American Forces Press Service
Dec. 29, 2008 - Coalition warships operating in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force 150 have seized more than 20 tons of narcotics since October, with an estimated value of more than $100 million, officials said. CTF 150, also tasked with conducting counter-piracy operations, is part of a continual presence in the region committed to creating and maintaining a lawful maritime order.
The task force has seized more than 53 tons of narcotics during 2008, officials said. The drugs, seized by U.S. and Royal Navy forces, otherwise could have been used to help fund the insurgency fighting coalition forces in Afghanistan and contributed to instability in the region, officials said.
"The seizure of these drugs cuts off a vital lifeline of funds to those conducting destabilizing activities in the region," said Royal Navy Commodore Tim Lowe, deputy commander of Combined Maritime Forces. "By stemming the flow of these drugs, we play a crucial role in providing security and stability to the entire region."
Sailors discovered hidden drugs in vessels operating along the so-called "Hash Highway." They destroyed large quantities of narcotics, but always ensured sufficient evidence was gathered to aid in subsequent investigations by local authorities after the drug smugglers were handed over for prosecution, officials said.
"The smugglers need to know there are consequences for their actions," Lowe said. "By aggressively patrolling these waters, we send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here, and we won't tolerate drug trafficking in international waters."
CTF 150 is a multinational task force that conducts maritime security operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
(From a Combined Maritime Forces news release.)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Face of Defense: Amputee Earns Commission Through Army ROTC
By Paul Kotakis
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 29, 2008 - The blast of a roadside bomb in Iraq's Sunni Triangle resulted in the amputation of a portion of Richard Ingram's left arm, but it did not rob him of his dream of becoming an Army officer. Ingram's dream became a reality Dec. 13 when he graduated from North Georgia College and State University and became a second lieutenant.
"I am extremely proud to have earned a commission through the Army ROTC program at North Georgia College, and I look forward to serving as an Army officer," Ingram said. "I didn't decide to do this just to get a slap on the back. I want to be an inspiration to others who were wounded."
He is the first individual with such severe combat injuries suffered during the global war on terrorism to earn a commission through the Army ROTC program, military officials said.
"I was honored to attend the ceremony at which this outstanding young man became an officer," Maj. Gen. Arthur M. Bartell, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, said. "He has already assembled a remarkable record of achievement, both as a combat veteran and as a ROTC cadet."
The LaGrange, Ga., native was serving with the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team as a cavalry scout in June 2005 when his tactical vehicle was struck by an explosive device and rolled several times.
"I didn't think there was any way I was going to live through it when the truck started rolling," Ingram said. "But it was clear that I hadn't fulfilled my purpose in this life. Even though I was hurt, I knew I'd get to keep doing the things I love so much. I was being given another chance at life."
Ingram recovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he received physical therapy and was fitted for a prosthetic device.
"The care that I got at Walter Reed was great," Ingram said. "But after a while I knew that it was time to get back to North Georgia College and get on with my life and my education." He returned to classes at the school he had left when his National Guard unit was activated.
Ingram also returned to the Army ROTC program, where he quickly showed that despite the wounds sustained in combat he was still in excellent physical condition. After successfully completing the Leadership Development and Assessment Course -- the Army ROTC training event conducted annually in Fort Lewis, Wash. -- it was clear that Ingram was capable of carrying out the demanding duties of an Army officer.
"Lieutenant Ingram demonstrated throughout his time in ROTC that he was more than capable -- both physically and mentally -- to be a highly effective leader in our Army," Army Col. Michael Pyott, professor of military science at North Georgia College, said.
"Once you spend time observing Richard, you forget that he has a physical disability," he continued. "He can run faster and do more physical training than most cadets. He will do an outstanding job leading troops in combat, and I know he will succeed in his goal to attend Airborne, Sapper and Ranger training."
While a full-time student at North Georgia and an Army ROTC cadet, Ingram also served as an intern for U.S. Sen. John Douglas of Georgia, chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
"I was impressed with his determination and effort to rehabilitate himself," Douglas said.
(Paul Kotakis works in the U.S. Army Cadet Command public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 29, 2008 - The blast of a roadside bomb in Iraq's Sunni Triangle resulted in the amputation of a portion of Richard Ingram's left arm, but it did not rob him of his dream of becoming an Army officer. Ingram's dream became a reality Dec. 13 when he graduated from North Georgia College and State University and became a second lieutenant.
"I am extremely proud to have earned a commission through the Army ROTC program at North Georgia College, and I look forward to serving as an Army officer," Ingram said. "I didn't decide to do this just to get a slap on the back. I want to be an inspiration to others who were wounded."
He is the first individual with such severe combat injuries suffered during the global war on terrorism to earn a commission through the Army ROTC program, military officials said.
"I was honored to attend the ceremony at which this outstanding young man became an officer," Maj. Gen. Arthur M. Bartell, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, said. "He has already assembled a remarkable record of achievement, both as a combat veteran and as a ROTC cadet."
