By Army Maj. David W. May
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - While more than 7,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen were activated to assist in hurricane recovery operations in Louisiana, an officer with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team had the great satisfaction of taking part in the rescue of one of his own family members. As the storm surge from Hurricane Ike, the second major hurricane to batter the Gulf Coast in less than two weeks, made its way along the coast, Army Maj. Bryant R. Billiot, chief intelligence officer and a native of Dulac, La., received a call from his worried sister.
"She told me that our cousin, Jessica Billiot, was franticly trying to get to her children, who were staying at their uncle's house while she was at work," Bryant said. "When she returned that evening, the waters had covered roads, and local authorities would no longer let anyone into the area."
After pleading with them to let her through, Jessica finally gave up when an uncle assured her they would be fine inside his house, which was on seven-foot stilts.
The next morning, she once again tried to reach her sons, but found they had moved to another house on higher ground.
Jessica then became frantic after finding out her eldest son, Starlin, had suffered a back injury. Normally, this may not have been serious, but Starlin has hemophilia and could bleed indefinitely when injured, Bryant explained. In addition, the medicine he uses to control the condition was at the first house, and the wind and rain made it impossible to return.
"That made it a dire situation," Bryant said. It was then that his sister called, although they had been staying in touch through text messages.
Bryant said he already knew that units were operating in the area and set about to contact them. "I had been tracking them since Day One," he said. Even though they were not his unit, he said, he believed he could trust them as if they were his own unit.
Bryant explained the situation to the Guardsmen, who immediately contacted the Emergency Operations Center in Terrebonne Parish. The mission was then given to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Thomas DeWitt.
DeWitt told Bryant that a boat would be sent immediately to get Starlin and his younger brother, Holden. Bryant gave DeWitt the address, and searchers set off to find the boys. But when they got to the address, no one was left in the house.
Bryant called his sister and found Starlin's father had picked him up in a small boat a few minutes earlier and was taking him to meet his mother. But the boat was so small that Holden had been left behind, and his mother was desperate to get him away from the area.
At this point, communications were lost with the family, but Bryant said he had grown up in the area and had a good idea where they might be.
"I gave Agent DeWitt the address of another family member a few doors down," he said. "They called me back a few minutes later and said, 'We got him.' It made me feel really good."
"It was a logistical nightmare driving the boats down the streets and in yards that have never been underwater," DeWitt said. "You are always running into things you can't see and dodging mailboxes. When we can work together with the National Guard to make a rescue, it's a beautiful thing."
The story didn't end there; Holden refused to leave without getting his brother's medicine from the first house, and he convinced the agents to take him there first. After retrieving the medicine, he was returned to his mother and brother, now at Terrebonne General Medical Center nearby.
Bryant said that at last report Starlin was doing fine, that everyone had been reunited, and that personally he felt very good to have had a small part in the rescues' outcome. "Makes me feel good that I have this uniform on," he said. "That's what it's all about."
There was one other thing, though. "If I wouldn't have helped in the rescue, my family would never have let me live it down," he said with a laugh.
(Army Maj. David W. May serves in the Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Family-Support Program Expands; DoD, YMCA Strengthen Partnership
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - In two Defense Department-led initiatives today, a military-family support program launched its nationwide expansion, and the Armed Services YMCA introduced a new offering to families whose loved one is deployed. The Joint Family Support Assistance Program -- which helps families with financial and material support, coordinates counseling, and provides other key services -- expanded today from its pilot program to a nationwide network.
At a conference here this morning, participants from the pilot phase came together with about 400 representatives from 50 states and U.S. territories, where services will now be available to active-duty and reserve-component families.
Embracing the axiom that the military "enlists an individual, but re-enlists a family," the Defense Department has extended this support network, which focuses on assisting families who don't live near a military installation and therefore have difficulty accessing on-site services.
"Why are we undertaking this program?" David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, rhetorically asked the audience. "The answer is rooted in the realities of the all-volunteer force."
Unlike the conscripted force -- which comprised mostly unmarried military members with a 10-percent re-enlistment rate -- the all-volunteer force established in 1973 is now composed of servicemembers that are as likely to re-enlist as not. Furthermore, about half the troops are married, and many of these families have a young child, Chu said.
"We have an obligation to those families," he said. "We ask our military personnel to do a lot of hard and difficult things, and we will continue to ask to do many hard and difficult things. That means if they're going to be comfortable in that role -- that they're going to be willing to continue -- then their family must be supportive of the endeavors they undertake."
Chu called military bases "classic platforms" for providing support to families, but he conceded that not all families live within a reasonable distance to such facilities. Often, spouses have careers that require families to live far from base, or other reasons preclude living near installations.
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act required the Defense Department to implement a Joint Family Support Assistance Program for families in select parts of the country that are geographically isolated from installations. Since its inception, the program has provided services to more than 206,000 members and families at more than 4,900 events.
It has since evolved to include all 50 states, plus American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The program will connect families with one another and with supportive military and community resources, aiming to enhance families' ability to cope with deployment, reintegration, family separation and other issues related to a military lifestyle.
Chu said providing such support to families -- both near and far from military facilities -- is "crucial to our long-term military success."
Under the same rubric that pushed the Joint Family Support Assistance Program's nationwide expansion, the Defense Department today signed a new contract with the National YMCA that will provide free family YMCA memberships to families of National Guard or reserve members at the more than 2,000 participating centers in local communities.
Chu said the agreement is a way to "demonstrate the Department's strong commitment to the families of our National Guard and reserve families."
Beginning in October, free family memberships will be available for 18 months -- while the servicemember-spouse is deployed -- and for three months before and after the deployment. YMCAs offer fitness centers with free child-watch while the parent works out, as well as family and youth programs, swim lessons, personal development classes and more.
Detailed information is available at www.militaryonesource.com.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - In two Defense Department-led initiatives today, a military-family support program launched its nationwide expansion, and the Armed Services YMCA introduced a new offering to families whose loved one is deployed. The Joint Family Support Assistance Program -- which helps families with financial and material support, coordinates counseling, and provides other key services -- expanded today from its pilot program to a nationwide network.
At a conference here this morning, participants from the pilot phase came together with about 400 representatives from 50 states and U.S. territories, where services will now be available to active-duty and reserve-component families.
Embracing the axiom that the military "enlists an individual, but re-enlists a family," the Defense Department has extended this support network, which focuses on assisting families who don't live near a military installation and therefore have difficulty accessing on-site services.
"Why are we undertaking this program?" David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, rhetorically asked the audience. "The answer is rooted in the realities of the all-volunteer force."
Unlike the conscripted force -- which comprised mostly unmarried military members with a 10-percent re-enlistment rate -- the all-volunteer force established in 1973 is now composed of servicemembers that are as likely to re-enlist as not. Furthermore, about half the troops are married, and many of these families have a young child, Chu said.
"We have an obligation to those families," he said. "We ask our military personnel to do a lot of hard and difficult things, and we will continue to ask to do many hard and difficult things. That means if they're going to be comfortable in that role -- that they're going to be willing to continue -- then their family must be supportive of the endeavors they undertake."
Chu called military bases "classic platforms" for providing support to families, but he conceded that not all families live within a reasonable distance to such facilities. Often, spouses have careers that require families to live far from base, or other reasons preclude living near installations.
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act required the Defense Department to implement a Joint Family Support Assistance Program for families in select parts of the country that are geographically isolated from installations. Since its inception, the program has provided services to more than 206,000 members and families at more than 4,900 events.
It has since evolved to include all 50 states, plus American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The program will connect families with one another and with supportive military and community resources, aiming to enhance families' ability to cope with deployment, reintegration, family separation and other issues related to a military lifestyle.
Chu said providing such support to families -- both near and far from military facilities -- is "crucial to our long-term military success."
Under the same rubric that pushed the Joint Family Support Assistance Program's nationwide expansion, the Defense Department today signed a new contract with the National YMCA that will provide free family YMCA memberships to families of National Guard or reserve members at the more than 2,000 participating centers in local communities.
Chu said the agreement is a way to "demonstrate the Department's strong commitment to the families of our National Guard and reserve families."
Beginning in October, free family memberships will be available for 18 months -- while the servicemember-spouse is deployed -- and for three months before and after the deployment. YMCAs offer fitness centers with free child-watch while the parent works out, as well as family and youth programs, swim lessons, personal development classes and more.
Detailed information is available at www.militaryonesource.com.
Navy to Christen USNS Carl Brashear
The Navy will launch and christen dry cargo/ammunition ship the USNS Carl Brashear at a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony on Sept. 18, 2008. The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of underway replenishment ships will be held at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.
Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979. Brashear was the subject of the 2000 movie "Men of Honor" starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at the christening ceremony and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Serving as ship's sponsor, Lauren Brashear will christen the ship in honor of her grandfather. The launching ceremony will include the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "USNS Carl Brashear."
USNS Carl Brashear is the seventh ship of the Navy's T-AKE 1 class. The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics force ships and the last three of which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). As a combat logistics force ship, USNS Carl Brashear will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.
As part of Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the USNS Carl Brashear is designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC. The ship will also have a Military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination and, when needed, can carry a helicopter detachment of up to 36.
Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.
Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979. Brashear was the subject of the 2000 movie "Men of Honor" starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at the christening ceremony and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Serving as ship's sponsor, Lauren Brashear will christen the ship in honor of her grandfather. The launching ceremony will include the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "USNS Carl Brashear."
USNS Carl Brashear is the seventh ship of the Navy's T-AKE 1 class. The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics force ships and the last three of which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). As a combat logistics force ship, USNS Carl Brashear will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.
As part of Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the USNS Carl Brashear is designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC. The ship will also have a Military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination and, when needed, can carry a helicopter detachment of up to 36.
Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.
DoD Announces 48 Finalists for $1M Wearable Power Prize Competition
The Department of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) office announced today the 48 team finalists for its $1 million Wearable Power Prize that will culminate Oct. 4 during a head-to-head competition in Twentynine Palms, Calif.
The 2008 Wearable Power Prize competition is a unique approach by the DoD to address the need for long-endurance, light weight power systems for dismounted warfighters.
DDR&E launched the competition in July 2007 by offering a $1 million first prize for a wearable system that provides 20 watts (avg.) of electrical power for 96 hours, weighs less than 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), attaches to a standard military vest, and operates autonomously. By the November 2007 deadline, 169 teams had registered to compete. Teams submitted safety details of their fuel/energy source(s) and a full functional system description of their prototype. All teams which had batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, engines, and other components that were compliant with the published safety guidelines qualified to continue in the competition. Over the last ten months, the original field has contracted to the current group of 48 innovative, most capable contenders. Each team leader is a U.S. citizen, but teams have members representing 15 countries.
