"The initial transit from the equipment yard to the project site was rather interesting," said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Joshua Lenhart. "I don't think we needed our police escort, the way traffic halted as we convoyed through the town of Ventspils, which has a population of approximately 40,000."
According to Chen, DFT Latvia's emphasis is on construction trades needed for expeditionary camp setup and humanitarian relief, and the construction tempo has been extremely high, since all construction projects must be completed by June prior to BALTOPS 2010.
As true force enablers in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), the Seabees have faced unforeseen challenges early in their mission, Chen said. Melting snow, which oversaturated the ground around the base camp, has been the primary challenge, making heavy equipment operations a very difficult and time-consuming evolution.
While the five-acre gravel laydown pad located at base camp and a dune cut enabling Marine tanks to offload with minimal damage to surrounding forests, represent the bulk of DFT Latvia Seabees taskings, the Seabees also plan to improve their current camp conditions, which should benefit the Latvian National Guard, who will take control of the camp upon completion of BALTOPS 2010.
The Latvian MoD assigned two military representatives as liaisons to assist the Seabees in overcoming language barriers during their operations, something Chen said has proven instrumental.
"Their combined support has been a tremendous aid in assisting us with material contractors and general communications," she said.
While DFT Latvia marks the first deployment for some participating Seabees, other seasoned construction force personnel hope the workload, experience of being in another country and interaction with their Latvian counterparts are something junior Seabees can appreciate.
"Having been on multiple detachments and DFTs, I think that this will be some of the best experiences the younger Seabees will have," said Chief Equipment Operator Jerry Greer, senior enlisted advisor (SEA) and assistant officer in charge. "I'm looking forward to a safe deployment and hope the troops take back great memories of our partnership with the Latvians."
Originally started in 1971, BALTOPS is an exercise sponsored by Commander, United States European Command, aiming to promote a mutual understanding of maritime interoperability between U.S. Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants.
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 13, 2010
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Refinery Associates of Texas, Inc.,* New Braunfels, Texas, was awarded a maximum $253,790,281 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for naval distillate fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is the Defense Energy Support Center. The original proposal was Web solicited with 27 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2011. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0471)
Hesco Bastion Ltd., United Kingdom, is being awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for protective barriers. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are U.S. Forces in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. The original proposal was Web solicited with seven responses. This contract is for a two-year base with two one-year options. The estimated annual value of the contract is $100,000,000. Total potential maximum value of the contract is $1,000,000,000. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM8E6-10-D-0008)
Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $68,347,800 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel. Other location of performance is in Corpus Christi, Texas. This is under the Foreign Military Sales program. The original proposal was Web solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 30, 2010. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0460).
Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $13,663,315 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for transmission assembly parts and axle assembly parts. Other locations of performance are Troy, Mich., and France. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 16, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Warren, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-C-0030).
ARMY
BAE Systems, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on April 8 a $54,817,602 firm-fixed-price contract for an application of federal retail excise tax on 2,002 family vehicles now remaining inside the contiguous United States due to change in mission requirements. Work is to be performed in Sealy, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0460).
Kiewit Building Group, Omaha, Neb., was awarded on April 8 a $38,274,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of 276-person barracks for Aviation Task Force Phase 1, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Work is to be performed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 9, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-10-C-0005).
Voith Hydro, Inc., York, Pa., was awarded on April 8 a $30,818,940 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the purchase and installation of a power generation turbine. This contract upgrades the hydraulic generation turbine and is for the fabrication and delivery required to replace the runner, rewind the generator stator with a digital governor, and replaces the existing excitation system with a new digital excitation system. Work is to be performed in York, Pa. (87.8 percent), and Stockton, Mo. (12.2 percent), with an estimated completion date of Nov. 19, 2013. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-1020).
Barriere Construction Co., LLC, Metairie, La., was awarded on April 8 a $16,994,620 firm-fixed-price contract for Lake Pontchartrain and vicinity, I-10 crossing of the south point to CSX railroad levee reach, LPV 109.02b, Orleans Parish, La. Work is to be performed in Orleans Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of April 23, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities and Army Single Face to Industry Web sites, with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, Hurricane Protection Office, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0071).
R.C. Construction Company, Inc., Greenwood, Miss., was awarded on April 8 a $12,981,723 firm-fixed-price contract to construct training area infrastructure at northern maneuver training area. Primary facilities include training area roads, existing training area road repair, turn pads, low water crossings, traffic signage, and field training/staging area. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 10, 2011. Six bids were solicited with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-D-0011).
General Electric Engine Services, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on April 8 an $8,495,120 firm-fixed-price contract for overhaul/recapitalization of 10 T700-GE-701 and 60 T700-GE-701C/D turbine engine cold section modules applicable to the UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The national stock numbers are 2840-01-121-0751 and 2840-01-284-4013. Work is to be performed in Arkansas City, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-AL-M, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-D-0063).
NAVY
BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $29,636,486 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) post shakedown availability (PSA). This contract is for services and material for the PSA and specific efforts include: program management, planning, engineering, design, liaison, scheduling, labor, and procurement of incidental material. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (91 percent), and Chesapeake, Va. (9 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $5,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with four proposals received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-2204).
The Consulting Network Inc.*, Middletown, Md., is being awarded a $15,105,220 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-6264) for software and hardware development, systems engineering, and procurement of commercial off-the-shelf products and hardware/software integration, in support of USS Virginia Class submarine and other submarine/surface ship systems. These services will provide for the continued engineering, fabrication, test, installation, and training services for the analysis, design, and prototyping of components related to open architecture concepts. Work will be performed in Middletown, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $10,208,402 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4417) for the execution efforts of the USS Miami (SSN 755) docking continuous maintenance availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $10,208,402 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.
Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., is being awarded an $8,768,862 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6306) for depot repair parts and material for repair of 1,300 production systems for dismounted Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) systems. Dismounted JCREW systems are electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices. Work will be performed in Sparks, Nev. (90 percent), and Rancho Cordova, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems, Land and Armaments LP, U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded an $8,631,426 not-to-exceed modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5394) for mechanical design agent and canister integration of standard missiles SM-3 and SM-6 into the MK 41 vertical launching system (VLS). The MK 41 VLS provides a missile launching system for CG 47 and DDG 51-class surface combatants of the Navy, as well as surface combatants of allied navies. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (80 percent), Brea, Calif. (15 percent), and San Diego, Calif. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
El Dorado Engineering, Inc.,* Salt Lake City, Utah (N00174-10-D-0007), and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), McLean, Va. (N00174-10-D-0009), are each being awarded a performance-based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. El Dorado is being awarded $8,063,984, and SAIC is being awarded $8,436,024, to provide engineering and demilitarization of munitions; provide analytical engineering and technical support services; analyze requirements; perform assessment; data analysis/management; technical support; and program management support for the Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD customers. The contract includes four one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $43,063,421 for El Dorado Engineering, Inc., and $44,509,256 for SAIC. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with six offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md. is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman System Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $9,999,999 contract which will provide for additional long-lead funding of two Global Hawk Block 30M systems and two Global Hawk Block 40 systems. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8602-09-C-4001, P00003).
Refinery Associates of Texas, Inc.,* New Braunfels, Texas, was awarded a maximum $253,790,281 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for naval distillate fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is the Defense Energy Support Center. The original proposal was Web solicited with 27 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2011. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0471)
Hesco Bastion Ltd., United Kingdom, is being awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for protective barriers. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are U.S. Forces in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. The original proposal was Web solicited with seven responses. This contract is for a two-year base with two one-year options. The estimated annual value of the contract is $100,000,000. Total potential maximum value of the contract is $1,000,000,000. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM8E6-10-D-0008)
Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $68,347,800 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel. Other location of performance is in Corpus Christi, Texas. This is under the Foreign Military Sales program. The original proposal was Web solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 30, 2010. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0460).
Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $13,663,315 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for transmission assembly parts and axle assembly parts. Other locations of performance are Troy, Mich., and France. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 16, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Warren, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-C-0030).
ARMY
BAE Systems, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on April 8 a $54,817,602 firm-fixed-price contract for an application of federal retail excise tax on 2,002 family vehicles now remaining inside the contiguous United States due to change in mission requirements. Work is to be performed in Sealy, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0460).
Kiewit Building Group, Omaha, Neb., was awarded on April 8 a $38,274,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of 276-person barracks for Aviation Task Force Phase 1, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Work is to be performed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 9, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-10-C-0005).
Voith Hydro, Inc., York, Pa., was awarded on April 8 a $30,818,940 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the purchase and installation of a power generation turbine. This contract upgrades the hydraulic generation turbine and is for the fabrication and delivery required to replace the runner, rewind the generator stator with a digital governor, and replaces the existing excitation system with a new digital excitation system. Work is to be performed in York, Pa. (87.8 percent), and Stockton, Mo. (12.2 percent), with an estimated completion date of Nov. 19, 2013. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-1020).
Barriere Construction Co., LLC, Metairie, La., was awarded on April 8 a $16,994,620 firm-fixed-price contract for Lake Pontchartrain and vicinity, I-10 crossing of the south point to CSX railroad levee reach, LPV 109.02b, Orleans Parish, La. Work is to be performed in Orleans Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of April 23, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities and Army Single Face to Industry Web sites, with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, Hurricane Protection Office, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0071).
R.C. Construction Company, Inc., Greenwood, Miss., was awarded on April 8 a $12,981,723 firm-fixed-price contract to construct training area infrastructure at northern maneuver training area. Primary facilities include training area roads, existing training area road repair, turn pads, low water crossings, traffic signage, and field training/staging area. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 10, 2011. Six bids were solicited with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-D-0011).
General Electric Engine Services, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on April 8 an $8,495,120 firm-fixed-price contract for overhaul/recapitalization of 10 T700-GE-701 and 60 T700-GE-701C/D turbine engine cold section modules applicable to the UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The national stock numbers are 2840-01-121-0751 and 2840-01-284-4013. Work is to be performed in Arkansas City, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-AL-M, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-D-0063).
NAVY
BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $29,636,486 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) post shakedown availability (PSA). This contract is for services and material for the PSA and specific efforts include: program management, planning, engineering, design, liaison, scheduling, labor, and procurement of incidental material. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (91 percent), and Chesapeake, Va. (9 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $5,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with four proposals received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-2204).
The Consulting Network Inc.*, Middletown, Md., is being awarded a $15,105,220 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-6264) for software and hardware development, systems engineering, and procurement of commercial off-the-shelf products and hardware/software integration, in support of USS Virginia Class submarine and other submarine/surface ship systems. These services will provide for the continued engineering, fabrication, test, installation, and training services for the analysis, design, and prototyping of components related to open architecture concepts. Work will be performed in Middletown, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $10,208,402 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4417) for the execution efforts of the USS Miami (SSN 755) docking continuous maintenance availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $10,208,402 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.
Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., is being awarded an $8,768,862 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6306) for depot repair parts and material for repair of 1,300 production systems for dismounted Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) systems. Dismounted JCREW systems are electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices. Work will be performed in Sparks, Nev. (90 percent), and Rancho Cordova, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems, Land and Armaments LP, U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded an $8,631,426 not-to-exceed modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5394) for mechanical design agent and canister integration of standard missiles SM-3 and SM-6 into the MK 41 vertical launching system (VLS). The MK 41 VLS provides a missile launching system for CG 47 and DDG 51-class surface combatants of the Navy, as well as surface combatants of allied navies. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (80 percent), Brea, Calif. (15 percent), and San Diego, Calif. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
El Dorado Engineering, Inc.,* Salt Lake City, Utah (N00174-10-D-0007), and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), McLean, Va. (N00174-10-D-0009), are each being awarded a performance-based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. El Dorado is being awarded $8,063,984, and SAIC is being awarded $8,436,024, to provide engineering and demilitarization of munitions; provide analytical engineering and technical support services; analyze requirements; perform assessment; data analysis/management; technical support; and program management support for the Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD customers. The contract includes four one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $43,063,421 for El Dorado Engineering, Inc., and $44,509,256 for SAIC. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with six offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md. is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman System Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $9,999,999 contract which will provide for additional long-lead funding of two Global Hawk Block 30M systems and two Global Hawk Block 40 systems. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8602-09-C-4001, P00003).
Former U.S. Army Colonel Pleads Guilty to Accepting Illegal Gratuities Related to Contracting in Support of Iraq War
Defendant Accepted $50,000 and Tickets Related to Award of $12 Million Contract
April 14, 2010 - A retired colonel in the U.S. Army pleaded guilty today to accepting thousands of dollars in gratuities from a contractor during his deployment to Iraq as a contracting officer’s representative, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division.
Kevin A. Davis, 52, of Springdale, Md., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton in the District of Columbia to a criminal information charging him with three counts of accepting an illegal gratuity. According to the court document, Col. Davis served in 2004 as the senior member of the source selection board responsible for the award of a contract valued at nearly $12 million to build and operate several Department of Defense warehouses around Iraq. In the period during and after the solicitation of the warehouse contract, Davis accepted two airplane tickets and $50,000 in cash from the contractor who submitted the successful bid for the contract. Davis admitted that he accepted the airplane tickets and money with the understanding and belief that they were for or because of his assistance to the contractor who received the warehouse contract.
"Today’s guilty plea by a retired colonel in the U.S. Army is a powerful reminder that fraud can corrupt even those we think of as incorruptible," said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer. "The Public Integrity Section and our law enforcement partners will continue to unravel these complex and wide-ranging contractor fraud schemes in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait."
"This guilty plea by Kevin Davis, a co-conspirator in a large contract fraud scheme, is further evidence of SIGIR’S collective efforts to root out public corruption within the Iraq program," said Stuart W. Bowen Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR). "SIGIR remains committed to investigating wrongdoing and enforcing accountability in concert with our partner law enforcement agencies."
"This case illustrates that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and its law enforcement partners, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, will not stand to have the contracting process circumvented for personal gain. Cleaning up contract fraud in Southwest Asia, to include bribery and gratuities, is the highest priority for DCIS. While we applaud this result today, it also sets forth a good example of conduct that cannot - and will not - be tolerated," said James Burch, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, DCIS.
Davis faces up to two years in prison and a fine of $250,000 per charged count. In addition, Davis agreed to pay $62,500 in restitution to the United States. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the court.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and Kevin O. Driscoll of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Trial Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher and Emily W. Allen of the Criminal and Antitrust Divisions. The case is being investigated by the Army Criminal Investigations Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, and members of the National Procurement Fraud Task Force and the International Contract Corruption Task Force (ICCTF).
Today’s charges are an example of the Department of Justice’s commitment to protect U.S. taxpayers from procurement fraud through the National Procurement Fraud Task Force. The National Procurement Fraud Initiative, announced in October 2006, is designed to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The ICCTF is a joint law enforcement agency task force that seeks to detect, investigate and dismantle corruption and contract fraud resulting from U.S. Overseas Contingency Operations, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.
