Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:
Army Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Bolger is currently serving as commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division/commanding general, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Care Plan to Encompass More Military Families
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2010 - The Defense Department's family care plan policy will be expanded in the coming months to encompass a wider population of military parents, a defense legal expert said. The new policy will require military parents with custody of children from a previous relationship to file a family care plan, said Army Col. Shawn Shumake, director of the Pentagon's office of legal policy. The requirement already is in place for dual military couples and single parents with custody.
Family care plans are used to ensure dependents are cared for while the servicemember is away for an extended period of time, whether it's for training, a deployment or a remote assignment, Shumake explained. The document includes everything from designation of temporary guardianship to arrangements for financial and logistical support, including relocation and medical care.
While the family care plan always has been a required and useful planning tool for dual-military couples and single parents, the lack of inclusion of "blended" families represented a "gaping hole" in the policy, Shumake said, prompting the first policy update since 1992.
"What we're trying to do is put these servicemembers in the best possible position before they leave," he said.
In recent years, Shumake said, he has seen an increase in custody disputes involving blended families that mostly arose from a lack of prior coordination. The deploying parent may designate guardianship to the step-parent, for instance, only to have the biological parent intercede while the custodial parent is gone. And the biological parent has every right to custody of that child, he explained, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
This situation can put a deployed parent in a tough, stressful spot while far from home, he noted.
"The worst possible thing is when things come to a head while the servicemember is gone," Shumake said. "The servicemember is going to be overseas, and that biological parent is going to pop up and be able to walk away with that kid." Requiring servicemembers with a blended family to have a family care plan will lead to anticipating some of these potential problems early on, he said.
Shumake noted that although it's helpful, the family care plan isn't a legally binding document. But if it's prepared early enough, the servicemember generally would be able to take the plan to court and petition for a court order to enforce it.
Servicemembers who anticipate that they won't be able to reach an agreement with or trust the noncustodial, biological parent should visit their legal assistance office so they understand the legal ramifications of not involving the biological parent, Shumake advised.
The new policy also will address issues that affect all parents required to have a care plan. For instance, if a catastrophic circumstance arises –- a temporary guardian refusing to care for the child or getting into an accident and being unable to provide care, for example -- the new policy allows for a deployment deferment until the issue is resolved. Commanders also will be sensitive to those circumstances, Shumake said.
"It would shock me if there was any commander out there who would not allow a military parent the opportunity to deal with that and figure out a good response," he said. "We have no interest in ripping a servicemember away from a child and sending the servicemember to Iraq or Afghanistan. No commander is going to want that to happen."
In extreme cases, when the servicemember just can't piece together a family care plan, the commander has the option of separating the servicemember from service. "The commander needs to rely on his people and needs to know they'll be there," Shumake said.
The commanders also are tasked with advising servicemembers of the risks involved with designating a nonviable guardian or leaving a biological parent out of the equation, he explained. The new policy will outline this increased responsibility for commanders, he added.
Family care plans are extensive and can take some time to fill out, Shumake acknowledged, further underscoring the need to start well in advance of a departure. Legal assistance offices are a valuable resource for help with a plan, as well as Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com or Military Homefront at http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil.
For parents needing more extensive assistance, such as those seeking court orders to establish guardianship, Shumake advised they first check with their legal office for advice. Local legal offices can help to point them to free legal assistance, such as that offered through the American Bar Association's Military Pro Bono Project.
Above all, the aim is to avoid problems in the first place, Shumake said. "We want to mitigate or avoid the problems before they happen," he said. "Deployments are stressful enough without the added worry of care for your children back home."
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2010 - The Defense Department's family care plan policy will be expanded in the coming months to encompass a wider population of military parents, a defense legal expert said. The new policy will require military parents with custody of children from a previous relationship to file a family care plan, said Army Col. Shawn Shumake, director of the Pentagon's office of legal policy. The requirement already is in place for dual military couples and single parents with custody.
Family care plans are used to ensure dependents are cared for while the servicemember is away for an extended period of time, whether it's for training, a deployment or a remote assignment, Shumake explained. The document includes everything from designation of temporary guardianship to arrangements for financial and logistical support, including relocation and medical care.
While the family care plan always has been a required and useful planning tool for dual-military couples and single parents, the lack of inclusion of "blended" families represented a "gaping hole" in the policy, Shumake said, prompting the first policy update since 1992.
