By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2010 - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki yesterday announced promising news for veterans of the Persian Gulf War experiencing the broad range of symptoms referred to as Gulf War Illnesses. Acting on recommendations from a task force he stood up to identify gaps in service, Shinseki said VA plans to reconnect with veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991 to ensure they get the best information and care possible.
As part of that outreach, VA's Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force recommended improved data-sharing with the Defense Department to notify veterans of potential exposures, monitor their long-term health and provide additional follow-up.
The task force also recommended that VA strengthen training for clinicians and claims processors so they're better postured to diagnose, treat and process disability claims related to Gulf War Illnesses, and reenergize its research and medical surveillance efforts.
The task force's report will redefine how VA addresses the concerns of veterans deployed during the Gulf War, Shinseki said. "Our mission at VA is to be advocates for veterans," he said. "This report's action plans provide a roadmap to transform the care and services we deliver to Gulf War veterans."
The new recommendations come on the tail of a VA proposal announced last month to presume nine specific infectious diseases to be service-connected for anyone who served in Southwest Asia after Aug. 2, 1990, or in Afghanistan after Sept. 18, 2001.
That ruling, once adopted, will impact veterans who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. It will relieve those suffering from the designated diseases from the burden of proving their ailments are linked to service in the Persian Gulf or Afghanistan to receive VA health care and disability payments.
The nine diseases are: brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontyphoidal Salmonella, Shigella, visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) and West Nile virus.
During an interview with American Forces Press Service, Shinseki called the proposed ruling a positive step in taking care of Gulf War veterans suffering numerous symptoms and diagnoses yet to be pinpointed to any specific exposure.
"We can't historically go back and decide what actually caused [Gulf War Illness]," he said. "We spent $350 million trying to find the cause, and we haven't arrived at a clear answer."
Rather than simply waiting for researchers to come up with a cause-and effect solution, Shinseki pressed VA to come up with a plan to compensate affected veterans now.
"My request was, 'Can we agree that something happened?'" he said. "We have enough evidence here, symptomatically, that something happened. It may be a combination of things. We may never be able to answer exactly what caused this.
"But we can deal with the problem,' he said. "So let's take care of people."
Shinseki took a similar approach to Agent Orange, a defoliant used during the Vietnam War that many veterans blame for causing a variety of illnesses and diseases.
VA previously presumed 12 diseases to be service-connected based on Agent Orange exposure. In October, Shinseki proposed adding three more diseases to the list: hairy-cell leukemia and other B-cell leukemias, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease.
Shinseki said he based his decision on a report by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine citing compelling new evidence of a connection between the three illnesses and Agent Orange exposure.
"That was not an independent decision by the VA," Shinseki emphasized. "The Institute of Medicine is designated by Congress as the impartial determiner of whether or not there is sufficient evidence to make the decision like the one I made.... And they gave me enough information for me to say, 'I can see the tie.' So the decision was made."
Shinseki, a former Army chief of staff and Vietnam veteran, had long criticized past practices that put the burden on veterans to prove that the variety of illnesses many suffered was linked to Agent Orange exposure. Too often, he said, this created an adversarial relationship between VA and veterans.
"It was important to clearly let the Vietnam veterans know that they have not been forgotten," he said. "We are dealing with our responsibilities here."
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Helping Bereaved Military Children
By: Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D.; Judith A. Cohen, M.D.; and Stephen J. Cozza, M.D.
The joy of family reunion after a military deployment is often more than children or parents even hoped for. However, for some children the reunion never comes. Sadly, some children must cope with the death of a parent. There are often no words to console a child or explain what happened. But surviving family members, adults, and a caring community can help grieving military children. Below are some suggestions to help ease children’s pain and support their resilience after a death.
■Be honest and open
All children need information appropriate to their age. Use clear language that includes the term “death” rather than euphemisms (e.g. “loss”, “gone to sleep”) that may confuse children. Follow the child’s lead and need for explanations of what happened. Rather than having just one conversation, stay open to ongoing questions and discussions.
■Provide a sense of safety and security
Re-establishing routines and structure go a long way towards providing children a comforting sense of stability in the midst of changes. This can be done in the simplest of ways, for example, keeping up with ongoing after-school activities and regular bedtimes.
■Be a good detective
Pay attention to how and what your child is communicating. Children often show their feelings and thoughts by their behaviors. Take a step back, ask the right questions, listen and validate their feelings.
■Support expression of feelings
Drawing, writing, playing, or reading books about grief can help children learn about and express feelings. Let them know all feelings are acceptable, and help children find healthy ways to channel them.
■Be a good role model
Children look to caregivers for examples of how to react and cope. It’s okay for grownups to show their emotions, as long as they are not out of control or frightening to children. Adult expressions of sadness can model healthy ways of dealing with difficult feelings. For example, you can say: “I’m crying because I feel sad your dad is missing your soccer game; it’s okay for you to cry when you miss him too.”
■Help children learn about the person and stay connected
Sharing stories, photos, and memories helps keep the person alive in the child’s heart and keeps the person a part of the child’s identity. For example, you can say: “Even though dad died, we can still remember how much fun we had together on our beach vacations.”
■Keep perspective about non-grief related areas
Remember that children are still moving forward in their lives. Be aware of other developmental milestones and issues your children are facing at different ages, such as peer pressure or worry over school work, which may or may not relate to the person who died. Grief may make some of these times more difficult, for example, a teen not having his dad to teach him to drive.
■Partner with other trusted adults in your child’s world
Educate others about your child’s grief and collaborate with them to support your child. For example, give and get feedback from teachers and coaches.
■Look for peer support
Children and caregivers can benefit from being with others who “know what it’s like.” Some can benefit from groups that mix military and non-military families, others prefer military specific groups such as those found on a base or offered by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which holds Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps regionally across the country.
■Take care of yourself
The better and stronger you are, the better caregiver you will be to your children. This includes taking care of your physical health (e.g., eating, sleeping, exercising, relaxing, etc). This can also decrease children’s worry about the people they depend on. Take care of your emotional health as well by managing stress and connecting to supportive friends and family who can help you.
■Be alert to children who may be having difficulty
Some children may have a traumatic reaction. Some signs that children need more help include their being bothered by upsetting and recurring thoughts or images of the deceased person or the death, avoidance of military related reminders or talk about the person who died, and unusual irritability or jumpiness. If you notice these behaviors in your child consider seeking professional help.
■Seek professional support
Caregivers and children may believe they should be able to handle their grief on their own or that they are weak if they need help, and neither is true.
Important communities to reach out for assistance include:
■school
■community
■medical
■mental health
■faith based resources when needed
Grief is a new experience for many people. With any new experience, you can help to learn more about it, get answers to questions, and develop strategies to help you and your child get through it.
The joy of family reunion after a military deployment is often more than children or parents even hoped for. However, for some children the reunion never comes. Sadly, some children must cope with the death of a parent. There are often no words to console a child or explain what happened. But surviving family members, adults, and a caring community can help grieving military children. Below are some suggestions to help ease children’s pain and support their resilience after a death.
■Be honest and open
All children need information appropriate to their age. Use clear language that includes the term “death” rather than euphemisms (e.g. “loss”, “gone to sleep”) that may confuse children. Follow the child’s lead and need for explanations of what happened. Rather than having just one conversation, stay open to ongoing questions and discussions.
■Provide a sense of safety and security
Re-establishing routines and structure go a long way towards providing children a comforting sense of stability in the midst of changes. This can be done in the simplest of ways, for example, keeping up with ongoing after-school activities and regular bedtimes.
■Be a good detective
Pay attention to how and what your child is communicating. Children often show their feelings and thoughts by their behaviors. Take a step back, ask the right questions, listen and validate their feelings.
■Support expression of feelings
Drawing, writing, playing, or reading books about grief can help children learn about and express feelings. Let them know all feelings are acceptable, and help children find healthy ways to channel them.
■Be a good role model
Children look to caregivers for examples of how to react and cope. It’s okay for grownups to show their emotions, as long as they are not out of control or frightening to children. Adult expressions of sadness can model healthy ways of dealing with difficult feelings. For example, you can say: “I’m crying because I feel sad your dad is missing your soccer game; it’s okay for you to cry when you miss him too.”
■Help children learn about the person and stay connected
Sharing stories, photos, and memories helps keep the person alive in the child’s heart and keeps the person a part of the child’s identity. For example, you can say: “Even though dad died, we can still remember how much fun we had together on our beach vacations.”
■Keep perspective about non-grief related areas
Remember that children are still moving forward in their lives. Be aware of other developmental milestones and issues your children are facing at different ages, such as peer pressure or worry over school work, which may or may not relate to the person who died. Grief may make some of these times more difficult, for example, a teen not having his dad to teach him to drive.
■Partner with other trusted adults in your child’s world
Educate others about your child’s grief and collaborate with them to support your child. For example, give and get feedback from teachers and coaches.
■Look for peer support
Children and caregivers can benefit from being with others who “know what it’s like.” Some can benefit from groups that mix military and non-military families, others prefer military specific groups such as those found on a base or offered by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which holds Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps regionally across the country.
■Take care of yourself
The better and stronger you are, the better caregiver you will be to your children. This includes taking care of your physical health (e.g., eating, sleeping, exercising, relaxing, etc). This can also decrease children’s worry about the people they depend on. Take care of your emotional health as well by managing stress and connecting to supportive friends and family who can help you.
■Be alert to children who may be having difficulty
Some children may have a traumatic reaction. Some signs that children need more help include their being bothered by upsetting and recurring thoughts or images of the deceased person or the death, avoidance of military related reminders or talk about the person who died, and unusual irritability or jumpiness. If you notice these behaviors in your child consider seeking professional help.
■Seek professional support
Caregivers and children may believe they should be able to handle their grief on their own or that they are weak if they need help, and neither is true.
Important communities to reach out for assistance include:
■school
■community
■medical
■mental health
■faith based resources when needed
Grief is a new experience for many people. With any new experience, you can help to learn more about it, get answers to questions, and develop strategies to help you and your child get through it.
24th MEU Hosts French Foreign Legion Aboard USS Nassau
April 1, 2010 - Soldiers from the French Foreign Legion’s 13th Demi-Brigade met with senior leadership from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 8, and USS Nassau, Wednesday during a key leader engagement event focused on reinforcing ties between U.S. and French militaries.
A group of ten French soldiers were welcomed aboard by the commanding officers from both the Marine and Navy units after a short flight on an MV-22 Osprey from Camp Lemonier, a joint base in the East African country of Djibouti where the visiting French unit is currently deployed.
“Whenever we interact with foreign military it’s a significant event,” said Col. Pete Petronzio, commanding officer for 24th MEU. “We operate in a joint coalition, interagency world, and today is just another example of that.”
Marines from the 24th MEU have been conducting training exercises with the French in Djibouti throughout the month of March. The visit to USS Nassau is an effort by the Marines to educate and familiarize their French partners with the unique relationship between the Marine Corps and the Navy.