Anyone with information concerning illegal conduct in the procurement of goods or services involving DOD contracts in Iraq or Afghanistan is urged to contact the National Procurement Fraud Task Force at 202- 514-7023 or the Public Integrity Section at 202-514-1412.
April 14, 2010 - A retired colonel in the U.S. Army pleaded guilty today to accepting thousands of dollars in gratuities from a contractor during his deployment to Iraq as a contracting officer’s representative, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division.
Kevin A. Davis, 52, of Springdale, Md., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton in the District of Columbia to a criminal information charging him with three counts of accepting an illegal gratuity. According to the court document, Col. Davis served in 2004 as the senior member of the source selection board responsible for the award of a contract valued at nearly $12 million to build and operate several Department of Defense warehouses around Iraq. In the period during and after the solicitation of the warehouse contract, Davis accepted two airplane tickets and $50,000 in cash from the contractor who submitted the successful bid for the contract. Davis admitted that he accepted the airplane tickets and money with the understanding and belief that they were for or because of his assistance to the contractor who received the warehouse contract.
"Today’s guilty plea by a retired colonel in the U.S. Army is a powerful reminder that fraud can corrupt even those we think of as incorruptible," said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer. "The Public Integrity Section and our law enforcement partners will continue to unravel these complex and wide-ranging contractor fraud schemes in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait."
"This guilty plea by Kevin Davis, a co-conspirator in a large contract fraud scheme, is further evidence of SIGIR’S collective efforts to root out public corruption within the Iraq program," said Stuart W. Bowen Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR). "SIGIR remains committed to investigating wrongdoing and enforcing accountability in concert with our partner law enforcement agencies."
"This case illustrates that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and its law enforcement partners, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, will not stand to have the contracting process circumvented for personal gain. Cleaning up contract fraud in Southwest Asia, to include bribery and gratuities, is the highest priority for DCIS. While we applaud this result today, it also sets forth a good example of conduct that cannot - and will not - be tolerated," said James Burch, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, DCIS.
Davis faces up to two years in prison and a fine of $250,000 per charged count. In addition, Davis agreed to pay $62,500 in restitution to the United States. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the court.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and Kevin O. Driscoll of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Trial Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher and Emily W. Allen of the Criminal and Antitrust Divisions. The case is being investigated by the Army Criminal Investigations Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, and members of the National Procurement Fraud Task Force and the International Contract Corruption Task Force (ICCTF).
Today’s charges are an example of the Department of Justice’s commitment to protect U.S. taxpayers from procurement fraud through the National Procurement Fraud Task Force. The National Procurement Fraud Initiative, announced in October 2006, is designed to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The ICCTF is a joint law enforcement agency task force that seeks to detect, investigate and dismantle corruption and contract fraud resulting from U.S. Overseas Contingency Operations, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.
Anyone with information concerning illegal conduct in the procurement of goods or services involving DOD contracts in Iraq or Afghanistan is urged to contact the National Procurement Fraud Task Force at 202- 514-7023 or the Public Integrity Section at 202-514-1412.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
DOD Announces Winners of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards
April 13, 2010 - The Department of Defense has announced the winners of the 2010 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. A panel of judges representing federal and state agencies, academia, and the public has selected the following installations, teams and individuals as the winners of this year's awards:
Fort Custer Training Center, Michigan Army National Guard
Natural Resources Conservation - Small Installation
Camp Guernsey, Wyoming Army National Guard
Cultural Resources Management - Installation
Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii
Environmental Quality - Non-industrial Installation
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, Calif.
Sustainability - Industrial Installation
Hill Air Force Base, Utah
Environmental Restoration - Installation
Stephen M. Sieber, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Natural Resources Conservation - Individual/Team
Awni M.Almasri, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Bahrain
Environmental Quality - Individual/Team
Regina Dixon Butler, 45 SW restoration project manager, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.
Environmental Restoration - Individual/Team
Aeronautical Systems Center, 77th AESW, Acquisition Environmental and Occupational
Health Risk Management Branch (ASC/ENVV), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Each year since 1962 the secretary of defense has honored individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements to conserve and sustain the natural and cultural resources entrusted to the Department of Defense. The under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics will officiate at the ceremony honoring the winners on June 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Center Courtyard.
For more information on the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards and highlights of this year's winners and honorable mentions, please visit http://www.denix.osd.mil/portal/page/portal/Awards.
Fort Custer Training Center, Michigan Army National Guard
Natural Resources Conservation - Small Installation
Camp Guernsey, Wyoming Army National Guard
Cultural Resources Management - Installation
Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii
Environmental Quality - Non-industrial Installation
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, Calif.
Sustainability - Industrial Installation
Hill Air Force Base, Utah
Environmental Restoration - Installation
Stephen M. Sieber, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Natural Resources Conservation - Individual/Team
Awni M.Almasri, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Bahrain
Environmental Quality - Individual/Team
Regina Dixon Butler, 45 SW restoration project manager, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.
Environmental Restoration - Individual/Team
Aeronautical Systems Center, 77th AESW, Acquisition Environmental and Occupational
Health Risk Management Branch (ASC/ENVV), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Each year since 1962 the secretary of defense has honored individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements to conserve and sustain the natural and cultural resources entrusted to the Department of Defense. The under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics will officiate at the ceremony honoring the winners on June 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Center Courtyard.
For more information on the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards and highlights of this year's winners and honorable mentions, please visit http://www.denix.osd.mil/portal/page/portal/Awards.
Warrior Games Seek to Inspire Disabled Warriors
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
April 13, 2010 - The goal of the inaugural Warrior Games, scheduled for May 11-14, is to build confidence and provide rehabilitation for disabled servicemembers and veterans, the commander of U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command said yesterday.
"We want to inspire [disabled] soldiers to get out there and prove that there are a lot of things that they really can do," Army Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek said in an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel. "It sort of reinforces the notion that all the services have: [The Warrior Games] is about your abilities, not your disabilities. Yes, your life may be changed, but it's not over."
The games in Colorado Springs, Colo., will feature some 200 of the most athletic wounded active-duty members and military veterans in Paralympic-style competition. The U.S. Olympic Committee will host the games, and events will include shooting, swimming, archery, track, discus, shot put, cycling, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.
The opening ceremony is expected to bring more than 1,000 people, including the athletes, coaches and spectators. Rolling Thunder, a Vietnam War veterans advocacy group known for its patriotic motorcycle rides across the country, will escort an American flag from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City to Colorado Springs. Roger Staubach and Rocky Bleier -- former National Football League greats and military veterans --also are expected to be part of the ceremony, along with a parachute team.
Cheek, who helped to come up with the idea for the games, praised his partners in the U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympic division, calling their support "spectacular" in helping to facilitate and organize the games. Along with hosting the games at their training site, the committee has allotted Paralympic coaches to hone the competitors' skills in the days leading up to the competition. Competitors also will be staying in lodging and using the dining facilities at the Olympic training site.
"The enthusiasm from [the Olympic Committee], their desire to support this, has been very gratifying," the general said. "The amount of cooperation between the services has been really spectacular as well. We've been working on [the Warrior Games] for the past eight months pretty hard, with recurring meetings and milestones and things to meet. It's been quite a team effort."
All of the athletes have been selected and identified for the games. The Army will be represented by 100 soldiers chosen out of a pool of almost 9,000 wounded warriors. The Marine Corps will send 50 competitors, the Air Force will send 25, and the Coast Guard and Navy will combine to send 25 more.
The competition is open to military members and veterans with bodily injuries as well as mental wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The Defense Department is paying for the coaches and also is picking up the tab for competitors' room and board and travel expenses.
The department also will fund one person -- whether it's a medical professional, a friend or a family member -- to accompany athletes with special needs or in-home care. Military and Olympic physicians also will be on hand at the games.
For the past several weeks, Cheek has been visiting with Army competitors, their families and warrior transition units across the services to get an understanding of how they feel about the games. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from troops looking to compete, but overall, the response has been somewhat varied, he acknowledged.
Some troops want to participate in the games immediately, Cheek explained, while others are a little wary and just not mentally or physically ready for this level of competition. Also, some wounded warriors are concerned about how the games would interfere with their rehabilitation regimens and their progress.
"The response from [wounded warriors] is somewhat mixed, but those for whom the timing is right and the desire is there, the feedback is very, very positive," Cheek said. "Just the fact that we've had over twice as many applicants as we have for the number of slots is a good indication of the level of desire the soldiers have to get into this."
Cheek also has learned from his visits with troops that setting goals can make a tremendous impact on recovery. Goal-oriented troops seem to have a much faster recovery rate, another positive aspect the games may have, he said.
This is the type of foundation and mindset Cheek hopes the Warrior Games and adaptive sports will help to instill in all disabled servicemembers and veterans, he said.
"Every soldier is unique, but it is interesting to note that those with their own personal will and desire can really accelerate their healing process and get back into life," he said. "The fact that we're pushing them in a physical venture to push themselves hard and to go out and compete ... is a big part of that."
Although there are some mental and emotional advantages to the games, Cheek said, he sees the games for what they are -- an athletic competition. He looks forward to the troops challenging each other, "talking trash" and being really motivated to win, he said.
"I really see the Warrior Games as a great and challenging athletic event, and may the best athletes win," the general said. "Will there be some therapeutic benefits? I think there will be. [But] I'm looking forward to a little bit of the trash talking that'll be going on among those soldiers and letting them try to get back into a new normal for them -- let them get into an environment where they can knock heads and mess with each other and have some fun."
But mostly, Cheek said, he is looking forward to sitting down and chat with the competitors after the games to get their feedback and find out what could have been done better.
"Let the games begin," he said. "I'm ready to get out there and see what happens. I really want our soldiers to realize that it's all about your abilities, not your disabilities."
American Forces Press Service
April 13, 2010 - The goal of the inaugural Warrior Games, scheduled for May 11-14, is to build confidence and provide rehabilitation for disabled servicemembers and veterans, the commander of U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command said yesterday.
"We want to inspire [disabled] soldiers to get out there and prove that there are a lot of things that they really can do," Army Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek said in an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel. "It sort of reinforces the notion that all the services have: [The Warrior Games] is about your abilities, not your disabilities. Yes, your life may be changed, but it's not over."
The games in Colorado Springs, Colo., will feature some 200 of the most athletic wounded active-duty members and military veterans in Paralympic-style competition. The U.S. Olympic Committee will host the games, and events will include shooting, swimming, archery, track, discus, shot put, cycling, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.
The opening ceremony is expected to bring more than 1,000 people, including the athletes, coaches and spectators. Rolling Thunder, a Vietnam War veterans advocacy group known for its patriotic motorcycle rides across the country, will escort an American flag from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City to Colorado Springs. Roger Staubach and Rocky Bleier -- former National Football League greats and military veterans --also are expected to be part of the ceremony, along with a parachute team.
Cheek, who helped to come up with the idea for the games, praised his partners in the U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympic division, calling their support "spectacular" in helping to facilitate and organize the games. Along with hosting the games at their training site, the committee has allotted Paralympic coaches to hone the competitors' skills in the days leading up to the competition. Competitors also will be staying in lodging and using the dining facilities at the Olympic training site.
"The enthusiasm from [the Olympic Committee], their desire to support this, has been very gratifying," the general said. "The amount of cooperation between the services has been really spectacular as well. We've been working on [the Warrior Games] for the past eight months pretty hard, with recurring meetings and milestones and things to meet. It's been quite a team effort."
All of the athletes have been selected and identified for the games. The Army will be represented by 100 soldiers chosen out of a pool of almost 9,000 wounded warriors. The Marine Corps will send 50 competitors, the Air Force will send 25, and the Coast Guard and Navy will combine to send 25 more.
The competition is open to military members and veterans with bodily injuries as well as mental wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The Defense Department is paying for the coaches and also is picking up the tab for competitors' room and board and travel expenses.
The department also will fund one person -- whether it's a medical professional, a friend or a family member -- to accompany athletes with special needs or in-home care. Military and Olympic physicians also will be on hand at the games.
For the past several weeks, Cheek has been visiting with Army competitors, their families and warrior transition units across the services to get an understanding of how they feel about the games. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from troops looking to compete, but overall, the response has been somewhat varied, he acknowledged.
Some troops want to participate in the games immediately, Cheek explained, while others are a little wary and just not mentally or physically ready for this level of competition. Also, some wounded warriors are concerned about how the games would interfere with their rehabilitation regimens and their progress.
"The response from [wounded warriors] is somewhat mixed, but those for whom the timing is right and the desire is there, the feedback is very, very positive," Cheek said. "Just the fact that we've had over twice as many applicants as we have for the number of slots is a good indication of the level of desire the soldiers have to get into this."
Cheek also has learned from his visits with troops that setting goals can make a tremendous impact on recovery. Goal-oriented troops seem to have a much faster recovery rate, another positive aspect the games may have, he said.
This is the type of foundation and mindset Cheek hopes the Warrior Games and adaptive sports will help to instill in all disabled servicemembers and veterans, he said.
"Every soldier is unique, but it is interesting to note that those with their own personal will and desire can really accelerate their healing process and get back into life," he said. "The fact that we're pushing them in a physical venture to push themselves hard and to go out and compete ... is a big part of that."
Although there are some mental and emotional advantages to the games, Cheek said, he sees the games for what they are -- an athletic competition. He looks forward to the troops challenging each other, "talking trash" and being really motivated to win, he said.
"I really see the Warrior Games as a great and challenging athletic event, and may the best athletes win," the general said. "Will there be some therapeutic benefits? I think there will be. [But] I'm looking forward to a little bit of the trash talking that'll be going on among those soldiers and letting them try to get back into a new normal for them -- let them get into an environment where they can knock heads and mess with each other and have some fun."
But mostly, Cheek said, he is looking forward to sitting down and chat with the competitors after the games to get their feedback and find out what could have been done better.
"Let the games begin," he said. "I'm ready to get out there and see what happens. I really want our soldiers to realize that it's all about your abilities, not your disabilities."
Risk of Nuclear Attack Has Grown, Obama Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 13, 2010 - While the risk of nuclear war between countries has dropped, the risk of a nuclear attack has risen, President Barack Obama said today.
Obama officially opened the Nuclear Security Summit here, where leaders of 47 nations are meeting to address the problems of nuclear materials and the threats that rogue nations and terrorist groups pose.
Dozens of nations have nuclear materials that could be sold or stolen and fashioned into nuclear weapons, Obama said. "Just the smallest amount of plutonium, about the size of an apple, could kill and injure hundreds of thousands of innocent people," the president said.
Terror groups would use the weapon if they could get their hands on one, Obama told the group, specifically citing al-Qaida's efforts to acquire nuclear materials. "If they ever succeeded, they would surely use it," he said. "Were they to do so, it would be a catastrophe for the world, causing extraordinary loss of life and striking a major blow to global peace and stability." Nuclear terrorism is the greatest threat to the world today, and the world needs to take action, he added.
The meeting is an outgrowth of the president's call for an international effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials in four years.