The LaGrange, Ga., native was serving with the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team as a cavalry scout in June 2005 when his tactical vehicle was struck by an explosive device and rolled several times.
"I didn't think there was any way I was going to live through it when the truck started rolling," Ingram said. "But it was clear that I hadn't fulfilled my purpose in this life. Even though I was hurt, I knew I'd get to keep doing the things I love so much. I was being given another chance at life."
Ingram recovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he received physical therapy and was fitted for a prosthetic device.
"The care that I got at Walter Reed was great," Ingram said. "But after a while I knew that it was time to get back to North Georgia College and get on with my life and my education." He returned to classes at the school he had left when his National Guard unit was activated.
Ingram also returned to the Army ROTC program, where he quickly showed that despite the wounds sustained in combat he was still in excellent physical condition. After successfully completing the Leadership Development and Assessment Course -- the Army ROTC training event conducted annually in Fort Lewis, Wash. -- it was clear that Ingram was capable of carrying out the demanding duties of an Army officer.
"Lieutenant Ingram demonstrated throughout his time in ROTC that he was more than capable -- both physically and mentally -- to be a highly effective leader in our Army," Army Col. Michael Pyott, professor of military science at North Georgia College, said.
"Once you spend time observing Richard, you forget that he has a physical disability," he continued. "He can run faster and do more physical training than most cadets. He will do an outstanding job leading troops in combat, and I know he will succeed in his goal to attend Airborne, Sapper and Ranger training."
While a full-time student at North Georgia and an Army ROTC cadet, Ingram also served as an intern for U.S. Sen. John Douglas of Georgia, chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
"I was impressed with his determination and effort to rehabilitate himself," Douglas said.
(Paul Kotakis works in the U.S. Army Cadet Command public affairs office.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 29, 2008
NAVY
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $221,690,616 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-07-C-0060) to exercise options to procure 96 MV-22 and CV-22 AE1107C engines, and 1-year of support services. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. 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.
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $55,000,000 cost no fee, indefinite delivery, indefinitely quantity contract to provide for ship classification and classification-related services to be performed by the ABS (a congressionally recognized agent of the Government) for surface ships and craft being procured and maintained during their lifecycle by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The ABS classification process using Naval Vessel Rules (NVR) forms the core of the certification process for surface ships procured by NAVSEA. New construction contracts require the ships to be designed and constructed in accordance with ABS Rules for Building and Classing Naval Vessels, and other referenced ABS Rules and Guides as necessary to comply with the designated class notations. Approximately 46 percent of the services will be performed in support of new construction DDG ships in Bath, Maine, Pascagoula, Miss. and Gulf Port, Miss. and approximately 46 percent in support of future LCS new construction ships in locations to be determined. The remaining 8 percent of services will be performed in Norfolk, Va., San Diego, Calif. and various worldwide points as specified in task orders to be issued, and work is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity. (N00024-09-D-4208)
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $17,961,266 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract (N00019-06-C-0308) to exercise an option for maintenance services in support of for the Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Program under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Kuwait (90 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 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.
Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla. is being awarded a $15,609,350 firm fixed price contract for one first article Machinery Control System shipset, two additional MCS shipsets, and one Testing and Validation System for the DDG-51 modernization efforts. The MCS is a Hull, Mechanical and Electrical upgrade and part of a comprehensive plan to modernize the DDG-51 Class to ensure the ships remain combat relevant and affordable throughout their life. The focus of the MCS upgrade is to automate many manual functions to reduce manning levels and watch stander requirements. This contract includes options and engineering services which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $51,500,000. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. and is expected to be completed by April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-4201).
DE Technologies, Inc, King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $6,907,641 cost plus fixed fee contract for the continued development of an offensive, directed-energy warhead for the compact rapid attack weapon. This project will develop technologies for a small diameter shaped charge warhead. Technologies include computational modeling and experimental investigation of shaped charge performance, and liner and shaped charge module design that is based on the computational and experimental results. Results delivered will include a shaped charge design and shaped charge liners to be inserted into a full-warhead development model. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pa., and work is expected to be completed June 20, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under the ONR Long Range Broad Agency Announcement for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology, BAA number 08-001 published on Sept 5, 2007. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-09-C-0037).
Air Force
The Air Force awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract to the Raytheon Co.,, McKinney, Texas for $27,337,466. This will authorize Raytheon to provide Contractor Logistics Support for the Multi-Spectral Targeting System for CY09. At this time, $4,053,991 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 009).
The Air Force awarded a firm fixed price contract to CDO, Dayton, Ohio; Green Tree Group, Beavercreek, Ohio; ITC, Dayton, Ohio; MacAulay-Brown, Inc., Dayton, Ohio and Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. Alexandria, Virginia for $9,800,000. This will authorize the five companies to provide senior consulting and specialized technical support for Archival, Corporate Development, Air and Weapons division, Space and Missile Division, Base Realignment and Closure, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Test, Organizational Process Analysis and Process Improvements, and Strategic Planning and Transformation Division. At this time, $1,169,700 has been obligated. ASC/AQZCA, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8622-09-8000).
