The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignment:
Monday, November 01, 2010
General Officer Announcement
Guard Bureau Officials Look Into Fraud Allegations
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
National Guard Bureau
"I am concerned and deeply disappointed about recent allegations involving mismanagement of funds in several state National Guards,” said Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau. “These allegations will be thoroughly investigated by experts from across the NGB, [the Defense Department] and other federal entities. No stone will be left unturned.”
McKinley added that he has directed a review of National Guard Bureau management controls designed to prevent and detect potential financial mismanagement or abuse.
“I have directed U.S.
The results of the review will be shared throughout the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia
McKinley has directed all fiscal and property officers to conduct a quick-reaction audit and review of pay compensation programs.
“I expect these actions to be your Priority One objective between now and the end of the calendar year,” McKinley said in a memorandum to the states’ adjutants general dated Oct. 29.
President Proclaims November as Military Family Month
American Forces Press Service
Here is the text of the president’s proclamation:
We owe each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.
During Military Family Month, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of our military families, and we reaffirm our commitments to these selfless individuals who exemplify the highest principles of our Nation.
Across America
Just as we hold a sacred trust to the extraordinary Americans willing to lay down their lives to protect us all, we also have a national commitment to support and engage our military families. They are proud to serve our country; yet, they face unique challenges because of that service.
My Administration has taken important steps to help them shoulder their sacrifice, and we are working to ensure they have the resources to care for themselves and the tools to reach their dreams. We are working to improve family resilience, enhance the educational experience of military children, and ensure military spouses have employment and advancement opportunities, despite the relocations and deployment cycles of military life. Our historic investment to build a 21st-century Department of Veterans Affairs is helping to provide our veterans with the benefits and care they have earned.
We are also standing with our service members and their families as they transition back into civilian life, providing counseling as well as job training and placement. And, through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, our veterans and their families can pursue the dream of higher education.
However, Government can only do so much. While only a fraction of Americans are in military families, all of us share in the responsibility of caring for our military families and veterans, and all sectors of our society are better off when we reach out and work together to support these patriots.
By offering job opportunities and workplace flexibility, businesses and companies can benefit from the unparalleled dedication and skills of a service member or military spouse.
Through coordination with local community groups, individuals and organizations can ensure our military families have the help they need and deserve when a loved one is deployed. Even the smallest actions by neighbors and friends send a large message of profound gratitude to the families who risk everything to see us safe and free.
As America America
Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America United States
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
DoD Visitor Capability Recognized With DoD CIO Award
DISA’s DoD Visitor capability -- which essentially allows any user with a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) temporary access on any computer when they are away from their “home domain” (their normal duty station) -- was awarded 4th place in the 2010 DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) Awards.
Learn more about this capability and how it improves efficiency and strengthens network security by visiting http://www.disa.mil/news/stories/dod_visitor_110110.html.
Bataan Completes ULTRA-C
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Boyce, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs
ULTRA-C is the evaluation portion of a 20-week basic training phase, allowing the crew an opportunity to certify in every major warfare area by conducting graded drills ranging from firefighting and defending the ship in simulated combat situations, to administration and personnel management.
"We evaluated how well Bataan prepared themselves in the integrated and sustaining phase," said Lt. Kelvin Harkin, the training liaison officer for Afloat Training Group (ATG) Mid-Atlantic. "They came together, performed to the best of their ability and were successful."
"This crew knocked it completely out of the park, and I couldn't be more proud," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan 's commanding officer, as he addressed the crew over the ship's general announcing system. "I asked a whole lot of you this week and throughout the preparations leading up to it. As always, you delivered in true Bataan style."
Bataan Sailors have had ULTRA-C on their minds since early summer, and the final result was a culmination of focused training and teamwork.
"Since June or July, we have been drilling and working long hours preparing for this certification," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) Rodney Shaw, one of Bataan 's damage control training team members. "[This week] Sailors' motivation was really high, and excitement was flowing throughout the ship."
While motivation wasn't on the grade sheet used by ATG Mid-Atlantic, it didn't go unnoticed.
"I loved the motivation from the Sailors who were out there; they made it happen," said Harkin. "They are the most motivated Sailors I've ever seen, from day one. Bataan is definitely setting the bar to a lot of ships as a model of how ULTRA-C is completed."
Office of Naval Research to Co-launch Science Studio in Bronx, N.Y.
From Office of Naval Research Corporate Strategic Communications Public Affairs
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will join Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr at the official opening of Iridescent's newest center.
"The Navy and Marine Corps have a stake in strengthening the future science and engineering workforce," Mabus said. "Our investment in programs like Iridescent demonstrates our commitment toward improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for students across the country. This program is transforming the lives of children who might not otherwise be exposed to the wonders of technology and innovation."