"This is one part of a broader comprehensive agenda that the United States is pursuing, including reducing our nuclear arsenal and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons – an agenda that will bring us closer to our ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons," he said.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1887 endorses this agenda.
White House officials said progress already has been made, with Ukraine agreeing to get rid of its weapons-grade nuclear materials by 2012.
Obama detailed the conference's agenda, noting that the morning session would look at ways to secure nuclear materials, and to prevent illicit trafficking and smuggling. The lunch session will look at ways to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency. The afternoon session will look at strengthening cooperation and to form partnerships among nations to prevent nuclear materials from ever falling into the hands of terrorists.
South Korea has agreed to host the next Nuclear Security Summit in 2012.
"For the sake of our common security, for the sake of our survival, we cannot drift," Obama said. "We need a new manner of thinking and action. That is the challenge before us."
American Forces Press Service
April 13, 2010 - While the risk of nuclear war between countries has dropped, the risk of a nuclear attack has risen, President Barack Obama said today.
Obama officially opened the Nuclear Security Summit here, where leaders of 47 nations are meeting to address the problems of nuclear materials and the threats that rogue nations and terrorist groups pose.
Dozens of nations have nuclear materials that could be sold or stolen and fashioned into nuclear weapons, Obama said. "Just the smallest amount of plutonium, about the size of an apple, could kill and injure hundreds of thousands of innocent people," the president said.
Terror groups would use the weapon if they could get their hands on one, Obama told the group, specifically citing al-Qaida's efforts to acquire nuclear materials. "If they ever succeeded, they would surely use it," he said. "Were they to do so, it would be a catastrophe for the world, causing extraordinary loss of life and striking a major blow to global peace and stability." Nuclear terrorism is the greatest threat to the world today, and the world needs to take action, he added.
The meeting is an outgrowth of the president's call for an international effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials in four years.
"This is one part of a broader comprehensive agenda that the United States is pursuing, including reducing our nuclear arsenal and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons – an agenda that will bring us closer to our ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons," he said.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1887 endorses this agenda.
White House officials said progress already has been made, with Ukraine agreeing to get rid of its weapons-grade nuclear materials by 2012.
Obama detailed the conference's agenda, noting that the morning session would look at ways to secure nuclear materials, and to prevent illicit trafficking and smuggling. The lunch session will look at ways to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency. The afternoon session will look at strengthening cooperation and to form partnerships among nations to prevent nuclear materials from ever falling into the hands of terrorists.
South Korea has agreed to host the next Nuclear Security Summit in 2012.
"For the sake of our common security, for the sake of our survival, we cannot drift," Obama said. "We need a new manner of thinking and action. That is the challenge before us."
USS Crommelin Attends Merrie Monarch Festival
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Eric J. Cutright
April 13, 2010 - HILO, Hawaii (NNS) -- Sailors from the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) took part in the annual Merrie Monarch Festival on the "Big Island" of Hawaii April 8-10.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a weeklong event that celebrates the perpetuation, preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture through education and the art of the hula.
Crommelin arrived at Hilo Pier on April 8, for a three-day port visit, where the crew had an opportunity to enjoy nightly hula competitions and to take part in the culturally-driven Hawaiian event.
"This is now the 47th year that the Navy has been represented here in Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival, and it's a tremendous honor for the Sailors of USS Crommelin to have been invited to participate in the ceremony," said Cmdr. Joseph M. Keenan Jr., the commanding officer of USS Crommelin.
Crommelin Sailors were able to enjoy liberty call soon after arriving at Hilo and some took the opportunity to participate in a community relations project at a Girl Scout Service Center.
"I'm just trying to help the community in any way I can while we're here for the Merrie Monarch," said Logistics Specialist 2nd class (SW/AW) Derrick Denmark.
The volunteers painted the entire outside of the service center, which provides the island's girl scouts with their supplies as well as a place for the scout troops to hold meetings.
At night, the Crommelin Sailors were invited to attend the Merrie Monarch hula competitions at the Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium.
"The fact that these Sailors were able to witness hula firsthand; I think that's really what's touched them the most. They really got to see what the aloha spirit is all about," said Command Senior Chief (SW) Matthew Danforth.
Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, joined Crommelin on its second day in Hilo, where he participated in the official pierside welcome ceremony. Smith, along with Keenan, presented plaques signifying the Navy's appreciation to the associate director of Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo Council of the Navy League and the King and Queen of the Merrie Monarch Festival.
After the ceremony, Crommelin hosted a luncheon on the flight deck for its honored guests.
"It's a wonderful experience for me," said Lisa Akana-Baltero, the Mo'i Wahine, or Queen of the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Court. "I enjoyed seeing the ship and having conversations with the crew on board. It was just a wonderful event."
On radio station KMXX FM 94.7 Hilo, radio personality Kaohu James had an opportunity to chat with Smith and Navy League Hilo Council President David DeLuz, Jr. about the Navy's participation in the popular festival and shared the importance of the Navy's presence in Hawaii.
On the third and final day of the Crommelin's involvement, Keenan, along with his executive officer and command senior chief, led his crew as they marched in the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade through downtown Hilo. Smith, joined by his wife, Kiki, walked beside the Crommelin Sailors while waving and shaking hands with people along the way.
"We are thrilled to be here," said Keenan. "The Navy and Hilo have roots that go back many, many years, and we are proud to represent the Navy at the 2010 Merrie Monarch Festival."
Before leaving Hilo, Crommelin welcomed 14 cadets from Waiakea High School Navy JROTC in Hilo to embark the ship on its return trip to Pearl Harbor.
Chief Boatswain's Mate Scott Fraser, Waiakea High School NJROTC Naval science instructor, thanked the commanding officer and crew of Crommelin for all they have done for the young cadets.
"They made us feel like real shipmates while on board. All the accommodations and tours that they gave us were fantastic," he said. The cadets thoroughly enjoyed the steel-beach picnic and flight deck movie. "I couldn't have asked for a better event," he added.
While in Pearl Harbor, the cadets toured Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Arizona Memorial and World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
April 13, 2010 - HILO, Hawaii (NNS) -- Sailors from the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) took part in the annual Merrie Monarch Festival on the "Big Island" of Hawaii April 8-10.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a weeklong event that celebrates the perpetuation, preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture through education and the art of the hula.
Crommelin arrived at Hilo Pier on April 8, for a three-day port visit, where the crew had an opportunity to enjoy nightly hula competitions and to take part in the culturally-driven Hawaiian event.
"This is now the 47th year that the Navy has been represented here in Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival, and it's a tremendous honor for the Sailors of USS Crommelin to have been invited to participate in the ceremony," said Cmdr. Joseph M. Keenan Jr., the commanding officer of USS Crommelin.
Crommelin Sailors were able to enjoy liberty call soon after arriving at Hilo and some took the opportunity to participate in a community relations project at a Girl Scout Service Center.
"I'm just trying to help the community in any way I can while we're here for the Merrie Monarch," said Logistics Specialist 2nd class (SW/AW) Derrick Denmark.
The volunteers painted the entire outside of the service center, which provides the island's girl scouts with their supplies as well as a place for the scout troops to hold meetings.
At night, the Crommelin Sailors were invited to attend the Merrie Monarch hula competitions at the Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium.
"The fact that these Sailors were able to witness hula firsthand; I think that's really what's touched them the most. They really got to see what the aloha spirit is all about," said Command Senior Chief (SW) Matthew Danforth.
Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, joined Crommelin on its second day in Hilo, where he participated in the official pierside welcome ceremony. Smith, along with Keenan, presented plaques signifying the Navy's appreciation to the associate director of Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo Council of the Navy League and the King and Queen of the Merrie Monarch Festival.
After the ceremony, Crommelin hosted a luncheon on the flight deck for its honored guests.
"It's a wonderful experience for me," said Lisa Akana-Baltero, the Mo'i Wahine, or Queen of the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Court. "I enjoyed seeing the ship and having conversations with the crew on board. It was just a wonderful event."
On radio station KMXX FM 94.7 Hilo, radio personality Kaohu James had an opportunity to chat with Smith and Navy League Hilo Council President David DeLuz, Jr. about the Navy's participation in the popular festival and shared the importance of the Navy's presence in Hawaii.
On the third and final day of the Crommelin's involvement, Keenan, along with his executive officer and command senior chief, led his crew as they marched in the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade through downtown Hilo. Smith, joined by his wife, Kiki, walked beside the Crommelin Sailors while waving and shaking hands with people along the way.
"We are thrilled to be here," said Keenan. "The Navy and Hilo have roots that go back many, many years, and we are proud to represent the Navy at the 2010 Merrie Monarch Festival."
Before leaving Hilo, Crommelin welcomed 14 cadets from Waiakea High School Navy JROTC in Hilo to embark the ship on its return trip to Pearl Harbor.
Chief Boatswain's Mate Scott Fraser, Waiakea High School NJROTC Naval science instructor, thanked the commanding officer and crew of Crommelin for all they have done for the young cadets.
"They made us feel like real shipmates while on board. All the accommodations and tours that they gave us were fantastic," he said. The cadets thoroughly enjoyed the steel-beach picnic and flight deck movie. "I couldn't have asked for a better event," he added.
While in Pearl Harbor, the cadets toured Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Arizona Memorial and World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Air Force Services officials launch Month of the Military Child programs
by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
April 12, 2010 - WASHINGTON -- Air Force Services officials are highlighting a variety and scope of programs in partnership with base agencies for Month of Military Child and Year of the Air Force Family in recognition of military children and their families.
"Stay Connected" is among several Air Force-wide initiatives designed to help parents and children stay in touch during deployed members' time away from home.
The Air Force Stay Connected Deployment Kit contains items such as stuffed animals, pens and disposable cameras.
"The kit provides young people and parents an avenue to keep a connection during the deployed members' time away from home," said Eliza Nesmith, an Air Force family member programs specialist. "The items in the kit come in pairs, so that the young person and parent can have an item that will help them remember each other."
Active duty, Guard and Reserve locations received the kits for assembly and use during Month of Military Child and Year of the Air Force Family. So far, in 2010, deploying families received 8,000 Stay Connected Deployment Kits, with more than 20,000 kits distributed since the program's inception in 2007.
During MOMC, bases throughout the Air Force are hosting special activities at installation libraries, bowling centers, fitness centers, and enlisted and officer clubs. Organizations such as outdoor recreation, security forces and family advocacy are collaborating to promote parades, concerts, book fairs, cookouts, family bingo, block parties and art auctions and more.
The month also includes health and wellness parental education activities such as car seat inspections, pet safety, speech and hearing screenings and brown bag lunch seminars.
"These events combine fun, education and recognition to celebrate military children and continue in our mission of taking care of Airmen and their families," Ms. Nesmith said.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
April 12, 2010 - WASHINGTON -- Air Force Services officials are highlighting a variety and scope of programs in partnership with base agencies for Month of Military Child and Year of the Air Force Family in recognition of military children and their families.
"Stay Connected" is among several Air Force-wide initiatives designed to help parents and children stay in touch during deployed members' time away from home.
The Air Force Stay Connected Deployment Kit contains items such as stuffed animals, pens and disposable cameras.
"The kit provides young people and parents an avenue to keep a connection during the deployed members' time away from home," said Eliza Nesmith, an Air Force family member programs specialist. "The items in the kit come in pairs, so that the young person and parent can have an item that will help them remember each other."
Active duty, Guard and Reserve locations received the kits for assembly and use during Month of Military Child and Year of the Air Force Family. So far, in 2010, deploying families received 8,000 Stay Connected Deployment Kits, with more than 20,000 kits distributed since the program's inception in 2007.
During MOMC, bases throughout the Air Force are hosting special activities at installation libraries, bowling centers, fitness centers, and enlisted and officer clubs. Organizations such as outdoor recreation, security forces and family advocacy are collaborating to promote parades, concerts, book fairs, cookouts, family bingo, block parties and art auctions and more.
The month also includes health and wellness parental education activities such as car seat inspections, pet safety, speech and hearing screenings and brown bag lunch seminars.
"These events combine fun, education and recognition to celebrate military children and continue in our mission of taking care of Airmen and their families," Ms. Nesmith said.
MCPON Highlights Contributions, Sacrifices of the Submarine Force
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (EXW) Jennifer A. Villalovos
April 12, 2010 - GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) visited Naval Submarine Base New London and the World War II National Submarine Memorial in Groton, Conn., from April 8 to 10 to mark the Submarine Force's 110th birthday and commemorate the 47th anniversary of the loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593).
This was the first time MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West visited Groton since he took the position as MCPON. He toured the Naval Submarine Base, visited USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) where he ate lunch with the crew, then toured USS Providence (SSN 719), received a firsthand look at the escape trainer at the Naval Submarine School (NAVSUBSCOL), and pinned a couple of Submarine Warfare pins on newly qualified Sailors from Philadelphia and USS Toledo (SSN 769).
"It was a pretty big opportunity to have MCPON here today, not everyone can say they were pinned by the MCPON," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SS) Benjamin Chance, attached to Philadelphia.
During MCPON's visit to NAVSUBSCOL, he spoke to a group of around 1,400 Sailors currently in school and talked about the first time he walked through the building as a young Sailor in 1981, how far things have come since then and how he would trade places with anyone of them to start his Navy career all over.
Also during the trip, MCPON spoke at the 47th anniversary of the tragic incident of the Thresher. Thresher, a nuclear powered submarine, sank on April 10, 1963, as it conducted deep-diving exercises about 220 miles east of Boston. Everyone on board died in the accident which included 129 Sailors and civilians.
"This memorial stands to honor the sacrifices of those gallant Sailors and civilians in their service to our country," said West. "Today's ceremony reminds us of the courage and bravery these men demonstrated in risking their lives in the development of the Navy's submarine force, a force which has proven to be of tremendous value to our great Navy and our Nation."
The U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII and U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. put together the memorial that included a Tolling of the Boats and a wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII National Submarine Memorial East.
"The submarine profession is a demanding one. Submariners go to sea in ships that sink by design and operate over the vast expanse of hydrospace. Some days, it can be quite exciting. It is certainly satisfying and rewarding, but it can also be a dangerous profession with most missions being completed beyond the public eye," said West.
West concluded his visit to Groton by attending and speaking at the 110th Submarine Birthday Ball which boasted more than 2,300 guests.
The ball was held at the MGM Grand Casino where MCPON was the guest speaker. He spoke to the Sailors and guests about the critical missions the submarine community is performing to maintain the security of our nation and freedom around the world, and expressed how proud he is of the Sailors.
"As a new student at sub school, I thought it was a very great honor to meet the highest enlisted man in the Navy and for him to be a member of the submarine force. He was really down to earth, and it gave me hope that anyone one of us could one day get to his position," said Seaman Recruit Jeffery Chambers.
The theme of the ball was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of USS Triton's (SSRN 586) magnificent accomplishment of successfully executing the first submerged circumnavigation of the world in 1960, covering 3,335.1 nautical miles in 60 days and 21 hours at an average speed of 18 knots. Triton's crew followed the same track as the first surface-circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500s, which took almost three years to complete.