"What we're trying to do is put these servicemembers in the best possible position before they leave," he said.
In recent years, Shumake said, he has seen an increase in custody disputes involving blended families that mostly arose from a lack of prior coordination. The deploying parent may designate guardianship to the step-parent, for instance, only to have the biological parent intercede while the custodial parent is gone. And the biological parent has every right to custody of that child, he explained, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
This situation can put a deployed parent in a tough, stressful spot while far from home, he noted.
"The worst possible thing is when things come to a head while the servicemember is gone," Shumake said. "The servicemember is going to be overseas, and that biological parent is going to pop up and be able to walk away with that kid." Requiring servicemembers with a blended family to have a family care plan will lead to anticipating some of these potential problems early on, he said.
Shumake noted that although it's helpful, the family care plan isn't a legally binding document. But if it's prepared early enough, the servicemember generally would be able to take the plan to court and petition for a court order to enforce it.
Servicemembers who anticipate that they won't be able to reach an agreement with or trust the noncustodial, biological parent should visit their legal assistance office so they understand the legal ramifications of not involving the biological parent, Shumake advised.
The new policy also will address issues that affect all parents required to have a care plan. For instance, if a catastrophic circumstance arises –- a temporary guardian refusing to care for the child or getting into an accident and being unable to provide care, for example -- the new policy allows for a deployment deferment until the issue is resolved. Commanders also will be sensitive to those circumstances, Shumake said.
"It would shock me if there was any commander out there who would not allow a military parent the opportunity to deal with that and figure out a good response," he said. "We have no interest in ripping a servicemember away from a child and sending the servicemember to Iraq or Afghanistan. No commander is going to want that to happen."
In extreme cases, when the servicemember just can't piece together a family care plan, the commander has the option of separating the servicemember from service. "The commander needs to rely on his people and needs to know they'll be there," Shumake said.
The commanders also are tasked with advising servicemembers of the risks involved with designating a nonviable guardian or leaving a biological parent out of the equation, he explained. The new policy will outline this increased responsibility for commanders, he added.
Family care plans are extensive and can take some time to fill out, Shumake acknowledged, further underscoring the need to start well in advance of a departure. Legal assistance offices are a valuable resource for help with a plan, as well as Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com or Military Homefront at http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil.
For parents needing more extensive assistance, such as those seeking court orders to establish guardianship, Shumake advised they first check with their legal office for advice. Local legal offices can help to point them to free legal assistance, such as that offered through the American Bar Association's Military Pro Bono Project.
Above all, the aim is to avoid problems in the first place, Shumake said. "We want to mitigate or avoid the problems before they happen," he said. "Deployments are stressful enough without the added worry of care for your children back home."
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 15, 2010
NAVY
Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $178,262,162 modification to delivery order #0013 under previously awarded firm-fixed priced contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of 1,222 independent suspension system kits and aluminum catcher plates for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and the period of performance is expected to be completed by the end of March 2011. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $94,629,000 not-to-exceed advance acquisition contract for long lead materials and support associated with the manufacture and delivery of four low rate initial production Lot 3 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (32.6 percent); various locations within the United States (23.7 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (15.5 percent); Dallas, Texas (12.4 percent); Menlo Park, Calif. (9.8 percent); and Woodland Hills, Calif. (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0044).
L-3 Communications Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $37,490,848 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-09-C-0059) to exercise an option for the manufacture, test, and delivery of 11 AN/SRQ-4(Ku) radio terminal sets for ship small surface combatants and 51 AN/ARQ-59 RTSs for the MH-60R aircraft, including technical data. These upgraded Ku-band systems will extend existing Hawklink connectivity from small surface combatants to the aircraft carrier and increase data rates between MH-60R to surface combatants. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed in March 2013. 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.
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded an $18,853,530 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) to exercise an option for the procurement of 36 LAU-115D/A launchers and 82 LAU-116B/A launchers for the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. 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.
