The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. Army Air Forces airman, missing since 1942, have been identified and will soon be returned to his family for burial.
He is Aviation Cadet Ernest G. Munn, U.S. Army Air Forces, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. He will be buried in May in Colerain, Ohio.
Representatives from the Army met with Munn's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
Munn was one of four men aboard a routine navigation training flight that departed Mather Field, Calif., on Nov. 18, 1942. Their AT-7 Navigator aircraft carried about five hours of fuel, and when the plane did not return to base, a search was initiated. It was suspended about a month later with no results.
In 1947, several hikers on Darwin Glacier in the Sierra Nevada mountain range discovered the wreckage of the AT-7 aircraft. Fragmentary, skeletal remains found at the site were buried as a group in the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, Calif.
Then in October 2005, other hikers in the Sierra Nevadas discovered frozen human remains, circumstantial evidence and personal effects of an aircrew member. Park rangers from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and a forensic anthropologist from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) recovered the remains. They were sent to the JPAC laboratory in Hawaii and identified as Cadet Leo M. Mustonen, one of the four men aboard the AT-7 aircraft.
In 2007, two other hikers found human remains near the 2005 discovery site. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of a second individual from the 1942 crew, Cadet Ernest G. Munn.
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
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 9, 2008
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Bahrain Maritime and Merchantile International, Sitra, Bahrain, is being awarded a maximum $2,801,334,120 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force , Marine Corps and other approved customers located in the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 5 responses. This contract is exercising its first term option period. Date of performance completion is March 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3131).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp. in Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $350,000,000. This action is for the Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Geostationary Earth Orbit satellite 3 (GEO 3) and Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit payload 3 (HEO 3) long-lead effort. The intent of the letter contract is to maintain the best possible GEO 3 and HEO 3 delivery dates for replenishment of strategic missile warning satellites and payloads. In addition, the letter contract facilitates the retention of critical payload engineering skills required to start the long lend redesign activities. At this time $175,000,000 has been obligated. Space Based Infrared Systems, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems in San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a fixed price incentive firm target contract for $73,590,137. This action will provide long lead parts/advance procurement for the following low rate initial production Lot 7 items: three multi platform-radar technology insertion program sensors. At this time $33,890,137 has been obligated. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-4015).
ARMY
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $87,751,597 basic ordering agreement with firm-fixed price delivery orders contract for the small caliber ammunition second source prime contractor for the production of small arms ammunition.. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug 23, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 18, 2005, and two bids were received. The Headquarters, U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-05-G-0002.
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 6, 2008, a $15,702,348 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program to include modification work order hardware and installation, supply support, contingency operations and field service representative. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on June 8, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-07-C-0046.
Charpie-Sollitt Joint Venture, Chicago, was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $6,001,000 firm-fixed price contract for construction of regional training facility medical, Fort McCoy, Wis. Work will be performed at Fort McCoy, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via FedBizOpps on Dec. 6, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-001.
NAVY
Kollmorgen Corporation, Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $6,827,132 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6227) for nine Virginia Class Universal Modular Mast (UMM) Systems. The UMM Program provides for the development and acquisition of a non-hull penetrating mast that serves as a lifting mechanism for five sensor configurations on the Virginia Class and SSGN Class submarines: the Photonics Mast (PM), the Multi-Function Mast, the Integrated Electronic Mast, the High Data Rate Mast and the Photonics Mast Variant. Each sensor is mounted on a UMM. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass. (20 percent) and Bologna, Italy (80 percent), and work is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Bahrain Maritime and Merchantile International, Sitra, Bahrain, is being awarded a maximum $2,801,334,120 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force , Marine Corps and other approved customers located in the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 5 responses. This contract is exercising its first term option period. Date of performance completion is March 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3131).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp. in Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $350,000,000. This action is for the Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Geostationary Earth Orbit satellite 3 (GEO 3) and Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit payload 3 (HEO 3) long-lead effort. The intent of the letter contract is to maintain the best possible GEO 3 and HEO 3 delivery dates for replenishment of strategic missile warning satellites and payloads. In addition, the letter contract facilitates the retention of critical payload engineering skills required to start the long lend redesign activities. At this time $175,000,000 has been obligated. Space Based Infrared Systems, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems in San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a fixed price incentive firm target contract for $73,590,137. This action will provide long lead parts/advance procurement for the following low rate initial production Lot 7 items: three multi platform-radar technology insertion program sensors. At this time $33,890,137 has been obligated. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-4015).