"I'm continually amazed at the enthusiasm, hard work and team work of our Sailors, and it's because of their efforts that we are more ready and more capable than we have been in the history of our great Navy," said West.
April 12, 2010 - GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) visited Naval Submarine Base New London and the World War II National Submarine Memorial in Groton, Conn., from April 8 to 10 to mark the Submarine Force's 110th birthday and commemorate the 47th anniversary of the loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593).
This was the first time MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West visited Groton since he took the position as MCPON. He toured the Naval Submarine Base, visited USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) where he ate lunch with the crew, then toured USS Providence (SSN 719), received a firsthand look at the escape trainer at the Naval Submarine School (NAVSUBSCOL), and pinned a couple of Submarine Warfare pins on newly qualified Sailors from Philadelphia and USS Toledo (SSN 769).
"It was a pretty big opportunity to have MCPON here today, not everyone can say they were pinned by the MCPON," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SS) Benjamin Chance, attached to Philadelphia.
During MCPON's visit to NAVSUBSCOL, he spoke to a group of around 1,400 Sailors currently in school and talked about the first time he walked through the building as a young Sailor in 1981, how far things have come since then and how he would trade places with anyone of them to start his Navy career all over.
Also during the trip, MCPON spoke at the 47th anniversary of the tragic incident of the Thresher. Thresher, a nuclear powered submarine, sank on April 10, 1963, as it conducted deep-diving exercises about 220 miles east of Boston. Everyone on board died in the accident which included 129 Sailors and civilians.
"This memorial stands to honor the sacrifices of those gallant Sailors and civilians in their service to our country," said West. "Today's ceremony reminds us of the courage and bravery these men demonstrated in risking their lives in the development of the Navy's submarine force, a force which has proven to be of tremendous value to our great Navy and our Nation."
The U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII and U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. put together the memorial that included a Tolling of the Boats and a wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII National Submarine Memorial East.
"The submarine profession is a demanding one. Submariners go to sea in ships that sink by design and operate over the vast expanse of hydrospace. Some days, it can be quite exciting. It is certainly satisfying and rewarding, but it can also be a dangerous profession with most missions being completed beyond the public eye," said West.
West concluded his visit to Groton by attending and speaking at the 110th Submarine Birthday Ball which boasted more than 2,300 guests.
The ball was held at the MGM Grand Casino where MCPON was the guest speaker. He spoke to the Sailors and guests about the critical missions the submarine community is performing to maintain the security of our nation and freedom around the world, and expressed how proud he is of the Sailors.
"As a new student at sub school, I thought it was a very great honor to meet the highest enlisted man in the Navy and for him to be a member of the submarine force. He was really down to earth, and it gave me hope that anyone one of us could one day get to his position," said Seaman Recruit Jeffery Chambers.
The theme of the ball was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of USS Triton's (SSRN 586) magnificent accomplishment of successfully executing the first submerged circumnavigation of the world in 1960, covering 3,335.1 nautical miles in 60 days and 21 hours at an average speed of 18 knots. Triton's crew followed the same track as the first surface-circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500s, which took almost three years to complete.
"I'm continually amazed at the enthusiasm, hard work and team work of our Sailors, and it's because of their efforts that we are more ready and more capable than we have been in the history of our great Navy," said West.
USS Independence Trains Crew to Handle Aircraft
By Lt. Zachary Harrell
April 12, 2010 - MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Independence (LCS 2), the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, prepared to embark aircraft aboard the ship by conducting simulated training April 6 and 7 in a variety of situations involving aircraft operations, while in port at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. The training, led by a staff of training personnel from the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON), brings both rotational crews aboard Independence a step closer to earning their certification to conduct aviation operations at sea.
"This training is about ensuring that the crew is proficient in all the procedures involved in handling aircraft aboard a ship," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) Marcus Aguirre of LCSRON. "We are here to assist the crew and ensure they are prepared to get it right when it counts."
The training simulated routine aircraft operations such as helicopter launch, landing and refueling. The crew also practiced responding to circumstances as extreme as removing personnel from a crashed helicopter and extinguishing a fire on the flight deck.
"Helicopters are vital to the mission of LCS because they extend our ability to monitor and manipulate the surrounding environment," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Joseph Wilson, one of the senior members of the "blue crew" team of Independence Sailors being trained. "By training everyday…it builds our confidence by building our muscle memory for when we are faced with the real thing."
One of the most crucial portions of the training is personnel injury response.
"Immediate medical first-responder treatment could mean the difference between life and death for the pilot and passengers," said the "blue crew" independent duty corpsman aboard Independence, Chief Hospital Corpsman Tricia Loomis. "The first responders must be ready to treat everything from burns to broken bones to life-threatening smoke inhalation injuries that could compromise the airway. It is essential they are familiar with appropriate triage [procedures] to ensure the most immediate injuries and casualties are treated first."
Independence is scheduled to complete their final aviation readiness qualification for both blue and gold crews later this month.
Independence, a high-speed aluminum trimaran that departed the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. March 26, is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval technology. The ship is specifically designed to defeat anti-access threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, diesel submarines and mines. LCS features an interchangeable modular design that allows the ship to be reconfigured to meet mission requirements.
April 12, 2010 - MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Independence (LCS 2), the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, prepared to embark aircraft aboard the ship by conducting simulated training April 6 and 7 in a variety of situations involving aircraft operations, while in port at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. The training, led by a staff of training personnel from the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON), brings both rotational crews aboard Independence a step closer to earning their certification to conduct aviation operations at sea.
"This training is about ensuring that the crew is proficient in all the procedures involved in handling aircraft aboard a ship," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) Marcus Aguirre of LCSRON. "We are here to assist the crew and ensure they are prepared to get it right when it counts."
The training simulated routine aircraft operations such as helicopter launch, landing and refueling. The crew also practiced responding to circumstances as extreme as removing personnel from a crashed helicopter and extinguishing a fire on the flight deck.
"Helicopters are vital to the mission of LCS because they extend our ability to monitor and manipulate the surrounding environment," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Joseph Wilson, one of the senior members of the "blue crew" team of Independence Sailors being trained. "By training everyday…it builds our confidence by building our muscle memory for when we are faced with the real thing."
One of the most crucial portions of the training is personnel injury response.
"Immediate medical first-responder treatment could mean the difference between life and death for the pilot and passengers," said the "blue crew" independent duty corpsman aboard Independence, Chief Hospital Corpsman Tricia Loomis. "The first responders must be ready to treat everything from burns to broken bones to life-threatening smoke inhalation injuries that could compromise the airway. It is essential they are familiar with appropriate triage [procedures] to ensure the most immediate injuries and casualties are treated first."
Independence is scheduled to complete their final aviation readiness qualification for both blue and gold crews later this month.
Independence, a high-speed aluminum trimaran that departed the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. March 26, is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval technology. The ship is specifically designed to defeat anti-access threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, diesel submarines and mines. LCS features an interchangeable modular design that allows the ship to be reconfigured to meet mission requirements.
Navy T-39 Crashes Near Blue Ridge, Georgia
From Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs
April 12, 2010 - ELLIJAY, Ga (NNS) -- A T-39N Sabreliner crashed near Ellijay, Ga., at approximately 4 p.m. April 12. There were four personnel aboard the aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing Six based out of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Rescue crews have recovered three bodies from the crash. The status of the fourth crew member is unknown.
The aircraft was conducting a routine cross-country training mission. An investigation board has convened to investigate the cause of the mishap. Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
April 12, 2010 - ELLIJAY, Ga (NNS) -- A T-39N Sabreliner crashed near Ellijay, Ga., at approximately 4 p.m. April 12. There were four personnel aboard the aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing Six based out of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Rescue crews have recovered three bodies from the crash. The status of the fourth crew member is unknown.
The aircraft was conducting a routine cross-country training mission. An investigation board has convened to investigate the cause of the mishap. Names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Carl Vinson Arrives at New Home Port
April 12, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- SAN DIEGO - USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and its 3,500 crew members arrived at their new homeport at Naval Air Station North Island April 12, completing a coast-to-coast transit following operations in the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet area of operations.
The aircraft carrier left Norfolk Jan. 12 and participated in Operation Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command Partnership of the Americas operation, which provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multinational environment. The strike group conducted bilateral training and air exercises with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru and Ecuador. The crew also enjoyed port visits in Rio de Janeiro and Callao, Peru.
"Our efforts with our South American partner nations reinforced our commitment to the common goals of partnership, maritime security and stability," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. "With each country, we learned from each other both operationally and culturally and in doing so we strengthened important relationships."
Prior to Southern Seas 2010, Carl Vinson Strike Group led the initial maritime actions in Operation Unified Response, an international effort to bring humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince. The strike group delivered 147,591 gallons of water, 1,095,442 pounds of food, and 36,250 pounds of medical supplies. The ship's medical team treated 60 patients on board while the air wing flew 1,299 sorties and 1,152 medical evacuations.
"During Operation Unified Response and Southern Seas 2010 we were tasked by the president to be a Global Force for Good, and we delivered. The families and friends of the Carl Vinson, in addition to all Americans, should be extremely proud of their Carl Vinson Strike Group Sailors," said Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, the commanding officer of the Carl Vinson. "San Diego has a long history and rewarding relationship with U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and our Sailors are excited to be an active and positive part of the San Diego community."
The estimated economic impact of Carl Vinson to the local community is more than $400 million annually.
This was a scheduled homeport shift for the ship as Carl Vinson was a West Coast-based carrier before entering its mid-life refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in Newport News, Va., in 2005. The Navy took re-delivery of Carl Vinson in July 2009. During the RCOH period, more than 20 million man-hours of work were accomplished, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years and modernizing combat systems and air wing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness making the ship one of the most advanced ships in the world.
Also aboard the aircraft carrier are elements from Carrier Air Wing 17 including the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 15, the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron 81, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 and the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125. Other Strike Group 1 assets, San Diego based Destroyer Squadron 1 and cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), escorted the carrier around South America and participated in Haiti relief efforts.
The aircraft carrier left Norfolk Jan. 12 and participated in Operation Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command Partnership of the Americas operation, which provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multinational environment. The strike group conducted bilateral training and air exercises with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru and Ecuador. The crew also enjoyed port visits in Rio de Janeiro and Callao, Peru.
"Our efforts with our South American partner nations reinforced our commitment to the common goals of partnership, maritime security and stability," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. "With each country, we learned from each other both operationally and culturally and in doing so we strengthened important relationships."
Prior to Southern Seas 2010, Carl Vinson Strike Group led the initial maritime actions in Operation Unified Response, an international effort to bring humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince. The strike group delivered 147,591 gallons of water, 1,095,442 pounds of food, and 36,250 pounds of medical supplies. The ship's medical team treated 60 patients on board while the air wing flew 1,299 sorties and 1,152 medical evacuations.
"During Operation Unified Response and Southern Seas 2010 we were tasked by the president to be a Global Force for Good, and we delivered. The families and friends of the Carl Vinson, in addition to all Americans, should be extremely proud of their Carl Vinson Strike Group Sailors," said Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, the commanding officer of the Carl Vinson. "San Diego has a long history and rewarding relationship with U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and our Sailors are excited to be an active and positive part of the San Diego community."
The estimated economic impact of Carl Vinson to the local community is more than $400 million annually.
This was a scheduled homeport shift for the ship as Carl Vinson was a West Coast-based carrier before entering its mid-life refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in Newport News, Va., in 2005. The Navy took re-delivery of Carl Vinson in July 2009. During the RCOH period, more than 20 million man-hours of work were accomplished, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years and modernizing combat systems and air wing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness making the ship one of the most advanced ships in the world.
Also aboard the aircraft carrier are elements from Carrier Air Wing 17 including the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 15, the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron 81, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 and the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125. Other Strike Group 1 assets, San Diego based Destroyer Squadron 1 and cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), escorted the carrier around South America and participated in Haiti relief efforts.
National Guard Supports Nuclear Summit
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
National Guard Bureau
April 12, 2010 - The National Guard is helping civilian authorities to protect 46 heads of government and international organizations at the largest domestic summit since the founding of the United Nations.
President Barack Obama is hosting 43 heads of state and three heads of international organizations for the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit held here through tomorrow.
National Guard soldiers and airmen are among those supporting civilian authorities in the largest security operation here since Obama's inauguration, when about 10,000 Guard members were on hand.
About 170 Army and Air National Guard members from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are supporting the summit under the District of Columbia National Guard's Joint Task Force 74, Guard officials said. Among their duties are perimeter security; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives detection; and providing Civil Support Teams, which are standing by in case of incidents.
The summit is centered on the Washington Convention Center and is expected to cause significant traffic disruption here through tomorrow night.
The National Guard is providing personnel, vehicles and communications support. Among units involved are the 33rd Civil Support Team of the District of Columbia, the 32nd Civil Support Team of Maryland and a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability from the Fort Belvoir, Va.-based 29th Infantry Division communications section.
The site communications team provides computer network connectivity, Internet access and voice-over-Internet phone capabilities to give the task force real-time communication capabilities, said Army Maj. Tim Wine, communications officer for the 29th Infantry Division.
"Once again, we are glad to assist the D.C. National Guard in this important security mission," said Army Col. Rob McMillin, operations officer for the Virginia National Guard. "Just as we worked together for the presidential inauguration in January 2009, this mission shows the importance of our organizations working together to share resources to augment our ability to protect the health and welfare of our citizens."
McMillin said that each time it exercises its ability to work with other military or state organizations, the Virginia Guard improves its ability to respond if called to support a larger-scale incident.
Among other duties, National Guard civil support teams assess suspected weapons of mass destruction attacks, advise civilian responders on appropriate actions through on-site testing and expert consultation and facilitate the arrival of additional state and federal military forces.
National Guard Bureau
April 12, 2010 - The National Guard is helping civilian authorities to protect 46 heads of government and international organizations at the largest domestic summit since the founding of the United Nations.
President Barack Obama is hosting 43 heads of state and three heads of international organizations for the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit held here through tomorrow.
National Guard soldiers and airmen are among those supporting civilian authorities in the largest security operation here since Obama's inauguration, when about 10,000 Guard members were on hand.
About 170 Army and Air National Guard members from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are supporting the summit under the District of Columbia National Guard's Joint Task Force 74, Guard officials said. Among their duties are perimeter security; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives detection; and providing Civil Support Teams, which are standing by in case of incidents.
The summit is centered on the Washington Convention Center and is expected to cause significant traffic disruption here through tomorrow night.
The National Guard is providing personnel, vehicles and communications support. Among units involved are the 33rd Civil Support Team of the District of Columbia, the 32nd Civil Support Team of Maryland and a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability from the Fort Belvoir, Va.-based 29th Infantry Division communications section.
The site communications team provides computer network connectivity, Internet access and voice-over-Internet phone capabilities to give the task force real-time communication capabilities, said Army Maj. Tim Wine, communications officer for the 29th Infantry Division.
