Marine Casualty
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/marine-casualty_24.html
Army Casualty
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/army-casualty_24.html
Army Casualty
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/army-casualty_532.html
Corruption in Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan
Since the inception of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2002, the United States government has privatized hundreds of functions that were conducted by military personnel in previous contingency operations and, in the process, has spent over $770 billion on private contractors.
Read On
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/corruption-in-wartime-contracting-in.html
U.S. Navy Destroyer Locates Pirated Vessel
The USS McFaul, a U.S. Navy Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, located the pirated M/V Iceberg I off the coast of Somalia with up to 50 pirates and more than 20 crew members on board.
Read On
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/us-navy-destroyer-locates-pirated.html
101st 'Currahee' Brigade Prepares for Afghanistan Deployment
For troops seeking the most realistic training experience possible before deploying to Afghanistan, most wouldn't expect to find it within the pine forests of western Louisiana. But here at the Joint Readiness Training Center, that's exactly what the 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team is realizing, as it goes through a rehearsal exercise designed to build on its strengths and identify any shortcomings before the deployment.
Read On
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/101st-currahee-brigade-prepares-for.html
Top Enlisted Airman Addresses Quality-of-Life Issues
As Air Force leaders work to improve the quality of life for airmen and their families, suicide prevention is among their top priorities, the service's top enlisted airman said. The suicide rate for all four services in 2009 was higher than the national average, defense officials said. The Air Force reported 41 suicides among active-duty airmen in 2009.
Read On
http://military-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-enlisted-airman-addresses-quality.html
National Missing Children’s Day, Tuesday, May 25, 2010
http://criminal-justice-online-courses.blogspot.com/2010/05/national-missing-childrens-day-tuesday.html
Museums Offer Free Admission to Military Families
Active duty servicemembers and their families will gain free access to hundreds of museums throughout the nation this summer, thanks to a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. More than 600 museums in 50 states and the District of Columbia have signed up so far to participate in Operation Appreciation: Blue Star Museums. The program offers active duty servicemembers -- including activated Guard and Reserve -- and up to five of their immediate family members free admission to participating museums from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Read On
http://military-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/museums-offer-free-admission-to.html
Robbery of U.S. Bank Branch in Bloomington
On Friday, May 21, 2010, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the US Bank located at 5149 West 9th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota, was robbed by a lone individual.
More Information
http://criminal-justice-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/robbery-of-us-bank-branch-in.html
Sea Services Release Naval Operations Concept 2010
http://military-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/sea-services-release-naval-operations.html
National Veterans Golden Age Games set to begin
Hundreds of veterans from around the nation are making their way to Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the 24th National Veterans Golden Age Games, the largest annual sports competition of its kind in the world. The events run from May 26 through 31.
http://military-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/national-veterans-golden-age-games-set.html
Mass fatality training integrates Air Guard recovery teams
One of the key functions of the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution was to develop and evaluate protocol for integration of Air National Guard Fatality Search and Recovery Teams May 10 at the Army Reserve Center/Jersey City Police Facility.
http://military-online.blogspot.com/2010/05/mass-fatality-training-integrates-air.html
Monday, May 24, 2010
Retirement Marks Marine Couple's 21-Year Careers
By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Claudio A. Martinez American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - After 21 years of service, Master Sgts. Richard and Sabrina Bryan ended their Marine Corps careers during a retirement ceremony at the parade deck here May 17. The Bryans spent nearly 10 of those 21 years of service together as husband and wife. Throughout deployments, military exercises and the stresses of military life, the Bryans have kept their family intact and are ready to move on.
"It's a lot of work, but in the end it's all worth it," Richard said. "I wouldn't change any of it for the world."
"This is the best time to retire," he said, noting the couple made the decision to retire together. Both Marines enlisted in 1989, and met in 1998 when both were stationed here. Richard, then Staff Sgt. Bryan, was working as the assistant mess hall manager when Sabrina, then Sgt. Owens, arrived on station.
"One day I was working in the mess hall and I just heard this loud voice that came in laughing all cheerful like," Richard recalled. "I was like, 'Who's that?'"
Richard made his way to Sabrina, who was sitting at a table.
"I was eating breakfast and he sat at my table and didn't say anything and I'm like, 'Who is this person?'" Sabrina recalled. "So eventually, after about five or ten minutes, he said, 'You are the one.'"
"And I'm like, 'What? What is wrong with you?'" she continued. "I've never seen him before and he's like, 'You're going to be my wife.'"
Although Sabrina refused to talk to him after their first encounter they began dating a few weeks later.
"He wouldn't quit," Sabrina said. "He just wouldn't quit." Richard said he took his example from the saying 'winners never quit and quitters never win.'
They married after two years of dating. The Bryans were then faced with the stresses of not only being married, but also with being deployed at different times throughout their military careers.Everyone from her husband to her youngest son to her mother, Sabrina said, pulled together as a family and worked together through the various deployments and military exercises they were faced with.
"Just as hard as you work at your job, you have to work in your home with your marriage and your family," Sabrina said. "If you're not ready to do that - and most people are not ready to do that before [age] twenty-five - don't do it."
The Bryans, along with their four children, now are ready to move on to new experiences and have chosen Douglasville, Ga., as their new home. Although looking to new horizons, Richard and Sabrina know their time in the Marine Corps will always stay with them.
"Once a Marine, always a Marine," Richard said. "I may not wear the uniform, but it's still going to be within me. After 21 years, you don't just walk away from it. It's going to be with you for a long time. That will never change."
May 24, 2010 - After 21 years of service, Master Sgts. Richard and Sabrina Bryan ended their Marine Corps careers during a retirement ceremony at the parade deck here May 17. The Bryans spent nearly 10 of those 21 years of service together as husband and wife. Throughout deployments, military exercises and the stresses of military life, the Bryans have kept their family intact and are ready to move on.
"It's a lot of work, but in the end it's all worth it," Richard said. "I wouldn't change any of it for the world."
"This is the best time to retire," he said, noting the couple made the decision to retire together. Both Marines enlisted in 1989, and met in 1998 when both were stationed here. Richard, then Staff Sgt. Bryan, was working as the assistant mess hall manager when Sabrina, then Sgt. Owens, arrived on station.
"One day I was working in the mess hall and I just heard this loud voice that came in laughing all cheerful like," Richard recalled. "I was like, 'Who's that?'"
Richard made his way to Sabrina, who was sitting at a table.
"I was eating breakfast and he sat at my table and didn't say anything and I'm like, 'Who is this person?'" Sabrina recalled. "So eventually, after about five or ten minutes, he said, 'You are the one.'"
"And I'm like, 'What? What is wrong with you?'" she continued. "I've never seen him before and he's like, 'You're going to be my wife.'"
Although Sabrina refused to talk to him after their first encounter they began dating a few weeks later.
"He wouldn't quit," Sabrina said. "He just wouldn't quit." Richard said he took his example from the saying 'winners never quit and quitters never win.'
They married after two years of dating. The Bryans were then faced with the stresses of not only being married, but also with being deployed at different times throughout their military careers.Everyone from her husband to her youngest son to her mother, Sabrina said, pulled together as a family and worked together through the various deployments and military exercises they were faced with.
"Just as hard as you work at your job, you have to work in your home with your marriage and your family," Sabrina said. "If you're not ready to do that - and most people are not ready to do that before [age] twenty-five - don't do it."
The Bryans, along with their four children, now are ready to move on to new experiences and have chosen Douglasville, Ga., as their new home. Although looking to new horizons, Richard and Sabrina know their time in the Marine Corps will always stay with them.
"Once a Marine, always a Marine," Richard said. "I may not wear the uniform, but it's still going to be within me. After 21 years, you don't just walk away from it. It's going to be with you for a long time. That will never change."
Mass fatality training integrates Air Guard recovery teams
by Master Sgt. Jerry Bynum
National Guard Bureau
5/24/2010 - JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AFNS) -- One of the key functions of the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution was to develop and evaluate protocol for integration of Air National Guard Fatality Search and Recovery Teams May 10 at the Army Reserve Center/Jersey City Police Facility.
"This partnership between the National Guard and the four state regions' medical examiners and coroners (offices) will allow the victims of a mass fatality (incident) to be recovered in a safe, respectful and dignified manner," said Col. Vyas Deshpande, the director of the ANG's manpower personnel and services directorate.
"The experience that will be gained here cannot be effectively trained during table-top exercises but require hands-on training and those lessons that will be learned by ANG Airmen and the local agencies involved will be critical when the time comes that we need to use these teams.
"This evolution of training is truly joint; local, state and federal agencies coming together to execute one mission," Colonel Deshpande said.
The event included officials the Air National Guard, Department of Homeland Security, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, along with numerous medical examiners, coroners, fire departments, law enforcement and other federal and local agencies from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
The joint training will ensure that local, state and federal agencies will be able to successfully execute their missions if called upon, exercise officials said.