“We have a great history with the French and enjoyed hosting them here to showcase our Navy-Marine Corps team,” said Petronzio. “The MEU and PHIBRON serve as an ambassadorial delegation of the U.S. and we are proud to represent our military and country to all.”
Mullen, USO Performers Thank Troops in Kuwait
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ended a trip to the U.S. Central Command region with a stop to meet logisticians here. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen also brought USO celebrities with him to remind servicemembers that the American people love them and think of them.
Mullen told servicemembers and civilians at a USO event at the airport that he appreciates their hard work, and said they are the unsung heroes of America's wars.
The men and women in Kuwait are responsible for sustaining almost 200,000 U.S. servicemembers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. The 3rd U.S. Army also is responsible for planning and executing the drawdown from Iraq and the surge in Afghanistan. They get equipment out of Iraq and ship it either to Afghanistan for further use by troops or to the United States, where the equipment helps to reset the military.
The chairman also met up with USO entertainers he sponsored for a trip through the region. James Gandolfini and Tony Sirico of "The Sopranos" joined with Rose McGowan of the television show "Charmed" and Brian Stinchcomb, a lineman for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, to bring a taste of home to troops overseas. The visits also give the USO personalities a look at the sacrifices servicemembers face.
The chairman tries to visit the U.S. Central Command area of operations at least once a quarter, and he brings USO entertainers and personalities with him. On this trip, the USO portion of the mission launched separately because of President Barack Obama's trip to Afghanistan. Mullen delayed his trip by a day so as not to interfere with the president's visit.
The USO performers left Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington in Maryland on a C-17 March 27. They arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, the next day and immediately began meeting the troops. They choppered to Forward Operating Base Airborne and held what the USO calls "meet and greets" – they met with soldiers, shook their hands and spoke with them.
Troops saw Gandolfini and Sirico and started yelling "Fuhgeddaboutit," a signature line from "The Sopranos," to them. Stinchcomb, at 6-feet, 6 inches tall, looms over most people. He said he didn't feel too out of place among a group of soldiers, because many of them work out in their free time.
The USO contingent went back to Bagram, where they held another meet and greet at the "clamshell" amphitheater before turning in.
The group toured the Joint Operations Center on March 29 and met members of the air expeditionary wing. The celebrities also visited the hospital and the Pat Tillman USO Center before flying to the NATO base in Kandahar, where they met NATO servicemembers at the base's boardwalk and visited with American troops at other parts of the base.
On March 30, the group met members of the 19th Engineer Battalion and then flew to Kabul International Airport in the afternoon. In Kabul, they toured the new facilities at the base, met with servicemembers, Defense Department civilians and U.S. contractors.
The USO group met up with Mullen yesterday afternoon just before flying to Kuwait aboard a C-32 aircraft.
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ended a trip to the U.S. Central Command region with a stop to meet logisticians here. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen also brought USO celebrities with him to remind servicemembers that the American people love them and think of them.
Mullen told servicemembers and civilians at a USO event at the airport that he appreciates their hard work, and said they are the unsung heroes of America's wars.
The men and women in Kuwait are responsible for sustaining almost 200,000 U.S. servicemembers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. The 3rd U.S. Army also is responsible for planning and executing the drawdown from Iraq and the surge in Afghanistan. They get equipment out of Iraq and ship it either to Afghanistan for further use by troops or to the United States, where the equipment helps to reset the military.
The chairman also met up with USO entertainers he sponsored for a trip through the region. James Gandolfini and Tony Sirico of "The Sopranos" joined with Rose McGowan of the television show "Charmed" and Brian Stinchcomb, a lineman for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, to bring a taste of home to troops overseas. The visits also give the USO personalities a look at the sacrifices servicemembers face.
The chairman tries to visit the U.S. Central Command area of operations at least once a quarter, and he brings USO entertainers and personalities with him. On this trip, the USO portion of the mission launched separately because of President Barack Obama's trip to Afghanistan. Mullen delayed his trip by a day so as not to interfere with the president's visit.
The USO performers left Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington in Maryland on a C-17 March 27. They arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, the next day and immediately began meeting the troops. They choppered to Forward Operating Base Airborne and held what the USO calls "meet and greets" – they met with soldiers, shook their hands and spoke with them.
Troops saw Gandolfini and Sirico and started yelling "Fuhgeddaboutit," a signature line from "The Sopranos," to them. Stinchcomb, at 6-feet, 6 inches tall, looms over most people. He said he didn't feel too out of place among a group of soldiers, because many of them work out in their free time.
The USO contingent went back to Bagram, where they held another meet and greet at the "clamshell" amphitheater before turning in.
The group toured the Joint Operations Center on March 29 and met members of the air expeditionary wing. The celebrities also visited the hospital and the Pat Tillman USO Center before flying to the NATO base in Kandahar, where they met NATO servicemembers at the base's boardwalk and visited with American troops at other parts of the base.
On March 30, the group met members of the 19th Engineer Battalion and then flew to Kabul International Airport in the afternoon. In Kabul, they toured the new facilities at the base, met with servicemembers, Defense Department civilians and U.S. contractors.
The USO group met up with Mullen yesterday afternoon just before flying to Kuwait aboard a C-32 aircraft.
Raising Expectations in Military Medical Education
Lauren Cyran
Health.mil
March 31, 2010 - Many military medical professionals are trained in the civilian sector prior to serving, but Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) in Bethesda, Md. offers individuals, both with and without prior military service, the opportunity to study medicine. The USU provides a unique approach to medical training, allowing its students to combine their passions for serving people and their nation.
“We are developing future physician leaders who can perform in austere environments and under complex circumstances,” said retired Navy Capt. Larry W. Laughlin, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at USU. “We need to ensure that our students, when they complete their education and hit the battlefields and military treatment facilities, are prepared to lead and be mentors, both in their military roles and as physicians. They may find themselves, right off the bat, in situations where their leadership will be called upon to make critical decisions that will save lives.”
Beyond the traditionally-required elements of an accredited medical school, USU’s curriculum incorporates 500 hours of military-specific education and training that emphasizes trauma and emergency medicine, infectious disease and parasitology, preventive medicine, the humanities and behavioral sciences and the principles of leadership and teamwork. USU students also benefit from alternative opportunities, including a four-week segment with an operational military unit, where their focus is not on medicine but on learning about military operations. Such trainings are especially important for those students who enter USU as a civilian, then go on to fulfill their military commitment upon graduation.
While USU stands prepared to offer these many different approaches to medical teaching, students and instructors alike take many different career paths before walking through the USU gates.
Laughlin was nearing completion of his own medical degree at the St. Louis University School of Medicine when he was drafted in 1971. Following a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the Harvard Medical Service, Boston City Hospital, he reported to National Naval Medical Center for active duty as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
Throughout the next 13 years, Laughlin’s Navy medical career afforded him the opportunity to study and practice medicine throughout the world before returning to the U.S. as USU’s director, Division of Tropical Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics.
Later, he took over as chair of the entire department. Laughlin has served as the dean of USU’s Medical School since 2002.
USU graduates are considered the preferred health care providers for troops since they are exposed to, and have familiarity with, military settings and protocols.
“These practitioners already bought into military medicine as a concept so they know protocols, behaviors, strengths and weaknesses,” said Laughlin. Graduates also have greater opportunities to live overseas and practice medicine in developing countries with access to DoD and State Department resources and laboratories.
Understanding the intricacies of military medicine, however, does not require that one enter straight into medicine, as Laughlin did. Army Lt. Col. Rebecca Yurek, a Family Nurse Practitioner student in USU’s Graduate School of Nursing, started her military career in law enforcement before she decided to pursue medicine.
Throughout her education at a civilian nursing school, Yurek served as a combat medic in the Reserves before joining the Nurse Corps upon graduation. As a combat medic, she was exposed to military medicine before coming to USU, while still working and studying in the civilian sector.
She has thoroughly enjoyed the ability to serve in a variety of roles spanning the world since that time, from being a critical care nurse at Fort Lewis, Wash., to an ICU nurse and commander for a company of 400 nurses, doctors and technicians at Fort Bliss, Texas, to the head nurse of cardiology in Germany, to New York City where she recruited medical students to USU.
“My biggest exposure to other [medical] schools was in recruiting. The best thing about USU is the [student-to-student and student-to-faculty] camaraderie, because at a lot of other schools, you are a number or just a face, especially in the big schools,” she said. “[At USU] everyone serves the same common purpose, it’s more than just caring for those in harm’s way, it’s the ability to serve service members, veterans, families, retirees and to respond to disasters. I think it’s that link to the flag and to Uncle Sam, responding around the world and knowing you make a difference. You feel it in your heart and soul.”
Yurek completed a six-month tour in Iraq as an ICU nurse before she applied to USU’s two-year family nurse practitioner program, which she expects to graduate from next year. She looks forward to interacting with her patients and teaching them prevention and health promotion in addition to the opportunity to train and develop younger nurses and staff. It is clear that among USU’s greatest strength is its ability to blend medical procedure and military need. As it develops military medical professionals to serve wherever the nation needs them, USU also emphasizes a research-intensive curriculum, giving students the chance to learn from dynamic leaders in their field and contribute to the advancement of medicine. “After working with wounded Soldiers and veterans, or even just those who are sick, you know what they’ve been through and that they’ve served their country, so you feel like you give more back than in civilian [medicine],” Yurek said. “Many medical advances have roots in military medicine. USU has been my best assignment yet; I’m excited to be here and to be a great nurse when I leave.”
Health.mil
March 31, 2010 - Many military medical professionals are trained in the civilian sector prior to serving, but Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) in Bethesda, Md. offers individuals, both with and without prior military service, the opportunity to study medicine. The USU provides a unique approach to medical training, allowing its students to combine their passions for serving people and their nation.
“We are developing future physician leaders who can perform in austere environments and under complex circumstances,” said retired Navy Capt. Larry W. Laughlin, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at USU. “We need to ensure that our students, when they complete their education and hit the battlefields and military treatment facilities, are prepared to lead and be mentors, both in their military roles and as physicians. They may find themselves, right off the bat, in situations where their leadership will be called upon to make critical decisions that will save lives.”
Beyond the traditionally-required elements of an accredited medical school, USU’s curriculum incorporates 500 hours of military-specific education and training that emphasizes trauma and emergency medicine, infectious disease and parasitology, preventive medicine, the humanities and behavioral sciences and the principles of leadership and teamwork. USU students also benefit from alternative opportunities, including a four-week segment with an operational military unit, where their focus is not on medicine but on learning about military operations. Such trainings are especially important for those students who enter USU as a civilian, then go on to fulfill their military commitment upon graduation.
While USU stands prepared to offer these many different approaches to medical teaching, students and instructors alike take many different career paths before walking through the USU gates.
Laughlin was nearing completion of his own medical degree at the St. Louis University School of Medicine when he was drafted in 1971. Following a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the Harvard Medical Service, Boston City Hospital, he reported to National Naval Medical Center for active duty as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
Throughout the next 13 years, Laughlin’s Navy medical career afforded him the opportunity to study and practice medicine throughout the world before returning to the U.S. as USU’s director, Division of Tropical Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics.