Maersk Line, Ltd, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded an $8,630,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a nine-month time charter of tanker MT Samho Moonstone, currently a foreign-flag vessel, which will be re-named and U.S.-flagged upon delivery to the government. The ship's primary mission is to move petroleum for the Department of Defense between ports in the Far East. This contract includes one 30-day option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $9,500,000. Work is expected to commence May 2010 and is expected to be completed within 270 calendar days or, if all options are exercised, within 300 calendar days. The contract is expected to be funded in fiscal year 2010 and funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with 11 offers received. Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N00033-10-C-5410).
Insitu, Inc., Bingen, Wash., is being awarded an $8,576,814 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of technical services in support of the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. In addition, this contract provides for six critical spare kits and nine SkyHook recovery system modifications. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $8,433,786 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-2. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0045).
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, is being awarded a $7,500,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5122) for the exercise of FY 10 options for performing as the platform system engineering agent for the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS). In the course of this effort, Raytheon will be responsible for the integration of complex war-fighting improvement - including components associated with the dual-band radar and Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 - into the modular SSDS. SSDS is a combat system that intends to integrate and coordinate all of the existing sensors and weapons systems aboard a ship. Raytheon will integrate, test, and provide certification support for the government-furnished equipment/information required for the CVN/amphibious ship combat system. Work will be performed in San Diego (90 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (2.5 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (2.5 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (2.5 percent); and Tucson, Ariz. (2.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Kaman Precision Products, Inc., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $46,253,422.83 contract modification which will provide a quantity of 12,994 joint programmable fuze systems. At this time, entire amount has been obligated. 679 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08626-98-C-0006, P00130).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $19,505,458 contract which provides an Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air-Missile system improvement program. At this time, the $2,770,000 has been obligated. 696 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-10-C-0105).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $20,355,914 contract which will provide secure collaborative technologies and cyber security to Air Mobility Command. At this time, $455,000 has been obligated. 55 Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded an $11,111,767 contract modification which will provide for systems development, integration, and verification phase of the P5 range instrumentation waveform. This waveform is in support of the F-22 and F-35 aircraft. At this time, $5,000,000 has been obligated. 689 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8678-05-C-0141).
ARMY
Global Strategies Group North America, Inc., Frederick, Md., was awarded on March 10, 2010, an $18,745,406 firm-fixed-price contract for 103 containerized kitchens and authorize stockage list spares. Work is to be performed in Fredrick, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-05-D-0004).
Bethel Services, Inc., Bethel, Ark., was awarded on March 10, 2010, an $18,119,555 firm-fixed-price contract for 19 cold weather kits. Work is to be performed in Bethel, Ark., with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Divison, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-05-C-0047).
Scott Reliance, JV, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on March 10, 2010, a $13,668,906 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an Army Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Joliet, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 3, 2012. Bids were posted on the World Wide Web with eleven bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0013).
Honeywell, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on March 10, 2010, a $7,342,153 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, funding Honeywell to design, develop, and deliver a demonstration of a gyroscope with a goal capability of absolute reference navigation in a compact, four diameter optically integrated gyro-head. Work is to be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (47 percent); Somerset, N.J. (19 percent); Pasadena, Calif. (17 percent); Glendale, Ariz. (16 percent); and King of Prussia, Pa. (1 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 7, 2010. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0019).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
MOOG, Inc., East Aurora, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $6,232,476 firm-fixed-price contract for V22 aircraft parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency, Philadelphia (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM4A1-06-G-0002-THA7).
Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $178,262,162 modification to delivery order #0013 under previously awarded firm-fixed priced contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of 1,222 independent suspension system kits and aluminum catcher plates for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and the period of performance is expected to be completed by the end of March 2011. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $94,629,000 not-to-exceed advance acquisition contract for long lead materials and support associated with the manufacture and delivery of four low rate initial production Lot 3 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (32.6 percent); various locations within the United States (23.7 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (15.5 percent); Dallas, Texas (12.4 percent); Menlo Park, Calif. (9.8 percent); and Woodland Hills, Calif. (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0044).
L-3 Communications Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $37,490,848 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-09-C-0059) to exercise an option for the manufacture, test, and delivery of 11 AN/SRQ-4(Ku) radio terminal sets for ship small surface combatants and 51 AN/ARQ-59 RTSs for the MH-60R aircraft, including technical data. These upgraded Ku-band systems will extend existing Hawklink connectivity from small surface combatants to the aircraft carrier and increase data rates between MH-60R to surface combatants. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed in March 2013. 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.
