By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2010 - The military's top officer thanked the D-Day veterans of World War II for their service here today, and asked them to reach out to those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan to share their common experiences.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the connection between the 29th Infantry Division soldiers who stormed the beaches at Normandy, France, and today's servicemembers fighting battles in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mullen called June 6, 1944 a defining moment in human history. "The significance, the cost, and, most of all, the sheer bravery of Americans and allies who pushed forward on June 6th taught us what we were of, and what we have to keep striving for," he said.
Bedford, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, suffered the greatest loss per capita of any town in America on D-Day. The town lost 19 men killed from A Company 116th Infantry. Bedford had 3,200 inhabitants in 1944. All were touched by the loss of their sons who enlisted together in the National Guard.
The Bedford Boys represented America's best ideals, the chairman said. "Ordinary people who did extraordinary things: Fighting for something greater than themselves; fighting for each other; fighting for us," he said.
Today, there are more than 200,000 Americans deployed in harm's way. These represent American's next "Great Generation," Mullen said, including Bedford's own Army Sgt. Gordon Musgrove, a volunteer fireman serving in Iraq.
"Young people who once again willingly put their lives, their dreams, their families on the line to protect ours," Mullen said.
That those common sacrifices haven't changed over time wasn't lost on the veterans and soldiers here. "You see a bunch of old men. But once, we were just like them," said a D-Day veteran pointing to a group of 29th Infantry Division soldiers.
One Bedford Boy, Lt. Elisha Ray Nance, was wounded on Omaha Beach, but recovered and returned home. He said he felt guilty when he encountered people who had lost relatives in Normandy.
"Such survivor's guilt, they say, is normal, and yet Ray never really got over it," Mullen said. "He never really forgot that for many of those who make it and for those whose loved ones never do, the war lives on."
Nance died in April 2009, "but today, a new generation returns to us with wounds both visible and invisible," Mullen said. "Our young troops and their families today still want the same things they looked forward to when they left – a job, an education, a home and a better life for their children."
The nation must take care of these servicemembers, the chairman said, and reach out to them "so they do not suffer in quiet desperation.
"I ask everyone here today – all Americans, really, but especially those of you who have known the anguish of war – to renew your commitment to our veterans past and present, particularly our wounded and the families of the fallen," he said.
The greatest tribute Americans can pay to the fallen and to the missing from every generation "is not only to hold ceremonies and erect monuments, but to look after their families and embrace their brothers and sisters-in-arms when they return," he said. Normandy has another legacy for Americans. "There was no retreat for any man on D-Day," Mullen said. "Each just had to push on."
More than 2,500 Americans were killed on the first day of Operation Overlord alone and many more remain missing in action. It was almost more than the country could bear. Yet Bedford and the rest of America soldiered on, he said.
"Today's wars will not involve a single day like the sixth of June or end with victory parades," Mullen said. "And yet like the Bedford Boys, we, our allies and our partners must keep moving forward, even when we are crawling. We must always fight for the best ideals of our nation, though our tasks be not easy. We must take risks and keep pushing ahead."
There were about 50 D-Day veterans from the Army, Navy and Army Air Forces at the memorial. They are in their 80s and 90s now, but still bear witness to the sacrifices of a generation. The 29th Infantry Division is still a National Guard unit from Virginia and Maryland and the grandsons and granddaughters of those who fought in Normandy are now in its ranks.
This year will be the last reunion of the Blue and the Gray Division soldiers from World War II, Mullen noted. "It's important we recognize these men, and it's important that we pay tribute to them," he said after the ceremony.
"It's also important to make the connection to what they did and the current sacrifices," he said. "In this job, I've found that it has grown over time in the importance of the connection between generations that fought for the country and the commonality of experience, the ability to support and the extent of the sacrifice."
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Azerbaijan Visit Highlights Afghanistan Contributions
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today to express U.S. gratitude to this former Soviet republic on the western shore of the Caspian Sea for its contributions to the coalition's efforts in Afghanistan.
Azerbaijani servicemembers are part of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and the country is a key part of the global air and ground network that resupplies ISAF and Afghan forces and brings in supplies for reconstruction of the war-torn nation.
Speaking with reporters today while en route here from Singapore, where he attended an Asia security summit, Gates noted the value of Azerbaijan's participation in the war effort.
"Clearly, the ability to overfly Azerbaijan [and] the ability to use ground transportation through Azerbaijan – as with Russia, and as with Kyrgyzstan – is obviously important," he said. "These are the most effective, the most cost-efficient ways to get supplies to the international coalition in Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan forces themselves."
Azerbaijan and the other participating countries aren't just doing the United States a favor, the secretary said.
"These transit systems are an important contribution to an international effort involving dozens and dozens of countries," he explained.
This is the secretary's first visit to Azerbaijan and the first visit by a U.S. Cabinet member in five years. He is meeting tonight with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and with Defense Minister Col. Gen. Safar Abiyev tomorrow, and he's delivering a letter to Aliyev from President Barack Obama.
Part of the reason for his visit, Gates said, is a perception on the part of the Azerbaijani government – expressed during a recent visit here by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Fournoy -- that the United States is not paying enough attention to the country, given the importance of its contributions.
"I wanted to come through and meet with President Aliyev and reassure him that's not the case," Gates said. "I think there's going to be other visits [between U.S. and Azerbaijani officials] in the future. ... It's important to touch base and let them know that, in fact, they do play an important role in this international coalition."
About 25 percent of the coalition's supplies bound for Afghanistan pass through what's known as the Caucasus Spur, which includes Azerbaijan. Since 2001, tens of thousands of flights for the war effort in Afghanistan have passed through Azerbaijan's airspace, a senior Defense Department official speaking on background told reporters, and about 100,000 troops have flown through Azerbaijani airspace in the past year en route to Afghanistan.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today to express U.S. gratitude to this former Soviet republic on the western shore of the Caspian Sea for its contributions to the coalition's efforts in Afghanistan.
Azerbaijani servicemembers are part of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and the country is a key part of the global air and ground network that resupplies ISAF and Afghan forces and brings in supplies for reconstruction of the war-torn nation.
Speaking with reporters today while en route here from Singapore, where he attended an Asia security summit, Gates noted the value of Azerbaijan's participation in the war effort.
"Clearly, the ability to overfly Azerbaijan [and] the ability to use ground transportation through Azerbaijan – as with Russia, and as with Kyrgyzstan – is obviously important," he said. "These are the most effective, the most cost-efficient ways to get supplies to the international coalition in Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan forces themselves."
Azerbaijan and the other participating countries aren't just doing the United States a favor, the secretary said.
"These transit systems are an important contribution to an international effort involving dozens and dozens of countries," he explained.
This is the secretary's first visit to Azerbaijan and the first visit by a U.S. Cabinet member in five years. He is meeting tonight with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and with Defense Minister Col. Gen. Safar Abiyev tomorrow, and he's delivering a letter to Aliyev from President Barack Obama.
Part of the reason for his visit, Gates said, is a perception on the part of the Azerbaijani government – expressed during a recent visit here by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Fournoy -- that the United States is not paying enough attention to the country, given the importance of its contributions.
"I wanted to come through and meet with President Aliyev and reassure him that's not the case," Gates said. "I think there's going to be other visits [between U.S. and Azerbaijani officials] in the future. ... It's important to touch base and let them know that, in fact, they do play an important role in this international coalition."
About 25 percent of the coalition's supplies bound for Afghanistan pass through what's known as the Caucasus Spur, which includes Azerbaijan. Since 2001, tens of thousands of flights for the war effort in Afghanistan have passed through Azerbaijan's airspace, a senior Defense Department official speaking on background told reporters, and about 100,000 troops have flown through Azerbaijani airspace in the past year en route to Afghanistan.
Gates Calls Clapper Right Choice for Top Intel Post
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2010 - James R. Clapper, President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next director of national intelligence, is the right man for the job, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
Clapper, a retired Air Force lieutenant general, now serves in a dual capacity as director of military intelligence and undersecretary of defense for intelligence.
In a news conference en route to Baku, Azerbaijan, from Singapore, Gates said Clapper would bring vast experience and the right approach to the position.
"I think the president could not have found a better person, a more experienced person, or [a person] with a better temperament to do this job and actually make it work than Jim Clapper," the secretary said.
Gates said he's heard different opinions of what type of person would be most effective as director of national intelligence, and he offered his own.
"What is really key, in my view, in making that DNI office work is the chemistry between the DNI and the other leaders of the intelligence community," he said. "I know that some are looking for a strong executive – a big boss that tells everybody what to do. But structurally, that's almost impossible with this job, because virtually none of the heads of the 16 intelligence agencies actually work for the DNI."
Arrangements have been worked out in the last few years to strengthen the position, the secretary said, largely through Clapper's efforts in brokering agreements among the secretary of defense and the directors of the CIA and national intelligence regarding personnel appointments and other matters.
The secretary said he's known Clapper for more than 20 years; Clapper was director of the Defense Intelligence Agency when Gates was CIA director. He described Clapper as "very independent-minded," and as a consummate professional who has the respect of virtually everyone in the intelligence community.
"He is the first person – and, actually, the only person – that I hired and brought with me when I became secretary of defense," Gates said, acknowledging he "kind of winced with pain" when Obama first asked him about Clapper's possible nomination for the DNI post.
"The idea of losing Jim at the Defense Department is a real loss for us," he said.
Anyone concerned that Clapper's background is "too military" should consider his service as undersecretary of defense for intelligence, Gates said.
"If they look at his record [in that position] and the reforms that he's put in, and his interactions with the civilian intelligence agencies, you will see a record of somebody who can really get along with all of these folks," Gates said.
Concerns on Capitol Hill that Clapper isn't forthcoming enough probably stem in part from jurisdictional issues in Congress, the secretary said, noting that he has never has heard a single complaint along those lines from the armed services committees.
"I think some of what you see is the jurisdictional conflict between the intelligence committees and the armed services committees in terms of who gets briefed on what," he said. "But Jim has a strong, long record of not only adherence to congressional oversight, but support of it and enthusiastic cooperation. And he has done things from the Department of Defense standpoint significantly to enhance the ability of our overseers on the Hill to do their job."