"We now have the 'best of the best' competing," said William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for laboratories and basic sciences, and sponsor of the competition. "Teams representing large and small companies and individual inventors will showcase their latest technology in this competition. The best efforts of the entrepreneurial community in lightweight, portable power and energy will go head-to-head at Twentynine Palms in a few weeks."
The Wearable Power Prize competition will be held at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. A schedule outline follows:
Sunday, Sep. 28 Competition Begins
Competitors power-up their systems for a 92-hour power-draining bench test in outdoor conditions.
Friday, Oct. 3 Kids' Day
Invited local school students will participate in interactive science and technology exhibits and displays. They will meet working scientists, engineers, and inventors from companies all over the country and the DoD.
Saturday, Oct 4 Final Power "Wear-Off" Field Test "Base Open to Public & Media"
Teams surviving the bench test go head-to-head in the final 4-hour field test competition. The public and media are invited to view exhibits, the latest in power technology, and see Team members wear their prototypes as they power surrogate equipment in the final trial of the competition.
Media are asked to direct queries to Cmdr. Darryn James, DoD Public Affairs, (703)-693-8287. More information on the Wearable Power Prize can be found at: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize/final_event.html. A list of the 48 final teams can be seen at the following link; http://preview.defenselink.mil/news/d20080915wearable.pdf .
The 2008 Wearable Power Prize competition is a unique approach by the DoD to address the need for long-endurance, light weight power systems for dismounted warfighters.
DDR&E launched the competition in July 2007 by offering a $1 million first prize for a wearable system that provides 20 watts (avg.) of electrical power for 96 hours, weighs less than 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), attaches to a standard military vest, and operates autonomously. By the November 2007 deadline, 169 teams had registered to compete. Teams submitted safety details of their fuel/energy source(s) and a full functional system description of their prototype. All teams which had batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, engines, and other components that were compliant with the published safety guidelines qualified to continue in the competition. Over the last ten months, the original field has contracted to the current group of 48 innovative, most capable contenders. Each team leader is a U.S. citizen, but teams have members representing 15 countries.
"We now have the 'best of the best' competing," said William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for laboratories and basic sciences, and sponsor of the competition. "Teams representing large and small companies and individual inventors will showcase their latest technology in this competition. The best efforts of the entrepreneurial community in lightweight, portable power and energy will go head-to-head at Twentynine Palms in a few weeks."
The Wearable Power Prize competition will be held at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. A schedule outline follows:
Sunday, Sep. 28 Competition Begins
Competitors power-up their systems for a 92-hour power-draining bench test in outdoor conditions.
Friday, Oct. 3 Kids' Day
Invited local school students will participate in interactive science and technology exhibits and displays. They will meet working scientists, engineers, and inventors from companies all over the country and the DoD.
Saturday, Oct 4 Final Power "Wear-Off" Field Test "Base Open to Public & Media"
Teams surviving the bench test go head-to-head in the final 4-hour field test competition. The public and media are invited to view exhibits, the latest in power technology, and see Team members wear their prototypes as they power surrogate equipment in the final trial of the competition.
Media are asked to direct queries to Cmdr. Darryn James, DoD Public Affairs, (703)-693-8287. More information on the Wearable Power Prize can be found at: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize/final_event.html. A list of the 48 final teams can be seen at the following link; http://preview.defenselink.mil/news/d20080915wearable.pdf .
Face of Defense: Former African Pastor Serves as Soldier, Cook
By Army Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Many soldiers join the Army as a way of saying thanks, while others feel it is their patriotic duty to serve the country that has offered them a life full of endless opportunities. Regardless of the reason, thousands of soldiers are taking or re-taking the oath to defend and protect the United States during this time of war.
But Pfc. Rudolph Foliwe didn't have much time to take advantage of the opportunities for which he came to the United States before he joined the Army and began his career as a cook.
Foliwe was born and raised in Cameroon, a small country in west-central Africa, known for its native music and its successful national soccer team. English and French are the official languages of Cameroon, and compared to other African countries, its economy is stable.
Foliwe pursued an education in international affairs before attending three years of bible school and becoming a pastor in Cameroon. At the age of 33 he decided to travel to the United States.
"Africans love to travel," he said in his thick accent with a lively smile on his face, "and I wanted to experience a better way of life. People in the United States are blessed."
He arrived in Boston on July 7, 2007, and shipped off to basic training Oct. 18, 2007.
"I have great admiration for the U.S. Army," he said. "A friend of mine used to always tell me about the Army and told me that if I ever get to the United States, I should join."
Now, less than one year later, Foliwe prepares and serves food to his fellow Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, at an abandoned potato chip factory in New Baghdad used by the company as its combat outpost.
"I feel that the best way to begin my life as an immigrant is to fight for the country," Foliwe said. "This way, I can truly understand the benefits from the blessings of the country. It's a great foundation to set up my life and a positive image for my future children."
Although Foliwe served many years as a pastor in Cameroon, the option to serve as a chaplain in the Army was not available because his education didn't translate into a degree in the United States; a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school is necessary to become a chaplain. He made the decision to become a cook, choosing to physically feed others in place of "feeding" them spiritually. Because of his religious beliefs, he said, he wanted to serve a vital role in the military, but in a job more focused on serving others than on combat.
Foliwe not only was new to the Army, but also had little experience cooking.
"The only thing I had ever cooked before was rice and eggs," he said.
By the time he arrived to his unit in Baghdad in late June, he had developed the minimum skills taught to Army cooks in advanced individual training.
"He was fresh out of AIT and had no experience in cooking out in the field. Everything was new to him," said Army Spc. Marcus Reichelderfer, a native of Lima, Ohio, who also serves as a cook with the unit. "In a month and a half, he's improved from zero to 100. He's completely competent to run a shift by himself."
Foliwe said he believes his job in the Army is important and that he receives satisfaction knowing that what he does contributes to the overall mission and directly to individual soldiers.
"There is a strong relationship between food and motivation," he said. "When [soldiers] eat well, they are happy and motivated to do their job."
Although he hasn't served much time in the Army, Foliwe said, he has faced many obstacles, with the language barrier being the most difficult to overcome. Although he speaks fluent English, his accent is thick and sometimes hard to understand, but he said he's not discouraged. Instead, he strives to learn about the American culture from other soldiers and to teach them about his native culture.
"People are not stupid because they have different accents or speak different languages," he said. "I think that the soldiers here are realizing this and becoming more accepting of people and their different cultures. While we're deployed, we're all going through this together. All we have is each other, and we're all the same."
Foliwe said he will apply for U.S. citizenship at the end of September.
(Army Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Many soldiers join the Army as a way of saying thanks, while others feel it is their patriotic duty to serve the country that has offered them a life full of endless opportunities. Regardless of the reason, thousands of soldiers are taking or re-taking the oath to defend and protect the United States during this time of war.
But Pfc. Rudolph Foliwe didn't have much time to take advantage of the opportunities for which he came to the United States before he joined the Army and began his career as a cook.
Foliwe was born and raised in Cameroon, a small country in west-central Africa, known for its native music and its successful national soccer team. English and French are the official languages of Cameroon, and compared to other African countries, its economy is stable.
Foliwe pursued an education in international affairs before attending three years of bible school and becoming a pastor in Cameroon. At the age of 33 he decided to travel to the United States.
"Africans love to travel," he said in his thick accent with a lively smile on his face, "and I wanted to experience a better way of life. People in the United States are blessed."
He arrived in Boston on July 7, 2007, and shipped off to basic training Oct. 18, 2007.
"I have great admiration for the U.S. Army," he said. "A friend of mine used to always tell me about the Army and told me that if I ever get to the United States, I should join."
Now, less than one year later, Foliwe prepares and serves food to his fellow Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, at an abandoned potato chip factory in New Baghdad used by the company as its combat outpost.
"I feel that the best way to begin my life as an immigrant is to fight for the country," Foliwe said. "This way, I can truly understand the benefits from the blessings of the country. It's a great foundation to set up my life and a positive image for my future children."
Although Foliwe served many years as a pastor in Cameroon, the option to serve as a chaplain in the Army was not available because his education didn't translate into a degree in the United States; a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school is necessary to become a chaplain. He made the decision to become a cook, choosing to physically feed others in place of "feeding" them spiritually. Because of his religious beliefs, he said, he wanted to serve a vital role in the military, but in a job more focused on serving others than on combat.
Foliwe not only was new to the Army, but also had little experience cooking.
"The only thing I had ever cooked before was rice and eggs," he said.
By the time he arrived to his unit in Baghdad in late June, he had developed the minimum skills taught to Army cooks in advanced individual training.
"He was fresh out of AIT and had no experience in cooking out in the field. Everything was new to him," said Army Spc. Marcus Reichelderfer, a native of Lima, Ohio, who also serves as a cook with the unit. "In a month and a half, he's improved from zero to 100. He's completely competent to run a shift by himself."
Foliwe said he believes his job in the Army is important and that he receives satisfaction knowing that what he does contributes to the overall mission and directly to individual soldiers.
"There is a strong relationship between food and motivation," he said. "When [soldiers] eat well, they are happy and motivated to do their job."
Although he hasn't served much time in the Army, Foliwe said, he has faced many obstacles, with the language barrier being the most difficult to overcome. Although he speaks fluent English, his accent is thick and sometimes hard to understand, but he said he's not discouraged. Instead, he strives to learn about the American culture from other soldiers and to teach them about his native culture.
"People are not stupid because they have different accents or speak different languages," he said. "I think that the soldiers here are realizing this and becoming more accepting of people and their different cultures. While we're deployed, we're all going through this together. All we have is each other, and we're all the same."
Foliwe said he will apply for U.S. citizenship at the end of September.
(Army Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)
Culture of Troop Support Earns Top Award for Texas Capital
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The Defense Department is recognizing the city of Austin, Texas, as being one of the most supportive employers of reserve-component servicemembers in the nation. Austin is one of 15 employers selected to receive the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The city earned the award through its many support activities for employees who serve in the National Guard or reserve.
The city has policies in place that provide differential pay to activated employees for up to 15 months as well as 15 days of paid military leave annually for military training. The city trains all leaders and supervisors on the legal requirements to support employees in the National Guard and Reserve, and recently created a position that is dedicated to ensuring servicemembers are processed back into the employment sector upon return from deployment.