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded an $18,853,530 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) to exercise an option for the procurement of 36 LAU-115D/A launchers and 82 LAU-116B/A launchers for the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. 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.
Maersk Line, Ltd, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded an $8,630,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a nine-month time charter of tanker MT Samho Moonstone, currently a foreign-flag vessel, which will be re-named and U.S.-flagged upon delivery to the government. The ship's primary mission is to move petroleum for the Department of Defense between ports in the Far East. This contract includes one 30-day option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $9,500,000. Work is expected to commence May 2010 and is expected to be completed within 270 calendar days or, if all options are exercised, within 300 calendar days. The contract is expected to be funded in fiscal year 2010 and funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with 11 offers received. Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N00033-10-C-5410).
Insitu, Inc., Bingen, Wash., is being awarded an $8,576,814 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of technical services in support of the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. In addition, this contract provides for six critical spare kits and nine SkyHook recovery system modifications. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $8,433,786 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-2. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0045).
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, is being awarded a $7,500,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5122) for the exercise of FY 10 options for performing as the platform system engineering agent for the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS). In the course of this effort, Raytheon will be responsible for the integration of complex war-fighting improvement - including components associated with the dual-band radar and Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 - into the modular SSDS. SSDS is a combat system that intends to integrate and coordinate all of the existing sensors and weapons systems aboard a ship. Raytheon will integrate, test, and provide certification support for the government-furnished equipment/information required for the CVN/amphibious ship combat system. Work will be performed in San Diego (90 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (2.5 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (2.5 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (2.5 percent); and Tucson, Ariz. (2.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Kaman Precision Products, Inc., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $46,253,422.83 contract modification which will provide a quantity of 12,994 joint programmable fuze systems. At this time, entire amount has been obligated. 679 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08626-98-C-0006, P00130).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $19,505,458 contract which provides an Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air-Missile system improvement program. At this time, the $2,770,000 has been obligated. 696 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-10-C-0105).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $20,355,914 contract which will provide secure collaborative technologies and cyber security to Air Mobility Command. At this time, $455,000 has been obligated. 55 Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded an $11,111,767 contract modification which will provide for systems development, integration, and verification phase of the P5 range instrumentation waveform. This waveform is in support of the F-22 and F-35 aircraft. At this time, $5,000,000 has been obligated. 689 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8678-05-C-0141).
ARMY
Global Strategies Group North America, Inc., Frederick, Md., was awarded on March 10, 2010, an $18,745,406 firm-fixed-price contract for 103 containerized kitchens and authorize stockage list spares. Work is to be performed in Fredrick, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-05-D-0004).
Bethel Services, Inc., Bethel, Ark., was awarded on March 10, 2010, an $18,119,555 firm-fixed-price contract for 19 cold weather kits. Work is to be performed in Bethel, Ark., with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Divison, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-05-C-0047).
Scott Reliance, JV, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on March 10, 2010, a $13,668,906 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an Army Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Joliet, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 3, 2012. Bids were posted on the World Wide Web with eleven bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0013).
Honeywell, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on March 10, 2010, a $7,342,153 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, funding Honeywell to design, develop, and deliver a demonstration of a gyroscope with a goal capability of absolute reference navigation in a compact, four diameter optically integrated gyro-head. Work is to be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (47 percent); Somerset, N.J. (19 percent); Pasadena, Calif. (17 percent); Glendale, Ariz. (16 percent); and King of Prussia, Pa. (1 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 7, 2010. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0019).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
MOOG, Inc., East Aurora, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $6,232,476 firm-fixed-price contract for V22 aircraft parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency, Philadelphia (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM4A1-06-G-0002-THA7).
