American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The amphibious ship USS Kearsarge delivered an estimated 114 metric tons of disaster relief supplies Sept. 12 as it continued its logistical support to remote communities in Haiti affected by recent tropical storms and Hurricane Ike. To date, Kearsarge missions in Haiti have delivered an estimated 466 metric tons of relief supplies.
On the fifth day of operations, CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter crews flew 17 relief missions to Gonaives and Les Cayes, delivering pre-packaged food items such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits.
In Gonaives, still largely cut off from the rest of Haiti, the water has begun to recede, but mud and sediment remain. The ship's landing craft are reaching the city's port with relief supplies, and its helicopters continue to make deliveries.
The northern port city of Gonaives was hit particularly hard by recent storms, resulting in many deaths and large-scale destruction to vital infrastructure.
In the coming days, Kearsarge will continue to send supplies via helicopters and landing craft to Gonaives, Port-de-Paix, Les Cayes, Jeremie, Jacmel and Saint Marc. The U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance has prioritized areas needing immediate assistance, officials said.
Kearsarge sailors and embarked units also continue to integrate ashore assisting USAID, the United Nations' World Food Program and other disaster relief agencies, loading and unloading supplies.
"Haiti is in need of a lot of help in this very difficult time," said Navy Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and the U.S. 4th Fleet. "We are here working very closely with various organizations to bring Haiti what it needs to pull through this tragedy."
On Sept. 12, Kernan personally joined the effort, working alongside military personnel ashore offloading supplies.
Kearsarge is expected to remain off the coast of Haiti for several days.
"Right now we're developing a concept of operations on how we're going to help out the country of Haiti," said Navy Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, mission commander for Continuing Promise 2008. "We do that by talking to people who are in country, USAID, OFDA, and others who are planning relief support. Our goal is to help the citizens of Haiti begin to recover from this tragedy."
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet news release.)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Reconstruction Efforts Spawn Hope in Southern Afghanistan
By Army Spc. Anna K. Perry
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan and the U.S. Agency for International Development have been working hand in hand with the local government in the Khas Oruzgan district of southern Afghanistan's Oruzgan province on a number of developmental projects. "The team has a close relationship with the villagers in Khas Oruzgan and is trying to empower the district administration, improve security by partnering with the Afghan national security forces and reduce support for the insurgents," a USAID representative said.
The organizations have developed a series of projects that not only improve quality of life at the workplace, at home and spiritually for the villagers in the district, but also give local men an opportunity to earn a living and support their families.
"We've been working on several projects in the area, including a cash-for-work bazaar ditch clean-up and road improvement in the main bazaar in Khas Oruzgan. The villagers are also working on a four-kilometer irrigation canal that is a food-for-work project," the USAID representative said.
The two projects have been especially successful because they have brought together the Pashtun and Hazarra tribes, which have a history of conflict dating back for centuries.
"Both Pashtun and Hazarra men have joined hands to work together for the benefit of their village, which is quite an accomplishment and an extremely positive step forward for the people of Afghanistan," the USAID representative said.
The community upgrading doesn't stop there. Eight office buildings were recently reconstructed in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital. They will house the provincial council and various government departments.
Haji Ghulam Nabbi, director of the information and culture department, said he is grateful for his new office building and the other projects being initiated in his district, including the repairs of Khas Oruzgan's key mosque.
"The mosque was also in need of glass in the windows and a new loudspeaker, as well as the repairs to cracks in the walls and a roof over the ablution point," the USAID representative said. The villagers now have a beautiful place to bask in the light of Allah, said Abdul Mohammad, a resident of a small village on the outskirts of Tarin Kowt. Soon, they will also be shrouded in another kind of light within the walls of their homes, he said.
"We will soon have replacement parts for the local micro-hydro plant. ... When repaired, it will provide electricity to 5,000 households in Khas Oruzgan," the USAID representative explained.
The combined efforts to improve the village have yielded results that have enhanced the lives of hundreds of families in Khas Oruzgan.
"This is a prime example the government of Afghanistan working for their people," the USAID representative said.
(Army Spc. Anna K. Perry serves with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan and the U.S. Agency for International Development have been working hand in hand with the local government in the Khas Oruzgan district of southern Afghanistan's Oruzgan province on a number of developmental projects. "The team has a close relationship with the villagers in Khas Oruzgan and is trying to empower the district administration, improve security by partnering with the Afghan national security forces and reduce support for the insurgents," a USAID representative said.
The organizations have developed a series of projects that not only improve quality of life at the workplace, at home and spiritually for the villagers in the district, but also give local men an opportunity to earn a living and support their families.
"We've been working on several projects in the area, including a cash-for-work bazaar ditch clean-up and road improvement in the main bazaar in Khas Oruzgan. The villagers are also working on a four-kilometer irrigation canal that is a food-for-work project," the USAID representative said.
The two projects have been especially successful because they have brought together the Pashtun and Hazarra tribes, which have a history of conflict dating back for centuries.
"Both Pashtun and Hazarra men have joined hands to work together for the benefit of their village, which is quite an accomplishment and an extremely positive step forward for the people of Afghanistan," the USAID representative said.
The community upgrading doesn't stop there. Eight office buildings were recently reconstructed in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital. They will house the provincial council and various government departments.
Haji Ghulam Nabbi, director of the information and culture department, said he is grateful for his new office building and the other projects being initiated in his district, including the repairs of Khas Oruzgan's key mosque.
"The mosque was also in need of glass in the windows and a new loudspeaker, as well as the repairs to cracks in the walls and a roof over the ablution point," the USAID representative said. The villagers now have a beautiful place to bask in the light of Allah, said Abdul Mohammad, a resident of a small village on the outskirts of Tarin Kowt. Soon, they will also be shrouded in another kind of light within the walls of their homes, he said.
"We will soon have replacement parts for the local micro-hydro plant. ... When repaired, it will provide electricity to 5,000 households in Khas Oruzgan," the USAID representative explained.
The combined efforts to improve the village have yielded results that have enhanced the lives of hundreds of families in Khas Oruzgan.
"This is a prime example the government of Afghanistan working for their people," the USAID representative said.
(Army Spc. Anna K. Perry serves with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan.)
Louisiana Guard Continues Hurricane Recovery Efforts
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Louisiana National Guardsmen have used high-water vehicles, boats and helicopters to save more than 330 flooding victims in the wake of Hurricane Ike. "Our Guardsmen have proven once again that they are the finest soldiers and airmen in America," said Army Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Louisiana adjutant general. "They are truly remarkable, working every day to assist their fellow citizens, even though in many cases their own homes were flooded or damaged, and their own families evacuated."
The Louisiana National Guard's primary missions are saving lives, providing security for citizens and logistics support for humanitarian relief operations and helping with clearing roads and removing debris.
More than 9,400 Guardsmen have participated in support of operations related to Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana. Full mobilization of the Louisiana National Guard's 7,000 Guardsmen and more than 2,400 Guardsmen from seven other states continue to support emergency operations.
As the Louisiana National Guard wound down an aggressive, 36-hour search-and-rescue operation -- with aviation missions south of Jennings and boat missions to Hackberry in Cameron Parish being the focus of yesterday's mission -- they transitioned their efforts to commodity distribution, security, engineer assessments and support to local governments.
Additionally, the Louisiana Guard supported the Corps of Engineers by conducting aerial inspections of locks and control structures across Louisiana's coastline. After an early assessment, two National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters air-dropped more than 200 sandbags, weighing 3,000 pounds each, to protect a pumping station in Chauvin, La.
Also yesterday, National Guardsmen cleared more than 48 miles of roadways and hauled more than 1,800 cubic yards of debris, totaling more than 4,200 miles of cleared roadways and 19,000 cubic yards of debris from the hurricanes.
To date, the Louisiana National Guard has distributed more than 11 million packaged meals, 12 million pounds of ice, and 14 million bottles of water.
