NAVY
ITT Communications & Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $26,887,508 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) to exercise an option for the production and support of 353 JCREW 2.1 radio-controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare systems to meet urgent Department of Defense requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., (87 percent) and Lancaster, Calif., (13 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Nov. 2008. 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.
Garco Construction LLC, Spokane, Wash., is being awarded a $19,399,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of P-978 Missile Assembly Building 3 at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Silverdale, Wash. Work will be performed in Silverdale, Wash., and work is expected to be completed Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured utilizing full and open competition and was posted to the Navy Electronic Commerce On-line Web site and Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with three proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-08-C-6001).
Soltek Pacific Construction Co., (Soltek), San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $16,220,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0003 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8609) for renovation of the Naval Exchange at Naval Base San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
ILSC Holdings LC, dba Katmai Research, Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded a ceiling price $14,000,000 delivery order contract to perform post deployment software support and system software support facility support and sustainment of the AN/TYQ-23, tactical air operations module. This contract will provide for the design, development and implementation of interface change proposals and problem change requests of tactical software for the AN/TYQ-23 version four ((V)4). No funds are associated with the base contract award. Requirements will be identified in individual delivery orders issued under this contract. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, Calif., and is work is expected to be completed in January 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured - this is a sole-source contract. ILSC Holdings, LC, is an 8(a) Alaskan Native Corporation. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-D-2007)
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $10,842,396 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5432) for technical engineering support for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium and for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Foreign Military Sales case funding will provide the funding for the UAE portion. The NATO SEASPARROW consortium, which includes the United States and nine other countries, will fund the remaining effort under this contract modification. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (55 percent); Camden, Ariz., (2 percent); Australia, (11 percent); Canada, (7 percent); Denmark, (1 percent); Greece, (1 percent); Germany, (8 percent); The Netherlands, (6 percent); Norway, (5 percent); Spain, (3 percent); and Turkey, (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,156,284 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Walton Construction Co., LLC, Harahan, La., is being awarded $10,773,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0009 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62467-05-D-0184) for construction of an 10 story air traffic control tower and renovation to bldg. 4205 the Radar Air Traffic Control Facility. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems Applied Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $9,957,318 sole source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for providing engineering and technical services in support of the NATO SEASPARROW surface missile system, target acquisition system, MK48 guided missile vertical launching system, and the Evolved SEASPARROW Missile (ESSM) and any improvements thereto. This contract to support the NATO SEASPARROW Program Office (NSPO) is a follow-on effort, which was previously performed under contract N00024-01-C-5402. The NATO SEASPARROW consortium, which includes the United States and 12 other countries, will fund most of the effort under this contract. A small amount of effort may be funded by Japan and Korea under Foreign Military Sales program cases. Thecontract includes four options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $46,299,362. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., (72%); Silver Spring, Md., (12%); and Chesapeake, Va., (16%), and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $311,845 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5404).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded an $8,286,480 modification to fixed-price delivery order #0047 under an existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the purchase of an additional 74 armor protection kits for Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles. Work will be performed in Israel (63 percent) and Oshkosh, Wis., (37 percent), and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed Jun. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $7,706,426 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Anteon Corp., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,541,364 cost-plus-fixed-fee option contract for services in support of the U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint National Training Capability. Work will be performed in Suffolk, Va., and work is expected to be completed by May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with six offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia is the contracting activity (N00140-04-D-0043).
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,578,500 modification to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle services supporting the afloat forward staging base. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed in Feb. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $5,578,500 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Veterans Enterprises Technology Services, LLC, Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded on May 8, 2008, a $9,818,140 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a Center of Standardization program and dining facility. Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Oct. 4, 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-D-0043).
Berschauer Phillips Construction Co., Olympia, Wash., was awarded on May 8, 2008, a $9,513,500 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a child development center. Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and is expected to be completed by May 18, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Aug. 8, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-08-C-0005).
FN Manufacturing Inc., Columbia, S.C., was awarded on May 8, 2008, a $6,163,220 firm-fixed price contract for M249 short barrels. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Sept. 18, 2003. U.S. Army TACOM, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-C-0100).
Astronautic of America, Inc., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2008, a $5,880,000 firm-fixed price contract for Indicator, Attitude for the CH-47 helicopter. Work will be performed in Milwaukee, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 30, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-D-0141).
AIR FORCE
GE Aviation Systems LLC of Sterling, Va., 20166, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $9,439,885. This requirement will establish organizational level propeller repair capability for the C-130J aircraft at eight different bases. At this time $9,439,885 has been obligated. Robbins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity FA8504-080C-0002.
Booz Allen Hamilton of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $15,452,225 (Estimated). This action will provide Mission Readiness through Survivability and Vulnerability Analysis for the U.S. Pacific Command. At this time $ 1,389,072 has been obligated. Offut AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity SP0700-03-D-1380, Delivery Order 0252.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Burma Allows One U.S. C-130 to Deliver Relief Supplies
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - Burmese officials have given permission for an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft to deliver supplies to Rangoon on May 12, White House officials said here. Gordon Johndroe, deputy White House press secretary, said the United States welcomes the Burmese government's permission for the C-130 to deliver emergency relief supplies. "We hope this is the beginning of major U.S. assistance to the Burmese people," he said.
The U.S. government will continue to work with the government of Burma on additional access for the U.S. Agency for International Development, nongovernmental organizations, and international aid agencies.
"We certainly appreciate the efforts that some countries such as China and others have made to talk to the junta about the need to get help in," Johndroe said. "Clearly the junta has determined that the magnitude of this disaster requires additional assistance, and so we're pleased to be able to offer that."
Press reports out of the Asian nation have put the death toll at more than 100,000 from Cyclone Nargis, which hit the Irrawaddy River delta May 5. Burmese officials said more than 25,000 have been confirmed dead, and another 45,000 people are missing.
American aircraft are standing by in neighboring Thailand once the Burmese junta gives permission for further aid flights. In addition, USS Essex Strike Group has deployed a dozen helicopters to a Royal Thai Air Force base.
"The helicopters and some relief supplies are being staged in Thailand because they could reach Burma in a matter of hours with relief supplies," a Defense Department official said today.
The Essex group itself is steaming to be in position to provide further aid, if allowed, Navy officials said. The helicopters and amphibious landing craft are exceptionally useful in moving people and supplies to remote locations, inaccessible by road.
The Essex would deliver pre-positioned material. U.S. officials are working with nongovernmental organizations to determine what is most needed in the affected areas.
"We talked some this week, and the U.N. has talked some this week, about the most urgent needs, such as water purification devices as well as other issues to stop some of the water-borne diseases we're very concerned about," Johndroe said. "We're working through those details right now to see what gets loaded on that airplane.
The Burmese government has not approved visas for a U.S. government assistance team.
"We're going to continue to work with the government of Burma to allow additional access for not only U.S. assistance but also assistance from (nongovernmental organizations) and other countries," he said. "We hope this is the beginning of a long line of assistance from the United States to the people of Burma."
The U.S. C-130 will fly out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will land in the former Burmese capital of Rangoon. Burmese officials will distribute any supplies the Hercules brings.
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - Burmese officials have given permission for an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft to deliver supplies to Rangoon on May 12, White House officials said here. Gordon Johndroe, deputy White House press secretary, said the United States welcomes the Burmese government's permission for the C-130 to deliver emergency relief supplies. "We hope this is the beginning of major U.S. assistance to the Burmese people," he said.
The U.S. government will continue to work with the government of Burma on additional access for the U.S. Agency for International Development, nongovernmental organizations, and international aid agencies.
"We certainly appreciate the efforts that some countries such as China and others have made to talk to the junta about the need to get help in," Johndroe said. "Clearly the junta has determined that the magnitude of this disaster requires additional assistance, and so we're pleased to be able to offer that."
Press reports out of the Asian nation have put the death toll at more than 100,000 from Cyclone Nargis, which hit the Irrawaddy River delta May 5. Burmese officials said more than 25,000 have been confirmed dead, and another 45,000 people are missing.
American aircraft are standing by in neighboring Thailand once the Burmese junta gives permission for further aid flights. In addition, USS Essex Strike Group has deployed a dozen helicopters to a Royal Thai Air Force base.
"The helicopters and some relief supplies are being staged in Thailand because they could reach Burma in a matter of hours with relief supplies," a Defense Department official said today.
The Essex group itself is steaming to be in position to provide further aid, if allowed, Navy officials said. The helicopters and amphibious landing craft are exceptionally useful in moving people and supplies to remote locations, inaccessible by road.
The Essex would deliver pre-positioned material. U.S. officials are working with nongovernmental organizations to determine what is most needed in the affected areas.
"We talked some this week, and the U.N. has talked some this week, about the most urgent needs, such as water purification devices as well as other issues to stop some of the water-borne diseases we're very concerned about," Johndroe said. "We're working through those details right now to see what gets loaded on that airplane.
The Burmese government has not approved visas for a U.S. government assistance team.
"We're going to continue to work with the government of Burma to allow additional access for not only U.S. assistance but also assistance from (nongovernmental organizations) and other countries," he said. "We hope this is the beginning of a long line of assistance from the United States to the people of Burma."
The U.S. C-130 will fly out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will land in the former Burmese capital of Rangoon. Burmese officials will distribute any supplies the Hercules brings.
Carrier Strike Group Commander Stresses Interoperability, Partnerships
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - While transiting through the Strait of Magellan on board USS George Washington today, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 8 explained the importance of interoperability and partnership building in the Southern Hemisphere. The Strait of Magellan is located along the southern edges of the South American continent.
"Because the world is mainly ocean [and] no one nation and really no one navy can meet all of the world's maritime challenges, we simply have to work together," Navy Rear Adm. Philip Hart Cullom said during a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers".
He added that is the overarching reason why the strike group is participating in U.S. Southern Command's "Partnership for the Americas" program.
Cullom noted that Portuguese adventurer Ferdinand Magellan, the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe, was on a voyage of discovery when he accomplished the feat in 1520.
"He found a path between the Atlantic and the Pacific, much like we're duplicating once again 488 years later," the admiral said. "We're on our own voyage of discovery, but this one's different. It's about hemispheric partnership."
Cullom stressed the importance of achieving three goals while the strike group transits around South America.
"We want a hemisphere that is secure for all. The threats to our security from the maritime are real, such as criminal organizations, violations of the fishing grounds, pandemic diseases and piracy," he said. "We all suffer devastating natural disasters ... [and the] threat that earthquakes, storms, floods and mudslides may impact us."
Cullom added that two other important goals of the strike group are fostering equal and cooperative relationships with the other nations in the hemisphere and supporting prosperity for the hemisphere and the world.
"We care greatly about those relationships, and this is the third year that the U.S. surface units have participated in Partnership for the Americas," he said. "This represents our ongoing commitment to building partnerships with other nations in the hemisphere."
Every day, hundreds of container ships, such as the ones that were transiting through the Strait of Magellan as Cullom spoke, rely on the open shipping lanes for worldwide trade purposes, he said.
"They transit the globe for specific purposes, for worldwide trade that directly promotes prosperity for all nations," he said. "As long as the shipping lanes are open for trade, commerce can flourish.
"When commerce is strong, economies are robust," he continued. "And a rising tide of commerce is what floats all boats."
He added that building partnerships with nations in the southern hemisphere is a key way to promote successful commerce.
"Seventy percent of the world is covered by water, 80 percent of the population lives probably within about 100 miles of a coastline, and finally, 90 percent of the world's trade directly depends on the oceans, the seas, bays, inlands, islands, coastal areas, rivers and even the airspace above them," Cullom said.
He added that even though 90 percent of the world's trade already travels through the ocean, that percentage will only increase over the next 10 to 20 years. "The maritime matters; the maritime is important. In a globalizing world, it's more important than ever."
He noted that the strike group's recent participation in UNITAS 49, a multinational naval exercise that promotes interoperability, contributed to the hemispheric partnership, providing valuable training with regional partners.
"We've conducted flight ops with Brazilian naval and air force units for combined air defense and strike group training, and we've tested our interoperability, and we're learning from each other's capabilities and experiences," Cullom said.
The strike group conducted training not only with Brazil, but also with the Argentine navy, participating in a series of anti-submarine warfare, air defense and surface exercises.
After transiting through the Strait of Magellan, the strike group will participate in bilateral task group exercises with Chilean and air and surface units.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - While transiting through the Strait of Magellan on board USS George Washington today, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 8 explained the importance of interoperability and partnership building in the Southern Hemisphere. The Strait of Magellan is located along the southern edges of the South American continent.
"Because the world is mainly ocean [and] no one nation and really no one navy can meet all of the world's maritime challenges, we simply have to work together," Navy Rear Adm. Philip Hart Cullom said during a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers".
He added that is the overarching reason why the strike group is participating in U.S. Southern Command's "Partnership for the Americas" program.