General Officer Assignments
Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz announced today the following assignment:
Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles W. Lyon, director, joint integration, Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to director, Air Component Coordination Element, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Air Combat Command, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid, Qatar, to director, joint integration, Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Randy A. Kee, vice commander, 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid, Qatar.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, deputy commander, political-military affairs, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command, Kabul, Afghanistan, to vice commander, 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Barbara J. Faulkenberry, commander, 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, Air Mobility Command, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., to deputy director for logistics, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Frederick H. Martin, deputy director for logistics, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, to commander, 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, Air Mobility Command, Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles W. Lyon, director, joint integration, Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to director, Air Component Coordination Element, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Air Combat Command, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid, Qatar, to director, joint integration, Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Randy A. Kee, vice commander, 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Al Udeid, Qatar.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, deputy commander, political-military affairs, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command, Kabul, Afghanistan, to vice commander, 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Barbara J. Faulkenberry, commander, 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, Air Mobility Command, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., to deputy director for logistics, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Frederick H. Martin, deputy director for logistics, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, to commander, 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, Air Mobility Command, Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
As Humanitarian Assistance Transitions, so Does U.S. Military
Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, Commander Joint Task Force Haiti
When an international humanitarian crisis occurs, the U.S. military is often called upon to be a first responder with its capacity to provide robust logistics, manpower resources and life saving aid. The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 caused one of the worst natural disasters any country has ever experienced. The response by the United States and the international community was and continues to be unprecedented. Two months have now passed, and the humanitarian situation today has transitioned from crisis response to one of sustained relief and long term recovery.
This transition has caused some to question whether the U.S. military’s presence is still required. I can tell you, without hesitation, the skills our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coastguardsmen and civilians bring to this humanitarian assistance mission are still useful. However, the U.S. military’s role should transition to other humanitarian and United Nation organizations for long-term relief and recovery.
The U.S. military’s role has evolved as the situation in Haiti has evolved. This occurs in every mission, and Haiti is no different. During the days immediately following the earthquake, the mission of the U.S. Joint Task Force – Haiti was to support the U.S. Government’s lead federal agency for providing humanitarian assistance, the United States Agency for International Development. Our mission was to save lives and provide security, when necessary, to support the delivery of water, food and medical care.
As the situation in Haiti evolved from emergency response to relief and recovery, the need for military support also transitioned. One example of this is the U.S. military partnering with the United Nation’s Coordination Support Council planning task force. This task force is chaired by the Government of Haiti and comprised of members from the UN, USAID, military and non-governmental organizations. One of its missions is the removal of debris from roadways and residential areas affected by the earthquake. The goal is to clear the debris from the roads and areas where homes once stood so the government can begin the recovery process, and families can return to their communities, reducing the need for settlement camps for displaced Haitians.
One skill set the U.S. military brings to the mission now is a complement of expert planners. Using the Military Decision Making Process or MDMP, we adapted a proven military planning process to fit the situation in Haiti. The result is a plan that meets the intent of the Government of Haiti and calls for moving or creating more space for displaced civilians living in overcrowded or flood-prone areas before the rainy season starts.
The UN, USAID and the hundreds of NGOs partnered with the Government of Haiti as they transition from emergency response to relief and recovery. They have years of experience addressing the wide spectrum of humanitarian needs and requirements for reconstruction and rebuilding. What the U.S. military brings to these types of interagency-run operations is years of experience in planning. It’s something we train our officers to do early on in their careers and this training is enhanced and reinforced as they progress through the ranks.
Today, the request for many of the skills the U.S. military provided in the days and weeks immediately following the earthquake have waned. As JTF-H forces begin to redeploy, there will be a transition of the remaining military requirements to the United States Southern Command’s (USSOUTHCOM) long-standing humanitarian assistance operations. These types of operations are already being planned for implementation in the coming months and will include medical assistance, construction of schools and emergency operation centers and development of hurricane preparation projects.
On behalf of all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen and civilians who have served and are currently serving here as part of Operation Unified Response, I am proud to have answered our nation’s call for such a noble mission. The people of Haiti are extremely grateful. When I look into the eyes of the children and see the smiles on their faces, I see both resilience and hope. When I see the poverty, the thousands of homeless living in make-shift settlements, and a shattered city, I see the challenges of a nation that needs the world’s assistance.
As the U.S. military’s role decreases, the U.S. Government’s commitment remains steadfast as USAID mobilizes its resources to the fullest and the UN, international community and hundreds of NGOs step forward to provide much needed assistance. While they do this, the light needs to keep shining on this Caribbean nation so hope can overcome the challenges faced by the people of Haiti.
When an international humanitarian crisis occurs, the U.S. military is often called upon to be a first responder with its capacity to provide robust logistics, manpower resources and life saving aid. The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 caused one of the worst natural disasters any country has ever experienced. The response by the United States and the international community was and continues to be unprecedented. Two months have now passed, and the humanitarian situation today has transitioned from crisis response to one of sustained relief and long term recovery.