Later, he took over as chair of the entire department. Laughlin has served as the dean of USU’s Medical School since 2002.
USU graduates are considered the preferred health care providers for troops since they are exposed to, and have familiarity with, military settings and protocols.
“These practitioners already bought into military medicine as a concept so they know protocols, behaviors, strengths and weaknesses,” said Laughlin. Graduates also have greater opportunities to live overseas and practice medicine in developing countries with access to DoD and State Department resources and laboratories.
Understanding the intricacies of military medicine, however, does not require that one enter straight into medicine, as Laughlin did. Army Lt. Col. Rebecca Yurek, a Family Nurse Practitioner student in USU’s Graduate School of Nursing, started her military career in law enforcement before she decided to pursue medicine.
Throughout her education at a civilian nursing school, Yurek served as a combat medic in the Reserves before joining the Nurse Corps upon graduation. As a combat medic, she was exposed to military medicine before coming to USU, while still working and studying in the civilian sector.
She has thoroughly enjoyed the ability to serve in a variety of roles spanning the world since that time, from being a critical care nurse at Fort Lewis, Wash., to an ICU nurse and commander for a company of 400 nurses, doctors and technicians at Fort Bliss, Texas, to the head nurse of cardiology in Germany, to New York City where she recruited medical students to USU.
“My biggest exposure to other [medical] schools was in recruiting. The best thing about USU is the [student-to-student and student-to-faculty] camaraderie, because at a lot of other schools, you are a number or just a face, especially in the big schools,” she said. “[At USU] everyone serves the same common purpose, it’s more than just caring for those in harm’s way, it’s the ability to serve service members, veterans, families, retirees and to respond to disasters. I think it’s that link to the flag and to Uncle Sam, responding around the world and knowing you make a difference. You feel it in your heart and soul.”
Yurek completed a six-month tour in Iraq as an ICU nurse before she applied to USU’s two-year family nurse practitioner program, which she expects to graduate from next year. She looks forward to interacting with her patients and teaching them prevention and health promotion in addition to the opportunity to train and develop younger nurses and staff. It is clear that among USU’s greatest strength is its ability to blend medical procedure and military need. As it develops military medical professionals to serve wherever the nation needs them, USU also emphasizes a research-intensive curriculum, giving students the chance to learn from dynamic leaders in their field and contribute to the advancement of medicine. “After working with wounded Soldiers and veterans, or even just those who are sick, you know what they’ve been through and that they’ve served their country, so you feel like you give more back than in civilian [medicine],” Yurek said. “Many medical advances have roots in military medicine. USU has been my best assignment yet; I’m excited to be here and to be a great nurse when I leave.”
USS Nicholas Captures Suspected Pirates
By Navy Chief Petty Officer Michael Lewis
U.S. 6th Fleet
April 1, 2010 - The crew of the USS Nicholas captured suspected pirates today after exchanging fire, sinking a skiff and confiscating a suspected mother ship.
While operating west of the Seychelles in international waters, the Nicholas crew reported taking fire at 12:27 a.m. local time from a suspected pirate skiff and returned fire, pursuing the vessel until the disabled skiff stopped.
At about 2 a.m., personnel from Nicholas boarded the disabled skiff and detained three people. The boarding team found ammunition and multiple cans of fuel on board.
After taking the suspected pirates on board, the Nicholas crew sank the disabled skiff at about 3 a.m.
Two more suspected pirates were captured on the confiscated mother ship.
The suspects will remain in U.S. custody on board Nicholas until a determination is made regarding their disposition, officials said.
The USS Nicholas, an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate home-ported in Norfolk, Va., is supporting U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the naval component of U.S. Africa Command.
U.S. 6th Fleet
April 1, 2010 - The crew of the USS Nicholas captured suspected pirates today after exchanging fire, sinking a skiff and confiscating a suspected mother ship.
While operating west of the Seychelles in international waters, the Nicholas crew reported taking fire at 12:27 a.m. local time from a suspected pirate skiff and returned fire, pursuing the vessel until the disabled skiff stopped.
At about 2 a.m., personnel from Nicholas boarded the disabled skiff and detained three people. The boarding team found ammunition and multiple cans of fuel on board.
After taking the suspected pirates on board, the Nicholas crew sank the disabled skiff at about 3 a.m.
Two more suspected pirates were captured on the confiscated mother ship.
The suspects will remain in U.S. custody on board Nicholas until a determination is made regarding their disposition, officials said.
The USS Nicholas, an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate home-ported in Norfolk, Va., is supporting U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the naval component of U.S. Africa Command.
Trainer Becomes Trainee, Commander
By Army Capt. Marvin J. Baker
120th Infantry Brigade
April 1, 2010 - After four years of preparing thousands of Army National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers for deployment at the Division West mobilization training center here, Army Capt. Brent Middleton soon will be preparing for his own deployment at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., center. Middleton, a member of the Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division who joined the 120th Infantry Brigade though the 1st Army Operation Warrior Trainer program, accepted command of the headquarters company of the division's special troops battalion in a March 20 ceremony at Camp Mabry.
"This will be my second deployment to Iraq in five years," Middleton said. "I've worked to coordinate the training and resources for soldiers training under the 120th Infantry Brigade for the past two years. Now, in my new job after deployment, I will be responsible for the Joint Visitors Bureau, the battalion staff and the base defense operations center."
Middleton's experiences as the battle captain for the 120th Infantry Brigade's mobilization operations center here will make his post-mobilization training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord successful, he said.
"I will be able to better prepare my unit during the pre-mobilization [training] at home station so that we are ready for the rigors of post-mobilization training," he said.
Distribution Center Meets Warfighters' Needs
By Christen N. McCluney
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
April 1, 2010 - Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are getting their work done more quickly and efficiently, thanks to the U.S. Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center.
"Our goal very simply is to ensure that we are as effective as possible in supporting warfighter requirements while being as efficient as possible from the taxpayer's perspective," Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert H. McMahon, the center's director, said during a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday.
The center, known as the CDDOC, monitors all supply routes into Afghanistan and Iraq by air, land and sea, working closely with U.S. Transportation Command and its components to ensure both people and equipment are moved in a timely manner, McMahon said. An intratheater logistics program known as the I-channel provides, in effect, a scheduled busline in the air, the general said.
"The frequency of flights is based upon the warfighter's needs," he explained. The I-channel system, which transports both cargo and passengers, serves as the main transportation mode for passengers traveling to and from Kuwait as part of their travel for rest and recuperation leave. When the I-channel is not available, CDDOC uses an intratheater airlift request system called ITARS.
"In a perfect world, all intratheater airlift moves could be accomplished utilizing our I-channel system," McMahon said. "The reality is that every day there's a myriad of requirements that bubble up that necessitate a unique [intratheater] airlift request be generated."
ITARS is used when a high-priority movement can't wait for a scheduled flight, the general said. In any given month, about 75 percent of intratheater airlift movements are accomplished through that system.
The center's theater express program gives commercial carriers an opportunity to use excess capacity to carry cargo within the theater.
One of his biggest concerns, McMahon said, is ensuring that his team properly and effectively deploys conventional and all-terrain mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicles. If that takes more capability than C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy transport jets can provide, he said, he looks for other means to get the life-saving vehicles to the warfighters.
"My job is to ensure that I've leveraged everything that's available, just not those C-17s or C-5s, to be able to get what we need in place on time," he said.
Another big challenge, the general said, is the drawdown in Iraq. "We have to leverage all of the available tools and capacity that we have, both on the ground and in the air," he said. "I have to help facilitate success."
In Afghanistan, McMahon said, improving infrastructure such as airports, roads and rail lines is a high priority. "This not only benefits our force flow and sustainment requirements," he explained, "but more importantly to me, it contributes to Afghanistan's future."
McMahon also credited Centcom and Transcom logisticians and teamwork in general with allowing the CDDOC to be effective.
"We could not accomplish what we do today without the teaming between the commercial sector and the military sector, not only to prepare the equipment, to prepare the sustainment, but also to move that forward," he said.
"All of this takes place because of the teamwork between military and industry, between private- and public-sector movement teams, and because everyone is single-focused to ensure that the warfighter has what they need when they need it."
National Guard mom semi-finalist for Military Motherhood Award
By Carrie E. David Ford
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command
(3/31/10) - Six hundred women, many unknowingly, competed recently for a motherhood award, and one woman at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command shined so brightly that she was chosen as one of the 20 semi-finalists.
Sgt. Sophia I. Malone, human resource technician in G-1 (Human Resources), is the only Alabama semi-finalist in Operation Homefront/Lockheed Martin's 2010 Military Motherhood Award.
"I am a Soldier, a daughter, a sister, a friend... but most of all, I am a mom," said Malone, who has three children: twins, Lacy and Lexy, 15, and Edwin "EZ" Zane, 11. "So this has to be the most amazing honor I could possibly receive."
Malone, 39, was nominated for the award by Kari Hawkins, Redstone Rocket reporter at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Hawkins interviewed and wrote a feature about Malone in January.
"Sgt. Malone's story is so compelling," Hawkins said. "As a mom, she has made so many sacrifices to serve her country. Being a mom in uniform requires strength of character and a high level of conviction that is very unique to female Soldiers."
Malone joined the Army in 1990 and served a tour of duty during the Persian Gulf War. She left active duty after four years to get married and raise a family, but began considering serving again after the attacks of Sept. 11.
"I debated for a year about rejoining the military," Malone said. "But I was a mom, which was my first priority. What could I do?"
Rejoin, of course. Only this time, Malone chose the National Guard expecting a part-time experience. She has been on active duty since 2005, sustaining injuries in two different incidents from improvised explosive devices - in November 2006 and August 2007. After her injuries, she returned stateside and worked as an instructor.
"I don't regret any minute," Malone said. "As an instructor, it really hit me - I helped prepare young Soldiers to perform the very missions I performed in theater."
As for her children, Malone said she uses her growing up experiences and the strength of the women from her youth as tools to help her in raising them. She also relies on her children's father.
"The kids' father is outstanding; I could not do this without him," Malone said.
This loving mother raves about her kids to anyone who will listen, including a captive audience. On her Facebook page in February she wrote, "Loving children is the only love that can make you cry with pride, cry with pain, cry when they cry, and cry just looking at them - realizing how much you love them... Thankful for my three beautiful children.
"I tell my kids to always do their best no matter what, and to treat everyone as you would want to be treated," Malone said. "I tell them every day that I love them and how important they are to me."
Hawkins said that Malone represents all mothers who work to balance a commitment to their family and a desire to serve their country.
"She is not the traditional image of the mother who is always home to care for her family daily. But she is the image of the modern-day mother who has made hard choices and faced tremendous challenges as a mom and as a Soldier," Hawkins said. "Sgt. Malone is a strong example of a mother who exemplifies leadership, dedication and service in everything she does."