While employees are activated or deployed, supervisors and co-workers stay in touch with them, and the city hosts "send off" and "welcome home" ceremonies. Supervisors also help the families of deployed employees with home and vehicle maintenance and other projects.
In 2007, the city contracted with several organizations to provide families services such as psychological and emotional counseling, assistance with finance management, and referrals to support groups and the city's employee assistance program.
Lek Mateo, a Public Works Department supervisor for Austin and first sergeant in the Texas Army National Guard, nominated the city for the Freedom Award because of the exceptional support he and other employees have received, he said. Mateo was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, and said during his deployment his co-workers sent his unit care packages and school supplies for the Iraqi children, and his supervisors assured him his job would be waiting for him when he got back.
"I can't say enough about the city of Austin other than this is a wonderful city to work for, and I am thankful for having great bosses and co-workers who really support me and allow me to perform my military duties," he said.
Mateo praised the city for giving employees ample time to attend military training and for recruiting military veterans from nearby installations. The city held an event during Veterans Day to recognize all the veterans in the city work force and asked them to participate in a parade to recognize their service, he said.
"The city is a fantastic organization to work for in that they openly support their employees that serve in the National Guard or reserves and also recognize the employees that are veterans," he said. "Without our family and employer support, we as citizen-soldiers could not do our military duties."
The city of Austin will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The Defense Department is recognizing the city of Austin, Texas, as being one of the most supportive employers of reserve-component servicemembers in the nation. Austin is one of 15 employers selected to receive the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The city earned the award through its many support activities for employees who serve in the National Guard or reserve.
The city has policies in place that provide differential pay to activated employees for up to 15 months as well as 15 days of paid military leave annually for military training. The city trains all leaders and supervisors on the legal requirements to support employees in the National Guard and Reserve, and recently created a position that is dedicated to ensuring servicemembers are processed back into the employment sector upon return from deployment.
While employees are activated or deployed, supervisors and co-workers stay in touch with them, and the city hosts "send off" and "welcome home" ceremonies. Supervisors also help the families of deployed employees with home and vehicle maintenance and other projects.
In 2007, the city contracted with several organizations to provide families services such as psychological and emotional counseling, assistance with finance management, and referrals to support groups and the city's employee assistance program.
Lek Mateo, a Public Works Department supervisor for Austin and first sergeant in the Texas Army National Guard, nominated the city for the Freedom Award because of the exceptional support he and other employees have received, he said. Mateo was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, and said during his deployment his co-workers sent his unit care packages and school supplies for the Iraqi children, and his supervisors assured him his job would be waiting for him when he got back.
"I can't say enough about the city of Austin other than this is a wonderful city to work for, and I am thankful for having great bosses and co-workers who really support me and allow me to perform my military duties," he said.
Mateo praised the city for giving employees ample time to attend military training and for recruiting military veterans from nearby installations. The city held an event during Veterans Day to recognize all the veterans in the city work force and asked them to participate in a parade to recognize their service, he said.
"The city is a fantastic organization to work for in that they openly support their employees that serve in the National Guard or reserves and also recognize the employees that are veterans," he said. "Without our family and employer support, we as citizen-soldiers could not do our military duties."
The city of Austin will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
National Guard Begins Hurricane Ike Recovery Phase
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - After two days of intense search-and-rescue missions, National Guard personnel in Texas and Louisiana are moving on to recovery operations today. More than 14,000 National Guard members remain on duty in both states to clean up the debris, set up distribution points for food, water and ice and provide medical support, shelter and security to evacuated areas. They also will continue damage assessments and help with the restoration of services.
"The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a Sept. 13 news conference. He warned residents of Texas and Louisiana about fallen trees and debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
State officials still are urging displaced people not to return to their homes until local authorities announce the areas are safe.
More than 200 shelters have been opened in 11 cities throughout Texas and are prepared to take in displaced citizens. The shelters are in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Matagorda, Houston, Pasadena, San Antonio, Weslaco, Orange, Temple, Carthage and Lufkin.
"For those who are displaced, we hope to provide a level of comfort during their shelter stay, and for those cleaning up after the storm, we will help to get your community back on its feet," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, spokeswoman for the Texas National Guard.
On Sept. 13, President Bush declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for debris removal. Chertoff said this will help local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations.
Today in Louisiana, National Guard members have begun several recovery missions. They're conducting roving patrols in the southwest parishes; providing food, water and ice at 17 distribution points and 38 food stamp distribution sites; and manning 26 shelters with more than 3,500 occupants.
In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Guard also conducted aerial drops of hay for livestock. "We will drop hay into areas where livestock are inaccessible due to flooding," said Army Capt. Taysha Deaton, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana National Guard.
Also, 28 Guard engineering teams are clearing roads in devastated parishes. "Our efforts to date total over 4,300 miles of cleared roadways, and the removal of over 19,000 cubic yards of debris," Deaton said.
In Texas, the National Guard will establish 20 distribution points for water, food and ice. More than 100 sites are expected to be set up around the state.
"Very simple commodities like ice and clean water quickly become essentials during a natural disaster," Moncada said. "When the power fails and the food runs out, our soldiers and airmen will be there to provide the basics and aid in the recovery efforts."
Texas National Guard officials are planning for the possibility of long-term support of recovery operations in the state.
"Our force is one that adapts, focuses on the objective at hand but never loses sight of its priority: our neighbors in need," Moncada said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - After two days of intense search-and-rescue missions, National Guard personnel in Texas and Louisiana are moving on to recovery operations today. More than 14,000 National Guard members remain on duty in both states to clean up the debris, set up distribution points for food, water and ice and provide medical support, shelter and security to evacuated areas. They also will continue damage assessments and help with the restoration of services.
"The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a Sept. 13 news conference. He warned residents of Texas and Louisiana about fallen trees and debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
State officials still are urging displaced people not to return to their homes until local authorities announce the areas are safe.
More than 200 shelters have been opened in 11 cities throughout Texas and are prepared to take in displaced citizens. The shelters are in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Matagorda, Houston, Pasadena, San Antonio, Weslaco, Orange, Temple, Carthage and Lufkin.
"For those who are displaced, we hope to provide a level of comfort during their shelter stay, and for those cleaning up after the storm, we will help to get your community back on its feet," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, spokeswoman for the Texas National Guard.
On Sept. 13, President Bush declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for debris removal. Chertoff said this will help local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations.
Today in Louisiana, National Guard members have begun several recovery missions. They're conducting roving patrols in the southwest parishes; providing food, water and ice at 17 distribution points and 38 food stamp distribution sites; and manning 26 shelters with more than 3,500 occupants.
In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Guard also conducted aerial drops of hay for livestock. "We will drop hay into areas where livestock are inaccessible due to flooding," said Army Capt. Taysha Deaton, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana National Guard.
Also, 28 Guard engineering teams are clearing roads in devastated parishes. "Our efforts to date total over 4,300 miles of cleared roadways, and the removal of over 19,000 cubic yards of debris," Deaton said.
In Texas, the National Guard will establish 20 distribution points for water, food and ice. More than 100 sites are expected to be set up around the state.
"Very simple commodities like ice and clean water quickly become essentials during a natural disaster," Moncada said. "When the power fails and the food runs out, our soldiers and airmen will be there to provide the basics and aid in the recovery efforts."
Texas National Guard officials are planning for the possibility of long-term support of recovery operations in the state.
"Our force is one that adapts, focuses on the objective at hand but never loses sight of its priority: our neighbors in need," Moncada said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
National Guard Helps 2,500 Ike Victims to Safety
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Taking people to safe, dry places became one of the main missions for National Guard troops after Hurricane Ike rampaged through Texas and Louisiana. Guard members had rescued nearly 2,000 people in Texas, the hardest-hit state, by today, and had rescued or evacuated another 343 in Louisiana, the states reported.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Army Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of Louisiana's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "But we've got to keep our heads in the game, because there is lots of work still out there to do."
Texas Guard members used ground, water and air assets to help people stranded by the hurricane.
Texas troops had rescued 1,554 people with ground vehicles and boats and had rescued another 394 people with helicopters by midday today, Kristine Munn, a spokeswoman for the National Guard Bureau, reported. Furthermore, they had assisted 639 people who were not evacuated and had assessed the damage to about 500 buildings.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Army Maj. Gen Charles Rodriguez, the Texas adjutant general, said before the storm struck. That is how it all worked out in both states.
Louisiana troops rescued 308 citizens during 44 missions with high-water vehicles, 29 citizens during six boat missions, and six citizens with two helicopter missions, Guard officials reported.
The state had 255 trucks, 41 boats and 20 helicopters for search and rescue missions.
"Our Guardsmen have proven once again that they are the finest soldiers and airmen in America," Army Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general, said. "They are truly remarkable, working every day to assist their fellow citizens, even though in many cases their homes were flooded or damaged and their own families evacuated."
Sept. 15, 2008 - Taking people to safe, dry places became one of the main missions for National Guard troops after Hurricane Ike rampaged through Texas and Louisiana. Guard members had rescued nearly 2,000 people in Texas, the hardest-hit state, by today, and had rescued or evacuated another 343 in Louisiana, the states reported.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Army Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of Louisiana's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "But we've got to keep our heads in the game, because there is lots of work still out there to do."
Texas Guard members used ground, water and air assets to help people stranded by the hurricane.
Texas troops had rescued 1,554 people with ground vehicles and boats and had rescued another 394 people with helicopters by midday today, Kristine Munn, a spokeswoman for the National Guard Bureau, reported. Furthermore, they had assisted 639 people who were not evacuated and had assessed the damage to about 500 buildings.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Army Maj. Gen Charles Rodriguez, the Texas adjutant general, said before the storm struck. That is how it all worked out in both states.
Louisiana troops rescued 308 citizens during 44 missions with high-water vehicles, 29 citizens during six boat missions, and six citizens with two helicopter missions, Guard officials reported.
The state had 255 trucks, 41 boats and 20 helicopters for search and rescue missions.
"Our Guardsmen have proven once again that they are the finest soldiers and airmen in America," Army Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general, said. "They are truly remarkable, working every day to assist their fellow citizens, even though in many cases their homes were flooded or damaged and their own families evacuated."
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 15, 2008
Navy
Caddell Yates Joint Venture, Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a $181,882,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Wallace Creek Regimental Complex at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for a new, four battalion Regimental Complex in conjunction with the Grow the Force initiative. Procurement consists of the construction of the necessary administration/headquarters, operation, and maintenance and mission support, training and housing facilities to support approximately 3,000 Marines. The contract also contains two options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative contract value to $192,171,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $103,437,286 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-1404).