The training evolution helps develop local and regional response plans that focus on responding to mass fatalities from terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
"The training is the future of integration for a mass fatality response between state and local entities and military mortuary affairs capabilities," said Mike Luke, a joint mortuary affairs officer for U.S. Northern Command.
Through national assessments, NORTHCOM officials recognized a gap in the recovery capability of remains after a catastrophic event.
"As the principal combatant command responsible for coordinating military assistance during domestic operations, the NORTHCOM Joint Mortuary Affairs Office staff believes the FSRTs to be a 'core' capability for the recovery of remains during a mass fatality event," Mr. Luke said.
Air Guard officials worked with the Fatality Management Operation Branch for the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution and assisted with conditional operations development for future integration of the FSRT teams.
The 24th Civil Support Team from the New York National Guard provided performed initial reconnaissance duties, cleared simulated hazards, tested atmospheric conditions and performed site characterization.
Three FSRTs were assembled from ANG force support squadron members from across the country. They were assigned to work with the investigation cells to recover simulated human remains.
The ANG medical elements partnered with emergency medical technicians from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to ensure all members who suited up in personal protective gear and others were safe.
Additional members from ANG FSRTs were present as observers to ensure their training back at home station will be as realistic and current as possible.
"One of the key short-term benefits resulting from this evolution of training is these are probably the players that would respond in a real-world situation," said Frank DePaolo, director of operations for New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Mr. DePaolo said the only way to ensure a "proof of concept" for a regional mass fatality plan was to bring all the organizations together. "There will need to be a tremendous amount of support required by the federal government, particularly the ANG," he said. "This training evolution gave us the capability to integrate as one team."
National Guard Bureau
5/24/2010 - JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AFNS) -- One of the key functions of the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution was to develop and evaluate protocol for integration of Air National Guard Fatality Search and Recovery Teams May 10 at the Army Reserve Center/Jersey City Police Facility.
"This partnership between the National Guard and the four state regions' medical examiners and coroners (offices) will allow the victims of a mass fatality (incident) to be recovered in a safe, respectful and dignified manner," said Col. Vyas Deshpande, the director of the ANG's manpower personnel and services directorate.
"The experience that will be gained here cannot be effectively trained during table-top exercises but require hands-on training and those lessons that will be learned by ANG Airmen and the local agencies involved will be critical when the time comes that we need to use these teams.
"This evolution of training is truly joint; local, state and federal agencies coming together to execute one mission," Colonel Deshpande said.
The event included officials the Air National Guard, Department of Homeland Security, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, along with numerous medical examiners, coroners, fire departments, law enforcement and other federal and local agencies from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
The joint training will ensure that local, state and federal agencies will be able to successfully execute their missions if called upon, exercise officials said.
The training evolution helps develop local and regional response plans that focus on responding to mass fatalities from terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
"The training is the future of integration for a mass fatality response between state and local entities and military mortuary affairs capabilities," said Mike Luke, a joint mortuary affairs officer for U.S. Northern Command.
Through national assessments, NORTHCOM officials recognized a gap in the recovery capability of remains after a catastrophic event.
"As the principal combatant command responsible for coordinating military assistance during domestic operations, the NORTHCOM Joint Mortuary Affairs Office staff believes the FSRTs to be a 'core' capability for the recovery of remains during a mass fatality event," Mr. Luke said.
Air Guard officials worked with the Fatality Management Operation Branch for the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution and assisted with conditional operations development for future integration of the FSRT teams.
The 24th Civil Support Team from the New York National Guard provided performed initial reconnaissance duties, cleared simulated hazards, tested atmospheric conditions and performed site characterization.
Three FSRTs were assembled from ANG force support squadron members from across the country. They were assigned to work with the investigation cells to recover simulated human remains.
The ANG medical elements partnered with emergency medical technicians from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to ensure all members who suited up in personal protective gear and others were safe.
Additional members from ANG FSRTs were present as observers to ensure their training back at home station will be as realistic and current as possible.
"One of the key short-term benefits resulting from this evolution of training is these are probably the players that would respond in a real-world situation," said Frank DePaolo, director of operations for New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Mr. DePaolo said the only way to ensure a "proof of concept" for a regional mass fatality plan was to bring all the organizations together. "There will need to be a tremendous amount of support required by the federal government, particularly the ANG," he said. "This training evolution gave us the capability to integrate as one team."
National Veterans Golden Age Games set to begin
5/24/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Hundreds of veterans from around the nation are making their way to Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the 24th National Veterans Golden Age Games, the largest annual sports competition of its kind in the world. The events run from May 26 through 31.
"This extraordinary event is a true testament to the competitive spirit and will of our nation's veterans," said John R. Gingrich, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs, who will attend the game's opening ceremonies. "I am thrilled that this premier sporting event for senior veterans is being held in Des Moines this year, the heartland of America. I know our competitors will again demonstrate that age is not a deterrent to an active, rewarding life."
Also attending the games is VA Assistant Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth, who will give remarks at the closing ceremonies on May 31.
Events at the National Veterans Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a VA medical facility. The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, cycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot-put.
The games are designed to improve the quality of life for older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Through a partnership with the National Senior Games Association, which is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the event serves as a qualifier for participants in the National Senior Games, which take place every two years.
The Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the Veterans Canteen Service. This year's event is hosted by the VA Central Iowa Healthcare System in Des Moines and the Sierra Pacific Healthcare System in Mare Island, Calif.
"Help Hospitalized Veterans is extremely proud to again serve as a national co-sponsor of the games," said Mike Lynch, HHV president and CEO. "The Golden Age Games are an example of VA's commitment to cutting edge rehabilitative techniques through sports and social medicine. Veterans who participate have life-changing experiences, which will enhance their wellness and quality of life."
"The Golden Age Games have proven to be an event promoting the health of older veterans, unmatched by any other," said Marilyn Iverson, director of the Veterans Canteen Service. "The athletes who participate demonstrate the spirit of competition, friendship and a commitment to an active, rewarding lifestyle. This spirit not only helps to prevent illness, it strengthens the heart and rejuvenates the soul of all who witness and attend this inspiring event."
The majority of the competitive events for the Golden Age Games will be held at Hy-Vee Hall, with opening and closing ceremonies taking place at Veterans Memorial Arena. The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on May 26. The competition commences with golf on May 27 at Blank Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on May 31 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Taking place over the Memorial Day holiday weekend this year, the Games present an excellent opportunity to remember the contributions of America's older veterans. Click here for more information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
"This extraordinary event is a true testament to the competitive spirit and will of our nation's veterans," said John R. Gingrich, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs, who will attend the game's opening ceremonies. "I am thrilled that this premier sporting event for senior veterans is being held in Des Moines this year, the heartland of America. I know our competitors will again demonstrate that age is not a deterrent to an active, rewarding life."
Also attending the games is VA Assistant Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth, who will give remarks at the closing ceremonies on May 31.
Events at the National Veterans Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a VA medical facility. The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, cycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot-put.
The games are designed to improve the quality of life for older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Through a partnership with the National Senior Games Association, which is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the event serves as a qualifier for participants in the National Senior Games, which take place every two years.
The Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the Veterans Canteen Service. This year's event is hosted by the VA Central Iowa Healthcare System in Des Moines and the Sierra Pacific Healthcare System in Mare Island, Calif.
"Help Hospitalized Veterans is extremely proud to again serve as a national co-sponsor of the games," said Mike Lynch, HHV president and CEO. "The Golden Age Games are an example of VA's commitment to cutting edge rehabilitative techniques through sports and social medicine. Veterans who participate have life-changing experiences, which will enhance their wellness and quality of life."
"The Golden Age Games have proven to be an event promoting the health of older veterans, unmatched by any other," said Marilyn Iverson, director of the Veterans Canteen Service. "The athletes who participate demonstrate the spirit of competition, friendship and a commitment to an active, rewarding lifestyle. This spirit not only helps to prevent illness, it strengthens the heart and rejuvenates the soul of all who witness and attend this inspiring event."
The majority of the competitive events for the Golden Age Games will be held at Hy-Vee Hall, with opening and closing ceremonies taking place at Veterans Memorial Arena. The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on May 26. The competition commences with golf on May 27 at Blank Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on May 31 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Taking place over the Memorial Day holiday weekend this year, the Games present an excellent opportunity to remember the contributions of America's older veterans. Click here for more information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
General Officer Assignment
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, for reappointment to the rank of general and assignment as commander, U. S Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Odierno is currently serving as commander, U.S. Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.
Utah dental team provides villagers reason to smile during African Lion '10
By Staff Sgt. Brock Jones
U.S. Marine Forces Africa
(5/21/10) -- The sounds and smells of a dentist's office can be off-putting to some, but for those who suffer from tooth pain, the sound of a high-speed dental drill is often music to their ears. The dental team of the 151st Expeditionary Medical Group of the Utah Air National Guard, provided just such music to hundreds of men, women and children in the villages of Manizla and Tafingult, two of the five towns in the Taroudant region of Morocco that the 151st EMG is scheduled to visit during the humanitarian and civil assistance (HCA) portion of Exercise African Lion 2010.