And service is something Malone stresses as important.
"Doing my job as a Soldier is vitally important to me," she said. "I try to be the best I possibly can be and make my children as proud of me as I am of them. I am not ready to hang up my uniform, not yet. I still have time in me to serve my country. I am a patriot. Plain and simple - I would die for my country."
For voting instructions or information on the contest, visit http://www.operationhomefront.net/ or http://www.homefrontonline.com/ or search on Facebook for "Military Motherhood Award" to link to Malone's MMA Facebook page.
Following the voting period, which ends April 7, a panel of judges will select a winner from the top five finalists. The winner will receive $5,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
PA Guard adjutant general swears in son, continuing family history of Army aviation
Mike Wright, a Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet at King's College, was sworn into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard at a ceremony held at the Kingston Armory in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Wright joined the 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion at Fort Indiantown Gap, continuing a family tradition in the field of Army Aviation.
As a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Maj. Gen. Wright became the first female Army National Guard aviator. She also became the Army’s first female maneuver brigade commander, while commanding the 28th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation brigade.
Cadet Wright’s father, Chuck Wright, is a retired lieutenant colonel and a former Army aviator.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of March 30, 2010
March 31, 2010 - This week the Army and Marine Corps announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard announced an increase. The net collective result is 1,877 fewer reservists activated than last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 106,334; Navy Reserve, 6,252; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,059; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,432; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 755. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 135,832, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100330ngr.pdf.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 106,334; Navy Reserve, 6,252; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,059; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,432; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 755. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 135,832, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100330ngr.pdf.
Guardsmen in Three States Battle Floods
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
National Guard Bureau
March 31, 2010 - More than 1,500 National Guard members in three Northeast states are waging a war against rising flood waters after several days of rain combined with melting snow. Massachusetts has called up more than 900 soldiers, while Rhode Island and Connecticut have more than 500 and 150 on duty, respectively.
U.S. Northern Command also activated two coordinating units today in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's northeast regional office to assist in the flood response, officials there said.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick has authorized the mobilization of 1,000 soldiers and airman to support the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Soldiers have filled and transported about 9,000 sandbags from the state highway department in Lexington, Mass., to points of distribution in Lexington, Tewksbury, Bridgewater and Millbury.
Additional soldiers and airmen called for state active duty not only will continue to fill and transport sandbags to affected areas, but also will conduct emergency evacuation operations and presence patrols and provide security to isolated areas, according to a news release from the state.
Twenty-one National Guard trucks are headed to Fall River, Mass., to assist with evacuations in the Watuppa Pond area, and 6,000 sandbags are being delivered and emplaced in Middleboro, Blackstone and Concord.
Guard officials said the Massachusetts Guard is pre-positioned at strategic locations throughout the state, capable of providing communication support, transportation support, medical support, predictive flood modeling and maintenance sustainment support.
"The men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard are eager to assist the citizens of the commonwealth," said Army Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, Massachusetts adjutant general. The commonwealth can rely on our diverse capabilities, our strategically located units, and our quick response during times of need."
Army 2nd Lt. Danielle Golden, a platoon leader with the 125th Quartermaster Company, supervised soldiers who were filling sandbags in Lexington. Golden, who normally works as a state corrections officer, said this is the first state mission in which she has participated since joining the Guard.
"Any soldier that gets to be a part of a mission like this at least once is lucky," she said.
Army Staff Sgt. Ross E. Bandy of the 272nd Chemical Company said he's glad to help, crediting a friend's service with inspiring him to join the Guard. "I am a Navy veteran, and I have a friend in the Guard who helped out during the 2008 ice storm," he said. "After seeing him, I thought I'd join and help some people out."
The 79th Troop Command in Rehoboth, Mass., coordinated the movement of filled sandbags from Lexington to areas designated by MEMA. The initial tasks MEMA assigned to the National Guard have been completed, Guard officials said.
Just to the south, Rhode Island soldiers have been tasked with assisting various state and local authorities with traffic control, evacuations and transportation. The Rhode Island Guard continues to work in close coordination with the Rhode Island EMA on where and when to position Guard personnel and equipment.
All guard missions will be based on input from RIEMA, which is closely monitoring the situation with all state and local agencies, according to a news release from the state.
"We are an integrated emergency management agency; we're maintaining situational awareness. We are well linked with FEMA and [the Department of Homeland Security]," said Rhode Island's adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, at a news conference yesterday. "Our main focus is safety and infrastructure, specifically to keep the main thoroughfares open."
He added that the Guard activation would last for as long as necessary. "We are prepared to put personnel and equipment where they will be best utilized," he said.
In Connecticut, soldiers are conducting high-water rescues and sandbagging operations, Guard officials said.
(Army Staff Sgt. James C. Lally of the Massachusetts National Guard contributed to this report.)
General Officer Announcements
March 31, 2010 - Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President made the following nominations:
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Richard M. Lake for appointment to the rank of major general. Lake is currently serving as the deputy director of the National Clandestine Service for Community Human Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Salinas is currently serving as the director, manpower management, Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Bailey is currently serving as the commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego; and commanding general, Western Recruiting Region in San Diego, Calif.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Timothy C. Hanifen has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Hanifen is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James B. Laster has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Laster is currently serving as the commanding general, 3d Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. McKenzie is currently serving as the deputy chief of staff for stability, International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert S. Walsh has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Walsh is currently serving as the assistant wing commander, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, N.C.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Peter J. Talleri has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Talleri is currently serving as the commander, Defense Distribution Center in New Cumberland, Pa.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jon M. Davis has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Davis is currently serving as the assistant deputy commandant for aviation in Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Kessler is currently serving as the commander, Marine Corps Logistics Command in Albany, Ga.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David C. Garza has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Garza is currently serving as the chief of staff, U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Richard M. Lake for appointment to the rank of major general. Lake is currently serving as the deputy director of the National Clandestine Service for Community Human Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Salinas is currently serving as the director, manpower management, Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Bailey is currently serving as the commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego; and commanding general, Western Recruiting Region in San Diego, Calif.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Timothy C. Hanifen has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Hanifen is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James B. Laster has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Laster is currently serving as the commanding general, 3d Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. McKenzie is currently serving as the deputy chief of staff for stability, International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert S. Walsh has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Walsh is currently serving as the assistant wing commander, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, N.C.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Peter J. Talleri has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Talleri is currently serving as the commander, Defense Distribution Center in New Cumberland, Pa.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jon M. Davis has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Davis is currently serving as the assistant deputy commandant for aviation in Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Kessler is currently serving as the commander, Marine Corps Logistics Command in Albany, Ga.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David C. Garza has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Garza is currently serving as the chief of staff, U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla.
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 31, 2010
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $315,552,575 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Other locations of performance are Missouri, California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Washington. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-3000).
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $267,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for radiology systems, components, upgrades, accessories, and installation. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 48 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the forth option year. The date of performance completion is March 30, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-09-D-8314).
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.*, Park Ridge, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $35,137,641 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, prime vendor secondary contract for pharmaceuticals. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-0901).
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.*, Park Ridge, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $34,101,402 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, prime vendor secondary contract for pharmaceuticals. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-0900).
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $20,056,210 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical items. Other location of performance is North Carolina. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-01-D-1606).
AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Wayne, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $20,049,630 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Other location of performance is Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-3500).
Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems, Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $19,179,356 firm-fixed, sole-source, requirements-type contract modification. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4AX-07-D-9006).
Dakota Drug, Inc.*, Minot, N.D., is being awarded a maximum $17,892,000 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-0976).
General Electric, Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,830,188 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for aircraft turbine frame and tracking. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8122-09-G-0001-UN44).
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $8,216,225 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for beverages. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 26, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-9100).
PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $7,349,463 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for beverages. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 26, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-9200).
American Fuel Cells & Coated, Magnolia, Ark., is being awarded a maximum $6,722,740 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for aircraft fuel tanks. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 29, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0144).
AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Wayne, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $4,431,229 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical items. Other location of performance is Hawaii. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-01-D-1604).
NAVY
RQ/FILANC I, JV, Carlsbad, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5414); EPC Corp.*, Glendale, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-5415); Hal Hays Construction, Inc.*, Riverside, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5416); Reyes Construction, Inc.*, Pomona, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5417); Watts Constructors, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (N62473-10-D-5418); Orion Construction Corp.*, Vista, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5419); and Tetra Tech/Pascal & Ludwig, JV, Irvine, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5425), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for wet utilities construction at various locations predominantly within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR) including, but not limited to, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all seven contracts combined is $300,000,000. Work provides for wet utilities construction including new work, additions, alteration, and repair. Projects may include water, steam, sewer, and storm sewer lines; wells, mains, pumping stations, treatment plants, storage tanks and facilities; and related work. All structures that are integral parts of the water, steam, and sewer networks are included. This contract will not include waterfront related construction, or oil and gas pipeline construction. Work will be performed at various federal sites within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, California (83 percent), Arizona (12 percent), Nevada (2 percent), Utah (1 percent), Colorado (1 percent), and New Mexico (1 percent). The term of the contracts are not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 30 proposals received. These seven contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $204,000,000 not-to-exceed contract for MK15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) upgrades and conversions, system overhauls, and associated hardware. Phalanx CIWS is a fast-reaction terminal defense against low- and high-flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (30 percent); Andover, Mass. (19 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (16 percent); Syracuse, N.Y. (7 percent); Long Beach, Calif. (6 percent); Radford, Va. (6 percent); Burlington, Vt. (6 percent); Palm Bay, Fla. (2 percent); Pittsburgh, Pa. (2 percent); Bloomington, Minn. (2 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (2 percent); Norcross, Ga. (1 percent ); and New Albany, Ind. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $51,274,626 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5427).