Cullom noted that Portuguese adventurer Ferdinand Magellan, the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe, was on a voyage of discovery when he accomplished the feat in 1520.
"He found a path between the Atlantic and the Pacific, much like we're duplicating once again 488 years later," the admiral said. "We're on our own voyage of discovery, but this one's different. It's about hemispheric partnership."
Cullom stressed the importance of achieving three goals while the strike group transits around South America.
"We want a hemisphere that is secure for all. The threats to our security from the maritime are real, such as criminal organizations, violations of the fishing grounds, pandemic diseases and piracy," he said. "We all suffer devastating natural disasters ... [and the] threat that earthquakes, storms, floods and mudslides may impact us."
Cullom added that two other important goals of the strike group are fostering equal and cooperative relationships with the other nations in the hemisphere and supporting prosperity for the hemisphere and the world.
"We care greatly about those relationships, and this is the third year that the U.S. surface units have participated in Partnership for the Americas," he said. "This represents our ongoing commitment to building partnerships with other nations in the hemisphere."
Every day, hundreds of container ships, such as the ones that were transiting through the Strait of Magellan as Cullom spoke, rely on the open shipping lanes for worldwide trade purposes, he said.
"They transit the globe for specific purposes, for worldwide trade that directly promotes prosperity for all nations," he said. "As long as the shipping lanes are open for trade, commerce can flourish.
"When commerce is strong, economies are robust," he continued. "And a rising tide of commerce is what floats all boats."
He added that building partnerships with nations in the southern hemisphere is a key way to promote successful commerce.
"Seventy percent of the world is covered by water, 80 percent of the population lives probably within about 100 miles of a coastline, and finally, 90 percent of the world's trade directly depends on the oceans, the seas, bays, inlands, islands, coastal areas, rivers and even the airspace above them," Cullom said.
He added that even though 90 percent of the world's trade already travels through the ocean, that percentage will only increase over the next 10 to 20 years. "The maritime matters; the maritime is important. In a globalizing world, it's more important than ever."
He noted that the strike group's recent participation in UNITAS 49, a multinational naval exercise that promotes interoperability, contributed to the hemispheric partnership, providing valuable training with regional partners.
"We've conducted flight ops with Brazilian naval and air force units for combined air defense and strike group training, and we've tested our interoperability, and we're learning from each other's capabilities and experiences," Cullom said.
The strike group conducted training not only with Brazil, but also with the Argentine navy, participating in a series of anti-submarine warfare, air defense and surface exercises.
After transiting through the Strait of Magellan, the strike group will participate in bilateral task group exercises with Chilean and air and surface units.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Gates Observes Army Future Combat Systems Progress
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Flowers has served combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and understands firsthand what warfighters need to succeed. Last week, Flowers and his fellow soldiers from the Army Evaluation Task Force got a chance to show Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates some of the revolutionary concepts and systems they're testing to give future soldiers the upper hand on the battlefield.
The task force, from 5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, stood up here in late 2006 as an operational test bed for the Army's Future Combat Systems program.
Gates got a firsthand look during his May 1 visit here at progress in developing an advanced data and communications network that will give troops detailed, real-time battlefield information.
The first of four planned "spinouts" in the program includes testing of the Intelligent Munitions System; the Tactical Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects and reports on ground movement; the Urban Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects motion inside a building; and the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System, nicknamed "rockets in a box."
The Non-Light-of-Sight cannon is being tested now at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., and Army Test and Evaluation Command will conduct an operational test on other Spinout 1 technology this summer. If all goes as hoped, its systems could be fielded within two years of the test, said Army Col. Patrick "Lee" Fetterman, Army Training and Doctrine Command's Future Combat Systems capability manager.
Gates watched preparations for those tests as the task force demonstrated how the systems can be used to track down and search a notional insurgent safe house at the Future Force Integration Directorate compound.
Sensors placed in the building – not unlike home security devices that monitor for break-ins – relayed details about inside activity to Bradley fighting vehicles. The Bradleys, picking up movement through advances communications equipment, barreled toward the building. They stopped abruptly as their crews dismounted, breaching a chain-link fence as they ran toward their objective, smoke and dust in their wake.
When the soldiers reached the suspected safe house, they dispatched the first of 25 small unmanned ground vehicles, or SUGVs, to be tested here as their "point man." The 30-pound tactical robot entered the building, relaying real-time images of its findings.
Ultimately, it honed in on the "insurgent" -- actually an Evaluation BCT soldier -- hiding in the dark beneath a stairwell. The soldiers stormed the building, capturing the suspect.
Flowers, who served with a reconnaissance platoon in Iraq, said he sees the clear value of systems that track enemy movement without risking or expending precious manpower.
"This would have been a great help in Iraq," he said. "You can use less manpower and keep your eyes on the objective at all times."
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Mazzarese, who joined the task force in January 2007, said likes the idea of leaving a piece of equipment, rather than one of his soldiers, behind to watch for enemy movement. "Being able to keep all my soldiers together means a lot to me," he said.
The demonstration showed progress in the Future Combat Systems program, which has been called the Army's most ambitious and far-reaching modernization since World War Two. The program aims to tap into the most advanced technologies possible to enable FCS-equipped brigade combat teams to see the enemy first and understand his intentions, officials explained. Once they understand what the enemy is up to, they can act first and on their own terms.
"We think this is a significant increase in capability for the soldier, dismounted and mounted, in combat," said Fetterman. "I believe there is value added in all the aspects of FCS."
While each new component will offer more capability, the true value of FCS will be far greater than the sum of its individual parts, Army Col. Michael Williamson, program manager for the FCS network, said.
"It is really the integration of all these pieces," he explained, "that will provide the commander and the soldiers so much more information and so much more capability than when you talk about individual pieces.
"So even though we are talking about the schedule of when various pieces are ready, at the end of the day, where the real impact comes, is when you start to combine all these capabilities into a package," he said.
Soldiers from the evaluation task force, most with combat experience under their belts, will combine live training, experimentation and simulation to test systems ranging from sensors to automated systems to manned vehicles.
"[The task force] ensures it all works together, and that it all provides value added to the soldier before we send it to over the theater and the soldier tries to apply it in a combat situation," Fetterman said. "Before we field it to a combat unit, these guys will tell us what's wrong with it, and we'll fix it."
Mazzarese is quick to say he'd rather be in the fight, but that his first choice of stateside assignments would be with the experimental task force.
"I've been in the Army for 11 years, and I've seen Army equipment suddenly appear," he said. "Being here, I'm able to be at the front end of that process and articulate my impressions about equipment before it gets to the field. That's making a difference to the soldiers."
FCS testing will be conducted both here and at neighboring White Sands Missile Range, N.M., through four spinouts that will enable the Army to build the new technology over time.
The second spinout will test a series of unmanned aerial vehicles. Spinout 3 will test varieties of unmanned ground vehicles. The final spinout will evaluate manned ground vehicles that operate from a common platform, as well as the network.
The network is evolving incrementally, with additional sensors added to it with each spinout. The goal is to have "everything together and working" by 2017, with individual components fielded during the interim, Fetterman said.
But the Army doesn't intend to wait until then to get some of the best new technologies being developed to warfighters in the field.
Some, including unmanned aerial vehicles that can be carried in a backpack and small unmanned ground vehicles that can carry sensors into buildings, caves and other dangerous spots, are already in limited use in the combat theater.
"We're a lot farther down the road on this than people know," said Army Col. John Maddux, director for Army Evaluation Task Force integration. "This is not about the future. It's about giving a capability to soldiers now."
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Flowers has served combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and understands firsthand what warfighters need to succeed. Last week, Flowers and his fellow soldiers from the Army Evaluation Task Force got a chance to show Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates some of the revolutionary concepts and systems they're testing to give future soldiers the upper hand on the battlefield.
The task force, from 5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, stood up here in late 2006 as an operational test bed for the Army's Future Combat Systems program.
Gates got a firsthand look during his May 1 visit here at progress in developing an advanced data and communications network that will give troops detailed, real-time battlefield information.
The first of four planned "spinouts" in the program includes testing of the Intelligent Munitions System; the Tactical Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects and reports on ground movement; the Urban Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects motion inside a building; and the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System, nicknamed "rockets in a box."
The Non-Light-of-Sight cannon is being tested now at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., and Army Test and Evaluation Command will conduct an operational test on other Spinout 1 technology this summer. If all goes as hoped, its systems could be fielded within two years of the test, said Army Col. Patrick "Lee" Fetterman, Army Training and Doctrine Command's Future Combat Systems capability manager.
Gates watched preparations for those tests as the task force demonstrated how the systems can be used to track down and search a notional insurgent safe house at the Future Force Integration Directorate compound.
Sensors placed in the building – not unlike home security devices that monitor for break-ins – relayed details about inside activity to Bradley fighting vehicles. The Bradleys, picking up movement through advances communications equipment, barreled toward the building. They stopped abruptly as their crews dismounted, breaching a chain-link fence as they ran toward their objective, smoke and dust in their wake.
When the soldiers reached the suspected safe house, they dispatched the first of 25 small unmanned ground vehicles, or SUGVs, to be tested here as their "point man." The 30-pound tactical robot entered the building, relaying real-time images of its findings.
Ultimately, it honed in on the "insurgent" -- actually an Evaluation BCT soldier -- hiding in the dark beneath a stairwell. The soldiers stormed the building, capturing the suspect.
Flowers, who served with a reconnaissance platoon in Iraq, said he sees the clear value of systems that track enemy movement without risking or expending precious manpower.
"This would have been a great help in Iraq," he said. "You can use less manpower and keep your eyes on the objective at all times."
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Mazzarese, who joined the task force in January 2007, said likes the idea of leaving a piece of equipment, rather than one of his soldiers, behind to watch for enemy movement. "Being able to keep all my soldiers together means a lot to me," he said.
The demonstration showed progress in the Future Combat Systems program, which has been called the Army's most ambitious and far-reaching modernization since World War Two. The program aims to tap into the most advanced technologies possible to enable FCS-equipped brigade combat teams to see the enemy first and understand his intentions, officials explained. Once they understand what the enemy is up to, they can act first and on their own terms.
"We think this is a significant increase in capability for the soldier, dismounted and mounted, in combat," said Fetterman. "I believe there is value added in all the aspects of FCS."
While each new component will offer more capability, the true value of FCS will be far greater than the sum of its individual parts, Army Col. Michael Williamson, program manager for the FCS network, said.
"It is really the integration of all these pieces," he explained, "that will provide the commander and the soldiers so much more information and so much more capability than when you talk about individual pieces.
"So even though we are talking about the schedule of when various pieces are ready, at the end of the day, where the real impact comes, is when you start to combine all these capabilities into a package," he said.
Soldiers from the evaluation task force, most with combat experience under their belts, will combine live training, experimentation and simulation to test systems ranging from sensors to automated systems to manned vehicles.
"[The task force] ensures it all works together, and that it all provides value added to the soldier before we send it to over the theater and the soldier tries to apply it in a combat situation," Fetterman said. "Before we field it to a combat unit, these guys will tell us what's wrong with it, and we'll fix it."
Mazzarese is quick to say he'd rather be in the fight, but that his first choice of stateside assignments would be with the experimental task force.
"I've been in the Army for 11 years, and I've seen Army equipment suddenly appear," he said. "Being here, I'm able to be at the front end of that process and articulate my impressions about equipment before it gets to the field. That's making a difference to the soldiers."
FCS testing will be conducted both here and at neighboring White Sands Missile Range, N.M., through four spinouts that will enable the Army to build the new technology over time.
The second spinout will test a series of unmanned aerial vehicles. Spinout 3 will test varieties of unmanned ground vehicles. The final spinout will evaluate manned ground vehicles that operate from a common platform, as well as the network.
The network is evolving incrementally, with additional sensors added to it with each spinout. The goal is to have "everything together and working" by 2017, with individual components fielded during the interim, Fetterman said.
But the Army doesn't intend to wait until then to get some of the best new technologies being developed to warfighters in the field.
Some, including unmanned aerial vehicles that can be carried in a backpack and small unmanned ground vehicles that can carry sensors into buildings, caves and other dangerous spots, are already in limited use in the combat theater.
"We're a lot farther down the road on this than people know," said Army Col. John Maddux, director for Army Evaluation Task Force integration. "This is not about the future. It's about giving a capability to soldiers now."
Friday, May 09, 2008
Center Creates 'Little Miracles' in Treating Combat Stress
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - A revolutionary treatment program here is demonstrating "little miracles" as it gives new hope to soldiers afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder who want to stay in the Army , its director reports. The new program is the brainchild of clinical psychologist John E. Fortunato, who uses a holistic approach to treating PTSD at the new Fort Bliss Restoration and Resilience Center.
