By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen, USS Gunston Hall Public Affairs
April 5, 2010 - SEKONDI, Ghana (NNS) -- Africa Partnership Station (APS) West platform USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) completed the first APS phase of its mission in Ghana March 30.
The ship and its embarked international staff graduated 65 embarked African partners from Benin, Ghana, Togo and Nigeria at Sekondi Naval Base following 20 days of in-port and at-sea training in and around the Sekondi, Ghana area. Sailors completed a rigorous program of training courses designed to enhance their knowledge of maritime safety and security.
"The international aspect of the program is important," said APS West Commander, Capt. Cindy Thebaud, during the graduation ceremony. "Maritime security is a partnership; it is not something that one nation or one group of people from one organization can do alone. The maritime security challenges transcend national and sub-regional boundaries, and so must the response."
Gunston Hall embarked the African sailors March 8-10. For 20 days, the sailors experienced classroom and hands-on training in areas including small-boat operations, fisheries management, oil platform security, basic first aid, force protection, and search-and-rescue tactics from training teams from Italy and the United States.
"The instructors were able to break down the training material so we could better understand it," said Nigerian navy Petty Officer Obalaja Ademola, from Lagos, Nigeria, who did the small-boat operations training. "I very much appreciate the training APS has provided me."
"The students I help teach are really enjoying the training that the team is providing. I just hope they will take it back with them to help with training their navy," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Chirstelle Byll, a force protection instructor assigned to the Security Force Assistance Detachment of the Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Assistance Training Command.
While some students were engaged in classroom instruction, other sailors were paired up with U.S. Navy "running mates" in similar career fields to further develop their skills in that field.
"Our colleagues were very receptive and eager to learn," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michauli Martin, a Gunston Hall Sailor who served as a running mate for a Ghanaian sailor who specializes in logistics. "We spent a lot of time talking and comparing the ways each of our navies operate. I showed them how we order and inventory parts, using our supply system, and I compared that to the way they operated."
Martin also added that she learned a lot about the Ghanaian navy from this experience and that she thought it was important to interface with African partners because it helps improve the maritime safety and security in West Africa.
"The training I received here was fantastic," said Ghanaian Navy Leading Seaman Godfred Darkwah. "My trainer was excellent, and I have never had an experience like this before. The quality of the training, how friendly the people were really helped me improve my knowledge of maritime safety and security. I learned a lot about logistics, and I will take that training with me to my navy to train others as I have been trained here."
While the ship and embarked APS instructors and staff worked with African navies aboard the ship, U.S, Spanish, Portuguese and British Marines assigned to the embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SC-MAGTF) and Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 provided disaster-relief training to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Tema to the east.
"During the exercise we worked with the GAF on patrolling, squad level tactics, and enlisted leadership," said Marine 2nd Lt. Nicole Teat, of the SC-MAGTF. "We hope to further hone the Ghana Armed Forces' capabilities and to increase their interactions with the U.S. military."
Also in Tema, a joint Navy and Air Force medical team worked alongside local staffs at the Manhean and Pram-Pram health centers to provide medical and dental care to an average of more than 300 patients a day.
"It really felt great helping out all those people," said Air Force Capt. Eirleen Hyun, a dentist from the medical outreach program. "It wasn't just seeing people who needed a tooth pulled. A lot of our patients had not eaten for days because they needed a full mouth extraction. We were able to alleviate some of their pain so they could eat and work."
The APS/Gunston Hall team also conducted three community outreach projects. These projects included refurbishing St. Theresa's Early Childhood Development Centre, the Sekondi School for the Deaf, and the Sekondi Naval Base medical clinic.
A Gunston Hall Sailor, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) Darren Maxwell, from Staten Island, N.Y., said working at the school for the deaf enabled him to give back to something that he said was very personal to him.
"My son is hearing impaired," he said. "Someday he's going to see or read about what we're doing here, and I want him to know that his dad was a part of it. I want him to be proud of his dad."
With the help of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, the team delivered nutritional meals, books, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies to eight different schools, hospitals and medical clinics throughout Ghana as part of Project Handclasp. This also included a visit to Sao Tome and Principe to deliver 27 pallets of computers and wheelchairs. Seabees with NMCB 7 also assisted with some projects, including restoring a playground at St. Theresa's.
"We enjoyed being able to make our mark in Ghana," said Senior Chief Utilitiesman (SCW) Leslie Doyle of NMCB-7. "The partnerships we build today are going a long way for the future."
Gunston Hall and her international staff now move into the final phase of the APS deployment. Their last round of activities will be based in Dakar, Senegal, where they expect to train with maritime personnel from Togo, Liberia, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Senegal.
Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of APS West, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa that aims to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.
Monday, April 05, 2010
NAS Whidbey Island Hosts Regional Culinary Arts Competition
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
April 5, 2010 - OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Military food service personnel from installations around Puget Sound competed in a culinary arts competition in the Admiral Nimitz Dining Facility on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island April 2.
Six teams comprised of service members from Air Force, Army and Navy competed in three categories; centerpiece display, cake decoration and an hour-long, cook-off competition.
Judges for the competition included Chef Scott Fraser, owner of Fraser's Gourmet Hideaway in Oak Harbor, John Auburn, a professional cake decorator and competitor from Clinton, Wash., and Anne David, wife of NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer, Capt. Gerral David.
"I am pleasantly surprised; it's very hard to do a [judging] like this when all the food comes out extremely well executed," said Fraser. "We enjoyed this day immensely, both the quality of food and, of course, the people competing. They were knowledgeable, but they also want to know more and, hopefully, I can help out by just letting them know a couple little tricks."
The cakes and centerpieces were to include the theme of "spring" in their presentation. Judging criteria included use of the theme as well as taste, presentation, originality and color coordination.
"It gives us an experience. This is the type of real-world event, and it gives us the feel of what we're good at and what we can accomplish," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Brianne Macaskill, of NAS Whidbey Island Supply. "It's an exhilarating intimidation. You get nervous because [the judge] has a lot of stuff under his belt, but, at the same time, it's like, 'oh, help me, I need a routine; I need to know how I'm doing.'"
The cook-off featured a secret ingredient, cheese, which was not revealed until the start of the competition. Each team was required to produce three dishes, one of which had to contain the secret ingredient. Teams were judged on knife skills, use of equipment, organization, cleanliness, execution, originality, taste and seasoning.
The winners in each category were Naval Base Kitsap for centerpiece display, NAS Whidbey Island for cake decoration and Naval Station Everett for the culinary cook-off. The overall winner for the competition was the Army team representing Joint Base Lewis-McChord for having placed in the top three in all categories.
"The caliber [of these teams] was outstanding; their ability to get the menus together once they knew the secret ingredient and execute them in an hour and present them was just like you see on television," said David. "I had a great time. I love food, and I love food prepared and presented well."
"I would say in all categories from the presentation of centerpieces, to your cakes, to the hot food, it all exceeded my expectations," said Fraser.
Staff Sgt. Guy Jackson, of the Army team, from Denver, said he was proud of the way his team pulled together even though his three teammates had no experience in competitive cooking and the members were decided on short notice.