This transition has caused some to question whether the U.S. military’s presence is still required. I can tell you, without hesitation, the skills our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coastguardsmen and civilians bring to this humanitarian assistance mission are still useful. However, the U.S. military’s role should transition to other humanitarian and United Nation organizations for long-term relief and recovery.
The U.S. military’s role has evolved as the situation in Haiti has evolved. This occurs in every mission, and Haiti is no different. During the days immediately following the earthquake, the mission of the U.S. Joint Task Force – Haiti was to support the U.S. Government’s lead federal agency for providing humanitarian assistance, the United States Agency for International Development. Our mission was to save lives and provide security, when necessary, to support the delivery of water, food and medical care.
As the situation in Haiti evolved from emergency response to relief and recovery, the need for military support also transitioned. One example of this is the U.S. military partnering with the United Nation’s Coordination Support Council planning task force. This task force is chaired by the Government of Haiti and comprised of members from the UN, USAID, military and non-governmental organizations. One of its missions is the removal of debris from roadways and residential areas affected by the earthquake. The goal is to clear the debris from the roads and areas where homes once stood so the government can begin the recovery process, and families can return to their communities, reducing the need for settlement camps for displaced Haitians.
One skill set the U.S. military brings to the mission now is a complement of expert planners. Using the Military Decision Making Process or MDMP, we adapted a proven military planning process to fit the situation in Haiti. The result is a plan that meets the intent of the Government of Haiti and calls for moving or creating more space for displaced civilians living in overcrowded or flood-prone areas before the rainy season starts.
The UN, USAID and the hundreds of NGOs partnered with the Government of Haiti as they transition from emergency response to relief and recovery. They have years of experience addressing the wide spectrum of humanitarian needs and requirements for reconstruction and rebuilding. What the U.S. military brings to these types of interagency-run operations is years of experience in planning. It’s something we train our officers to do early on in their careers and this training is enhanced and reinforced as they progress through the ranks.
Today, the request for many of the skills the U.S. military provided in the days and weeks immediately following the earthquake have waned. As JTF-H forces begin to redeploy, there will be a transition of the remaining military requirements to the United States Southern Command’s (USSOUTHCOM) long-standing humanitarian assistance operations. These types of operations are already being planned for implementation in the coming months and will include medical assistance, construction of schools and emergency operation centers and development of hurricane preparation projects.
On behalf of all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen and civilians who have served and are currently serving here as part of Operation Unified Response, I am proud to have answered our nation’s call for such a noble mission. The people of Haiti are extremely grateful. When I look into the eyes of the children and see the smiles on their faces, I see both resilience and hope. When I see the poverty, the thousands of homeless living in make-shift settlements, and a shattered city, I see the challenges of a nation that needs the world’s assistance.
As the U.S. military’s role decreases, the U.S. Government’s commitment remains steadfast as USAID mobilizes its resources to the fullest and the UN, international community and hundreds of NGOs step forward to provide much needed assistance. While they do this, the light needs to keep shining on this Caribbean nation so hope can overcome the challenges faced by the people of Haiti.
Flag Officer Announcement
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Duane D. Thiessen has been nominated for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific; commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Pacific; and commander, Marine Corps Bases Pacific. Thiessen is currently serving as the deputy commandant for programs and resources, Washington, DC.
Marine Corps Reserve Brig. Gen. Rex C. McMillian has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. McMillian is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Duane D. Thiessen has been nominated for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific; commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Pacific; and commander, Marine Corps Bases Pacific. Thiessen is currently serving as the deputy commandant for programs and resources, Washington, DC.
Marine Corps Reserve Brig. Gen. Rex C. McMillian has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. McMillian is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Somerset Man Pleads Guilty to Making Material False Statements to the Army
March 15, 2010 - NEWARK—A Somerset man pleaded guilty today to making false statements in documents he submitted for employment as a civilian for the United States Army at Fort Dix and Picatinny Arsenal, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Donald S. Breese, 37, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to a two-count Information that charges him with making materially false statements to the United States Army in separate applications for civilian employment at Fort Dix in 2004 and Picatinny Arsenal in 2007. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2010.