Fortunato conceded that his proposal "wasn't an easy sell" initially, particularly because it wove yoga, massage therapy and other nontraditional approaches into its treatment program. But driven by the frustration of seeing soldiers with PTSD forced to leave the Army against their wishes, Fortunato pressed forward and won approval for his prototype program.
With $2.2 million in initial funding and a 1940s barracks building to rehab, he set out to launch the Restoration and Resilience Center in June 2006. The center opened last summer.
Fortunato was convinced traditional PTSD treatments weren't long enough, intense enough or comprehensive enough. "So we set out to create a program to address all aspects of PTSD and treat the whole soldier," he said.
The participants, all volunteers, take about one-half the doses of medications they'd typically get through community mental-health programs. "That's because we're doing a bunch of other things," Fortunato said.
Many PTSD-afflicted soldiers experience "hyper-arousal," which the center staff treats with techniques like medical massage and "Reiki," a Japanese stress-reduction technique. Acupuncture has proven to be "extremely effective" in treating the anxiety, panic, and tension-induced physical pain many experience, Fortunato said.
There's a big physical component to the program, too. The soldiers must walk at least 10,000 steps a day, including a daily 45-minute "power walk." They play water polo three times a week, forcing interaction that Fortunato said many would rather avoid.
"That's another piece of PTSD. They want to socially isolate. They don't like to interact with other people," he said. "So we have them interact with the people they feel most comfortable with: other soldiers with PTSD."
Field trips during the program take the soldiers to the local mall and Wal-mart, "two hells" to many of them because they're too big, too crowded and too noisy, Fortunato said. "We teach them ways to regulate their stress level so they can handle those kinds of environments."
Many afflicted soldiers have trouble with concentration and memory, Fortunato said. For them, the program's mix of physical activity and calming techniques appears to help. They do yoga; tai chi, a Chinese martial art; "Quigong," a centuries-old Chinese self-healing method; and biofeedback, which uses the mind to heal the body. "We have a meditation room that looks like it came out of a Zen monastery," Fortunato said.
The program aims to repair the physical damage to the "learning center" in many PTSD sufferers' brains. That's caused, Fortunato explained, when the body's stress hormone is elevated too high and for too long -- as it commonly is among combat troops.
"The good news is, [the learning center] is one of only two parts of the brain that can grow new cells," he said. So his program requires participants to sit at a computer several times a day, doing mental exercises to help them regain their cognitive functioning.
While confronting the physical aspects of PTSD, the program addresses the emotional and spiritual aspects, too.
"Few soldiers come back from war without terrible images and events in their head," Fortunato said. Many "suck it up and soldier on" in the combat theater because they have no choice. But when they return home, these issues can percolate to the surface as nightmares, flashbacks and other problems.
Fortunato's program uses "rehearsal therapy" to help participants confront their most painful memories and experiences. "The soldier tells the story, as painful as it is, over and over until you've emptied it of its emotional punch," he said. "They are never going to forget the story, but it doesn't have to have the grip on their guts that it did before."
Meanwhile, many soldiers with PTSD find that their combat experience has shaken their core beliefs and values, Fortunato said. A chaplain helps them review "the big organizing things in their life" as they address the spiritual piece of their PTSD struggle. "We weren't doing much to address this before," but it's critical to a soldier's healing, he said.
Fortunato said there's nothing monumental about the Recovery and Resilience Center's approach to treating PTSD. "If you put all of that together, it isn't magic," he said. "None of it is magic. And do you know what? None of it is new. All we did is, we looked at the whole soldier and tried to treat all of him."
The "whole soldier" approach appears to be paying off. Twelve of the 37 soldiers who volunteered for the program have graduated and returned to their units. Among the recent graduates is a soldier who was in a catatonic state in August, but now is free of all signs of PTSD.
"Little miracles are what we are watching happen," Fortunato said.
So far, only two participants have washed out of the program, both taking medical discharges from the Army.
Fortunato is the first to say his program isn't for everyone. "This is a hard program," he said. "[Participants are] in treatment 35 hours a week [with] daily psychotherapy, daily group therapy [and] integrative medicine. They go from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 every afternoon. You have to be highly motivated to put up with that much treatment."
There's no set timetable for completing the program, but Fortunato said he's finding six months to be optimal for most soldiers. "As long as they are working hard, we are going to hang in with them," he said.
The soldiers formed their own platoon, which they dubbed, "the Wolf Pack." It's a testament, Fortunato said, to the way they take care of each other and the strength they've shown in admitting they have PTSD and seeking treatment.
As the soldiers work to overcome their combat stress and return to their units, Fortunato said he's convinced the program is in the Army's best interest as well.
The cost alone of treating a soldier -- somewhere between $14,000 and $20,000 -- is a bargain to the force, he said. By comparison, he said it would cost about $400,000 to recruit and train a new soldier and provide lifetime disability payments and medical care to the discharged soldier.
"So why wouldn't you do this?" Fortunato said. "I think the numbers are all in our favor."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates appears to agree. He toured the Restoration and Resilience Center on May 1, calling the visit an "extraordinary experience."
"They are doing some amazing things here in terms of helping soldiers who want to remain soldiers but who have been wounded with post-traumatic stress disorder," he said. "It is a multi-month effort by a lot of caring people, and they are showing some real success in restoring these soldiers."
Gates called the center an example of new approaches the military is taking to care for these troops. "This center here is illustrative of what can be done," he said.
Gates said he'll consider the idea of possibly replicating Fort Bliss' prototype program to other posts.
Fortunato said he's all for duplicating his effort, but emphasized that his program's small size is a key to its success. The soldiers and staff all know each other, have nicknames for each other, and feel a personal commitment to each other. "We all love these guys," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - A revolutionary treatment program here is demonstrating "little miracles" as it gives new hope to soldiers afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder who want to stay in the Army , its director reports. The new program is the brainchild of clinical psychologist John E. Fortunato, who uses a holistic approach to treating PTSD at the new Fort Bliss Restoration and Resilience Center.
Fortunato conceded that his proposal "wasn't an easy sell" initially, particularly because it wove yoga, massage therapy and other nontraditional approaches into its treatment program. But driven by the frustration of seeing soldiers with PTSD forced to leave the Army against their wishes, Fortunato pressed forward and won approval for his prototype program.
With $2.2 million in initial funding and a 1940s barracks building to rehab, he set out to launch the Restoration and Resilience Center in June 2006. The center opened last summer.
Fortunato was convinced traditional PTSD treatments weren't long enough, intense enough or comprehensive enough. "So we set out to create a program to address all aspects of PTSD and treat the whole soldier," he said.
The participants, all volunteers, take about one-half the doses of medications they'd typically get through community mental-health programs. "That's because we're doing a bunch of other things," Fortunato said.
Many PTSD-afflicted soldiers experience "hyper-arousal," which the center staff treats with techniques like medical massage and "Reiki," a Japanese stress-reduction technique. Acupuncture has proven to be "extremely effective" in treating the anxiety, panic, and tension-induced physical pain many experience, Fortunato said.
There's a big physical component to the program, too. The soldiers must walk at least 10,000 steps a day, including a daily 45-minute "power walk." They play water polo three times a week, forcing interaction that Fortunato said many would rather avoid.
"That's another piece of PTSD. They want to socially isolate. They don't like to interact with other people," he said. "So we have them interact with the people they feel most comfortable with: other soldiers with PTSD."
Field trips during the program take the soldiers to the local mall and Wal-mart, "two hells" to many of them because they're too big, too crowded and too noisy, Fortunato said. "We teach them ways to regulate their stress level so they can handle those kinds of environments."
Many afflicted soldiers have trouble with concentration and memory, Fortunato said. For them, the program's mix of physical activity and calming techniques appears to help. They do yoga; tai chi, a Chinese martial art; "Quigong," a centuries-old Chinese self-healing method; and biofeedback, which uses the mind to heal the body. "We have a meditation room that looks like it came out of a Zen monastery," Fortunato said.
The program aims to repair the physical damage to the "learning center" in many PTSD sufferers' brains. That's caused, Fortunato explained, when the body's stress hormone is elevated too high and for too long -- as it commonly is among combat troops.
"The good news is, [the learning center] is one of only two parts of the brain that can grow new cells," he said. So his program requires participants to sit at a computer several times a day, doing mental exercises to help them regain their cognitive functioning.
While confronting the physical aspects of PTSD, the program addresses the emotional and spiritual aspects, too.
"Few soldiers come back from war without terrible images and events in their head," Fortunato said. Many "suck it up and soldier on" in the combat theater because they have no choice. But when they return home, these issues can percolate to the surface as nightmares, flashbacks and other problems.
Fortunato's program uses "rehearsal therapy" to help participants confront their most painful memories and experiences. "The soldier tells the story, as painful as it is, over and over until you've emptied it of its emotional punch," he said. "They are never going to forget the story, but it doesn't have to have the grip on their guts that it did before."
Meanwhile, many soldiers with PTSD find that their combat experience has shaken their core beliefs and values, Fortunato said. A chaplain helps them review "the big organizing things in their life" as they address the spiritual piece of their PTSD struggle. "We weren't doing much to address this before," but it's critical to a soldier's healing, he said.
Fortunato said there's nothing monumental about the Recovery and Resilience Center's approach to treating PTSD. "If you put all of that together, it isn't magic," he said. "None of it is magic. And do you know what? None of it is new. All we did is, we looked at the whole soldier and tried to treat all of him."
The "whole soldier" approach appears to be paying off. Twelve of the 37 soldiers who volunteered for the program have graduated and returned to their units. Among the recent graduates is a soldier who was in a catatonic state in August, but now is free of all signs of PTSD.
"Little miracles are what we are watching happen," Fortunato said.
So far, only two participants have washed out of the program, both taking medical discharges from the Army.
Fortunato is the first to say his program isn't for everyone. "This is a hard program," he said. "[Participants are] in treatment 35 hours a week [with] daily psychotherapy, daily group therapy [and] integrative medicine. They go from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 every afternoon. You have to be highly motivated to put up with that much treatment."
There's no set timetable for completing the program, but Fortunato said he's finding six months to be optimal for most soldiers. "As long as they are working hard, we are going to hang in with them," he said.
The soldiers formed their own platoon, which they dubbed, "the Wolf Pack." It's a testament, Fortunato said, to the way they take care of each other and the strength they've shown in admitting they have PTSD and seeking treatment.
As the soldiers work to overcome their combat stress and return to their units, Fortunato said he's convinced the program is in the Army's best interest as well.
The cost alone of treating a soldier -- somewhere between $14,000 and $20,000 -- is a bargain to the force, he said. By comparison, he said it would cost about $400,000 to recruit and train a new soldier and provide lifetime disability payments and medical care to the discharged soldier.
"So why wouldn't you do this?" Fortunato said. "I think the numbers are all in our favor."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates appears to agree. He toured the Restoration and Resilience Center on May 1, calling the visit an "extraordinary experience."
"They are doing some amazing things here in terms of helping soldiers who want to remain soldiers but who have been wounded with post-traumatic stress disorder," he said. "It is a multi-month effort by a lot of caring people, and they are showing some real success in restoring these soldiers."
Gates called the center an example of new approaches the military is taking to care for these troops. "This center here is illustrative of what can be done," he said.
Gates said he'll consider the idea of possibly replicating Fort Bliss' prototype program to other posts.
Fortunato said he's all for duplicating his effort, but emphasized that his program's small size is a key to its success. The soldiers and staff all know each other, have nicknames for each other, and feel a personal commitment to each other. "We all love these guys," he said.
America Supports You: Group's Quilts Get Cameo on 'Army Wives'
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - They didn't have any lines, and if it weren't for their bright colors against the spartan background of a C-17 Globemaster's cargo bay, quilts produced by the South Carolina Quilts of Valor troop-support organization might have gone unnoticed. But their cameo appearance in a scene of Lifetime Network's military drama "Army Wives," however, reflects the importance the quilts have in the lives of real servicemembers.
Susan Thomas, president of the quilt-making group, said Air Force Reserve Capt. Wayne Capps, public affairs officer for the 315th Airlift Wing here, suggested to the show's staff that they use her organization's quilts in a scene while coordinating details of the May 5 filming here of parts of the upcoming season's fourth episode.
"It's just so inspiring, just to know that somebody cares enough to say, 'We want to show this,'" she said.
When their 15 minutes of fame ended, the quilts were boxed up and sent overseas with a note letting recipients know about their quilts' star status.
South Carolina Quilts of Valor is part of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation that started four years ago. The mission of the foundation, and all its chapters, is to cover every wounded servicemember with a quilt to let them know how much they're appreciated.
In the three and a half years since it began, the South Carolina chapter has completed 660 of the quilts, ranging from 50 by 60 inches to 62 by 72 inches in size, just right for use on the litters used to transport wounded warriors on aeromedical airlift flights.
The nearly 30 group members spend about three weeks and a little over $100 to create each heirloom-quality quilt, using only quilt store fabric and a particular kind of batting that ensures they're soft and will hold up to the rigors of a hospital stay.