"Once again, we are glad to assist the D.C. National Guard in this important security mission," said Army Col. Rob McMillin, operations officer for the Virginia National Guard. "Just as we worked together for the presidential inauguration in January 2009, this mission shows the importance of our organizations working together to share resources to augment our ability to protect the health and welfare of our citizens."
McMillin said that each time it exercises its ability to work with other military or state organizations, the Virginia Guard improves its ability to respond if called to support a larger-scale incident.
Among other duties, National Guard civil support teams assess suspected weapons of mass destruction attacks, advise civilian responders on appropriate actions through on-site testing and expert consultation and facilitate the arrival of additional state and federal military forces.
Gates, Brazilian Defense Minister Sign Security Pact
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
April 12, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim signed a new defense cooperation agreement today that Gates said provides an example of partnership and "offers a transparent, positive model for engagement throughout the Americas."
The agreement formalizes the growing security partnership between the United States and Brazil, while establishing a framework to build on that relationship, Gates said.
"This agreement will lead to a deepening of U.S.-Brazil defense cooperation at all levels and will demonstrate how much more effectively we can confront shared security challenges when we work in partnership," he said at the signing ceremony in his Pentagon dining room.
The accord will expand the two countries' relationship into promising areas of mutual interest, including research and development, logistics support, technology security and the acquisition of defense products and services. This cooperation not only will strengthen both countries' military capabilities, but also will provide industrial opportunities, Gates noted.
In addition, the agreement opens the door for more information exchanges about operational experiences, defense technology and peacekeeping operations, as well as more combined training and education and joint military exercises.
Gates lauded Brazil's leadership of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti during the past six years, particularly in leading United Nations relief and recovery efforts following the devastating January earthquake. Thousands of U.S. and Brazilian troops have worked side by side since the earthquake to bring humanitarian aid and security to the Haitian people, he noted.
"The agreement is a formal acknowledgement of the many security interests and values we share as the two most populous democracies in the Americas," Gates said. "These common interests make Brazil's growing involvement and significance in global affairs a welcome development for the United States."
Jobim, to whom Gates extended birthday wishes today, shared Gates' enthusiasm about new opportunities the defense cooperation agreement will open up between the two countries.
Asked if Brazil had decided what new fighter jet it will buy, Jobim said he expects to make a recommendation by the end of May. U.S. officials are hopeful Brazil will choose the U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet over the French Rafale or Swedish Gripen aircraft.
"We would like to have the Brazilians choose the Super Hornet. That would add to our strategic relationship," a senior defense official told reporters. "But this agreement ... contains much more than what each country might buy or procure from each other. There are many other elements to it."
Gates initially had planned to travel to Brasilia for the signing ceremony. However, the venue was rescheduled because Jobim is accompanying Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the two-day nuclear security summit President Barack Obama is hosting in Washington.
Gates will leave tomorrow for Latin America, where he plans to visit Peru, Colombia and the Caribbean to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the region and promote closer defense cooperation.
American Forces Press Service
April 12, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim signed a new defense cooperation agreement today that Gates said provides an example of partnership and "offers a transparent, positive model for engagement throughout the Americas."
The agreement formalizes the growing security partnership between the United States and Brazil, while establishing a framework to build on that relationship, Gates said.
"This agreement will lead to a deepening of U.S.-Brazil defense cooperation at all levels and will demonstrate how much more effectively we can confront shared security challenges when we work in partnership," he said at the signing ceremony in his Pentagon dining room.
The accord will expand the two countries' relationship into promising areas of mutual interest, including research and development, logistics support, technology security and the acquisition of defense products and services. This cooperation not only will strengthen both countries' military capabilities, but also will provide industrial opportunities, Gates noted.
In addition, the agreement opens the door for more information exchanges about operational experiences, defense technology and peacekeeping operations, as well as more combined training and education and joint military exercises.
Gates lauded Brazil's leadership of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti during the past six years, particularly in leading United Nations relief and recovery efforts following the devastating January earthquake. Thousands of U.S. and Brazilian troops have worked side by side since the earthquake to bring humanitarian aid and security to the Haitian people, he noted.
"The agreement is a formal acknowledgement of the many security interests and values we share as the two most populous democracies in the Americas," Gates said. "These common interests make Brazil's growing involvement and significance in global affairs a welcome development for the United States."
Jobim, to whom Gates extended birthday wishes today, shared Gates' enthusiasm about new opportunities the defense cooperation agreement will open up between the two countries.
Asked if Brazil had decided what new fighter jet it will buy, Jobim said he expects to make a recommendation by the end of May. U.S. officials are hopeful Brazil will choose the U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet over the French Rafale or Swedish Gripen aircraft.
"We would like to have the Brazilians choose the Super Hornet. That would add to our strategic relationship," a senior defense official told reporters. "But this agreement ... contains much more than what each country might buy or procure from each other. There are many other elements to it."
Gates initially had planned to travel to Brasilia for the signing ceremony. However, the venue was rescheduled because Jobim is accompanying Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the two-day nuclear security summit President Barack Obama is hosting in Washington.
Gates will leave tomorrow for Latin America, where he plans to visit Peru, Colombia and the Caribbean to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the region and promote closer defense cooperation.
Nuclear Security
Gates: Summit Draws Attention to Nuclear Security
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 12, 2010 - The international summit on nuclear security is an opportunity to draw greater attention to the issues of nuclear nonproliferation and the control of nuclear material, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
The opening of the two-day Nuclear Security Summit, which convenes leaders of more than 40 countries here, today comes on the heels of the unveiling of the Nuclear Posture Review, a Defense Department-led effort that represents the first overarching look at U.S. nuclear strategy since the end of the Cold War.
"One of the things that makes the nuclear posture review different than its predecessors is the priority that it has given to preventing nuclear proliferation and getting better control of nuclear materials around the world," Gates told Pentagon reporters today. "And that is precisely the agenda for the nuclear security conference."
Gates said the summit places emphasis on putting into practice relevant nuclear agreements that have already been forged, and seeking new ways improve nuclear security.
"It is an area that people talk about a lot, but frankly, there hasn't been the kind of concerted international attention in these two areas that there might have been," he said. "So I think it creates some real opportunities."
Appearing alongside Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on CBS' "Face the Nation" yesterday, Gates called it an "extraordinary achievement" to bring together 46 world leaders to discuss nuclear security issues.
Clinton said the goal of the summit would be to gain broader agreement on nuclear security issues in hopes of making nuclear materials less vulnerable to theft or misuse.
"We are seeking to get agreement and a work plan about how each country will do its best to better secure the nuclear material that it has within its borders to prevent the transit of nuclear material," she said.
Gates added that issues of nonproliferation and of gaining control of nuclear materials around the world represent the "key front-end piece" of the Nuclear Posture Review, which was unveiled last week during a Pentagon briefing.
The review articulates a roadmap for cutting the American nuclear arsenal, edging the country toward President Barack Obama's stated long-term goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, and ceases U.S. testing of nuclear weapons and the development of new nuclear weapons platforms.
It culminates a year of efforts involving top interagency officials, and it codifies the new U.S. nuclear stance, which includes a policy to not use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state, even if the state attacks with chemical and biological weapons.
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 12, 2010 - The international summit on nuclear security is an opportunity to draw greater attention to the issues of nuclear nonproliferation and the control of nuclear material, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
The opening of the two-day Nuclear Security Summit, which convenes leaders of more than 40 countries here, today comes on the heels of the unveiling of the Nuclear Posture Review, a Defense Department-led effort that represents the first overarching look at U.S. nuclear strategy since the end of the Cold War.
"One of the things that makes the nuclear posture review different than its predecessors is the priority that it has given to preventing nuclear proliferation and getting better control of nuclear materials around the world," Gates told Pentagon reporters today. "And that is precisely the agenda for the nuclear security conference."
Gates said the summit places emphasis on putting into practice relevant nuclear agreements that have already been forged, and seeking new ways improve nuclear security.
"It is an area that people talk about a lot, but frankly, there hasn't been the kind of concerted international attention in these two areas that there might have been," he said. "So I think it creates some real opportunities."
Appearing alongside Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on CBS' "Face the Nation" yesterday, Gates called it an "extraordinary achievement" to bring together 46 world leaders to discuss nuclear security issues.
Clinton said the goal of the summit would be to gain broader agreement on nuclear security issues in hopes of making nuclear materials less vulnerable to theft or misuse.
"We are seeking to get agreement and a work plan about how each country will do its best to better secure the nuclear material that it has within its borders to prevent the transit of nuclear material," she said.
Gates added that issues of nonproliferation and of gaining control of nuclear materials around the world represent the "key front-end piece" of the Nuclear Posture Review, which was unveiled last week during a Pentagon briefing.
The review articulates a roadmap for cutting the American nuclear arsenal, edging the country toward President Barack Obama's stated long-term goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, and ceases U.S. testing of nuclear weapons and the development of new nuclear weapons platforms.
It culminates a year of efforts involving top interagency officials, and it codifies the new U.S. nuclear stance, which includes a policy to not use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state, even if the state attacks with chemical and biological weapons.
KC-135 testing aims at fueling efficiency, cost savings
by Kenji Thuloweit
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
4/12/2010 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Engineers at the Air Force Flight Test Center here are testing a system known as the Automatic Receiver Aircraft Identification, or ARAI. Currently installed on a test aerial refueler, if the tests are successful, they say, the system will significantly improve air-to-air refueling.
The ARAI is designed to be installed on a KC-135 Stratotanker to make the air-to-air refueling to a receiver aircraft more efficient and economical. Phase 2 testing for the ARAI has begun here, which included a flight test April 7 using an NKC-135 test tanker equipped with ARAI and an F-16 Fighting Falcon equipped with radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags. The NKC-135 will use its ARAI antennas to scan the F-16 for recognition and to accurately gauge the amount of fuel transferred.
"It's an inventory control measure similar to what the large department stores have," said Steve Walden, AFFTC test operations project manager. "It's a similar process to when you walk through the passive system at the door, the tags on the backs of CDs and DVDs are automatically inventoried. That is ARAI in the tanker, fly-up inventory control."
Currently, when an airplane approaches a KC-135 for fuel, the receiver aircraft's information is manually tracked by the boom operator. Information for the receiver plane, such as tail number and squadron, must either be visually identified or communicated by radio. During night operations and radio silence situations, doing this can be complicated.
"(ARAI) helps clean up the process so the boomer can focus on what's really important, refueling the aircraft and completing the mission, rather than administrative tasks," said Karen Etzkorn, a Boeing systems engineer and principal investigator.
Ms. Etzkorn added that when visual identification and communications are hindered for some reason, it takes longer for the KC-135 crew to accurately log the aircraft and fuel information after the refueling process is finished, or sometimes after they land.
Manually entered information can be inaccurate and thus costly. With the ARAI/RFID system, a receiver aircraft with the RFID tags can be scanned by the ARAI and all data retrieved is logged into a computer aboard the tanker. Accurate information is important because when an aircraft is refueled by a KC-135, the receiver's squadron is responsible for the fuel cost.
"There's millions of dollars lost every year because of tracking for fuels that are unaccounted for or allocated incorrectly," Mr. Walden said. "When you go into a certain situation when there's no communication (between the two aircraft), you have to estimate and that's when you could lose money."
Mr. Walden said the ARAI system could potentially save the Air Force money by accurately tracking the amount of fuel downloaded and charging squadrons the proper dollar amount. Air Force officials would be able to budget their fuel needs and costs more efficiently.
The Phase 2 KC-135 ARAI testing is part of the 'proof of concept' portion of the testing process, which includes aerial testing. Once Phase 2 is complete, the testing results and data will be forwarded to Air Force Materiel Command officials for review.
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
4/12/2010 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Engineers at the Air Force Flight Test Center here are testing a system known as the Automatic Receiver Aircraft Identification, or ARAI. Currently installed on a test aerial refueler, if the tests are successful, they say, the system will significantly improve air-to-air refueling.
The ARAI is designed to be installed on a KC-135 Stratotanker to make the air-to-air refueling to a receiver aircraft more efficient and economical. Phase 2 testing for the ARAI has begun here, which included a flight test April 7 using an NKC-135 test tanker equipped with ARAI and an F-16 Fighting Falcon equipped with radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags. The NKC-135 will use its ARAI antennas to scan the F-16 for recognition and to accurately gauge the amount of fuel transferred.
"It's an inventory control measure similar to what the large department stores have," said Steve Walden, AFFTC test operations project manager. "It's a similar process to when you walk through the passive system at the door, the tags on the backs of CDs and DVDs are automatically inventoried. That is ARAI in the tanker, fly-up inventory control."
Currently, when an airplane approaches a KC-135 for fuel, the receiver aircraft's information is manually tracked by the boom operator. Information for the receiver plane, such as tail number and squadron, must either be visually identified or communicated by radio. During night operations and radio silence situations, doing this can be complicated.
"(ARAI) helps clean up the process so the boomer can focus on what's really important, refueling the aircraft and completing the mission, rather than administrative tasks," said Karen Etzkorn, a Boeing systems engineer and principal investigator.
Ms. Etzkorn added that when visual identification and communications are hindered for some reason, it takes longer for the KC-135 crew to accurately log the aircraft and fuel information after the refueling process is finished, or sometimes after they land.
Manually entered information can be inaccurate and thus costly. With the ARAI/RFID system, a receiver aircraft with the RFID tags can be scanned by the ARAI and all data retrieved is logged into a computer aboard the tanker. Accurate information is important because when an aircraft is refueled by a KC-135, the receiver's squadron is responsible for the fuel cost.
"There's millions of dollars lost every year because of tracking for fuels that are unaccounted for or allocated incorrectly," Mr. Walden said. "When you go into a certain situation when there's no communication (between the two aircraft), you have to estimate and that's when you could lose money."
Mr. Walden said the ARAI system could potentially save the Air Force money by accurately tracking the amount of fuel downloaded and charging squadrons the proper dollar amount. Air Force officials would be able to budget their fuel needs and costs more efficiently.
The Phase 2 KC-135 ARAI testing is part of the 'proof of concept' portion of the testing process, which includes aerial testing. Once Phase 2 is complete, the testing results and data will be forwarded to Air Force Materiel Command officials for review.
Wisconsin Airman serves entire installation in Southwest Asia
By Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol
380th Air Expeditionary Wing
April 12, 2010 - An Airman assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison is more than halfway through a six month deployment that began in January, when he volunteered to leave his Middleton home, friends and family, and a job that he loves to gain experience as a military contractor.
Tech. Sgt. Tyson Hall's hometown motto in Middleton is the "Good Neighbor City." As a contracting officer with the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron (ECONS), Southwest Asia, Hall also might be considered a "good neighbor" to the many people he supports throughout the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.
"If you got it, we bought it," said Hall. "As a contracting officer, we appear to be a 'behind the scenes' career field within the Air Force. However, we are involved with every squadron or group on base in one way or another."
Hall said the 380th ECONS mission is separated into three areas to service the majority of base acquisitions - commodities, construction and services.
