By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
LONG POND, Pa., Aug. 6, 2007 - About 150 fresh recruits took the oath of enlistment at the Pocono International Raceway here yesterday during a swearing-in ceremony before NASCAR's Pennsylvania 500. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stood on the Richard Petty Victory Circle stage and addressed the rows of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps enlistees.
"It's my great privilege and honor to equip the armed forces of the United States with these great young recruits here," Pace told group members as they stood at attention.
"I want to thank you for being willing to serve your country at a time when we deeply need your service," he said. "From the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines today, we thank you. God bless you."
Following Pace's lead, the young enlistees raised their right hands and recited the oath of enlistment.
"I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," they said in unison. "I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same."
Then, the general walked down a ramp and into the pit area where recruits were gathered.
"Hello, Marine," Pace said, gripping the hand of a new "devil dog."
"If you're joining the United States Army today, then I want you to have my coin," the chairman told a fresh-faced recruit. Walking alongside the rows, the chairman shook each recruit's hand, slipping each a special coin that he had deftly palmed.
Air Force recruit Levar Hage said he enlisted because it was time for him to make a change in his life and that joining the Air Force was his most promising option. Meeting the chairman and hearing his words of encouragement, he said, was exciting for him and his fellow recruits.
"It shows me that this is a good group of guys whose hands I'm putting my future in," he said.
Hage is eager to jump into military life in October when basic training begins at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, and later at technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base, in Wichita Falls, Texas. But Hage is anxious about the drastic differences military life will bring, he said.
"I'm a little nervous just about the change of the lifestyle. It's something different than what I'm used to, but I'll get accustomed to it," he said.
Easing Hage's transition is the fact that his brother, Jamel, who stood before him in line, also recited the oath of enlistment yesterday.
"It was both of our decision at the same time," Jamel said about enlisting. "We just talked about it one day, went in and spoke to our recruiter, and here we are now.
"School just wasn't for me right now," he said, "and I'd heard a lot of good things about the Air Force. I'm very excited."
The recruits in yesterday's ceremony went into the military's Delayed Entry Program. Delayed entry enrollees are reserved a slot at basic training camps.
Air Force Col. Brian Madtes, chief of Air Force recruiting services marketing branch, gazed hopefully at the row of budding airmen who agreed to shoulder a new responsibility.
"We get these young kids out here who see what's in our country's future, and they're willing to come out and help and support that cause, keeping us safe for generations to come," he said. "We tell all of our young troops that this is important, but I think over time, once they get into their service and start serving their country, then I think it will sink in exactly who swore them in today."
One of the day's distinguished military guests, Air Force Lt. Gen. John Regni, superintendant of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., said he admires the patriotism of the young recruits, many of whom grew up near here and recited the oath before friends and family members in the bleachers.
"There are so many young, patriotic men and women that want to join up, and it's special for their parents and their uncles and grandparents and friends to see them make that commitment to our country," he said.
"To be recognized in front of their high school buddies, in front of their hometown fans," he said, "I'm sure means a lot to them."
Monday, August 06, 2007
Senate Confirms Mullen, Cartwright for Top Military Positions
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - The Senate confirmed Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen and Marine Corps Gen. James E. "Hoss" Cartwright as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, respectively, Aug. 3. Mullen will assume the top U.S. military post, held by Marine Gen. Peter Pace since September 2005. Pace is slated to retire Oct. 1.
Cartwright assumes the No. 2 military post held by Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, who retired July 27. Cartwright is on the job now, with his formal swearing-in expected later this month.
Mullen currently serves as the chief of naval operations, and Cartwright has been commander of U.S. Strategic Command.
In nominating them to the top two military posts June 28, President Bush called them "experienced military officers who are highly qualified for these important positions."
The president noted that Mullen's and Cartwright's nominations come at a critical time for the United States.
"America is at war, and we are at war with brutal enemies who have attacked our nation and who would pursue nuclear weapons and would use their control of oil as economic blackmail and intend to launch new attacks on our country," he said. "At such times, one of the most important decisions a president makes is the appointment of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
As the country's highest-ranking military officer, the chairman serves as the principal military adviser to the president, the defense secretary, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council, Bush noted. He also is responsible for ensuring the readiness of U.S. military forces.