Accenture National Security Services, Reston, Va. (N00189-10-D-Z026); Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va. (N00189-10-D-Z027); and KPMG, Washington, D.C. (N00189-10-D-Z028), are each being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contract to provide accounting and financial management service to support the Navy Office of Financial Operations for the implementation of the Department of the Navy's financial improvement program. This contract includes a base ordering period with four one-year option periods. For Accenture national security services, the base amount is $40,675,073 and the contract's estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $181,867,958. For Booz Allen Hamilton, the base amount is $41,201,274 and the contract's estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $187,298,288. For KPMG, the base amount is $43,975,895 and the contracts estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $199,926,881. Work is to be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be complete March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was awarded through full and open competition, with 11 offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $55,151,902 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0025) for non-recurring efforts associated with Increment III of the CV-22 aircraft Block 20 upgrade program. Efforts to be provided include concept definition, non-recurring engineering, drawings, and installation/integration of brake performance enhancements and the helmet mounted display upgrade. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (91 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (5 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $6,495,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems, Inc., Garden City, N.Y., is being awarded a $41,454,003 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5343) for the delivery of AN/SPQ-9B radar sets and combat interface kits for use on U. S. Navy ships. The AN/SPQ-9B radar system provides the capability to detect and track low-flying, high-speed, small radar cross section anti-ship missile targets in heavy clutter environments. Work will be performed in Melville, N.Y. (91.2 percent); Norwalk, Conn. (5.5 percent); and Baltimore, Md. (3.3 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $31,547,535 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for information technology support services to sustain the Naval Education Technology and Professional Development Training Command, Pensacola, Fla.; Naval Education and Training Command; and Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Command. This contract includes four option terms which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $220,842,902. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (57 percent); Great Lakes, Ill. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (25 percent). Work is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively awarded through the Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with eight offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-R-Z014).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $20,654,852 firm-fixed-priced modification to previously awarded delivery order #0011 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for integrated logistics support (ILS) and sustainment. The ILS sustainment will consist of spare parts for U.S. Special Operations Command variant vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Hourigan Construction Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded $15,218,200 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-07-D-7022) for the design and construction of a C-40 aircraft maintenance hangar at Naval Air Station Oceana. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new aircraft hangar and associated support infrastructure, and will also include the demolition of two existing buildings. The task order also contains two unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $15,418,400. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., is being awarded a $14,893,509 cost-type contract under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Broad Agency Announcement No. BAA-09-27 to provide research and development for "Brain Reorganization and Plasticity to Accelerate Injury: Multi-scale and Multi-modal Models Enabled by Next Generation Neurotechnolgoy." This two-year contract includes a two-year option period which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $28,806,629. Work will be performed at Stanford University (34 percent) with subcontractor support at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island (44 percent), the University of California, San Francisco, Calif. (15 percent), and the University College of London in the United Kingdom (7 percent). Work is expected to be completed March 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities and SPAWAR e-Commerce Central Web sites. One offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, is the contracting activity (N66001-10-C-2010).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $12,600,563 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-08-G-0010) to complete active vibration control and downed aviator locator system retrofit upgrades to the MH-60S helicopter. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. (60 percent); Norfolk, Va. (30 percent); and San Diego (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $11,380,330 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-08-C-0025) to exercise an option for aircrew, engineering, operations, and scheduling services in support of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic and Naval Test Wing Pacific. The estimated level of effort for this option is 18,757 man-hours. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
LCC/MZT Team II, JV*, Homedale, Wash., is being awarded an $11,109,000 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of two new stand-alone training buildings and an addition to an existing building at the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Training Facility. Work will be performed in Spokane, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with nine proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-10-C-8000).
Branscome, Inc., Williamsburg, Va., is being awarded a $10,797,396 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs to the existing landing plane area taxiways at Chambers Field. The work to be performed provides for the repairs to the existing taxiways consisting of bituminous pavement; overlay and patches; crack repairs; concrete pavement; storm drainage system; pavement markings; taxiway lighting; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with five bids received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-3004).
Nammo Talley, Inc., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded a $10,222,340 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-08-C-1123) under contracting line item number 0001 for system development and demonstration of the next generation Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW II) program. The SMAW II system is the predecessor to the SMAW system and is intended to consist of an encased fire-from-enclosure assault round and the next generation SMAW launcher. This modification is for the contractor to implement additional efforts required to design, develop, integrate, test, produce and prepare associated documentation; provide logistical support; provide technical support; and deliver the SMAW II system. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 5, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $9,828,388 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) for CVN 78 dual-band radar common array power system and common array cooling system long-lead time materials and associated efforts. These materials, and associated engineering and management efforts, are required to be procured now in order to meet the CVN 78 ship construction in-yard-need-dates at the receiving shipyard to ensure that critical production schedules are maintained for the CVN 78 program. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass. (87.8 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (10.4 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (0.9 percent); and Portsmouth, R.I. (0.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Stauder Technologies, St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded $9,041,508 for modification P00041 to a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-C-2062) for additional StrikeLink Systems software development, mobilized rugged tablets with accessories, tripod encoders, and associated travel costs for the tactical location designation hand-off system program. Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $7,273,925 modification to a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) to exercise an option for the depot level rework of 142 LAU-115 guided missile launchers for the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $2,285,230 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
The Research Foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,814,557 cost-no-fee-contract under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Broad Agency Announcement No. BAA 09-27 "Reorganization and Plasticity to Accelerate Injury Recovery." This work is expected to result in new methods for analysis and decoding of neural signals in order to understand how neural-based sensory stimulation could be applied to accelerate recovery from brain injury. This work will develop models of neural codes and temporal patterns that can provide an ability to interpret and predict changes in neural organization through plasticity at multiple scales of measurement. This two-year contract includes a two-year option period which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $12,877,705. Work will be performed at SUNY in Brooklyn, New York; the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.; the University of California, Berkeley, Calif.; Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and NIRX Medical Technologies, Glen Head, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed March 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with five offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, is the contracting activity (N66001-10-C-2008).
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $6,669,583 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for non-recurring engineering associated with the production and integration of 600 new CPU/circuit card assembly (CCA) to replace the current AN/ALE-47 dispenser programmer CPU/CCA for various aircraft. The work will be performed in Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $6,669,583 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0008).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $6,599,740 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-09-C-0069) to exercise an option for the procurement of AN/ARC-210(V) electronic radio and ancillary equipment for the H-1 Helicopter. Equipment being procured includes 88 ARC-210 receiver transmitters; 22 radio set controls; 66 mounting bases; 22 amplifier mounts; 22 high power amplifiers, 22 LNA diplexers; 50 nine- inch tunable antennas and 48 digital converters. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Advex Corp.*, Hampton, Va. (N68335-09-D-0097); Dataline, LLC*, Norfolk, Va. (N68335-09-D-0098); Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.*, Portsmouth, Va. (N68335-09-D-0099); Ki, LLC*, Colorado Springs, Colo. (N68335-09-D-0100); Plexus Installations, Inc.*, Baltimore, Md. (N68335-09-D-0102); and Prism Maritime, LLC*, Chesapeake, Va. (N68335-09-D-0103), are each being awarded modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) multiple-award contracts to exercise options for installation and alteration support services for common aviation support equipment and aircraft launch and recovery equipment. These modifications will increase the ceiling for each of the current IDIQ holders as follows: Advex Corp. to $8,167,103; Dataline, LLC, to $7,120,600; Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc., to $6,649,677; Ki, LLC, to $7,986,723; Plexus Installations, Inc., to $7,131,933; and Prism Maritime, LLC, to $6,825,482. Work will be performed at various shipboard and shore site locations and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $23,799,062 contract which provides for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, test, develop, and deliver operations manuals, change proposals, system assessments/capabilities guides, software version description documents, data procedures documents software user's manuals, and wiring diagrams. At this time, $345,893 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Santa Maria, Calif., was awarded a $20,599,510 contract which provides support to complete the Mission Flight Control Center. At this time, no money has been obligated. SMC/ LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0029).
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $315,552,575 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Other locations of performance are Missouri, California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Washington. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-3000).
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $267,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for radiology systems, components, upgrades, accessories, and installation. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 48 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the forth option year. The date of performance completion is March 30, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-09-D-8314).
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.*, Park Ridge, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $35,137,641 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, prime vendor secondary contract for pharmaceuticals. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-0901).
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.*, Park Ridge, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $34,101,402 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, prime vendor secondary contract for pharmaceuticals. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-0900).
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $20,056,210 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical items. Other location of performance is North Carolina. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-01-D-1606).
AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Wayne, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $20,049,630 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Other location of performance is Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-3500).
Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems, Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $19,179,356 firm-fixed, sole-source, requirements-type contract modification. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4AX-07-D-9006).
Dakota Drug, Inc.*, Minot, N.D., is being awarded a maximum $17,892,000 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-05-D-0976).
General Electric, Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,830,188 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for aircraft turbine frame and tracking. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8122-09-G-0001-UN44).
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $8,216,225 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for beverages. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 26, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-9100).
PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $7,349,463 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for beverages. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 26, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-9200).
American Fuel Cells & Coated, Magnolia, Ark., is being awarded a maximum $6,722,740 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for aircraft fuel tanks. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 29, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0144).
AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Wayne, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $4,431,229 firm-fixed-price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical items. Other location of performance is Hawaii. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM200-01-D-1604).
NAVY
RQ/FILANC I, JV, Carlsbad, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5414); EPC Corp.*, Glendale, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-5415); Hal Hays Construction, Inc.*, Riverside, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5416); Reyes Construction, Inc.*, Pomona, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5417); Watts Constructors, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (N62473-10-D-5418); Orion Construction Corp.*, Vista, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5419); and Tetra Tech/Pascal & Ludwig, JV, Irvine, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5425), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for wet utilities construction at various locations predominantly within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR) including, but not limited to, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all seven contracts combined is $300,000,000. Work provides for wet utilities construction including new work, additions, alteration, and repair. Projects may include water, steam, sewer, and storm sewer lines; wells, mains, pumping stations, treatment plants, storage tanks and facilities; and related work. All structures that are integral parts of the water, steam, and sewer networks are included. This contract will not include waterfront related construction, or oil and gas pipeline construction. Work will be performed at various federal sites within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, California (83 percent), Arizona (12 percent), Nevada (2 percent), Utah (1 percent), Colorado (1 percent), and New Mexico (1 percent). The term of the contracts are not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 30 proposals received. These seven contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $204,000,000 not-to-exceed contract for MK15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) upgrades and conversions, system overhauls, and associated hardware. Phalanx CIWS is a fast-reaction terminal defense against low- and high-flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (30 percent); Andover, Mass. (19 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (16 percent); Syracuse, N.Y. (7 percent); Long Beach, Calif. (6 percent); Radford, Va. (6 percent); Burlington, Vt. (6 percent); Palm Bay, Fla. (2 percent); Pittsburgh, Pa. (2 percent); Bloomington, Minn. (2 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (2 percent); Norcross, Ga. (1 percent ); and New Albany, Ind. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $51,274,626 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5427).