Despite the seemingly small number of quilters in the chapter, their quilts are anything but cookie-cutter.
"We send a variety," Thomas said. "In fact, [an Army chaplain] sent me an e-mail after he received his box and ... said, 'I love to turn your boxes upside-down and watch the colors fall out.'"
The differing patterns do more than keep one quilt from looking like the next, Thomas said. The pattern name often is included on the label, which raises some curiosity in the recipients.
Two quilt recipients have told the group that they go online to look at the organization's Web site and to research the history of the pattern. "It gives them something to do in the hospital," Thomas explained.
While she never knows where her group's quilts will end up when they're shipped overseas, Thomas said she knows for a fact that they have a huge impact on the recipients.
The half dozen quilts used in the "Army Wives" episode theoretically will end up at the fictional Fort Marshall, where the show is set. But their real impact will be much broader. They not only will bring comfort to real servicemembers, but also will shine a spotlight on Quilts of Valor Foundation's less-recognized chapters, Thomas said.
"Army Wives" second season begins June 8 at 10 p.m. on Lifetime Network.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping to support the nation's servicemembers, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2008 - They didn't have any lines, and if it weren't for their bright colors against the spartan background of a C-17 Globemaster's cargo bay, quilts produced by the South Carolina Quilts of Valor troop-support organization might have gone unnoticed. But their cameo appearance in a scene of Lifetime Network's military drama "Army Wives," however, reflects the importance the quilts have in the lives of real servicemembers.
Susan Thomas, president of the quilt-making group, said Air Force Reserve Capt. Wayne Capps, public affairs officer for the 315th Airlift Wing here, suggested to the show's staff that they use her organization's quilts in a scene while coordinating details of the May 5 filming here of parts of the upcoming season's fourth episode.
"It's just so inspiring, just to know that somebody cares enough to say, 'We want to show this,'" she said.
When their 15 minutes of fame ended, the quilts were boxed up and sent overseas with a note letting recipients know about their quilts' star status.
South Carolina Quilts of Valor is part of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation that started four years ago. The mission of the foundation, and all its chapters, is to cover every wounded servicemember with a quilt to let them know how much they're appreciated.
In the three and a half years since it began, the South Carolina chapter has completed 660 of the quilts, ranging from 50 by 60 inches to 62 by 72 inches in size, just right for use on the litters used to transport wounded warriors on aeromedical airlift flights.
The nearly 30 group members spend about three weeks and a little over $100 to create each heirloom-quality quilt, using only quilt store fabric and a particular kind of batting that ensures they're soft and will hold up to the rigors of a hospital stay.
Despite the seemingly small number of quilters in the chapter, their quilts are anything but cookie-cutter.
"We send a variety," Thomas said. "In fact, [an Army chaplain] sent me an e-mail after he received his box and ... said, 'I love to turn your boxes upside-down and watch the colors fall out.'"
The differing patterns do more than keep one quilt from looking like the next, Thomas said. The pattern name often is included on the label, which raises some curiosity in the recipients.
Two quilt recipients have told the group that they go online to look at the organization's Web site and to research the history of the pattern. "It gives them something to do in the hospital," Thomas explained.
While she never knows where her group's quilts will end up when they're shipped overseas, Thomas said she knows for a fact that they have a huge impact on the recipients.
The half dozen quilts used in the "Army Wives" episode theoretically will end up at the fictional Fort Marshall, where the show is set. But their real impact will be much broader. They not only will bring comfort to real servicemembers, but also will shine a spotlight on Quilts of Valor Foundation's less-recognized chapters, Thomas said.
"Army Wives" second season begins June 8 at 10 p.m. on Lifetime Network.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping to support the nation's servicemembers, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Armed Forces Make Progress in Regenerative Medicine
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Thanks to great strides in medical care, today's U.S. warriors have a 50 percent greater chance of survival if they're wounded on the battlefield than their Vietnam War counterparts did. State-of-the-art prosthetics help troops who have lost a limb resume many, and in some cases all, of their pre-injury activities. The Defense Department is hoping to find new and even better ways to help the nation's warriors as it researches a field called regenerative medicine that would enable people to generate new skin and even grow new limbs, Army Col. (Dr.) Robert Vandre told online journalists and "bloggers" in a conference call yesterday.
Vandre, research area director for combat casualty care research at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, has fielded the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a consortium that has the top scientists in the field working with the Army to drastically improve the quality of life of wounded servicemembers.
Statistics show that 82 percent of returning wounded servicemembers have extremity injuries, 33 percent have wounds to the face or head, and 5 to 6 percent have burns, Vandre said. He noted that thanks to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, prosthetics for wounded warriors have come a long way in recent years.
"DARPA has great programs in place for prosthetics," he noted, "but we are hoping that eventually there will be no need for prosthetics."
Vandre said doctors often are forced to remove limbs because they know that if they don't, the injured servicemember would always be in excruciating pain, and unable to function normally. The Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine is working to find ways to improve chances of recovery and regeneration that would encourage doctors to keep damaged limbs in place.
"The idea is to use stem cells to put people back together and re-grow the cells that are damaged," Vandre said. The scientists use adult stem cells from the actual patients in their research to minimize the likelihood of rejection.
"Aside from guaranteeing that the body will likely accept the new stem cells, adult stem cells are also less likely than fetal stem cells to cause cancer," he said.
Vandre explained a process called extracellular matrix, in which scientists are working to re-grow damaged muscles.
"Currently, if someone has a wound right in the middle of the muscle and is missing the middle third part, there is not much you can do," he explained. "But with regenerative growth, you can tie the ends back together."
Vandre said the ability to produce new skin should be available in the next few years. "We will easily be able to do things like replace ears and the tip of the nose," he said.
Seven of the 10 top regenerative scientists in the United States are part of the institute, Vandre said, calling that a great indication of its potential for success. "It's really a dream team of people," he said.
The team is funded by $85 million in Department of Defense and National Institute of Health research funding and an additional $80 million generated through state and university grants.
"Since many of these scientists are already pretty big-name people, they already have grants from NIH and the National Science Foundation that adds about another 100 million worth of research to the total equation," he said.
Funding is key, he said, because it determines how many ideas can go forward as projects. "Out of 100 things you work on in the lab, only one becomes a project," he said. "We are bringing the gap by providing the funding to bring some of these projects to fruition, translating basic research to affect actual people."
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Thanks to great strides in medical care, today's U.S. warriors have a 50 percent greater chance of survival if they're wounded on the battlefield than their Vietnam War counterparts did. State-of-the-art prosthetics help troops who have lost a limb resume many, and in some cases all, of their pre-injury activities. The Defense Department is hoping to find new and even better ways to help the nation's warriors as it researches a field called regenerative medicine that would enable people to generate new skin and even grow new limbs, Army Col. (Dr.) Robert Vandre told online journalists and "bloggers" in a conference call yesterday.
Vandre, research area director for combat casualty care research at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, has fielded the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a consortium that has the top scientists in the field working with the Army to drastically improve the quality of life of wounded servicemembers.
Statistics show that 82 percent of returning wounded servicemembers have extremity injuries, 33 percent have wounds to the face or head, and 5 to 6 percent have burns, Vandre said. He noted that thanks to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, prosthetics for wounded warriors have come a long way in recent years.
"DARPA has great programs in place for prosthetics," he noted, "but we are hoping that eventually there will be no need for prosthetics."
Vandre said doctors often are forced to remove limbs because they know that if they don't, the injured servicemember would always be in excruciating pain, and unable to function normally. The Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine is working to find ways to improve chances of recovery and regeneration that would encourage doctors to keep damaged limbs in place.
"The idea is to use stem cells to put people back together and re-grow the cells that are damaged," Vandre said. The scientists use adult stem cells from the actual patients in their research to minimize the likelihood of rejection.
"Aside from guaranteeing that the body will likely accept the new stem cells, adult stem cells are also less likely than fetal stem cells to cause cancer," he said.
Vandre explained a process called extracellular matrix, in which scientists are working to re-grow damaged muscles.
"Currently, if someone has a wound right in the middle of the muscle and is missing the middle third part, there is not much you can do," he explained. "But with regenerative growth, you can tie the ends back together."
Vandre said the ability to produce new skin should be available in the next few years. "We will easily be able to do things like replace ears and the tip of the nose," he said.
Seven of the 10 top regenerative scientists in the United States are part of the institute, Vandre said, calling that a great indication of its potential for success. "It's really a dream team of people," he said.
The team is funded by $85 million in Department of Defense and National Institute of Health research funding and an additional $80 million generated through state and university grants.
"Since many of these scientists are already pretty big-name people, they already have grants from NIH and the National Science Foundation that adds about another 100 million worth of research to the total equation," he said.
Funding is key, he said, because it determines how many ideas can go forward as projects. "Out of 100 things you work on in the lab, only one becomes a project," he said. "We are bringing the gap by providing the funding to bring some of these projects to fruition, translating basic research to affect actual people."
America Supports You: Group Provides Reading Program at Military Hospitals
By Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Renee Cevey
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Wilford Hall Medical Center here has launched a new program emphasizing the importance of literacy to parents and children alike. Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit organization, uses several methods to promote early literacy as part of routine pediatric care, including having volunteers reading aloud in pediatric waiting rooms.
Its main approach, though, is to promote literacy during well-baby or well-child visits for children from ages 6 months through 4 years. Pediatric providers trained in the Reach Out and Read model offer age-appropriate tips to emphasize to parents and caretakers the importance of reading aloud to children. The parents also are encouraged to invent stories to go with pictures in the books.
During each of these visits, the child receives a new developmentally appropriate book to keep.
Reach Out and Read's programs are located in more than 3,700 hospitals and health centers in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands. Through these programs, more than 5.4 million new books are distributed each year to more than 3.4 million children and their families.
In 2007, Reach Out and Read teamed up with the Defense Department and its Office of Family Policy, Children and Youth to implement the institution of the organization's programs in up to 20 military health care facilities across the nation.
Research demonstrates that parents who are encouraged by their pediatric providers to read aloud to their children are more likely to do so, and consequently report reading aloud as a favorite activity to share with their children. Furthermore, children who are read to during the first years of life are much more likely to learn to read on schedule, contributing to later school success.
Reach Out and Read helps parents understand developmental stages, builds routines that reassure children, and develops skills and knowledge essential for families being tested by separation and deployment.
The organization is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
(Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Renee Cevey serves at Wilford Hall Medical Center.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Wilford Hall Medical Center here has launched a new program emphasizing the importance of literacy to parents and children alike. Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit organization, uses several methods to promote early literacy as part of routine pediatric care, including having volunteers reading aloud in pediatric waiting rooms.
Its main approach, though, is to promote literacy during well-baby or well-child visits for children from ages 6 months through 4 years. Pediatric providers trained in the Reach Out and Read model offer age-appropriate tips to emphasize to parents and caretakers the importance of reading aloud to children. The parents also are encouraged to invent stories to go with pictures in the books.
During each of these visits, the child receives a new developmentally appropriate book to keep.
Reach Out and Read's programs are located in more than 3,700 hospitals and health centers in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands. Through these programs, more than 5.4 million new books are distributed each year to more than 3.4 million children and their families.
In 2007, Reach Out and Read teamed up with the Defense Department and its Office of Family Policy, Children and Youth to implement the institution of the organization's programs in up to 20 military health care facilities across the nation.
Research demonstrates that parents who are encouraged by their pediatric providers to read aloud to their children are more likely to do so, and consequently report reading aloud as a favorite activity to share with their children. Furthermore, children who are read to during the first years of life are much more likely to learn to read on schedule, contributing to later school success.
Reach Out and Read helps parents understand developmental stages, builds routines that reassure children, and develops skills and knowledge essential for families being tested by separation and deployment.
The organization is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
(Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Renee Cevey serves at Wilford Hall Medical Center.)
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Pentagon Seeks to Fund University Research in National Security
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The Defense Department is developing a proposal to finance university research on national security-related issues, a senior Pentagon official said yesterday. The Minerva Consortia, as it's called, would have the academic and intellectual communities focus on certain physical and social sciences, Thomas Mahnken, deputy assistant secretary of defense for policy planning, said in a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers."
"We, as a Defense Department, don't have the expertise that we really need," Mahnken said. "We, as a nation, need to cultivate that expertise."
While DoD already researches both basic and applied physical sciences, Mahnken said, research in social science needs beefing up.
Though some issues surround research of social sciences, Mahnken said, funding should not be one of them.
"One of the virtues of social science research, as opposed to the physical science research, is it's relatively inexpensive," Mahnken said. "This is an area where 2 or 3 million dollars actually goes a long way."
Mahnken said that although the government already uses organizations such as the National Security Agency for social-science research, the goal in the DoD proposal is to bridge a fundamental gap between academia and the government in social sciences.