Gates said Clapper added to the value of the director of national intelligence position by coming up with a way to give the DNI meaningful reach into the Defense Department.
"Jim came up with the idea of 'double-hatting' himself as both the undersecretary of defense for intelligence [and] as the director of military intelligence," he explained. "In that role as director of military intelligence, he sits on the DNI's executive council and participates as one of the agency heads, if you will, on a par with others within the DNI's executive framework."
Gates noted his own opposition in 2004 to the legislation that created the director of national intelligence position, and the fact that he declined the post when it was offered to him in January 2005.
"One of the reasons why I opposed the legislation was because I never believed that the Congress would actually give the job all of the authorities that it needed to be successful," he said.
The talk back then, he recalled, was creating a "Goldwater-Nichols Act" for the intelligence community. That law forced a reluctant defense establishment to work more as a single entity than as separate services. "But what people never understood," Gates said, "is that the only reason Goldwater-Nichols works in the Department of Defense is because at the end of the day, everybody works for one person. That's not true in the intelligence community. We have intelligence units in the Treasury Department and the State Department and all these other places. Those Cabinet officers are not going to allow their intelligence components to be run by somebody outside their department.
"So what you need," he continued, "is somebody who can lead all of those people and bring them to work together, rather than trying to command them to do things. The analogy that I've used is that the DNI is more comparable to a powerful congressional committee chair than it is to a CEO. He has a lot of inherent authority in the law, but ... he has to bring people along though leadership and through accommodating their interests as well as what he thinks is in the national interest. And it's this ability to get people voluntarily to work together, especially, that I think Jim brings to the job."
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2010 - James R. Clapper, President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next director of national intelligence, is the right man for the job, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
Clapper, a retired Air Force lieutenant general, now serves in a dual capacity as director of military intelligence and undersecretary of defense for intelligence.
In a news conference en route to Baku, Azerbaijan, from Singapore, Gates said Clapper would bring vast experience and the right approach to the position.
"I think the president could not have found a better person, a more experienced person, or [a person] with a better temperament to do this job and actually make it work than Jim Clapper," the secretary said.
Gates said he's heard different opinions of what type of person would be most effective as director of national intelligence, and he offered his own.
"What is really key, in my view, in making that DNI office work is the chemistry between the DNI and the other leaders of the intelligence community," he said. "I know that some are looking for a strong executive – a big boss that tells everybody what to do. But structurally, that's almost impossible with this job, because virtually none of the heads of the 16 intelligence agencies actually work for the DNI."
Arrangements have been worked out in the last few years to strengthen the position, the secretary said, largely through Clapper's efforts in brokering agreements among the secretary of defense and the directors of the CIA and national intelligence regarding personnel appointments and other matters.
The secretary said he's known Clapper for more than 20 years; Clapper was director of the Defense Intelligence Agency when Gates was CIA director. He described Clapper as "very independent-minded," and as a consummate professional who has the respect of virtually everyone in the intelligence community.
"He is the first person – and, actually, the only person – that I hired and brought with me when I became secretary of defense," Gates said, acknowledging he "kind of winced with pain" when Obama first asked him about Clapper's possible nomination for the DNI post.
"The idea of losing Jim at the Defense Department is a real loss for us," he said.
Anyone concerned that Clapper's background is "too military" should consider his service as undersecretary of defense for intelligence, Gates said.
"If they look at his record [in that position] and the reforms that he's put in, and his interactions with the civilian intelligence agencies, you will see a record of somebody who can really get along with all of these folks," Gates said.
Concerns on Capitol Hill that Clapper isn't forthcoming enough probably stem in part from jurisdictional issues in Congress, the secretary said, noting that he has never has heard a single complaint along those lines from the armed services committees.
"I think some of what you see is the jurisdictional conflict between the intelligence committees and the armed services committees in terms of who gets briefed on what," he said. "But Jim has a strong, long record of not only adherence to congressional oversight, but support of it and enthusiastic cooperation. And he has done things from the Department of Defense standpoint significantly to enhance the ability of our overseers on the Hill to do their job."
Gates said Clapper added to the value of the director of national intelligence position by coming up with a way to give the DNI meaningful reach into the Defense Department.
"Jim came up with the idea of 'double-hatting' himself as both the undersecretary of defense for intelligence [and] as the director of military intelligence," he explained. "In that role as director of military intelligence, he sits on the DNI's executive council and participates as one of the agency heads, if you will, on a par with others within the DNI's executive framework."
Gates noted his own opposition in 2004 to the legislation that created the director of national intelligence position, and the fact that he declined the post when it was offered to him in January 2005.
"One of the reasons why I opposed the legislation was because I never believed that the Congress would actually give the job all of the authorities that it needed to be successful," he said.
The talk back then, he recalled, was creating a "Goldwater-Nichols Act" for the intelligence community. That law forced a reluctant defense establishment to work more as a single entity than as separate services. "But what people never understood," Gates said, "is that the only reason Goldwater-Nichols works in the Department of Defense is because at the end of the day, everybody works for one person. That's not true in the intelligence community. We have intelligence units in the Treasury Department and the State Department and all these other places. Those Cabinet officers are not going to allow their intelligence components to be run by somebody outside their department.
"So what you need," he continued, "is somebody who can lead all of those people and bring them to work together, rather than trying to command them to do things. The analogy that I've used is that the DNI is more comparable to a powerful congressional committee chair than it is to a CEO. He has a lot of inherent authority in the law, but ... he has to bring people along though leadership and through accommodating their interests as well as what he thinks is in the national interest. And it's this ability to get people voluntarily to work together, especially, that I think Jim brings to the job."
Iwo Jima Departs NYC after Successful Fleet Week
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs
NEW YORK (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Manhattan June 2 after enjoying the 26th annual Fleet Week New York.
Fleet Week New York 2010 gave an opportunity for residents and visitors of the tri-state area to see and experience what members of the maritime services do on a daily basis. Fleet Week also allowed Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen the chance to interact with local communities.
"We went through Times Square and people took pictures with us for 45 minutes straight," said Cpl. Patrick Jenkins of Waldorf, Md., of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion who experienced Fleet Week for the first time. "We were treated like celebrities."
Fleet Week New York began with a parade of ships upon entering the Hudson River May 26. Throughout the week service members attended events sponsored by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), and the city of New York.
"I had never been to a Yankees game and MWR gave me an opportunity I wouldn't have had otherwise," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Tim Baker, of Augusta, Ga.
Memorial Day parades, and various intramural sporting events were held throughout the city. Service members were also reenlisted by Commander, U.S Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Rear Adm. Mark Boensel at the World Trade Center Ground Zero.
"It's very unique place to reenlist because not many people get to see the site," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) LaShaunda Guy, Cleveland. "I felt proud because I was contributing to the fight for freedom."
A Sunset Parade was also held on board Iwo Jima, featuring a speech by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. along with performances by the United States Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, the United States Marine Forces Reserve Band, and Leatherneck Pipes and Drums. Service members also had the opportunity to explore the city on their own.
Cryptologic Technician (collection) 1st Class Evan Chauvette, of Manchester, N.H., spent his time playing the tourist during Fleet Week. Chauvette toured Central Park, watched Broadway plays, and ate local cuisine, but his favorite part of Fleet Week was how he was treated by New Yorkers.
"When people came up to me on the street and thanked me for what I do, it made me feel like what I do is worthwhile, and it made me proud to be a service member," said Chauvette.
Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Johnson, of Charlotte, N.C., explored the sights, and was most impressed by the rebuilding at the World Trade Center site. "As a country you can hit us, but we'll stand up taller and stronger, said Johnson.
NEW YORK (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Manhattan June 2 after enjoying the 26th annual Fleet Week New York.
Fleet Week New York 2010 gave an opportunity for residents and visitors of the tri-state area to see and experience what members of the maritime services do on a daily basis. Fleet Week also allowed Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen the chance to interact with local communities.
"We went through Times Square and people took pictures with us for 45 minutes straight," said Cpl. Patrick Jenkins of Waldorf, Md., of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion who experienced Fleet Week for the first time. "We were treated like celebrities."
Fleet Week New York began with a parade of ships upon entering the Hudson River May 26. Throughout the week service members attended events sponsored by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), and the city of New York.
"I had never been to a Yankees game and MWR gave me an opportunity I wouldn't have had otherwise," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Tim Baker, of Augusta, Ga.
Memorial Day parades, and various intramural sporting events were held throughout the city. Service members were also reenlisted by Commander, U.S Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Rear Adm. Mark Boensel at the World Trade Center Ground Zero.
"It's very unique place to reenlist because not many people get to see the site," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) LaShaunda Guy, Cleveland. "I felt proud because I was contributing to the fight for freedom."
A Sunset Parade was also held on board Iwo Jima, featuring a speech by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. along with performances by the United States Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, the United States Marine Forces Reserve Band, and Leatherneck Pipes and Drums. Service members also had the opportunity to explore the city on their own.
Cryptologic Technician (collection) 1st Class Evan Chauvette, of Manchester, N.H., spent his time playing the tourist during Fleet Week. Chauvette toured Central Park, watched Broadway plays, and ate local cuisine, but his favorite part of Fleet Week was how he was treated by New Yorkers.
"When people came up to me on the street and thanked me for what I do, it made me feel like what I do is worthwhile, and it made me proud to be a service member," said Chauvette.
Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Johnson, of Charlotte, N.C., explored the sights, and was most impressed by the rebuilding at the World Trade Center site. "As a country you can hit us, but we'll stand up taller and stronger, said Johnson.
U.S. Navy Sailors Visit Portland Children's Hospital
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Thomas J. Brennan,Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
PORTLAND, Ore. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Sampson (DDG 102) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) visited the Doernbecher Children's Hospital June 4, continuing a tradition that Sailors have carried out each year during the Portland Rose Festival.
Service members visited the hospital to bring a part of Rose Festival to the children as part of the Navy's community relations project.
Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Michael Davis, assigned to USS Sampson (DDG 102) said it was important to visit children at the hospital to let them know the Navy cares about them.
"I want to let the children know they are not alone in their struggles and not only their families care, but the Sailors and our ship cares about them," said Davis. "It's great to be able to brighten up their day."
Sailors were divided into teams and moved through the hospital to distribute teddy bears, ball caps, shirts and keepsakes from the ships. They were also able to talk to children and posed with them for souvenir pictures.
"This is my first port visit, and I think the more you help others the more you help yourself," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Trae Blount, USS Sampson (DDG 102). "It is great to be able to brighten a kid's day just by visiting and talking to the patients makes a big difference."
The hospital provides specialized care for children under the age of 18 and is funded by the Shriners Hospital for Children endowment fund, which is maintained through gifts, bequests and contributions.
"I love being able to do something for the community, and I love children," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Katrina Fosi, USS Sampson (DDG 102).
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching.
PORTLAND, Ore. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Sampson (DDG 102) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) visited the Doernbecher Children's Hospital June 4, continuing a tradition that Sailors have carried out each year during the Portland Rose Festival.
Service members visited the hospital to bring a part of Rose Festival to the children as part of the Navy's community relations project.
Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Michael Davis, assigned to USS Sampson (DDG 102) said it was important to visit children at the hospital to let them know the Navy cares about them.
"I want to let the children know they are not alone in their struggles and not only their families care, but the Sailors and our ship cares about them," said Davis. "It's great to be able to brighten up their day."
Sailors were divided into teams and moved through the hospital to distribute teddy bears, ball caps, shirts and keepsakes from the ships. They were also able to talk to children and posed with them for souvenir pictures.
"This is my first port visit, and I think the more you help others the more you help yourself," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Trae Blount, USS Sampson (DDG 102). "It is great to be able to brighten a kid's day just by visiting and talking to the patients makes a big difference."
The hospital provides specialized care for children under the age of 18 and is funded by the Shriners Hospital for Children endowment fund, which is maintained through gifts, bequests and contributions.
"I love being able to do something for the community, and I love children," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Katrina Fosi, USS Sampson (DDG 102).
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Gates Describes U.S. Approach to Deterrence in Asia
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - A U.S. defense posture in Asia that is more geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable is necessary in deterring conflict in today's world, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates addressed the first plenary session of the ninth annual "Shangri-La Dialogue," an Asia security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Conventional military bases, Gates said, are not the sole yardstick for measuring the U.S. presence in the region and its associated impact and influence. "Rather," he said, "we must think about U.S. 'presence' in the broader sense of what we achieve in the region: the connections made, the results accomplished."
This, he explained, includes the work of medical teams and engineers, as well as partner militaries that are more professional and capable of contributing to international efforts to deal with the most vexing challenges the United States and its Asian partners face.
"These kinds of activities reflect a priority of the overall United States security strategy: to prevent and deter conflict by better [employing] and integrating all elements of our national power and international cooperation," the secretary said. "As we have learned, military capabilities are critically important, but by themselves, [they] do not deter conflict. Sustained diplomatic, economic and cultural ties also play vital roles in maintaining stability and improving relationships.
"The history of the past 60 years in this part of the world," he continued, "has proven that historic tensions can be overcome, instability can be avoided, and strategic rivalries are not inevitable."
The U.S. approach to its policy in Asia and its overall defense posture has been shaped by a series of strategy reviews over the past year, Gates said. "These reviews were shaped by a bracing dose of realism, and in a very sober and clear-eyed way assessed risks, set priorities, made tradeoffs, and identified requirements based on plausible real-world threats, scenarios and potential adversaries."
An effective and affordable U.S. defense posture, the secretary explained, requires a broad and versatile portfolio of military capabilities across the widest possible spectrum of conflict. With regard to Asia, he said, the United States is increasing its deterrent capabilities in the region.
"First, we are taking serious steps to enhance our missile defenses with the intent to develop capabilities in Asia that are flexible and deployable – tailored to the unique needs of our allies and partners and able to counter the clear and growing ballistic missile threats in the region," he said.
The United States is renewing its commitment to a strong and effective deterrence that guarantees the safety of the American people and the defense of its allies and partners, Gates said. President Barack Obama is committed to reducing the role of nuclear weapons in the quest for a world without them, he noted. "But as long as these weapons exist," he added, "we will maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear arsenal."
The forward presence of substantial U.S. forces is another example of the strong U.S. commitment and deterrent power in the region, as has been the case for six decades, Gates said, though a global posture review scheduled to be completed by the year's end already has made one general trend clear.
"The U.S. defense posture in Asia is shifting to one that is more geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable," he said. "The buildup on Guam is part of this shift, as well as the agreement reached on basing with Japan – an agreement that fittingly comes during the 50th anniversary of our mutual security alliance and transcends any individual policymaker." Plans call for more than 8,000 U.S. Marines to move to Guam from the Japanese island of Okinawa by 2014, and for a U.S. Marine air base on Okinawa to relocate on the island.
Gates noted that the economic growth and political development the Asia-Pacific region has enjoyed over the last several decades was not a foregone conclusion.
"Rather," he said, "it was enabled by clear choices about the enduring principles that we all believe are essential to peace, prosperity and stability." Those principles, he said, include:
-- Free and open commerce;
-- A just international order that emphasizes rights and responsibilities of nations and fidelity to the rule of law;
-- Open access by all to the global commons of sea, air, space, and now, cyberspace; and
-- The principle of resolving conflict without the use of force.
"Simply put," he said, "pursuing our common interests has increased our common security. Today, the Asia-Pacific region is contending with new and evolving challenges, from rising powers and failing states to the proliferation of nuclear and ballistic missiles, extremist violence and new technologies that have the ability to disrupt the foundations of trade and commerce on which Asia's economic stability depends."
Confronting those threats, he told the delegates, is not the responsibility of a single nation acting alone.
"Rather," he said, "our collective response will test our commitments to the principles I just mentioned – principles that are key to the region's continued prosperity. In this, all of us have responsibilities we must fulfill, since all will bear the costs of instability as well as the rewards of international cooperation."
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - A U.S. defense posture in Asia that is more geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable is necessary in deterring conflict in today's world, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates addressed the first plenary session of the ninth annual "Shangri-La Dialogue," an Asia security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Conventional military bases, Gates said, are not the sole yardstick for measuring the U.S. presence in the region and its associated impact and influence. "Rather," he said, "we must think about U.S. 'presence' in the broader sense of what we achieve in the region: the connections made, the results accomplished."
This, he explained, includes the work of medical teams and engineers, as well as partner militaries that are more professional and capable of contributing to international efforts to deal with the most vexing challenges the United States and its Asian partners face.
"These kinds of activities reflect a priority of the overall United States security strategy: to prevent and deter conflict by better [employing] and integrating all elements of our national power and international cooperation," the secretary said. "As we have learned, military capabilities are critically important, but by themselves, [they] do not deter conflict. Sustained diplomatic, economic and cultural ties also play vital roles in maintaining stability and improving relationships.
"The history of the past 60 years in this part of the world," he continued, "has proven that historic tensions can be overcome, instability can be avoided, and strategic rivalries are not inevitable."
The U.S. approach to its policy in Asia and its overall defense posture has been shaped by a series of strategy reviews over the past year, Gates said. "These reviews were shaped by a bracing dose of realism, and in a very sober and clear-eyed way assessed risks, set priorities, made tradeoffs, and identified requirements based on plausible real-world threats, scenarios and potential adversaries."
An effective and affordable U.S. defense posture, the secretary explained, requires a broad and versatile portfolio of military capabilities across the widest possible spectrum of conflict. With regard to Asia, he said, the United States is increasing its deterrent capabilities in the region.
"First, we are taking serious steps to enhance our missile defenses with the intent to develop capabilities in Asia that are flexible and deployable – tailored to the unique needs of our allies and partners and able to counter the clear and growing ballistic missile threats in the region," he said.
The United States is renewing its commitment to a strong and effective deterrence that guarantees the safety of the American people and the defense of its allies and partners, Gates said. President Barack Obama is committed to reducing the role of nuclear weapons in the quest for a world without them, he noted. "But as long as these weapons exist," he added, "we will maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear arsenal."
The forward presence of substantial U.S. forces is another example of the strong U.S. commitment and deterrent power in the region, as has been the case for six decades, Gates said, though a global posture review scheduled to be completed by the year's end already has made one general trend clear.
"The U.S. defense posture in Asia is shifting to one that is more geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable," he said. "The buildup on Guam is part of this shift, as well as the agreement reached on basing with Japan – an agreement that fittingly comes during the 50th anniversary of our mutual security alliance and transcends any individual policymaker." Plans call for more than 8,000 U.S. Marines to move to Guam from the Japanese island of Okinawa by 2014, and for a U.S. Marine air base on Okinawa to relocate on the island.
Gates noted that the economic growth and political development the Asia-Pacific region has enjoyed over the last several decades was not a foregone conclusion.
"Rather," he said, "it was enabled by clear choices about the enduring principles that we all believe are essential to peace, prosperity and stability." Those principles, he said, include:
-- Free and open commerce;
-- A just international order that emphasizes rights and responsibilities of nations and fidelity to the rule of law;
-- Open access by all to the global commons of sea, air, space, and now, cyberspace; and
-- The principle of resolving conflict without the use of force.
"Simply put," he said, "pursuing our common interests has increased our common security. Today, the Asia-Pacific region is contending with new and evolving challenges, from rising powers and failing states to the proliferation of nuclear and ballistic missiles, extremist violence and new technologies that have the ability to disrupt the foundations of trade and commerce on which Asia's economic stability depends."
Confronting those threats, he told the delegates, is not the responsibility of a single nation acting alone.
"Rather," he said, "our collective response will test our commitments to the principles I just mentioned – principles that are key to the region's continued prosperity. In this, all of us have responsibilities we must fulfill, since all will bear the costs of instability as well as the rewards of international cooperation."