(From a Louisiana National Guard news release.)
Sept. 15, 2008 - Louisiana National Guardsmen have used high-water vehicles, boats and helicopters to save more than 330 flooding victims in the wake of Hurricane Ike. "Our Guardsmen have proven once again that they are the finest soldiers and airmen in America," said Army Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Louisiana adjutant general. "They are truly remarkable, working every day to assist their fellow citizens, even though in many cases their own homes were flooded or damaged, and their own families evacuated."
The Louisiana National Guard's primary missions are saving lives, providing security for citizens and logistics support for humanitarian relief operations and helping with clearing roads and removing debris.
More than 9,400 Guardsmen have participated in support of operations related to Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana. Full mobilization of the Louisiana National Guard's 7,000 Guardsmen and more than 2,400 Guardsmen from seven other states continue to support emergency operations.
As the Louisiana National Guard wound down an aggressive, 36-hour search-and-rescue operation -- with aviation missions south of Jennings and boat missions to Hackberry in Cameron Parish being the focus of yesterday's mission -- they transitioned their efforts to commodity distribution, security, engineer assessments and support to local governments.
Additionally, the Louisiana Guard supported the Corps of Engineers by conducting aerial inspections of locks and control structures across Louisiana's coastline. After an early assessment, two National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters air-dropped more than 200 sandbags, weighing 3,000 pounds each, to protect a pumping station in Chauvin, La.
Also yesterday, National Guardsmen cleared more than 48 miles of roadways and hauled more than 1,800 cubic yards of debris, totaling more than 4,200 miles of cleared roadways and 19,000 cubic yards of debris from the hurricanes.
To date, the Louisiana National Guard has distributed more than 11 million packaged meals, 12 million pounds of ice, and 14 million bottles of water.
(From a Louisiana National Guard news release.)
America Supports You: Distillery, USO to Host 'Toast to Troops'
By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The Jack Daniel distillery and United Service Organizations will enlist the help of military spouses and other volunteers to assemble 10,000 Operation USO care packages at a "stuffing party" Sept. 18 at Fort Bragg, NC. The event – called "Toast to the Troops" - will include a barbecue for volunteers and guests and a special celebration concert by country music star and Army veteran Craig Morgan, who served 11 years on active duty and another six years in the Army Reserve.
Since 2005, the distillery has been collecting personal messages of support in the form of "toasts" to include in USO care packages. The distillery has hosted seven other stuffing parties at military installations across the country.
The 10,000 care packages will include prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen and other items specifically requested by deployed servicemembers.
Morgan has performed at every Jack Daniel and USO "Toast to the Troops" event. He also has entertained troops in Iraq on the USO's Sergeant Major of the Army holiday tour.
In 2006, Morgan received the USO Merit Award, presented by the USO of Metropolitan Washington.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The Jack Daniel distillery and United Service Organizations will enlist the help of military spouses and other volunteers to assemble 10,000 Operation USO care packages at a "stuffing party" Sept. 18 at Fort Bragg, NC. The event – called "Toast to the Troops" - will include a barbecue for volunteers and guests and a special celebration concert by country music star and Army veteran Craig Morgan, who served 11 years on active duty and another six years in the Army Reserve.
Since 2005, the distillery has been collecting personal messages of support in the form of "toasts" to include in USO care packages. The distillery has hosted seven other stuffing parties at military installations across the country.
The 10,000 care packages will include prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen and other items specifically requested by deployed servicemembers.
Morgan has performed at every Jack Daniel and USO "Toast to the Troops" event. He also has entertained troops in Iraq on the USO's Sergeant Major of the Army holiday tour.
In 2006, Morgan received the USO Merit Award, presented by the USO of Metropolitan Washington.
National Guard Major Helps to Rescue Members of Own Family
By Army Maj. David W. May
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - While more than 7,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen were activated to assist in hurricane recovery operations in Louisiana, an officer with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team had the great satisfaction of taking part in the rescue of one of his own family members. As the storm surge from Hurricane Ike, the second major hurricane to batter the Gulf Coast in less than two weeks, made its way along the coast, Army Maj. Bryant R. Billiot, chief intelligence officer and a native of Dulac, La., received a call from his worried sister.
"She told me that our cousin, Jessica Billiot, was franticly trying to get to her children, who were staying at their uncle's house while she was at work," Bryant said. "When she returned that evening, the waters had covered roads, and local authorities would no longer let anyone into the area."
After pleading with them to let her through, Jessica finally gave up when an uncle assured her they would be fine inside his house, which was on seven-foot stilts.
The next morning, she once again tried to reach her sons, but found they had moved to another house on higher ground.
Jessica then became frantic after finding out her eldest son, Starlin, had suffered a back injury. Normally, this may not have been serious, but Starlin has hemophilia and could bleed indefinitely when injured, Bryant explained. In addition, the medicine he uses to control the condition was at the first house, and the wind and rain made it impossible to return.
"That made it a dire situation," Bryant said. It was then that his sister called, although they had been staying in touch through text messages.
Bryant said he already knew that units were operating in the area and set about to contact them. "I had been tracking them since Day One," he said. Even though they were not his unit, he said, he believed he could trust them as if they were his own unit.
Bryant explained the situation to the Guardsmen, who immediately contacted the Emergency Operations Center in Terrebonne Parish. The mission was then given to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Thomas DeWitt.
DeWitt told Bryant that a boat would be sent immediately to get Starlin and his younger brother, Holden. Bryant gave DeWitt the address, and searchers set off to find the boys. But when they got to the address, no one was left in the house.
Bryant called his sister and found Starlin's father had picked him up in a small boat a few minutes earlier and was taking him to meet his mother. But the boat was so small that Holden had been left behind, and his mother was desperate to get him away from the area.
At this point, communications were lost with the family, but Bryant said he had grown up in the area and had a good idea where they might be.
"I gave Agent DeWitt the address of another family member a few doors down," he said. "They called me back a few minutes later and said, 'We got him.' It made me feel really good."
"It was a logistical nightmare driving the boats down the streets and in yards that have never been underwater," DeWitt said. "You are always running into things you can't see and dodging mailboxes. When we can work together with the National Guard to make a rescue, it's a beautiful thing."
The story didn't end there; Holden refused to leave without getting his brother's medicine from the first house, and he convinced the agents to take him there first. After retrieving the medicine, he was returned to his mother and brother, now at Terrebonne General Medical Center nearby.
Bryant said that at last report Starlin was doing fine, that everyone had been reunited, and that personally he felt very good to have had a small part in the rescues' outcome. "Makes me feel good that I have this uniform on," he said. "That's what it's all about."
There was one other thing, though. "If I wouldn't have helped in the rescue, my family would never have let me live it down," he said with a laugh.
(Army Maj. David W. May serves in the Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - While more than 7,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen were activated to assist in hurricane recovery operations in Louisiana, an officer with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team had the great satisfaction of taking part in the rescue of one of his own family members. As the storm surge from Hurricane Ike, the second major hurricane to batter the Gulf Coast in less than two weeks, made its way along the coast, Army Maj. Bryant R. Billiot, chief intelligence officer and a native of Dulac, La., received a call from his worried sister.
"She told me that our cousin, Jessica Billiot, was franticly trying to get to her children, who were staying at their uncle's house while she was at work," Bryant said. "When she returned that evening, the waters had covered roads, and local authorities would no longer let anyone into the area."
After pleading with them to let her through, Jessica finally gave up when an uncle assured her they would be fine inside his house, which was on seven-foot stilts.
The next morning, she once again tried to reach her sons, but found they had moved to another house on higher ground.
Jessica then became frantic after finding out her eldest son, Starlin, had suffered a back injury. Normally, this may not have been serious, but Starlin has hemophilia and could bleed indefinitely when injured, Bryant explained. In addition, the medicine he uses to control the condition was at the first house, and the wind and rain made it impossible to return.