"With the help of the Moroccan dentists, we're seeing anybody who comes through and trying to do everything we can to help them out," said Lt. Col. Shannon Lawson of Erda, Utah, dentist and officer in charge of the 151st EMG's dental clinic. "We have the capability of restoring teeth so if they're not damaged in the nerve of the tooth, we can fix them up."
In addition to fixing cavities, Moroccan and U.S. dentists also had to remove dozens of teeth that were beyond the point of repair in the name of alleviating pain and discomfort.
"Our first edict is to not make (the patient) worse by what we do," said Lawson. "If it doesn't look like the tooth is going to get better, we don't want the patient to be in long-term pain so we have to take it out."
In order to provide the best care possible, the 151st EMG dental team requires both well-trained personnel and equipment specialized to allow dentists to work in austere conditions.
In addition to Lawson, the 151st EMG's dental team during African Lion '10 consists of Maj. Matthew Ghiz, dentist, Master Sgt. Roger Wervin, clinic noncommissioned officer in charge, Staff Sgt. Scott Peltier, biomedical equipment technician, Tech. Sgt. Christina Jaramillo, laboratory technician, and Senior Airman Brianne Wilkins, medic.
Jaramillo and Wilkes normally work in other medical sections but volunteered to help as dental assistants for African Lion 2010 in order that the dental section of the HCA be able to help more people during their short stay in Morocco.
"So we can help as many people as possible in the short amount of time we're here, they're bringing in medics (and others) to help with the dental side so that the dental hygienist can sterilize and get all the equipment prepared and keep everything flowing a little quicker so that we can do the most good," said Jaramillo. "It's always fun to learn something new. I'm happy to be here helping out."
Wervin was glad to have the extra help with the non-stop hustle of the dental clinic.
"Jaramillo and Wilkins volunteered to help us," said Wervin, who normally spends his time assisting one of the dentists. "They're doing a great job; their being here makes it possible for me to attend to other important things."
Those "other important things" included, among others, patient flow, dental tool sterilization, and ensuring equipment is working the way it should.
The dentistry equipment necessary to provide dental work in areas like Manizla and Tafingult requires a significant amount of time to set up, more than most other medical specialties that the 151st EMG provides.
With the help of Wervin and others, Peltier, a biomedical equipment technician with the 151st EMG, as well as a jack of all trades, was in charge of making sure the generator, air compressors and other equipment was set up properly and performed as needed during the long days.
Peltier said that the majority of his work comes both before and after the day's patients have come and gone, and that he helps in every way he can in between.
"I guess you could say that I'm willing to assist any and all with whatever they need," he said while taking newly-sterilized dental tools out of a steam autoclave.
With everything taken care of by both regular and volunteer dental staff, the Moroccan and American dentists were able to concentrate on alleviating mouth pain, which they were able to do effectively despite the difficulties that are always a part of working in out-of-the-way areas.
"The biggest difficulty is always going to be the language barrier, but we have our interpreters and the Moroccan staff we're working with to help with that," said Wervin, who has been to Morocco three times. He added that he enjoys the challenges associated with providing dental care to those who don't normally have access to it.
"I enjoy coming to Morocco for HCAs. Every time it's something new and exciting," he said.
When the dental team of the 151st EMG returns to Utah following African Lion 2010, they will have provided the sweet music of relief to many hundreds of Moroccans who came to them in pain and left their makeshift clinic with more of a reason to smile.
U.S. Marine Forces Africa
(5/21/10) -- The sounds and smells of a dentist's office can be off-putting to some, but for those who suffer from tooth pain, the sound of a high-speed dental drill is often music to their ears. The dental team of the 151st Expeditionary Medical Group of the Utah Air National Guard, provided just such music to hundreds of men, women and children in the villages of Manizla and Tafingult, two of the five towns in the Taroudant region of Morocco that the 151st EMG is scheduled to visit during the humanitarian and civil assistance (HCA) portion of Exercise African Lion 2010.
"With the help of the Moroccan dentists, we're seeing anybody who comes through and trying to do everything we can to help them out," said Lt. Col. Shannon Lawson of Erda, Utah, dentist and officer in charge of the 151st EMG's dental clinic. "We have the capability of restoring teeth so if they're not damaged in the nerve of the tooth, we can fix them up."
In addition to fixing cavities, Moroccan and U.S. dentists also had to remove dozens of teeth that were beyond the point of repair in the name of alleviating pain and discomfort.
"Our first edict is to not make (the patient) worse by what we do," said Lawson. "If it doesn't look like the tooth is going to get better, we don't want the patient to be in long-term pain so we have to take it out."
In order to provide the best care possible, the 151st EMG dental team requires both well-trained personnel and equipment specialized to allow dentists to work in austere conditions.
In addition to Lawson, the 151st EMG's dental team during African Lion '10 consists of Maj. Matthew Ghiz, dentist, Master Sgt. Roger Wervin, clinic noncommissioned officer in charge, Staff Sgt. Scott Peltier, biomedical equipment technician, Tech. Sgt. Christina Jaramillo, laboratory technician, and Senior Airman Brianne Wilkins, medic.
Jaramillo and Wilkes normally work in other medical sections but volunteered to help as dental assistants for African Lion 2010 in order that the dental section of the HCA be able to help more people during their short stay in Morocco.
"So we can help as many people as possible in the short amount of time we're here, they're bringing in medics (and others) to help with the dental side so that the dental hygienist can sterilize and get all the equipment prepared and keep everything flowing a little quicker so that we can do the most good," said Jaramillo. "It's always fun to learn something new. I'm happy to be here helping out."
Wervin was glad to have the extra help with the non-stop hustle of the dental clinic.
"Jaramillo and Wilkins volunteered to help us," said Wervin, who normally spends his time assisting one of the dentists. "They're doing a great job; their being here makes it possible for me to attend to other important things."
Those "other important things" included, among others, patient flow, dental tool sterilization, and ensuring equipment is working the way it should.
The dentistry equipment necessary to provide dental work in areas like Manizla and Tafingult requires a significant amount of time to set up, more than most other medical specialties that the 151st EMG provides.
With the help of Wervin and others, Peltier, a biomedical equipment technician with the 151st EMG, as well as a jack of all trades, was in charge of making sure the generator, air compressors and other equipment was set up properly and performed as needed during the long days.
Peltier said that the majority of his work comes both before and after the day's patients have come and gone, and that he helps in every way he can in between.
"I guess you could say that I'm willing to assist any and all with whatever they need," he said while taking newly-sterilized dental tools out of a steam autoclave.
With everything taken care of by both regular and volunteer dental staff, the Moroccan and American dentists were able to concentrate on alleviating mouth pain, which they were able to do effectively despite the difficulties that are always a part of working in out-of-the-way areas.
"The biggest difficulty is always going to be the language barrier, but we have our interpreters and the Moroccan staff we're working with to help with that," said Wervin, who has been to Morocco three times. He added that he enjoys the challenges associated with providing dental care to those who don't normally have access to it.
"I enjoy coming to Morocco for HCAs. Every time it's something new and exciting," he said.
When the dental team of the 151st EMG returns to Utah following African Lion 2010, they will have provided the sweet music of relief to many hundreds of Moroccans who came to them in pain and left their makeshift clinic with more of a reason to smile.
General Officer Assignments
May 24, 2010 - The Chief of Staff, Army announced today the following assignments:
Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, to commandant, U. S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa. He most recently served as commanding general, U. S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, and Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Reserve Brig. Gen. Lawrence W. Brock III, commander, 359th Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga., to deputy chief of staff, C-6, Coalition Forces Land Component Command/commander, 335th Theater Signal Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.
Brig. Gen. Heidi V. Brown, deputy commanding general (sustainment), I Corps and Fort Lewis, Fort Lewis, Wash., to director of integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, deputy commanding general, U. S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Monroe, Va., to deputy director of Operations and Facilities Headquarters, Installation Management Command, San Antonio, Texas.
Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, to commandant, U. S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa. He most recently served as commanding general, U. S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, and Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Reserve Brig. Gen. Lawrence W. Brock III, commander, 359th Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga., to deputy chief of staff, C-6, Coalition Forces Land Component Command/commander, 335th Theater Signal Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.
Brig. Gen. Heidi V. Brown, deputy commanding general (sustainment), I Corps and Fort Lewis, Fort Lewis, Wash., to director of integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, deputy commanding general, U. S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Monroe, Va., to deputy director of Operations and Facilities Headquarters, Installation Management Command, San Antonio, Texas.
Sea Services Release Naval Operations Concept 2010
NOC 10 describes the ways with which the sea services will achieve the ends articulated in the Maritime Strategy, signed in October 2007.
"The Naval Operations Concept charts more precisely how our naval forces can and do put into motion our Maritime Strategy," said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. "Free from territorial boundaries, naval forces can responsively maneuver to meet global needs and challenges when and where they happen."