Asia-Pacific Nations Must Address Provocations, Gates Says
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - Asian nations must act in the face of provocations as part of their responsibility to preserve peace and reinforce regional stability, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. In remarks opening the first plenary session of the "Shangri-La Dialogue," an Asia security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Gates specifically referred to North Korea's sinking of the freighter Cheonan on March 26 that left 46 South Korean sailors dead.
"This sinking is far more than a single, isolated incident with tragic results for the sailors and their families," he said. "It is, rather, part of a larger pattern of provocative and reckless behavior. As I pointed out last year at this forum, North Korea has for some time faced the choice of continuing as a destitute, international pariah or charting a new path. Since then, the North Korean regime has only further isolated itself from the international community."
The United States and other nations have consulted closely with South Korean officials since the sinking, Gates said.
"My government has offered full support to our ally in this difficult hour," he said. "We will conduct combined military exercises with South Korea and support action in the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, we are assessing additional options to hold North Korea accountable."
All nations in the region share the task of addressing such provocations, the secretary said. "Inaction would amount to an abdication of our collective responsibility to protect the peace and reinforce stability in Asia," he said. "North Korea must cease its belligerent behavior and demonstrate clearly and decisively that it wants to pursue a different path."
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - Asian nations must act in the face of provocations as part of their responsibility to preserve peace and reinforce regional stability, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. In remarks opening the first plenary session of the "Shangri-La Dialogue," an Asia security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Gates specifically referred to North Korea's sinking of the freighter Cheonan on March 26 that left 46 South Korean sailors dead.
"This sinking is far more than a single, isolated incident with tragic results for the sailors and their families," he said. "It is, rather, part of a larger pattern of provocative and reckless behavior. As I pointed out last year at this forum, North Korea has for some time faced the choice of continuing as a destitute, international pariah or charting a new path. Since then, the North Korean regime has only further isolated itself from the international community."
The United States and other nations have consulted closely with South Korean officials since the sinking, Gates said.
"My government has offered full support to our ally in this difficult hour," he said. "We will conduct combined military exercises with South Korea and support action in the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, we are assessing additional options to hold North Korea accountable."
All nations in the region share the task of addressing such provocations, the secretary said. "Inaction would amount to an abdication of our collective responsibility to protect the peace and reinforce stability in Asia," he said. "North Korea must cease its belligerent behavior and demonstrate clearly and decisively that it wants to pursue a different path."
U.S., Japan, South Korea Express Solidarity
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - The top defense officials of the United States, Japan and South Korea today pledged their nations' continued solidarity in the aftermath of North Korea's sinking of the freighter Cheonan on March 26 that killed 46 South Korean sailors. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young made brief statements before their trilateral meeting as part of the "Shangri-La Dialogue" Asia security summit here.
Gates noted that the first such meeting took place during last year's Shangri-La Dialogue, and said it proved to be an ideal forum for discussing a range of common security interests.
"Obviously, today's conversation, like last year's, will largely focus on North Korea and its ongoing threat to regional stability, as highlighted by the unprovoked attack on the Cheonan," the secretary said.
Gates said he told Kim yesterday and reiterated to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak today that "the United States stands by and steadfastly supports our ally," and added that he's pleased Japan also has stood by South Korea in response to the incident.
"Attacks like that on the Cheonan undermine the peace and stability of not just the Korean peninsula, but the region as a whole," he said. "To do nothing would set the wrong precedent. The international community can and must hold North Korea accountable. The United States will continue to work with the Republic of Korea, Japan and our other partners to figure out the best way to do just that."
Speaking through a translator, Kitazawa noted the importance of today's trilateral meeting against the backdrop of rising tension on the Korean peninsula.
"I trust that this will serve as a strong message to the international community as well as to North Korea," he said, "and I very much hope that the three countries will be able to show our strong determination."
Also speaking through a translator, Kim expressed delight that the three defense leaders could meet here again, as they did last year.
"I also believe that we are creating great momentum, especially at a time when the security situation in the peninsula and the region are so sensitive," he said. He added that through the Cheonan incident, the three nations are able to further strengthen their security cooperation ties through close coordination and cooperation.
Kim thanked the United States and Japan for their support of South Korea. "And I would like to ask you again for your continued cooperation and support as we take this matter to the United Nations Security Council, and as we take other measures as well," he added.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - The top defense officials of the United States, Japan and South Korea today pledged their nations' continued solidarity in the aftermath of North Korea's sinking of the freighter Cheonan on March 26 that killed 46 South Korean sailors. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young made brief statements before their trilateral meeting as part of the "Shangri-La Dialogue" Asia security summit here.
Gates noted that the first such meeting took place during last year's Shangri-La Dialogue, and said it proved to be an ideal forum for discussing a range of common security interests.
"Obviously, today's conversation, like last year's, will largely focus on North Korea and its ongoing threat to regional stability, as highlighted by the unprovoked attack on the Cheonan," the secretary said.
Gates said he told Kim yesterday and reiterated to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak today that "the United States stands by and steadfastly supports our ally," and added that he's pleased Japan also has stood by South Korea in response to the incident.
"Attacks like that on the Cheonan undermine the peace and stability of not just the Korean peninsula, but the region as a whole," he said. "To do nothing would set the wrong precedent. The international community can and must hold North Korea accountable. The United States will continue to work with the Republic of Korea, Japan and our other partners to figure out the best way to do just that."
Speaking through a translator, Kitazawa noted the importance of today's trilateral meeting against the backdrop of rising tension on the Korean peninsula.
"I trust that this will serve as a strong message to the international community as well as to North Korea," he said, "and I very much hope that the three countries will be able to show our strong determination."
Also speaking through a translator, Kim expressed delight that the three defense leaders could meet here again, as they did last year.
"I also believe that we are creating great momentum, especially at a time when the security situation in the peninsula and the region are so sensitive," he said. He added that through the Cheonan incident, the three nations are able to further strengthen their security cooperation ties through close coordination and cooperation.
Kim thanked the United States and Japan for their support of South Korea. "And I would like to ask you again for your continued cooperation and support as we take this matter to the United Nations Security Council, and as we take other measures as well," he added.
Gates Urges Positive U.S.-China Military Relations
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - Economic and political cooperation between the United States and China has flourished despite differences over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and the same should be true of the military relationship between the two countries, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
In a speech opening the first plenary session of the ninth annual "Shangri-La Dialogue," an Asia security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Gates noted that although the arms sales have been going on for decades, China has cited them as its reason for breaking off interactions between the U.S. and Chinese militaries.
"For a variety of reasons," Gates said, "this makes little sense." He pointed out that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been going on throughout the decades since the 1979 normalization of relations between the United States and China. In addition, he said, the United States has demonstrated for years that it does not support independence for Taiwan.
"Nothing – I repeat, nothing – has changed in that stance," he said.
And because China's accelerating military buildup focuses largely on Taiwan, Gates added, U.S. arms sales are important to maintaining peace and stability across the Strait of Taiwan and throughout the region.
Considering all this, he said, President Barack Obama's decision in January to sell selected defensive weapons to Taiwan should have come as no surprise.
"It was based on well-established precedent and the longstanding belief of the U.S. government that a peaceful and non-coerced resolution to the Taiwan issue is an abiding national interest, and vital for the overall security of Asia," the secretary said.
Though the United States and China disagree on this matter, Gates told the delegates, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan over the decades since normalization have not impeded closer political and economic ties or closer ties in other security arenas of mutual interest.
"Only in the military-to-military arena has progress on critical mutual security issues been held hostage over something that is, quite frankly, old news," he said. "It should be clear to everyone now – more than 30 years after normalization – that interruptions in our military relationship with China will not change United States policy toward Taiwan."
Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao have advocated a positive military-to-military relationship between their countries, Gates noted. "The United States Department of Defense wants what both Presidents Obama and Hu want: sustained and reliable military-to-military contacts at all levels that reduce miscommunication, misunderstanding and miscalculation," he said.
The absence of military-to-military relationships between the United States and China has a cost, Gates added. "I believe they are essential to regional security and essential to developing a broad, resilient U.S.-China relationship that is positive in tone, cooperative in nature and comprehensive in scope," he said. "The United States, for its part, is ready to work toward these goals."
Gates had hoped to visit Beijing while he was in the region to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, but Chinese officials conveyed the message recently that the timing wasn't right. While en route to Singapore earlier this week, the secretary expressed his chagrin to reporters.
"I'm disappointed that the [People's Liberation Army] leadership has not seen the same potential benefits from this kind of a military-to-military relationship as their own leadership and the United States seem to think would be of benefit," he said.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2010 - Economic and political cooperation between the United States and China has flourished despite differences over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and the same should be true of the military relationship between the two countries, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
In a speech opening the first plenary session of the ninth annual "Shangri-La Dialogue," an Asia security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Gates noted that although the arms sales have been going on for decades, China has cited them as its reason for breaking off interactions between the U.S. and Chinese militaries.
"For a variety of reasons," Gates said, "this makes little sense." He pointed out that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been going on throughout the decades since the 1979 normalization of relations between the United States and China. In addition, he said, the United States has demonstrated for years that it does not support independence for Taiwan.
"Nothing – I repeat, nothing – has changed in that stance," he said.
And because China's accelerating military buildup focuses largely on Taiwan, Gates added, U.S. arms sales are important to maintaining peace and stability across the Strait of Taiwan and throughout the region.
Considering all this, he said, President Barack Obama's decision in January to sell selected defensive weapons to Taiwan should have come as no surprise.
"It was based on well-established precedent and the longstanding belief of the U.S. government that a peaceful and non-coerced resolution to the Taiwan issue is an abiding national interest, and vital for the overall security of Asia," the secretary said.
Though the United States and China disagree on this matter, Gates told the delegates, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan over the decades since normalization have not impeded closer political and economic ties or closer ties in other security arenas of mutual interest.
"Only in the military-to-military arena has progress on critical mutual security issues been held hostage over something that is, quite frankly, old news," he said. "It should be clear to everyone now – more than 30 years after normalization – that interruptions in our military relationship with China will not change United States policy toward Taiwan."
Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao have advocated a positive military-to-military relationship between their countries, Gates noted. "The United States Department of Defense wants what both Presidents Obama and Hu want: sustained and reliable military-to-military contacts at all levels that reduce miscommunication, misunderstanding and miscalculation," he said.
The absence of military-to-military relationships between the United States and China has a cost, Gates added. "I believe they are essential to regional security and essential to developing a broad, resilient U.S.-China relationship that is positive in tone, cooperative in nature and comprehensive in scope," he said. "The United States, for its part, is ready to work toward these goals."
Gates had hoped to visit Beijing while he was in the region to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, but Chinese officials conveyed the message recently that the timing wasn't right. While en route to Singapore earlier this week, the secretary expressed his chagrin to reporters.
"I'm disappointed that the [People's Liberation Army] leadership has not seen the same potential benefits from this kind of a military-to-military relationship as their own leadership and the United States seem to think would be of benefit," he said.
Friday, June 04, 2010
SECNAV Engages 6th Fleet Sailors
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) William Pittman, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus visited civilian and military personnel at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet (CNE-CNA/C6F) Headquarters at Naval Support Activity, Naples, June 1.
Mabus was greeted upon arrival by Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, and Command Master Chief Jay Wood, command master chief of U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters.
"This was a big day for everyone here," said Wood. "Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to talk to SECNAV, and SECNAV got to see 6th Fleet's contribution to global security, friendship building and the fight against terrorism."
Mabus sat with 11 Sailors and a Marine for lunch where he expressed his gratitude for their service. He engaged the Sailors in conversation about their jobs, military experience and family life.
"SECNAV was very attentive and open when we talked to him during lunch," said Yeoman 2nd Class Rebecca Holman. "Besides talking about our Navy experiences, we also discussed issues that are important to us as junior Sailors. He gave us straight answers, and it was more than obvious that he genuinely cared about what we had to say."
After a brief tour of the base, Mabus took part in a public promotion ceremony, where he promoted seven officers to their next rank.
"I still can't believe SECNAV promoted me," said Lt. Cmdr. Tim Parr, assistant force judge advocate for CNE-CNA/C6F. "This was an absolutely once in a lifetime experience."
Mabus conducted an all hands call with the CNE-CNA/C6F personnel where he discussed many important issues and conducted a question-and-answer session upon its conclusion. Afterward, he took a few minutes to pose for pictures with Sailors.
This is Mabus' first visit to CNE-CNA/C6F since he assumed his duties as SECNAV on May 19, 2009.
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus visited civilian and military personnel at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet (CNE-CNA/C6F) Headquarters at Naval Support Activity, Naples, June 1.
Mabus was greeted upon arrival by Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, and Command Master Chief Jay Wood, command master chief of U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters.
"This was a big day for everyone here," said Wood. "Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to talk to SECNAV, and SECNAV got to see 6th Fleet's contribution to global security, friendship building and the fight against terrorism."
Mabus sat with 11 Sailors and a Marine for lunch where he expressed his gratitude for their service. He engaged the Sailors in conversation about their jobs, military experience and family life.
"SECNAV was very attentive and open when we talked to him during lunch," said Yeoman 2nd Class Rebecca Holman. "Besides talking about our Navy experiences, we also discussed issues that are important to us as junior Sailors. He gave us straight answers, and it was more than obvious that he genuinely cared about what we had to say."
After a brief tour of the base, Mabus took part in a public promotion ceremony, where he promoted seven officers to their next rank.
"I still can't believe SECNAV promoted me," said Lt. Cmdr. Tim Parr, assistant force judge advocate for CNE-CNA/C6F. "This was an absolutely once in a lifetime experience."
Mabus conducted an all hands call with the CNE-CNA/C6F personnel where he discussed many important issues and conducted a question-and-answer session upon its conclusion. Afterward, he took a few minutes to pose for pictures with Sailors.
This is Mabus' first visit to CNE-CNA/C6F since he assumed his duties as SECNAV on May 19, 2009.
Deployed Parents Can View Defense Schools' Graduations
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2010 - Deployed servicemembers with children graduating from Department of Defense Education Activity-managed schools in Europe this month will be able to view a live broadcast of the ceremonies.
An estimated 125 servicemembers deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations have children taking part in 14 graduation ceremonies, DoDEA officials in Wiesbaden, Germany, said.
For the seventh consecutive year, DoDEA will provide a webcast of the graduation ceremonies to include congratulations videos from the U.S. European Command commander and each service component commander, as well as student messages and graduation announcements.
The webcast will feature the graduation ceremonies of the following DoDEA high schools in Italy, Germany, England and Spain on these dates:
June 10 – Naples, Patch, Bamberg, Ansbach, and Heidelberg High Schools
June 11 – Kaiserslautern, Ramstein, Vilseck, Rota and Lakenheath High Schools
June 12 – Aviano, and Mannheim High Schools
June 13 – Wiesbaden and Vicenza High Schools
To view a graduation ceremony, go to www.doddsegrads.net, then type in the username "2010grads," and the password "lucky2010."
June 4, 2010 - Deployed servicemembers with children graduating from Department of Defense Education Activity-managed schools in Europe this month will be able to view a live broadcast of the ceremonies.
An estimated 125 servicemembers deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations have children taking part in 14 graduation ceremonies, DoDEA officials in Wiesbaden, Germany, said.
For the seventh consecutive year, DoDEA will provide a webcast of the graduation ceremonies to include congratulations videos from the U.S. European Command commander and each service component commander, as well as student messages and graduation announcements.
The webcast will feature the graduation ceremonies of the following DoDEA high schools in Italy, Germany, England and Spain on these dates:
June 10 – Naples, Patch, Bamberg, Ansbach, and Heidelberg High Schools
June 11 – Kaiserslautern, Ramstein, Vilseck, Rota and Lakenheath High Schools
June 12 – Aviano, and Mannheim High Schools
June 13 – Wiesbaden and Vicenza High Schools
To view a graduation ceremony, go to www.doddsegrads.net, then type in the username "2010grads," and the password "lucky2010."
Gates, Counterparts Discuss Growing Relationships
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2010 - The importance of furthering military-to-military relationships was a common theme in five meetings Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates had here today with U.S. partners as part of the annual Asia security summit known as the "Shangri-La Dialogue."
In addition, Gates told reporters after the meeting, he sought help from all five countries in the training effort for Afghanistan's security forces.
The secretary's first bilateral meeting of the day was with Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.
"I commended their defense reforms in recent years," Gates said, "and the way those reforms have enabled broadening of defense cooperation and engagement."
In addition, Gates cited the symbolic importance that would result from the world's largest Islamic democracy pitching in with the Afghanistan training effort. The two defense leaders also discussed the modernization of the Indonesian military, Gates added.
After his meeting with New Zealand Defense Minister Wayne Mapp, Gates said the two men discussed completion of the New Zealand Policy Review, which "now opens the way for broadening cooperation for the first time in roughly a quarter of a century between New Zealand and the United States." Nuclear-powered ships and nuclear weapons have been barred by law from using New Zealand's waters, ports, land and airspace since 1987.
The secretary pointed out that his meeting today with Shiv Shankar Menon, India's national security advisor, took place at almost exactly the same time that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was meeting with India's external affairs minister.
"In a way," Gates said, "it's symbolic of the global connection, if you will, between the United States and India, and the tremendous improvement in relations and opportunities for cooperation."
Gates added that he and Menon also discussed defense trade and foundational agreements that are important to further progress. India is contemplating bids for its next medium, multi-role fighter aircraft, Gates added, so he took the opportunity to praise the U.S.-made F-16 and F/A-18 as "high-quality competitors." The need for export controls on both sides of the U.S.-India relationship was another topic in their meeting, the secretary said.
Gates also said he received an invitation from Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations defense ministers meeting in Hanoi in October. They also discussed the U.S.-Vietnamese defense policy dialogue coming up in August, the secretary said, and he thanked Thanh for Vietnam's proposals to accelerate the pace of work on identifying U.S. servicemembers still listed as missing in action there by opening 13 new areas for U.S. searchers.
Gates and Thanh also talked about opportunities for increasing bilateral U.S.-Vietnamese cooperation, the secretary added.
In his final bilateral meeting of the day, with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae Young, Gates said he expressed his condolences to the families of the 46 sailors lost when North Korea sank the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan on March 26, as well as admiration for the way South Korean government has responded to "this serious provocation."
In addition, Gates said, he reaffirmed full U.S. support going forward. "I did say that I thought that we should ensure that our coordinated response should accomplish two objectives," he said. "The first was to reassure the public in the Republic of Korea that our alliance will effectively ensure their security; and second, that our coordinated response enables our initiatives to enhance our capabilities to deter and, if necessary, respond to any further provocation."
Gates will deliver the keynote address in the Shangri-La Dialogue's first plenary session tomorrow morning.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2010 - The importance of furthering military-to-military relationships was a common theme in five meetings Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates had here today with U.S. partners as part of the annual Asia security summit known as the "Shangri-La Dialogue."
In addition, Gates told reporters after the meeting, he sought help from all five countries in the training effort for Afghanistan's security forces.
The secretary's first bilateral meeting of the day was with Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.
"I commended their defense reforms in recent years," Gates said, "and the way those reforms have enabled broadening of defense cooperation and engagement."
In addition, Gates cited the symbolic importance that would result from the world's largest Islamic democracy pitching in with the Afghanistan training effort. The two defense leaders also discussed the modernization of the Indonesian military, Gates added.
After his meeting with New Zealand Defense Minister Wayne Mapp, Gates said the two men discussed completion of the New Zealand Policy Review, which "now opens the way for broadening cooperation for the first time in roughly a quarter of a century between New Zealand and the United States." Nuclear-powered ships and nuclear weapons have been barred by law from using New Zealand's waters, ports, land and airspace since 1987.
The secretary pointed out that his meeting today with Shiv Shankar Menon, India's national security advisor, took place at almost exactly the same time that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was meeting with India's external affairs minister.
"In a way," Gates said, "it's symbolic of the global connection, if you will, between the United States and India, and the tremendous improvement in relations and opportunities for cooperation."