ARMY
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $87,751,597 basic ordering agreement with firm-fixed price delivery orders contract for the small caliber ammunition second source prime contractor for the production of small arms ammunition.. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug 23, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 18, 2005, and two bids were received. The Headquarters, U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-05-G-0002.
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 6, 2008, a $15,702,348 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program to include modification work order hardware and installation, supply support, contingency operations and field service representative. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on June 8, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-07-C-0046.
Charpie-Sollitt Joint Venture, Chicago, was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $6,001,000 firm-fixed price contract for construction of regional training facility medical, Fort McCoy, Wis. Work will be performed at Fort McCoy, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via FedBizOpps on Dec. 6, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-001.
NAVY
Kollmorgen Corporation, Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $6,827,132 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6227) for nine Virginia Class Universal Modular Mast (UMM) Systems. The UMM Program provides for the development and acquisition of a non-hull penetrating mast that serves as a lifting mechanism for five sensor configurations on the Virginia Class and SSGN Class submarines: the Photonics Mast (PM), the Multi-Function Mast, the Integrated Electronic Mast, the High Data Rate Mast and the Photonics Mast Variant. Each sensor is mounted on a UMM. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass. (20 percent) and Bologna, Italy (80 percent), and work is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Soldiers Gain Easier Access to Family, Friends
By Capt. Russell S. Cunningham, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - Staying involved in the lives of loved ones is a challenge for many deployed soldiers. Starting in April 2007, Task Force Pacemaker communication specialists helped soldiers overcome this major challenge by providing civilian Internet in their quarters.
With an ever-expanding population here, the existing Morale, Welfare and Recreation system has not been sufficient to accommodate soldiers without long wait times and minimal actual time on the system. Many times, soldiers would stay up late waiting to use the phone and end up cutting into their sleep, thereby affecting their work.
M. Sami Hashimi, CEO of Internet service provider AFSAT, said many units throughout Afghanistan have turned to a civilian Internet system to reduce the burden on MWR facilities.
The company purchases local or third-country satellite Internet systems to meet soldiers' needs. These systems range in size from a few friends in the same tent getting together to buy a system to more than 300 users spread across an expanding forward operating base.
These systems are user purchased, user resourced and user operated. The gains in family communication and morale have been considerable for TF Pacemaker, as a high operational tempo has made access to communications at all times important, officials said.
"There were many challenges in setting up the network," Army 1st Lt. Tabber Mintz said.
The largest of challenge was managing realistic expectations. Soldiers were briefed ahead of time on what to expect from the system so they were less likely to be dissatisfied with the service."
The second issue was ensuring all users agreed to follow set guidelines. Soldiers were able to use Web cams, instant messengers and voice applications.
"The final concern that needed to be addressed was the absence of the equipment needed to raise the quality of service to our soldiers," said Army Sgt. Jonathan Morris.
Morris and Mintz came up with innovative ways to resource necessary equipment. Mintz said this made the system much more efficient, allowing soldiers better access to Web-based applications.
Soldiers voice their appreciation on a daily basis for the ability to continue meaningful communications with loved ones and for the capacity to find ways to unwind and relax at the end of the day.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daren Brekke, from Paradise, Mont., is a father of eight and uses the civilian Internet service to communicate with his family. "We are a long ways from home. Being able to communicate with loved ones via the civilian Internet and Web cam increases soldiers' morale and closes the disconnect between the soldiers and their families caused by lengthy and frequent deployments," he said.
(Army Capt. Russell S. Cunningham is assigned to Task Force Pacemaker.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - Staying involved in the lives of loved ones is a challenge for many deployed soldiers. Starting in April 2007, Task Force Pacemaker communication specialists helped soldiers overcome this major challenge by providing civilian Internet in their quarters.
With an ever-expanding population here, the existing Morale, Welfare and Recreation system has not been sufficient to accommodate soldiers without long wait times and minimal actual time on the system. Many times, soldiers would stay up late waiting to use the phone and end up cutting into their sleep, thereby affecting their work.
M. Sami Hashimi, CEO of Internet service provider AFSAT, said many units throughout Afghanistan have turned to a civilian Internet system to reduce the burden on MWR facilities.
The company purchases local or third-country satellite Internet systems to meet soldiers' needs. These systems range in size from a few friends in the same tent getting together to buy a system to more than 300 users spread across an expanding forward operating base.
These systems are user purchased, user resourced and user operated. The gains in family communication and morale have been considerable for TF Pacemaker, as a high operational tempo has made access to communications at all times important, officials said.