That gap, he explained, puts the government at a disadvantage in understanding some of the challenges the United States faces worldwide and as a nation, Mahnken said.
Mahnken said another motive is to help college students receive more funding for their education.
"We see this as being able to fund kind of a new generation of scholars," he said. "I've gotten a lot of letters of support from the university community."
To get the Minerva Consortia project to move forward, solid funding is a must, Mahnken said.
"This is the type of research that you don't just turn the crank and produce something overnight," he said. "So we want to provide a stable funding base."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The Defense Department is developing a proposal to finance university research on national security-related issues, a senior Pentagon official said yesterday. The Minerva Consortia, as it's called, would have the academic and intellectual communities focus on certain physical and social sciences, Thomas Mahnken, deputy assistant secretary of defense for policy planning, said in a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers."
"We, as a Defense Department, don't have the expertise that we really need," Mahnken said. "We, as a nation, need to cultivate that expertise."
While DoD already researches both basic and applied physical sciences, Mahnken said, research in social science needs beefing up.
Though some issues surround research of social sciences, Mahnken said, funding should not be one of them.
"One of the virtues of social science research, as opposed to the physical science research, is it's relatively inexpensive," Mahnken said. "This is an area where 2 or 3 million dollars actually goes a long way."
Mahnken said that although the government already uses organizations such as the National Security Agency for social-science research, the goal in the DoD proposal is to bridge a fundamental gap between academia and the government in social sciences.
That gap, he explained, puts the government at a disadvantage in understanding some of the challenges the United States faces worldwide and as a nation, Mahnken said.
Mahnken said another motive is to help college students receive more funding for their education.
"We see this as being able to fund kind of a new generation of scholars," he said. "I've gotten a lot of letters of support from the university community."
To get the Minerva Consortia project to move forward, solid funding is a must, Mahnken said.
"This is the type of research that you don't just turn the crank and produce something overnight," he said. "So we want to provide a stable funding base."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Face of Defense: 15th-Generation Rabbi Helps Airmen Keep Faith
By Air Force Senior Airman Tong Duong
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The candle flame performed a slow, mesmerizing dance as it flickered from one side of the wick to the other. The light softly illuminated his face as his silhouette became a portion of the projection behind him -- images of Holocaust victims. Soft-spoken yet with a stern demeanor, Chaplain (Capt.) Raphael Berdugo's eyes glistened as he solemnly lead a prayer. More than 30 servicemembers bowed their heads to pay their respects during the Holocaust Remembrance Vigil held at a base in Southwest Asia on May 2 to remember the more than 6 million lives lost in the Nazis' genocide of Jews during World War Two.
One of only nine rabbis in the Air Force and the only one in the U.S. Air Forces Central region, Berdugo's area of responsibility extends far beyond the base.
"I once received a call in the middle of the night from the wing chaplain of a different base, asking me what would be appropriate to do as a memorial service for a fallen Jewish servicemember," said the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.
A 15th-generation rabbi, he said one of his many tasks includes leading his people to a righteous path.
"First and foremost, [being a rabbi] means being a positive role model for others and a visible reminder of what's holy," Berdugo said. "It also involves being a representative -- almost like an ambassador -- for the Jewish people and helping them with their religious needs."
One of those religious needs is keeping a strictly kosher diet, which has been easy thanks to the efforts of the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron members, Berdugo said, noting that he received several requests for kosher versions of the military rations known as MREs: meals, ready to eat. With the help of the services squadron, he said, several cases of kosher MREs were sent to numerous locations in the area of operations.
Berdugo said he brings a different perspective to the table and that others enjoy asking questions about his religion and learning about Judaism.
"I am very often the first rabbi that most airmen have ever met," he said.
Some are curious about the significance of his camouflage-patterned yarmulke, the small, round cap he wears on top of his head. Its origination comes from a combination of two Hebrew words -- "Yare" and "Malka" -- meaning "fear of the king," he said. "Basically, we wear it to remind ourselves to be submissive to the one above."
Any servicemember whose faith requires the head to be covered is authorized to wear an item such as a yarmulke in uniform, the rabbi pointed out.
With a relatively small Jewish population here, Berdugo's religious services are only a small portion of the work he does, allowing him to focus on visitation and other aspects of a chaplain's ministry.
"[I am] readily accessible to the airmen in all squadrons," he said. "After all, I am a pastoral caregiver for people of all faiths."
Ordained 15 years ago, Berdugo said being a Jewish religious leader was something he felt he was born to do.
"Becoming a rabbi was something I grew into," the father of three boys and two girls said. "Even at the young age of 12, while my parents ministered to the adults, I would minister to the children."
Born a British citizen in Dublin, Ireland, to Moroccan parents, Berdugo said he always has felt that a higher power had intervened and guided his path to becoming an ordained minister and ultimately joining the U.S. Air Force.
"My education led to my becoming an ordained rabbi," he said. "After receiving my rabbinical ordination from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, N.J., I applied for and received my green card. I started out as a middle school teacher, and for 10 years I taught the Torah and Judaic subjects at a private Jewish school."
Berdugo said he thought he would end his career as a school principal, but after becoming a naturalized American citizen in 1999, he was recruited for the Air Force chaplaincy.
"Although I joined as a reservist, I knew that one day I would become active duty," he said.
Military service is not new to Berdugo's family; his uncle is serving as a chaplain in the French army. Berdugo said he would like for his children to follow in his footsteps.
"My wish is for at least one of my five children to carry on the family tradition," he said.
(Air Force Senior Airman Tong Duong serves in the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The candle flame performed a slow, mesmerizing dance as it flickered from one side of the wick to the other. The light softly illuminated his face as his silhouette became a portion of the projection behind him -- images of Holocaust victims. Soft-spoken yet with a stern demeanor, Chaplain (Capt.) Raphael Berdugo's eyes glistened as he solemnly lead a prayer. More than 30 servicemembers bowed their heads to pay their respects during the Holocaust Remembrance Vigil held at a base in Southwest Asia on May 2 to remember the more than 6 million lives lost in the Nazis' genocide of Jews during World War Two.
One of only nine rabbis in the Air Force and the only one in the U.S. Air Forces Central region, Berdugo's area of responsibility extends far beyond the base.
"I once received a call in the middle of the night from the wing chaplain of a different base, asking me what would be appropriate to do as a memorial service for a fallen Jewish servicemember," said the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.
A 15th-generation rabbi, he said one of his many tasks includes leading his people to a righteous path.
"First and foremost, [being a rabbi] means being a positive role model for others and a visible reminder of what's holy," Berdugo said. "It also involves being a representative -- almost like an ambassador -- for the Jewish people and helping them with their religious needs."
One of those religious needs is keeping a strictly kosher diet, which has been easy thanks to the efforts of the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron members, Berdugo said, noting that he received several requests for kosher versions of the military rations known as MREs: meals, ready to eat. With the help of the services squadron, he said, several cases of kosher MREs were sent to numerous locations in the area of operations.
Berdugo said he brings a different perspective to the table and that others enjoy asking questions about his religion and learning about Judaism.
"I am very often the first rabbi that most airmen have ever met," he said.
Some are curious about the significance of his camouflage-patterned yarmulke, the small, round cap he wears on top of his head. Its origination comes from a combination of two Hebrew words -- "Yare" and "Malka" -- meaning "fear of the king," he said. "Basically, we wear it to remind ourselves to be submissive to the one above."
Any servicemember whose faith requires the head to be covered is authorized to wear an item such as a yarmulke in uniform, the rabbi pointed out.
With a relatively small Jewish population here, Berdugo's religious services are only a small portion of the work he does, allowing him to focus on visitation and other aspects of a chaplain's ministry.
"[I am] readily accessible to the airmen in all squadrons," he said. "After all, I am a pastoral caregiver for people of all faiths."
Ordained 15 years ago, Berdugo said being a Jewish religious leader was something he felt he was born to do.
"Becoming a rabbi was something I grew into," the father of three boys and two girls said. "Even at the young age of 12, while my parents ministered to the adults, I would minister to the children."
Born a British citizen in Dublin, Ireland, to Moroccan parents, Berdugo said he always has felt that a higher power had intervened and guided his path to becoming an ordained minister and ultimately joining the U.S. Air Force.
"My education led to my becoming an ordained rabbi," he said. "After receiving my rabbinical ordination from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, N.J., I applied for and received my green card. I started out as a middle school teacher, and for 10 years I taught the Torah and Judaic subjects at a private Jewish school."
Berdugo said he thought he would end his career as a school principal, but after becoming a naturalized American citizen in 1999, he was recruited for the Air Force chaplaincy.
"Although I joined as a reservist, I knew that one day I would become active duty," he said.
Military service is not new to Berdugo's family; his uncle is serving as a chaplain in the French army. Berdugo said he would like for his children to follow in his footsteps.
"My wish is for at least one of my five children to carry on the family tradition," he said.
(Air Force Senior Airman Tong Duong serves in the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Waiver Recipients Take Advantage of 'Second Chance' in Army
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Army recruits who joined the ranks on conduct waivers are slightly more prone to misconduct, but also are promoted faster, re-enlist in higher numbers and represent higher-quality recruits than recruits who enlisted without needing a conduct waiver, an internal Army study revealed. The analysis, conducted late last year, compared the re-enlistment rates, performance and effects on recruiting standards of soldiers who didn't need a conduct waiver to enlist to those whose prior malfeasance was waived.
"For the most part, the individuals that we're bringing in [on waivers] are not the folks that are dabbling in crime," said Army Maj. Jake LaPorte, who works in the strength forecasting division of the Army's personnel, policy and guidance office. "I think they're the ones who have had a mistake, and we're giving them a second chance."
The Army runs potential recruits convicted of a felony or of both serious and minor offenses through a 10-person review. Before a waiver is granted, a general officer must approve the enlistment.
The study sample was made up of first-time recruits from fiscal 2003 to 2006, allowing time for re-enlistment figures to emerge. Findings that reflect positively on waiver recipients include:
-- The conduct-waiver population from fiscal 2003 re-enlisted at a higher rate -- 28.4 percent -- compared to a rate of 26.7 percent for soldiers who didn't need conduct waivers;
-- The infantry conduct-waiver population was promoted to sergeant faster, at 34.7 months of service vs. 39;
-- The conduct-waiver population had a higher ratio of valorous awards, 13.87 percent vs. 12.73 percent; and
-- The conduct-waiver population represented higher-quality recruits, producing a higher percentage of high school graduates -- 86.58 percent vs. 84.2 percent -- and higher Armed Forces Qualification Test scores, 61.2 vs. 60.1.
However, the conduct-waiver population had higher losses in six of nine "adverse loss" categories:
-- Misconduct: 5.95 percent vs. 3.55 percent;
-- Pattern of misconduct: 1.78 percent vs. 1.35 percent;
-- Alcohol rehabilitation failure: 0.27 percent vs. 0.12 percent;
-- Desertion: 4.26 percent vs. 3.59 percent;
-- Military prisoner, bad conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge: 0.5 percent vs. 0.4 percent;
-- Discharge in lieu of courts-martial: 2.58 percent vs. 2.04 percent.
In 2007, the Army granted 511 felony waivers, an increase from the 249 it granted the previous year. Despite this spike, a senior officer said, the Army's standards have not wavered.
"I would say they're probably more stringent," Lt. Col. Val Siegfried, the Army branch chief for enlisted accessions, said of today's requirements for enlistment compared to those in recent decades.
He said that society judges petty theft and in-school fighting more harshly now than in the past. "If you get in a fight in school as a 14-year-old and kick somebody, it's aggravated assault with a deadly weapon," he said, adding that the Army takes a "whole person" look at each recruit, examining the context in which they committed their crime.
"Should that [person] not be brought into the Army and serve his country simply because he got in a fight in school?" he said. "Those are a lot of the kind of people that have been given a waiver for a felony offense in the juvenile life."
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Army recruits who joined the ranks on conduct waivers are slightly more prone to misconduct, but also are promoted faster, re-enlist in higher numbers and represent higher-quality recruits than recruits who enlisted without needing a conduct waiver, an internal Army study revealed. The analysis, conducted late last year, compared the re-enlistment rates, performance and effects on recruiting standards of soldiers who didn't need a conduct waiver to enlist to those whose prior malfeasance was waived.
"For the most part, the individuals that we're bringing in [on waivers] are not the folks that are dabbling in crime," said Army Maj. Jake LaPorte, who works in the strength forecasting division of the Army's personnel, policy and guidance office. "I think they're the ones who have had a mistake, and we're giving them a second chance."
The Army runs potential recruits convicted of a felony or of both serious and minor offenses through a 10-person review. Before a waiver is granted, a general officer must approve the enlistment.