NOC 10 states who the naval forces are, what they believe, where they operate, what they provide the nation, and what capabilities they employ to meet the demands of a complex, evolving security environment. NOC also describes how naval forces use the sea as maneuver space and are employed across the range of military operations.
NOC 10 recognizes that naval forces continuously operate forward—and surge additional forces when necessary—to influence adversaries and project power.
Child Development Centers in the Works on Coronado
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
May 24, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base Coronado will receive new additions to the base family including three child development centers (CDC) that will provide more convenient childcare locations for personnel stationed on Coronado.
One of the CDCs being built at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), located on Coronado, will be the only facility on the West Coast open 24 hours, offering around-the-clock service for single- and dual-military shift working parents, and those supporting overseas contingency operations.
The other two facilities, being constructed at NASNI and Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, will be regular-hours facilities.
"Having a CDC on NAB and NASNI allows us to offer a new level of service to our Sailors and their families," said Capt. Yancy B. Lindsey, Naval Base Coronado commanding officer. "The convenient locations, quality of care and flexible schedule help service members focus on their work, knowing their children are receiving the best care possible."
There are currently six CDCs in the San Diego metro area, including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Medical Center, and Murphy Canyon housing area, all of which can be out of the way for personnel stationed at Naval Base Coronado.
"Our new CDCs are not only comfortable, safe and attractive facilities, they will be conveniently located for parents assigned to or working on Naval Air Station North Island and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado," said Kathy Flynn, a San Diego-based childcare manager with the Navy's Child Development Program. "Our Sailors will be better able to do their jobs knowing their children are safe and close by."
"Having a CDC on base is going to be great," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Nakia Levenberry, assigned to NAB Coronado. "I won't have to worry about being late to pick my son up due to traffic issues, and in case of an emergency I won't have to travel far to get to him. I also have the comfort of knowing he's close enough for me to check on during the day."
The decision to build the CDCs on Coronado was based on the demand and the available space to build.
"With more than 140 tenant commands and a growing Sailor population, NASNI and NAB were prime locations for CDCs," Lindsey said. "These centers will be convenient to all Sailors who work on these installations. In addition, the ready availability of real estate streamlined site approval and construction, which brings the centers into operation more quickly than off-base sites."
The regular-hours CDC on North Island is scheduled to be completed July 2010. The 24-hour facility is set to be finished October 2010, and the CDC on NAB Coronado is expected to have a January 2011 completion date, bringing the Navy's childcare program closer to home for personnel in San Diego.
"It is truly a top-notch service at a good price and indicative of the services the Navy seeks to offer its members and their families to improve quality of life and quality of service," Lindsey said. "In the end, Sailors will spend more time with their children."
May 24, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base Coronado will receive new additions to the base family including three child development centers (CDC) that will provide more convenient childcare locations for personnel stationed on Coronado.
One of the CDCs being built at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), located on Coronado, will be the only facility on the West Coast open 24 hours, offering around-the-clock service for single- and dual-military shift working parents, and those supporting overseas contingency operations.
The other two facilities, being constructed at NASNI and Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, will be regular-hours facilities.
"Having a CDC on NAB and NASNI allows us to offer a new level of service to our Sailors and their families," said Capt. Yancy B. Lindsey, Naval Base Coronado commanding officer. "The convenient locations, quality of care and flexible schedule help service members focus on their work, knowing their children are receiving the best care possible."
There are currently six CDCs in the San Diego metro area, including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Medical Center, and Murphy Canyon housing area, all of which can be out of the way for personnel stationed at Naval Base Coronado.
"Our new CDCs are not only comfortable, safe and attractive facilities, they will be conveniently located for parents assigned to or working on Naval Air Station North Island and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado," said Kathy Flynn, a San Diego-based childcare manager with the Navy's Child Development Program. "Our Sailors will be better able to do their jobs knowing their children are safe and close by."
"Having a CDC on base is going to be great," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Nakia Levenberry, assigned to NAB Coronado. "I won't have to worry about being late to pick my son up due to traffic issues, and in case of an emergency I won't have to travel far to get to him. I also have the comfort of knowing he's close enough for me to check on during the day."
The decision to build the CDCs on Coronado was based on the demand and the available space to build.
"With more than 140 tenant commands and a growing Sailor population, NASNI and NAB were prime locations for CDCs," Lindsey said. "These centers will be convenient to all Sailors who work on these installations. In addition, the ready availability of real estate streamlined site approval and construction, which brings the centers into operation more quickly than off-base sites."
The regular-hours CDC on North Island is scheduled to be completed July 2010. The 24-hour facility is set to be finished October 2010, and the CDC on NAB Coronado is expected to have a January 2011 completion date, bringing the Navy's childcare program closer to home for personnel in San Diego.
"It is truly a top-notch service at a good price and indicative of the services the Navy seeks to offer its members and their families to improve quality of life and quality of service," Lindsey said. "In the end, Sailors will spend more time with their children."
Museums Offer Free Admission to Military Families
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - Active duty servicemembers and their families will gain free access to hundreds of museums throughout the nation this summer, thanks to a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. More than 600 museums in 50 states and the District of Columbia have signed up so far to participate in Operation Appreciation: Blue Star Museums. The program offers active duty servicemembers -- including activated Guard and Reserve -- and up to five of their immediate family members free admission to participating museums from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
"The Blue Star Museums initiative is a tangible expression of appreciation to servicemembers and their families," said Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon's office of family policy, children and youth. "It warms our hearts to see how other federal agencies and local communities can think creatively to recognize their sacrifice and contribution to the nation."
People can visit http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index.php for a complete list of participating museums, which run the gamut from children's and fine arts to history and science museums. Participating museums include the Art Institute of Chicago, Dallas Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and all of New Mexico's 14 state-run museums and historic monuments.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for servicemembers and their families to enjoy the cultural experiences that might have otherwise been inaccessible because of cost," Thompson said. "We truly appreciate the generosity of the National Endowment for the Arts and the participating museums."
While admission is free of charge, some special or limited-time exhibits may not be included in the program, according to a Blue Star Museums news release. People should contact the museum directly for specifics.
"There have always been wonderful examples of partnerships between museums and military installations, but the scale of this gift from the museum community to military families is thrilling," Kathy Roth-Douquet, chairman of Blue Star Families, said in a news release. "Military families work hard for this country, and it is gratifying for us to be recognized for that.
"We anticipate that thousands of military families will participate in the program and visit museums this summer – many of them for the first time," she continued. "Blue Star Families will work hard to help our military families make the most of these opportunities."
A group of military spouses formed Blue Star Families in December 2008 to raise awareness of the challenges of military family life in partnership with civilian communities and leaders, according to the organization's website. The nonprofit group has grown to include spouses and families from all services and walks of life, including National Guard and Reserve, as well as veterans and civilians.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - Active duty servicemembers and their families will gain free access to hundreds of museums throughout the nation this summer, thanks to a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. More than 600 museums in 50 states and the District of Columbia have signed up so far to participate in Operation Appreciation: Blue Star Museums. The program offers active duty servicemembers -- including activated Guard and Reserve -- and up to five of their immediate family members free admission to participating museums from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
"The Blue Star Museums initiative is a tangible expression of appreciation to servicemembers and their families," said Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon's office of family policy, children and youth. "It warms our hearts to see how other federal agencies and local communities can think creatively to recognize their sacrifice and contribution to the nation."
People can visit http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index.php for a complete list of participating museums, which run the gamut from children's and fine arts to history and science museums. Participating museums include the Art Institute of Chicago, Dallas Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and all of New Mexico's 14 state-run museums and historic monuments.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for servicemembers and their families to enjoy the cultural experiences that might have otherwise been inaccessible because of cost," Thompson said. "We truly appreciate the generosity of the National Endowment for the Arts and the participating museums."
While admission is free of charge, some special or limited-time exhibits may not be included in the program, according to a Blue Star Museums news release. People should contact the museum directly for specifics.
"There have always been wonderful examples of partnerships between museums and military installations, but the scale of this gift from the museum community to military families is thrilling," Kathy Roth-Douquet, chairman of Blue Star Families, said in a news release. "Military families work hard for this country, and it is gratifying for us to be recognized for that.
"We anticipate that thousands of military families will participate in the program and visit museums this summer – many of them for the first time," she continued. "Blue Star Families will work hard to help our military families make the most of these opportunities."
A group of military spouses formed Blue Star Families in December 2008 to raise awareness of the challenges of military family life in partnership with civilian communities and leaders, according to the organization's website. The nonprofit group has grown to include spouses and families from all services and walks of life, including National Guard and Reserve, as well as veterans and civilians.