"There were many challenges in setting up the network," Army 1st Lt. Tabber Mintz said.
The largest of challenge was managing realistic expectations. Soldiers were briefed ahead of time on what to expect from the system so they were less likely to be dissatisfied with the service."
The second issue was ensuring all users agreed to follow set guidelines. Soldiers were able to use Web cams, instant messengers and voice applications.
"The final concern that needed to be addressed was the absence of the equipment needed to raise the quality of service to our soldiers," said Army Sgt. Jonathan Morris.
Morris and Mintz came up with innovative ways to resource necessary equipment. Mintz said this made the system much more efficient, allowing soldiers better access to Web-based applications.
Soldiers voice their appreciation on a daily basis for the ability to continue meaningful communications with loved ones and for the capacity to find ways to unwind and relax at the end of the day.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daren Brekke, from Paradise, Mont., is a father of eight and uses the civilian Internet service to communicate with his family. "We are a long ways from home. Being able to communicate with loved ones via the civilian Internet and Web cam increases soldiers' morale and closes the disconnect between the soldiers and their families caused by lengthy and frequent deployments," he said.
(Army Capt. Russell S. Cunningham is assigned to Task Force Pacemaker.)
Mullen Arrives for Meeting With NORTHCOM Leaders, Troop Visit
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen arrived here yesterday for meetings with U.S. Northern Command leaders. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will meet with Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. and his staff. NORTHCOM is the geographic command tasked with homeland defense. Renuart is also commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint U.S.-Canadian command. In addition to its aerospace-defense mission, NORAD also has picked up the maritime-defense mission.
The chairman will discuss ongoing operations, theater security cooperation, air and missile defense, NORTHCOM's outreach to state officials, and reserve-component contributions to the command.
Following talks here, the chairman and his party will move to near-by Fort Carson, where he will observe training and meet with Army soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4the Infantry Division. The unit is deploying to Iraq.
Mullen also will visit the base's Warrior Transition Unit. The chairman makes a special effort to visit wounded warriors whenever he travels, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen arrived here yesterday for meetings with U.S. Northern Command leaders. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will meet with Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. and his staff. NORTHCOM is the geographic command tasked with homeland defense. Renuart is also commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint U.S.-Canadian command. In addition to its aerospace-defense mission, NORAD also has picked up the maritime-defense mission.
The chairman will discuss ongoing operations, theater security cooperation, air and missile defense, NORTHCOM's outreach to state officials, and reserve-component contributions to the command.
Following talks here, the chairman and his party will move to near-by Fort Carson, where he will observe training and meet with Army soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4the Infantry Division. The unit is deploying to Iraq.
Mullen also will visit the base's Warrior Transition Unit. The chairman makes a special effort to visit wounded warriors whenever he travels, officials said.
Jam Session Hits High Note With Deploying Soldier
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - Save for the crowd and the celebrity at its core, it could have been a day like any other for a soldier strumming his guitar in the recreation center here yesterday. Army Spc. Richard Baxter began playing the acoustic guitar just a few years ago, but yesterday he spent nearly 30 minutes jamming with Richard Patrick, guitar player and lead singer for the industrial rock band, Filter.
"It was the opportunity of a lifetime," said Baxter, a member of 352nd Military Police Company, a reserve unit out of Maryland. "It still hasn't set in yet."
Patrick and his band, Filter, and several other musical acts are at Camp Buehring today to play a concert for the troops. MySpace, the social networking Web site, is presenting the show in cooperation with Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment programs to deployed forces, and America Supports you, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving worldwide.
"I'm actually a drummer, but I don't have a drum set," Baxter said. "Actually, the first time I came over here in (2003) is when I learned how to play a guitar."
Though Baxter has served in Iraq once before, he's a little apprehensive about this tour. "This time I have a wife and a daughter, things that make it a lot different," he said.
Despite his feelings on heading to Iraq soon, Baxter said the concert that brought Patrick and his band to Camp Buehring for a concert will be good for the troops.
"Our unit leaves Tuesday, and (the bands) play on Monday, so this is something that will be in our heads when we go 'up north.' (It'll) keep the edge off," Baxter said.
Army 1st Lt. Anh-Luan Huynh, also with 352nd MP Company, agreed. "It's definitely going to be a big morale boost," he said. "People are going to be in the right mindset (after the concert). They're going to be excited, happy."