At STRATCOM, Cartwright has been responsible for America's nuclear arsenal; missile defenses; space operations; information operations; global command and control; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and efforts to combat weapons of mass destruction, Bush said.
He has met these responsibilities "with honor, skill and integrity," the president said, noting that he will apply these same principles in his position as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
During their confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee July 31, Mullen and Cartwright pledged to do their best to represent the men and women of the U.S. military.
Mullen told the senators he would represent the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and their families "with the full measure" of his "effort, to listen, to learn, and to lead."
As chairman, Mullen will spend much of his time focusing on U.S. military operations in Iraq. He told the senate committee he plans to visit the U.S. Central Command area soon to help him understand the conditions on the ground.
Mullen said he also faces the challenge of resetting, reconstituting and revitalizing U.S. forces, particularly the ground forces. The U.S. military remains the strongest military on Earth, he told the Senate committee, but it is not unbreakable. "Force reset in all its forms cannot wait until the war in Iraq is over," he said.
The admiral said he also sees the need to balance strategic risks of the future to relieve demands on the force.
(Jim Garamone of American Forces Press Service contributed to this article.)
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - The Senate confirmed Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen and Marine Corps Gen. James E. "Hoss" Cartwright as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, respectively, Aug. 3. Mullen will assume the top U.S. military post, held by Marine Gen. Peter Pace since September 2005. Pace is slated to retire Oct. 1.
Cartwright assumes the No. 2 military post held by Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, who retired July 27. Cartwright is on the job now, with his formal swearing-in expected later this month.
Mullen currently serves as the chief of naval operations, and Cartwright has been commander of U.S. Strategic Command.
In nominating them to the top two military posts June 28, President Bush called them "experienced military officers who are highly qualified for these important positions."
The president noted that Mullen's and Cartwright's nominations come at a critical time for the United States.
"America is at war, and we are at war with brutal enemies who have attacked our nation and who would pursue nuclear weapons and would use their control of oil as economic blackmail and intend to launch new attacks on our country," he said. "At such times, one of the most important decisions a president makes is the appointment of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
As the country's highest-ranking military officer, the chairman serves as the principal military adviser to the president, the defense secretary, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council, Bush noted. He also is responsible for ensuring the readiness of U.S. military forces.
At STRATCOM, Cartwright has been responsible for America's nuclear arsenal; missile defenses; space operations; information operations; global command and control; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and efforts to combat weapons of mass destruction, Bush said.
He has met these responsibilities "with honor, skill and integrity," the president said, noting that he will apply these same principles in his position as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
During their confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee July 31, Mullen and Cartwright pledged to do their best to represent the men and women of the U.S. military.
Mullen told the senators he would represent the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and their families "with the full measure" of his "effort, to listen, to learn, and to lead."
As chairman, Mullen will spend much of his time focusing on U.S. military operations in Iraq. He told the senate committee he plans to visit the U.S. Central Command area soon to help him understand the conditions on the ground.
Mullen said he also faces the challenge of resetting, reconstituting and revitalizing U.S. forces, particularly the ground forces. The U.S. military remains the strongest military on Earth, he told the Senate committee, but it is not unbreakable. "Force reset in all its forms cannot wait until the war in Iraq is over," he said.
The admiral said he also sees the need to balance strategic risks of the future to relieve demands on the force.
(Jim Garamone of American Forces Press Service contributed to this article.)
NASCAR Drives Home Commitment to Military
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - NASCAR's commitment to U.S. troops fired on all cylinders at the Pocono International Raceway here yesterday. During daylong events, NASCAR officials and fans on hand here to watch the Pennsylvania 500 welcomed Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his family and scores of distinguished military guests. NASCAR donated 10,000 tickets to wounded servicemembers and their families and hosted a swearing-in ceremony for recruits from all five branches of the armed forces.
"The NASCAR fan, the NASCAR competitor and the industry in general is Americana, and I don't know anything more American than American soldiers," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "Whenever we have the opportunity to be associated with and honor the American military, we take advantage of that."
Inside the two-and-a-half-mile track before the race, as pit crews and drivers made last-minute engine calibrations and 11th-hour tune-ups, buzzing sounds from pneumatic tools mixed with the sharp smell of gasoline fumes.