Accenture National Security Services, Reston, Va. (N00189-10-D-Z026); Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va. (N00189-10-D-Z027); and KPMG, Washington, D.C. (N00189-10-D-Z028), are each being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contract to provide accounting and financial management service to support the Navy Office of Financial Operations for the implementation of the Department of the Navy's financial improvement program. This contract includes a base ordering period with four one-year option periods. For Accenture national security services, the base amount is $40,675,073 and the contract's estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $181,867,958. For Booz Allen Hamilton, the base amount is $41,201,274 and the contract's estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $187,298,288. For KPMG, the base amount is $43,975,895 and the contracts estimated value, if all options are exercised, is $199,926,881. Work is to be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be complete March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was awarded through full and open competition, with 11 offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $55,151,902 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0025) for non-recurring efforts associated with Increment III of the CV-22 aircraft Block 20 upgrade program. Efforts to be provided include concept definition, non-recurring engineering, drawings, and installation/integration of brake performance enhancements and the helmet mounted display upgrade. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (91 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (5 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $6,495,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems, Inc., Garden City, N.Y., is being awarded a $41,454,003 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5343) for the delivery of AN/SPQ-9B radar sets and combat interface kits for use on U. S. Navy ships. The AN/SPQ-9B radar system provides the capability to detect and track low-flying, high-speed, small radar cross section anti-ship missile targets in heavy clutter environments. Work will be performed in Melville, N.Y. (91.2 percent); Norwalk, Conn. (5.5 percent); and Baltimore, Md. (3.3 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $31,547,535 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for information technology support services to sustain the Naval Education Technology and Professional Development Training Command, Pensacola, Fla.; Naval Education and Training Command; and Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Command. This contract includes four option terms which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $220,842,902. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (57 percent); Great Lakes, Ill. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (25 percent). Work is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively awarded through the Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with eight offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-R-Z014).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $20,654,852 firm-fixed-priced modification to previously awarded delivery order #0011 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for integrated logistics support (ILS) and sustainment. The ILS sustainment will consist of spare parts for U.S. Special Operations Command variant vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Hourigan Construction Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded $15,218,200 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-07-D-7022) for the design and construction of a C-40 aircraft maintenance hangar at Naval Air Station Oceana. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new aircraft hangar and associated support infrastructure, and will also include the demolition of two existing buildings. The task order also contains two unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $15,418,400. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., is being awarded a $14,893,509 cost-type contract under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Broad Agency Announcement No. BAA-09-27 to provide research and development for "Brain Reorganization and Plasticity to Accelerate Injury: Multi-scale and Multi-modal Models Enabled by Next Generation Neurotechnolgoy." This two-year contract includes a two-year option period which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $28,806,629. Work will be performed at Stanford University (34 percent) with subcontractor support at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island (44 percent), the University of California, San Francisco, Calif. (15 percent), and the University College of London in the United Kingdom (7 percent). Work is expected to be completed March 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities and SPAWAR e-Commerce Central Web sites. One offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, is the contracting activity (N66001-10-C-2010).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $12,600,563 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-08-G-0010) to complete active vibration control and downed aviator locator system retrofit upgrades to the MH-60S helicopter. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. (60 percent); Norfolk, Va. (30 percent); and San Diego (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $11,380,330 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-08-C-0025) to exercise an option for aircrew, engineering, operations, and scheduling services in support of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic and Naval Test Wing Pacific. The estimated level of effort for this option is 18,757 man-hours. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
LCC/MZT Team II, JV*, Homedale, Wash., is being awarded an $11,109,000 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of two new stand-alone training buildings and an addition to an existing building at the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Training Facility. Work will be performed in Spokane, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with nine proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-10-C-8000).
Branscome, Inc., Williamsburg, Va., is being awarded a $10,797,396 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs to the existing landing plane area taxiways at Chambers Field. The work to be performed provides for the repairs to the existing taxiways consisting of bituminous pavement; overlay and patches; crack repairs; concrete pavement; storm drainage system; pavement markings; taxiway lighting; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with five bids received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-3004).
Nammo Talley, Inc., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded a $10,222,340 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-08-C-1123) under contracting line item number 0001 for system development and demonstration of the next generation Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW II) program. The SMAW II system is the predecessor to the SMAW system and is intended to consist of an encased fire-from-enclosure assault round and the next generation SMAW launcher. This modification is for the contractor to implement additional efforts required to design, develop, integrate, test, produce and prepare associated documentation; provide logistical support; provide technical support; and deliver the SMAW II system. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 5, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $9,828,388 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) for CVN 78 dual-band radar common array power system and common array cooling system long-lead time materials and associated efforts. These materials, and associated engineering and management efforts, are required to be procured now in order to meet the CVN 78 ship construction in-yard-need-dates at the receiving shipyard to ensure that critical production schedules are maintained for the CVN 78 program. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass. (87.8 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (10.4 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (0.9 percent); and Portsmouth, R.I. (0.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Stauder Technologies, St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded $9,041,508 for modification P00041 to a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-C-2062) for additional StrikeLink Systems software development, mobilized rugged tablets with accessories, tripod encoders, and associated travel costs for the tactical location designation hand-off system program. Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $7,273,925 modification to a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) to exercise an option for the depot level rework of 142 LAU-115 guided missile launchers for the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $2,285,230 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
The Research Foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,814,557 cost-no-fee-contract under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Broad Agency Announcement No. BAA 09-27 "Reorganization and Plasticity to Accelerate Injury Recovery." This work is expected to result in new methods for analysis and decoding of neural signals in order to understand how neural-based sensory stimulation could be applied to accelerate recovery from brain injury. This work will develop models of neural codes and temporal patterns that can provide an ability to interpret and predict changes in neural organization through plasticity at multiple scales of measurement. This two-year contract includes a two-year option period which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $12,877,705. Work will be performed at SUNY in Brooklyn, New York; the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.; the University of California, Berkeley, Calif.; Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and NIRX Medical Technologies, Glen Head, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed March 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with five offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, is the contracting activity (N66001-10-C-2008).
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $6,669,583 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for non-recurring engineering associated with the production and integration of 600 new CPU/circuit card assembly (CCA) to replace the current AN/ALE-47 dispenser programmer CPU/CCA for various aircraft. The work will be performed in Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $6,669,583 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0008).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $6,599,740 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-09-C-0069) to exercise an option for the procurement of AN/ARC-210(V) electronic radio and ancillary equipment for the H-1 Helicopter. Equipment being procured includes 88 ARC-210 receiver transmitters; 22 radio set controls; 66 mounting bases; 22 amplifier mounts; 22 high power amplifiers, 22 LNA diplexers; 50 nine- inch tunable antennas and 48 digital converters. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Advex Corp.*, Hampton, Va. (N68335-09-D-0097); Dataline, LLC*, Norfolk, Va. (N68335-09-D-0098); Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.*, Portsmouth, Va. (N68335-09-D-0099); Ki, LLC*, Colorado Springs, Colo. (N68335-09-D-0100); Plexus Installations, Inc.*, Baltimore, Md. (N68335-09-D-0102); and Prism Maritime, LLC*, Chesapeake, Va. (N68335-09-D-0103), are each being awarded modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) multiple-award contracts to exercise options for installation and alteration support services for common aviation support equipment and aircraft launch and recovery equipment. These modifications will increase the ceiling for each of the current IDIQ holders as follows: Advex Corp. to $8,167,103; Dataline, LLC, to $7,120,600; Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc., to $6,649,677; Ki, LLC, to $7,986,723; Plexus Installations, Inc., to $7,131,933; and Prism Maritime, LLC, to $6,825,482. Work will be performed at various shipboard and shore site locations and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $23,799,062 contract which provides for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, test, develop, and deliver operations manuals, change proposals, system assessments/capabilities guides, software version description documents, data procedures documents software user's manuals, and wiring diagrams. At this time, $345,893 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Santa Maria, Calif., was awarded a $20,599,510 contract which provides support to complete the Mission Flight Control Center. At this time, no money has been obligated. SMC/ LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0029).
Flag Officer Assignments
March 31, 2010 - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:
Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas L. Brown II will be assigned as commanding general, Joint Forces Special Operations Command - Iraq, U.S. Forces - Iraq. Brown is currently serving as deputy commander, Special Operations Command Europe, Vaihingen, Germany.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Charles K. Carodine will be assigned as deputy commander, Naval Warfare Development Command, Norfolk, Va. Carodine is currently serving as chief of staff, JTF-100 Maritime Operations Center, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Rear Adm. Edward H. Deets III will be assigned as commander, Naval Network Warfare Command, Norfolk, Va. Deets is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Network Warfare Command, Norfolk, Va.
Rear Adm. Karen A. Flaherty will be assigned as deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. Flaherty is currently serving as deputy chief, wounded, ill, and injured, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, U.S. Southern Command, Guantanamo, Cuba. Harbeson is currently serving as deputy director, Surface Warfare for Combat Systems, N86F, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Gretchen S. Herbert, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as assistant chief of naval operations for Next Generation Enterprise Network System Program, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Herbert is currently serving as director, network centric capabilities, N2/N6F1, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Jeffrey S. Jones will be assigned as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven/commander, amphibious force, U.S. Seventh Fleet, Okinawa, Japan. Jones is currently serving as director, Iraq Training and Advisory Team Navy, U.S. Forces - Iraq.
Rear Adm. (lower half) William K. Lescher will be assigned as deputy director for resources and acquisition, J8, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Lescher is currently serving as director, Operations Division, Office of Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller/director, Operations Division, Fiscal Management Division, N821, Office the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) David H. Lewis will be assigned as program executive officer for ships, Washington, D.C. Lewis is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Ron J. MacLaren will be assigned as military director, Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Officer, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va. MacLaren is currently serving as assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, fleet supply and ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Rear Adm. Thomas P. Meek will be assigned as commander, Navy Cyber Forces, Norfolk, Va. Meek is currently serving as director, National Maritime Intelligence Center, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) James A. Murdoch will be assigned as fleet maintenance officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Murdoch is currently serving as major program manager for littoral combat ships, Program Executive Office for Ships, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas L. Brown II will be assigned as commanding general, Joint Forces Special Operations Command - Iraq, U.S. Forces - Iraq. Brown is currently serving as deputy commander, Special Operations Command Europe, Vaihingen, Germany.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Charles K. Carodine will be assigned as deputy commander, Naval Warfare Development Command, Norfolk, Va. Carodine is currently serving as chief of staff, JTF-100 Maritime Operations Center, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Rear Adm. Edward H. Deets III will be assigned as commander, Naval Network Warfare Command, Norfolk, Va. Deets is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Network Warfare Command, Norfolk, Va.
Rear Adm. Karen A. Flaherty will be assigned as deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. Flaherty is currently serving as deputy chief, wounded, ill, and injured, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, U.S. Southern Command, Guantanamo, Cuba. Harbeson is currently serving as deputy director, Surface Warfare for Combat Systems, N86F, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Gretchen S. Herbert, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as assistant chief of naval operations for Next Generation Enterprise Network System Program, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Herbert is currently serving as director, network centric capabilities, N2/N6F1, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Jeffrey S. Jones will be assigned as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven/commander, amphibious force, U.S. Seventh Fleet, Okinawa, Japan. Jones is currently serving as director, Iraq Training and Advisory Team Navy, U.S. Forces - Iraq.
Rear Adm. (lower half) William K. Lescher will be assigned as deputy director for resources and acquisition, J8, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Lescher is currently serving as director, Operations Division, Office of Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller/director, Operations Division, Fiscal Management Division, N821, Office the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) David H. Lewis will be assigned as program executive officer for ships, Washington, D.C. Lewis is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Ron J. MacLaren will be assigned as military director, Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Officer, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va. MacLaren is currently serving as assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, fleet supply and ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Rear Adm. Thomas P. Meek will be assigned as commander, Navy Cyber Forces, Norfolk, Va. Meek is currently serving as director, National Maritime Intelligence Center, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) James A. Murdoch will be assigned as fleet maintenance officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Murdoch is currently serving as major program manager for littoral combat ships, Program Executive Office for Ships, Washington, D.C.