"I work within the commodities flight with three other contracting officers purchasing for all other squadrons and groups," Hall said. "We purchase items per the customer's request, while remaining within the guidelines as established, and get these items in the hands of the end users as soon as possible at a fair and reasonable price with the best quality commercially available. The workload and days are long with most guys staying here till midnight - six days on and one day off."
In a deployed environment, Hall said the majority of base purchases are directed through the contracting squadron.
"That's done to ensure a streamlined and efficient transaction for a broad range of services, supplies and construction projects," Hall said. "These purchases range from the cleaning of restrooms, providing personnel for food services, construction of living quarters and the installation of slide barriers and traffic spikes. It also includes routine purchases of office furniture, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, security equipment and a variety of other items."
Tech. Sgt. Ryan Johnson, 115th FW contracting officer and one of Hall's coworkers at Traux Field, said Hall has gained a lot of experience while working at the fighter wing despite only working there part-time as a traditional guard member.
"I believe Tech. Sgt. Hall's experience overseas is directly related to his positive attitude, eagerness to learn and his ability to catch on quickly," Johnson said.
Hall, who began his military career with the Army National Guard as a transportation specialist, said he soon realized the benefits the Air Force and the Air National Guard had to offer. Hall reenlisted to the Air National Guard in 2004 and said he enjoys his time here while being deployed. "I feel fortunate and privileged, to be located in the best squadron on base and working alongside with the best active duty contracting officers the Air Force has to offer," Hall said. "I joined the military to explore a challenge. It has always been something that has interested me since I saw my Dad's basic training yearbook when I was elementary school or heard the stories of and from my grandfather Jack Hall - a distinguished World War II veteran.
"The decision was sealed to further explore the opportunities the military had to offer when my cousin, Jon Hall, enlisted in the Marines and my best friend, Jeff Killian, was accepted at West Point," Hall said. "It is, and has been, an honor to be the third generation serving in the military and has made for some interesting and entertaining stories and experiences."
The 380th ECONS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
380th Air Expeditionary Wing
April 12, 2010 - An Airman assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison is more than halfway through a six month deployment that began in January, when he volunteered to leave his Middleton home, friends and family, and a job that he loves to gain experience as a military contractor.
Tech. Sgt. Tyson Hall's hometown motto in Middleton is the "Good Neighbor City." As a contracting officer with the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron (ECONS), Southwest Asia, Hall also might be considered a "good neighbor" to the many people he supports throughout the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.
"If you got it, we bought it," said Hall. "As a contracting officer, we appear to be a 'behind the scenes' career field within the Air Force. However, we are involved with every squadron or group on base in one way or another."
Hall said the 380th ECONS mission is separated into three areas to service the majority of base acquisitions - commodities, construction and services.
"I work within the commodities flight with three other contracting officers purchasing for all other squadrons and groups," Hall said. "We purchase items per the customer's request, while remaining within the guidelines as established, and get these items in the hands of the end users as soon as possible at a fair and reasonable price with the best quality commercially available. The workload and days are long with most guys staying here till midnight - six days on and one day off."
In a deployed environment, Hall said the majority of base purchases are directed through the contracting squadron.
"That's done to ensure a streamlined and efficient transaction for a broad range of services, supplies and construction projects," Hall said. "These purchases range from the cleaning of restrooms, providing personnel for food services, construction of living quarters and the installation of slide barriers and traffic spikes. It also includes routine purchases of office furniture, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, security equipment and a variety of other items."
Tech. Sgt. Ryan Johnson, 115th FW contracting officer and one of Hall's coworkers at Traux Field, said Hall has gained a lot of experience while working at the fighter wing despite only working there part-time as a traditional guard member.
"I believe Tech. Sgt. Hall's experience overseas is directly related to his positive attitude, eagerness to learn and his ability to catch on quickly," Johnson said.
Hall, who began his military career with the Army National Guard as a transportation specialist, said he soon realized the benefits the Air Force and the Air National Guard had to offer. Hall reenlisted to the Air National Guard in 2004 and said he enjoys his time here while being deployed. "I feel fortunate and privileged, to be located in the best squadron on base and working alongside with the best active duty contracting officers the Air Force has to offer," Hall said. "I joined the military to explore a challenge. It has always been something that has interested me since I saw my Dad's basic training yearbook when I was elementary school or heard the stories of and from my grandfather Jack Hall - a distinguished World War II veteran.
"The decision was sealed to further explore the opportunities the military had to offer when my cousin, Jon Hall, enlisted in the Marines and my best friend, Jeff Killian, was accepted at West Point," Hall said. "It is, and has been, an honor to be the third generation serving in the military and has made for some interesting and entertaining stories and experiences."
The 380th ECONS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
Mrs. Obama, Dr. Biden Praise Military Children
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
April 12, 2010 - The wives of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute to military children, honoring their strength and sacrifice, in a Month of the Military Child video message posted on the White House Web site.
"As a grateful nation, it is our sacred responsibility to stand by our military children, just as they and their families stand by us," First Lady Michelle Obama said.
From improving their schools to strengthening their communities to supporting their parents and guardians, she added, "President Obama is committed to ensuring that this administration does everything it can to support our military children."
These "extraordinary" children shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years, Dr. Jill Biden noted.
"During this time of war, they may have one or even both parents deployed overseas and standing in harm's way," she said. "They may even have to care for a parent who is wounded or, in the most painful situations, be called to keep alive the memory of a fallen hero whom they called Mom or Dad."
Biden encouraged Americans to recognize and support military children, whether it's reaching out to a new military family in the neighborhood or connecting with an organization dedicated to supporting troops and their families.
"As a mother of a National Guardsman, I have seen firsthand the difference that a small act of kindness can make," she said. "There's a role for each and every one of us in supporting military children."
"Let's mark the Month of the Military Child this year by dedicating ourselves to honoring and supporting these brave children all year long," Obama added.
American Forces Press Service
April 12, 2010 - The wives of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute to military children, honoring their strength and sacrifice, in a Month of the Military Child video message posted on the White House Web site.
"As a grateful nation, it is our sacred responsibility to stand by our military children, just as they and their families stand by us," First Lady Michelle Obama said.
From improving their schools to strengthening their communities to supporting their parents and guardians, she added, "President Obama is committed to ensuring that this administration does everything it can to support our military children."
These "extraordinary" children shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years, Dr. Jill Biden noted.
"During this time of war, they may have one or even both parents deployed overseas and standing in harm's way," she said. "They may even have to care for a parent who is wounded or, in the most painful situations, be called to keep alive the memory of a fallen hero whom they called Mom or Dad."
Biden encouraged Americans to recognize and support military children, whether it's reaching out to a new military family in the neighborhood or connecting with an organization dedicated to supporting troops and their families.
"As a mother of a National Guardsman, I have seen firsthand the difference that a small act of kindness can make," she said. "There's a role for each and every one of us in supporting military children."
"Let's mark the Month of the Military Child this year by dedicating ourselves to honoring and supporting these brave children all year long," Obama added.
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 12, 2010
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $58,605,221 not-to-exceed, cost-plus-incentive-fee letter contract for the design and manufacture of hardware for the Acoustic Rapid commercial-off-the-shelf Insertion (A-RCI) system improvement and integration program. The contract provides funding for the development and production of the A-RCI and common acoustics processing for Technology Insertion 08 through Technology Insertion 10 for the submarine fleet and for Foreign Military Sales. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (98.2 percent) and the government of Canada (1.8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla. (60 percent), and Manassas, Va. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-6266).
FN Manufacturing, LLC, Columbia, S.C., is being awarded an $11,500,000 firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for refurbishing and overhauling of machine guns in support of multiple military agencies. The MK 46 lightweight machine gun (LMG), MK 48 LMG, and the M240 machine gun will be refurbished and or overhauled to a like new condition so the aforementioned weapons can be used in combat. The MK 46 LMG, MK 48 LMG, and the M240 machine gun will be used to support a wide array of U.S. Armed Forces missions. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by April 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $315,056 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis with the solicitation being publicized on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JN09).
AIR FORCE
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,836,983 contract which will provide major research collaboration between laboratory telecommunications sciences researchers, the University of Maryland faculty, and other academic institutions in the areas of secure networking, high bandwidth telecommunications, and information assurance. At this time, $1,508,479 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
EDO Defense Systems, Amityville, N.Y., was awarded a $19,615,175 contract which will exercise an option to provide for the repair of AN/ALQ-161A radio frequency surveillance/electronic countermeasures system components. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SMG/PKHCB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8522-09-D-0006, P00002).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14, 488,466 contract which will provide for the stand-up of a new command center for executing U.S. Cyber Command initiatives while continuing to execute its mission essential tasks for a robust, secure global information grid under the President's National Cyber Initiative. At this time, $297,619 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
Axsys Technologies, Nashua, N.H., was awarded a $5,999,000 contract which will provide for seven high definition spot camera systems in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Angel Fire program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 88 CONS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8601-10-C-0031).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $58,605,221 not-to-exceed, cost-plus-incentive-fee letter contract for the design and manufacture of hardware for the Acoustic Rapid commercial-off-the-shelf Insertion (A-RCI) system improvement and integration program. The contract provides funding for the development and production of the A-RCI and common acoustics processing for Technology Insertion 08 through Technology Insertion 10 for the submarine fleet and for Foreign Military Sales. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (98.2 percent) and the government of Canada (1.8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla. (60 percent), and Manassas, Va. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-6266).
FN Manufacturing, LLC, Columbia, S.C., is being awarded an $11,500,000 firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for refurbishing and overhauling of machine guns in support of multiple military agencies. The MK 46 lightweight machine gun (LMG), MK 48 LMG, and the M240 machine gun will be refurbished and or overhauled to a like new condition so the aforementioned weapons can be used in combat. The MK 46 LMG, MK 48 LMG, and the M240 machine gun will be used to support a wide array of U.S. Armed Forces missions. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by April 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $315,056 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis with the solicitation being publicized on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JN09).
AIR FORCE
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,836,983 contract which will provide major research collaboration between laboratory telecommunications sciences researchers, the University of Maryland faculty, and other academic institutions in the areas of secure networking, high bandwidth telecommunications, and information assurance. At this time, $1,508,479 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
EDO Defense Systems, Amityville, N.Y., was awarded a $19,615,175 contract which will exercise an option to provide for the repair of AN/ALQ-161A radio frequency surveillance/electronic countermeasures system components. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SMG/PKHCB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8522-09-D-0006, P00002).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14, 488,466 contract which will provide for the stand-up of a new command center for executing U.S. Cyber Command initiatives while continuing to execute its mission essential tasks for a robust, secure global information grid under the President's National Cyber Initiative. At this time, $297,619 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
Axsys Technologies, Nashua, N.H., was awarded a $5,999,000 contract which will provide for seven high definition spot camera systems in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Angel Fire program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 88 CONS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8601-10-C-0031).
Enterprise Crew Aboard, Preparing for Upcoming Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Blair, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs
April 12, 2010 - NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- For the first time in two years, the crew of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) was aboard the aircraft carrier as the ship began a six-day fast cruise in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard April 11, marking the completion of an extended maintenance availability.
Enterprise's fast cruise is designed to shake rust off the Sailors - and the ship - as both operate as if they were underway for the week.
The aircraft carrier is currently conducting the fast cruise exercise in preparation for sea trials scheduled later in April 2010.
"It has been a long time coming," said Master Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AW/SW) Eric Young, Enterprise's Air Department leading chief petty officer. "However, I already know what to expect. I am much more excited for my Sailors and their first experience of the real Navy, as opposed to what we've been doing for the last couple of years."
That sentiment was shared by many Enterprise Sailors, most of whom have had to walk more than one mile to the ship each morning through the sprawling shipyard complex. Many of the newer Sailors, having never been underway, are more anxious as they approach their first taste of life at sea.
"It will be tough not seeing my family and friends as much," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Bonner. "It's worth it knowing that I'm leaving behind a few to go out to sea and protect millions."
Much will be expected of Enterprise Sailors as they begin the fast cruise. Drills, such as man overboard, medical emergency and general quarters are routine, and on top of these training evolutions, Sailors have to balance meals, sleep, physical training and, if possible, free time.
"Honestly, I wasn't very excited about it at first," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Kristin Knaeble. "However, fast cruise will give me plenty of time to focus on training and warfare qualifications, which will make me a much more effective Sailor."
April 12, 2010 - NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- For the first time in two years, the crew of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) was aboard the aircraft carrier as the ship began a six-day fast cruise in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard April 11, marking the completion of an extended maintenance availability.
Enterprise's fast cruise is designed to shake rust off the Sailors - and the ship - as both operate as if they were underway for the week.
The aircraft carrier is currently conducting the fast cruise exercise in preparation for sea trials scheduled later in April 2010.
"It has been a long time coming," said Master Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AW/SW) Eric Young, Enterprise's Air Department leading chief petty officer. "However, I already know what to expect. I am much more excited for my Sailors and their first experience of the real Navy, as opposed to what we've been doing for the last couple of years."
That sentiment was shared by many Enterprise Sailors, most of whom have had to walk more than one mile to the ship each morning through the sprawling shipyard complex. Many of the newer Sailors, having never been underway, are more anxious as they approach their first taste of life at sea.
"It will be tough not seeing my family and friends as much," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Bonner. "It's worth it knowing that I'm leaving behind a few to go out to sea and protect millions."
Much will be expected of Enterprise Sailors as they begin the fast cruise. Drills, such as man overboard, medical emergency and general quarters are routine, and on top of these training evolutions, Sailors have to balance meals, sleep, physical training and, if possible, free time.
"Honestly, I wasn't very excited about it at first," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Kristin Knaeble. "However, fast cruise will give me plenty of time to focus on training and warfare qualifications, which will make me a much more effective Sailor."
MSRON 7 Holds Kids Monster Mash on Guam
By James Fee, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 7 hosted a Kids Monster Mash aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) April 10.
The event, coordinated by MSRON 7 and its Family Readiness Group (FRG), allowed children whose parents are assigned to the command to get a perspective of the Sailors' responsibilities, skills and requirements to maintain mission readiness.
The Kids Monster Mash was similar to the competition MSRON 7 holds quarterly to challenge Sailors physically and mentally and keep them mission ready. The children's event featured eight different exercises: a relay race, tire pull, battle dress stations, push-ups, sit-ups, a soft-pellet air rifle shoot, water balloon grenade toss and a mud pit trench crawl.
Valerie Rose, the command's FRG chairwoman, said it was a "good time to bring the families together" in light of April 2010 being recognized by the DoD as the Month of the Military Child.
"We all cannot function without each other," said Rose. "We all need the support of one another to make it work."
Cmdr. Bryon Johnson, MSRON 7 commanding officer, brought his son to the event, and said by showing children what Sailors do, families understand how they are part of a community.
"Because they feel part of a team, they'll understand when mom or dad has to depart for mission support some place, to go do their part for the team," said Johnson.