ONR's partnership with Iridescent is part of a Department of Defense-wide campaign to grow a diverse STEM talent pool that will benefit future warfighters.
"Iridescent gets students excited about learning and passionate about inventing," Carr said. "They take everyday science topics and bring them to life through inspiring mentors and hands-on experiments.
"Using the simplest of tools, they are able to create and build real-world items such as houses, birds, roller coasters and boats; and then test the underlying science or engineering concepts. It is truly amazing to watch these children as they experience their first 'a-ha' moment," said Carr.
Along with Navy officials, the event is expected to draw representatives from state and local government, as well as hundreds of youths and their parents to the 2,750-square-foot facility.
In addition to ONR, more than 11 exhibitors will be represented at the Nov. 4 event, including Naval Surface Warfare Center Newport , R.I.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Naval Base San Diego Conducts Multiagency Security Training Exercise
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Votaw, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
The exercise was used to help prepare the base officials for a hostage scenario and to help integrate the base master-at-arms (MAs) with other professional
units.
Units from the Commander, Navy Region Southwest (CNRSW) Police Department, San Diego Police Department, as well as hostage negotiators and a Special Weapons and Tactics unit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), participated in the training exercise.
"It is important that we perform these types of exercises so that everyone knows how to respond," said Lt. David Deree, assistant security officer and force protection training team leader. "It is important to practice safety precautions for our Sailors and to help build communications with other agencies and departments."
Deree said that training advisers were on hand to answer any questions and give direction for those participating in the exercise.
According to Deree, NBSD conducts large-scale training exercises quarterly to help keep the highest level of readiness possible.
"We do these kinds of exercises for safety," said Deree. "Safety of both our security teams and our Sailors nearby the incident is always our highest priority, and we do everything possible to ensure the highest level of safety possible."
Base MAs and CNRSW police were the first to arrive and secure the scene until the San Diego Police Department and FBI officials arrived to take charge.
As part of the exercise, residents were cleared from the building prior to the scenario taking place to ensure the safest and most controllable training environment possible.
FBI agents played the role of the suspect and hostages barricaded inside of a room on the seventh floor of the Pacific Beacon bachelor housing complex.
Guantanamo Bay Media Invitation Announced
The Department of Defense and the Office of Military Commissions will provide seats for news media aboard military aircraft for travel to Guantanamo Bay , Cuba November 8, 2010 , for a military commissions hearing in the case of United States November 11, 2010 .
Media reservation requests should be e-mailed to Tanya.bradsher@osd.mil. All requests must be received by , November 2, 2010 . Due to a limited number of seats aboard the flight and limited accommodations at Guantanamo Bay
NORAD Dispatches Fighters to Escort Suspicious Aircraft
American Forces Press Service
NORAD diverted two Canadian CF-18s to track the aircraft as it flew into and over Canadian airspace, NORAD officials said in a statement. The civilian aircraft was passed to two U.S. F-15s as it transited into U.S. John F. Kennedy International Airport
NORAD dispatched the fighters “out of an abundance of caution,” the statement said.
Family Matters: Halloween Opens Doors to Community
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
I moved to Maryland
In my last community, I must admit I didn't spend much time on social endeavors. I had a newborn, two elementary-age children and a husband to balance with work, which kept me busy. But people didn't seem to gather for street-side chats each evening there, something I sorely miss from my military days.
I remember gathering in my cul-de-sac in Turkey
I'm always amazed at how military families create such strong bonds and a sense of community in such a short time, and while juggling very difficult demands. They are always willing to pitch in to help another military family in need, whether it’s with child care, a last-minute ride home or just a shoulder to cry on. I know I was the recipient of much of that support when I was a single mom on active duty.
Military families have an amazing gift of empathy and adaptability. And I hope I can put some of those social skills to work here, since I plan to establish roots and settle in for the long haul.
Hence the walk. I not only wanted to get the lay of the land, but also to see if I could meet and greet some neighbors. I ended up seeing more creepy crawlers and spider webs than humans, but Halloween is just a few days away.
As I escort my bear cub, woodland fairy and Darth Vader down the street this weekend, I hope to make some connections that will last over the long term. The holiday, after all, is the perfect excuse to knock every neighbor's door. I'm looking at the holiday this year as a chance to gather new acquaintances, as much as an opportunity to score some candy from my kids.
I may meet a few ghosts and goblins along the way -- and, I'm sure, a few Lady Gagas and Justin Biebers this year– but I also hope to meet a few great people.
Happy Halloween!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, November 01, 2010
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen speaks at at the BENS Eisenhower Award Dinner honoring Mary and David Boies in the Grand Ballroom Gotham Hall, New York City, N.Y. Media interested in attending should contact Jennie Moonis, jmoonis@bens.org 202-296-2125, ext. 1124 of JCS Public Affairs at 703-697-4272.
Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, October 31, 2010
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.
A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery in support of the Marine Corps Marathon, occurs at 7:35 a.m. EDT and 7:41 a.m. with two CH 53E's and two F/A-18's.
Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, October 30, 2010
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.
This Day in Naval History - Oct. 29
From the Navy News Service
1814 - Launching of Fulton New York City
1955 - Ships of the 6th Fleet join U.S. Egypt Israel Syria Middle East .
1980 - USS Parsons (DDG 33) rescues 110 Vietnamese refugees 330 miles south of Saigon .
1989 - A pilot making his 1st carrier landing and four others are killed when his plane crashes on the flight deck of of the training carrier Lexington Pensacola Fla.
Boat Forces Tour – RB-M Program
Written by: Dan Bender
The Response Boat-Medium is the Coast Guard’s replacement for the aging fleet of 41-foot Utility Boats, a venerable platform that was known as the workhorse of the Coast Guard for most of it’s 25-year-long service life. Making that transition, from planning to delivery, is the business of the RB-M Program in Kent , Wash.
The team here have a broad mandate to ensure the quality of the boats being delivered to the fleet. This involves directly monitoring assembly, observing test trials, engineering and supporting the operators who use these boats.
“It’s definitely a multifaceted program,” said Lt. Andrew Hoag who handles warranty issues and tracking reliability and maintenance of the platform. “Our mission is ensuring quality control of the RB-Ms being constructed. The feedback I’ve heard has been mostly positive but with any new acquisition there’s always going to be design elements that can be improved.”
Learning what to improve comes from vigorous testing. Much of that testing is done before the boats ever leave Washington
Input from operators has been an integral part of the design process from the outset. While the program was still in the planning stages, 22 highly experienced Coasties were brought in to lend their experience.
A welder pieces together an aluminum RB-M keel. Photo by PA2 Dan Bender
“Input from real operators is priceless,” said David Shepard, a boat project specialist from the Office of Boat Forces.
From the comfortable air-conditioned cabin, to the safety of its self-righting capabilities this boat far exceeds the capabilities of the UTBs it is replacing. That couldn’t happen without the crew of the program who work behind the scenes to ensure their shipmates in the fleet have the best platform possible.
Secretary of State Visits Service Members on Guam
By Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
Yigo, GUAM (NNS) -- More than 1,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines attended a speech given by Secretary of State of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton at Andersen Air Force Base Oct. 29.
She reaffirmed Guam 's importance to the nation, and her gratitude to the service members for their dedication and sacrifice.
"This (Asia-Pacific) region is the center of much change, and many challenges of the 21st Century," Clinton
The secretary added that service members continuously prove themselves indispensable. She highlighted the importance of the role our troops stationed in Guam have in our Asia/Pacific strategy.
"As we step up our engagements, we will depend more than ever on each of you. The men and women of our armed forces are one of the most important assets we have for engaging the world," she said. "Your mission is evolving for the 21st Century and no one understands this better than you. You are called on to perform a wide variety of services, in a wide variety of places. For instance, earlier this year, Sailors from Guam were part of a five-month humanitarian deployment of the USNS Mercy, delivering medical and dental care to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Palau. And after the devastating earthquake in Haiti last January, the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle, like the one now based here, was used to survey the damage and identify safe landing places for aircraft carrying relief supplies."
"I know that today, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 is hosting members of the South Korean military for joint training on identifying and eliminating Improvised Explosive Devices. This is the kind of collaboration that saves lives and leaves both countries better off," she said.
Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander was appreciative of the positive message Clinton
"I would like to thank Secretary Clinton for taking time out of her schedule to address the service members here," said Doucette. "It is through the efforts of all the service members that our Nations mission is accomplished. The visit has served as a reminder of what we are fighting for: the safety of not only those we love, but the country we took an oath to protect."
At the conclusion of the event, Clinton
Coast Guard Heroes: Robert J. Yered
Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young
This Compass series chronicles the first 14 heroes the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters have been named for. These men and women, who stood the watch before us, lived extraordinary lives as they lit the way for sailors in times past, braved gunfire in times of war and rescued those in peril at sea. As Coast Guard heroes, their stories are a constant reminder of our service’s legacy. As the namesake of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats, they will inspire the next generation of Coast Guard heroes.
Engineman Robert J. Yered’s fearless actions set him apart as he stood duty in the explosive loading detail at the United States Army Terminal, Cat Lai, Vietnam February 18, 1968 .
In the early morning hours the terminal at Cat Lai was attacked by enemy rocket, mortar and small arms fire. As the heavy rounds beat into the terminal, one of the rockets struck a barge carrying several hundred tons of mortar ammunition. The barge was quickly engulfed in flames, and threatened to destroy three nearby ammunition ships carrying more than fifteen thousand tons of explosives.