"That made it a dire situation," Bryant said. It was then that his sister called, although they had been staying in touch through text messages.
Bryant said he already knew that units were operating in the area and set about to contact them. "I had been tracking them since Day One," he said. Even though they were not his unit, he said, he believed he could trust them as if they were his own unit.
Bryant explained the situation to the Guardsmen, who immediately contacted the Emergency Operations Center in Terrebonne Parish. The mission was then given to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Thomas DeWitt.
DeWitt told Bryant that a boat would be sent immediately to get Starlin and his younger brother, Holden. Bryant gave DeWitt the address, and searchers set off to find the boys. But when they got to the address, no one was left in the house.
Bryant called his sister and found Starlin's father had picked him up in a small boat a few minutes earlier and was taking him to meet his mother. But the boat was so small that Holden had been left behind, and his mother was desperate to get him away from the area.
At this point, communications were lost with the family, but Bryant said he had grown up in the area and had a good idea where they might be.
"I gave Agent DeWitt the address of another family member a few doors down," he said. "They called me back a few minutes later and said, 'We got him.' It made me feel really good."
"It was a logistical nightmare driving the boats down the streets and in yards that have never been underwater," DeWitt said. "You are always running into things you can't see and dodging mailboxes. When we can work together with the National Guard to make a rescue, it's a beautiful thing."
The story didn't end there; Holden refused to leave without getting his brother's medicine from the first house, and he convinced the agents to take him there first. After retrieving the medicine, he was returned to his mother and brother, now at Terrebonne General Medical Center nearby.
Bryant said that at last report Starlin was doing fine, that everyone had been reunited, and that personally he felt very good to have had a small part in the rescues' outcome. "Makes me feel good that I have this uniform on," he said. "That's what it's all about."
There was one other thing, though. "If I wouldn't have helped in the rescue, my family would never have let me live it down," he said with a laugh.
(Army Maj. David W. May serves in the Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office.)
Family-Support Program Expands; DoD, YMCA Strengthen Partnership
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - In two Defense Department-led initiatives today, a military-family support program launched its nationwide expansion, and the Armed Services YMCA introduced a new offering to families whose loved one is deployed. The Joint Family Support Assistance Program -- which helps families with financial and material support, coordinates counseling, and provides other key services -- expanded today from its pilot program to a nationwide network.
At a conference here this morning, participants from the pilot phase came together with about 400 representatives from 50 states and U.S. territories, where services will now be available to active-duty and reserve-component families.
Embracing the axiom that the military "enlists an individual, but re-enlists a family," the Defense Department has extended this support network, which focuses on assisting families who don't live near a military installation and therefore have difficulty accessing on-site services.
"Why are we undertaking this program?" David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, rhetorically asked the audience. "The answer is rooted in the realities of the all-volunteer force."
Unlike the conscripted force -- which comprised mostly unmarried military members with a 10-percent re-enlistment rate -- the all-volunteer force established in 1973 is now composed of servicemembers that are as likely to re-enlist as not. Furthermore, about half the troops are married, and many of these families have a young child, Chu said.
"We have an obligation to those families," he said. "We ask our military personnel to do a lot of hard and difficult things, and we will continue to ask to do many hard and difficult things. That means if they're going to be comfortable in that role -- that they're going to be willing to continue -- then their family must be supportive of the endeavors they undertake."
Chu called military bases "classic platforms" for providing support to families, but he conceded that not all families live within a reasonable distance to such facilities. Often, spouses have careers that require families to live far from base, or other reasons preclude living near installations.
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act required the Defense Department to implement a Joint Family Support Assistance Program for families in select parts of the country that are geographically isolated from installations. Since its inception, the program has provided services to more than 206,000 members and families at more than 4,900 events.
It has since evolved to include all 50 states, plus American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The program will connect families with one another and with supportive military and community resources, aiming to enhance families' ability to cope with deployment, reintegration, family separation and other issues related to a military lifestyle.
Chu said providing such support to families -- both near and far from military facilities -- is "crucial to our long-term military success."
Under the same rubric that pushed the Joint Family Support Assistance Program's nationwide expansion, the Defense Department today signed a new contract with the National YMCA that will provide free family YMCA memberships to families of National Guard or reserve members at the more than 2,000 participating centers in local communities.
Chu said the agreement is a way to "demonstrate the Department's strong commitment to the families of our National Guard and reserve families."
Beginning in October, free family memberships will be available for 18 months -- while the servicemember-spouse is deployed -- and for three months before and after the deployment. YMCAs offer fitness centers with free child-watch while the parent works out, as well as family and youth programs, swim lessons, personal development classes and more.
Detailed information is available at www.militaryonesource.com.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - In two Defense Department-led initiatives today, a military-family support program launched its nationwide expansion, and the Armed Services YMCA introduced a new offering to families whose loved one is deployed. The Joint Family Support Assistance Program -- which helps families with financial and material support, coordinates counseling, and provides other key services -- expanded today from its pilot program to a nationwide network.
At a conference here this morning, participants from the pilot phase came together with about 400 representatives from 50 states and U.S. territories, where services will now be available to active-duty and reserve-component families.
Embracing the axiom that the military "enlists an individual, but re-enlists a family," the Defense Department has extended this support network, which focuses on assisting families who don't live near a military installation and therefore have difficulty accessing on-site services.
"Why are we undertaking this program?" David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, rhetorically asked the audience. "The answer is rooted in the realities of the all-volunteer force."
Unlike the conscripted force -- which comprised mostly unmarried military members with a 10-percent re-enlistment rate -- the all-volunteer force established in 1973 is now composed of servicemembers that are as likely to re-enlist as not. Furthermore, about half the troops are married, and many of these families have a young child, Chu said.
"We have an obligation to those families," he said. "We ask our military personnel to do a lot of hard and difficult things, and we will continue to ask to do many hard and difficult things. That means if they're going to be comfortable in that role -- that they're going to be willing to continue -- then their family must be supportive of the endeavors they undertake."
Chu called military bases "classic platforms" for providing support to families, but he conceded that not all families live within a reasonable distance to such facilities. Often, spouses have careers that require families to live far from base, or other reasons preclude living near installations.
The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act required the Defense Department to implement a Joint Family Support Assistance Program for families in select parts of the country that are geographically isolated from installations. Since its inception, the program has provided services to more than 206,000 members and families at more than 4,900 events.
It has since evolved to include all 50 states, plus American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The program will connect families with one another and with supportive military and community resources, aiming to enhance families' ability to cope with deployment, reintegration, family separation and other issues related to a military lifestyle.
Chu said providing such support to families -- both near and far from military facilities -- is "crucial to our long-term military success."
Under the same rubric that pushed the Joint Family Support Assistance Program's nationwide expansion, the Defense Department today signed a new contract with the National YMCA that will provide free family YMCA memberships to families of National Guard or reserve members at the more than 2,000 participating centers in local communities.
Chu said the agreement is a way to "demonstrate the Department's strong commitment to the families of our National Guard and reserve families."
Beginning in October, free family memberships will be available for 18 months -- while the servicemember-spouse is deployed -- and for three months before and after the deployment. YMCAs offer fitness centers with free child-watch while the parent works out, as well as family and youth programs, swim lessons, personal development classes and more.
Detailed information is available at www.militaryonesource.com.
Navy to Christen USNS Carl Brashear
The Navy will launch and christen dry cargo/ammunition ship the USNS Carl Brashear at a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony on Sept. 18, 2008. The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of underway replenishment ships will be held at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.
Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979. Brashear was the subject of the 2000 movie "Men of Honor" starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at the christening ceremony and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Serving as ship's sponsor, Lauren Brashear will christen the ship in honor of her grandfather. The launching ceremony will include the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "USNS Carl Brashear."
USNS Carl Brashear is the seventh ship of the Navy's T-AKE 1 class. The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics force ships and the last three of which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). As a combat logistics force ship, USNS Carl Brashear will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.