The study sample was made up of first-time recruits from fiscal 2003 to 2006, allowing time for re-enlistment figures to emerge. Findings that reflect positively on waiver recipients include:
-- The conduct-waiver population from fiscal 2003 re-enlisted at a higher rate -- 28.4 percent -- compared to a rate of 26.7 percent for soldiers who didn't need conduct waivers;
-- The infantry conduct-waiver population was promoted to sergeant faster, at 34.7 months of service vs. 39;
-- The conduct-waiver population had a higher ratio of valorous awards, 13.87 percent vs. 12.73 percent; and
-- The conduct-waiver population represented higher-quality recruits, producing a higher percentage of high school graduates -- 86.58 percent vs. 84.2 percent -- and higher Armed Forces Qualification Test scores, 61.2 vs. 60.1.
However, the conduct-waiver population had higher losses in six of nine "adverse loss" categories:
-- Misconduct: 5.95 percent vs. 3.55 percent;
-- Pattern of misconduct: 1.78 percent vs. 1.35 percent;
-- Alcohol rehabilitation failure: 0.27 percent vs. 0.12 percent;
-- Desertion: 4.26 percent vs. 3.59 percent;
-- Military prisoner, bad conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge: 0.5 percent vs. 0.4 percent;
-- Discharge in lieu of courts-martial: 2.58 percent vs. 2.04 percent.
In 2007, the Army granted 511 felony waivers, an increase from the 249 it granted the previous year. Despite this spike, a senior officer said, the Army's standards have not wavered.
"I would say they're probably more stringent," Lt. Col. Val Siegfried, the Army branch chief for enlisted accessions, said of today's requirements for enlistment compared to those in recent decades.
He said that society judges petty theft and in-school fighting more harshly now than in the past. "If you get in a fight in school as a 14-year-old and kick somebody, it's aggravated assault with a deadly weapon," he said, adding that the Army takes a "whole person" look at each recruit, examining the context in which they committed their crime.
"Should that [person] not be brought into the Army and serve his country simply because he got in a fight in school?" he said. "Those are a lot of the kind of people that have been given a waiver for a felony offense in the juvenile life."
Gates: U.S. Military Ready to Help, Ships, Air Support Staged
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The tragedy following a devastating cyclone in Burma is compounded by the fact that the U.S. military and others are ready to help, but can't without the ruling military junta's approval, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Gates pointed to the huge U.S. military responses following the December 2004 tsunami in Indonesia that left 225,000 people dead, and an October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan that killed more than 74,000, as examples of what can be offered in Burma.
"The tragedy is compounded by the fact that that, if you look at what our Navy was able to do both with the tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake, there is a lot of opportunity here to save a lot of lives," Gates told reporters during a Pentagon briefing. "We are fully prepared to help and to help right away. And it would be a tragedy if these assets, if people didn't take advantage of them."
The Navy is dispatching helicopters from the USS Essex strike group to a staging area in Thailand, where they will be able to reach Burma with relief supplies "in a matter of hours," Gates said.
In addition, six C-130 aircraft also are available to provide humanitarian support and could airdrop food and water if granted position, he said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the United States honors Burma's sovereignty and would not enter its airspace without approval. "It is all tied to sovereignty, which we respect whether it's on the ground or in the air," he said. "Right now we just don't have any way to get into that airspace with permission."
As the international community pressures the military junta to accept help, the Navy's three ships in the Gulf of Thailand -- USS Essex, USS Juneau and USS Harper's Ferry -- are steaming toward Burma's waters to be available to help if the government concedes. Mullen said the ships should be in a position within about five days.
The ships were in the region conducting Exercise Cobra Gold when the cyclone hit May 1 and 2.
Asked if the presence of U.S. ships nearby might be viewed by the military junta as an aggressive act, Gates said he would be "surprised if they misinterpreted our intentions that badly."
News accounts place the latest death toll in Burma at 80,000 or even higher.
Gates said the United States will work with other countries, if necessary, to help. "Our interest here is totally nonpolitical," he said. "It's to try to help the people of Myanmar," he said.
The United States does not officially recognize Burma by the name bestowed by its military junta, Myanmar.
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The tragedy following a devastating cyclone in Burma is compounded by the fact that the U.S. military and others are ready to help, but can't without the ruling military junta's approval, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Gates pointed to the huge U.S. military responses following the December 2004 tsunami in Indonesia that left 225,000 people dead, and an October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan that killed more than 74,000, as examples of what can be offered in Burma.
"The tragedy is compounded by the fact that that, if you look at what our Navy was able to do both with the tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake, there is a lot of opportunity here to save a lot of lives," Gates told reporters during a Pentagon briefing. "We are fully prepared to help and to help right away. And it would be a tragedy if these assets, if people didn't take advantage of them."
The Navy is dispatching helicopters from the USS Essex strike group to a staging area in Thailand, where they will be able to reach Burma with relief supplies "in a matter of hours," Gates said.
In addition, six C-130 aircraft also are available to provide humanitarian support and could airdrop food and water if granted position, he said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the United States honors Burma's sovereignty and would not enter its airspace without approval. "It is all tied to sovereignty, which we respect whether it's on the ground or in the air," he said. "Right now we just don't have any way to get into that airspace with permission."
As the international community pressures the military junta to accept help, the Navy's three ships in the Gulf of Thailand -- USS Essex, USS Juneau and USS Harper's Ferry -- are steaming toward Burma's waters to be available to help if the government concedes. Mullen said the ships should be in a position within about five days.
The ships were in the region conducting Exercise Cobra Gold when the cyclone hit May 1 and 2.
Asked if the presence of U.S. ships nearby might be viewed by the military junta as an aggressive act, Gates said he would be "surprised if they misinterpreted our intentions that badly."
News accounts place the latest death toll in Burma at 80,000 or even higher.
Gates said the United States will work with other countries, if necessary, to help. "Our interest here is totally nonpolitical," he said. "It's to try to help the people of Myanmar," he said.
The United States does not officially recognize Burma by the name bestowed by its military junta, Myanmar.
Pentagon Ceremony Fetes Superlative Defense Installations
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The premier installations from each military service and the Defense Logistics Agency were recognized at a Pentagon award ceremony today. John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence.
The highlighted installations have distinguished themselves through effective leadership and management as well as being good stewards of tax dollars, Young said at the ceremony.
"Installations are the backbone to our armed forces," Young said, noting that military posts provide training, billeting, maintenance, research and development, and other valuable facilities, and also serve as U.S. power-projection platforms.
Military installations also "provide a safe place for our military members and their families to live, to work and play," Young said.
This year's awardees are: Fort A.P. Hill, Bowling Green, Va.; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Naval Base Coronado, San Diego; Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del.; and the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Va.
Wayne Arny, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, served as the event's master of ceremonies.
"This prestigious award recognizes the best of the best," Arny told the Pentagon auditorium audience before the awards were presented.
President Ronald Reagan created the Commander's in Chief Annual Award for Installation Excellence in 1985. The Defense Logistics Agency was added to the competition in 1988. Cited organizations receive a trophy, an "Installation Excellence" flag, and a letter signed by President Bush.
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The premier installations from each military service and the Defense Logistics Agency were recognized at a Pentagon award ceremony today. John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence.
The highlighted installations have distinguished themselves through effective leadership and management as well as being good stewards of tax dollars, Young said at the ceremony.
"Installations are the backbone to our armed forces," Young said, noting that military posts provide training, billeting, maintenance, research and development, and other valuable facilities, and also serve as U.S. power-projection platforms.
Military installations also "provide a safe place for our military members and their families to live, to work and play," Young said.
This year's awardees are: Fort A.P. Hill, Bowling Green, Va.; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Naval Base Coronado, San Diego; Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del.; and the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Va.
Wayne Arny, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, served as the event's master of ceremonies.
"This prestigious award recognizes the best of the best," Arny told the Pentagon auditorium audience before the awards were presented.
President Ronald Reagan created the Commander's in Chief Annual Award for Installation Excellence in 1985. The Defense Logistics Agency was added to the competition in 1988. Cited organizations receive a trophy, an "Installation Excellence" flag, and a letter signed by President Bush.
Department Begins Roles, Missions Review
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Work has begun on a review of the U.S. military's roles and missions, senior defense officials said here today. The congressionally mandated study looks to ensure the department is organized effectively and in ways to make it easier for the warfighter, a senior military official, speaking on background, said.
He and a senior defense official said the report will be finished in November and must be turned in to Congress before the fiscal 2010 budget is submitted in February.
The study is a joint effort by the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Congress specifically asked DoD to look at eliminating unnecessary duplication of capabilities and efforts across the services. However, the department and the Joint Staff will take the opportunity to examine six other specific issues: unmanned aerial systems, intratheater airlift, cyber operations, irregular warfare, internal department organization and responsibilities, and interagency roles and missions capabilities.
In the unmanned aircraft system area, the department may include some larger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance issues. The U.S. government also sees the cyber world continuing to grow in importance, and the study will look at ways the department should posture itself for the future.
A senior Senate-confirmed civilian and a three- or four-star general or flag officer will lead each of the seven roles and missions teams, the senior defense official said.
Expertise from around the department will inform the groups. U.S. Strategic Command will be heavily involved, for example, in the cyber team, and U.S. Special Operations Command will be heavily involved in the team looking at irregular warfare.
The teams will look at what the core mission areas are, what key military activities are required to support the strategic objectives in the various strategies, and how the department should best organize itself to accomplish these activities and goals, the senior military official said.
Many of the civilians involved with this effort are political appointees and will depart in January when the next administration takes office, "so we want to make sure we're looking at what is achievable in the timeframe of the report," the senior defense official said. The exercise also will help the next administration as it works on the next Quadrennial Defense Review.
The department will look at these questions from every angle and determine what joint capabilities are needed, the responsibilities of the services, and how the services fit together. Officials want to determine "how to best organize and govern to get those capabilities out there and develop future capabilities," the senior military official said.
The team looking at the interagency roles and missions will draw on the realities of the war on terror and the need for help from civilian agencies. The review is not an interagency effort, nor will any conclusions be binding on any department outside defense. Still, the study can point the way ahead both for core mission areas -- where other government agencies support DoD -- and in noncore areas in which DoD acts in support of other lead agencies.
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - Work has begun on a review of the U.S. military's roles and missions, senior defense officials said here today. The congressionally mandated study looks to ensure the department is organized effectively and in ways to make it easier for the warfighter, a senior military official, speaking on background, said.
He and a senior defense official said the report will be finished in November and must be turned in to Congress before the fiscal 2010 budget is submitted in February.
The study is a joint effort by the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Congress specifically asked DoD to look at eliminating unnecessary duplication of capabilities and efforts across the services. However, the department and the Joint Staff will take the opportunity to examine six other specific issues: unmanned aerial systems, intratheater airlift, cyber operations, irregular warfare, internal department organization and responsibilities, and interagency roles and missions capabilities.
In the unmanned aircraft system area, the department may include some larger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance issues. The U.S. government also sees the cyber world continuing to grow in importance, and the study will look at ways the department should posture itself for the future.
A senior Senate-confirmed civilian and a three- or four-star general or flag officer will lead each of the seven roles and missions teams, the senior defense official said.
Expertise from around the department will inform the groups. U.S. Strategic Command will be heavily involved, for example, in the cyber team, and U.S. Special Operations Command will be heavily involved in the team looking at irregular warfare.
The teams will look at what the core mission areas are, what key military activities are required to support the strategic objectives in the various strategies, and how the department should best organize itself to accomplish these activities and goals, the senior military official said.
Many of the civilians involved with this effort are political appointees and will depart in January when the next administration takes office, "so we want to make sure we're looking at what is achievable in the timeframe of the report," the senior defense official said. The exercise also will help the next administration as it works on the next Quadrennial Defense Review.
The department will look at these questions from every angle and determine what joint capabilities are needed, the responsibilities of the services, and how the services fit together. Officials want to determine "how to best organize and govern to get those capabilities out there and develop future capabilities," the senior military official said.
The team looking at the interagency roles and missions will draw on the realities of the war on terror and the need for help from civilian agencies. The review is not an interagency effort, nor will any conclusions be binding on any department outside defense. Still, the study can point the way ahead both for core mission areas -- where other government agencies support DoD -- and in noncore areas in which DoD acts in support of other lead agencies.
Marines in Afghanistan to Redeploy as Scheduled, Gates Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will redeploy from Afghanistan in November as scheduled, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said today. The unit deployed from Camp Lejeune, N.C., in March. It is operating in Regional Command South under NATO's International Security Assistance Force.
"Just to reemphasize what the secretary said, ... this deployment of Marines is seven months, and they're going to come out toward the end of the year," Mullen said.
As the drawdown of surge forces in Iraq continues, Gates said, the time may come to consider shifting more troops into Afghanistan. Despite his repeated calls on NATO to send more combat troops, the alliance has not come through with forces in the numbers needed and without restrictions on how they can be used.
"We are still going to be looking at what the options are in terms of augmenting our presence during 2009," Gates said. "(But) at this point, as far as I know, there's no specific planning going on along those lines."