"We spent most of our time on the centerpieces and the cake; it took seven days," said Jackson. "It feels great. It shows the Army has its head back in the game as far as culinary arts goes, and we're just trying to show our support for the culinary world in the Northwest region."
According to Norman Tabing, the Navy Region Northwest Galley programs analyst, the results of the competition will be reviewed by food service officers from the region Navy installations to determine a team to represent them in the Commander Navy Installations Command culinary arts competition for ashore galleys. The team selected will be sending two individuals to Washington, D.C., for the competition in June.
"I think the event went really well. I'm very happy with how everything went," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Matthew McFarlane, the event coordinator of the NAS Whidbey Island galley, from Melbourne, Fla. "This morning I was scared to death about how this day was going to go down, but it turned out well. I had support from all of my people that work here; I couldn't have asked for a better team. I had a good time doing it."
April 5, 2010 - OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Military food service personnel from installations around Puget Sound competed in a culinary arts competition in the Admiral Nimitz Dining Facility on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island April 2.
Six teams comprised of service members from Air Force, Army and Navy competed in three categories; centerpiece display, cake decoration and an hour-long, cook-off competition.
Judges for the competition included Chef Scott Fraser, owner of Fraser's Gourmet Hideaway in Oak Harbor, John Auburn, a professional cake decorator and competitor from Clinton, Wash., and Anne David, wife of NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer, Capt. Gerral David.
"I am pleasantly surprised; it's very hard to do a [judging] like this when all the food comes out extremely well executed," said Fraser. "We enjoyed this day immensely, both the quality of food and, of course, the people competing. They were knowledgeable, but they also want to know more and, hopefully, I can help out by just letting them know a couple little tricks."
The cakes and centerpieces were to include the theme of "spring" in their presentation. Judging criteria included use of the theme as well as taste, presentation, originality and color coordination.
"It gives us an experience. This is the type of real-world event, and it gives us the feel of what we're good at and what we can accomplish," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Brianne Macaskill, of NAS Whidbey Island Supply. "It's an exhilarating intimidation. You get nervous because [the judge] has a lot of stuff under his belt, but, at the same time, it's like, 'oh, help me, I need a routine; I need to know how I'm doing.'"
The cook-off featured a secret ingredient, cheese, which was not revealed until the start of the competition. Each team was required to produce three dishes, one of which had to contain the secret ingredient. Teams were judged on knife skills, use of equipment, organization, cleanliness, execution, originality, taste and seasoning.
The winners in each category were Naval Base Kitsap for centerpiece display, NAS Whidbey Island for cake decoration and Naval Station Everett for the culinary cook-off. The overall winner for the competition was the Army team representing Joint Base Lewis-McChord for having placed in the top three in all categories.
"The caliber [of these teams] was outstanding; their ability to get the menus together once they knew the secret ingredient and execute them in an hour and present them was just like you see on television," said David. "I had a great time. I love food, and I love food prepared and presented well."
"I would say in all categories from the presentation of centerpieces, to your cakes, to the hot food, it all exceeded my expectations," said Fraser.
Staff Sgt. Guy Jackson, of the Army team, from Denver, said he was proud of the way his team pulled together even though his three teammates had no experience in competitive cooking and the members were decided on short notice.
"We spent most of our time on the centerpieces and the cake; it took seven days," said Jackson. "It feels great. It shows the Army has its head back in the game as far as culinary arts goes, and we're just trying to show our support for the culinary world in the Northwest region."
According to Norman Tabing, the Navy Region Northwest Galley programs analyst, the results of the competition will be reviewed by food service officers from the region Navy installations to determine a team to represent them in the Commander Navy Installations Command culinary arts competition for ashore galleys. The team selected will be sending two individuals to Washington, D.C., for the competition in June.
"I think the event went really well. I'm very happy with how everything went," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Matthew McFarlane, the event coordinator of the NAS Whidbey Island galley, from Melbourne, Fla. "This morning I was scared to death about how this day was going to go down, but it turned out well. I had support from all of my people that work here; I couldn't have asked for a better team. I had a good time doing it."
Seabees Improve Conditions for Displaced Haitians
NMCB 7 Air Detachment Seabees Improve Conditions in Petionville for Displaced Haitians
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist James G. Pinsky
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7's Air Detachment are improving roads and installing engineering controls to improve living conditions for the more than 40,000 residents of Camp Petionville, an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Port-au-Prince.
The engineering work is part of a larger IDP camp improvement program involving eight other camps identified by Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti J7 engineers as needing road and engineering control improvements to mitigate the effects of the pending rainy season that historically begins in mid-April.
"The natural terrain mixed with the numerous impermeable living structures created a situation that needed immediate action," said Camp Petionville project supervisor, Navy Lt. Jason Killian, a Civil Engineer Corps officer deployed to JTF-Haiti via Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington.
"The engineering mitigations will save lives and reduce the overall number of people that need to be relocated by over 17,000."
According to relief workers running Camp Petionville, the Seabees are exactly what the earthquake survivors need to prepare for the rain.
"The Seabees are the wheels, horsepower and expertise needed to save lives here," said Sean Penn, head of J/P Haitian Relief Organization (HRO), the group running Camp Petionville.
Camp Petionville is situated on the base of steep terrain common throughout Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince where the Petionville Club, a nine-hole golf and resort club, resides.
The improvement suggestions come from assessments made by JTF-Haiti engineering experts comprised of NAVFAC, Army Corps of Engineers, Air Fore civil engineers, and the Seabees themselves. JTF-Haiti, along with USAID , non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with the cooperation of the Haitian government, are working feverishly to improve the contours of the land to better handle the impact that Haiti's rainy season will have on Camp Petionville.
"The Seabees are actualizing the foundation [of camp improvements] laid forth by the U.S. military to improve this camp," said Penn.
One of the assets the Seabees, who serve primarily as advisors and mentors to other engineering assets at Camp Petionville, is an all-Haitian labor force generated by NGO-run "cash-for-work" program enabling local Haitians to perform more detailed engineering work like digging drainage ditches and marking paths for road improvements throughout the campsite.
"We're glad to be able to contribute on multiple levels of this project," said Builder 2nd Class Thomas Camara, project crew leader for NMCB 7's Petionville group. "And, that includes mentoring the crews of Haitians to ensure they are doing the work properly and to engineer design."
By utilizing the empowering cash-for-work program, local Haitians are not only helping their fellow countrymen prepare for the upcoming rainy season, they are also helping to stimulate their own economy.
Throughout the camp, residents have grown to embrace the Seabees when they see them make tangible improvements to their new, temporary homes every day. They work side-by-side validating the Seabee motto of "With compassion for others, we build, we fight, for peace with freedom."
Penn, for one, believes in the Seabees. "[They] are investing in prevention instead of responding to death," said Penn, "and right now, down in our camp the Seabees are the dream of what a humanitarian mission is."
The Seabees' work ethic is something noticed by more than just J/P HRO and the Haitians.
"The Seabees are having a huge impact here," said Maj. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, deputy commanding general, JTF-Haiti. "They're the face of America here, and they're saving lives every day."
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist James G. Pinsky
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7's Air Detachment are improving roads and installing engineering controls to improve living conditions for the more than 40,000 residents of Camp Petionville, an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Port-au-Prince.