Gates added that he and Menon also discussed defense trade and foundational agreements that are important to further progress. India is contemplating bids for its next medium, multi-role fighter aircraft, Gates added, so he took the opportunity to praise the U.S.-made F-16 and F/A-18 as "high-quality competitors." The need for export controls on both sides of the U.S.-India relationship was another topic in their meeting, the secretary said.
Gates also said he received an invitation from Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations defense ministers meeting in Hanoi in October. They also discussed the U.S.-Vietnamese defense policy dialogue coming up in August, the secretary said, and he thanked Thanh for Vietnam's proposals to accelerate the pace of work on identifying U.S. servicemembers still listed as missing in action there by opening 13 new areas for U.S. searchers.
Gates and Thanh also talked about opportunities for increasing bilateral U.S.-Vietnamese cooperation, the secretary added.
In his final bilateral meeting of the day, with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae Young, Gates said he expressed his condolences to the families of the 46 sailors lost when North Korea sank the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan on March 26, as well as admiration for the way South Korean government has responded to "this serious provocation."
In addition, Gates said, he reaffirmed full U.S. support going forward. "I did say that I thought that we should ensure that our coordinated response should accomplish two objectives," he said. "The first was to reassure the public in the Republic of Korea that our alliance will effectively ensure their security; and second, that our coordinated response enables our initiatives to enhance our capabilities to deter and, if necessary, respond to any further provocation."
Gates will deliver the keynote address in the Shangri-La Dialogue's first plenary session tomorrow morning.
Surgeon General Highlights the Role of Navy Medicine, Force Health during Pacific Tour
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Devon Dow, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan
June 4, 2010 - YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Surgeon General visited Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) on June 4 during his tour of Navy medical facilities in the Western Pacific.
Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson held an All Hands call with the staff U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, had lunch with enlisted Sailors in the hospital's galley, held media availability with Japanese reporters and met with members of the 7th Fleet staff.
"Yokosuka is a place that is near and dear to my heart," Robinson said. "The hospital and its staff here is a shining light in our Navy. When I am asked about what has kept me motivated in my 33 year career, it has been the people I've served with. The Navy medicine community has kept me excited, fresh with ideas and always want to do more."
Robinson led the doctors, nurses, corpsmen and civilian employees at U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka from September 2001 to January 2004, serving as commanding officer. As the Navy Surgeon General, he said he enjoys having the opportunity to speak with Sailors about Navy Medicine and offer feedback. He also stressed what he believes makes Navy Medicine the success it is today.
"The greatness of Navy Medicine is not the ships, the airplanes or the submarines. It's not the upper leadership in the Navy, the greatness of the Navy. Navy Medicine is the people in uniform who are taking care of people in need everyday," he said. "They're sacrifice and commitment to duty is what helps make our Navy a more determined and strong force."
Throughout his tour of the Pacific, Robinson is focusing on the valued principles of Navy Medicine and the role of Navy medical professionals as they care for the fleet.
"Aspects important to Navy Medicine are to care for the men and women of Navy Medicine, to do the force health protection mission, which is to have a fit and ready force to care for the war fighters, and also take care of eligible family members and those who are our retirees - which is an honor to care for," Robinson said.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Japan Alliance. Robinson said he was honored to be back in Yokosuka during this historical year for the two nations and sees no end in sight to their bond.
"The U.S. Japan Alliance is stronger than I have ever seen it," he said. "It is a critical alliance which has provided not only the basic foundation for our lives in Japan, but has based our security and our commitment to the whole Asian basin and the peoples in this part of the world."
June 4, 2010 - YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Surgeon General visited Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) on June 4 during his tour of Navy medical facilities in the Western Pacific.
Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson held an All Hands call with the staff U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, had lunch with enlisted Sailors in the hospital's galley, held media availability with Japanese reporters and met with members of the 7th Fleet staff.
"Yokosuka is a place that is near and dear to my heart," Robinson said. "The hospital and its staff here is a shining light in our Navy. When I am asked about what has kept me motivated in my 33 year career, it has been the people I've served with. The Navy medicine community has kept me excited, fresh with ideas and always want to do more."
Robinson led the doctors, nurses, corpsmen and civilian employees at U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka from September 2001 to January 2004, serving as commanding officer. As the Navy Surgeon General, he said he enjoys having the opportunity to speak with Sailors about Navy Medicine and offer feedback. He also stressed what he believes makes Navy Medicine the success it is today.
"The greatness of Navy Medicine is not the ships, the airplanes or the submarines. It's not the upper leadership in the Navy, the greatness of the Navy. Navy Medicine is the people in uniform who are taking care of people in need everyday," he said. "They're sacrifice and commitment to duty is what helps make our Navy a more determined and strong force."
Throughout his tour of the Pacific, Robinson is focusing on the valued principles of Navy Medicine and the role of Navy medical professionals as they care for the fleet.
"Aspects important to Navy Medicine are to care for the men and women of Navy Medicine, to do the force health protection mission, which is to have a fit and ready force to care for the war fighters, and also take care of eligible family members and those who are our retirees - which is an honor to care for," Robinson said.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Japan Alliance. Robinson said he was honored to be back in Yokosuka during this historical year for the two nations and sees no end in sight to their bond.
"The U.S. Japan Alliance is stronger than I have ever seen it," he said. "It is a critical alliance which has provided not only the basic foundation for our lives in Japan, but has based our security and our commitment to the whole Asian basin and the peoples in this part of the world."
HSC-25 Welcomes Detachment 6 Back to Guam
By Oyaol Ngirairikl, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Public Affairs
June 4, 2010 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 welcomed back Detachment 6 from a six-month deployment during a homecoming ceremony on Guam June 3.
Detachment 6 was embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). The 33 returning Sailors assisted the Republic of Korea's salvage of the ROKS Cheonan, which sank March 26 in the Yellow Sea. The detachment flew more than 600 hours to complete more than 350 sorties, while providing search and rescue capabilities for the Navy ships' amphibious operations.
This was also the detachment's first mission flying the MH-60S — an HSC-25 helicopter modified to include a weapons system.
"These maintenance professionals always kept a good attitude, kept the helicopters flying and the detachment mission was an overall success," said Chief Warrant Officer David Harris, maintenance officer for Detachment 6.
Lt. Cmdr. Dewon Chaney, HSC-25 acting executive officer, said the type of support they performed in South Korea enhances relations between the U.S. and allied forces and improves coordination for future missions.
"Our detachments not only portray positive images in the U.S. Navy, but we're also doing a lot of really great things—not only in the local community here, but in the international community," Chaney said. "This detachment in itself was a bunch of superstars. The detachment performed as expected. They were expected to perform really well and they did."
Lt. Christopher Hines, a Detachment 6 pilot, said he is proud to have been a part of a great team.
"Just to be called upon and be able to do your mission and to do it well, that's probably the most rewarding part of being in HSC-25, and, of course, being forward-deployed here on Guam," he said. "Overall, 100 percent success. I couldn't see it going any smoother."
HSC-25 is the Navy's only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron. As part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, it provides an armed helicopter capability for 7th and 5th Fleets, as well as detachments to various commands covering a diverse mission set. It is also the Navy's only squadron that maintains a 24-hour search and rescue and medical evacuation alert posture directly supporting U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Guam and Joint Region Marianas.
June 4, 2010 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 welcomed back Detachment 6 from a six-month deployment during a homecoming ceremony on Guam June 3.
Detachment 6 was embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). The 33 returning Sailors assisted the Republic of Korea's salvage of the ROKS Cheonan, which sank March 26 in the Yellow Sea. The detachment flew more than 600 hours to complete more than 350 sorties, while providing search and rescue capabilities for the Navy ships' amphibious operations.
This was also the detachment's first mission flying the MH-60S — an HSC-25 helicopter modified to include a weapons system.
"These maintenance professionals always kept a good attitude, kept the helicopters flying and the detachment mission was an overall success," said Chief Warrant Officer David Harris, maintenance officer for Detachment 6.
Lt. Cmdr. Dewon Chaney, HSC-25 acting executive officer, said the type of support they performed in South Korea enhances relations between the U.S. and allied forces and improves coordination for future missions.
"Our detachments not only portray positive images in the U.S. Navy, but we're also doing a lot of really great things—not only in the local community here, but in the international community," Chaney said. "This detachment in itself was a bunch of superstars. The detachment performed as expected. They were expected to perform really well and they did."
Lt. Christopher Hines, a Detachment 6 pilot, said he is proud to have been a part of a great team.
"Just to be called upon and be able to do your mission and to do it well, that's probably the most rewarding part of being in HSC-25, and, of course, being forward-deployed here on Guam," he said. "Overall, 100 percent success. I couldn't see it going any smoother."
HSC-25 is the Navy's only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron. As part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific, it provides an armed helicopter capability for 7th and 5th Fleets, as well as detachments to various commands covering a diverse mission set. It is also the Navy's only squadron that maintains a 24-hour search and rescue and medical evacuation alert posture directly supporting U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Guam and Joint Region Marianas.
USNS Comfort Recognized by Maryland Hospital Association for Haiti Earthquake Response
BALTIMORE (NNS) -- Baltimore-based Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) was welcomed as an honorary member in the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) at the organization's annual meeting in Baltimore June 4.
The honorary membership recognizes Comfort's role in international relief efforts following the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Comfort spent seven weeks anchored off the coast of Port-au-Prince, where shipboard medical personnel treated nearly 900 earthquake victims.
"It's an honor for the men and women who served on Comfort during the Haiti mission to be recognized as part of the Maryland Hospital Association," said Capt. James Ware, the commanding officer of Comfort's Medical Treatment Facility. "We are very proud of all of our enduring relationships with the broader medical community, including partners ranging from other U.S. military services and government agencies to non-governmental organizations and even foreign militaries and health ministries."
Ware and David Lieberman, the civilian officer in charge of the ship, accepted the honor on behalf of the more than 1,000 Navy medical personnel and 79 civil service mariners who coordinated with 170 Navy planners and support personnel and an additional 244 civilian medical volunteers from eight non-governmental organizations.