Detyens Shipyard, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $34,881,277 firm-fixed-price contract for accomplishing the Service Craft Overhaul (SCO) of the Shippingport (ARDM-4). Shippingport is a floating drydock. The SCO will enable the dock to continue its mission of drydocking submarines. There is a strengthening mod in the package that will upgrade the dock to enable it to drydock submarines of the Va., class. The work will include alterations and improvements, preservation, structural repairs, preservation, miscellaneous repairs, and drydocking. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-08-C-8007).
P & S Construction*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded an $11,973,197 firm-fixed-price construction contract for demolition and renovations of various buildings at Naval Submarine Base New London and Mitchell Field Long Island. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (90 percent) and Garden City, N.Y., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-2130).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,597,672 modification to definitize the previously awarded letter contract (N00019-07-C-0039) for non-recurring engineering for the design and development of the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System for the CH-46E helicopters, including developmental and operational testing, support equipment, computer based training and long-lead items. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineer contract for facilities and land use planning studies, environmental impact documents, cultural resources management plans, natural resources management plans, environmental studies and documents. Work will be performed in the areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), including various locations worldwide and may include the military service for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide planning assistance. The term of the contract is not to exceed four years with an expected completion date of Sept. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website, with five offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-D-0201).
MAN Diesel LTD, 1600-A Brittmoore, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $7,185,138 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract for Valenta engines used on the Cyclone class patrol vessel. This contract includes one base period and one option period that, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $14,370,276. Work will be performed at Colchester, England, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
BearingPoint, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $6,311,520 firm-fixed-price contract for the Marine Corps Systems Command requirement for the acquisition of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution and the subsequent systems integration as part of the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services (MCEITS) program of record. The IAM solution shall provide a MCEITS service that will be available for other systems and organizations across the Marine Corps enterprise. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $15,592,093. Work will be performed primarily at the contractor facility in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via posting to the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 14 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08- C-4946).
Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $5,625,194 cost-plus-award-fee modification to task order #EJ02 under the previously awarded global contingency service contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Trans-Sahara ground support services in up to six Trans-Saharan countries. The work to be performed provides scalable services including vehicle and equipment support including maintenance and recovery, airfield cargo handling, material line haul transport and tracking, and translator services. Work will be performed in Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $4,071,411 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.
NAVFAC contract with Caddell Yates Joint Venture, for $181,882,000 NAVSEA contract with Detyens Shipyard, Inc., for $34,881,277 NAVFAC contract with P & S Construction, for $11,973,197 NAVAIR contract with Northrop Grumman Corp., for $7,597,672 NAVFAC contract with Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc., for $7,500,000 NAVSUP contract with MAN Diesel LTD, for $7,185,138 MARCORSYSCOM contract with BearingPoint, Inc., for $6,311,520 NAVFAC contract with Contingency Response Services, LLC, for $5,625,194
Army
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $24,751,530 firm/fixed/price contract for the purchase of five Light Utility Helicopter aircraft for the US Navy Test Pilot School. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Web and five bids were received. US Army and Aviation Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
ICON Consulting Group, Inc., Ogden, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $7,332,426 firm/fixed price contract for design/build of a new single story, pre-engineered and repair facility. Work will be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. US Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
J & J Contractors/BBIX Joint Venture, Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, $11,087,000 firm/fixed price contract, to construct an acquisition management facility, Building 1604 to include all required construction. The facility scope is 39,719 square feet in size. Work will be performed in Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 2010. Four bids were solicited and three bids were received. U.S. Corps of Engineers-New England District, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912BU-06-D-0008).
BBL Carlton, Inc., Charleston, W. Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $16,432,000 firm/fixed/price contract. This contract is for Project LYBH009131 Replace Maintenance Hanger and Shops, at 130th Airlift Wing, Yeager Airport, and Charleston, W.Va. Work will be performed in Charleston, W.Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. National Guard Bureau USPFO, Buckhannon, W.Va., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0014).
Mabey Bridge & Shore, Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a
$6,073,650 firm/fixed/price contract for procuring 27 Mabey Johnson Logistic Support Bridge ramp sets. Work will be performed in Lydney Industrial Estates, UK, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity
(W56HZV-08-C-0666).
Production Products Manufacturing and Sales Company Inc, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $16, 273, 283 fixed/price contract. The M20 simplified collective protection equipment provides a radioactive particle, chemical and / or biological, containment- free work and rest area for up to 10 personnel, eliminating the need to wear individual protective equipment. Work will be performed in St Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited via the web and two bids were received. US Army TACOM, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0402).
Caterpillar Inc., Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $20, 307,131 firm/fixed/price contract for 92 heavy loader Type II with A-kit and 10 C-kit containers. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and five bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Montgomery, Ill., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-DL-424).
Sambe Construction Company Inc., Pennsauken, N.J., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $9,890,000 firm/fixed/price contract for a construction contract to replace aircraft maintenance hangar located at the Delaware Air National Guard Base, New Castle Del. Work will be performed in New Castle, Del., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 14, 2010. Seven bids were solicited and seven bids were received. National Guard Bureau, New Castle, Del, is the contracting activity (W912L5-08-C-0011).
Scott Alliance Inc, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $7,196,700 firm/fixed/price contract to a construction of a child development center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0033).
Kitware Inc., Clifton Park, N.Y., was awarded on Sept.11, 2008, a $6,735,503 firm/fixed/price contract. The primary objective of the program is to develop, evaluate and deploy an operational prototype for video content-based retrieval. Work will be performed in Clifton Park, N.Y., Golden Valley, Minn., Ypsilanti, N.Y., College Park, Md., N.Y., Austin, Texas, Berkeley, Calif., Pittsburgh, Pa., Troy, N.Y., and Pasadena, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 11, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Broad Agency Band and twenty bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0135).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
IsoBunkers, LLC, Norfolk, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $29,743,441 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for marine gas oil. Other locations of performance are in Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with 18 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0358).
World Fuels Americas dbs Trans-TEC, Greenwich, Conn. is being awarded a maximum $16,177,920 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Tacoma, Washington. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-0364).
Air Force
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Aeronautics Co., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3858 0001).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program (AVIATR) to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3859 0001).
The Air Force is modifying a firm price incentive firm target with award fee contract by exercising an option with CSC Applied Technologies LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, for an estimated $70,963,687.This action provides for base operation support and aircraft maintenance for Vance Air Force Base, OK, in support of T-38C/T-38C IFF/T-1A/T-6 undergraduate pilot training for the first option year, Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. At this time no funds have been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-C-0007 P00007).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $52,013,000. This action will provide 33 multi-spectral targeting systems mode 1, 4 multi-spectral targeting systems, and associated shop replaceable unit spares and containers to support the Predator/Reaper program. At this time $8,748,119 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 Delivery Order 0008).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract by exercising an option with ARCTEC Ala., of Elmendorf AFB, Ala., for $34,846,583. This action provides for operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System consisting of 15 remote sites for a twelve-month period. At this time all funds have been obligated. 3rd Contracting Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Ark., is the contracting activity (FA50000-04-C-0011).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., for an estimated $6,478,430. This action will provide a prototype modeling and simulation financial system that establishes an architectural foundation for an advanced integrating methodology and system known as SmartMoves. SmartMoves will integrate financial capability and system information form existing systems. The research and development data/information derived from this effort will be available to the DoD Community through the Defense Technical Information Center Library. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Deliver Order: 0198).
USSOCOM
Sealevel Systems, Inc., in Liberty, S.C., was awarded delivery order 0002 in the amount of $3,999,425 under a five-year, IDIQ contract with a ceiling of $11,496,263, for the procurement of the Personal Data Assistant-184 Universal Serial Bus to synchronous serial adapter radio interface cable systems (parts number 9065-DB25, 9065-PRC-117F, 9065-PRC-148 and 9065-PRC-150) in support of the MBMMR, for U.S. Special Operations Command. The company was awarded delivery order 0001 in the amount of $2,114,819 Sept. 5. The parts will be produced in Liberty, S.C. and the five year ordering period will be completed in Sept. 2013. The contract number is H92222-08-D-0005.
Caddell Yates Joint Venture, Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a $181,882,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Wallace Creek Regimental Complex at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for a new, four battalion Regimental Complex in conjunction with the Grow the Force initiative. Procurement consists of the construction of the necessary administration/headquarters, operation, and maintenance and mission support, training and housing facilities to support approximately 3,000 Marines. The contract also contains two options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative contract value to $192,171,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $103,437,286 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-1404).
Detyens Shipyard, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $34,881,277 firm-fixed-price contract for accomplishing the Service Craft Overhaul (SCO) of the Shippingport (ARDM-4). Shippingport is a floating drydock. The SCO will enable the dock to continue its mission of drydocking submarines. There is a strengthening mod in the package that will upgrade the dock to enable it to drydock submarines of the Va., class. The work will include alterations and improvements, preservation, structural repairs, preservation, miscellaneous repairs, and drydocking. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-08-C-8007).
P & S Construction*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded an $11,973,197 firm-fixed-price construction contract for demolition and renovations of various buildings at Naval Submarine Base New London and Mitchell Field Long Island. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (90 percent) and Garden City, N.Y., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-2130).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,597,672 modification to definitize the previously awarded letter contract (N00019-07-C-0039) for non-recurring engineering for the design and development of the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System for the CH-46E helicopters, including developmental and operational testing, support equipment, computer based training and long-lead items. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineer contract for facilities and land use planning studies, environmental impact documents, cultural resources management plans, natural resources management plans, environmental studies and documents. Work will be performed in the areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), including various locations worldwide and may include the military service for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide planning assistance. The term of the contract is not to exceed four years with an expected completion date of Sept. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website, with five offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-D-0201).
MAN Diesel LTD, 1600-A Brittmoore, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $7,185,138 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract for Valenta engines used on the Cyclone class patrol vessel. This contract includes one base period and one option period that, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $14,370,276. Work will be performed at Colchester, England, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
BearingPoint, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $6,311,520 firm-fixed-price contract for the Marine Corps Systems Command requirement for the acquisition of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution and the subsequent systems integration as part of the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services (MCEITS) program of record. The IAM solution shall provide a MCEITS service that will be available for other systems and organizations across the Marine Corps enterprise. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $15,592,093. Work will be performed primarily at the contractor facility in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via posting to the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 14 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08- C-4946).
Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $5,625,194 cost-plus-award-fee modification to task order #EJ02 under the previously awarded global contingency service contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Trans-Sahara ground support services in up to six Trans-Saharan countries. The work to be performed provides scalable services including vehicle and equipment support including maintenance and recovery, airfield cargo handling, material line haul transport and tracking, and translator services. Work will be performed in Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $4,071,411 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.
NAVFAC contract with Caddell Yates Joint Venture, for $181,882,000 NAVSEA contract with Detyens Shipyard, Inc., for $34,881,277 NAVFAC contract with P & S Construction, for $11,973,197 NAVAIR contract with Northrop Grumman Corp., for $7,597,672 NAVFAC contract with Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc., for $7,500,000 NAVSUP contract with MAN Diesel LTD, for $7,185,138 MARCORSYSCOM contract with BearingPoint, Inc., for $6,311,520 NAVFAC contract with Contingency Response Services, LLC, for $5,625,194
Army
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $24,751,530 firm/fixed/price contract for the purchase of five Light Utility Helicopter aircraft for the US Navy Test Pilot School. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Web and five bids were received. US Army and Aviation Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
ICON Consulting Group, Inc., Ogden, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $7,332,426 firm/fixed price contract for design/build of a new single story, pre-engineered and repair facility. Work will be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. US Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
J & J Contractors/BBIX Joint Venture, Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, $11,087,000 firm/fixed price contract, to construct an acquisition management facility, Building 1604 to include all required construction. The facility scope is 39,719 square feet in size. Work will be performed in Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 2010. Four bids were solicited and three bids were received. U.S. Corps of Engineers-New England District, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912BU-06-D-0008).
BBL Carlton, Inc., Charleston, W. Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $16,432,000 firm/fixed/price contract. This contract is for Project LYBH009131 Replace Maintenance Hanger and Shops, at 130th Airlift Wing, Yeager Airport, and Charleston, W.Va. Work will be performed in Charleston, W.Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. National Guard Bureau USPFO, Buckhannon, W.Va., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0014).
Mabey Bridge & Shore, Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a
$6,073,650 firm/fixed/price contract for procuring 27 Mabey Johnson Logistic Support Bridge ramp sets. Work will be performed in Lydney Industrial Estates, UK, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity
(W56HZV-08-C-0666).
Production Products Manufacturing and Sales Company Inc, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $16, 273, 283 fixed/price contract. The M20 simplified collective protection equipment provides a radioactive particle, chemical and / or biological, containment- free work and rest area for up to 10 personnel, eliminating the need to wear individual protective equipment. Work will be performed in St Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited via the web and two bids were received. US Army TACOM, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0402).
Caterpillar Inc., Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $20, 307,131 firm/fixed/price contract for 92 heavy loader Type II with A-kit and 10 C-kit containers. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and five bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Montgomery, Ill., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-DL-424).
Sambe Construction Company Inc., Pennsauken, N.J., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $9,890,000 firm/fixed/price contract for a construction contract to replace aircraft maintenance hangar located at the Delaware Air National Guard Base, New Castle Del. Work will be performed in New Castle, Del., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 14, 2010. Seven bids were solicited and seven bids were received. National Guard Bureau, New Castle, Del, is the contracting activity (W912L5-08-C-0011).
Scott Alliance Inc, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $7,196,700 firm/fixed/price contract to a construction of a child development center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0033).
Kitware Inc., Clifton Park, N.Y., was awarded on Sept.11, 2008, a $6,735,503 firm/fixed/price contract. The primary objective of the program is to develop, evaluate and deploy an operational prototype for video content-based retrieval. Work will be performed in Clifton Park, N.Y., Golden Valley, Minn., Ypsilanti, N.Y., College Park, Md., N.Y., Austin, Texas, Berkeley, Calif., Pittsburgh, Pa., Troy, N.Y., and Pasadena, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 11, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Broad Agency Band and twenty bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0135).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
IsoBunkers, LLC, Norfolk, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $29,743,441 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for marine gas oil. Other locations of performance are in Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with 18 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0358).
World Fuels Americas dbs Trans-TEC, Greenwich, Conn. is being awarded a maximum $16,177,920 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Tacoma, Washington. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-0364).
Air Force
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Aeronautics Co., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3858 0001).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program (AVIATR) to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3859 0001).
The Air Force is modifying a firm price incentive firm target with award fee contract by exercising an option with CSC Applied Technologies LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, for an estimated $70,963,687.This action provides for base operation support and aircraft maintenance for Vance Air Force Base, OK, in support of T-38C/T-38C IFF/T-1A/T-6 undergraduate pilot training for the first option year, Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. At this time no funds have been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-C-0007 P00007).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $52,013,000. This action will provide 33 multi-spectral targeting systems mode 1, 4 multi-spectral targeting systems, and associated shop replaceable unit spares and containers to support the Predator/Reaper program. At this time $8,748,119 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 Delivery Order 0008).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract by exercising an option with ARCTEC Ala., of Elmendorf AFB, Ala., for $34,846,583. This action provides for operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System consisting of 15 remote sites for a twelve-month period. At this time all funds have been obligated. 3rd Contracting Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Ark., is the contracting activity (FA50000-04-C-0011).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., for an estimated $6,478,430. This action will provide a prototype modeling and simulation financial system that establishes an architectural foundation for an advanced integrating methodology and system known as SmartMoves. SmartMoves will integrate financial capability and system information form existing systems. The research and development data/information derived from this effort will be available to the DoD Community through the Defense Technical Information Center Library. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Deliver Order: 0198).
USSOCOM
Sealevel Systems, Inc., in Liberty, S.C., was awarded delivery order 0002 in the amount of $3,999,425 under a five-year, IDIQ contract with a ceiling of $11,496,263, for the procurement of the Personal Data Assistant-184 Universal Serial Bus to synchronous serial adapter radio interface cable systems (parts number 9065-DB25, 9065-PRC-117F, 9065-PRC-148 and 9065-PRC-150) in support of the MBMMR, for U.S. Special Operations Command. The company was awarded delivery order 0001 in the amount of $2,114,819 Sept. 5. The parts will be produced in Liberty, S.C. and the five year ordering period will be completed in Sept. 2013. The contract number is H92222-08-D-0005.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
National Guard Sandbags Levee, Protects Highway
By Louisiana National Guard Sgt. Michael L. Owens
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - On the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America, soldiers and airmen of the Louisiana National Guard assisted Plaquemines Parish by sandbagging a levee that protects Highway 23, the main artery for entering and exiting Plaquemines Parish, as a precaution against Hurricane Ike's storm surge. The levee, which was overtopped and breached when Hurricane Gustav passed through the area, had suffered damaging erosion caused by heavy rainfall throughout the year.
"There are eight dips and low spots in the levee that were caused from erosion," said Blair G. Rittiner, Plaquemines Parish land superintendent. "If these holes are not filled or repaired, it may cause the levee to breach again. Basically, we are putting band-aids on the levee."
Although Louisiana is not expecting a direct hit from Hurricane Ike, Plaquemines Parish is expecting at least a four foot storm surge e as it passes through the Gulf of Mexico.
"The levees are about three feet high," explained Spc. John M. Clement, G Company, 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "We are putting lots of sandbags here that will eventually raise the height to about four feet."
Plaquemines Parish dips deep into South Louisiana and has the most combined land and water area in the state. The parish suffered minor flooding after a portion of its levee breached as a result of rising water from Hurricane Gustav. Unlike the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were no reports of homes flooding in the parish due to Gustav.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - On the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America, soldiers and airmen of the Louisiana National Guard assisted Plaquemines Parish by sandbagging a levee that protects Highway 23, the main artery for entering and exiting Plaquemines Parish, as a precaution against Hurricane Ike's storm surge. The levee, which was overtopped and breached when Hurricane Gustav passed through the area, had suffered damaging erosion caused by heavy rainfall throughout the year.
"There are eight dips and low spots in the levee that were caused from erosion," said Blair G. Rittiner, Plaquemines Parish land superintendent. "If these holes are not filled or repaired, it may cause the levee to breach again. Basically, we are putting band-aids on the levee."
Although Louisiana is not expecting a direct hit from Hurricane Ike, Plaquemines Parish is expecting at least a four foot storm surge e as it passes through the Gulf of Mexico.
"The levees are about three feet high," explained Spc. John M. Clement, G Company, 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "We are putting lots of sandbags here that will eventually raise the height to about four feet."
Plaquemines Parish dips deep into South Louisiana and has the most combined land and water area in the state. The parish suffered minor flooding after a portion of its levee breached as a result of rising water from Hurricane Gustav. Unlike the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were no reports of homes flooding in the parish due to Gustav.
Joint Task Force 129 Airmen Rescue Civilians Stranded in Galveston
By Air National Guard Capt. Alyson Teeter
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.
Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.
During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.
The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.
The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.
A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.
Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.
While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.
Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.
Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.
Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.
As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.
(Capt. Alyson Teeter is assigned to the Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs)
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.
Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.
During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.
The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.
The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.
A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.
Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.
While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.
Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.
Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.
Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.
As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.
(Capt. Alyson Teeter is assigned to the Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs)
Top Military Health Official Promotes Prostate Cancer Awareness
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - As a man afflicted with prostate cancer, the top Defense Department military health official has a unique perspective on the importance of promoting awareness about the disease. Now in his eighth year living with an aggressive form of cancer, Ward Casscells, M.D., the assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, understands the importance of early detection. But he realizes the stigma that members of the military culture often attach to certain screening methods.
"It's hard enough to get them to wear a motorcycle helmet," he said in an interview today, which falls almost on the ides of September -- National Prostate Health Month.
The doctor sought treatment in his forties when he began feeling vague discomfort in his pelvic region. After undergoing a colonoscopy, his doctor told him his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) readout -- which measures the protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and can indicate the presence of cancer -- was at a normal level.
But by age 49, further testing showed that Casscells in fact had prostate cancer with a PSA level around 94 – well above the healthy average readout of four. In addition, he learned that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body.
Casscells believes that his early tests – a blood test and CAT scan – had been misdiagnosed. He says problems of misinterpretation can be mitigated by patients being prepared to inquire about their health.
"I always have a list of questions, and I don't leave until I get an answer," he said of his regular doctor's visits.
Casscells also urged current and retired military members age 40 to 50 to get a screening, and to consult multiple medical sources. For patients who are deemed "at risk," or who are on "watchful waiting," the doctor recommends changing their diets, becoming more active, increasing their intake of vitamin D. He also emphasized the importance of upping one's exposure to sunlight. "I bought myself a convertible and threw away the sunscreen," he said.