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 24, 2010
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Eagan, Minn. (N00039-10-D-0002); Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif. (N00039-10-D-0003); and General Dynamics One Source, LLC, Fairfax, Va. (N00039-10-D-0004), are each being awarded a $408,791,035 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for Common Afloat Local Area Network Infrastructure (CALI). The purpose of the CALI contracts is to procure shipboard network infrastructure and related engineering support services, mainly in the areas of production, engineering, and common computing environment components. The contracts also provide for engineering support services within these three main areas, to include: integrated logistics support; configuration management; test and evaluation; quality assurance; and installation support. Specific requirements will be defined in individual orders issued in a multiple award contract environment. These contracts include an optional ordering period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of each contract to an estimated $502,221,092. Work will be performed in Eagan, Minn., San Diego, Calif., and Fairfax, Va., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2014. If the optional ordering period is exercised, work could continue until May 31, 2018. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This requirement was solicited using full and open competition via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command e-Commerce and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with eight offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare System Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
AMSEC, LLC, Virginia Beach, Va. (N00189-10-D-0026), and Gryphon Technologies, Greenbelt, Md. (N00189-10-D-0028), are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee/firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contract to provide engineering, technical and maintenance services to accomplish aircraft carrier maintenance and modernization advance planning, work package development and integration, and work package execution. This contract includes a base period with four one-year option periods. For AMSEC, LLC, the base amount is $13,303,667 and the estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $73,429,123. For Gryphon Technologies, the base amount is $14,455,917 and the estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $79,633,045. Work is to be performed in Bremerton, Wash. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (20 percent); San Diego, Calif. (20 percent), and various other locations (50 percent). Work is expected to be complete May 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was awarded through full and open competition, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $6,416,336 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-00-C-5139) to exercise an option for life-cycle engineering and logistics support of the Aegis weapon system and Aegis combat system for in-service Aegis ships. Services include providing material, equipment, supplies and technical engineering required for integrated management, engineering and technical support. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be complete by June 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
American Valley Aviation, Inc.*, Orange Park, Fla., is being awarded a $5,525,128 firm-fixed-price contract for the refurbishment of wing and weapons bay pylons in support of the Pakistan Navy P-3 upgrade program. This contract provides for the refurbishment, modification and acquisition of digital stores management systems for seven P-3 aircraft. Work will be performed in Orange Park, Fla., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-4. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0244).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee modification with a total value of $182,619,337 under contract HQ0276-08-C-0001. Under this modification, Raytheon will continue systems engineering and development for Standard Missile-3. The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. The performance period for this work is from May 2010 through December 2010. Research, development, test and evaluation funding fiscal 2010 will be used to incrementally fund this effort in the amount of $56,219,559. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0276).
ARMY
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was awarded on May 20 a $138,997,388 firm-fixed-price contract to support the Army, Air Force and Navy requirements for fiscal 2010 production for the HYDRA-70, 2.75-inch rocket system. Work is to be performed in Burlington, Vt., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0190).
TIYA Support Services, LLC, Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on May 20 an $117,985,777 cost-plus-award-fee contract to support Fort Benning, located at Fort McPherson, Ga., with facility services through base closure and realignment. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2015. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids receive. Mission and Installation Contracting Command Center, Fort McPherson, Ga., is the contracting activity (W911SE-10-C-0010).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded on May 19 a $38,465,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for the issuance of modification #P00011 to contract W58RGZ-09-C-0153 for new contractor logistics support, performance-based logistics transition for the extended range multi-purpose unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Quick Reaction Capability 1, Quick Reaction Capability 1R, and Quick Reaction Capability 2, as well as a UAS training base in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in Adelanto, Calif. (34 percent); Hunt Valley, Md. (24 percent); Poway, Calif. (18 percent); Palmdale, Calif. (17 percent); and Salt Lake City, Utah. (7 percent). The estimated completion date is May 19, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0153).
Siemens Government Services, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded on May 20 a $22,263,062 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition in support of the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program for Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Work is to be performed in Redstone Arsenal., Ala., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2011. Ten bids were solicited with six bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Region Contracting Center ITEC4, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0026).
Archer Western Contractors, Ltd, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on May 20 a $21,836,234 firm-fixed-price contract for Recovery-Project No. 013398, "Tres Rios Environmental Restoration Project-Phase II In-Plant Secondary Effluent Pump Station, and Maricopa County, Ariz., 85353." Work is to be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with nine bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W312PL-10-C-0028).
Heckler and Koch Defense, Inc., Ashburn, Va., was awarded on May 19 a $13,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition of 5,400 M320A1 grenade launchers and 600 M320 grenade launchers. Work is to be performed in Oberndorf, Germany (50 percent), Columbus, Ga. (30 percent), and Ashburn, Va. (20 percent), with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Warren, CCTA-ASA, A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0025).
Siemens Government Services, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded on May 20 a $9,267,918 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition in support of the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program for Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Work is to be performed in Redstone Arsenal., Ala., with an estimated completion date of May 20. Ten bids were solicited with two bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Region Contracting Center ITEC4, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0025).
McTech Corp., Cleveland, Ohio, was awarded on May 20 a $6,114,123 firm-fixed-price contract to construct battalion headquarters at Fort Riley, Kan. Work is to be performed in Fort Riley, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 22, 2012. Four bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECT-NWK-M, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0026).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Foster-Caviness Co., Inc.*, Colfax, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $14,100,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for full-line fresh fruit and vegetable support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. Department of Agriculture school lunch participants. The original proposal was Web solicited with two responses. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-08-D-P002).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Eagan, Minn. (N00039-10-D-0002); Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif. (N00039-10-D-0003); and General Dynamics One Source, LLC, Fairfax, Va. (N00039-10-D-0004), are each being awarded a $408,791,035 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for Common Afloat Local Area Network Infrastructure (CALI). The purpose of the CALI contracts is to procure shipboard network infrastructure and related engineering support services, mainly in the areas of production, engineering, and common computing environment components. The contracts also provide for engineering support services within these three main areas, to include: integrated logistics support; configuration management; test and evaluation; quality assurance; and installation support. Specific requirements will be defined in individual orders issued in a multiple award contract environment. These contracts include an optional ordering period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of each contract to an estimated $502,221,092. Work will be performed in Eagan, Minn., San Diego, Calif., and Fairfax, Va., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2014. If the optional ordering period is exercised, work could continue until May 31, 2018. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This requirement was solicited using full and open competition via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command e-Commerce and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with eight offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare System Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
AMSEC, LLC, Virginia Beach, Va. (N00189-10-D-0026), and Gryphon Technologies, Greenbelt, Md. (N00189-10-D-0028), are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee/firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contract to provide engineering, technical and maintenance services to accomplish aircraft carrier maintenance and modernization advance planning, work package development and integration, and work package execution. This contract includes a base period with four one-year option periods. For AMSEC, LLC, the base amount is $13,303,667 and the estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $73,429,123. For Gryphon Technologies, the base amount is $14,455,917 and the estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $79,633,045. Work is to be performed in Bremerton, Wash. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (20 percent); San Diego, Calif. (20 percent), and various other locations (50 percent). Work is expected to be complete May 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was awarded through full and open competition, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $6,416,336 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-00-C-5139) to exercise an option for life-cycle engineering and logistics support of the Aegis weapon system and Aegis combat system for in-service Aegis ships. Services include providing material, equipment, supplies and technical engineering required for integrated management, engineering and technical support. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be complete by June 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
American Valley Aviation, Inc.*, Orange Park, Fla., is being awarded a $5,525,128 firm-fixed-price contract for the refurbishment of wing and weapons bay pylons in support of the Pakistan Navy P-3 upgrade program. This contract provides for the refurbishment, modification and acquisition of digital stores management systems for seven P-3 aircraft. Work will be performed in Orange Park, Fla., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-4. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0244).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee modification with a total value of $182,619,337 under contract HQ0276-08-C-0001. Under this modification, Raytheon will continue systems engineering and development for Standard Missile-3. The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. The performance period for this work is from May 2010 through December 2010. Research, development, test and evaluation funding fiscal 2010 will be used to incrementally fund this effort in the amount of $56,219,559. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0276).
ARMY
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was awarded on May 20 a $138,997,388 firm-fixed-price contract to support the Army, Air Force and Navy requirements for fiscal 2010 production for the HYDRA-70, 2.75-inch rocket system. Work is to be performed in Burlington, Vt., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0190).
TIYA Support Services, LLC, Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on May 20 an $117,985,777 cost-plus-award-fee contract to support Fort Benning, located at Fort McPherson, Ga., with facility services through base closure and realignment. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2015. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids receive. Mission and Installation Contracting Command Center, Fort McPherson, Ga., is the contracting activity (W911SE-10-C-0010).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded on May 19 a $38,465,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for the issuance of modification #P00011 to contract W58RGZ-09-C-0153 for new contractor logistics support, performance-based logistics transition for the extended range multi-purpose unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Quick Reaction Capability 1, Quick Reaction Capability 1R, and Quick Reaction Capability 2, as well as a UAS training base in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in Adelanto, Calif. (34 percent); Hunt Valley, Md. (24 percent); Poway, Calif. (18 percent); Palmdale, Calif. (17 percent); and Salt Lake City, Utah. (7 percent). The estimated completion date is May 19, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0153).