The engineering work is part of a larger IDP camp improvement program involving eight other camps identified by Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti J7 engineers as needing road and engineering control improvements to mitigate the effects of the pending rainy season that historically begins in mid-April.
"The natural terrain mixed with the numerous impermeable living structures created a situation that needed immediate action," said Camp Petionville project supervisor, Navy Lt. Jason Killian, a Civil Engineer Corps officer deployed to JTF-Haiti via Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington.
"The engineering mitigations will save lives and reduce the overall number of people that need to be relocated by over 17,000."
According to relief workers running Camp Petionville, the Seabees are exactly what the earthquake survivors need to prepare for the rain.
"The Seabees are the wheels, horsepower and expertise needed to save lives here," said Sean Penn, head of J/P Haitian Relief Organization (HRO), the group running Camp Petionville.
Camp Petionville is situated on the base of steep terrain common throughout Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince where the Petionville Club, a nine-hole golf and resort club, resides.
The improvement suggestions come from assessments made by JTF-Haiti engineering experts comprised of NAVFAC, Army Corps of Engineers, Air Fore civil engineers, and the Seabees themselves. JTF-Haiti, along with USAID , non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with the cooperation of the Haitian government, are working feverishly to improve the contours of the land to better handle the impact that Haiti's rainy season will have on Camp Petionville.
"The Seabees are actualizing the foundation [of camp improvements] laid forth by the U.S. military to improve this camp," said Penn.
One of the assets the Seabees, who serve primarily as advisors and mentors to other engineering assets at Camp Petionville, is an all-Haitian labor force generated by NGO-run "cash-for-work" program enabling local Haitians to perform more detailed engineering work like digging drainage ditches and marking paths for road improvements throughout the campsite.
"We're glad to be able to contribute on multiple levels of this project," said Builder 2nd Class Thomas Camara, project crew leader for NMCB 7's Petionville group. "And, that includes mentoring the crews of Haitians to ensure they are doing the work properly and to engineer design."
By utilizing the empowering cash-for-work program, local Haitians are not only helping their fellow countrymen prepare for the upcoming rainy season, they are also helping to stimulate their own economy.
Throughout the camp, residents have grown to embrace the Seabees when they see them make tangible improvements to their new, temporary homes every day. They work side-by-side validating the Seabee motto of "With compassion for others, we build, we fight, for peace with freedom."
Penn, for one, believes in the Seabees. "[They] are investing in prevention instead of responding to death," said Penn, "and right now, down in our camp the Seabees are the dream of what a humanitarian mission is."
The Seabees' work ethic is something noticed by more than just J/P HRO and the Haitians.
"The Seabees are having a huge impact here," said Maj. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, deputy commanding general, JTF-Haiti. "They're the face of America here, and they're saving lives every day."
CNP Releases Podcast on Navy's Education Opportunities
April 5, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In a podcast released April 5, the chief of naval personnel (CNP) explained the impact of education on today's Sailor and described a few of the voluntary education opportunities available to Sailors — both enlisted and officers.
"Education is our asymmetric advantage; no other nation brings in over 40,000 people a year and the first stop is the school house," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, CNP. "For us, as a service, it's the most important strategic investment we make — an investment in our people to operate the Navy of the future."
Recently the Navy issued NAVADMIN 105/10 outlining changes to eligibility and policy requirements to receive education benefits through Tuition Assistance and the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education.
Policy changes include the requirement of Sailors to complete an education plan before beginning courses and for new accessions to satisfy a minimum service requirement at their first permanent duty station.
Changes were put in place to appropriately balance the personal and professional demands of Sailors, maximize acceptance of college courses between institutions, improve course completion rates and ensure the Navy remains a good steward of education funding.
"Education is our asymmetric advantage; no other nation brings in over 40,000 people a year and the first stop is the school house," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, CNP. "For us, as a service, it's the most important strategic investment we make — an investment in our people to operate the Navy of the future."
Recently the Navy issued NAVADMIN 105/10 outlining changes to eligibility and policy requirements to receive education benefits through Tuition Assistance and the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education.
Policy changes include the requirement of Sailors to complete an education plan before beginning courses and for new accessions to satisfy a minimum service requirement at their first permanent duty station.
Changes were put in place to appropriately balance the personal and professional demands of Sailors, maximize acceptance of college courses between institutions, improve course completion rates and ensure the Navy remains a good steward of education funding.
EODOSU 10 Deploys to Middle East
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW) Paul D. Williams
April 5, 2010 - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Fifteen Sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operational Support Unit (EODOSU) 10 deployed April 1 for six month deployments to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations.
The three five-man platoons, comprised almost entirely of Reservists, are tasked with providing EOD ground support to military installations and conducting ordnance clearance dives of harbors and waterways in the region.
"Our primary mission on this deployment is going to be searching piers and tug boats where U.S. Navy ships will come along side," said Hull Technician 1st Class Joseph Butasek. "And if we spot anything that looks suspicious or is an explosive, then we call an EOD platoon."
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Michael Rondinone, along with his platoon, is charged with providing EOD response for the general facilities at U.S. military installations. This will include disarming bombs and neutralizing improvised explosive devises (IED).
According to Rondinone the fact that he is serving with Reservists during this deployment provides a high level of experience in the EOD platoon to which he is attached.
"We have a lot of diversity in our backgrounds and civilian jobs," said Rondinone. "As far as the maturity factor goes, everyone on the team is an E-6 or above, and everyone has been in the military for quite some time."
Sailors from these three platoons will be stationed throughout the Middle East and provide security against conventional ordnance, and neutralize IEDs, landmines, and weapons of mass destruction, as well as conduct force protection diving and underwater mine countermeasures.
April 5, 2010 - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Fifteen Sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operational Support Unit (EODOSU) 10 deployed April 1 for six month deployments to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations.
The three five-man platoons, comprised almost entirely of Reservists, are tasked with providing EOD ground support to military installations and conducting ordnance clearance dives of harbors and waterways in the region.
"Our primary mission on this deployment is going to be searching piers and tug boats where U.S. Navy ships will come along side," said Hull Technician 1st Class Joseph Butasek. "And if we spot anything that looks suspicious or is an explosive, then we call an EOD platoon."
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Michael Rondinone, along with his platoon, is charged with providing EOD response for the general facilities at U.S. military installations. This will include disarming bombs and neutralizing improvised explosive devises (IED).
According to Rondinone the fact that he is serving with Reservists during this deployment provides a high level of experience in the EOD platoon to which he is attached.
"We have a lot of diversity in our backgrounds and civilian jobs," said Rondinone. "As far as the maturity factor goes, everyone on the team is an E-6 or above, and everyone has been in the military for quite some time."
Sailors from these three platoons will be stationed throughout the Middle East and provide security against conventional ordnance, and neutralize IEDs, landmines, and weapons of mass destruction, as well as conduct force protection diving and underwater mine countermeasures.
Child and Youth 24/7 Center Opens at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story
April 5, 2010 - JEB LITTLE CREEK-FORT STORY, Va. (NNS) -- Military members from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story gathered April 5 to unveil the new Child and Youth 24/7 Center to the Hampton Roads area.