"Maryland's hospitals and the USNS Comfort share more than a home. We also share a mission of providing care and compassion to all who need it," said Carmela Coyle, MHA president and CEO. "For Maryland's hospitals, that means being there to provide care. For the USNS Comfort, it means getting there to provide care."
Lieberman and the rest of Comfort's civil service crew are also happy with the honor.
"Part of what makes Comfort's hospital so exceptional is the fact that we can take it where it's needed," said Lieberman. "Although the mariners don't treat patients, we are so proud of the role that we play in getting this ship to people in need and ensuring that the hospital has electricity and water."
Ware and Lieberman accepted a plaque that will be displayed aboard the ship.
"The people who are Maryland's hospitals are proud to now be associated with the people who man the USNS Comfort in all capacities, and we welcome them now as colleagues," said Coyle.
Comfort was delivered to the Navy Dec. 1, 1987, and arrived in Baltimore July 13, 1988. When not deployed, Comfort is kept pierside where a small crew of civil service mariners and Navy medical personnel maintain the ship and Medical Treatment Facility in a high state of readiness. When activated, Comfort can deploy on a mission in five days.
Comfort is operated, navigated and maintained by a crew of civil service mariners working for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command while the Medical Treatment Facility is crewed and maintained by Navy medical personnel.
The Maryland Hospital Association is the advocate for Maryland's hospitals, health systems, communities and patients before legislative and regulatory bodies. MHA's 61 member hospitals include teaching hospitals, health systems, specialty hospitals, veterans hospitals and long-term care facilities.
MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces, conduct specialized missions, and replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea.
Veterans Welcomed Home by California Governor During Midway Ceremony
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
June 4, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- California veterans were honored in a ceremony aboard the USS Midway (CV 41) Museum June 3 as part of California Veterans (CalVet) Corps' Operation Welcome Home.
Operation Welcome Home, established by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is the first program in the country to combine the efforts of state, federal and local governments, non-profit organizations and the private sector to provide veterans the services they need to transition home.
"We have to do everything we can to receive these veterans with open arms and to thank them for the great services they provided," Schwarzenegger said. "We want our veterans to feel welcomed in California; whatever their needs are, whatever their dreams are, whatever their goals are, we want to help them."
The goal of the CalVet Corps is to help veterans gain access to benefits and services such as employment assistance, job training, education opportunities, housing assistance, health care needs, and more.
"Our goal is to connect with each and every one of our veterans," Schwarzenegger said. "We want them to move smoothly from the battlefront to the home front. California is a place veterans can call home."
According to CalVet Corps, every year an estimated 30,000 veterans return home to California to reconnect with family and friends and restart their civilian lives.
June 4, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- California veterans were honored in a ceremony aboard the USS Midway (CV 41) Museum June 3 as part of California Veterans (CalVet) Corps' Operation Welcome Home.
Operation Welcome Home, established by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is the first program in the country to combine the efforts of state, federal and local governments, non-profit organizations and the private sector to provide veterans the services they need to transition home.
"We have to do everything we can to receive these veterans with open arms and to thank them for the great services they provided," Schwarzenegger said. "We want our veterans to feel welcomed in California; whatever their needs are, whatever their dreams are, whatever their goals are, we want to help them."
The goal of the CalVet Corps is to help veterans gain access to benefits and services such as employment assistance, job training, education opportunities, housing assistance, health care needs, and more.
"Our goal is to connect with each and every one of our veterans," Schwarzenegger said. "We want them to move smoothly from the battlefront to the home front. California is a place veterans can call home."
According to CalVet Corps, every year an estimated 30,000 veterans return home to California to reconnect with family and friends and restart their civilian lives.
Whidbey Island Sailors Train for Force Protection
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
OAK HARBOR, Wash (NNS) -- Seventeen Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island graduated from the Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) training course June 4. The Sailors will serve as force protection assets and offer support to the base's security department. The ASF Academy trains Sailors from various ratings, who would be called upon to augment the base's security department during contingencies, exercises and special events that require heightened levels of security on the base.
"This was three weeks of rigorous physical training and intensive security classroom instruction which ranges from basic curriculum, Power Point presentations, watch standing; then it goes into rifle and handgun qualifications and tactical movements," said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Eric Wynn, security training officer, from Reno, Nev.
During the training, Sailors learned force protection procedures, small arms, armed and unarmed self-defense, rules of engagement and crowd control.
The first week is made up of mechanical advantage control holds restraining techniques, the use of deadly force, proper use of the baton and the operation of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.
At the end of the week, students go through a practical test where they have to use the techniques learned to subdue an opponent while suffering the effects of OC spray to become qualified to carry and use the substance.
"This was a great course, it was hard at times, especially being sprayed with the pepper (OC) spray and then having to go through the obstacle course," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Steven Williams of Columbia, S.C., assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. "The instructors brought lots of knowledge to the course. They made sure that we made it through the courses, and we understood what they were teaching us."
The second week consisted of weapons training. ASF personnel are trained to know the 9mm Berretta pistol, M500 shotgun and M16 rifle.
"For me, the most fun part of the course was the active shooter drills, where we go in a building as a team and assess a situation and decide what tactics to use," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Wayne Groves of Marysville, Wash., assigned to VAQ 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "Overall, this course gave me self-confidence to handle different situations."
The third week consisted of several different topics, including tactical communication, team movement and close-quarters combat.
Wynn said over the course of three weeks, the Sailors worked hard and performed every task to the best of their abilities.
"Every Sailor assigned to this course did great; they were listening, focused and motivated, which helped us do or job well," added Wynn.
Instructor, Jonathon Fuchs of Scottsdale, Ariz., a federal police instructor said he is confident that the ASF students that have just graduated will perform their duties well.
"The Sailors were outstanding. They were highly motivated. We talked about being 100 percent professional; they displayed it. They've taken everything to heart and made it serious. In the scenario trainings, a lot of times it's hard to make it real; they do, they made themselves part of the drill. They were part of the opposition force, where they would play the good and bad guys, which a lot of times are the most fun because you learn more because you get to see it from a different perspective," said Fuchs.
The focus of the ASF course is to be a force in readiness.
"Once the Sailors graduate from this course, they're capable of performing every task they were instructed with, and I feel confident in their abilities," added Fuchs. "It's an individual, personal mindset, and it's up to them to continue training, run the scenarios in their heads and be prepared if a confrontation arises and how to deal with it and implement the tools they were given."
OAK HARBOR, Wash (NNS) -- Seventeen Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island graduated from the Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) training course June 4. The Sailors will serve as force protection assets and offer support to the base's security department. The ASF Academy trains Sailors from various ratings, who would be called upon to augment the base's security department during contingencies, exercises and special events that require heightened levels of security on the base.
"This was three weeks of rigorous physical training and intensive security classroom instruction which ranges from basic curriculum, Power Point presentations, watch standing; then it goes into rifle and handgun qualifications and tactical movements," said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Eric Wynn, security training officer, from Reno, Nev.
During the training, Sailors learned force protection procedures, small arms, armed and unarmed self-defense, rules of engagement and crowd control.
The first week is made up of mechanical advantage control holds restraining techniques, the use of deadly force, proper use of the baton and the operation of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.
At the end of the week, students go through a practical test where they have to use the techniques learned to subdue an opponent while suffering the effects of OC spray to become qualified to carry and use the substance.
"This was a great course, it was hard at times, especially being sprayed with the pepper (OC) spray and then having to go through the obstacle course," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Steven Williams of Columbia, S.C., assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. "The instructors brought lots of knowledge to the course. They made sure that we made it through the courses, and we understood what they were teaching us."
The second week consisted of weapons training. ASF personnel are trained to know the 9mm Berretta pistol, M500 shotgun and M16 rifle.
"For me, the most fun part of the course was the active shooter drills, where we go in a building as a team and assess a situation and decide what tactics to use," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Wayne Groves of Marysville, Wash., assigned to VAQ 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "Overall, this course gave me self-confidence to handle different situations."
The third week consisted of several different topics, including tactical communication, team movement and close-quarters combat.
Wynn said over the course of three weeks, the Sailors worked hard and performed every task to the best of their abilities.
"Every Sailor assigned to this course did great; they were listening, focused and motivated, which helped us do or job well," added Wynn.
Instructor, Jonathon Fuchs of Scottsdale, Ariz., a federal police instructor said he is confident that the ASF students that have just graduated will perform their duties well.
"The Sailors were outstanding. They were highly motivated. We talked about being 100 percent professional; they displayed it. They've taken everything to heart and made it serious. In the scenario trainings, a lot of times it's hard to make it real; they do, they made themselves part of the drill. They were part of the opposition force, where they would play the good and bad guys, which a lot of times are the most fun because you learn more because you get to see it from a different perspective," said Fuchs.
The focus of the ASF course is to be a force in readiness.
"Once the Sailors graduate from this course, they're capable of performing every task they were instructed with, and I feel confident in their abilities," added Fuchs. "It's an individual, personal mindset, and it's up to them to continue training, run the scenarios in their heads and be prepared if a confrontation arises and how to deal with it and implement the tools they were given."
Air Force fitness program revision rewards excellent Airmen
by Beth Gosselin
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
6/4/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Based upon service-wide feedback, Airmen who earn an "excellent" on the new fitness test will now only have to test once a year according to a new revision to the Air Force Fitness Program.
"We believe this will recognize fitness excellence and serve as an incentive for more Airmen to improve their fitness," said Col. Joan Garbutt, the chief of military force policy division.
The revision, which takes effect the same day the new program kicks-off on July 1, allows those Airmen who test in all four components of the test and receive an overall score of 90 or better to test only once a year. The four components of the new fitness test include a 1.5-mile timed run, abdominal circumference, push-ups and sit-ups. Prior to this revision, all Airmen were required to test twice a year.
Approximately one of every five fitness scores documented in 2009 was "excellent" for those Airmen who tested in all four categories, said Capt. Sean Brazel, the chief of officer promotions, evaluations and fitness policy.