Siemens Government Services, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded on May 20 a $22,263,062 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition in support of the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program for Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Work is to be performed in Redstone Arsenal., Ala., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2011. Ten bids were solicited with six bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Region Contracting Center ITEC4, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0026).
Archer Western Contractors, Ltd, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on May 20 a $21,836,234 firm-fixed-price contract for Recovery-Project No. 013398, "Tres Rios Environmental Restoration Project-Phase II In-Plant Secondary Effluent Pump Station, and Maricopa County, Ariz., 85353." Work is to be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with nine bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W312PL-10-C-0028).
Heckler and Koch Defense, Inc., Ashburn, Va., was awarded on May 19 a $13,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition of 5,400 M320A1 grenade launchers and 600 M320 grenade launchers. Work is to be performed in Oberndorf, Germany (50 percent), Columbus, Ga. (30 percent), and Ashburn, Va. (20 percent), with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Warren, CCTA-ASA, A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0025).
Siemens Government Services, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded on May 20 a $9,267,918 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition in support of the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program for Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Work is to be performed in Redstone Arsenal., Ala., with an estimated completion date of May 20. Ten bids were solicited with two bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Region Contracting Center ITEC4, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0025).
McTech Corp., Cleveland, Ohio, was awarded on May 20 a $6,114,123 firm-fixed-price contract to construct battalion headquarters at Fort Riley, Kan. Work is to be performed in Fort Riley, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 22, 2012. Four bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECT-NWK-M, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0026).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Foster-Caviness Co., Inc.*, Colfax, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $14,100,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for full-line fresh fruit and vegetable support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. Department of Agriculture school lunch participants. The original proposal was Web solicited with two responses. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-08-D-P002).
Odierno Selected to Lead U.S. Joint Forces Command
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - President Barack Obama has nominated Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the present commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, to head U.S. Joint Forces Command, Pentagon officials announced today.
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced that Obama has nominated Odierno for reappointment to the rank of four-star general and assignment as commander of Jfcom, based at Norfolk, Va.
Before assuming command of U.S. Forces Iraq in September 2008, Odierno was commanding general of U.S. Army III Corps, at which time he served a 15-month deployment as commanding general of Multinational Corps Iraq. At that time Odierno was the operational architect of the U.S. troop surge in Iraq that led to a dramatic decrease in violence there.
Odierno, a 1976 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., is known as one of the few Army generals ever to command a division, corps and an entire theater-of-operations in the same conflict.
May 24, 2010 - President Barack Obama has nominated Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the present commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, to head U.S. Joint Forces Command, Pentagon officials announced today.
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced that Obama has nominated Odierno for reappointment to the rank of four-star general and assignment as commander of Jfcom, based at Norfolk, Va.
Before assuming command of U.S. Forces Iraq in September 2008, Odierno was commanding general of U.S. Army III Corps, at which time he served a 15-month deployment as commanding general of Multinational Corps Iraq. At that time Odierno was the operational architect of the U.S. troop surge in Iraq that led to a dramatic decrease in violence there.
Odierno, a 1976 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., is known as one of the few Army generals ever to command a division, corps and an entire theater-of-operations in the same conflict.
Eisenhower Nominated for Phoenix Award
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amy Kirk, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Public Affairs
May 24, 2010 - SS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) is competing against top commands from all the other branches of the military for the Secretary of Defense's Phoenix Award.
Every year the Navy, Marine Corps, Army and the Air Force compete for the award based on how well their commands perform maintenance.
According to DoD Instruction 1348.30, the award recognizes maintenance operations and accomplishments at the unit and program levels. Award categories include small, medium and large commands with two commands in each category able to win the award.
Eisenhower, nominated in the large command category, will be judged on several criteria, including effective use of maintenance resources, innovative management accomplishment, personal quality-of-life programs and mission accomplishment.
Chief Engineer Cmdr. Howard Markle said being the only afloat command nominated in large command category says a lot about the crew's capability to effectively and efficiently maintain the material condition of the ship.
"We always attribute our successes to an all hands effort, and it is no different with the maintenance of the ship," said Markle. "Every department plays a role in maintaining the overall material condition of the ship."
Markle explained that while departments such as Reactor, Combat Systems, Engineering and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department are more maintenance oriented, every Sailor aboard ship has to take ownership of their spaces, equipment and the maintenance they perform within their department in order to keep the carrier in good working order.
The crew's ability to conduct shipboard maintenance in a self-sufficient manner without relying on outside contractors is another reason for the nomination, said Markle.
"We do a great job fixing our ship, everything from making sure the ship is clean and properly preserved to maintaining overall equipment operability," said Markle. "Our ability to fix our own equipment without asking for outside assistance is the true measure of our maintenance capability. We have also demonstrated our capability to help other ships within the strike group with repairs and technical assistance to conduct their own repairs."
With effective use of maintenance, personnel and financial resources, combined with an all-hands approach, the Eisenhower crew has developed into a highly efficient maintenance team.
Eisenhower is underway as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility(AOR). Operations in the 5th Fleet AOR are focused on reassuring regional partners of the coalition's commitment to help set conditions for security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy.
May 24, 2010 - SS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) is competing against top commands from all the other branches of the military for the Secretary of Defense's Phoenix Award.
Every year the Navy, Marine Corps, Army and the Air Force compete for the award based on how well their commands perform maintenance.
According to DoD Instruction 1348.30, the award recognizes maintenance operations and accomplishments at the unit and program levels. Award categories include small, medium and large commands with two commands in each category able to win the award.
Eisenhower, nominated in the large command category, will be judged on several criteria, including effective use of maintenance resources, innovative management accomplishment, personal quality-of-life programs and mission accomplishment.
Chief Engineer Cmdr. Howard Markle said being the only afloat command nominated in large command category says a lot about the crew's capability to effectively and efficiently maintain the material condition of the ship.
"We always attribute our successes to an all hands effort, and it is no different with the maintenance of the ship," said Markle. "Every department plays a role in maintaining the overall material condition of the ship."
Markle explained that while departments such as Reactor, Combat Systems, Engineering and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department are more maintenance oriented, every Sailor aboard ship has to take ownership of their spaces, equipment and the maintenance they perform within their department in order to keep the carrier in good working order.
The crew's ability to conduct shipboard maintenance in a self-sufficient manner without relying on outside contractors is another reason for the nomination, said Markle.
"We do a great job fixing our ship, everything from making sure the ship is clean and properly preserved to maintaining overall equipment operability," said Markle. "Our ability to fix our own equipment without asking for outside assistance is the true measure of our maintenance capability. We have also demonstrated our capability to help other ships within the strike group with repairs and technical assistance to conduct their own repairs."
With effective use of maintenance, personnel and financial resources, combined with an all-hands approach, the Eisenhower crew has developed into a highly efficient maintenance team.
Eisenhower is underway as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility(AOR). Operations in the 5th Fleet AOR are focused on reassuring regional partners of the coalition's commitment to help set conditions for security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy.
U.S., South Korea Increase Military Exercises Following Attack
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - The U.S. and South Korean militaries will undergo two new training exercises in light of last week's finding that North Korea sank a South Korean navy ship, killing 46 sailors, a Pentagon spokesman announced today.
The U.S. Navy committed to conducting anti-submarine and maritime interdiction training with the South Koreans after consulting with their South Korean counterparts regarding the sinking of the frigate Cheonan on March 26, Bryan Whitman told reporters.
An international team of investigators from Australia, Great Britain, Sweden and the United States assisted South Korean experts in examining the forensic evidence left in the ship. They concluded in findings released May 20 that the 1,200-ton gunboat was destroyed by a North Korean torpedo.
"We have reached the clear conclusion that [the] Cheonan was sunk as the result of an external underwater explosion caused by a torpedo made in North Korea," said Yoon Duk-yong, of the investigation team. "The evidence points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that the torpedo was fired by a North Korean submarine. There is no other further explanation."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on May 22 said it will be up to South Korea, not the United States, to determine its response to the attack. South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak announced today that the country will end trade with North Korea and that North Korean ships no longer will be permitted passage through South Korean waterways.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on a pre-arranged diplomatic trip to Asia, today said U.S. and South Korean military leaders are working closely to ensure readiness in the region.
"President [Barack] Obama has directed his military commanders to coordinate closely with their Korean counterparts to ensure readiness and to deter future aggression," Clinton said. "As part of our ongoing dialogue, we will explore further enhancements to our joint posture on the peninsula."
U.S. forces stationed in South Korea always are at a "constant state of readiness" and commanders will work closely with their South Korean counterparts, Whitman said.
The two training exercises, while agreed upon because of the ship attack, are not unique and are part of the countries' bilateral security agreement, known as the Proliferation Security Initiative, Whitman said. "We think this is an area, where working with the Republic of Korea, that we can hone skills and improve capabilities," he said.
In light of this particular incident," Whitman said, "these two activities are important in that we can continue to build on our strong foundation of cooperation and deterrence."
Whitman said there has been no decision about changing the military readiness level in the region.