The center will provide care to children of single and dual military shift working parents along with those working extended hours in support of overseas contingency operations.
"This 24/7 care center will provide much needed services to military parents and their families," said Capt. Charles Stuppard, Commanding Officer, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story. "With the opening of this center, we raise the level of care provided to our men and women in uniform."
Child and Youth 24/7 Centers are unique projects which combine the strengths of both in-home care and traditional daycare centers, which will help provide a structured home away from home for children involved with the program.
"This endeavor demonstrates the Navy's commitment to taking care of our families, and today we add a new capability to our joint base," said Stuppard. "Around the clock care will be given and will also give more flexibility to our military personnel."
A maximum of 20 children are supported per shift, with a total of three shifts and will support the enrollment of 60 children.
"Our military families and especially children endure many challenges in support of their parent's missions," said The Honorable Glenn Nye, Congressman, Second District of Virginia. "From frequent moves to school changes, to extended time away from their parents, our military children understand their families' dedication to our country, and they must know our country is dedicated to them."
The center will provide care to children of single and dual military shift working parents along with those working extended hours in support of overseas contingency operations.
"This 24/7 care center will provide much needed services to military parents and their families," said Capt. Charles Stuppard, Commanding Officer, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story. "With the opening of this center, we raise the level of care provided to our men and women in uniform."
Child and Youth 24/7 Centers are unique projects which combine the strengths of both in-home care and traditional daycare centers, which will help provide a structured home away from home for children involved with the program.
"This endeavor demonstrates the Navy's commitment to taking care of our families, and today we add a new capability to our joint base," said Stuppard. "Around the clock care will be given and will also give more flexibility to our military personnel."
A maximum of 20 children are supported per shift, with a total of three shifts and will support the enrollment of 60 children.
"Our military families and especially children endure many challenges in support of their parent's missions," said The Honorable Glenn Nye, Congressman, Second District of Virginia. "From frequent moves to school changes, to extended time away from their parents, our military children understand their families' dedication to our country, and they must know our country is dedicated to them."
Obama Throws Pitch, Greets Military Children at Nationals Game
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
April 5, 2010 - President Barack Obama threw the ceremonial opening pitch today at the Washington Nationals' home opener here, which also featured a special event in honor of the Month of the Military Child. President Barack Obama throws out the ceremonial first pitch to start the baseball season for the Washington Nationals at Nationals Ball Park in Washington D.C., April 5, 2010. The Washington Nationals honored military children, inviting nine children whose parents are deployed to step onto the infield with the starting players to see the president throw out the first pitch. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class William Selby
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
As Obama left the field, he shook the hands of nine military children, chosen to join the Nationals' starting nine players on the field. The Nationals gave the children and their parents tickets to the opener and brought them down to meet the players prior to the game in honor of Month of the Military Child, celebrated every April.
"To be out here was absolutely fantastic," said Air Force Maj. Richard Johnson, father of Spencer Johnson, a military child honoree. "Anytime you're away from your family for six months or a year at a time, it puts a lot of strain on your family and especially your kids, so it was really nice to get to come out here to the game and really bond again."
"Being on the field was just amazing," Spencer added. "It's really good to be here with my dad."
The Nationals said they were proud to give back to military children, who endure challenges such as long separations and multiple relocations.
"We're thrilled to take part in the Month of the Military Child," said Israel Negrón, director of community relations for the Nationals. "It's just another way to say thank you to our men and women serving overseas to have their kids out here to have a good time. We can't make up for all the sacrifices and all the heartache that comes with having a loved one overseas, but we hope that while they're here they can have a good time."
According to statistics, 1.7 million American children and youth under age 18 have a parent serving in the military.
Bataan Arrives Home After 10 Weeks in Haiti
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Christina M. Shaw, USS Bataan Public Affairs
April 5, 2010 - NORFOLK (NNS) -- Nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines attached to the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD5) returned to Norfolk April 3 following 10 weeks supporting Operation Unified Response in Haiti.
The ship surged from Norfolk Jan. 14, just 48 hours after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage to Haiti's capital city of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The ship arrived off the coast Jan. 18, and immediately began providing disaster relief to the people of Haiti.
"I can't imagine a crew doing it any better," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer. "We flexed the ship's capabilities at every opportunity and were fortune to witness first-hand the difference we made in the lives of the Haitian people." A unique complement of Navy and Marine helicopters as well as air cushion landing craft (LCAC) operating from Bataan transported nearly 1,000 pallets of relief supplies, medically evacuated 97 patients to Bataan and provided transport for another 524 Haitian patients to and from the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and hospitals throughout Port-au-Prince.
Bataan's medical team also provided triage services ashore for approximately 2,000 patients, delivered the ship's first baby, 8 pounds. 3 ounces Theo Joe, and in coordination with the U.S. Public Health Service, immunized nearly 10,000 as part of a preventive medicine campaign.
"Many of the patients that came to Bataan talked about how grateful they are for the U.S. Navy," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Stacie Coursey. "Being there, seeing the devastation, hearing their stories and knowing the help we brought will change their lives forever makes for an extremely humbling experience. I'm so proud to be a Sailor on board this ship and to have been part of such a historic mission."
Bataan operated primarily off the coast of Grand Goave, Haiti, and conducted "22 Sailors Ashore Missions" (SAM), ultimately removing 150 tons of rubble, building 65 shelters for 130 families and distributing more than 500,000 meals.
"I was honored that I was given the chance to go to shore and help out first-hand with relief, said Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW/SW) Jennifer Huber, a native of Floyds Knobs, Ind. "Everyone participated in any way they could. It was rough to go out and see the devastation, but it was also nice to see how the military and Haitians came together to start rebuilding their home."
Bataan eventually turned over their mission in Grand Goave, to Lifeline Christian Ministries, a non-governmental organization that had been assisting in the town prior to the earthquake. Throughout the relief effort, the Navy and Marine Corps team worked with various U.S. and partner government organizations, independent aid organizations and local Haitian leaders to deliver aid and allow the organizations to return to their pre-earthquake capacities.
"Turning over relief efforts to the United Nations, government of Haiti and non-governmental organizations was an important part of the mission," said Koehler. "Their continued efforts will ensure the people of Haiti recover from this tragedy."
Bataan is scheduled to begin a planned maintenance availability at Norfolk's British Defense, Security, and Aerospace Company (BAE) Shipyard in mid-April.
Bataan served as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which consisted of Bataan and the MEU, the amphibious dock landing ships USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and detachments from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, HSC-26, HSC-9, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, Beachmaster Unit, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 6 and Maritime Civil Affairs Team 207.
April 5, 2010 - NORFOLK (NNS) -- Nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines attached to the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD5) returned to Norfolk April 3 following 10 weeks supporting Operation Unified Response in Haiti.
The ship surged from Norfolk Jan. 14, just 48 hours after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage to Haiti's capital city of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The ship arrived off the coast Jan. 18, and immediately began providing disaster relief to the people of Haiti.