Walking on a tarmac-like strip of pavement between garages and sleek trailers that delivered the muscular stock cars, the chairman and his desert camouflage-clad entourage made frequent stops to shake hands with fans eager to voice their support for troops.
"Is that a four-star general? Would he take a picture with me?" a curious fan asked the chairman's wife, Lynne, whose husband complied and smiled widely for the camera.
"Thanks," the fan said. "My father's an ex-Marine."
"Former Marine," Lynne corrected her congenially. "There's no such thing as an ex-Marine."
For Pace, who steps down as chairman Oct. 1 and retires from the military after serving 40 years, yesterday likely was one of the last times he will attend a NASCAR race in uniform.
"It's incredible, people walk by and they see a uniform, they don't know what your rank is -- they don't know if you're a private or a general -- they just stop and say 'thank you,'" he said.
The Pace family initially paid attention to NASCAR in the mid-1990s when the general's nephew began working for the organization, daughter Tiffany Pace said. But like roughly 75 million Americans, the family is now hooked.
The chairman's wife said she and the general have attended seven NASCAR events, including a recent Memorial Day visit to Charlotte, N.C., for NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600.
But the scene was far from silent as starting time neared. The raceway revved with the sounds of an estimated 140,000 fans. Spectators were treated to performances by the Marine and Air Force drill teams and a fly-by from a C-17 Globemaster III.
Before the race, Pace appeared on the victory circle stage to swear in about 150 fresh recruits from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. Standing on the elevated platform that rises above the black-and-white checkered section of concrete marking the finish line, Pace faced the rows of enlistees at attention between him and a sea of fans in bleachers.
"It's my great privilege and honor to equip the armed forces of the United States with these great young recruits here," Pace said. "I want to thank you for being willing to serve your country at a time when we deeply need your service."
At Pace's cue, the young servicemembers raised their right hands and vowed in unison to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies.
"They'll remember this day for the rest of their lives," Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the Pocono International Raceway track owner, told Pace after the general swore in the recruits and shook each enlistee's hand.
Later, Pace would wave the ceremonial green flag, signaling drivers to open throttle and begin the race, and afterward he presented the trophy to Kyle Busch and his Bud Light-sponsored team following their dominating victory.
But before this, the chairman offered gratitude to NASCAR fans and officials who show steadfast support to U.S. servicemembers.
"I thank all of you fans for the incredible support NASCAR has provided to our armed forces over the years," Pace said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - NASCAR's commitment to U.S. troops fired on all cylinders at the Pocono International Raceway here yesterday. During daylong events, NASCAR officials and fans on hand here to watch the Pennsylvania 500 welcomed Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his family and scores of distinguished military guests. NASCAR donated 10,000 tickets to wounded servicemembers and their families and hosted a swearing-in ceremony for recruits from all five branches of the armed forces.
"The NASCAR fan, the NASCAR competitor and the industry in general is Americana, and I don't know anything more American than American soldiers," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "Whenever we have the opportunity to be associated with and honor the American military, we take advantage of that."
Inside the two-and-a-half-mile track before the race, as pit crews and drivers made last-minute engine calibrations and 11th-hour tune-ups, buzzing sounds from pneumatic tools mixed with the sharp smell of gasoline fumes.
Walking on a tarmac-like strip of pavement between garages and sleek trailers that delivered the muscular stock cars, the chairman and his desert camouflage-clad entourage made frequent stops to shake hands with fans eager to voice their support for troops.
"Is that a four-star general? Would he take a picture with me?" a curious fan asked the chairman's wife, Lynne, whose husband complied and smiled widely for the camera.
"Thanks," the fan said. "My father's an ex-Marine."
"Former Marine," Lynne corrected her congenially. "There's no such thing as an ex-Marine."
For Pace, who steps down as chairman Oct. 1 and retires from the military after serving 40 years, yesterday likely was one of the last times he will attend a NASCAR race in uniform.
"It's incredible, people walk by and they see a uniform, they don't know what your rank is -- they don't know if you're a private or a general -- they just stop and say 'thank you,'" he said.
The Pace family initially paid attention to NASCAR in the mid-1990s when the general's nephew began working for the organization, daughter Tiffany Pace said. But like roughly 75 million Americans, the family is now hooked.