Mullen conceded that the Marines "have been on a very challenging rotation," particularly with forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Concentrating their forces in Afghanistan is viewed by some Marine Corps leaders as a way to more effectively manage force rotations.
Also during today's briefing, Gates said he supports an enhanced educational benefit, including a provision that would allow servicemembers to transfer unused benefits to family members.
However, he said, he takes issue with legislation that would enable troops to tap into their benefits after just three years of service. The Defense Department wants the service requirement to be six years.
"Our desire is to keep soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines in the military as long as possible," Gates said. "And so our hope would be and our preference would be that the period of service be long enough to, in essence, require at least one re-enlistment."
Gates emphasized that, with those provisions, he fully supports an educational benefit enhancements. "The notion that we're against a better education benefit is just totally nonsense," he said. "The veterans deserve it. It's probably needed. But we're trying to balance the benefit to veterans also with maintaining an all-volunteer force and having as experienced a force as we can."
The secretary opened the briefing noting the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Senate's declaration of Military Appreciation Month to honor servicemembers and their families. "And even as we mark Military Appreciation Month with two wars ongoing, it is important to remember the sacrifices and service of our troops and their families every day throughout the year."
Gates noted "amazing acts of citizen support," especially through the Defense Department's America Supports You program. More than 370 citizen groups have joined that program and are augmenting the Defense Department's work to provide assistance and support to the military community, he said.
Gates said he is "deeply grateful to the American people who continue to show their support for our men and women in uniform."
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2008 - The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will redeploy from Afghanistan in November as scheduled, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said today. The unit deployed from Camp Lejeune, N.C., in March. It is operating in Regional Command South under NATO's International Security Assistance Force.
"Just to reemphasize what the secretary said, ... this deployment of Marines is seven months, and they're going to come out toward the end of the year," Mullen said.
As the drawdown of surge forces in Iraq continues, Gates said, the time may come to consider shifting more troops into Afghanistan. Despite his repeated calls on NATO to send more combat troops, the alliance has not come through with forces in the numbers needed and without restrictions on how they can be used.
"We are still going to be looking at what the options are in terms of augmenting our presence during 2009," Gates said. "(But) at this point, as far as I know, there's no specific planning going on along those lines."
Mullen conceded that the Marines "have been on a very challenging rotation," particularly with forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Concentrating their forces in Afghanistan is viewed by some Marine Corps leaders as a way to more effectively manage force rotations.
Also during today's briefing, Gates said he supports an enhanced educational benefit, including a provision that would allow servicemembers to transfer unused benefits to family members.
However, he said, he takes issue with legislation that would enable troops to tap into their benefits after just three years of service. The Defense Department wants the service requirement to be six years.
"Our desire is to keep soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines in the military as long as possible," Gates said. "And so our hope would be and our preference would be that the period of service be long enough to, in essence, require at least one re-enlistment."
Gates emphasized that, with those provisions, he fully supports an educational benefit enhancements. "The notion that we're against a better education benefit is just totally nonsense," he said. "The veterans deserve it. It's probably needed. But we're trying to balance the benefit to veterans also with maintaining an all-volunteer force and having as experienced a force as we can."
The secretary opened the briefing noting the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Senate's declaration of Military Appreciation Month to honor servicemembers and their families. "And even as we mark Military Appreciation Month with two wars ongoing, it is important to remember the sacrifices and service of our troops and their families every day throughout the year."
Gates noted "amazing acts of citizen support," especially through the Defense Department's America Supports You program. More than 370 citizen groups have joined that program and are augmenting the Defense Department's work to provide assistance and support to the military community, he said.
Gates said he is "deeply grateful to the American people who continue to show their support for our men and women in uniform."
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 8, 2008
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a modified firm fixed prices contract for $50,130,567. This contract action will provide a procurement of 280 ICBM Security Modernization Program (ISMP) launch facility secondary door or Fast B-plug element. At this time $50,130,567 has been obligated. Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $19,927,908 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0020) for the procurement of 11,466 laser guided training rounds. Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa., and work is expected to be completed in Sept. 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $881,166 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $9,977,168 modification to delivery order #0014 under their existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) task order 0014, modification 17. This modification will extend armor installation and retrofit of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles in Iraq. Work will be performed in Iraq, and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Jan. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on May 6, 2008, an $11,083,714 firm-fixed price contract for liter fuel truck, liter water trucks, and spares for the trucks, all with radio frequency identification tags. Work will be performed primarily in Warrenville, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight bids were solicited on Sept. 7, 2007, and one bid was received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-G089).
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on May 7, 2008, a $9,395,581 firm-fixed price contract with cost-plus-fixed fee items for griffin munitions and engineering services. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 5, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0252).
Thales-Raytheon Systems Co., LLC, Fullerton, Calif., was awarded on May 7, 2008, a $7,067,435 firm-fixed price contract for the firefinder AN/TPQ-37 operations control group obsolete parts replacement program. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 6, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Nov. 20, 2007.CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J. is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-D-T001).
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a modified firm fixed prices contract for $50,130,567. This contract action will provide a procurement of 280 ICBM Security Modernization Program (ISMP) launch facility secondary door or Fast B-plug element. At this time $50,130,567 has been obligated. Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $19,927,908 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0020) for the procurement of 11,466 laser guided training rounds. Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa., and work is expected to be completed in Sept. 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $881,166 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $9,977,168 modification to delivery order #0014 under their existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) task order 0014, modification 17. This modification will extend armor installation and retrofit of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles in Iraq. Work will be performed in Iraq, and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Jan. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on May 6, 2008, an $11,083,714 firm-fixed price contract for liter fuel truck, liter water trucks, and spares for the trucks, all with radio frequency identification tags. Work will be performed primarily in Warrenville, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight bids were solicited on Sept. 7, 2007, and one bid was received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-G089).
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on May 7, 2008, a $9,395,581 firm-fixed price contract with cost-plus-fixed fee items for griffin munitions and engineering services. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 5, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0252).
Thales-Raytheon Systems Co., LLC, Fullerton, Calif., was awarded on May 7, 2008, a $7,067,435 firm-fixed price contract for the firefinder AN/TPQ-37 operations control group obsolete parts replacement program. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 6, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Nov. 20, 2007.CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J. is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-D-T001).
Navy Secretary Names New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy
Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced today at a ceremony in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y., the name of the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be Michael Murphy. Designated as DDG-112, the name honors Lt. Michael Murphy who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wing in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.
Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy lead a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit's location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.
Michael Murphy will be one of the U.S. Navy's most advanced, state-of-the-art warships in the fleet. With the combination of Aegis, the vertical launching system, and advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea. Utilizing a gas turbine propulsion system, Michael Murphy will be able to operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.
Michael Murphy will be the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The 9,200 ton ship is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics Company and will be 509.5 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 59 feet, a crew size of 323 (23 officers and 300 enlisted) and she will make speed in excess of 30 knots.
Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy lead a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit's location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.
Michael Murphy will be one of the U.S. Navy's most advanced, state-of-the-art warships in the fleet. With the combination of Aegis, the vertical launching system, and advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea. Utilizing a gas turbine propulsion system, Michael Murphy will be able to operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.
Michael Murphy will be the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The 9,200 ton ship is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics Company and will be 509.5 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 59 feet, a crew size of 323 (23 officers and 300 enlisted) and she will make speed in excess of 30 knots.
New Names Etched Into Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - The names of four U.S. servicemembers were etched into the glossy black walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial this week alongside more than 58,000 of their fallen comrades. Finishing the addition today was the name of Raymond C. Mason, a Marine lance corporal who died a year ago as a result of ailing health stemming from a bullet wound that paralyzed him in February 1968 during the Tet Offensive.
In a ceremony at the wall here, Mason's widow, Priscilla Mason, watched as an engraver inched a sandblaster over the Marine's stenciled name with surgeonlike precision.
Priscilla got on bended knee, held a sheet of paper up to the bright, new inscription, and rubbed a crayon in diagonal strokes until "RAYMOND C MASON" was embossed against the white paper. She said she plans to have the outline tattooed onto her skin, and she has promised to make dozens of rubbings for friends back home in Riverside, R.I., when she returns here on Memorial Day.
"This is wonderful. He's finally home," she said when asked how she felt upon seeing the finished product on Panel 41E, Line 64 of the memorial.
The names of Richard M. Goosens, a Marine lance corporal, and Dennis O. Hargrove and Darrell J. Naylor, both Army specialists fourth class, were inscribed here yesterday. The Defense Department determined that their deaths, which occurred years after the end of U.S. operations in Vietnam, resulted from wounds suffered in a combat zone there.
The wall's 58,260 etched names bear testament to the ultimate sacrifice paid by those U.S. troops, said R. James Nicholson, former secretary of Veterans Affairs.
"It's also a tangible expression of the gratitude of the American people for those who served and died there," he said in an interview today. "The hope is that more and more Americans will learn and grow to appreciate the sacrifice and the price that was paid to perpetuate our freedom."
Designed by architect Maya Lin and built in 1982, the memorial consists of two black walls sunken into the ground, with a rolling mound of earth behind it sloping toward a heavily trafficked street.
"It was Maya's vision for the memorial that it appear as a rift in the earth," said J.C. Cummings, architect of record for the memorial. "At the same time, the wall serves a practical purpose of separating the visitor from the noise and the traffic of Constitution Avenue and the noise of the city."
As a result, the architecture creates a quiet and contemplative atmosphere, he said, a design that allows visitors to have a respectful experience.
Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, said adding the names this week completes the healing process for surviving friends and family members. The additions also reflect America's solidarity with its servicemembers of past and present, he said.
"When you join the service, you can feel comfortable that the service is going to stand behind you," Scruggs said in an interview today. "Especially the people who are serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan in combat, they need to know that we're behind them and we appreciate what they're doing."
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - The names of four U.S. servicemembers were etched into the glossy black walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial this week alongside more than 58,000 of their fallen comrades. Finishing the addition today was the name of Raymond C. Mason, a Marine lance corporal who died a year ago as a result of ailing health stemming from a bullet wound that paralyzed him in February 1968 during the Tet Offensive.
In a ceremony at the wall here, Mason's widow, Priscilla Mason, watched as an engraver inched a sandblaster over the Marine's stenciled name with surgeonlike precision.
Priscilla got on bended knee, held a sheet of paper up to the bright, new inscription, and rubbed a crayon in diagonal strokes until "RAYMOND C MASON" was embossed against the white paper. She said she plans to have the outline tattooed onto her skin, and she has promised to make dozens of rubbings for friends back home in Riverside, R.I., when she returns here on Memorial Day.
"This is wonderful. He's finally home," she said when asked how she felt upon seeing the finished product on Panel 41E, Line 64 of the memorial.
The names of Richard M. Goosens, a Marine lance corporal, and Dennis O. Hargrove and Darrell J. Naylor, both Army specialists fourth class, were inscribed here yesterday. The Defense Department determined that their deaths, which occurred years after the end of U.S. operations in Vietnam, resulted from wounds suffered in a combat zone there.
The wall's 58,260 etched names bear testament to the ultimate sacrifice paid by those U.S. troops, said R. James Nicholson, former secretary of Veterans Affairs.
"It's also a tangible expression of the gratitude of the American people for those who served and died there," he said in an interview today. "The hope is that more and more Americans will learn and grow to appreciate the sacrifice and the price that was paid to perpetuate our freedom."
Designed by architect Maya Lin and built in 1982, the memorial consists of two black walls sunken into the ground, with a rolling mound of earth behind it sloping toward a heavily trafficked street.
"It was Maya's vision for the memorial that it appear as a rift in the earth," said J.C. Cummings, architect of record for the memorial. "At the same time, the wall serves a practical purpose of separating the visitor from the noise and the traffic of Constitution Avenue and the noise of the city."
As a result, the architecture creates a quiet and contemplative atmosphere, he said, a design that allows visitors to have a respectful experience.
Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, said adding the names this week completes the healing process for surviving friends and family members. The additions also reflect America's solidarity with its servicemembers of past and present, he said.
"When you join the service, you can feel comfortable that the service is going to stand behind you," Scruggs said in an interview today. "Especially the people who are serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan in combat, they need to know that we're behind them and we appreciate what they're doing."
America Supports You: CinCHouse.com Wins Webby Award
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - A troop-support organization's Web site earned top honors in the annual Webby Awards competition as the top lifestyle site of 2008. The CinCHouse.com Web site -- which derives its name from military shorthand for "commander in chief of the house" -- beat out such corporate giants as Epicurious and Reebok to take top honors in the 12th annual awards.
CinCHouse.com is Operation Homefront's online community for military wives and women in uniform.
"We are completely thrilled," said Regina Galvin, the site's editor in chief. "This really validates all the hard work we put in last year to create a better product for our readers. I can't thank our staff enough for the excellent work they did and continue to do every day."