Cancer targeting the prostate is the most common form of cancer developed in men. Accordingly, he said, the onus is on servicemembers to encourage their buddies to seek treatment as their forties approach.
Casscells' story is one of unique intrepidity. After being diagnosed with his potentially terminal cancer, he experienced a common reaction: physical and emotional hardships, some depression, even grief. His response afterwards, however, was anything but ordinary.
The doctor, who had served as the Distinguished Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, never missed a day of work. Later, after deploying to Iraq as a doctor in the Army Reserve, he underwent chemotherapy in Baghdad.
After learning that his improved health required a radical change in behavior, Casscells, who described himself as not very athletic earlier in life, adopted a regimen of running and a diet absent meats, despite his appetite for char-grilled burgers. He advocates similar modifications for afflicted, or at-risk, men.
"If I can do it," he said humbly, "anybody can."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - As a man afflicted with prostate cancer, the top Defense Department military health official has a unique perspective on the importance of promoting awareness about the disease. Now in his eighth year living with an aggressive form of cancer, Ward Casscells, M.D., the assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, understands the importance of early detection. But he realizes the stigma that members of the military culture often attach to certain screening methods.
"It's hard enough to get them to wear a motorcycle helmet," he said in an interview today, which falls almost on the ides of September -- National Prostate Health Month.
The doctor sought treatment in his forties when he began feeling vague discomfort in his pelvic region. After undergoing a colonoscopy, his doctor told him his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) readout -- which measures the protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and can indicate the presence of cancer -- was at a normal level.
But by age 49, further testing showed that Casscells in fact had prostate cancer with a PSA level around 94 – well above the healthy average readout of four. In addition, he learned that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body.
Casscells believes that his early tests – a blood test and CAT scan – had been misdiagnosed. He says problems of misinterpretation can be mitigated by patients being prepared to inquire about their health.
"I always have a list of questions, and I don't leave until I get an answer," he said of his regular doctor's visits.
Casscells also urged current and retired military members age 40 to 50 to get a screening, and to consult multiple medical sources. For patients who are deemed "at risk," or who are on "watchful waiting," the doctor recommends changing their diets, becoming more active, increasing their intake of vitamin D. He also emphasized the importance of upping one's exposure to sunlight. "I bought myself a convertible and threw away the sunscreen," he said.
Cancer targeting the prostate is the most common form of cancer developed in men. Accordingly, he said, the onus is on servicemembers to encourage their buddies to seek treatment as their forties approach.
Casscells' story is one of unique intrepidity. After being diagnosed with his potentially terminal cancer, he experienced a common reaction: physical and emotional hardships, some depression, even grief. His response afterwards, however, was anything but ordinary.
The doctor, who had served as the Distinguished Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, never missed a day of work. Later, after deploying to Iraq as a doctor in the Army Reserve, he underwent chemotherapy in Baghdad.
After learning that his improved health required a radical change in behavior, Casscells, who described himself as not very athletic earlier in life, adopted a regimen of running and a diet absent meats, despite his appetite for char-grilled burgers. He advocates similar modifications for afflicted, or at-risk, men.
"If I can do it," he said humbly, "anybody can."
Hurricane Ike Rescues Underway in Texas and Louisiana
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Federal and State response forces have begun what Texas Governor Rick Perry is calling the largest search and rescue ever in his state today as more than 100,000 residents are estimated to have ignored Hurricane Ike evacuation warnings. Ike reached the Texas shores early this morning as a category 2 storm with upwards of 110 mph winds, flooding thousands of homes and leaving millions without power. The hurricane was later downgraded to a tropical storm, and as it continues to weakens, first responders are moving in.
More than 3,300 active-duty military members are prepared for search and rescue operations, said Mike Kucharek, spokesman for U.S. Army Northern Command.
Also, there are about 7,500 Texas National Guardsmen activated and providing assistance in Galveston, Houston, Lufkin and Orange County, which are some of the hardest hit areas.
Emergency response agencies are staging their logistics area for commodities support and distribution efforts from Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, Kucharek said. More than 40 distribution points are set up across eastern Texas and Louisiana too to provide food, water, ice and medical support.
Response teams have more than 100 helicopters, 88 high-water vehicles and 21 short-raft boats available for rescue missions, he added.
Around 50 of those helicopters, from National Guard assets, are already airborne and conducting rescue operations, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a press briefing from Washington today.
"We're particularly focused on those areas hit with storm surge," Chertoff said. But he added that even in the areas where flooding is not as significant, people should still remain cautious. "The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," he continued.
Chertoff cautioned power outages, fallen trees and debris, down power lines and other types of hazards across the effected areas in Texas and Louisiana.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
In Texas, particularly the Galveston area, a large amount of state, Coast Guard and Defense Department helicopters are conducting recovery efforts. The most recent reports state more than 120 people have been rescued. Authorities in Louisiana are tracking 179 rescues already along with one dog rescue, Chertoff said.
Texas estimates 2.2 million people fled their homes, while Louisiana estimates 130,000. Though many of the evacuees are in hotels and shelters, officials are urging them not to return until authorities announce areas are safe, he said.
President Bush today declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for individuals and local community efforts for debris removal. This will relieve a significant burden as local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations, he said.
The storm is projected to continue its path through north Texas into Arkansas with driving rain, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, and is still considered dangerous, Chertoff said.
"It may not be as dramatic as the scenes you saw on television right at the coast," he said, "but exercising prudence for everybody in the path of this storm is very strongly recommended, so we can minimize the loss of life as much as we can."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Federal and State response forces have begun what Texas Governor Rick Perry is calling the largest search and rescue ever in his state today as more than 100,000 residents are estimated to have ignored Hurricane Ike evacuation warnings. Ike reached the Texas shores early this morning as a category 2 storm with upwards of 110 mph winds, flooding thousands of homes and leaving millions without power. The hurricane was later downgraded to a tropical storm, and as it continues to weakens, first responders are moving in.
More than 3,300 active-duty military members are prepared for search and rescue operations, said Mike Kucharek, spokesman for U.S. Army Northern Command.
Also, there are about 7,500 Texas National Guardsmen activated and providing assistance in Galveston, Houston, Lufkin and Orange County, which are some of the hardest hit areas.
Emergency response agencies are staging their logistics area for commodities support and distribution efforts from Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, Kucharek said. More than 40 distribution points are set up across eastern Texas and Louisiana too to provide food, water, ice and medical support.
Response teams have more than 100 helicopters, 88 high-water vehicles and 21 short-raft boats available for rescue missions, he added.
Around 50 of those helicopters, from National Guard assets, are already airborne and conducting rescue operations, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a press briefing from Washington today.
"We're particularly focused on those areas hit with storm surge," Chertoff said. But he added that even in the areas where flooding is not as significant, people should still remain cautious. "The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," he continued.
Chertoff cautioned power outages, fallen trees and debris, down power lines and other types of hazards across the effected areas in Texas and Louisiana.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
In Texas, particularly the Galveston area, a large amount of state, Coast Guard and Defense Department helicopters are conducting recovery efforts. The most recent reports state more than 120 people have been rescued. Authorities in Louisiana are tracking 179 rescues already along with one dog rescue, Chertoff said.
Texas estimates 2.2 million people fled their homes, while Louisiana estimates 130,000. Though many of the evacuees are in hotels and shelters, officials are urging them not to return until authorities announce areas are safe, he said.
President Bush today declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for individuals and local community efforts for debris removal. This will relieve a significant burden as local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations, he said.
The storm is projected to continue its path through north Texas into Arkansas with driving rain, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, and is still considered dangerous, Chertoff said.
"It may not be as dramatic as the scenes you saw on television right at the coast," he said, "but exercising prudence for everybody in the path of this storm is very strongly recommended, so we can minimize the loss of life as much as we can."
National Guard Helps Evacuate Three Households in Louisiana
By Sgt. 1st Class Paul Meeker
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Members of three different Hackberry, La., households stayed in their homes through the fierce winds and flooding of Hurricane Ike, believing they wouldn't suffer any worse than they did during Hurricane Rita in September 2005. However, the water rose three to four feet in their homes, compared to one foot three years ago. "Water came in around 9 p.m. We had made plans to go into the attic and had provisions there, so that's where we went," said Leroy East of Hackberry. "We stayed this time because it took us so long to get back to our property after Rita. But I won't stay again."
The six adults and two pets were rescued from their homes by Hackberry Firemen who picked them up via boat. The fire department had been alerted to their whereabouts by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents who had received a cell phone call from a relative of one of the stranded residents.
The National Guard helicopter piloted by Chief Warrant Officers Kevin Dares and Don Pierce picked them up from high ground and transported them to the Million Air hangar at Chennault Airport in Lake Charles, La.
From there, Wildlife and Fisheries agents assisted the evacuees by helping them make contact with friends and relatives who could pick them up.
The rescued citizens were Floyd and Bernadette Silver, Leroy and Pamela East, David Benoit and Dolores Duhon, as well as one dog, Tiny, and one cat, Bobaloo.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Members of three different Hackberry, La., households stayed in their homes through the fierce winds and flooding of Hurricane Ike, believing they wouldn't suffer any worse than they did during Hurricane Rita in September 2005. However, the water rose three to four feet in their homes, compared to one foot three years ago. "Water came in around 9 p.m. We had made plans to go into the attic and had provisions there, so that's where we went," said Leroy East of Hackberry. "We stayed this time because it took us so long to get back to our property after Rita. But I won't stay again."
The six adults and two pets were rescued from their homes by Hackberry Firemen who picked them up via boat. The fire department had been alerted to their whereabouts by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents who had received a cell phone call from a relative of one of the stranded residents.
The National Guard helicopter piloted by Chief Warrant Officers Kevin Dares and Don Pierce picked them up from high ground and transported them to the Million Air hangar at Chennault Airport in Lake Charles, La.
From there, Wildlife and Fisheries agents assisted the evacuees by helping them make contact with friends and relatives who could pick them up.
The rescued citizens were Floyd and Bernadette Silver, Leroy and Pamela East, David Benoit and Dolores Duhon, as well as one dog, Tiny, and one cat, Bobaloo.
Louisiana Guardsmen Answer the Call as Hurricane Ike Slams the Coast
By Army Maj. David W. May
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - As Hurricane Ike slammed ashore today, the National Guard was already at work evacuating stranded citizens from their homes and other locations across Southwest Louisiana. By noon today, members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, working in conjunction with local and state authorities, rescued 19 people, including three children, as well as four family pets, and responded to numerous calls for assistance from both civilians and other rescue agencies.