The chairman's wife said she and the general have attended seven NASCAR events, including a recent Memorial Day visit to Charlotte, N.C., for NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600.
But the scene was far from silent as starting time neared. The raceway revved with the sounds of an estimated 140,000 fans. Spectators were treated to performances by the Marine and Air Force drill teams and a fly-by from a C-17 Globemaster III.
Before the race, Pace appeared on the victory circle stage to swear in about 150 fresh recruits from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. Standing on the elevated platform that rises above the black-and-white checkered section of concrete marking the finish line, Pace faced the rows of enlistees at attention between him and a sea of fans in bleachers.
"It's my great privilege and honor to equip the armed forces of the United States with these great young recruits here," Pace said. "I want to thank you for being willing to serve your country at a time when we deeply need your service."
At Pace's cue, the young servicemembers raised their right hands and vowed in unison to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies.
"They'll remember this day for the rest of their lives," Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the Pocono International Raceway track owner, told Pace after the general swore in the recruits and shook each enlistee's hand.
Later, Pace would wave the ceremonial green flag, signaling drivers to open throttle and begin the race, and afterward he presented the trophy to Kyle Busch and his Bud Light-sponsored team following their dominating victory.
But before this, the chairman offered gratitude to NASCAR fans and officials who show steadfast support to U.S. servicemembers.
"I thank all of you fans for the incredible support NASCAR has provided to our armed forces over the years," Pace said.
Group Ensures Troops Get Support They Deserve
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - Deployed servicemembers worldwide have been receiving a steady stream of care packages, e-mail and "snail mail" since 2004 from a group of "Proud Patriots" in Arizona. Proud Patriots, a troop-support group, provides morale and material support to America's deployed military personnel worldwide through six annual care-package campaigns primarily centered on holidays, Joe Jenkins, the organization's president, said. "We send care packages to Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Korea, Germany, Italy and Africa."
With three shipping hubs -- in Virginia, Missouri and Arizona -- the group ships packages during its six holiday-centered campaigns.
"Our founder was contacted in 2004 by a Marine lieutenant colonel and asked if we could provide assistance to his wife's unit," Jenkins said. "Basic necessities were not available, and our contact was hoping we could help."
The group's founder immediately sent out requests to friends and families, he added. Soon, several hundred boxes of food, clothing, hygiene, and entertainment items were donated for the servicemembers.
"Seeing that a need existed, (our founder) gathered a few of her closest friends and we put together Proud Patriots, Inc." Jenkins said. "Since then, we've expanded to where we are today, sending thousands of care packages annually to hundreds of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deployed to locations all over the globe."
Proud Patriots recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We are sure that our association (with America Supports You) will help us to increase our visibility," Jenkins said. "We are looking forward to exchanging fundraising tips with other home-front groups and expanding our contact base of troops who need to know that we at home care about them."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - Deployed servicemembers worldwide have been receiving a steady stream of care packages, e-mail and "snail mail" since 2004 from a group of "Proud Patriots" in Arizona. Proud Patriots, a troop-support group, provides morale and material support to America's deployed military personnel worldwide through six annual care-package campaigns primarily centered on holidays, Joe Jenkins, the organization's president, said. "We send care packages to Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Korea, Germany, Italy and Africa."
With three shipping hubs -- in Virginia, Missouri and Arizona -- the group ships packages during its six holiday-centered campaigns.
"Our founder was contacted in 2004 by a Marine lieutenant colonel and asked if we could provide assistance to his wife's unit," Jenkins said. "Basic necessities were not available, and our contact was hoping we could help."
The group's founder immediately sent out requests to friends and families, he added. Soon, several hundred boxes of food, clothing, hygiene, and entertainment items were donated for the servicemembers.
"Seeing that a need existed, (our founder) gathered a few of her closest friends and we put together Proud Patriots, Inc." Jenkins said. "Since then, we've expanded to where we are today, sending thousands of care packages annually to hundreds of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deployed to locations all over the globe."
Proud Patriots recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We are sure that our association (with America Supports You) will help us to increase our visibility," Jenkins said. "We are looking forward to exchanging fundraising tips with other home-front groups and expanding our contact base of troops who need to know that we at home care about them."