Shortly after Galvin joined the organization, a creative overhaul of the previous site produced a sleeker, more innovative version. Chad Myers, director of Web development, said the prestigious award will bring much-needed attention to the plight of military families struggling as deployments continue.
"I'm excited to win, but the real benefit will be the exposure to the organization and the ability to help more people because of it," Myers said.
In 1999, Navy wife and author Meredith Leyva created the site as a virtual gathering place for military families frequently on the move. Part of Operation Homefront, CinCHouse includes forums as well as an online magazine that covers such issues as post-traumatic stress disorder and parenting.
"We are extremely honored," she said. "This award really speaks volumes about how important our services are to our members and how important our members are to the larger Internet community."
Operation Homefront is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Hailed as the "the Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, the Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Web sites. They are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and Harvey Weinstein.
"The Webby Awards honors the very best of the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "CinCHouse's win is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision of its creators."
Founded in 1996, the Webby Awards program is known worldwide for its famous five-word speech limit. Past headline-grabbing speechmakers include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote."), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?") and Prince ("Everything you think is true.")
This year, the Webby Awards received a record 10,000 entries from more than 60 countries and all 50 states. The winners will be honored at two star-studded ceremonies in New York City. The Webby Film and Video Awards ceremony takes place June 9, and the 12th Annual Webby Awards Gala will be held June 10.
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - A troop-support organization's Web site earned top honors in the annual Webby Awards competition as the top lifestyle site of 2008. The CinCHouse.com Web site -- which derives its name from military shorthand for "commander in chief of the house" -- beat out such corporate giants as Epicurious and Reebok to take top honors in the 12th annual awards.
CinCHouse.com is Operation Homefront's online community for military wives and women in uniform.
"We are completely thrilled," said Regina Galvin, the site's editor in chief. "This really validates all the hard work we put in last year to create a better product for our readers. I can't thank our staff enough for the excellent work they did and continue to do every day."
Shortly after Galvin joined the organization, a creative overhaul of the previous site produced a sleeker, more innovative version. Chad Myers, director of Web development, said the prestigious award will bring much-needed attention to the plight of military families struggling as deployments continue.
"I'm excited to win, but the real benefit will be the exposure to the organization and the ability to help more people because of it," Myers said.
In 1999, Navy wife and author Meredith Leyva created the site as a virtual gathering place for military families frequently on the move. Part of Operation Homefront, CinCHouse includes forums as well as an online magazine that covers such issues as post-traumatic stress disorder and parenting.
"We are extremely honored," she said. "This award really speaks volumes about how important our services are to our members and how important our members are to the larger Internet community."
Operation Homefront is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Hailed as the "the Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, the Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Web sites. They are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and Harvey Weinstein.
"The Webby Awards honors the very best of the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "CinCHouse's win is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision of its creators."
Founded in 1996, the Webby Awards program is known worldwide for its famous five-word speech limit. Past headline-grabbing speechmakers include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote."), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?") and Prince ("Everything you think is true.")
This year, the Webby Awards received a record 10,000 entries from more than 60 countries and all 50 states. The winners will be honored at two star-studded ceremonies in New York City. The Webby Film and Video Awards ceremony takes place June 9, and the 12th Annual Webby Awards Gala will be held June 10.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
U.S. Military Ready to Provide Aid for Stricken Burmese, Official Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - A flotilla of U.S. Navy vessels, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, U.S. Air Force planes and thousands of servicemembers are ready to assist Burma's cyclone-stricken people, if asked, a senior Defense Department official said here today. "We still are prepared and stand ready to provide assistance if Burma should request it and permit access," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
Burma was hit by a powerful cyclone May 1 and 2. Officials estimate that the storm has killed as many as 30,000 Burmese, with hundreds of thousands likely injured and homeless. But efforts to persuade Burma's military council, or junta, to allow humanitarian aid to flow into the country have been fruitless thus far, according to news reports.
The Pentagon has identified a number of resources that could be tapped to assist the Burmese, including aircraft carriers and other U.S. Navy vessels that are posted in and around the region, Whitman said. U.S. Air Force cargo aircraft that can fly in food and clean water also are available, he said.
Burma is an eastern-Asian nation on the Bay of Bengal that's sandwiched among neighbors India, China and Thailand. Burma is slightly smaller than Texas, but it has nearly double the population, with nearly 58 million Burmese, compared to about 23 million "Lone Star State" residents, according to U.S. State Department and U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
The U.S. Navy has three ships in the Gulf of Thailand, including the USS Essex, which boasts 23 helicopters, 1,800 Marines and five amphibious landing craft, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters yesterday. The USS Juneau and the USS Harper's Ferry also are in the region, Morrell noted.
The Pentagon also has some U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft in the region that could be employed in any humanitarian mission for Burma, Whitman told Pentagon reporters today.
The USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet, and the USS Kitty Hawk carrier strike group and the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier also are available to provide assistance to Burma, if needed, Whitman said.
The ships and planes would provide "not an insignificant amount of resources that might be available" if Burma were to request humanitarian assistance from the United States, Whitman said.
The U.S. military has conducted previous humanitarian missions in the Pacific region, such as when Indonesia was battered by a massive tsunami in December 2005.
After that experience, the U.S. military knows it would need portable water purification systems and airfield opening and operating teams for a possible humanitarian-aid mission to Burma, Whitman noted.
"And, those [type of assets] have been tentatively identified for possible deployment should the United States military be asked to render assistance" to Burma, he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - A flotilla of U.S. Navy vessels, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, U.S. Air Force planes and thousands of servicemembers are ready to assist Burma's cyclone-stricken people, if asked, a senior Defense Department official said here today. "We still are prepared and stand ready to provide assistance if Burma should request it and permit access," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
Burma was hit by a powerful cyclone May 1 and 2. Officials estimate that the storm has killed as many as 30,000 Burmese, with hundreds of thousands likely injured and homeless. But efforts to persuade Burma's military council, or junta, to allow humanitarian aid to flow into the country have been fruitless thus far, according to news reports.
The Pentagon has identified a number of resources that could be tapped to assist the Burmese, including aircraft carriers and other U.S. Navy vessels that are posted in and around the region, Whitman said. U.S. Air Force cargo aircraft that can fly in food and clean water also are available, he said.
Burma is an eastern-Asian nation on the Bay of Bengal that's sandwiched among neighbors India, China and Thailand. Burma is slightly smaller than Texas, but it has nearly double the population, with nearly 58 million Burmese, compared to about 23 million "Lone Star State" residents, according to U.S. State Department and U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
The U.S. Navy has three ships in the Gulf of Thailand, including the USS Essex, which boasts 23 helicopters, 1,800 Marines and five amphibious landing craft, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters yesterday. The USS Juneau and the USS Harper's Ferry also are in the region, Morrell noted.
The Pentagon also has some U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft in the region that could be employed in any humanitarian mission for Burma, Whitman told Pentagon reporters today.
The USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet, and the USS Kitty Hawk carrier strike group and the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier also are available to provide assistance to Burma, if needed, Whitman said.
The ships and planes would provide "not an insignificant amount of resources that might be available" if Burma were to request humanitarian assistance from the United States, Whitman said.
The U.S. military has conducted previous humanitarian missions in the Pacific region, such as when Indonesia was battered by a massive tsunami in December 2005.
After that experience, the U.S. military knows it would need portable water purification systems and airfield opening and operating teams for a possible humanitarian-aid mission to Burma, Whitman noted.
"And, those [type of assets] have been tentatively identified for possible deployment should the United States military be asked to render assistance" to Burma, he said.
New Joint Staff Team Evaluates Wounded Warrior Programs
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - A joint team formed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is looking at the broad range of care and support services for wounded warriors to find any gaps and tap into best practices to share across the force. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stood up the Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team in late April and appointed his strategic plans and policy chief, Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, to head it up.
The team will evaluate all programs that affect wounded warriors and their families to see which are working best, which can be improved, and how to make the services they provide easier to tap into, Sattler explained during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
"A lot of things are being done across the spectrum by a lot of great people. We just want to make sure that where there may be a duplication of effort, we can use those resources more wisely," he said. "And if there may be unintentional gaps and seams, we can overcome those."
Sattler noted big improvements in the care and support for wounded troops and emphasized that the task force wasn't formed to fix any particular shortcoming or problem.
"No commander stops raising the bar because they think they have hit the objective," he said. "Even if we're doing all we can do, the harder you look at things, the more often you find things you can do better."
Unlike the flurry of task forces and evaluation teams that convened last year after deficiencies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center came to light, the new joint task force will focus heavily on what's going right, Sattler said.
"This is taking a look at things that are going well -- things that don't normally attract attention because they are humming along -- [and asking] 'Are they humming at the rpms that they should be? Could they be improved upon? Could we make life better [or] easier, could we facilitate for warriors and their families the ability to find out what they don't know?'"
Mullen dedicated "a lot of his best and brightest across the Joint Staff" to answer these questions, Sattler said. The team consists of experts from the legal, legislative affairs, public affairs and personnel fields, as well as commanders with recent combat experience. The variety of perspectives reflects "the intent of making it the best we can for our men and women," Sattler said.
The team is approaching the challenge as an operational planning team would take on a challenge at any military command, he said. It's starting with Mullen's stated intent: "He wants to find, locate the best practices and facilitate the ability of our men and women and their families to have access to those best practices," Sattler said.
Now, the team is exploring all existing programs -- within the military, other government agencies as well as nongovernmental and nonprofit groups – to see how they support that intent. The team will brief Mullen and the service chiefs on its findings at least every two weeks and assemble a "campaign plan" that documents all services currently available and recommended changes or improvements.
Sattler conceded that wounded warriors and their families are a "hard-core crew" who don't ask for much as they try to move forward with their lives.
"They want to take their own destiny into their own hands and they want to advance their cause," he said. "Whatever their wound may be, they want to get back to where they can function in society. No one is looking for a handout."
But it's the Defense Department's responsibility, he said, to ensure programs for wounded warriors are the best they can be.
The issue, he said, isn't about "How high have we raised the bar to support our men and women?," but rather, "How can we raise that bar even higher?"
"Until we exhaust all those efforts, ... as long as our efforts produce results that are better for the men and women and their families or make it easier for [them], then we shouldn't rest," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2008 - A joint team formed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is looking at the broad range of care and support services for wounded warriors to find any gaps and tap into best practices to share across the force. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stood up the Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team in late April and appointed his strategic plans and policy chief, Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, to head it up.
The team will evaluate all programs that affect wounded warriors and their families to see which are working best, which can be improved, and how to make the services they provide easier to tap into, Sattler explained during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
"A lot of things are being done across the spectrum by a lot of great people. We just want to make sure that where there may be a duplication of effort, we can use those resources more wisely," he said. "And if there may be unintentional gaps and seams, we can overcome those."
Sattler noted big improvements in the care and support for wounded troops and emphasized that the task force wasn't formed to fix any particular shortcoming or problem.
"No commander stops raising the bar because they think they have hit the objective," he said. "Even if we're doing all we can do, the harder you look at things, the more often you find things you can do better."
Unlike the flurry of task forces and evaluation teams that convened last year after deficiencies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center came to light, the new joint task force will focus heavily on what's going right, Sattler said.
"This is taking a look at things that are going well -- things that don't normally attract attention because they are humming along -- [and asking] 'Are they humming at the rpms that they should be? Could they be improved upon? Could we make life better [or] easier, could we facilitate for warriors and their families the ability to find out what they don't know?'"
Mullen dedicated "a lot of his best and brightest across the Joint Staff" to answer these questions, Sattler said. The team consists of experts from the legal, legislative affairs, public affairs and personnel fields, as well as commanders with recent combat experience. The variety of perspectives reflects "the intent of making it the best we can for our men and women," Sattler said.
The team is approaching the challenge as an operational planning team would take on a challenge at any military command, he said. It's starting with Mullen's stated intent: "He wants to find, locate the best practices and facilitate the ability of our men and women and their families to have access to those best practices," Sattler said.
Now, the team is exploring all existing programs -- within the military, other government agencies as well as nongovernmental and nonprofit groups – to see how they support that intent. The team will brief Mullen and the service chiefs on its findings at least every two weeks and assemble a "campaign plan" that documents all services currently available and recommended changes or improvements.
Sattler conceded that wounded warriors and their families are a "hard-core crew" who don't ask for much as they try to move forward with their lives.
"They want to take their own destiny into their own hands and they want to advance their cause," he said. "Whatever their wound may be, they want to get back to where they can function in society. No one is looking for a handout."
But it's the Defense Department's responsibility, he said, to ensure programs for wounded warriors are the best they can be.
The issue, he said, isn't about "How high have we raised the bar to support our men and women?," but rather, "How can we raise that bar even higher?"
"Until we exhaust all those efforts, ... as long as our efforts produce results that are better for the men and women and their families or make it easier for [them], then we shouldn't rest," he said.
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