At his plea hearing, Breese admitted that he misled the Army into hiring him by falsely representing his qualifications. Specifically, Breese admitted that he falsely stated that he had earned a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University when, in fact, he had not. Breese also admitted that he had falsely claimed he attended Navy Underwater Demolition School and Navy Advanced Surface Demolition School, and that he had served in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Calm, and Restore Hope. Breese admitted that he misled the Army and others into believing that he had been a Navy SEAL and a Department of Defense Police Officer and Special Agent. Further, Breese acknowledged that he had falsely stated that he was a special warfare corpsman, that he had trained with foreign weapons and munitions, and that he had served as a bomb technician for the Department of Defense Police. Breese also admitted that he had altered a genuine Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device School certification to make it appear to be his own in order to mislead the Army into believing that he had received required training for the position of Safety Occupational Health Specialist, at Picatinny Arsenal.
The charges to which Breese pleaded guilty carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each count. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Martini will consult the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges that take into account the severity and characteristics of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, if any, and other actors. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.
Fishman credited Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward, Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Christopher Fair, Criminal Investigators at the Department of Defense, Office of Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Criminal Investigator Donald K. Meyer and Director of Emergency Services Richard Karlsson, and the Fort Dix Police, under the direction of Acting Chief of Police at the time, Jack Warlow, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney André M. Espinosa of the Government Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Donald S. Breese, 37, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to a two-count Information that charges him with making materially false statements to the United States Army in separate applications for civilian employment at Fort Dix in 2004 and Picatinny Arsenal in 2007. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2010.
At his plea hearing, Breese admitted that he misled the Army into hiring him by falsely representing his qualifications. Specifically, Breese admitted that he falsely stated that he had earned a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University when, in fact, he had not. Breese also admitted that he had falsely claimed he attended Navy Underwater Demolition School and Navy Advanced Surface Demolition School, and that he had served in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Calm, and Restore Hope. Breese admitted that he misled the Army and others into believing that he had been a Navy SEAL and a Department of Defense Police Officer and Special Agent. Further, Breese acknowledged that he had falsely stated that he was a special warfare corpsman, that he had trained with foreign weapons and munitions, and that he had served as a bomb technician for the Department of Defense Police. Breese also admitted that he had altered a genuine Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device School certification to make it appear to be his own in order to mislead the Army into believing that he had received required training for the position of Safety Occupational Health Specialist, at Picatinny Arsenal.
The charges to which Breese pleaded guilty carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each count. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Martini will consult the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges that take into account the severity and characteristics of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, if any, and other actors. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.
Fishman credited Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward, Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Christopher Fair, Criminal Investigators at the Department of Defense, Office of Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Criminal Investigator Donald K. Meyer and Director of Emergency Services Richard Karlsson, and the Fort Dix Police, under the direction of Acting Chief of Police at the time, Jack Warlow, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney André M. Espinosa of the Government Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Norad Flight Exercise Planned For Washington, D.C.
North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct a three-day exercise, Falcon Virgo 10-06, beginning Tuesday and ending Thursday in the skies over the National Capital Region (Washington, D.C.). There will be two flights per night on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the first flight scheduled to take place between midnight until 2 a.m.EDT and the second between 4-6 a.m. EDT. There will be one flight on Thursday, which is scheduled between midnight and 2 a.m. EDT.
In the event of inclement weather, the exercise will take place the following day. People can expect to hear and see NORAD fighter aircraft, Civil Air Patrol aircraft, and Coast Guard helicopters as they participate in these exercises.
The exercise has been carefully planned and will be closely controlled to ensure NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command's response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.
For more information, please contact NORAD Public Affairs at 719-554-6889.
In the event of inclement weather, the exercise will take place the following day. People can expect to hear and see NORAD fighter aircraft, Civil Air Patrol aircraft, and Coast Guard helicopters as they participate in these exercises.
The exercise has been carefully planned and will be closely controlled to ensure NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command's response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.
For more information, please contact NORAD Public Affairs at 719-554-6889.
North Dakota Guard Mobilizes for Flood Duty
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2010 - The North Dakota National Guard will mobilize soldiers and airmen to begin flood operations for seven of the state's southeastern counties today and tomorrow. The Red River in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota is expected to crest about 20 feet above flood stage and three feet below last year's record crest by March 20.