As part of Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the USNS Carl Brashear is designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC. The ship will also have a Military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination and, when needed, can carry a helicopter detachment of up to 36.
Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.
Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979. Brashear was the subject of the 2000 movie "Men of Honor" starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at the christening ceremony and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Serving as ship's sponsor, Lauren Brashear will christen the ship in honor of her grandfather. The launching ceremony will include the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "USNS Carl Brashear."
USNS Carl Brashear is the seventh ship of the Navy's T-AKE 1 class. The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics force ships and the last three of which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). As a combat logistics force ship, USNS Carl Brashear will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.
As part of Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the USNS Carl Brashear is designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC. The ship will also have a Military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination and, when needed, can carry a helicopter detachment of up to 36.
Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.
DoD Announces 48 Finalists for $1M Wearable Power Prize Competition
The Department of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) office announced today the 48 team finalists for its $1 million Wearable Power Prize that will culminate Oct. 4 during a head-to-head competition in Twentynine Palms, Calif.
The 2008 Wearable Power Prize competition is a unique approach by the DoD to address the need for long-endurance, light weight power systems for dismounted warfighters.
DDR&E launched the competition in July 2007 by offering a $1 million first prize for a wearable system that provides 20 watts (avg.) of electrical power for 96 hours, weighs less than 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), attaches to a standard military vest, and operates autonomously. By the November 2007 deadline, 169 teams had registered to compete. Teams submitted safety details of their fuel/energy source(s) and a full functional system description of their prototype. All teams which had batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, engines, and other components that were compliant with the published safety guidelines qualified to continue in the competition. Over the last ten months, the original field has contracted to the current group of 48 innovative, most capable contenders. Each team leader is a U.S. citizen, but teams have members representing 15 countries.
"We now have the 'best of the best' competing," said William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for laboratories and basic sciences, and sponsor of the competition. "Teams representing large and small companies and individual inventors will showcase their latest technology in this competition. The best efforts of the entrepreneurial community in lightweight, portable power and energy will go head-to-head at Twentynine Palms in a few weeks."
The Wearable Power Prize competition will be held at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. A schedule outline follows:
Sunday, Sep. 28 Competition Begins
Competitors power-up their systems for a 92-hour power-draining bench test in outdoor conditions.
Friday, Oct. 3 Kids' Day
Invited local school students will participate in interactive science and technology exhibits and displays. They will meet working scientists, engineers, and inventors from companies all over the country and the DoD.
Saturday, Oct 4 Final Power "Wear-Off" Field Test "Base Open to Public & Media"
Teams surviving the bench test go head-to-head in the final 4-hour field test competition. The public and media are invited to view exhibits, the latest in power technology, and see Team members wear their prototypes as they power surrogate equipment in the final trial of the competition.
Media are asked to direct queries to Cmdr. Darryn James, DoD Public Affairs, (703)-693-8287. More information on the Wearable Power Prize can be found at: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize/final_event.html. A list of the 48 final teams can be seen at the following link; http://preview.defenselink.mil/news/d20080915wearable.pdf .
The 2008 Wearable Power Prize competition is a unique approach by the DoD to address the need for long-endurance, light weight power systems for dismounted warfighters.
DDR&E launched the competition in July 2007 by offering a $1 million first prize for a wearable system that provides 20 watts (avg.) of electrical power for 96 hours, weighs less than 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), attaches to a standard military vest, and operates autonomously. By the November 2007 deadline, 169 teams had registered to compete. Teams submitted safety details of their fuel/energy source(s) and a full functional system description of their prototype. All teams which had batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, engines, and other components that were compliant with the published safety guidelines qualified to continue in the competition. Over the last ten months, the original field has contracted to the current group of 48 innovative, most capable contenders. Each team leader is a U.S. citizen, but teams have members representing 15 countries.
"We now have the 'best of the best' competing," said William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for laboratories and basic sciences, and sponsor of the competition. "Teams representing large and small companies and individual inventors will showcase their latest technology in this competition. The best efforts of the entrepreneurial community in lightweight, portable power and energy will go head-to-head at Twentynine Palms in a few weeks."
The Wearable Power Prize competition will be held at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. A schedule outline follows:
Sunday, Sep. 28 Competition Begins
Competitors power-up their systems for a 92-hour power-draining bench test in outdoor conditions.
Friday, Oct. 3 Kids' Day
Invited local school students will participate in interactive science and technology exhibits and displays. They will meet working scientists, engineers, and inventors from companies all over the country and the DoD.
Saturday, Oct 4 Final Power "Wear-Off" Field Test "Base Open to Public & Media"
Teams surviving the bench test go head-to-head in the final 4-hour field test competition. The public and media are invited to view exhibits, the latest in power technology, and see Team members wear their prototypes as they power surrogate equipment in the final trial of the competition.
Media are asked to direct queries to Cmdr. Darryn James, DoD Public Affairs, (703)-693-8287. More information on the Wearable Power Prize can be found at: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize/final_event.html. A list of the 48 final teams can be seen at the following link; http://preview.defenselink.mil/news/d20080915wearable.pdf .
Face of Defense: Former African Pastor Serves as Soldier, Cook
By Army Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Many soldiers join the Army as a way of saying thanks, while others feel it is their patriotic duty to serve the country that has offered them a life full of endless opportunities. Regardless of the reason, thousands of soldiers are taking or re-taking the oath to defend and protect the United States during this time of war.
But Pfc. Rudolph Foliwe didn't have much time to take advantage of the opportunities for which he came to the United States before he joined the Army and began his career as a cook.
Foliwe was born and raised in Cameroon, a small country in west-central Africa, known for its native music and its successful national soccer team. English and French are the official languages of Cameroon, and compared to other African countries, its economy is stable.
Foliwe pursued an education in international affairs before attending three years of bible school and becoming a pastor in Cameroon. At the age of 33 he decided to travel to the United States.
"Africans love to travel," he said in his thick accent with a lively smile on his face, "and I wanted to experience a better way of life. People in the United States are blessed."
He arrived in Boston on July 7, 2007, and shipped off to basic training Oct. 18, 2007.
"I have great admiration for the U.S. Army," he said. "A friend of mine used to always tell me about the Army and told me that if I ever get to the United States, I should join."
Now, less than one year later, Foliwe prepares and serves food to his fellow Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, at an abandoned potato chip factory in New Baghdad used by the company as its combat outpost.
"I feel that the best way to begin my life as an immigrant is to fight for the country," Foliwe said. "This way, I can truly understand the benefits from the blessings of the country. It's a great foundation to set up my life and a positive image for my future children."
Although Foliwe served many years as a pastor in Cameroon, the option to serve as a chaplain in the Army was not available because his education didn't translate into a degree in the United States; a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school is necessary to become a chaplain. He made the decision to become a cook, choosing to physically feed others in place of "feeding" them spiritually. Because of his religious beliefs, he said, he wanted to serve a vital role in the military, but in a job more focused on serving others than on combat.
Foliwe not only was new to the Army, but also had little experience cooking.
"The only thing I had ever cooked before was rice and eggs," he said.
By the time he arrived to his unit in Baghdad in late June, he had developed the minimum skills taught to Army cooks in advanced individual training.
"He was fresh out of AIT and had no experience in cooking out in the field. Everything was new to him," said Army Spc. Marcus Reichelderfer, a native of Lima, Ohio, who also serves as a cook with the unit. "In a month and a half, he's improved from zero to 100. He's completely competent to run a shift by himself."
Foliwe said he believes his job in the Army is important and that he receives satisfaction knowing that what he does contributes to the overall mission and directly to individual soldiers.
"There is a strong relationship between food and motivation," he said. "When [soldiers] eat well, they are happy and motivated to do their job."
Although he hasn't served much time in the Army, Foliwe said, he has faced many obstacles, with the language barrier being the most difficult to overcome. Although he speaks fluent English, his accent is thick and sometimes hard to understand, but he said he's not discouraged. Instead, he strives to learn about the American culture from other soldiers and to teach them about his native culture.