He added that one of the main objectives of the event was to motivate the young participants to lead active lives.
"The goal here is not to figure out how many push-ups and sit-ups someone can physically do," said Johnson. "It's to try and inspire them to believe in a healthy lifestyle."
Children were divided into two teams with volunteers from Guam High School's Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) leading each team.
"To see everyone's facial expressions, they're so happy," said Krista Dipierro, a NJROTC volunteer. "It's nice to share that happiness."
Volunteers from MSRON 7 and the NBG security department helped run the exercises. According to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Meredith Love, of the NBG security department, participating in events such as this is enjoyable.
"We get to get dirty with the kids and it's fun," said Love.
MSRON 7, which was commissioned in May 2004, provides rapidly deployable forces to conduct or support anti-terrorism and force protection missions. It promotes the Maritime Strategy by providing security for American citizens through the application of sea power and by strengthening partnerships with allied nations.
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 7 hosted a Kids Monster Mash aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) April 10.
The event, coordinated by MSRON 7 and its Family Readiness Group (FRG), allowed children whose parents are assigned to the command to get a perspective of the Sailors' responsibilities, skills and requirements to maintain mission readiness.
The Kids Monster Mash was similar to the competition MSRON 7 holds quarterly to challenge Sailors physically and mentally and keep them mission ready. The children's event featured eight different exercises: a relay race, tire pull, battle dress stations, push-ups, sit-ups, a soft-pellet air rifle shoot, water balloon grenade toss and a mud pit trench crawl.
Valerie Rose, the command's FRG chairwoman, said it was a "good time to bring the families together" in light of April 2010 being recognized by the DoD as the Month of the Military Child.
"We all cannot function without each other," said Rose. "We all need the support of one another to make it work."
Cmdr. Bryon Johnson, MSRON 7 commanding officer, brought his son to the event, and said by showing children what Sailors do, families understand how they are part of a community.
"Because they feel part of a team, they'll understand when mom or dad has to depart for mission support some place, to go do their part for the team," said Johnson.
He added that one of the main objectives of the event was to motivate the young participants to lead active lives.
"The goal here is not to figure out how many push-ups and sit-ups someone can physically do," said Johnson. "It's to try and inspire them to believe in a healthy lifestyle."
Children were divided into two teams with volunteers from Guam High School's Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) leading each team.
"To see everyone's facial expressions, they're so happy," said Krista Dipierro, a NJROTC volunteer. "It's nice to share that happiness."
Volunteers from MSRON 7 and the NBG security department helped run the exercises. According to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Meredith Love, of the NBG security department, participating in events such as this is enjoyable.
"We get to get dirty with the kids and it's fun," said Love.
MSRON 7, which was commissioned in May 2004, provides rapidly deployable forces to conduct or support anti-terrorism and force protection missions. It promotes the Maritime Strategy by providing security for American citizens through the application of sea power and by strengthening partnerships with allied nations.
Interacting with the International Community
By Maj. Gen. Simeon Trombitas
Trombitas is serving in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as the deputy commander of Joint Task Force-Haiti. He is also the commander of United States Army South in San Antonio, Texas.
April 12, 2010 - Personally, I have witnessed firsthand how the international community has pulled together and combined their efforts to assist the people of Haiti. In an unprecedented global outreach of aid since Jan. 12, a myriad of international governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and military servicemen and women from around the world converged on Port-au-Prince in their efforts to assist the Government of Haiti. The coordination and collaboration among all involved has been historical from a military perspective.
While each group brings their own expertise and specialization to the table, all of the groups have applied their principles and lessons learned from previous experiences to interact effectively within a community dedicated to assistance. Prior to the devastating earthquake, Haiti was receiving aid from hundreds of organizations that were focused primarily on their own mission with little coordination amongst themselves. However, the earthquake changed this into a unity of effort committed to saving lives and mitigating suffering. It’s been very impressive, to say the least.
From the United Nation forces continuing their long and dedicated security mission for Haiti to all the troops sent here from the global military community, the mission here has allowed everyone to partner operations and countless objectives together.
Now, as we approach the rainy season, the coordination and collaboration will be vital in order to mitigate the negative effects of weather on the Internally Displaced Person camps in and around Port-au-Prince. In support of Haiti’s Safer Shelter Strategy, we continue working together to move displaced persons to safer locations and establish mitigating measures within at-risk camps.
Looking at the long road to recovery and the future of Haiti, the continued collaboration among these groups will continue to ensure the best practices and efforts are maximized.
While Joint Task Force-Haiti adjusts its forces over the coming month, our commitment to Haiti will endure through traditional Theater Security Cooperation exercises that will focus on reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and medical aid. The lessons we’ve learned in Haiti and the cooperative efforts we shared will allow us to continue to provide the quality support and partnership required for the long-term reconstruction of this Caribbean nation.
Trombitas is serving in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as the deputy commander of Joint Task Force-Haiti. He is also the commander of United States Army South in San Antonio, Texas.
April 12, 2010 - Personally, I have witnessed firsthand how the international community has pulled together and combined their efforts to assist the people of Haiti. In an unprecedented global outreach of aid since Jan. 12, a myriad of international governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and military servicemen and women from around the world converged on Port-au-Prince in their efforts to assist the Government of Haiti. The coordination and collaboration among all involved has been historical from a military perspective.
While each group brings their own expertise and specialization to the table, all of the groups have applied their principles and lessons learned from previous experiences to interact effectively within a community dedicated to assistance. Prior to the devastating earthquake, Haiti was receiving aid from hundreds of organizations that were focused primarily on their own mission with little coordination amongst themselves. However, the earthquake changed this into a unity of effort committed to saving lives and mitigating suffering. It’s been very impressive, to say the least.
From the United Nation forces continuing their long and dedicated security mission for Haiti to all the troops sent here from the global military community, the mission here has allowed everyone to partner operations and countless objectives together.
Now, as we approach the rainy season, the coordination and collaboration will be vital in order to mitigate the negative effects of weather on the Internally Displaced Person camps in and around Port-au-Prince. In support of Haiti’s Safer Shelter Strategy, we continue working together to move displaced persons to safer locations and establish mitigating measures within at-risk camps.
Looking at the long road to recovery and the future of Haiti, the continued collaboration among these groups will continue to ensure the best practices and efforts are maximized.
While Joint Task Force-Haiti adjusts its forces over the coming month, our commitment to Haiti will endure through traditional Theater Security Cooperation exercises that will focus on reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and medical aid. The lessons we’ve learned in Haiti and the cooperative efforts we shared will allow us to continue to provide the quality support and partnership required for the long-term reconstruction of this Caribbean nation.
Hope For a Better Tomorrow
By Lt. Gen. Ken Keen
U.S. Army, Commander, Joint Task Force – Haiti
April 12, 2010 - “Today will be better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today. “ I regularly used these words when asked by the media, “General, how are things going in Haiti?” This was in the days and weeks after the catastrophic earthquake hit this island nation. At the time, it was all the optimism I could muster when faced with a cataclysmic level of destruction coupled with the enormous challenge of saving lives and mitigating suffering. But today, though the statement still applies, I find myself using it less…because I have seen and experienced so much progress since those early dark hours.
Three months have passed since the disaster. As I reflect back on my time here, I am amazed to see the progress that has occurred. But at the same time, I realize that the Government of Haiti and its people still face many challenges.
The light of the world must continue to shine on Haiti.
The international community must remain committed to helping Haiti rise up to build “a new Haiti”, as Haiti’s President Rene Preval has called for. What will the future hold for this Caribbean nation? It will take a collaborative effort. It will take extraordinary leadership from Haitians at every level. It will require the international community, public and private organizations and corporations willing to help Haiti rise up from the rubble.
Haiti’s recovery involves more than just the reconstruction of buildings and the repair of infrastructure; it’s about a commitment to invest in the people of Haiti. Over the past three months, I have travelled to places like Gonaives, Leogane, Jeremie, and Les Cayes. I have met with community leaders, mayors, educators, doctors and hundreds of Haitians from all walks of life who were affected by the earthquake. They all want one thing: a better Haiti. They are tired of the past, tired of struggling to get by. They want to build schools and hospitals. They want jobs so that they can provide for their families. They want to contribute to their nation and they want to make Haiti better.
I am reminded of Father Jean St. Cyr who I first met on January 15 on the slope of the 9-hole golf course at the Petionville Country Club that was transformed into a gathering place for those who lost their homes in the surrounding neighborhood. He had lost everything, but he continued to care for the people – getting medical assistance for the injured, coordinating for food, water and wondering how they would ever survive. Today, he is the acknowledged community leader for more than 50,000 Haitians living in the largest internally displaced person’s camp in Port-au-Prince.
Father Jean St. Cyr is the new generation of Haitian leaders who stepped forward, out of the aftermath of the earthquake, to lead a community left homeless. He represents the hope of Haiti. He has lifted me up by his example of personal courage, boundless energy and selflessness. In the face of adversity, he always had a smile and saw what was possible, not what was impossible.
Many Haitians realize that the catastrophe of January 12 holds opportunity, a glimpse of hope to rebuild Haiti better. When I look at the children’s faces, I see it. It’s in their eyes and smiles. It’s hope. They hope to one day go to school so they can become doctors, engineers and teachers. They have hope that their fathers will find work so that they can provide for their family. They have hope that one day they will live in a house instead of a camp. The children of Haiti have hope because they have not given up. And neither should we.
While the people of Haiti still have hope, we must not abandon them in their time of struggle. We must keep the light shining on them.
As I near the end of my time here in Haiti, I can’t help but look back to that January day when life seemed to stop. I saw death, suffering, pain, sadness and fear. I saw things that I will never forget. Today, I see courage, resiliency, and determination. I see it in the camps and in the markets. I see it in the faces of the vendors selling mangos. I see it in the artists who show off their paintings to passersby. And I see it in Haiti’s leaders, with whom I meet regularly. I see hope all around.
U.S. Army, Commander, Joint Task Force – Haiti
April 12, 2010 - “Today will be better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today. “ I regularly used these words when asked by the media, “General, how are things going in Haiti?” This was in the days and weeks after the catastrophic earthquake hit this island nation. At the time, it was all the optimism I could muster when faced with a cataclysmic level of destruction coupled with the enormous challenge of saving lives and mitigating suffering. But today, though the statement still applies, I find myself using it less…because I have seen and experienced so much progress since those early dark hours.
Three months have passed since the disaster. As I reflect back on my time here, I am amazed to see the progress that has occurred. But at the same time, I realize that the Government of Haiti and its people still face many challenges.
The light of the world must continue to shine on Haiti.
The international community must remain committed to helping Haiti rise up to build “a new Haiti”, as Haiti’s President Rene Preval has called for. What will the future hold for this Caribbean nation? It will take a collaborative effort. It will take extraordinary leadership from Haitians at every level. It will require the international community, public and private organizations and corporations willing to help Haiti rise up from the rubble.
Haiti’s recovery involves more than just the reconstruction of buildings and the repair of infrastructure; it’s about a commitment to invest in the people of Haiti. Over the past three months, I have travelled to places like Gonaives, Leogane, Jeremie, and Les Cayes. I have met with community leaders, mayors, educators, doctors and hundreds of Haitians from all walks of life who were affected by the earthquake. They all want one thing: a better Haiti. They are tired of the past, tired of struggling to get by. They want to build schools and hospitals. They want jobs so that they can provide for their families. They want to contribute to their nation and they want to make Haiti better.
I am reminded of Father Jean St. Cyr who I first met on January 15 on the slope of the 9-hole golf course at the Petionville Country Club that was transformed into a gathering place for those who lost their homes in the surrounding neighborhood. He had lost everything, but he continued to care for the people – getting medical assistance for the injured, coordinating for food, water and wondering how they would ever survive. Today, he is the acknowledged community leader for more than 50,000 Haitians living in the largest internally displaced person’s camp in Port-au-Prince.
Father Jean St. Cyr is the new generation of Haitian leaders who stepped forward, out of the aftermath of the earthquake, to lead a community left homeless. He represents the hope of Haiti. He has lifted me up by his example of personal courage, boundless energy and selflessness. In the face of adversity, he always had a smile and saw what was possible, not what was impossible.
Many Haitians realize that the catastrophe of January 12 holds opportunity, a glimpse of hope to rebuild Haiti better. When I look at the children’s faces, I see it. It’s in their eyes and smiles. It’s hope. They hope to one day go to school so they can become doctors, engineers and teachers. They have hope that their fathers will find work so that they can provide for their family. They have hope that one day they will live in a house instead of a camp. The children of Haiti have hope because they have not given up. And neither should we.
While the people of Haiti still have hope, we must not abandon them in their time of struggle. We must keep the light shining on them.
As I near the end of my time here in Haiti, I can’t help but look back to that January day when life seemed to stop. I saw death, suffering, pain, sadness and fear. I saw things that I will never forget. Today, I see courage, resiliency, and determination. I see it in the camps and in the markets. I see it in the faces of the vendors selling mangos. I see it in the artists who show off their paintings to passersby. And I see it in Haiti’s leaders, with whom I meet regularly. I see hope all around.
CNO Extends Condolences to Poland
April 12, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- On behalf of the men and women of the U.S. Navy, I extend our deepest condolences to our fellow Sailors in the Polish Navy for the loss of their Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Andrzej Karweta as well as their President and other national leaders in the tragic plane crash Saturday.
The Polish Navy is one of our Navy's closest allies. During his tenure as Navy Commander-in-Chief, Vice Adm. Karweta ensured that the Polish Navy served as leaders in NATO and set a standard of excellence in maritime operations throughout the Baltic Sea and beyond.
At the International Seapower Symposium this past October in Newport, Vice Adm. Karweta expressed strong support for expanding maritime cooperation among navies worldwide. He was an outstanding naval officer, a dedicated leader and a friend who will be greatly missed.
During this time of extraordinary grief in Poland, the U.S. Navy shares in the sadness and sympathy felt by all of Poland's friends at the loss of Vice Adm. Karweta and so many other gifted leaders. We ask the Sailors of the Polish Navy and the people of Poland to accept our sincerest condolences for your loss.
The Polish Navy is one of our Navy's closest allies. During his tenure as Navy Commander-in-Chief, Vice Adm. Karweta ensured that the Polish Navy served as leaders in NATO and set a standard of excellence in maritime operations throughout the Baltic Sea and beyond.
At the International Seapower Symposium this past October in Newport, Vice Adm. Karweta expressed strong support for expanding maritime cooperation among navies worldwide. He was an outstanding naval officer, a dedicated leader and a friend who will be greatly missed.
During this time of extraordinary grief in Poland, the U.S. Navy shares in the sadness and sympathy felt by all of Poland's friends at the loss of Vice Adm. Karweta and so many other gifted leaders. We ask the Sailors of the Polish Navy and the people of Poland to accept our sincerest condolences for your loss.