"I can't imagine a crew doing it any better," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer. "We flexed the ship's capabilities at every opportunity and were fortune to witness first-hand the difference we made in the lives of the Haitian people." A unique complement of Navy and Marine helicopters as well as air cushion landing craft (LCAC) operating from Bataan transported nearly 1,000 pallets of relief supplies, medically evacuated 97 patients to Bataan and provided transport for another 524 Haitian patients to and from the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and hospitals throughout Port-au-Prince.
Bataan's medical team also provided triage services ashore for approximately 2,000 patients, delivered the ship's first baby, 8 pounds. 3 ounces Theo Joe, and in coordination with the U.S. Public Health Service, immunized nearly 10,000 as part of a preventive medicine campaign.
"Many of the patients that came to Bataan talked about how grateful they are for the U.S. Navy," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Stacie Coursey. "Being there, seeing the devastation, hearing their stories and knowing the help we brought will change their lives forever makes for an extremely humbling experience. I'm so proud to be a Sailor on board this ship and to have been part of such a historic mission."
Bataan operated primarily off the coast of Grand Goave, Haiti, and conducted "22 Sailors Ashore Missions" (SAM), ultimately removing 150 tons of rubble, building 65 shelters for 130 families and distributing more than 500,000 meals.
"I was honored that I was given the chance to go to shore and help out first-hand with relief, said Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW/SW) Jennifer Huber, a native of Floyds Knobs, Ind. "Everyone participated in any way they could. It was rough to go out and see the devastation, but it was also nice to see how the military and Haitians came together to start rebuilding their home."
Bataan eventually turned over their mission in Grand Goave, to Lifeline Christian Ministries, a non-governmental organization that had been assisting in the town prior to the earthquake. Throughout the relief effort, the Navy and Marine Corps team worked with various U.S. and partner government organizations, independent aid organizations and local Haitian leaders to deliver aid and allow the organizations to return to their pre-earthquake capacities.
"Turning over relief efforts to the United Nations, government of Haiti and non-governmental organizations was an important part of the mission," said Koehler. "Their continued efforts will ensure the people of Haiti recover from this tragedy."
Bataan is scheduled to begin a planned maintenance availability at Norfolk's British Defense, Security, and Aerospace Company (BAE) Shipyard in mid-April.
Bataan served as the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which consisted of Bataan and the MEU, the amphibious dock landing ships USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and detachments from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, HSC-26, HSC-9, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, Beachmaster Unit, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 6 and Maritime Civil Affairs Team 207.
Multiple Drug Seizures Highlight Freedom's 4th Fleet Deployment
By Lt. Ed Early, USS Freedom (LCS 1) Public Affairs
April 5, 2010 - USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The Navy's first littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Freedom (LCS 1), completed its operational deployment April 4 for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).
During its 47 days operating in the region, Freedom conducted counter-illicit trafficking patrols in the Caribbean Sea and off the coasts of Central and South America, in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, USSOUTHCOM and U.S. Coast Guard.
In a considerably short time in the AOR, Freedom and its embarked units successfully made four major drug interdictions, seizing more than five and a quarter tons of cocaine and capturing 13 suspected drug smugglers and two "go-fast" small boats.
In addition, Freedom made its first two theater security cooperation (TSC) port visits, stopping in Cartagena, Colombia and Panama City, Panama, to engage with partner nation civil and maritime forces and build upon already strong relationships in the region.
"Freedom completed all operational tasking in superb fashion, its inherent design capabilities of sprint speed, shallow draft and modularity were key enablers in accomplishing the counter-illicit trafficking mission," said Rear Adm. Vic Guillory, commander, NAVSO/C4F. "Every Sailor on the ship should be proud of what they've accomplished – they helped move our 21st century Navy forward."
The LCS class sprint speed is significantly higher than that of any other surface combatant. As such, LCS is specifically designed to defeat such "anti-access" threats, which include fast surface craft.Its maneuverability and networked modularity compliment the U.S. Navy's multimission platforms with warfighting capabilities from littoral irregular warfare to mine, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Freedom is an agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval technology.
Freedom is scheduled to continue its deployment in the U.S. 3rd Fleet AOR and make an additional TSC port visit in Mexico before finally arriving at its homeport of San Diego in spring 2010.
April 5, 2010 - USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The Navy's first littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Freedom (LCS 1), completed its operational deployment April 4 for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).
During its 47 days operating in the region, Freedom conducted counter-illicit trafficking patrols in the Caribbean Sea and off the coasts of Central and South America, in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, USSOUTHCOM and U.S. Coast Guard.
In a considerably short time in the AOR, Freedom and its embarked units successfully made four major drug interdictions, seizing more than five and a quarter tons of cocaine and capturing 13 suspected drug smugglers and two "go-fast" small boats.
In addition, Freedom made its first two theater security cooperation (TSC) port visits, stopping in Cartagena, Colombia and Panama City, Panama, to engage with partner nation civil and maritime forces and build upon already strong relationships in the region.
"Freedom completed all operational tasking in superb fashion, its inherent design capabilities of sprint speed, shallow draft and modularity were key enablers in accomplishing the counter-illicit trafficking mission," said Rear Adm. Vic Guillory, commander, NAVSO/C4F. "Every Sailor on the ship should be proud of what they've accomplished – they helped move our 21st century Navy forward."
The LCS class sprint speed is significantly higher than that of any other surface combatant. As such, LCS is specifically designed to defeat such "anti-access" threats, which include fast surface craft.Its maneuverability and networked modularity compliment the U.S. Navy's multimission platforms with warfighting capabilities from littoral irregular warfare to mine, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Freedom is an agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval technology.
Freedom is scheduled to continue its deployment in the U.S. 3rd Fleet AOR and make an additional TSC port visit in Mexico before finally arriving at its homeport of San Diego in spring 2010.
From Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems Command Public Affairs
April 5, 2010 - ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Sea Warrior Program (Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems PMW 240) implemented Navy Career Tool enhancements that strengthen privacy and support individual readiness requirements April 5.
Capt. Michael S. Murphy, Sea Warrior Program manager, authorized the release after successful operational testing and teamwork with the chief of naval personnel, Navy Personnel Command and other stakeholders. "The latest release implements changes in the Navy's individual readiness policy," Murphy said.
The release, known as Maintenance Upgrade (MU) 1B-4, will be visible to users of Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID). In addition, several behind-the-scenes changes affect Navy Career Tools (NCT) Assistant online job aids and Navy Training Management and Planning System (NTMPS).
Sailors will notice changes in CMS/ID, such as the Consecutive Overseas Tours approval status displayed on their Sailor Personnel Detail page.
Another important change in CMS/ID is the masking of the Social Security Number on the computer screen for most users. "Sailor data is stored on a secure server on a secure network, only accessible to the individual with the proper CAC (Common Access Card) and PIN (Personal Identification Number)," said Kathryn A. Bailey, CMS/ID Project Director assigned to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic New Orleans Office. "So it makes good sense to mask out Social Security Numbers to prevent others from accidently seeing it displayed."
In addition, CMS/ID now takes individual Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) data into account. Sailors missing results from the last PFA cycle will receive an alert to contact their command fitness leader to verify they are properly updated in Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS).
Sailors who failed their last PFA will receive a system "flag" warning they are in danger of becoming ineligible for special assignments such as overseas billets, pre-commissioning billets, instructor billets, special programs and Global Support Assignments.