Pentagon May Extend Tanker Bid Deadline
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2010 - The Defense Department today informed companies interested in bidding on the KC-X aerrial refueling tanker contract that if the European Aeronautics Defense and Space Co. formally expresses an intention to compete, the bidding deadline would be extended 60 days, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
"We are committed to a fair, open and transparent competition in order to get the best airplane to our warfighters at the best value to the taxpayers," Morrell announced in a late-afternoon news conference here.
Officials announced the final request for proposals, the Air Force requirements for the refueling tanker and a May 10 deadline last month. EADS recently expressed interest in the contract and requested a 90-day extension.
"It is not uncommon to grant a reasonable extension in competitions of this sort, and we consider 60 days to be reasonable," Morrell said.
The extension would give EADS and the Boeing Co., another company that has expressed interest, to submit their proposals by July 9.
Morrell also noted that the Pentagon is prepared to expedite the bid evaluation process to ensure production of the tanker begins in early fall.
"Given that this plane is long overdue, and we do not want its delivery date to slip later than it already has, we are prepared to compress our bid evaluation period to stay as close to the original award schedule as possible so as to still award the contract early this fall," he said.
The extension should not be confused with a "willingness to change any of the plane's military requirements or the way bids will be evaluated" in the future, he added, stressing that local and international politics did not influence the decision.
"Politics are not a part of this process --never have been, [and] never will be," he said. "We are basing this strictly on the needs of the warfighter, the law of the land, and our desire to make sure that the taxpayers get their money's worth."
The Air Force KC-135 modernization program contract is estimated to be worth $35 billion
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2010 - The Defense Department today informed companies interested in bidding on the KC-X aerrial refueling tanker contract that if the European Aeronautics Defense and Space Co. formally expresses an intention to compete, the bidding deadline would be extended 60 days, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
"We are committed to a fair, open and transparent competition in order to get the best airplane to our warfighters at the best value to the taxpayers," Morrell announced in a late-afternoon news conference here.
Officials announced the final request for proposals, the Air Force requirements for the refueling tanker and a May 10 deadline last month. EADS recently expressed interest in the contract and requested a 90-day extension.
"It is not uncommon to grant a reasonable extension in competitions of this sort, and we consider 60 days to be reasonable," Morrell said.
The extension would give EADS and the Boeing Co., another company that has expressed interest, to submit their proposals by July 9.
Morrell also noted that the Pentagon is prepared to expedite the bid evaluation process to ensure production of the tanker begins in early fall.
"Given that this plane is long overdue, and we do not want its delivery date to slip later than it already has, we are prepared to compress our bid evaluation period to stay as close to the original award schedule as possible so as to still award the contract early this fall," he said.
The extension should not be confused with a "willingness to change any of the plane's military requirements or the way bids will be evaluated" in the future, he added, stressing that local and international politics did not influence the decision.
"Politics are not a part of this process --never have been, [and] never will be," he said. "We are basing this strictly on the needs of the warfighter, the law of the land, and our desire to make sure that the taxpayers get their money's worth."
The Air Force KC-135 modernization program contract is estimated to be worth $35 billion
Corporal Helps Cancer Patients
By Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Katesha Washington
2nd Marine Logistics Group
March 31, 2010 - Dependable. Determined. Motivated. Those are just three of the many words Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Derrick Hayes, assistant staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the flammables section for 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, uses to describe Cpl. Dana Hineline. "She is just simply outstanding," he said. "If you need something to get done the right way, the first time, give it to Corporal Hineline, and she will make it happen."
Her strong work ethic and aggressive attitude toward mission accomplishment earned Hineline a meritorious promotion to corporal and are part of the reason why she has been nominated for a meritorious promotion to sergeant.
Hineline first proved her mettle during a deployment to Iraq with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 from August 2008 to March 2009, where she was in charge of communications for her squad and taught classes on the Blue Force Tracker equipment. She also taught courses for countering roadside bombs.
After volunteering to stay in Iraq past her required time, Hineline was selected to deploy to Afghanistan from November to January to be responsible for shipping gear to units.
But the 21-year-old Marine is known for more than her dogged determination and drive to exceed expectations. She is also known as a philanthropist in her community. As a volunteer with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, she stays awake for more than 24 hours during the annual walkathon to raise money and support for cancer patients.
"By helping cancer patients, I have learned how to open my arms to anyone in need of help," she explained. "It really hurts to know I can live my life healthy and strong while others are counting down their days to survive. The least I can do is spill my heart out to those individuals."
Hineline also gives her time and money to animal shelters and rescue and adoption agencies. Her goal, she said, is to do whatever she can to make the world a better place, if only with small acts of kindness.
"I think community service starts in small towns and makes a big difference in your country," she said. "There are so many things you can do to help better this world and by getting involved, you can meet new people and have fun when it comes to stepping up and leading."
Hineline said her go-getter attitude stems from her interaction with her Marine Corps Junior ROTC instructor in high school. Encouragement from Gunnery Sgt. Lyndon Smith, a retired Marine, was the main reason Hineline joined the Marine Corps.
"He always encouraged me to better myself," she said. "He taught me everything I know when it comes to drill and discipline. So every time I reach a goal or accomplish a hard task, I make a call to thank him for making me such a good Marine."
In addition to her community service and long work hours, Hineline is working toward her goal of continuing to help people when she retires. She is learning American sign language through a course from Coastal Carolina Community College. Her drive and determination to be a well-rounded Marine, she said, also is preparing her to become a well-rounded woman.
"A real woman always has a goal," she said. "She knows what she wants, and she strives to better herself. In order for a female to really get respect, she needs to hold herself to a higher standard."
Hineline said the next step on her journey is to become a drill instructor.
USO Announces Sesame Workshop Tour Dates
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2010 - The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families, a free traveling USO show based on Sesame Workshop's award winning "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative and produced in partnership with Vee, is back in the United States after an around-the-world tour.
The show, which is exclusively for military families, kicks off its second swing through the United States on April 17 at Fort Knox, Ky.
Audiences will experience a 25-minute character performance and receive promotional items and outreach materials, officials said.
The Sesame Street Workshop/USO partnership put on its first show at Twentynine Palms, Calif., in July 2008. Since then, The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families has traveled more than 45,000 miles to 76 bases in nine countries. More than 120,000 servicemembers and families have been entertained during 176 shows.
"The momentum that this show has gathered since it first performed for military kids and families is unbelievable," said Gary E. Knell, Sesame Workshop president and CEO. "To see how families come together and then use the messages from the show to talk to their kids is the greatest reward that we could ask for. We at Sesame Workshop are thrilled to continue this work with our partners and friends at the USO and reinforce our commitment to military families."
Sloan Gibson, USO president, noted the positive impact the tour is having on the military community.
"The fact that more than 100,000 troops and family members have attended these shows so far speaks volumes about the tour's relevance to today's military," Gibson said. "We listen to our troops and understand the challenges they face at home, and are proud to call Sesame Workshop our partner in helping to ease the daily stresses on military families."
March 31, 2010 - The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families, a free traveling USO show based on Sesame Workshop's award winning "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative and produced in partnership with Vee, is back in the United States after an around-the-world tour.
The show, which is exclusively for military families, kicks off its second swing through the United States on April 17 at Fort Knox, Ky.
Audiences will experience a 25-minute character performance and receive promotional items and outreach materials, officials said.
The Sesame Street Workshop/USO partnership put on its first show at Twentynine Palms, Calif., in July 2008. Since then, The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families has traveled more than 45,000 miles to 76 bases in nine countries. More than 120,000 servicemembers and families have been entertained during 176 shows.
"The momentum that this show has gathered since it first performed for military kids and families is unbelievable," said Gary E. Knell, Sesame Workshop president and CEO. "To see how families come together and then use the messages from the show to talk to their kids is the greatest reward that we could ask for. We at Sesame Workshop are thrilled to continue this work with our partners and friends at the USO and reinforce our commitment to military families."
Sloan Gibson, USO president, noted the positive impact the tour is having on the military community.
"The fact that more than 100,000 troops and family members have attended these shows so far speaks volumes about the tour's relevance to today's military," Gibson said. "We listen to our troops and understand the challenges they face at home, and are proud to call Sesame Workshop our partner in helping to ease the daily stresses on military families."
Disabled Vets Discover 'Miracle on Mountainside'
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2010 - About 400 disabled veterans here for the 24th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic -- including about 150 veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan -- aren't anticipating pulling April Fools pranks tomorrow. They're expecting miracles today. And halfway through six days jam-packed days of activities designed to push them to new heights and enhance their rehabilitation, those miracles are beginning to unfold.
"I'm already feeling it," said Noah Currier, a medically retired Marine Corps corporal who is among more than 100 first-timers at the clinic.
Currier returned home safely after two combat deployments with the 1st Marine Division's 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. He was among the first to deploy to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, and was at the tip of the spear during the U.S. invasion into Iraq in 2003.
But three days after he returned from the second deployment, as he was riding back to Camp Pendleton, Calif., Currier's life took a dramatic turn. The fellow Marine driving from San Diego feel asleep at the wheel, and their vehicle hit a tree and slammed down a 20-foot embankment.
Currier was paralyzed from the chest down.
Seven years later, after whizzing down Snowmass Mountain on adaptive skis at his first winter sports clinic, Currier experienced the kind of adrenaline rush he thought he'd lost forever.
"It was absolutely great! Awesome! I had a blast!" he exclaimed. "It's a feeling of liberation. I wish I'd done it a long time ago."
Currier experienced a phenomenon that's come to be known here as the "Miracle on the Mountainside."
It's ever-present at the winter sports clinic, where veterans of all ages are getting introduced to adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, wheelchair fencing, sled hockey, snowmobiling and sled hockey, among other activities.
As they push past their comfort zone and try things many thought they'd never be able to again, they discover a new sense of self-confidence and purpose.
"They say, 'Wow, this is something I can do,'" said Darren Cook, a scuba instructor at the clinic for the past 20 years. "And you see them build that confidence, one step at a time."
Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class John Felix said he, too, has felt the Miracle on the Mountainside. The former recruiter admits he took an emotional nosedive watching multiple sclerosis weaken his body. But just two days into the clinic, realizing he still can enjoy the love of skiing he picked up while stationed in Germany, Felix declared himself new man.
"Yesterday was a major accomplishment," he said of his successful downhill run, with an adaptive ski instructor at his side. "It was the first victory I've had in the last three years."
The victory continued as Felix climbed a rock wall, drawing wild applause from onlookers below as he rang the bell at its apex. Felix said he'll take the can-do attitude he's gained here when he returns home from the clinic.
"I now have a whole new attitude," he said. "I feel like I can go back to Connecticut, and whatever challenges come my way, I can say, 'Bring it on. I can handle it.'"
Heeding the advice of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, a disabled veteran himself who opened the clinic March 28, Felix said he's finding encouragement and inspiration from the other participants.