"People are not stupid because they have different accents or speak different languages," he said. "I think that the soldiers here are realizing this and becoming more accepting of people and their different cultures. While we're deployed, we're all going through this together. All we have is each other, and we're all the same."
Foliwe said he will apply for U.S. citizenship at the end of September.
(Army Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Many soldiers join the Army as a way of saying thanks, while others feel it is their patriotic duty to serve the country that has offered them a life full of endless opportunities. Regardless of the reason, thousands of soldiers are taking or re-taking the oath to defend and protect the United States during this time of war.
But Pfc. Rudolph Foliwe didn't have much time to take advantage of the opportunities for which he came to the United States before he joined the Army and began his career as a cook.
Foliwe was born and raised in Cameroon, a small country in west-central Africa, known for its native music and its successful national soccer team. English and French are the official languages of Cameroon, and compared to other African countries, its economy is stable.
Foliwe pursued an education in international affairs before attending three years of bible school and becoming a pastor in Cameroon. At the age of 33 he decided to travel to the United States.
"Africans love to travel," he said in his thick accent with a lively smile on his face, "and I wanted to experience a better way of life. People in the United States are blessed."
He arrived in Boston on July 7, 2007, and shipped off to basic training Oct. 18, 2007.
"I have great admiration for the U.S. Army," he said. "A friend of mine used to always tell me about the Army and told me that if I ever get to the United States, I should join."
Now, less than one year later, Foliwe prepares and serves food to his fellow Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, at an abandoned potato chip factory in New Baghdad used by the company as its combat outpost.
"I feel that the best way to begin my life as an immigrant is to fight for the country," Foliwe said. "This way, I can truly understand the benefits from the blessings of the country. It's a great foundation to set up my life and a positive image for my future children."
Although Foliwe served many years as a pastor in Cameroon, the option to serve as a chaplain in the Army was not available because his education didn't translate into a degree in the United States; a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school is necessary to become a chaplain. He made the decision to become a cook, choosing to physically feed others in place of "feeding" them spiritually. Because of his religious beliefs, he said, he wanted to serve a vital role in the military, but in a job more focused on serving others than on combat.
Foliwe not only was new to the Army, but also had little experience cooking.
"The only thing I had ever cooked before was rice and eggs," he said.
By the time he arrived to his unit in Baghdad in late June, he had developed the minimum skills taught to Army cooks in advanced individual training.
"He was fresh out of AIT and had no experience in cooking out in the field. Everything was new to him," said Army Spc. Marcus Reichelderfer, a native of Lima, Ohio, who also serves as a cook with the unit. "In a month and a half, he's improved from zero to 100. He's completely competent to run a shift by himself."
Foliwe said he believes his job in the Army is important and that he receives satisfaction knowing that what he does contributes to the overall mission and directly to individual soldiers.
"There is a strong relationship between food and motivation," he said. "When [soldiers] eat well, they are happy and motivated to do their job."
Although he hasn't served much time in the Army, Foliwe said, he has faced many obstacles, with the language barrier being the most difficult to overcome. Although he speaks fluent English, his accent is thick and sometimes hard to understand, but he said he's not discouraged. Instead, he strives to learn about the American culture from other soldiers and to teach them about his native culture.
"People are not stupid because they have different accents or speak different languages," he said. "I think that the soldiers here are realizing this and becoming more accepting of people and their different cultures. While we're deployed, we're all going through this together. All we have is each other, and we're all the same."
Foliwe said he will apply for U.S. citizenship at the end of September.
(Army Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)
Culture of Troop Support Earns Top Award for Texas Capital
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The Defense Department is recognizing the city of Austin, Texas, as being one of the most supportive employers of reserve-component servicemembers in the nation. Austin is one of 15 employers selected to receive the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The city earned the award through its many support activities for employees who serve in the National Guard or reserve.
The city has policies in place that provide differential pay to activated employees for up to 15 months as well as 15 days of paid military leave annually for military training. The city trains all leaders and supervisors on the legal requirements to support employees in the National Guard and Reserve, and recently created a position that is dedicated to ensuring servicemembers are processed back into the employment sector upon return from deployment.
While employees are activated or deployed, supervisors and co-workers stay in touch with them, and the city hosts "send off" and "welcome home" ceremonies. Supervisors also help the families of deployed employees with home and vehicle maintenance and other projects.
In 2007, the city contracted with several organizations to provide families services such as psychological and emotional counseling, assistance with finance management, and referrals to support groups and the city's employee assistance program.
Lek Mateo, a Public Works Department supervisor for Austin and first sergeant in the Texas Army National Guard, nominated the city for the Freedom Award because of the exceptional support he and other employees have received, he said. Mateo was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, and said during his deployment his co-workers sent his unit care packages and school supplies for the Iraqi children, and his supervisors assured him his job would be waiting for him when he got back.
"I can't say enough about the city of Austin other than this is a wonderful city to work for, and I am thankful for having great bosses and co-workers who really support me and allow me to perform my military duties," he said.
Mateo praised the city for giving employees ample time to attend military training and for recruiting military veterans from nearby installations. The city held an event during Veterans Day to recognize all the veterans in the city work force and asked them to participate in a parade to recognize their service, he said.
"The city is a fantastic organization to work for in that they openly support their employees that serve in the National Guard or reserves and also recognize the employees that are veterans," he said. "Without our family and employer support, we as citizen-soldiers could not do our military duties."
The city of Austin will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - The Defense Department is recognizing the city of Austin, Texas, as being one of the most supportive employers of reserve-component servicemembers in the nation. Austin is one of 15 employers selected to receive the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The city earned the award through its many support activities for employees who serve in the National Guard or reserve.
The city has policies in place that provide differential pay to activated employees for up to 15 months as well as 15 days of paid military leave annually for military training. The city trains all leaders and supervisors on the legal requirements to support employees in the National Guard and Reserve, and recently created a position that is dedicated to ensuring servicemembers are processed back into the employment sector upon return from deployment.
While employees are activated or deployed, supervisors and co-workers stay in touch with them, and the city hosts "send off" and "welcome home" ceremonies. Supervisors also help the families of deployed employees with home and vehicle maintenance and other projects.
In 2007, the city contracted with several organizations to provide families services such as psychological and emotional counseling, assistance with finance management, and referrals to support groups and the city's employee assistance program.
Lek Mateo, a Public Works Department supervisor for Austin and first sergeant in the Texas Army National Guard, nominated the city for the Freedom Award because of the exceptional support he and other employees have received, he said. Mateo was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, and said during his deployment his co-workers sent his unit care packages and school supplies for the Iraqi children, and his supervisors assured him his job would be waiting for him when he got back.
"I can't say enough about the city of Austin other than this is a wonderful city to work for, and I am thankful for having great bosses and co-workers who really support me and allow me to perform my military duties," he said.
Mateo praised the city for giving employees ample time to attend military training and for recruiting military veterans from nearby installations. The city held an event during Veterans Day to recognize all the veterans in the city work force and asked them to participate in a parade to recognize their service, he said.
"The city is a fantastic organization to work for in that they openly support their employees that serve in the National Guard or reserves and also recognize the employees that are veterans," he said. "Without our family and employer support, we as citizen-soldiers could not do our military duties."
The city of Austin will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
National Guard Begins Hurricane Ike Recovery Phase
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - After two days of intense search-and-rescue missions, National Guard personnel in Texas and Louisiana are moving on to recovery operations today. More than 14,000 National Guard members remain on duty in both states to clean up the debris, set up distribution points for food, water and ice and provide medical support, shelter and security to evacuated areas. They also will continue damage assessments and help with the restoration of services.
"The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a Sept. 13 news conference. He warned residents of Texas and Louisiana about fallen trees and debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
State officials still are urging displaced people not to return to their homes until local authorities announce the areas are safe.