Those who failed the last PFA plus another in the past three years will receive a flag warning they are ineligible for special assignments and may not be selected for their requested job. Sailors failing three PFAs in the past four years will receive a system "gate" indicating they are no longer eligible to negotiate for orders.
To prevent career-impacting problems, it's important that members verify their PRIMS data and that their PFA results are properly documented in performance evaluations or fitness reports.
For more details on the MU1B-4 changes to CMS/ID and other Navy Career Tools, members should visit their Command Career Counselors. A summary of MU1B-4 enhancements is also available on Navy Knowledge Online under the Career Management tab, Navy Career Tools, What's New in Navy Career Tools?
Navy Career Tools, including CMS/ID, NCT Assistant and NTMPS, are built and maintained by the PEO-EIS Sea Warrior Program. Sea Warrior is the Navy's single information technology (IT) acquisition agent for business operations addressing manpower, personnel, training and education, legacy systems and Distance Support. Sea Warrior is part of the Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems, which develops, acquires and deploys seamless enterprise-wide IT systems with lifecycle support for the warfighter and business enterprise.
Capt. Michael S. Murphy, Sea Warrior Program manager, authorized the release after successful operational testing and teamwork with the chief of naval personnel, Navy Personnel Command and other stakeholders. "The latest release implements changes in the Navy's individual readiness policy," Murphy said.
The release, known as Maintenance Upgrade (MU) 1B-4, will be visible to users of Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID). In addition, several behind-the-scenes changes affect Navy Career Tools (NCT) Assistant online job aids and Navy Training Management and Planning System (NTMPS).
Sailors will notice changes in CMS/ID, such as the Consecutive Overseas Tours approval status displayed on their Sailor Personnel Detail page.
Another important change in CMS/ID is the masking of the Social Security Number on the computer screen for most users. "Sailor data is stored on a secure server on a secure network, only accessible to the individual with the proper CAC (Common Access Card) and PIN (Personal Identification Number)," said Kathryn A. Bailey, CMS/ID Project Director assigned to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic New Orleans Office. "So it makes good sense to mask out Social Security Numbers to prevent others from accidently seeing it displayed."
In addition, CMS/ID now takes individual Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) data into account. Sailors missing results from the last PFA cycle will receive an alert to contact their command fitness leader to verify they are properly updated in Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS).
Sailors who failed their last PFA will receive a system "flag" warning they are in danger of becoming ineligible for special assignments such as overseas billets, pre-commissioning billets, instructor billets, special programs and Global Support Assignments.
Those who failed the last PFA plus another in the past three years will receive a flag warning they are ineligible for special assignments and may not be selected for their requested job. Sailors failing three PFAs in the past four years will receive a system "gate" indicating they are no longer eligible to negotiate for orders.
To prevent career-impacting problems, it's important that members verify their PRIMS data and that their PFA results are properly documented in performance evaluations or fitness reports.
For more details on the MU1B-4 changes to CMS/ID and other Navy Career Tools, members should visit their Command Career Counselors. A summary of MU1B-4 enhancements is also available on Navy Knowledge Online under the Career Management tab, Navy Career Tools, What's New in Navy Career Tools?
Navy Career Tools, including CMS/ID, NCT Assistant and NTMPS, are built and maintained by the PEO-EIS Sea Warrior Program. Sea Warrior is the Navy's single information technology (IT) acquisition agent for business operations addressing manpower, personnel, training and education, legacy systems and Distance Support. Sea Warrior is part of the Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems, which develops, acquires and deploys seamless enterprise-wide IT systems with lifecycle support for the warfighter and business enterprise.
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 5, 2010
ARMY
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc., Taunton, Mass., was awarded on March 24 a $164,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for Warfighter Information Network (WIN) Tactical Increment 2 (T INC2) low-rate production, urgent first order, for the procurement of equipment for three brigade combat teams, one division headquarters, four regional hub nodes, and one base equipment complement to support the initial operational test and evaluation for WIN-T INC2 for program manager, WIN-T. Work is to be performed in Taunton, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2010. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15PT-10-D-C007).
BAE Systems, LLC, U.S. Combat Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on March 31 a $145,170,882 firm-fixed-price contract for the reset of 551 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems. Work is to be performed in York, Pa. (42 percent); Aiken, S.C. (8 percent); Fayette, Pa. (12 percent); and Texarkana, Texas (38 percent), with an estimated completion date of Aug. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM Contracting Center, CCTA-AHL-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
Archer-Western Contractor, Ltd., Arlington, Texas, was awarded on March 30 an $112,247,806 firm-fixed-price construction contract. This contract is for Lake Pontchartrain and vicinity, levee enlargement for South Point to CSX railroad, and US 11 and US 90 highway crossing, Reach LPV 109.02, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Work is to be performed in Orleans Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of June 6, 2011. Bids were solicited via the the Federal Business Opportunities and Army Single Face to Industry Web sites, with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hurricane Protection Office., New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0059).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on March 29 a $10,036,560 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 31 field service representatives, equal to 372 months, for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, CCTA-ADC-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on March 26 a $9,800,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for over-and-above efforts for government-owned, contractor-operated Units 1 and 2 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and overseas contingency operations. Work is to be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, CCAM-AR-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0016).
Great Lakes Dredge a Dock Co., LLC, Oak Road, Ill., was awarded on March 26 a $9,663,200 firm-fixed-price contract for the dredging of the Mississippi River harbors. Work is to be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Memphis, Memphis, Tenn., is the contracting activity (W912EQ-10-D-0011).
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 26 a $9,464,423 firm-fixed-price contract. This procurement is for issuance of an undefinitized contract action for the purchase of AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensors visible near infrared sight kits and associated spares for the United States government and the United Arab Emirates government. The March 26 obligation of $9,464,423 is 49 percent of the undefinitized contract action not-to-exceed amount of $19,315,150. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169).
Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., was awarded on March 26 a $5,759,507 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program that will develop and demonstrate an innovative multi-physics coupling software environment to enable rapid and accurate multidisciplinary performance design and analysis simulations for lightweight, multi-material Navy submarine rotors. Work is to be performed in Bowie, Md., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 18, 2011. Bids were solicited via Broad Agency Announcement with nine bids received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-10-C-0082).
The Ross Group Construction Corp., Inc., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded on March 26 a $5,726,551 firm-fixed-price contract. The intent of the project is for the repair and renovation of approximately 5,610 square feet of existing building space which comprises the second floor of Building 700, known as Knox Hall. Renovation will create new functional areas with offices. The renovation and repair will allow the facility to properly support its current mission. Building 700 is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Randolph Road and McNair Avenue on Fort Sill, Okla. The contractor is to purchase required materials and provide design, equipment, labor, and management to perform all the required work to design and construct this project to provide a complete and useable facility. Contractors are to coordinate with a submitted and approved construction schedule, work plan, and approved designs. Features of work include demolition and renovation of the existing second floor space, including wall layout, communications, electrical distribution system, fire arm and suppression system, lighting, mechanical duct work ,systems, and plumbing. Additional feature include renovation of elevator cab and operating systems, and stair wells. Work is to be performed in Fort Sill, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Tulsa Distinct, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-09-D-2024).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on March 29 a $9,223,633 firm-fixed-price contract for incorporating the recurring production of Engineering Change Proposal 628 (AV 10063R1), UH-HH-60M Black Hawk upturned exhaust systems. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
I.L. Fleming, Inc., Midway, Ga., was awarded on March 29 a $7,811,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of Chapel Complex PN 61035, Fort Bragg, N.C. Work is to be performed in Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of July 15, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with ten bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0012).
AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on March 29 a $7,717,067 firm-fixed-price contract to add 50 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001)
Gulf Power Co., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on March 26 a $5,586,210 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of Freedom Way substation and transmission line extension, Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla. Work is to be performed in Hurlburt Field, Fla., with an estimated completion date of March 1, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-10-F-0035).
NAVY
M.C. Dean, Inc., Dulles, Va., is being awarded a $75,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N65236-07-D-5884) for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance initiatives and programs supported by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, European Office. The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, is $239,013,981. Work will be performed in Europe (80 percent) and Southwest Asia (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce Web site, with five offers received. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.
VSE Corp., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $42,510,858 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-10-D-0011) for decontamination and demolition support services for the industrial revitalization program. The government requires analytical, technical, and management support services for industrial revitalization efforts to include caretaking assistance, modernization, explosives/energetics decontamination, demilitarization, demolition, and divestiture support for the Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) customers, and non-DoD customers. Work will be performed at Naval Surface Warfare Centers in Indian Head, Md., Crane, Ind., and Dahlgren, Va.; Naval Weapons Stations in Yorktown, Va., Seal Beach, Calif., Concord, Calif., and Earle, N.J.; and the Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plants in Texas, New York, Connecticut and Ohio. Work is expected to be completed by April 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity.
EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Inc., wholly owned by ITT Force Protection Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $31,269,829 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus award fee, cost-only, firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N0024-09-C-6316) to exercise options for all material and services to support the system development and demonstration phase through critical design review for the three capabilities (dismounted, mounted, and fixed-site) of the joint counter radio-controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare (JCREW) 3.3 system of systems, 71°C ambient temperature. JCREW systems provide combat troops protection against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices. Work will be performed at Clifton, N.J. (41 percent), Annapolis Junction, Md. (30 percent), and Thousand Oaks, Calif. (29 percent), and is expected to be complete by June 2010. Contract funds in the amount $8,500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,632,188 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) to complete the AESA waveform generator DDS II die parts obsolescence redesign engineering change proposal for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (87.7 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (12.3 percent), 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 Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
Souza Construction, Inc.*, Farmersville, Calif., is being awarded $10,221,050 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple-award construction contract (N62473-09-D-1652) for facility energy improvements at Heat Plant 5 (HP-5) at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow. Work will be performed in Barstow, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Seven proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,123,474 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0013) to provide 300 hours of persistent unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services in support of naval maritime missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (96 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $3,980,257 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems, Land and Armaments L.P., Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $6,049,979 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5407) to exercise an option for engineering services to support operation and capabilities of the MK 45 Naval Gun System, including system engineering and ammunition integration. The MK 45 Naval Gun System is designed to provide surface fire support for multiple ship platforms of the U.S. Navy and various Foreign Military Sales customers. These engineering services will provide design, development, production, logistics, testing, operational, and life-cycle support for the gun system. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (87 percent), and Louisville, Ky. (13 percent), and is expected to be complete by September 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.
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronic Co., Woodland Hills, Calif., was awarded a $14,109,480 contract which provides for 252 embedded GPS inertial navigation system production units for the USAF F-16. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 647 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8626-06-C-2066).
Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $9,348,867 contract which provides additional funding on option period one for a contract to provide contractor logistics support for the VC-25A aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-005).
Choctaw Professional Resources Enterprise, Durant, Okla., was awarded a $20,000,000 contract which provides action to support the Family Advocacy Program, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, outside the contiguous United States. At this time, $2,998,319 has been obligated. AFDW/A7KM-S, Brooks City-Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA7014-10-D-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Mercury Air Centers Inc. dba Atlantic Aviation, Los Angeles, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $8,376,373 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other locations of performance include Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, Calif. Using services are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other federal civilian agencies. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-10-D-0048), is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc., Taunton, Mass., was awarded on March 24 a $164,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for Warfighter Information Network (WIN) Tactical Increment 2 (T INC2) low-rate production, urgent first order, for the procurement of equipment for three brigade combat teams, one division headquarters, four regional hub nodes, and one base equipment complement to support the initial operational test and evaluation for WIN-T INC2 for program manager, WIN-T. Work is to be performed in Taunton, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2010. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15PT-10-D-C007).
BAE Systems, LLC, U.S. Combat Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on March 31 a $145,170,882 firm-fixed-price contract for the reset of 551 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems. Work is to be performed in York, Pa. (42 percent); Aiken, S.C. (8 percent); Fayette, Pa. (12 percent); and Texarkana, Texas (38 percent), with an estimated completion date of Aug. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM Contracting Center, CCTA-AHL-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
Archer-Western Contractor, Ltd., Arlington, Texas, was awarded on March 30 an $112,247,806 firm-fixed-price construction contract. This contract is for Lake Pontchartrain and vicinity, levee enlargement for South Point to CSX railroad, and US 11 and US 90 highway crossing, Reach LPV 109.02, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Work is to be performed in Orleans Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of June 6, 2011. Bids were solicited via the the Federal Business Opportunities and Army Single Face to Industry Web sites, with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hurricane Protection Office., New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0059).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on March 29 a $10,036,560 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 31 field service representatives, equal to 372 months, for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, CCTA-ADC-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on March 26 a $9,800,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for over-and-above efforts for government-owned, contractor-operated Units 1 and 2 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and overseas contingency operations. Work is to be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, CCAM-AR-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0016).
Great Lakes Dredge a Dock Co., LLC, Oak Road, Ill., was awarded on March 26 a $9,663,200 firm-fixed-price contract for the dredging of the Mississippi River harbors. Work is to be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Memphis, Memphis, Tenn., is the contracting activity (W912EQ-10-D-0011).
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 26 a $9,464,423 firm-fixed-price contract. This procurement is for issuance of an undefinitized contract action for the purchase of AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensors visible near infrared sight kits and associated spares for the United States government and the United Arab Emirates government. The March 26 obligation of $9,464,423 is 49 percent of the undefinitized contract action not-to-exceed amount of $19,315,150. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169).
Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., was awarded on March 26 a $5,759,507 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program that will develop and demonstrate an innovative multi-physics coupling software environment to enable rapid and accurate multidisciplinary performance design and analysis simulations for lightweight, multi-material Navy submarine rotors. Work is to be performed in Bowie, Md., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 18, 2011. Bids were solicited via Broad Agency Announcement with nine bids received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-10-C-0082).