The day began hours before daylight, as National Guard members prepared their rescue equipment and vehicles and themselves mentally for whatever the day might bring.
Around 7 a.m., a line of high-water vehicles and humvees loaded with troops rolled out of their armories to begin the process of locating those in need and getting them to safety.
Almost as soon as they rolled out, soldiers reported flooding and street blockages throughout the area – in lower Vermillion Parish, water rose fast and threatened two of the towns including Erath High School; water at Pen Street Park rising nearly six inches an hour; an apartment complex had water coming in on the first floor; power outages occurred in multiple locations; communications went down, and the reports continued.
Just before 8 a.m., a paraplegic trapped in his home called for rescue. By the time soldiers arrived, police had removed the man, but another family of six called needing evacuation and the Guardsmen obliged, transporting them to Chennault Air Park in Lake Charles, La. Another rescue occurred soon after in Westlake, La.
Soldiers were also asked to assist the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with a rescue request of 17 people.
By 10 a.m., the Guard received several more requests including one with residents trapped in their subdivision and an elderly couple stuck in their home. In the meantime, waters continued to rise and winds showed no signs of abating.
Throughout the effort, estimates cited sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph, which only served to complicate efforts.
By midday, the Guard received various other requests for assistance and responded to a group of people stranded in a casino parking lot and others who had to be rescued by boat.
Even as the requests continue to pour in, the 256th has no plans of slowing effort or of curbing operations. They will stay on mission as long as they are needed, according to officials.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of the 256th. "But we've got to keep our head in the game because there is lots of work still out there to do."
(Army Maj. David W. May is assigned to Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - As Hurricane Ike slammed ashore today, the National Guard was already at work evacuating stranded citizens from their homes and other locations across Southwest Louisiana. By noon today, members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, working in conjunction with local and state authorities, rescued 19 people, including three children, as well as four family pets, and responded to numerous calls for assistance from both civilians and other rescue agencies.
The day began hours before daylight, as National Guard members prepared their rescue equipment and vehicles and themselves mentally for whatever the day might bring.
Around 7 a.m., a line of high-water vehicles and humvees loaded with troops rolled out of their armories to begin the process of locating those in need and getting them to safety.
Almost as soon as they rolled out, soldiers reported flooding and street blockages throughout the area – in lower Vermillion Parish, water rose fast and threatened two of the towns including Erath High School; water at Pen Street Park rising nearly six inches an hour; an apartment complex had water coming in on the first floor; power outages occurred in multiple locations; communications went down, and the reports continued.
Just before 8 a.m., a paraplegic trapped in his home called for rescue. By the time soldiers arrived, police had removed the man, but another family of six called needing evacuation and the Guardsmen obliged, transporting them to Chennault Air Park in Lake Charles, La. Another rescue occurred soon after in Westlake, La.
Soldiers were also asked to assist the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with a rescue request of 17 people.
By 10 a.m., the Guard received several more requests including one with residents trapped in their subdivision and an elderly couple stuck in their home. In the meantime, waters continued to rise and winds showed no signs of abating.
Throughout the effort, estimates cited sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph, which only served to complicate efforts.
By midday, the Guard received various other requests for assistance and responded to a group of people stranded in a casino parking lot and others who had to be rescued by boat.
Even as the requests continue to pour in, the 256th has no plans of slowing effort or of curbing operations. They will stay on mission as long as they are needed, according to officials.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of the 256th. "But we've got to keep our head in the game because there is lots of work still out there to do."
(Army Maj. David W. May is assigned to Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs.)
Kentucky Air Guard Troops Deploy to Coastal Texas
By Air Force Capt. Dale Greer
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - About 25 pararescuemen, combat controllers and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas today to conduct rescue operations for victims of Hurricane Ike. The Airmen began leaving the Air Guard Base at Louisville International Airport at 5:35 p.m. aboard multiple Kentucky Air Guard C-130s.
The aircraft, bound for Ellington Field near Houston, were loaded with thousands of pounds of medical gear and rescue equipment, including Zodiac motor boats, swift-water rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and a Special Tactics operations center, said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Malone, a superintendent in the squadron.
"We're taking everything we need today to establish airfield operations, begin rescue efforts and provide medical assistance as necessary," Malone said.
The equipment also included long-range communications gear and navigational electronics, which the squadron's combat controllers use to control emergency air traffic into and out of disaster areas.
"We can deploy into any environment and establish airfield operations and air traffic control very quickly," Malone said. "That's crucial for successful rescue operations."
Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron established a helicopter landing zone on an Interstate overpass and helped direct helicopter med-evac flights that airlifted more than 11,900 to safety.
(Air Force Capt. Dale Greer is assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - About 25 pararescuemen, combat controllers and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas today to conduct rescue operations for victims of Hurricane Ike. The Airmen began leaving the Air Guard Base at Louisville International Airport at 5:35 p.m. aboard multiple Kentucky Air Guard C-130s.
The aircraft, bound for Ellington Field near Houston, were loaded with thousands of pounds of medical gear and rescue equipment, including Zodiac motor boats, swift-water rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and a Special Tactics operations center, said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Malone, a superintendent in the squadron.
"We're taking everything we need today to establish airfield operations, begin rescue efforts and provide medical assistance as necessary," Malone said.
The equipment also included long-range communications gear and navigational electronics, which the squadron's combat controllers use to control emergency air traffic into and out of disaster areas.
"We can deploy into any environment and establish airfield operations and air traffic control very quickly," Malone said. "That's crucial for successful rescue operations."
Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron established a helicopter landing zone on an Interstate overpass and helped direct helicopter med-evac flights that airlifted more than 11,900 to safety.
(Air Force Capt. Dale Greer is assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard.)
Texas Guard Leader Vows All-Out Effort for Hurricane Ike
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Texas National Guard personnel began rescuing residents stranded by rising waters Friday afternoon, and the Lone Star State's National Guard commander vowed to resume relief missions as soon as Hurricane Ike vents its anticipated fury on the Houston region sometime Saturday. "After the storm passes, whatever the surge may be or the damage may be, our primary mission is to get back in there as soon as we can," said Maj. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, the state's adjutant general, on Friday.
Meanwhile Friday, two Texas Army Guard Blackhawk helicopters reportedly rescued 16 civilians who were stranded by high waters on a bridge near Bolivar Island, in the mouth of Galveston Bay near Houston, and flew them to Ellington Field in Houston. High winds in advance of the hurricane forced the helicopter crews to return to their base, Texas officials reported.
National Guard officials reported as many as 300 people were stranded in vehicles on the bridge.
The state has established Texas Task Force Ike comprised of military and civilian law enforcement and emergency management personnel, Rodriguez said.
Gov. Rick Perry earlier this week authorized calling up 7,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to state active duty because of the emergency. About 3,000 Soldiers, Airmen and 500 high-water vehicles, generators and other assets have already been deployed for the pre-landfall phase of operations.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Rodriguez said. "We're going to use helicopters for damage assessment and rescue missions."
The task force is also prepared to position another 500 vehicles at points of distribution. The National Guard plans to hand out water, ice, and food provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency at distribution points throughout the area.
(From a National Guard Bureau news release.)
Sept. 12, 2008 - Texas National Guard personnel began rescuing residents stranded by rising waters Friday afternoon, and the Lone Star State's National Guard commander vowed to resume relief missions as soon as Hurricane Ike vents its anticipated fury on the Houston region sometime Saturday. "After the storm passes, whatever the surge may be or the damage may be, our primary mission is to get back in there as soon as we can," said Maj. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, the state's adjutant general, on Friday.
Meanwhile Friday, two Texas Army Guard Blackhawk helicopters reportedly rescued 16 civilians who were stranded by high waters on a bridge near Bolivar Island, in the mouth of Galveston Bay near Houston, and flew them to Ellington Field in Houston. High winds in advance of the hurricane forced the helicopter crews to return to their base, Texas officials reported.
National Guard officials reported as many as 300 people were stranded in vehicles on the bridge.
The state has established Texas Task Force Ike comprised of military and civilian law enforcement and emergency management personnel, Rodriguez said.
Gov. Rick Perry earlier this week authorized calling up 7,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to state active duty because of the emergency. About 3,000 Soldiers, Airmen and 500 high-water vehicles, generators and other assets have already been deployed for the pre-landfall phase of operations.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Rodriguez said. "We're going to use helicopters for damage assessment and rescue missions."
The task force is also prepared to position another 500 vehicles at points of distribution. The National Guard plans to hand out water, ice, and food provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency at distribution points throughout the area.
(From a National Guard Bureau news release.)
National Guard Patrols Grand Isle Waters
By Indiana Army National Guard Spc. William E. Henry
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - GRAND ISLE, La. – In an effort to prevent looting of area residents' property and local businesses, Louisiana National Guardsmen began patrolling the waters along the north shore of Grand Isle, La. The 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company of the 205th Engineer Battalion arrived with MK-2 Bridge Erection Boats originally designed to build bridges in strong currents. Fortunately, these special boats also perform well in the security and patrol missions the unit was performing.
Coordinating with local law enforcement, the National Guard Special Reaction Team and the 1083rd Transportation Company, the 2225th say they are more than prepared for the mission.
"We have SRT members of the Louisiana National Guard on board our vessels that patrol day and night. We use night-vision goggles to monitor during the night patrols and help deter any looting," said 1st. Sgt. Kevin Giroir of the bridge company.
There about 15 SRT members on site that have detention and arrest powers. "We're the state's military SWAT team," said Spc. Coleman Barnett of the SRT.
The 2225th and the SRT are responsible for seven miles of coastline. They patrol the area with six vessels and are required to approach and identify anyone coming into the area.
"There are a lot of expensive homes here. People come to Grand Isle for their own enjoyment; it's a fishing community and an oil field port," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian LeBoeuf of the 2225th. "People have their homes here and like anyone else, they don't want to lose them. We're providing a helping hand to keep trespassers out so they can start their lives again when the storm is over."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - GRAND ISLE, La. – In an effort to prevent looting of area residents' property and local businesses, Louisiana National Guardsmen began patrolling the waters along the north shore of Grand Isle, La. The 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company of the 205th Engineer Battalion arrived with MK-2 Bridge Erection Boats originally designed to build bridges in strong currents. Fortunately, these special boats also perform well in the security and patrol missions the unit was performing.