More than 200 shelters have been opened in 11 cities throughout Texas and are prepared to take in displaced citizens. The shelters are in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Matagorda, Houston, Pasadena, San Antonio, Weslaco, Orange, Temple, Carthage and Lufkin.
"For those who are displaced, we hope to provide a level of comfort during their shelter stay, and for those cleaning up after the storm, we will help to get your community back on its feet," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, spokeswoman for the Texas National Guard.
On Sept. 13, President Bush declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for debris removal. Chertoff said this will help local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations.
Today in Louisiana, National Guard members have begun several recovery missions. They're conducting roving patrols in the southwest parishes; providing food, water and ice at 17 distribution points and 38 food stamp distribution sites; and manning 26 shelters with more than 3,500 occupants.
In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Guard also conducted aerial drops of hay for livestock. "We will drop hay into areas where livestock are inaccessible due to flooding," said Army Capt. Taysha Deaton, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana National Guard.
Also, 28 Guard engineering teams are clearing roads in devastated parishes. "Our efforts to date total over 4,300 miles of cleared roadways, and the removal of over 19,000 cubic yards of debris," Deaton said.
In Texas, the National Guard will establish 20 distribution points for water, food and ice. More than 100 sites are expected to be set up around the state.
"Very simple commodities like ice and clean water quickly become essentials during a natural disaster," Moncada said. "When the power fails and the food runs out, our soldiers and airmen will be there to provide the basics and aid in the recovery efforts."
Texas National Guard officials are planning for the possibility of long-term support of recovery operations in the state.
"Our force is one that adapts, focuses on the objective at hand but never loses sight of its priority: our neighbors in need," Moncada said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - After two days of intense search-and-rescue missions, National Guard personnel in Texas and Louisiana are moving on to recovery operations today. More than 14,000 National Guard members remain on duty in both states to clean up the debris, set up distribution points for food, water and ice and provide medical support, shelter and security to evacuated areas. They also will continue damage assessments and help with the restoration of services.
"The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a Sept. 13 news conference. He warned residents of Texas and Louisiana about fallen trees and debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
State officials still are urging displaced people not to return to their homes until local authorities announce the areas are safe.
More than 200 shelters have been opened in 11 cities throughout Texas and are prepared to take in displaced citizens. The shelters are in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Matagorda, Houston, Pasadena, San Antonio, Weslaco, Orange, Temple, Carthage and Lufkin.
"For those who are displaced, we hope to provide a level of comfort during their shelter stay, and for those cleaning up after the storm, we will help to get your community back on its feet," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, spokeswoman for the Texas National Guard.
On Sept. 13, President Bush declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for debris removal. Chertoff said this will help local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations.
Today in Louisiana, National Guard members have begun several recovery missions. They're conducting roving patrols in the southwest parishes; providing food, water and ice at 17 distribution points and 38 food stamp distribution sites; and manning 26 shelters with more than 3,500 occupants.
In coordination with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Guard also conducted aerial drops of hay for livestock. "We will drop hay into areas where livestock are inaccessible due to flooding," said Army Capt. Taysha Deaton, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana National Guard.
Also, 28 Guard engineering teams are clearing roads in devastated parishes. "Our efforts to date total over 4,300 miles of cleared roadways, and the removal of over 19,000 cubic yards of debris," Deaton said.
In Texas, the National Guard will establish 20 distribution points for water, food and ice. More than 100 sites are expected to be set up around the state.
"Very simple commodities like ice and clean water quickly become essentials during a natural disaster," Moncada said. "When the power fails and the food runs out, our soldiers and airmen will be there to provide the basics and aid in the recovery efforts."
Texas National Guard officials are planning for the possibility of long-term support of recovery operations in the state.
"Our force is one that adapts, focuses on the objective at hand but never loses sight of its priority: our neighbors in need," Moncada said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
National Guard Helps 2,500 Ike Victims to Safety
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 15, 2008 - Taking people to safe, dry places became one of the main missions for National Guard troops after Hurricane Ike rampaged through Texas and Louisiana. Guard members had rescued nearly 2,000 people in Texas, the hardest-hit state, by today, and had rescued or evacuated another 343 in Louisiana, the states reported.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Army Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of Louisiana's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "But we've got to keep our heads in the game, because there is lots of work still out there to do."
Texas Guard members used ground, water and air assets to help people stranded by the hurricane.
Texas troops had rescued 1,554 people with ground vehicles and boats and had rescued another 394 people with helicopters by midday today, Kristine Munn, a spokeswoman for the National Guard Bureau, reported. Furthermore, they had assisted 639 people who were not evacuated and had assessed the damage to about 500 buildings.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Army Maj. Gen Charles Rodriguez, the Texas adjutant general, said before the storm struck. That is how it all worked out in both states.
Louisiana troops rescued 308 citizens during 44 missions with high-water vehicles, 29 citizens during six boat missions, and six citizens with two helicopter missions, Guard officials reported.
The state had 255 trucks, 41 boats and 20 helicopters for search and rescue missions.
"Our Guardsmen have proven once again that they are the finest soldiers and airmen in America," Army Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general, said. "They are truly remarkable, working every day to assist their fellow citizens, even though in many cases their homes were flooded or damaged and their own families evacuated."
Sept. 15, 2008 - Taking people to safe, dry places became one of the main missions for National Guard troops after Hurricane Ike rampaged through Texas and Louisiana. Guard members had rescued nearly 2,000 people in Texas, the hardest-hit state, by today, and had rescued or evacuated another 343 in Louisiana, the states reported.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Army Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of Louisiana's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "But we've got to keep our heads in the game, because there is lots of work still out there to do."
Texas Guard members used ground, water and air assets to help people stranded by the hurricane.
Texas troops had rescued 1,554 people with ground vehicles and boats and had rescued another 394 people with helicopters by midday today, Kristine Munn, a spokeswoman for the National Guard Bureau, reported. Furthermore, they had assisted 639 people who were not evacuated and had assessed the damage to about 500 buildings.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Army Maj. Gen Charles Rodriguez, the Texas adjutant general, said before the storm struck. That is how it all worked out in both states.
Louisiana troops rescued 308 citizens during 44 missions with high-water vehicles, 29 citizens during six boat missions, and six citizens with two helicopter missions, Guard officials reported.
The state had 255 trucks, 41 boats and 20 helicopters for search and rescue missions.
"Our Guardsmen have proven once again that they are the finest soldiers and airmen in America," Army Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general, said. "They are truly remarkable, working every day to assist their fellow citizens, even though in many cases their homes were flooded or damaged and their own families evacuated."
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 15, 2008
Navy
Caddell Yates Joint Venture, Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a $181,882,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Wallace Creek Regimental Complex at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for a new, four battalion Regimental Complex in conjunction with the Grow the Force initiative. Procurement consists of the construction of the necessary administration/headquarters, operation, and maintenance and mission support, training and housing facilities to support approximately 3,000 Marines. The contract also contains two options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative contract value to $192,171,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $103,437,286 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-1404).
Detyens Shipyard, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $34,881,277 firm-fixed-price contract for accomplishing the Service Craft Overhaul (SCO) of the Shippingport (ARDM-4). Shippingport is a floating drydock. The SCO will enable the dock to continue its mission of drydocking submarines. There is a strengthening mod in the package that will upgrade the dock to enable it to drydock submarines of the Va., class. The work will include alterations and improvements, preservation, structural repairs, preservation, miscellaneous repairs, and drydocking. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-08-C-8007).