"I see people with a whole lot more serious issues than I'm dealing with doing amazing things," he said. "And the way I look at it, if they can do it, I can definitely do it."
Daniel Pelacios, a former Army sergeant and long-time participant at the clinic, said he was excited to return after a five-year hiatus to enjoy the camaraderie at the clinic.
"What's really great is the chance to see the new guys, bond with them and help them out," he said. "Because no matter what service they were in or when they served, I find that I have so much in common with them."
"I'm learning so much here, from everyone," said Joey King, a former Marine corporal who was confined to a wheelchair four years after leaving active duty, after a 2008 car accident. "I'm asking lots of questions."
King's attendance at his first winter sports clinic is a rite of passage in itself. Although he lives independently, he's been largely confined to his Wisconsin community since his injury and had yet to get on a plane or check into a hotel room. "It's a whole learning experience," he said.
That was before his first time on skis – ever. Although sore from keeping his forearms so tense during the downhill run, King said, he had a blast screaming down the mountain. He was looking forward to trying his hand at snowmobiling and other activities at the clinic. "I'll try anything," he said.
The Miracle on the Mountainside extends to family members attending the clinic with their loved ones. Valerie Wallace said she's amazed in the transformation she's watching take place in her son, Army Sgt. John Barnes.
Barnes was wounded during a mortar attack while deployed to southwestern Baghdad with the 101st Infantry Division in 2006. Since then, he's struggled with a severe traumatic brain injury that's complicated by post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse.
Getting Barnes to the clinic was a challenge in itself, his mother admitted, but she said she's already seeing a breakthrough in the making. He spent two and a half hours on a snowboard, arriving at the bottom of the slope dripping in sweat and the kind of ear-to-ear grin that she said has become so rare since he was wounded.
"Just for him to be out here and do all this, you can't wipe the smile off his face," she said. "There really is something special that's happening here."
Hundreds of volunteers who make the winter sports clinic possible say they, too, feel the magic of the winter sports clinic.
"This is a way for us to come and give a little bit back, but in some ways, it's almost self-serving to be here," said Scott Romme, who has returned to the clinic for the past 10 years to teach scuba diving. "It puts life in perspective. And in a lot of ways, I think we get more out of it than the veterans."
As he talked about the winter sports clinic – a vision he came up with more than two decades ago to help disabled veteran recuperate –clinic director Sandy Trombetta tried to describe what happens during the Miracle on the Mountainside.
Many veterans lose a sense of who they are when they become disabled, he said, but he credited the tremendous support they receive here, along with the healing power of the mountains, with helping them re-establish their identify.
"It's a mind, body, soul experience that affects the spirit," Trombetta said. "And what really makes the difference here are those mountains. It's Mother Nature. You can't come here and not be overwhelmed by the grandeur of these mountains. It's overwhelming."
The winter sports clinic, which continues through April 3, is jointly sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans.
DOD to Host Static Display of Gunslinger Package for Advanced Convoy Security (GunPACS) Vehicle
March 31, 2010 - The Department of Defense will host a display of a Gunslinger Package for Advanced Convoy Security (GunPACS) outfitted vehicle on April 1. The GunPACS display will be held in the North Parking area of the Pentagon Reservation, adjacent to the Pentagon Conference Center, at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
GunPACS is an integrated package of hardware and software which, when installed on a vehicle, provides enhanced situational awareness, immediate threat detection, and cooperative engagement capabilities for group and combat logistics elements. Utilizing networked data fusion, such cooperative engagement enables more accurate and effective fire to protect convoy elements. This security package highlights the department's capacity to rapidly develop, demonstrate, and deliver capabilities to the warfighter for the current fight.
GunPACS capabilities will be on display and available for photographs. Subject matter experts from the program office and its partners will be available to take queries.
Media should arrive at the Pentagon North Parking Security Entrance, near the Pentagon Conference Center, no later than 11:15 a.m. with proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. After checking in with the Pentagon Force Protection Officers at the North Parking Entrance, please procede to the display based on their specific instructions. Please e-mail jennifer.elzea@osd.mil no later than 9 a.m. on April 1, if you plan to attend.
GunPACS is an integrated package of hardware and software which, when installed on a vehicle, provides enhanced situational awareness, immediate threat detection, and cooperative engagement capabilities for group and combat logistics elements. Utilizing networked data fusion, such cooperative engagement enables more accurate and effective fire to protect convoy elements. This security package highlights the department's capacity to rapidly develop, demonstrate, and deliver capabilities to the warfighter for the current fight.
GunPACS capabilities will be on display and available for photographs. Subject matter experts from the program office and its partners will be available to take queries.
Media should arrive at the Pentagon North Parking Security Entrance, near the Pentagon Conference Center, no later than 11:15 a.m. with proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. After checking in with the Pentagon Force Protection Officers at the North Parking Entrance, please procede to the display based on their specific instructions. Please e-mail jennifer.elzea@osd.mil no later than 9 a.m. on April 1, if you plan to attend.
New DVD Helps Children Deal With Deployment
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2010 - Defense and USO officials joined military families at the U.S. Navy Memorial here yesterday to celebrate the launch of a new DVD created to help military children cope with a parent's deployment. "With You All the Way" -- a joint effort by the Defense Department, USO and the Trevor Romain Co. -- offers school-age children help with preparing for and dealing with all stages of deployment, from pre-deployment to separation to reintegration.
"We are grateful for the dedication and creativity of people like Trevor Romain and the generosity of groups like the USO," said Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon's office of family policy and children and youth. "With [their] support, we are better able to help bridge the gap that results from months and miles of separation between children and their parents. This is no small feat and the worthiest of missions."
The free DVD is slated to be distributed through USO centers and Military OneSource in May as part of a children's deployment kit that also contains a stuffed bear called Cuzzie, postcards, a journal and a set of dog tags inscribed "With You All the Way."
"The USO is devoted to supporting the military family, especially military children who aren't able to choose their situations," said Sloan Gibson, USO president. "Our partnership with Trevor Romain allows us to bring unique programming to these individuals, giving them resources to handle some of the tough circumstances and sacrifices that come with being a military child."
Thompson echoed his remarks, calling the DVD a "fantastic resource."
"The DVD helps to let [military children] know that even though it may feel like they are alone, we are with them all the way," she said yesterday.
The DVD follows main characters Jack and Skye as they help their friends Darrell, Pablo and Brittany deal with different aspects of deployment. Darrell's brother is preparing to deploy, Pablo's mother has deployed again, and Brittany is adjusting to having her father back home. It also includes interviews with military families who discuss how they work to stay connected. Noted children's author and motivational speaker Trevor Romain interacts with the characters and guides viewers through the DVD.
When faced with deployment, Thompson noted, parents and children often deal with a gamut of emotions ranging from anger and fear to worry and uncertainty.
"But something else that I know ... is that together they work hard to stay connected and to work through all those feelings," she said.
While it's a natural impulse to want to bottle up or hide feelings, the weight of doing so can take its toll, Thompson said, using the "doughboys" from World War I as an example. They "had a song that told them to 'pack all your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile,'" she said.
"Can you imagine how heavy your kit bag – your backpack – would be if you packed it full with your worries?" she said. "Since 1915, we've learned that although you can pack your worries away, you may only want to do so for a while. It might be healthier to take those troubles out of the bag and deal with them."
Thompson lauded the efforts of Romain, who worked closely with the USO and military to ensure the DVD met the needs of military children.
In a blog about the DVD, Romain said he decided to start the project about three years ago after he went on several overseas tours with the USO. "After visiting with these kids, it became very apparent that a resource was needed to help them with deployment," he wrote.
Children relate to his characters because they share many of the same concerns, he wrote. "We try to never shy away from being real and telling the story from a child's perspective.
"If this DVD can give these kids just a little support, some hope and inspiration, and validation of what they are feeling, it will make me extremely happy and proud," he added.
DIA Deputy Discusses Role of Women in Intelligence
By Christen N. McCluney
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
March 31, 2010 - The deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency celebrated Women's History Month by discussing the contributions women are making to the intelligence field. "I am certainly aware of all the women who have come before me, all of the women who have accomplished truly remarkable things and have blazed the path," Letitia A. "Tish" Long said during a Pentagon Channel interview March 26.
Chosen by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to be the next director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Long will become the first woman to lead a major U.S. intelligence agency when she takes office this summer. She emphasized that the intelligence and defense communities have gained a tremendous amount by incorporating not just women, but also more minorities, in the field.
Long started her career building intelligence collection systems for submarines and has more than 30 years of engineering and intelligence experience.
"Intelligence is crucial to good decision making. It's been a good motivator for me," she said, referring to a quote from George Washington that lines the DIA hallway. "There's no issue too small or a problem too large that can't be tackled. We may have to come at it from multiple directions and revisit it several times, but we need to solve those issues and bring opportunities to the table.
"When you have a more diverse population working on any type of intelligence problem," she continued, "you are going to get a broader range of solutions. It's not just cultural or ethnic diversity that produces success, but the cognitive diversity also." Long credits her success to hard work and having good mentors throughout her career, and she encourages other women blazing trails to do the same.
"It's a part of giving back and a part of learning," she said. "I know I'm succeeding if I can look around a room and see three people that can take my job, because it is about mentoring, training and bringing folks along."
She also encourages more women to get involved in intelligence.
"If you are capable, challenge the norm," Long said. "We need all members of our society contributing, and women bring different perspective, lots of great ideas and a lot of capabilities."
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
March 31, 2010 - The deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency celebrated Women's History Month by discussing the contributions women are making to the intelligence field. "I am certainly aware of all the women who have come before me, all of the women who have accomplished truly remarkable things and have blazed the path," Letitia A. "Tish" Long said during a Pentagon Channel interview March 26.
Chosen by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to be the next director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Long will become the first woman to lead a major U.S. intelligence agency when she takes office this summer. She emphasized that the intelligence and defense communities have gained a tremendous amount by incorporating not just women, but also more minorities, in the field.
Long started her career building intelligence collection systems for submarines and has more than 30 years of engineering and intelligence experience.
"Intelligence is crucial to good decision making. It's been a good motivator for me," she said, referring to a quote from George Washington that lines the DIA hallway. "There's no issue too small or a problem too large that can't be tackled. We may have to come at it from multiple directions and revisit it several times, but we need to solve those issues and bring opportunities to the table.
"When you have a more diverse population working on any type of intelligence problem," she continued, "you are going to get a broader range of solutions. It's not just cultural or ethnic diversity that produces success, but the cognitive diversity also." Long credits her success to hard work and having good mentors throughout her career, and she encourages other women blazing trails to do the same.
"It's a part of giving back and a part of learning," she said. "I know I'm succeeding if I can look around a room and see three people that can take my job, because it is about mentoring, training and bringing folks along."
She also encourages more women to get involved in intelligence.
"If you are capable, challenge the norm," Long said. "We need all members of our society contributing, and women bring different perspective, lots of great ideas and a lot of capabilities."
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