Gates will host the Japanese defense minister at the Pentagon May 25, where the issue likely will be discussed, Whitman said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Command is convening a special investigations team, consisting of members from the UNC and the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, to review the findings of the investigation and to determine the scope of the armistice violation that occurred in the sinking of Cheonan, according to a May 21 command news release.
United Nations Command contributing team members include representatives from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. The commission includes members from Sweden and Switzerland. The team will report their findings to the United Nations, the release said.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - The U.S. and South Korean militaries will undergo two new training exercises in light of last week's finding that North Korea sank a South Korean navy ship, killing 46 sailors, a Pentagon spokesman announced today.
The U.S. Navy committed to conducting anti-submarine and maritime interdiction training with the South Koreans after consulting with their South Korean counterparts regarding the sinking of the frigate Cheonan on March 26, Bryan Whitman told reporters.
An international team of investigators from Australia, Great Britain, Sweden and the United States assisted South Korean experts in examining the forensic evidence left in the ship. They concluded in findings released May 20 that the 1,200-ton gunboat was destroyed by a North Korean torpedo.
"We have reached the clear conclusion that [the] Cheonan was sunk as the result of an external underwater explosion caused by a torpedo made in North Korea," said Yoon Duk-yong, of the investigation team. "The evidence points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that the torpedo was fired by a North Korean submarine. There is no other further explanation."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on May 22 said it will be up to South Korea, not the United States, to determine its response to the attack. South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak announced today that the country will end trade with North Korea and that North Korean ships no longer will be permitted passage through South Korean waterways.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on a pre-arranged diplomatic trip to Asia, today said U.S. and South Korean military leaders are working closely to ensure readiness in the region.
"President [Barack] Obama has directed his military commanders to coordinate closely with their Korean counterparts to ensure readiness and to deter future aggression," Clinton said. "As part of our ongoing dialogue, we will explore further enhancements to our joint posture on the peninsula."
U.S. forces stationed in South Korea always are at a "constant state of readiness" and commanders will work closely with their South Korean counterparts, Whitman said.
The two training exercises, while agreed upon because of the ship attack, are not unique and are part of the countries' bilateral security agreement, known as the Proliferation Security Initiative, Whitman said. "We think this is an area, where working with the Republic of Korea, that we can hone skills and improve capabilities," he said.
In light of this particular incident," Whitman said, "these two activities are important in that we can continue to build on our strong foundation of cooperation and deterrence."
Whitman said there has been no decision about changing the military readiness level in the region.
Gates will host the Japanese defense minister at the Pentagon May 25, where the issue likely will be discussed, Whitman said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Command is convening a special investigations team, consisting of members from the UNC and the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, to review the findings of the investigation and to determine the scope of the armistice violation that occurred in the sinking of Cheonan, according to a May 21 command news release.
United Nations Command contributing team members include representatives from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. The commission includes members from Sweden and Switzerland. The team will report their findings to the United Nations, the release said.
Top Enlisted Airman Addresses Quality-of-Life Issues
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2010 - As Air Force leaders work to improve the quality of life for airmen and their families, suicide prevention is among their top priorities, the service's top enlisted airman said. The suicide rate for all four services in 2009 was higher than the national average, defense officials said. The Air Force reported 41 suicides among active-duty airmen in 2009.
In a May 20 interview for a Pentagon Channel series examining servicemembers' quality of life, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy stressed the importance of helping troops and their families meet the challenges they face so suicide doesn't enter the picture.
"Any time we have someone who would take their own life and [apply] such a permanent solution to such a temporary concern or condition is specifically alarming to many of us, and it is something we need to focus on," he said.
"We need to give our airmen and their families the tools to be able to work through these particular concerns and challenges within their lives," Roy said. "We want to make sure we give these airmen the tools to manage those stressors of both deployments and day-to-day activities."
Another top concern is servicemembers' resilience, Roy said. "As we look at [resilience] programs, we look at all the elements mentally, physically and socially, and putting these together and giving the tools to our people," he said.
That, he said, includes keeping an eye on managing the deployment cycle, from training to deployment to reintegration.
In other quality-of-life improvement efforts, Roy said, the Air Force is focusing on providing more support to special-needs families through the Exceptional Family Member Program. It is important, he said, to support not only the family member in the program, but also the entire military family.
Quality of life is a key issue in recruiting, Roy noted, adding that Air Force recruiting for fiscal 2010 is on track to meet or exceed the service's goals.
"As I go out there and visit recruiting stations, I am always excited about our young airmen out there who are doing these missions," he said. "They are really the face of the Air Force in a lot of different ways. [Recruiters] bring these young airmen, these young trainees, in to us, and we are able to transform them into airmen."
Meanwhile, efforts continue to focus on how to accommodate families while providing on-base housing for unmarried airmen, Roy said. Privatized housing, including amenities such as pools and community centers, he said, are allowing families to move back onto base. By 2016, Roy added, the Air Force aims to offer adequate on-base housing to all accompanied airmen, with new housing provided for unaccompanied or single airmen by 2017.
New residency programs, such as "Dorms for Airmen," provide housing for unaccompanied airmen within shared, quad-like living areas, Roy said.
"Our airmen are doing a fabulous job," he said. "Regardless of where I travel to, I meet with airmen doing amazing things.
"When you think about what our airmen are doing in the joint and coalition fight today," Roy continued, "all too often we only focus on those who are deployed; our 40,000 airmen deployed around the globe every single day doing America's business."
Another 160,000 airmen stationed stateside or at overseas locales besides Iraq or Afghanistan, Roy said. Those airman, he said, "deployed in place, are simply employed by a combatant commander at this particular location doing America's job every single day, doing its mission."
Peleliu Deploys to Western Pacific
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class R. David Valdez, USS Peleliu Public Affairs
May 24, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) left San Diego May 22 for a scheduled seven-month Western Pacific deployment.
"It was very difficult to leave my wife and child," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Brian Barr. "Nobody really wants to leave their family, friends, or the comforts of home, but we have a mission to carry out with the Marines. My family understands that I have to go, and they support me when I'm at home and when I'm away."
Peleliu, also known as the "Iron Nickel," is following the other two ships in the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG), amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD 8), which deployed May 18, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), which deployed May 20.
Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are embarked aboard Peleliu to conduct flight operations or amphibious landing operations anywhere within the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
Other elements of PEL ARG include Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 5; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.
"I was nervous about deploying, but I was excited at the same time," Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Lauren Rohan said. "It was a really weird feeling, but I liked it. I've never done this before, but even though we'll be very busy, I'm going to get to see the world. That's part of why I joined the Navy."
This deployment follows three work-up periods which allowed the different elements of PEL ARG an opportunity to earn required qualifications and familiarize themselves with each other. It is the first Western Pacific deployment for Peleliu since 2008.
May 24, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) left San Diego May 22 for a scheduled seven-month Western Pacific deployment.
"It was very difficult to leave my wife and child," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Brian Barr. "Nobody really wants to leave their family, friends, or the comforts of home, but we have a mission to carry out with the Marines. My family understands that I have to go, and they support me when I'm at home and when I'm away."
Peleliu, also known as the "Iron Nickel," is following the other two ships in the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG), amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD 8), which deployed May 18, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), which deployed May 20.
Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are embarked aboard Peleliu to conduct flight operations or amphibious landing operations anywhere within the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
Other elements of PEL ARG include Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 5; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.
"I was nervous about deploying, but I was excited at the same time," Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Lauren Rohan said. "It was a really weird feeling, but I liked it. I've never done this before, but even though we'll be very busy, I'm going to get to see the world. That's part of why I joined the Navy."
This deployment follows three work-up periods which allowed the different elements of PEL ARG an opportunity to earn required qualifications and familiarize themselves with each other. It is the first Western Pacific deployment for Peleliu since 2008.
Sasebo Sailors Learn to Save Lives in Battle
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Sasebo
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Sasebo-based master-at-arms completed a tactical combat casualty care course normally reserved for hospital corpsman May 21.
Under simulated weapons fire, one-by-one Sailors crawled, climbed and ran over rough terrain to reach and care for four injured comrades which were played by dummies.
"This isn't a first aid class," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Erik Rasmussen. "This is geared towards some basic, simple things to do to save a life - to intervene and save a life during combat."
"The one [injury] that's the most preventable and causes the most deaths right now, the most preventable deaths, is traumatic hemorrhage," said Rasmussen.
The first simulated injury Sailors encountered was a traumatic hemorrhage - a gunshot wound to the thigh's femoral artery. Rescuers had to apply a tourniquet to the wound in less than three minutes to prevent the simulated casualty from bleeding to death. In an effort to add more realistic battlefield stress to the training, instructors constantly pressured the students with multiple injuries and cries for medical attention.
"Hey! I'm hit! I'm hit!" boomed from the voices of exercise observers and trainers. "You need to move it! Let's go! I'm hit, guy! Let's go! Hurry up! Get up here! Get up here, now! Let's go! Move it! Start running! Come on! Someone's hit! Someone's hit! Hurry! Hurry," kept students motivated.