P & S Construction*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded an $11,973,197 firm-fixed-price construction contract for demolition and renovations of various buildings at Naval Submarine Base New London and Mitchell Field Long Island. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (90 percent) and Garden City, N.Y., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-2130).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,597,672 modification to definitize the previously awarded letter contract (N00019-07-C-0039) for non-recurring engineering for the design and development of the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System for the CH-46E helicopters, including developmental and operational testing, support equipment, computer based training and long-lead items. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineer contract for facilities and land use planning studies, environmental impact documents, cultural resources management plans, natural resources management plans, environmental studies and documents. Work will be performed in the areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), including various locations worldwide and may include the military service for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide planning assistance. The term of the contract is not to exceed four years with an expected completion date of Sept. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website, with five offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-D-0201).
MAN Diesel LTD, 1600-A Brittmoore, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $7,185,138 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract for Valenta engines used on the Cyclone class patrol vessel. This contract includes one base period and one option period that, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $14,370,276. Work will be performed at Colchester, England, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
BearingPoint, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $6,311,520 firm-fixed-price contract for the Marine Corps Systems Command requirement for the acquisition of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution and the subsequent systems integration as part of the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services (MCEITS) program of record. The IAM solution shall provide a MCEITS service that will be available for other systems and organizations across the Marine Corps enterprise. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $15,592,093. Work will be performed primarily at the contractor facility in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via posting to the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 14 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08- C-4946).
Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $5,625,194 cost-plus-award-fee modification to task order #EJ02 under the previously awarded global contingency service contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Trans-Sahara ground support services in up to six Trans-Saharan countries. The work to be performed provides scalable services including vehicle and equipment support including maintenance and recovery, airfield cargo handling, material line haul transport and tracking, and translator services. Work will be performed in Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $4,071,411 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.
NAVFAC contract with Caddell Yates Joint Venture, for $181,882,000 NAVSEA contract with Detyens Shipyard, Inc., for $34,881,277 NAVFAC contract with P & S Construction, for $11,973,197 NAVAIR contract with Northrop Grumman Corp., for $7,597,672 NAVFAC contract with Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc., for $7,500,000 NAVSUP contract with MAN Diesel LTD, for $7,185,138 MARCORSYSCOM contract with BearingPoint, Inc., for $6,311,520 NAVFAC contract with Contingency Response Services, LLC, for $5,625,194
Army
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $24,751,530 firm/fixed/price contract for the purchase of five Light Utility Helicopter aircraft for the US Navy Test Pilot School. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Web and five bids were received. US Army and Aviation Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
ICON Consulting Group, Inc., Ogden, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $7,332,426 firm/fixed price contract for design/build of a new single story, pre-engineered and repair facility. Work will be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. US Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
J & J Contractors/BBIX Joint Venture, Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, $11,087,000 firm/fixed price contract, to construct an acquisition management facility, Building 1604 to include all required construction. The facility scope is 39,719 square feet in size. Work will be performed in Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 2010. Four bids were solicited and three bids were received. U.S. Corps of Engineers-New England District, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912BU-06-D-0008).
BBL Carlton, Inc., Charleston, W. Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $16,432,000 firm/fixed/price contract. This contract is for Project LYBH009131 Replace Maintenance Hanger and Shops, at 130th Airlift Wing, Yeager Airport, and Charleston, W.Va. Work will be performed in Charleston, W.Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. National Guard Bureau USPFO, Buckhannon, W.Va., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0014).
Mabey Bridge & Shore, Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a
$6,073,650 firm/fixed/price contract for procuring 27 Mabey Johnson Logistic Support Bridge ramp sets. Work will be performed in Lydney Industrial Estates, UK, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity
(W56HZV-08-C-0666).
Production Products Manufacturing and Sales Company Inc, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $16, 273, 283 fixed/price contract. The M20 simplified collective protection equipment provides a radioactive particle, chemical and / or biological, containment- free work and rest area for up to 10 personnel, eliminating the need to wear individual protective equipment. Work will be performed in St Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited via the web and two bids were received. US Army TACOM, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0402).
Caterpillar Inc., Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $20, 307,131 firm/fixed/price contract for 92 heavy loader Type II with A-kit and 10 C-kit containers. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and five bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Montgomery, Ill., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-DL-424).
Sambe Construction Company Inc., Pennsauken, N.J., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $9,890,000 firm/fixed/price contract for a construction contract to replace aircraft maintenance hangar located at the Delaware Air National Guard Base, New Castle Del. Work will be performed in New Castle, Del., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 14, 2010. Seven bids were solicited and seven bids were received. National Guard Bureau, New Castle, Del, is the contracting activity (W912L5-08-C-0011).
Scott Alliance Inc, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $7,196,700 firm/fixed/price contract to a construction of a child development center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0033).
Kitware Inc., Clifton Park, N.Y., was awarded on Sept.11, 2008, a $6,735,503 firm/fixed/price contract. The primary objective of the program is to develop, evaluate and deploy an operational prototype for video content-based retrieval. Work will be performed in Clifton Park, N.Y., Golden Valley, Minn., Ypsilanti, N.Y., College Park, Md., N.Y., Austin, Texas, Berkeley, Calif., Pittsburgh, Pa., Troy, N.Y., and Pasadena, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 11, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Broad Agency Band and twenty bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0135).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
IsoBunkers, LLC, Norfolk, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $29,743,441 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for marine gas oil. Other locations of performance are in Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with 18 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0358).
World Fuels Americas dbs Trans-TEC, Greenwich, Conn. is being awarded a maximum $16,177,920 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Tacoma, Washington. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-0364).
Air Force
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Aeronautics Co., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3858 0001).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program (AVIATR) to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3859 0001).
The Air Force is modifying a firm price incentive firm target with award fee contract by exercising an option with CSC Applied Technologies LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, for an estimated $70,963,687.This action provides for base operation support and aircraft maintenance for Vance Air Force Base, OK, in support of T-38C/T-38C IFF/T-1A/T-6 undergraduate pilot training for the first option year, Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. At this time no funds have been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-C-0007 P00007).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $52,013,000. This action will provide 33 multi-spectral targeting systems mode 1, 4 multi-spectral targeting systems, and associated shop replaceable unit spares and containers to support the Predator/Reaper program. At this time $8,748,119 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 Delivery Order 0008).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract by exercising an option with ARCTEC Ala., of Elmendorf AFB, Ala., for $34,846,583. This action provides for operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System consisting of 15 remote sites for a twelve-month period. At this time all funds have been obligated. 3rd Contracting Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Ark., is the contracting activity (FA50000-04-C-0011).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., for an estimated $6,478,430. This action will provide a prototype modeling and simulation financial system that establishes an architectural foundation for an advanced integrating methodology and system known as SmartMoves. SmartMoves will integrate financial capability and system information form existing systems. The research and development data/information derived from this effort will be available to the DoD Community through the Defense Technical Information Center Library. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Deliver Order: 0198).
USSOCOM
Sealevel Systems, Inc., in Liberty, S.C., was awarded delivery order 0002 in the amount of $3,999,425 under a five-year, IDIQ contract with a ceiling of $11,496,263, for the procurement of the Personal Data Assistant-184 Universal Serial Bus to synchronous serial adapter radio interface cable systems (parts number 9065-DB25, 9065-PRC-117F, 9065-PRC-148 and 9065-PRC-150) in support of the MBMMR, for U.S. Special Operations Command. The company was awarded delivery order 0001 in the amount of $2,114,819 Sept. 5. The parts will be produced in Liberty, S.C. and the five year ordering period will be completed in Sept. 2013. The contract number is H92222-08-D-0005.
Caddell Yates Joint Venture, Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a $181,882,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Wallace Creek Regimental Complex at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for a new, four battalion Regimental Complex in conjunction with the Grow the Force initiative. Procurement consists of the construction of the necessary administration/headquarters, operation, and maintenance and mission support, training and housing facilities to support approximately 3,000 Marines. The contract also contains two options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative contract value to $192,171,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $103,437,286 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-1404).