The Guardsmen will serve in Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland counties. Some 300 to 400 Guardsmen will be mobilized "with boots on the ground" by tomorrow, said Air Force Col. Ronald Solberg, the North Dakota National Guard's emergency operations commander for Region 4, which includes those counties.
Working in 12-hour shifts, the Guardsmen will conduct a variety of flood-related missions, including traffic control, logistical and supply support, sandbagging and creating rows of barriers.
"Airmen and soldiers will begin traffic control points in Lisbon and Fargo today," Solberg said.
March 15, 2010 - The North Dakota National Guard will mobilize soldiers and airmen to begin flood operations for seven of the state's southeastern counties today and tomorrow. The Red River in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota is expected to crest about 20 feet above flood stage and three feet below last year's record crest by March 20.
The Guardsmen will serve in Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland counties. Some 300 to 400 Guardsmen will be mobilized "with boots on the ground" by tomorrow, said Air Force Col. Ronald Solberg, the North Dakota National Guard's emergency operations commander for Region 4, which includes those counties.
Working in 12-hour shifts, the Guardsmen will conduct a variety of flood-related missions, including traffic control, logistical and supply support, sandbagging and creating rows of barriers.
"Airmen and soldiers will begin traffic control points in Lisbon and Fargo today," Solberg said.
Navy WAVE, 91, Recalls Her Service
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2010 - As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the past generations that have served. One of those women, Dorothy Canty Forsberg, fondly referred to as "Dottie," celebrates her 91st birthday today, and she recently recalled her experiences in uniform. Dottie served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, known by the acronym, WAVES. She served in Washington for the Naval Headquarters in 1945, handling highly classified messages about the war to and from Navy Adm. Ernest J. King, who served as the ninth chief of naval operations from March 26, 1942 through Dec. 15, 1945.
Dottie entered the service in July 1941 as a commissioned officer, soon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Her first duty station was at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where she served as a communications officer. Her husband, Gordon Harrington, also a World War II veteran, said that during Dottie's time at Jacksonville, she'd also served as a "courier on occasion, and the side arms caused the guys to sing 'Pistol Packin' Mama,'" a song by Al Dexter and His Troopers that was popular in that era.
After her first assignment in Jacksonville, Dottie reported to Washington for what she called a busy and grueling assignment.
"There were eight other girls that were communicators," she said. "We worked eight hours on, eight hours off, eight hours on. It was a grueling, difficult job. Everything had to be in code. So I learned pretty fast how to get it set up and run the machines."
Serving in the military was her whole life, Dottie said. "Pearl Harbor made a big difference to us, to the whole country, not just to the women in the Navy," she explained.
From her time in service during World War II and beyond, Dottie always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. She recalled meeting Eleanor Roosevelt at a tea party hosted at Louisiana State University, and meeting her again during the war. Roosevelt had arrived an hour early to the tea function. "We were all so frantic, because she was early and we weren't ready," Dottie recalled.
During the flurry of preparation for the event, an accident ensued, and Dottie saw first-hand the first lady's generosity. "I was going in and out of the kitchen door. It was a swinging door. I don't know why Eleanor was in the kitchen," recalled Dottie, who was carrying a huge punch bowl for the crowd who soon would be drinking tea with the first lady.
"She came out of one side of the door, and I came through the other side, and the punch bowl fell on the marble floor and it shattered into pieces," said Dottie, noting she was highly upset by the experience.
After the punch bowl shattered, Roosevelt politely escorted Dottie back to her dorm room to calm her. Little did she know that this chance encounter would lead to follow-on meetings Roosevelt during and after the war.
"I was on a plane and spotted Eleanor, and she sat right next to me," she recalled. "We were landing in New Orleans, and she said to me 'I will never forget the time we broke the punch bowl,' and I had no idea that she remembered me."
After the war ended, Dottie continued to play pivotal roles in later WAVES functions. She led the WAVES contingent in the funeral procession for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who died April 12, 1945.
Harrington added that after the war, Dottie was recognized for her time in service and her contributions to the nation. He added that both Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and King presented Dottie with gifts which "were very publicly presented and had minimal monetary value, so it was clear they were personal recognitions of professional service," he said.
Harrington marveled that Eisenhower and King had sought out Dottie to present her with gifts to celebrate the end of the war.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
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