The exercise was physically and mentally stressful. After treating the first casualty, students had to "bear crawl" 100-feet to the next injury, somebody in need of a tension-pneumothorax, which involves slamming a needle into the chest to release trapped air from the lungs.
"It is pretty tough," Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Philip Higgins said of the training. "But you can get through it. You have to remember everything you learned in class to get through it though. For real-life battle there is going to be a lot of yelling and gunfire, so you got to work beyond that and not pay attention to it."
In the final phase of the exercise, students carried a heavy dummy to a simulated helicopter.
Considering that this class of combat caregivers were not medical professionals, course instructors though the master-at-arms crew did well.
"I think it was one of the best [exercises] I've seen," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyle Fackender. "It was very fun, very athletic, everybody got tired and stressed out - we all did our job well."
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Sasebo-based master-at-arms completed a tactical combat casualty care course normally reserved for hospital corpsman May 21.
Under simulated weapons fire, one-by-one Sailors crawled, climbed and ran over rough terrain to reach and care for four injured comrades which were played by dummies.
"This isn't a first aid class," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Erik Rasmussen. "This is geared towards some basic, simple things to do to save a life - to intervene and save a life during combat."
"The one [injury] that's the most preventable and causes the most deaths right now, the most preventable deaths, is traumatic hemorrhage," said Rasmussen.
The first simulated injury Sailors encountered was a traumatic hemorrhage - a gunshot wound to the thigh's femoral artery. Rescuers had to apply a tourniquet to the wound in less than three minutes to prevent the simulated casualty from bleeding to death. In an effort to add more realistic battlefield stress to the training, instructors constantly pressured the students with multiple injuries and cries for medical attention.
"Hey! I'm hit! I'm hit!" boomed from the voices of exercise observers and trainers. "You need to move it! Let's go! I'm hit, guy! Let's go! Hurry up! Get up here! Get up here, now! Let's go! Move it! Start running! Come on! Someone's hit! Someone's hit! Hurry! Hurry," kept students motivated.
The exercise was physically and mentally stressful. After treating the first casualty, students had to "bear crawl" 100-feet to the next injury, somebody in need of a tension-pneumothorax, which involves slamming a needle into the chest to release trapped air from the lungs.
"It is pretty tough," Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Philip Higgins said of the training. "But you can get through it. You have to remember everything you learned in class to get through it though. For real-life battle there is going to be a lot of yelling and gunfire, so you got to work beyond that and not pay attention to it."
In the final phase of the exercise, students carried a heavy dummy to a simulated helicopter.
Considering that this class of combat caregivers were not medical professionals, course instructors though the master-at-arms crew did well.
"I think it was one of the best [exercises] I've seen," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyle Fackender. "It was very fun, very athletic, everybody got tired and stressed out - we all did our job well."
'Wild Cards" Deploy with USS Peleliu
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
May 24, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, Detachment 5 departed for a regularly scheduled deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) May 22.
The Wild Cards' maintainers and aircrew have been working around-the-clock for months to implement a new helicopter weapons system package in their MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters.
"Both the aircrews and maintainers had to work extremely hard to learn how to use and upkeep the new system," said Lt. j.g. Stephen Whiteway, HSC-23 pilot. "It is a true testament to the skill and stamina of our Sailors that they were able to prepare the helos in such a short timeframe."
Other squadrons have made this transition with a year or more of preparation. Det. 5 had less than six months from receipt of the new aircraft until they were scheduled to get underway to have the arming completed.
According to Whiteway, the armed helo weapons system is designed to provide anti-surface warfare capability for the MH-60S. The system includes a targeting system that provides a long-range detection capability in both visible light and infrared.
Prior to the installation, the Knighthawk's sole purpose was to transport cargo and personnel and perform search and rescue missions with limited defense capabilities. With the new weapons system they are able to work in an offensive strike and a force protection role.
The new capabilities of the aircraft include eight Hellfire air-to-ground (AGM)-114 laser guided-missiles, infrared detection systems, infrared and radar countermeasures, .50 caliber machine guns mounted in the cabin doors and a tactical data exchange network known as Link 16.
Link 16 is an important part of the squadron's new mission because it allows them to transmit and receive real-time information from any other ship or aircraft in the fleet, greatly increasing awareness of their surroundings and making them an integral part of any fleet protection activities.
"This will be the first time that an amphib ship will have Navy helicopters with these capabilities deployed aboard," said Whiteway. "The new weapons and sensor systems will be a huge help to the [Amphibious Ready Group] as is it conducts various missions during the deployment including counterpiracy and counterterrorism operations."
"This integration will establish a precedence of Navy and Marine Corps cooperation in the future and fulfill such missions as visit, board, search and seizure," said Lt. Diego Lucero, a HSC 23 pilot. "Det. 5 will be the first HSC expeditionary squadron on the West Coast to break new ground of this concept aboard Peleliu."
May 24, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, Detachment 5 departed for a regularly scheduled deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) May 22.
The Wild Cards' maintainers and aircrew have been working around-the-clock for months to implement a new helicopter weapons system package in their MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters.
"Both the aircrews and maintainers had to work extremely hard to learn how to use and upkeep the new system," said Lt. j.g. Stephen Whiteway, HSC-23 pilot. "It is a true testament to the skill and stamina of our Sailors that they were able to prepare the helos in such a short timeframe."
Other squadrons have made this transition with a year or more of preparation. Det. 5 had less than six months from receipt of the new aircraft until they were scheduled to get underway to have the arming completed.
According to Whiteway, the armed helo weapons system is designed to provide anti-surface warfare capability for the MH-60S. The system includes a targeting system that provides a long-range detection capability in both visible light and infrared.
Prior to the installation, the Knighthawk's sole purpose was to transport cargo and personnel and perform search and rescue missions with limited defense capabilities. With the new weapons system they are able to work in an offensive strike and a force protection role.
The new capabilities of the aircraft include eight Hellfire air-to-ground (AGM)-114 laser guided-missiles, infrared detection systems, infrared and radar countermeasures, .50 caliber machine guns mounted in the cabin doors and a tactical data exchange network known as Link 16.
Link 16 is an important part of the squadron's new mission because it allows them to transmit and receive real-time information from any other ship or aircraft in the fleet, greatly increasing awareness of their surroundings and making them an integral part of any fleet protection activities.
"This will be the first time that an amphib ship will have Navy helicopters with these capabilities deployed aboard," said Whiteway. "The new weapons and sensor systems will be a huge help to the [Amphibious Ready Group] as is it conducts various missions during the deployment including counterpiracy and counterterrorism operations."
"This integration will establish a precedence of Navy and Marine Corps cooperation in the future and fulfill such missions as visit, board, search and seizure," said Lt. Diego Lucero, a HSC 23 pilot. "Det. 5 will be the first HSC expeditionary squadron on the West Coast to break new ground of this concept aboard Peleliu."
Miss Louisiana Visits Sub Crew
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
May 24, 2010 - GROTON. Conn. (NNS) -- The reigning Miss Louisiana 2010 USA visited USS Alexandria (SSN 757) which departed for a full deployment May 21.
Sara Brooks spent time with the crew at Naval Submarine Base New London May 19 – 20, just days after competing in the Miss USA 2010 pageant in Las Vegas. During her visit, Brooks signed autographs for the crew and toured the Los Angeles-class attack submarine, which is the third vessel to bear a name that is shared by cities in both Louisiana and Virginia.
"I think it was awesome," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Farque, a native of Lafayette, La. "It's great that she took the time to find out what we do to serve our country."
"I was looking forward to meeting her. She has the Louisiana spirit," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Archie Gray, a native of New Orleans.
Brooks presented a photo to Alexandria's commanding officer, Cmdr. Gene Doyle, and spoke to the crew via the ships public address system.
"Thank you so much for allowing me aboard." she told the crew. "I'll be counting the days until your return. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
Alexandria was commissioned in June 1991.
May 24, 2010 - GROTON. Conn. (NNS) -- The reigning Miss Louisiana 2010 USA visited USS Alexandria (SSN 757) which departed for a full deployment May 21.
Sara Brooks spent time with the crew at Naval Submarine Base New London May 19 – 20, just days after competing in the Miss USA 2010 pageant in Las Vegas. During her visit, Brooks signed autographs for the crew and toured the Los Angeles-class attack submarine, which is the third vessel to bear a name that is shared by cities in both Louisiana and Virginia.
"I think it was awesome," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Farque, a native of Lafayette, La. "It's great that she took the time to find out what we do to serve our country."
"I was looking forward to meeting her. She has the Louisiana spirit," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Archie Gray, a native of New Orleans.
Brooks presented a photo to Alexandria's commanding officer, Cmdr. Gene Doyle, and spoke to the crew via the ships public address system.
"Thank you so much for allowing me aboard." she told the crew. "I'll be counting the days until your return. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
Alexandria was commissioned in June 1991.
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