Engineman Yered courageously exposed himself to enemy gunfire as he helped extinguish fires on the burning barge. His bold act averted not only the destruction of his own ship but also that of the entire terminal.
Yered’s valorous character shone through many times throughout his career and he is one of 12 Coast Guardsmen awarded the Silver Star. Among his other awards are the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars and a Purple Heart Medal.
A special place in the Coast Guard’s history
Some 8,000 Coast Guardsmen served in various roles during the Vietnam War and during the course of the conflict 59 were wounded and seven lives were lost.
Coast Guard 82-foot cutters were a perfect fit for the shallow waters required for operations in Vietnam
As the 82-foot cutters patrolled inshore, larger cutters helped in forming an offshore barrier against infiltration. A total of 30 high endurance cutters served with Squadron Three, which consisted of 10-month deployments from 1967 and 1971.
Retired Senior Chief Kennith Spoor had duties in the explosive loading detail, much like Yered, when he served in Vietnam
“Our job with the Coast Guard was to supervise the off loading of explosives because they were having too many accidents,” said Spoor. “One of our biggest worries was a swimmer attack that would put explosives under a ship, which did happen in Qui Nhon.”
The manifestation of their biggest fears came true that day in Cat Lai, but despite this persistent threat, Yered exhibited gallantry at the highest level, as he put his life on the line for others- he truly is a Coast Guard hero.
With contributions from LTJG Ryan White
This Day in Naval History - Oct. 28
From the Navy News Service
1864 - Steamer General Thomas and gunboat Stone River Tennessee River near Decatur , Ala.
1882 - Orders issued for first naval attache (Lt. Cmdr. French Chadwick sent to London
1933 - The development of the PBY Catalina flying boat is begun by awarding the contract to the Consolidated Aircraft Company.
Air Force School Focuses on Cybersecurity
By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
During an Oct. 27 “DOD Live” bloggers roundtable, Air Force Brig. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, discussed the importance of cybersecurity and the newest class of students graduating from the AFIT Center for Cyberspace Research.
AFIT itself has been in existence since 1919, researching and expanding the technology available to the U.S.
“Even at that time, there was a new technology -- flight, the ability to fly,” Givhan said. “Part of what had to be core to us in dealing with this new technology was education -- education and research -- and that we couldn't just depend upon others, but it had to be part of what we were doing, directly connected to us.”
Now, Givhan said, AFIT has added graduate-level cybersecurity education and research to its academic offerings. Some training and research has been going on already, since the advent of computer networking on a large scale, but now AFIT offers master’s degrees and doctorates in cyber fields.
“What we are doing is truly continuing education -- it's not training,” he said. “We're educating [students] on the capabilities, with a little bit of hands-on work as well on particular technology and capabilities within that technology. But it's not like we're giving them a specific cyberweapon and teaching them how to fire or use that specific cyberweapon.”
The two main courses, Cyber 200 and Cyber 300, give students two slightly different looks at cyber operations, but cover the same main topics: the technology, the policy, the doctrine and the law as they relate to the cyber domain.
Cyber 200 is intended for field grade officers and some noncommissioned officers with six to eight years of service and some experience in the cyber domain. In the three-week course, Givhan said, students focus on tactical and operational issues relevant to what they may face in their line of work.
The more advanced two-week 300 course, designed for higher-ranking officers with 12 or more years of total service with at least six of those years working with cyber issues, focuses on broader concepts, the general said.
“These are the folks who are actually going to be helping make this happen in terms of what the joint force commander needs and how to integrate our cyber capabilities into his plan and to accomplish his objectives,” Givhan said.
The first class of Cyber 200 and Cyber 300 students graduated yesterday.
The venture is exciting, Givhan said, because it involves new technology. They’re testing limits, he added, rather than working within “safe” parameters. Thanks to the growth of computer networking jobs in the private sector, he noted, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard can be involved closely as well.
“They're actually involved in this on the outside, in civilian jobs having to do with cyber,” he said.
The field’s growth in the private sector also helps to bring in recruits who have worked for civilian companies in network administration or security. AFIT has begun some programs for ROTC cadets, Givhan said, adding that he hopes those will expand as people learn more about the importance of cybersecurity and as the Air Force can teach more about it.
“This is a conversation. … This is not a one-way sort of delivering lectures and things, and people are just soaking it up,” the general said. “This is all so new and exciting and rapidly changing.
“We depend upon the participation of everyone who's part of the class and the instructors,” he continued, “and we all learn from each other in this. And it's changing so fast that the iterative process that we use to reinforce what we're doing … is going to change every time we give it.”
Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, October 29, 2010
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at the Joint Forces Command Assumption of Command by Gen. Ray Odierno at at the JFCOM Headquarters in Suffolk , Va.
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