"Factoring in these numbers, we forecast a reduction in the fitness testing workload when this new policy takes effect," the captain added.
Airmen must test under the new standards to qualify for this change. Therefore, only Airmen who test after June 30 will be able to earn the opportunity to do their fitness test once a year. Airmen who score an "excellent" but were medically exempt from testing in one or more of the four components will still need to test twice a year. In other words, Airmen must successfully complete all four components of the fitness test to qualify for the once a year testing.
"We believe this is another step in the right direction towards cultivating a fitter Air Force," Colonel Garbutt said.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
6/4/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Based upon service-wide feedback, Airmen who earn an "excellent" on the new fitness test will now only have to test once a year according to a new revision to the Air Force Fitness Program.
"We believe this will recognize fitness excellence and serve as an incentive for more Airmen to improve their fitness," said Col. Joan Garbutt, the chief of military force policy division.
The revision, which takes effect the same day the new program kicks-off on July 1, allows those Airmen who test in all four components of the test and receive an overall score of 90 or better to test only once a year. The four components of the new fitness test include a 1.5-mile timed run, abdominal circumference, push-ups and sit-ups. Prior to this revision, all Airmen were required to test twice a year.
Approximately one of every five fitness scores documented in 2009 was "excellent" for those Airmen who tested in all four categories, said Capt. Sean Brazel, the chief of officer promotions, evaluations and fitness policy.
"Factoring in these numbers, we forecast a reduction in the fitness testing workload when this new policy takes effect," the captain added.
Airmen must test under the new standards to qualify for this change. Therefore, only Airmen who test after June 30 will be able to earn the opportunity to do their fitness test once a year. Airmen who score an "excellent" but were medically exempt from testing in one or more of the four components will still need to test twice a year. In other words, Airmen must successfully complete all four components of the fitness test to qualify for the once a year testing.
"We believe this is another step in the right direction towards cultivating a fitter Air Force," Colonel Garbutt said.
Mullen: Servicemembers constitute the 'best military'
by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
6/4/2010 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) -- Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saluted the exemplary actions of Airmen and other military members serving worldwide during a visit with troops and families here June 3. From training Afghan army and police officials, protecting coalition forces and Afghan civilians, and engaging enemy fighters, the mission in Afghanistan couldn't be accomplished without the exceptional service of Airmen, Admiral Mullen said during an award ceremony and town hall meeting, where he presented three Airmen with bronze star medals.
"We are exceptional as a military because of what you do -- you and so many others," the admiral said. "The three of you represent thousands and thousands and thousands of our military who are serving forward now, members of the best military we've ever had."
Maj. William Skinner, Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan and Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Ferrell received the service awards.
Admiral Mullen also emphasized his appreciation for the support of military families.
The past nine years of frequent combat deployments have taken a toll on the families, he said, but their resilience and understanding has allowed troops to focus on their missions.
"These are tough times, tough missions, lots of deployments," the admiral said. "They're dangerous, people worry, and (military leaders) understand that. What (families) do and sacrifice is every bit as special as those of us who go forward and carry out these missions. It's because of (the families) that we're able to succeed in so many places."
Admiral Mullen noted how the Air Force has adapted to longer deployments. In the late 1990s and soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a typical Air Force deployment was 60 days. Now, Airmen are deploying for six- and nine-month rotations.
Even as major operations and the number of servicemembers in Iraq decreases, however, Admiral Mullen acknowledged that there are no clear signs that the military's operational tempo will be slowing down anytime soon.
"One of the biggest challenges we've had is our tempo," he said. "We have pushed you, pushed the Air Force, pushed our Airmen hard, and you have really met the task, time and time again. You've set the example in so many ways."
Meanwhile, Airmen, just as members in the other services, should continue to evolve, Admiral Mullen said. He stressed the importance of gaining better understanding of the countries in which servicemembers operate, by honing their language skills and cultural awareness.
"In countries all over the world, try to understand the challenges from their perspective, not from an American perspective (and) not how we would solve the problem," Admiral Mullen said. "We're not going to stay anywhere forever. It really is important, as it is in Afghanistan, that (Afghan leaders) figure out (their) way ahead and we support them."
Just as the military services have become more expeditionary and versatile over the past 15 years, Admiral Mullen said such growth needs to continue in order to stay ahead of the global challenges and missions that may surface in the future.
"We need to change in order to meet the needs," he said. "Of all the things we do, the mission is at the top of the list. The mission is why we're in the military. The mission is why we deploy."
American Forces Press Service
6/4/2010 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) -- Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saluted the exemplary actions of Airmen and other military members serving worldwide during a visit with troops and families here June 3. From training Afghan army and police officials, protecting coalition forces and Afghan civilians, and engaging enemy fighters, the mission in Afghanistan couldn't be accomplished without the exceptional service of Airmen, Admiral Mullen said during an award ceremony and town hall meeting, where he presented three Airmen with bronze star medals.
"We are exceptional as a military because of what you do -- you and so many others," the admiral said. "The three of you represent thousands and thousands and thousands of our military who are serving forward now, members of the best military we've ever had."
Maj. William Skinner, Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan and Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Ferrell received the service awards.
Admiral Mullen also emphasized his appreciation for the support of military families.
The past nine years of frequent combat deployments have taken a toll on the families, he said, but their resilience and understanding has allowed troops to focus on their missions.
"These are tough times, tough missions, lots of deployments," the admiral said. "They're dangerous, people worry, and (military leaders) understand that. What (families) do and sacrifice is every bit as special as those of us who go forward and carry out these missions. It's because of (the families) that we're able to succeed in so many places."
Admiral Mullen noted how the Air Force has adapted to longer deployments. In the late 1990s and soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a typical Air Force deployment was 60 days. Now, Airmen are deploying for six- and nine-month rotations.
Even as major operations and the number of servicemembers in Iraq decreases, however, Admiral Mullen acknowledged that there are no clear signs that the military's operational tempo will be slowing down anytime soon.
"One of the biggest challenges we've had is our tempo," he said. "We have pushed you, pushed the Air Force, pushed our Airmen hard, and you have really met the task, time and time again. You've set the example in so many ways."
Meanwhile, Airmen, just as members in the other services, should continue to evolve, Admiral Mullen said. He stressed the importance of gaining better understanding of the countries in which servicemembers operate, by honing their language skills and cultural awareness.
"In countries all over the world, try to understand the challenges from their perspective, not from an American perspective (and) not how we would solve the problem," Admiral Mullen said. "We're not going to stay anywhere forever. It really is important, as it is in Afghanistan, that (Afghan leaders) figure out (their) way ahead and we support them."
Just as the military services have become more expeditionary and versatile over the past 15 years, Admiral Mullen said such growth needs to continue in order to stay ahead of the global challenges and missions that may surface in the future.
"We need to change in order to meet the needs," he said. "Of all the things we do, the mission is at the top of the list. The mission is why we're in the military. The mission is why we deploy."
VA secretary announces new hotline for homeless veterans
6/4/2010 - CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (AFNS) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced June 3 the establishment of a new telephone hotline to provide emergency support and resources to homeless veterans. He made the announcement as he toured the facility at the VA medical center in Canandaigua.
"It is unacceptable for a single veteran to spend the night on the streets of America," Secretary Shinseki said. "The hotline of the new National Call Center for Homeless Veterans will provide homeless veterans with caring, timely assistance and coordinated access to VA and community services."
Family members, workers at community agencies and non-VA providers also may call the hotline at 1-877-4AID VET to find out about the many programs and services available to assist homeless veterans.
Well-trained expert responders will staff the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will join other responders who staff VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline at Canandaigua.
Responders are trained to handle calls at either call center. While a responder will know which type of call is incoming, all veteran callers will be receive a brief suicide screening.
VA officials recognize that homeless veterans are in need of food and shelter, clothing, financial assistance and treatment for medical conditions. Additionally, many require access to permanent housing, veterans benefits and vocational resources.
VA assistance is available for homeless veterans who may have mental health issues, substance abuse, depression, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The responders operating the new hotline will ensure veterans receive the help they need and deserve.
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is the latest in a series of initiatives to help homeless veterans. Last year, Secretary Shinseki launched a campaign to eliminate homelessness among veterans within five years. Since then, the number of veterans homeless on a typical night has dropped 18 percent.
"This reduction was achieved through VA's commitment to end homelessness among veterans through enhanced collaboration with other federal, state, faith-based, veteran service organizations and community partners," Secretary Shinseki said.
VA has approximately 4,000 agreements with community partners to help homeless veterans. Last year, more than 92,000 homeless veterans were served by VA's specialized homeless programs. This is an increase of 15 percent from the previous year.
"It is unacceptable for a single veteran to spend the night on the streets of America," Secretary Shinseki said. "The hotline of the new National Call Center for Homeless Veterans will provide homeless veterans with caring, timely assistance and coordinated access to VA and community services."
Family members, workers at community agencies and non-VA providers also may call the hotline at 1-877-4AID VET to find out about the many programs and services available to assist homeless veterans.
Well-trained expert responders will staff the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will join other responders who staff VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline at Canandaigua.
Responders are trained to handle calls at either call center. While a responder will know which type of call is incoming, all veteran callers will be receive a brief suicide screening.
VA officials recognize that homeless veterans are in need of food and shelter, clothing, financial assistance and treatment for medical conditions. Additionally, many require access to permanent housing, veterans benefits and vocational resources.
VA assistance is available for homeless veterans who may have mental health issues, substance abuse, depression, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The responders operating the new hotline will ensure veterans receive the help they need and deserve.
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is the latest in a series of initiatives to help homeless veterans. Last year, Secretary Shinseki launched a campaign to eliminate homelessness among veterans within five years. Since then, the number of veterans homeless on a typical night has dropped 18 percent.
"This reduction was achieved through VA's commitment to end homelessness among veterans through enhanced collaboration with other federal, state, faith-based, veteran service organizations and community partners," Secretary Shinseki said.
VA has approximately 4,000 agreements with community partners to help homeless veterans. Last year, more than 92,000 homeless veterans were served by VA's specialized homeless programs. This is an increase of 15 percent from the previous year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