International Military HIV/AIDS Conference Opens in Tanzania
Danielle Skinner
U.S. Africa Command
April 12, 2010 - The International Military HIV/AIDS Conference opened April 12 in Arusha, Tanzania bringing together representatives from 60 multinational militaries, including nearly 40 African militaries, to share information and work together in developing a joint strategy for combating the pandemic.
The four-day conference, co-hosted by the Tanzania People's Defence Force and the U.S. Department of Defense, represents one of the most inclusive international military partnerships ever undertaken, according to DoD officials. Participating in the event is a diverse group of nearly 300 international military leaders, HIV/AIDS specialists, and representatives from the U.S. DoD, U.S. Africa Command, and multilateral and non-governmental organizations.
Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kekwete presented the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of developing regional, national and international strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic. "An epidemic of HIV/AIDS can be no less destructive than that of warfare itself by overwhelming health and social services, infecting high levels of human mobility and mortality, and by creating millions of orphans," Kekwete said. "HIV/AIDS can cause social and economic crisis of unprecedented proportion and threaten the greater stability of nations and societies."
Kekwete, a strong supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention and testing programs, launched a national campaign in 2007 for counseling and testing which he led from the front by publicly having himself tested. Nearly 4 million people followed his lead and received HIV/AIDS tests.
"We cannot and must not allow HIV/AIDS to debilitate our men and women in uniform," Kekwete said. U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt also compared the HIV/AIDS pandemic to warfare, focusing on the role of military leaders in promoting the health and wellbeing of his or her troops. "Many battles have been won by whichever leader was best able to keep his soldiers healthy and fit to fight. In many conflicts, more people die from disease than the weapons of the enemy," Lenhardt said. "The security of our nations depends in part on the ability of our military forces to protect citizens from harm. A military force weakened by disease cannot fulfill its proper role." Throughout the week, participants will share best practices in leadership, HIV prevention, treatment, strategic information, and will develop plans for improving HIV/AIDS surveillance and data use.
The conference addresses the growing global need for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment programs, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which remains the region most heavily affected.
According to the 2009 joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and World Health Organization (WHO) update on HIV/AIDS, the number of people living with HIV continues to increase. In 2008 there were 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide, 20 percent higher than the number in 2000. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 68 percent of all new HIV infections among adults and for 72 percent of the world's AIDS-related deaths.
With service members identified as among the highest-risk group for contracting HIV/AIDS, the implementation of awareness, prevention, and treatment programs within militaries is crucial.
General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, was unable to attend the conference, but commented on the importance of these programs to African militaries.
"The United States has made tremendous investments in increasing access to HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in Africa. Over two-thirds of all people living with HIV are in Africa, and the disease has significant implications for economic growth, stability, and human suffering," said Ward.
According to U.S. Africa Command health officials, many African nations have decreased their prevalence rates due in part to U.S. military health assistance programs.
"Our HIV programs with African militaries support and complement our military professionalization and capacity-building initiatives," Ward said. "A military that can effective address HIV/AIDS is a military that can more capably defend its borders, deploy to peacekeeping operations, and contribute to regional security and stability."
U.S. Africa Command supports African militaries in establishing HIV/AIDS prevention programs through its Partner Military HIV/AIDS Program (PMHAP), as part of the DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP). Together, these programs aim to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among military personnel in African nations. PMHAP, implemented through DHAPP, is a key agency of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. response to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Through PEPFAR and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, prevention programs have been established in 43 African nations. The first day's conference agenda focused largely on the important role of leadership in implementing HIV/AIDS programs. According to Major General Maurice Oyugi, Kenya Ministry of Defense, successful programs require strong leadership to coordinate the response to HIV/AIDS through education, testing and counseling. The role of commanders in the fight against HIV/AIDS, said Oyugi, is to protect their troops by serving as role models, implementing testing and offering counseling to all.
The conference, continuing through April 15, will include plenary talks, interactive discussion sessions, poster sessions, and planning workshops, where participants will learn methods to improve their nation's HIV/AIDS programs and increase their capacity to provide effective and sustainable programs.
U.S. Africa Command
April 12, 2010 - The International Military HIV/AIDS Conference opened April 12 in Arusha, Tanzania bringing together representatives from 60 multinational militaries, including nearly 40 African militaries, to share information and work together in developing a joint strategy for combating the pandemic.
The four-day conference, co-hosted by the Tanzania People's Defence Force and the U.S. Department of Defense, represents one of the most inclusive international military partnerships ever undertaken, according to DoD officials. Participating in the event is a diverse group of nearly 300 international military leaders, HIV/AIDS specialists, and representatives from the U.S. DoD, U.S. Africa Command, and multilateral and non-governmental organizations.
Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kekwete presented the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of developing regional, national and international strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic. "An epidemic of HIV/AIDS can be no less destructive than that of warfare itself by overwhelming health and social services, infecting high levels of human mobility and mortality, and by creating millions of orphans," Kekwete said. "HIV/AIDS can cause social and economic crisis of unprecedented proportion and threaten the greater stability of nations and societies."
Kekwete, a strong supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention and testing programs, launched a national campaign in 2007 for counseling and testing which he led from the front by publicly having himself tested. Nearly 4 million people followed his lead and received HIV/AIDS tests.
"We cannot and must not allow HIV/AIDS to debilitate our men and women in uniform," Kekwete said. U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt also compared the HIV/AIDS pandemic to warfare, focusing on the role of military leaders in promoting the health and wellbeing of his or her troops. "Many battles have been won by whichever leader was best able to keep his soldiers healthy and fit to fight. In many conflicts, more people die from disease than the weapons of the enemy," Lenhardt said. "The security of our nations depends in part on the ability of our military forces to protect citizens from harm. A military force weakened by disease cannot fulfill its proper role." Throughout the week, participants will share best practices in leadership, HIV prevention, treatment, strategic information, and will develop plans for improving HIV/AIDS surveillance and data use.
The conference addresses the growing global need for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment programs, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which remains the region most heavily affected.
According to the 2009 joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and World Health Organization (WHO) update on HIV/AIDS, the number of people living with HIV continues to increase. In 2008 there were 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide, 20 percent higher than the number in 2000. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 68 percent of all new HIV infections among adults and for 72 percent of the world's AIDS-related deaths.
With service members identified as among the highest-risk group for contracting HIV/AIDS, the implementation of awareness, prevention, and treatment programs within militaries is crucial.
General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, was unable to attend the conference, but commented on the importance of these programs to African militaries.
"The United States has made tremendous investments in increasing access to HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in Africa. Over two-thirds of all people living with HIV are in Africa, and the disease has significant implications for economic growth, stability, and human suffering," said Ward.
According to U.S. Africa Command health officials, many African nations have decreased their prevalence rates due in part to U.S. military health assistance programs.
"Our HIV programs with African militaries support and complement our military professionalization and capacity-building initiatives," Ward said. "A military that can effective address HIV/AIDS is a military that can more capably defend its borders, deploy to peacekeeping operations, and contribute to regional security and stability."
U.S. Africa Command supports African militaries in establishing HIV/AIDS prevention programs through its Partner Military HIV/AIDS Program (PMHAP), as part of the DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP). Together, these programs aim to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among military personnel in African nations. PMHAP, implemented through DHAPP, is a key agency of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. response to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Through PEPFAR and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, prevention programs have been established in 43 African nations. The first day's conference agenda focused largely on the important role of leadership in implementing HIV/AIDS programs. According to Major General Maurice Oyugi, Kenya Ministry of Defense, successful programs require strong leadership to coordinate the response to HIV/AIDS through education, testing and counseling. The role of commanders in the fight against HIV/AIDS, said Oyugi, is to protect their troops by serving as role models, implementing testing and offering counseling to all.
The conference, continuing through April 15, will include plenary talks, interactive discussion sessions, poster sessions, and planning workshops, where participants will learn methods to improve their nation's HIV/AIDS programs and increase their capacity to provide effective and sustainable programs.
DoD Working with International Militaries to Fight HIV/AIDS
By Ian Graham
Defense Media Activity
April 12, 2010 - The fight against AIDS and HIV is one of the most important health issues worldwide, and the Department of Defense (DoD) is doing its part to prevent the spread of the disease. Dr. Rick Shaffer, director of the DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), said his organization works with the militaries from some 80 countries worldwide to help them train soldiers and doctors how to handle HIV infections and how to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.
DoD’s program is a portion of the larger President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a program created in 2003 to help nations fight the disease. It’s the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease, ever.
The military primarily provides what Shaffer called “medical security cooperation” and policy development. This includes how to handle an infected soldier (in both medical and everyday situations), how to give HIV and AIDS-related training and counseling, and developing labs, medical capabilities and education programs, he explained.
DHAPP also works with the partner militaries to design HIV prevalence and risk surveys and collect, enter, and analyze the data. This research supports the militaries in determining the level of infection in their respective populations and provides a better picture of their clinical needs.
“The HIV-in-the-military epidemic is very new to many countries,” Shaffer said. “In the U.S., we’ve been working with it for nearly 30 years, but some places haven’t addressed it or felt the need to address it until very recently.”
Shaffer said the long-term goal of his organization is to eliminate future HIV infections and ensure that those who are infected remain a contributing member of the military.
At the upcoming 2010 International Military HIV/AIDS Conference, Shaffer and his colleagues from around the globe will share ideas and best practices in HIV awareness training and policy establishment.
“Militaries need to know they’re not alone in this battle,” he said. “They can feel isolated in their own countries, in some cases even from their own government, so we have to remind them that everybody’s fighting the same fight.”
Though the problem of HIV and AIDS is different in each country, the process of addressing the epidemic is universal, Shaffer said. The U.S. learned the importance of having policy in place long ago, so now they offer assistance and advice to other nations when it comes to analyzing their need and developing policies.
“We don’t suggest other militaries adopt our policies,” he explained. “We just give them the framework, the process to develop their own policy. We show them how they can identify their problem areas, how to solve the problems and help get a program in place with them.”
About the Author: Ian Graham works for the Defense Media Activity’s Emerging Media Directorate.
Defense Media Activity
April 12, 2010 - The fight against AIDS and HIV is one of the most important health issues worldwide, and the Department of Defense (DoD) is doing its part to prevent the spread of the disease. Dr. Rick Shaffer, director of the DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), said his organization works with the militaries from some 80 countries worldwide to help them train soldiers and doctors how to handle HIV infections and how to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.
DoD’s program is a portion of the larger President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a program created in 2003 to help nations fight the disease. It’s the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease, ever.
The military primarily provides what Shaffer called “medical security cooperation” and policy development. This includes how to handle an infected soldier (in both medical and everyday situations), how to give HIV and AIDS-related training and counseling, and developing labs, medical capabilities and education programs, he explained.
DHAPP also works with the partner militaries to design HIV prevalence and risk surveys and collect, enter, and analyze the data. This research supports the militaries in determining the level of infection in their respective populations and provides a better picture of their clinical needs.
“The HIV-in-the-military epidemic is very new to many countries,” Shaffer said. “In the U.S., we’ve been working with it for nearly 30 years, but some places haven’t addressed it or felt the need to address it until very recently.”
Shaffer said the long-term goal of his organization is to eliminate future HIV infections and ensure that those who are infected remain a contributing member of the military.
At the upcoming 2010 International Military HIV/AIDS Conference, Shaffer and his colleagues from around the globe will share ideas and best practices in HIV awareness training and policy establishment.
“Militaries need to know they’re not alone in this battle,” he said. “They can feel isolated in their own countries, in some cases even from their own government, so we have to remind them that everybody’s fighting the same fight.”
Though the problem of HIV and AIDS is different in each country, the process of addressing the epidemic is universal, Shaffer said. The U.S. learned the importance of having policy in place long ago, so now they offer assistance and advice to other nations when it comes to analyzing their need and developing policies.
“We don’t suggest other militaries adopt our policies,” he explained. “We just give them the framework, the process to develop their own policy. We show them how they can identify their problem areas, how to solve the problems and help get a program in place with them.”
About the Author: Ian Graham works for the Defense Media Activity’s Emerging Media Directorate.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Enterprise Crew Begins Fast Cruise
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) began participating in a fast cruise exercise April 11 at the conclusion of an extended overhaul period.
The fast cruise is a major milestone due to the amount of work that has been completed on the 48-year-old warship during the maintenance period.
The exercise helps to ensure that all crewmembers are ready to get the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier back out to sea after spending two years in the shipyard.
It's also providing an opportunity to test all of the ship's systems in preparation for sea trials scheduled to follow.
"The main objective for this event is to make sure everyone knows their role before the ship gets underway," said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Dominic A. Musso. "Fast cruise is just like taking a car you are interested in purchasing out for that first test drive. The only difference is that we are doing it while attached to the pier."
Many of Enterprise's departments play an essential role in the event including Engineering, Reactor, Weapons and Deck. One of the key players is Lt. j.g. Joel J. Lopez, the ship's boatswain and 3rd division deck officer.
"My main responsibility during fast cruise is to ensure Deck department can carry out all the evolutions needed for at-sea operations," said Lopez. "We are performing several test checks on equipment like the anchors, pad eyes, sound-powered phones, and also verifying ship watch bills."
While fast cruise is vital for training Sailors and testing their shipboard knowledge, it also mentally prepares them in other ways.
"This event gets the crew back into the mindset of living on board," said Musso. "We have a lot of new Sailors who have never sailed on this ship before, and they have to get into the routine of how everything works on a daily basis from the berthing, ship's laundry, ship's store and even the chow lines."
Fast cruise will last approximately six days, with two days in between to fix any underlying issues found during equipment checks. Once the event is complete, Enterprise will leave the shipyard and begin its sea trials.
The fast cruise is a major milestone due to the amount of work that has been completed on the 48-year-old warship during the maintenance period.
The exercise helps to ensure that all crewmembers are ready to get the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier back out to sea after spending two years in the shipyard.
It's also providing an opportunity to test all of the ship's systems in preparation for sea trials scheduled to follow.
"The main objective for this event is to make sure everyone knows their role before the ship gets underway," said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Dominic A. Musso. "Fast cruise is just like taking a car you are interested in purchasing out for that first test drive. The only difference is that we are doing it while attached to the pier."
Many of Enterprise's departments play an essential role in the event including Engineering, Reactor, Weapons and Deck. One of the key players is Lt. j.g. Joel J. Lopez, the ship's boatswain and 3rd division deck officer.
"My main responsibility during fast cruise is to ensure Deck department can carry out all the evolutions needed for at-sea operations," said Lopez. "We are performing several test checks on equipment like the anchors, pad eyes, sound-powered phones, and also verifying ship watch bills."
While fast cruise is vital for training Sailors and testing their shipboard knowledge, it also mentally prepares them in other ways.
"This event gets the crew back into the mindset of living on board," said Musso. "We have a lot of new Sailors who have never sailed on this ship before, and they have to get into the routine of how everything works on a daily basis from the berthing, ship's laundry, ship's store and even the chow lines."
Fast cruise will last approximately six days, with two days in between to fix any underlying issues found during equipment checks. Once the event is complete, Enterprise will leave the shipyard and begin its sea trials.
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