The Air Force awarded a firm fixed price contract action to the Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington for $11,183,600. This will authorize Boeing to continue to provide Engineering Services to maintain and upgrade the Air Launched Cruise Missile/Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile. At this time, $4,490,754 has been obligated. 327 ACSG/PK, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma is the contracting activity (F34601-03-C-0042-P00117).
The Air Force awarded a contract to L-3 Communications Corp., Link Simulation and Training, Arlington, Texas for $68,205,604. This contract provides for Block 40/50 F-16 Mission Training Centers (MTCs), with options to buy up to 20 MTCs. At this time, $844,066 has been obligated. 677 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-09-C-6292).
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $221,690,616 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-07-C-0060) to exercise options to procure 96 MV-22 and CV-22 AE1107C engines, and 1-year of support services. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. 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.
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $55,000,000 cost no fee, indefinite delivery, indefinitely quantity contract to provide for ship classification and classification-related services to be performed by the ABS (a congressionally recognized agent of the Government) for surface ships and craft being procured and maintained during their lifecycle by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The ABS classification process using Naval Vessel Rules (NVR) forms the core of the certification process for surface ships procured by NAVSEA. New construction contracts require the ships to be designed and constructed in accordance with ABS Rules for Building and Classing Naval Vessels, and other referenced ABS Rules and Guides as necessary to comply with the designated class notations. Approximately 46 percent of the services will be performed in support of new construction DDG ships in Bath, Maine, Pascagoula, Miss. and Gulf Port, Miss. and approximately 46 percent in support of future LCS new construction ships in locations to be determined. The remaining 8 percent of services will be performed in Norfolk, Va., San Diego, Calif. and various worldwide points as specified in task orders to be issued, and work is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity. (N00024-09-D-4208)
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $17,961,266 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract (N00019-06-C-0308) to exercise an option for maintenance services in support of for the Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Program under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Kuwait (90 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 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.
Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla. is being awarded a $15,609,350 firm fixed price contract for one first article Machinery Control System shipset, two additional MCS shipsets, and one Testing and Validation System for the DDG-51 modernization efforts. The MCS is a Hull, Mechanical and Electrical upgrade and part of a comprehensive plan to modernize the DDG-51 Class to ensure the ships remain combat relevant and affordable throughout their life. The focus of the MCS upgrade is to automate many manual functions to reduce manning levels and watch stander requirements. This contract includes options and engineering services which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $51,500,000. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. and is expected to be completed by April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-4201).
DE Technologies, Inc, King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $6,907,641 cost plus fixed fee contract for the continued development of an offensive, directed-energy warhead for the compact rapid attack weapon. This project will develop technologies for a small diameter shaped charge warhead. Technologies include computational modeling and experimental investigation of shaped charge performance, and liner and shaped charge module design that is based on the computational and experimental results. Results delivered will include a shaped charge design and shaped charge liners to be inserted into a full-warhead development model. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pa., and work is expected to be completed June 20, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under the ONR Long Range Broad Agency Announcement for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology, BAA number 08-001 published on Sept 5, 2007. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-09-C-0037).
Air Force
The Air Force awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract to the Raytheon Co.,, McKinney, Texas for $27,337,466. This will authorize Raytheon to provide Contractor Logistics Support for the Multi-Spectral Targeting System for CY09. At this time, $4,053,991 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 009).
The Air Force awarded a firm fixed price contract to CDO, Dayton, Ohio; Green Tree Group, Beavercreek, Ohio; ITC, Dayton, Ohio; MacAulay-Brown, Inc., Dayton, Ohio and Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. Alexandria, Virginia for $9,800,000. This will authorize the five companies to provide senior consulting and specialized technical support for Archival, Corporate Development, Air and Weapons division, Space and Missile Division, Base Realignment and Closure, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Test, Organizational Process Analysis and Process Improvements, and Strategic Planning and Transformation Division. At this time, $1,169,700 has been obligated. ASC/AQZCA, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8622-09-8000).
The Air Force awarded a firm fixed price contract action to the Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington for $11,183,600. This will authorize Boeing to continue to provide Engineering Services to maintain and upgrade the Air Launched Cruise Missile/Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile. At this time, $4,490,754 has been obligated. 327 ACSG/PK, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma is the contracting activity (F34601-03-C-0042-P00117).
The Air Force awarded a contract to L-3 Communications Corp., Link Simulation and Training, Arlington, Texas for $68,205,604. This contract provides for Block 40/50 F-16 Mission Training Centers (MTCs), with options to buy up to 20 MTCs. At this time, $844,066 has been obligated. 677 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-09-C-6292).
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