Huynh also got in on the jam session thanks to Baxter. "It was a little bit crazy because Baxter was put on the spot, like, 'Ha, ha, look at you.' And all the sudden he's like, 'Why don't you play a song?'" Huynh said. "It was a little bit nerve-wracking. Who would have thought on a deployment that you'd get to jam out with the front man for Filter?"
Baxter may well have been trying to redirect the spotlight. "Baxter was so nervous," Patrick said. "I'm like, 'Dude, you play better than me. You're fine.'"
After playing a few songs with Baxter and then Huynh, Patrick noted the guitars the soldiers were playing were hard to keep tuned, even for a short time. "The guitars were bad, and I'm going to do everything in my power to get them two brand new acoustics," he said. "I'm calling my friends at Fender and get them some new acoustics."
Army Sgt. Frank Cavanagh, one of Patrick's former Filter band mates who had been watching the jam, took his friend's thought a step further. "For every (Morale, Welfare and Recreation center) over here in theater, (Rich and I are) going to try and get a jam room," he said. "We haven't even like really discussed it yet."
Patrick's reply came with no hesitation: "I'll help you with that, no problem."
The singer took time after the jam to sign autographs and talk with troops in the crowd.
Comedian Carlos Mencia will host the Operation MySpace concert featuring DJ Z-Trip, singer and actress Jessica Simpson, the bands Disturbed, Filter, and the Pussycat Dolls.
The concert will be streamed live via Web cast on the MySpace Web site at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - Save for the crowd and the celebrity at its core, it could have been a day like any other for a soldier strumming his guitar in the recreation center here yesterday. Army Spc. Richard Baxter began playing the acoustic guitar just a few years ago, but yesterday he spent nearly 30 minutes jamming with Richard Patrick, guitar player and lead singer for the industrial rock band, Filter.
"It was the opportunity of a lifetime," said Baxter, a member of 352nd Military Police Company, a reserve unit out of Maryland. "It still hasn't set in yet."
Patrick and his band, Filter, and several other musical acts are at Camp Buehring today to play a concert for the troops. MySpace, the social networking Web site, is presenting the show in cooperation with Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment programs to deployed forces, and America Supports you, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving worldwide.
"I'm actually a drummer, but I don't have a drum set," Baxter said. "Actually, the first time I came over here in (2003) is when I learned how to play a guitar."
Though Baxter has served in Iraq once before, he's a little apprehensive about this tour. "This time I have a wife and a daughter, things that make it a lot different," he said.
Despite his feelings on heading to Iraq soon, Baxter said the concert that brought Patrick and his band to Camp Buehring for a concert will be good for the troops.
"Our unit leaves Tuesday, and (the bands) play on Monday, so this is something that will be in our heads when we go 'up north.' (It'll) keep the edge off," Baxter said.
Army 1st Lt. Anh-Luan Huynh, also with 352nd MP Company, agreed. "It's definitely going to be a big morale boost," he said. "People are going to be in the right mindset (after the concert). They're going to be excited, happy."
Huynh also got in on the jam session thanks to Baxter. "It was a little bit crazy because Baxter was put on the spot, like, 'Ha, ha, look at you.' And all the sudden he's like, 'Why don't you play a song?'" Huynh said. "It was a little bit nerve-wracking. Who would have thought on a deployment that you'd get to jam out with the front man for Filter?"
Baxter may well have been trying to redirect the spotlight. "Baxter was so nervous," Patrick said. "I'm like, 'Dude, you play better than me. You're fine.'"
After playing a few songs with Baxter and then Huynh, Patrick noted the guitars the soldiers were playing were hard to keep tuned, even for a short time. "The guitars were bad, and I'm going to do everything in my power to get them two brand new acoustics," he said. "I'm calling my friends at Fender and get them some new acoustics."
Army Sgt. Frank Cavanagh, one of Patrick's former Filter band mates who had been watching the jam, took his friend's thought a step further. "For every (Morale, Welfare and Recreation center) over here in theater, (Rich and I are) going to try and get a jam room," he said. "We haven't even like really discussed it yet."
Patrick's reply came with no hesitation: "I'll help you with that, no problem."
The singer took time after the jam to sign autographs and talk with troops in the crowd.
Comedian Carlos Mencia will host the Operation MySpace concert featuring DJ Z-Trip, singer and actress Jessica Simpson, the bands Disturbed, Filter, and the Pussycat Dolls.
The concert will be streamed live via Web cast on the MySpace Web site at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
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