Coordinating with local law enforcement, the National Guard Special Reaction Team and the 1083rd Transportation Company, the 2225th say they are more than prepared for the mission.
"We have SRT members of the Louisiana National Guard on board our vessels that patrol day and night. We use night-vision goggles to monitor during the night patrols and help deter any looting," said 1st. Sgt. Kevin Giroir of the bridge company.
There about 15 SRT members on site that have detention and arrest powers. "We're the state's military SWAT team," said Spc. Coleman Barnett of the SRT.
The 2225th and the SRT are responsible for seven miles of coastline. They patrol the area with six vessels and are required to approach and identify anyone coming into the area.
"There are a lot of expensive homes here. People come to Grand Isle for their own enjoyment; it's a fishing community and an oil field port," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian LeBoeuf of the 2225th. "People have their homes here and like anyone else, they don't want to lose them. We're providing a helping hand to keep trespassers out so they can start their lives again when the storm is over."
Hurricane Hunters Track Ike as Storm Moves Toward Texas
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is gaining strength as millions of residents in the storm's forecast path evacuate in expectation of an overnight landfall tonight. As Ike entered the Gulf of Mexico after battering Cuba this week, a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter crew based here flew into the storm, pinpointing the center and sending flight-level and surface-level readings back to the National Hurricane Center via satellite.
Citizen-airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, charged with flying directly into the eye of nature's most powerful storms, continue around-the-clock flights into Ike giving forecasters at the NHC the best possible data.
Hurricane Ike, now a Category 2 on the Safir-Simpson Scale, is expected to intensify before making landfall early tomorrow. The storm already has killed 80 people in the Caribbean and took a significant toll on parts of Cuba, especially areas previously affected by Hurricane Gustav.
As of 8 a.m. EDT today, Ike's center was about 365 miles east of Corpus Christi, Texas, and about 230 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory.
Maximum sustained winds were at 105 mph, but the storm is expected to strengthen before it moves ashore, and is forecast to be a major hurricane by then, the advisory said. The storm is moving west-northwest at 13 mph. A turn to the northwest is expected today, forecasters said, with a turn toward the north expected tomorrow.
Residents in the projected path and near those regions are urged to pay close attention to government and news sources in their areas for critical watches and warnings.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett serves in the 403rd Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is gaining strength as millions of residents in the storm's forecast path evacuate in expectation of an overnight landfall tonight. As Ike entered the Gulf of Mexico after battering Cuba this week, a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter crew based here flew into the storm, pinpointing the center and sending flight-level and surface-level readings back to the National Hurricane Center via satellite.
Citizen-airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, charged with flying directly into the eye of nature's most powerful storms, continue around-the-clock flights into Ike giving forecasters at the NHC the best possible data.
Hurricane Ike, now a Category 2 on the Safir-Simpson Scale, is expected to intensify before making landfall early tomorrow. The storm already has killed 80 people in the Caribbean and took a significant toll on parts of Cuba, especially areas previously affected by Hurricane Gustav.
As of 8 a.m. EDT today, Ike's center was about 365 miles east of Corpus Christi, Texas, and about 230 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory.
Maximum sustained winds were at 105 mph, but the storm is expected to strengthen before it moves ashore, and is forecast to be a major hurricane by then, the advisory said. The storm is moving west-northwest at 13 mph. A turn to the northwest is expected today, forecasters said, with a turn toward the north expected tomorrow.
Residents in the projected path and near those regions are urged to pay close attention to government and news sources in their areas for critical watches and warnings.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett serves in the 403rd Wing Public Affairs Office.)
High-Water Vehicles Highlight Guard's Response Arsenal
By Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - In war, they're called combat vehicles. But when Mother Nature strikes and people are stranded by flood waters, those big trucks with their big tires and high ground clearance get a different name. National Guard units in some states call them high-water vehicles. Others describe them as high-clearance or high-wheeled. But whatever the name, governors, adjutants general and other state military leaders want to know how many they have, especially when the waters rise.
During domestic response missions, the big trucks plow through high water to rescue residents, carry boats that also help rescue people, and bring food and water to the victims of calamities.
Just how vital are these big trucks to the Guard's domestic response missions?
-- As Hurricane Ike approached the Gulf Coast yesterday with predictions of five to 10 inches of rain, the Texas National Guard was assembling 900 personnel and 500 high-water vehicles in San Antonio for major search-and-rescue missions.
-- In August, Florida Army Guard soldiers drove a high-water vehicle through flooded roads in Osteen, Fla., searching for people needing assistance or evacuation due to the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Fay.
-- Missouri soldiers used high-water vehicles to deliver 11,520 meals to residents of flood-ravaged Iowa in June.
-- The National Guard from several states pre-positioned more than 3,800 high-water vehicles in and around New Orleans in late August as Hurricane Gustav approached.
-- When storms flooded Vernonia, Ore., in early December 2007, high-water vehicles were used to rescue hundreds of people.
-- When flooding hit Pennsylvania and New Jersey in June and July 2006, more than 1,000 Guard members used high-wheeled vehicles for water rescues, evacuations and other emergency operations along the Delaware River.
While as little as six inches of water can cause a car to lose control, and two feet can carry most cars away, most high-water vehicles can plow through several feet of water.
"The [light medium tactical vehicle] can carry up to 15 people and has a high ground clearance, which allows them operate in up to four feet of water," Army Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, a Delaware National Guard spokesman, said in early May after tidal flooding and heavy rains in his state led Guard members to deploy LMTVs.
Army National Guard logistics division officials said the 54 states and territories have 22,244 high-water vehicles, ranging from 1,159 in Pennsylvania to 15 in the Virgin Islands. The division considers everything from 2.5-ton trucks to the M977 heavy, expanded-mobility tactical truck, or HEMTT, as high-water vehicles. The total doesn't include the ubiquitous Humvee, which can ford through five feet of water when equipped with the proper kit.
For emergency response, the Army Guard relies heavily on the LMTV -- its cargo and van models have a 2.5-ton capacity -- and the medium tactical vehicle, which has a 5-ton capacity. Both entered service in 1996, have automatic transmissions, and run on jet fuel.
The HEMTT comes in five models and stands more than eight feet tall. The lightest version weighs well over 30,000 pounds and is capable of fording water up to four feet deep. Although the Humvee is not considered a high-water vehicle, with a deep water-fording kit it can drive through five feet of water.
These trucks are heavy as well as high, which means they are considerably less likely to float away. The LMTV, for example, weighs more than 13 tons.
Florida Army Guard transportation soldiers made sure their high-water vehicles were in working order as Hurricane Gustav neared their state in late August.
Also in August, after Tropical Storm Fay brought heavy rain to much of Florida, members of the 254th Transportation Battalion used high-water vehicles in four southern counties to help emergency first-responders perform damage and flood assessment.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Talent, a truckmaster for the battalion, helped with the assessment missions.
"The LMTV is very useful, because it is so versatile," he explained, pointing out the five high-water trucks in the motor pool at his armory. Talent added that LMTV drivers know and follow their safety guidelines when driving through high water.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - In war, they're called combat vehicles. But when Mother Nature strikes and people are stranded by flood waters, those big trucks with their big tires and high ground clearance get a different name. National Guard units in some states call them high-water vehicles. Others describe them as high-clearance or high-wheeled. But whatever the name, governors, adjutants general and other state military leaders want to know how many they have, especially when the waters rise.
During domestic response missions, the big trucks plow through high water to rescue residents, carry boats that also help rescue people, and bring food and water to the victims of calamities.
Just how vital are these big trucks to the Guard's domestic response missions?
-- As Hurricane Ike approached the Gulf Coast yesterday with predictions of five to 10 inches of rain, the Texas National Guard was assembling 900 personnel and 500 high-water vehicles in San Antonio for major search-and-rescue missions.
-- In August, Florida Army Guard soldiers drove a high-water vehicle through flooded roads in Osteen, Fla., searching for people needing assistance or evacuation due to the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Fay.
-- Missouri soldiers used high-water vehicles to deliver 11,520 meals to residents of flood-ravaged Iowa in June.
-- The National Guard from several states pre-positioned more than 3,800 high-water vehicles in and around New Orleans in late August as Hurricane Gustav approached.
-- When storms flooded Vernonia, Ore., in early December 2007, high-water vehicles were used to rescue hundreds of people.
-- When flooding hit Pennsylvania and New Jersey in June and July 2006, more than 1,000 Guard members used high-wheeled vehicles for water rescues, evacuations and other emergency operations along the Delaware River.
While as little as six inches of water can cause a car to lose control, and two feet can carry most cars away, most high-water vehicles can plow through several feet of water.
"The [light medium tactical vehicle] can carry up to 15 people and has a high ground clearance, which allows them operate in up to four feet of water," Army Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, a Delaware National Guard spokesman, said in early May after tidal flooding and heavy rains in his state led Guard members to deploy LMTVs.
Army National Guard logistics division officials said the 54 states and territories have 22,244 high-water vehicles, ranging from 1,159 in Pennsylvania to 15 in the Virgin Islands. The division considers everything from 2.5-ton trucks to the M977 heavy, expanded-mobility tactical truck, or HEMTT, as high-water vehicles. The total doesn't include the ubiquitous Humvee, which can ford through five feet of water when equipped with the proper kit.
For emergency response, the Army Guard relies heavily on the LMTV -- its cargo and van models have a 2.5-ton capacity -- and the medium tactical vehicle, which has a 5-ton capacity. Both entered service in 1996, have automatic transmissions, and run on jet fuel.
The HEMTT comes in five models and stands more than eight feet tall. The lightest version weighs well over 30,000 pounds and is capable of fording water up to four feet deep. Although the Humvee is not considered a high-water vehicle, with a deep water-fording kit it can drive through five feet of water.
These trucks are heavy as well as high, which means they are considerably less likely to float away. The LMTV, for example, weighs more than 13 tons.
Florida Army Guard transportation soldiers made sure their high-water vehicles were in working order as Hurricane Gustav neared their state in late August.
Also in August, after Tropical Storm Fay brought heavy rain to much of Florida, members of the 254th Transportation Battalion used high-water vehicles in four southern counties to help emergency first-responders perform damage and flood assessment.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Talent, a truckmaster for the battalion, helped with the assessment missions.
"The LMTV is very useful, because it is so versatile," he explained, pointing out the five high-water trucks in the motor pool at his armory. Talent added that LMTV drivers know and follow their safety guidelines when driving through high water.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
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