Soldiers Mia From Vietnam War Are Accounted For
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that group remains of five U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, will be returned to their families soon for burial with full military honors.
They are Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, Pennsylvania.; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher, of Hamden, Connecticut; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, Washington.; all U.S. Army. The group remains of this crew will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Gallagher's remains were individually identified, and his burial date is being set by his family.
Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
On Jan. 5, 1968, these men crewed a UH-1D helicopter that was inserting a patrol into Savannakhet Province, Laos. As the aircraft approached the landing zone, it was struck by enemy ground fire, causing it to nose over and crash. There were no survivors. All attempts to reach the site over the next several days were repulsed by enemy fire.
Between 1995 and 2006, numerous U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic /Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, all led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted more than five investigations, including interviews with Vietnamese citizens who said they witnessed the crash. Between 2002 and 2006, JPAC led three excavations of the site, recovering remains and other material evidence including identification tags for Schultz, Hamilton and Briggs.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains. For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http:// www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
They are Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, Pennsylvania.; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher, of Hamden, Connecticut; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, Washington.; all U.S. Army. The group remains of this crew will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Gallagher's remains were individually identified, and his burial date is being set by his family.
Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
On Jan. 5, 1968, these men crewed a UH-1D helicopter that was inserting a patrol into Savannakhet Province, Laos. As the aircraft approached the landing zone, it was struck by enemy ground fire, causing it to nose over and crash. There were no survivors. All attempts to reach the site over the next several days were repulsed by enemy fire.
Between 1995 and 2006, numerous U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic /Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, all led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted more than five investigations, including interviews with Vietnamese citizens who said they witnessed the crash. Between 2002 and 2006, JPAC led three excavations of the site, recovering remains and other material evidence including identification tags for Schultz, Hamilton and Briggs.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains. For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http:// www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
Military Helps Recovery Effort in Minnesota Bridge Collapse
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - Navy divers will aid in recovery efforts at the site of the Aug. 1 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Defense Department officials said today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates approved a request from Transportation Secretary Mary Peters over the weekend, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.
The westbound Interstate 35 bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed Aug. 1 during the evening rush hour. Five people are known dead, with 98 injured. Minneapolis officials said 24 of those injured remain in critical condition. Officials said eight more people remain unaccounted for in the collapse.
Navy divers will help state and local divers examine wreckage and clear debris. The divers will come from Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit 2, based in Little Creek, Va. The unit has sent a five-man assessment team to the city to work with state and local officials.
Whitman said U.S. Northern Command has a coordinating officer at the site to assess requests from state, local and national officials for Defense Department aid. Northern Command coordinates assistance to civilian authorities in such emergencies.
Swirling currents and low visibility make for treacherous conditions for divers, state officials said. In addition, steel rebar and concrete from the bridge itself can hook hoses or trap divers.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are working with officials to aid the search-and-recovery effort. Corps engineers lowered the level of the Mississippi River two feet to lessen the current at the site, officials said.
National Guard personnel working under state orders also are providing support and expertise at the site, defense officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 6, 2007 - Navy divers will aid in recovery efforts at the site of the Aug. 1 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Defense Department officials said today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates approved a request from Transportation Secretary Mary Peters over the weekend, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.
The westbound Interstate 35 bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed Aug. 1 during the evening rush hour. Five people are known dead, with 98 injured. Minneapolis officials said 24 of those injured remain in critical condition. Officials said eight more people remain unaccounted for in the collapse.
Navy divers will help state and local divers examine wreckage and clear debris. The divers will come from Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit 2, based in Little Creek, Va. The unit has sent a five-man assessment team to the city to work with state and local officials.
Whitman said U.S. Northern Command has a coordinating officer at the site to assess requests from state, local and national officials for Defense Department aid. Northern Command coordinates assistance to civilian authorities in such emergencies.
Swirling currents and low visibility make for treacherous conditions for divers, state officials said. In addition, steel rebar and concrete from the bridge itself can hook hoses or trap divers.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are working with officials to aid the search-and-recovery effort. Corps engineers lowered the level of the Mississippi River two feet to lessen the current at the site, officials said.
National Guard personnel working under state orders also are providing support and expertise at the site, defense officials said.
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