Detyens Shipyard, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $34,881,277 firm-fixed-price contract for accomplishing the Service Craft Overhaul (SCO) of the Shippingport (ARDM-4). Shippingport is a floating drydock. The SCO will enable the dock to continue its mission of drydocking submarines. There is a strengthening mod in the package that will upgrade the dock to enable it to drydock submarines of the Va., class. The work will include alterations and improvements, preservation, structural repairs, preservation, miscellaneous repairs, and drydocking. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-08-C-8007).
P & S Construction*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded an $11,973,197 firm-fixed-price construction contract for demolition and renovations of various buildings at Naval Submarine Base New London and Mitchell Field Long Island. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (90 percent) and Garden City, N.Y., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-2130).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,597,672 modification to definitize the previously awarded letter contract (N00019-07-C-0039) for non-recurring engineering for the design and development of the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System for the CH-46E helicopters, including developmental and operational testing, support equipment, computer based training and long-lead items. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineer contract for facilities and land use planning studies, environmental impact documents, cultural resources management plans, natural resources management plans, environmental studies and documents. Work will be performed in the areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), including various locations worldwide and may include the military service for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide planning assistance. The term of the contract is not to exceed four years with an expected completion date of Sept. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website, with five offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-D-0201).
MAN Diesel LTD, 1600-A Brittmoore, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $7,185,138 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract for Valenta engines used on the Cyclone class patrol vessel. This contract includes one base period and one option period that, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $14,370,276. Work will be performed at Colchester, England, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
BearingPoint, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $6,311,520 firm-fixed-price contract for the Marine Corps Systems Command requirement for the acquisition of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution and the subsequent systems integration as part of the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services (MCEITS) program of record. The IAM solution shall provide a MCEITS service that will be available for other systems and organizations across the Marine Corps enterprise. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $15,592,093. Work will be performed primarily at the contractor facility in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via posting to the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 14 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08- C-4946).
Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $5,625,194 cost-plus-award-fee modification to task order #EJ02 under the previously awarded global contingency service contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Trans-Sahara ground support services in up to six Trans-Saharan countries. The work to be performed provides scalable services including vehicle and equipment support including maintenance and recovery, airfield cargo handling, material line haul transport and tracking, and translator services. Work will be performed in Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $4,071,411 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.
NAVFAC contract with Caddell Yates Joint Venture, for $181,882,000 NAVSEA contract with Detyens Shipyard, Inc., for $34,881,277 NAVFAC contract with P & S Construction, for $11,973,197 NAVAIR contract with Northrop Grumman Corp., for $7,597,672 NAVFAC contract with Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc., for $7,500,000 NAVSUP contract with MAN Diesel LTD, for $7,185,138 MARCORSYSCOM contract with BearingPoint, Inc., for $6,311,520 NAVFAC contract with Contingency Response Services, LLC, for $5,625,194
Army
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $24,751,530 firm/fixed/price contract for the purchase of five Light Utility Helicopter aircraft for the US Navy Test Pilot School. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Web and five bids were received. US Army and Aviation Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
ICON Consulting Group, Inc., Ogden, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $7,332,426 firm/fixed price contract for design/build of a new single story, pre-engineered and repair facility. Work will be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. US Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
J & J Contractors/BBIX Joint Venture, Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, $11,087,000 firm/fixed price contract, to construct an acquisition management facility, Building 1604 to include all required construction. The facility scope is 39,719 square feet in size. Work will be performed in Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 2010. Four bids were solicited and three bids were received. U.S. Corps of Engineers-New England District, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912BU-06-D-0008).
BBL Carlton, Inc., Charleston, W. Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $16,432,000 firm/fixed/price contract. This contract is for Project LYBH009131 Replace Maintenance Hanger and Shops, at 130th Airlift Wing, Yeager Airport, and Charleston, W.Va. Work will be performed in Charleston, W.Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. National Guard Bureau USPFO, Buckhannon, W.Va., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0014).
Mabey Bridge & Shore, Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a
$6,073,650 firm/fixed/price contract for procuring 27 Mabey Johnson Logistic Support Bridge ramp sets. Work will be performed in Lydney Industrial Estates, UK, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity
(W56HZV-08-C-0666).
Production Products Manufacturing and Sales Company Inc, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $16, 273, 283 fixed/price contract. The M20 simplified collective protection equipment provides a radioactive particle, chemical and / or biological, containment- free work and rest area for up to 10 personnel, eliminating the need to wear individual protective equipment. Work will be performed in St Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited via the web and two bids were received. US Army TACOM, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0402).
Caterpillar Inc., Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $20, 307,131 firm/fixed/price contract for 92 heavy loader Type II with A-kit and 10 C-kit containers. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and five bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Montgomery, Ill., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-DL-424).
Sambe Construction Company Inc., Pennsauken, N.J., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $9,890,000 firm/fixed/price contract for a construction contract to replace aircraft maintenance hangar located at the Delaware Air National Guard Base, New Castle Del. Work will be performed in New Castle, Del., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 14, 2010. Seven bids were solicited and seven bids were received. National Guard Bureau, New Castle, Del, is the contracting activity (W912L5-08-C-0011).
Scott Alliance Inc, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $7,196,700 firm/fixed/price contract to a construction of a child development center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0033).
Kitware Inc., Clifton Park, N.Y., was awarded on Sept.11, 2008, a $6,735,503 firm/fixed/price contract. The primary objective of the program is to develop, evaluate and deploy an operational prototype for video content-based retrieval. Work will be performed in Clifton Park, N.Y., Golden Valley, Minn., Ypsilanti, N.Y., College Park, Md., N.Y., Austin, Texas, Berkeley, Calif., Pittsburgh, Pa., Troy, N.Y., and Pasadena, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 11, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Broad Agency Band and twenty bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0135).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
IsoBunkers, LLC, Norfolk, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $29,743,441 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for marine gas oil. Other locations of performance are in Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with 18 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0358).
World Fuels Americas dbs Trans-TEC, Greenwich, Conn. is being awarded a maximum $16,177,920 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Tacoma, Washington. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-0364).
Air Force
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Aeronautics Co., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3858 0001).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program (AVIATR) to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3859 0001).
The Air Force is modifying a firm price incentive firm target with award fee contract by exercising an option with CSC Applied Technologies LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, for an estimated $70,963,687.This action provides for base operation support and aircraft maintenance for Vance Air Force Base, OK, in support of T-38C/T-38C IFF/T-1A/T-6 undergraduate pilot training for the first option year, Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. At this time no funds have been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-C-0007 P00007).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $52,013,000. This action will provide 33 multi-spectral targeting systems mode 1, 4 multi-spectral targeting systems, and associated shop replaceable unit spares and containers to support the Predator/Reaper program. At this time $8,748,119 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 Delivery Order 0008).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract by exercising an option with ARCTEC Ala., of Elmendorf AFB, Ala., for $34,846,583. This action provides for operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System consisting of 15 remote sites for a twelve-month period. At this time all funds have been obligated. 3rd Contracting Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Ark., is the contracting activity (FA50000-04-C-0011).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., for an estimated $6,478,430. This action will provide a prototype modeling and simulation financial system that establishes an architectural foundation for an advanced integrating methodology and system known as SmartMoves. SmartMoves will integrate financial capability and system information form existing systems. The research and development data/information derived from this effort will be available to the DoD Community through the Defense Technical Information Center Library. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Deliver Order: 0198).
USSOCOM
Sealevel Systems, Inc., in Liberty, S.C., was awarded delivery order 0002 in the amount of $3,999,425 under a five-year, IDIQ contract with a ceiling of $11,496,263, for the procurement of the Personal Data Assistant-184 Universal Serial Bus to synchronous serial adapter radio interface cable systems (parts number 9065-DB25, 9065-PRC-117F, 9065-PRC-148 and 9065-PRC-150) in support of the MBMMR, for U.S. Special Operations Command. The company was awarded delivery order 0001 in the amount of $2,114,819 Sept. 5. The parts will be produced in Liberty, S.C. and the five year ordering period will be completed in Sept. 2013. The contract number is H92222-08-D-0005.
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