The Ross Group Construction Corp., Inc., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded on March 26 a $5,726,551 firm-fixed-price contract. The intent of the project is for the repair and renovation of approximately 5,610 square feet of existing building space which comprises the second floor of Building 700, known as Knox Hall. Renovation will create new functional areas with offices. The renovation and repair will allow the facility to properly support its current mission. Building 700 is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Randolph Road and McNair Avenue on Fort Sill, Okla. The contractor is to purchase required materials and provide design, equipment, labor, and management to perform all the required work to design and construct this project to provide a complete and useable facility. Contractors are to coordinate with a submitted and approved construction schedule, work plan, and approved designs. Features of work include demolition and renovation of the existing second floor space, including wall layout, communications, electrical distribution system, fire arm and suppression system, lighting, mechanical duct work ,systems, and plumbing. Additional feature include renovation of elevator cab and operating systems, and stair wells. Work is to be performed in Fort Sill, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Tulsa Distinct, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-09-D-2024).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on March 29 a $9,223,633 firm-fixed-price contract for incorporating the recurring production of Engineering Change Proposal 628 (AV 10063R1), UH-HH-60M Black Hawk upturned exhaust systems. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
I.L. Fleming, Inc., Midway, Ga., was awarded on March 29 a $7,811,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of Chapel Complex PN 61035, Fort Bragg, N.C. Work is to be performed in Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of July 15, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with ten bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0012).
AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on March 29 a $7,717,067 firm-fixed-price contract to add 50 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001)
Gulf Power Co., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on March 26 a $5,586,210 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of Freedom Way substation and transmission line extension, Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla. Work is to be performed in Hurlburt Field, Fla., with an estimated completion date of March 1, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-10-F-0035).
NAVY
M.C. Dean, Inc., Dulles, Va., is being awarded a $75,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N65236-07-D-5884) for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance initiatives and programs supported by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, European Office. The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, is $239,013,981. Work will be performed in Europe (80 percent) and Southwest Asia (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce Web site, with five offers received. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.
VSE Corp., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $42,510,858 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-10-D-0011) for decontamination and demolition support services for the industrial revitalization program. The government requires analytical, technical, and management support services for industrial revitalization efforts to include caretaking assistance, modernization, explosives/energetics decontamination, demilitarization, demolition, and divestiture support for the Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) customers, and non-DoD customers. Work will be performed at Naval Surface Warfare Centers in Indian Head, Md., Crane, Ind., and Dahlgren, Va.; Naval Weapons Stations in Yorktown, Va., Seal Beach, Calif., Concord, Calif., and Earle, N.J.; and the Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plants in Texas, New York, Connecticut and Ohio. Work is expected to be completed by April 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity.
EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Inc., wholly owned by ITT Force Protection Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $31,269,829 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus award fee, cost-only, firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N0024-09-C-6316) to exercise options for all material and services to support the system development and demonstration phase through critical design review for the three capabilities (dismounted, mounted, and fixed-site) of the joint counter radio-controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare (JCREW) 3.3 system of systems, 71°C ambient temperature. JCREW systems provide combat troops protection against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices. Work will be performed at Clifton, N.J. (41 percent), Annapolis Junction, Md. (30 percent), and Thousand Oaks, Calif. (29 percent), and is expected to be complete by June 2010. Contract funds in the amount $8,500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,632,188 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) to complete the AESA waveform generator DDS II die parts obsolescence redesign engineering change proposal for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (87.7 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (12.3 percent), 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 Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
Souza Construction, Inc.*, Farmersville, Calif., is being awarded $10,221,050 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple-award construction contract (N62473-09-D-1652) for facility energy improvements at Heat Plant 5 (HP-5) at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow. Work will be performed in Barstow, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Seven proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,123,474 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0013) to provide 300 hours of persistent unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services in support of naval maritime missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (96 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $3,980,257 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems, Land and Armaments L.P., Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $6,049,979 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5407) to exercise an option for engineering services to support operation and capabilities of the MK 45 Naval Gun System, including system engineering and ammunition integration. The MK 45 Naval Gun System is designed to provide surface fire support for multiple ship platforms of the U.S. Navy and various Foreign Military Sales customers. These engineering services will provide design, development, production, logistics, testing, operational, and life-cycle support for the gun system. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (87 percent), and Louisville, Ky. (13 percent), and is expected to be complete by September 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.
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronic Co., Woodland Hills, Calif., was awarded a $14,109,480 contract which provides for 252 embedded GPS inertial navigation system production units for the USAF F-16. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 647 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8626-06-C-2066).
Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $9,348,867 contract which provides additional funding on option period one for a contract to provide contractor logistics support for the VC-25A aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-005).
Choctaw Professional Resources Enterprise, Durant, Okla., was awarded a $20,000,000 contract which provides action to support the Family Advocacy Program, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, outside the contiguous United States. At this time, $2,998,319 has been obligated. AFDW/A7KM-S, Brooks City-Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA7014-10-D-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Mercury Air Centers Inc. dba Atlantic Aviation, Los Angeles, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $8,376,373 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other locations of performance include Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, Calif. Using services are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other federal civilian agencies. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-10-D-0048), is the contracting activity.
Exercise key to Hawaiian air support center upgrade
By Capt. Genieve David
13th Air Force Public Affairs
4/5/2010 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The Hawaii Air Support Operations Center staff here achieved initial operational capability after proving its ability to deploy and perform its mission during Exercise Balikatan 2010 in March.
The unit, under the under the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, deployed 34 Airmen and more than 16 short tons of equipment to the former Clark Air Base in the Philippines via a C-17 Globemaster III to participate in the bilateral field training exercise March 9 through 22.
Balikatan is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability between the Philippine air force and U.S. military and exercises the two nations' ability to operate together when responding to natural disasters.
"Balikatan was a key exercise for the ASOC because it provided a crucial step towards becoming fully combat mission capable," said Lt. Col. John Schaefer III, the 25th ASOS commander. "We proved we were able to field a self-sustained command and control hub which retained accountability for fixed and rotary winged aircraft while executing requests for close air support and support land maneuver forces."
As part of their team, the 25th ASOS deployed joint terminal attack controllers, communication specialists and logisticians.
JTACs, a specialized subset of the tactical air control party career field, are qualified members who, from a forward position, direct the actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other air operations. The JTACs, along with communication specialists and logisticians, directly support the ASOC's main mission to coordinate and direct air support for joint force land component operations.
The new ASOC has a standard wartime mission and a new employment capability that can be tasked with supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
"The same air control capability used during wartime can be used to help control civilian aircraft after a major disaster when an airport may have been affected and cannot handle the influx of response personnel and supplies," said 1st Lt. Anita B. Clark, the 25th ASOS communications flight commander. "The ASOC has the capability to take control and deconflict aircraft altitudes and ensure a steady and clear flow of air traffic."
(1st Lt. Anita B. Clark contributed to this article.)
13th Air Force Public Affairs
4/5/2010 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The Hawaii Air Support Operations Center staff here achieved initial operational capability after proving its ability to deploy and perform its mission during Exercise Balikatan 2010 in March.
The unit, under the under the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, deployed 34 Airmen and more than 16 short tons of equipment to the former Clark Air Base in the Philippines via a C-17 Globemaster III to participate in the bilateral field training exercise March 9 through 22.
Balikatan is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability between the Philippine air force and U.S. military and exercises the two nations' ability to operate together when responding to natural disasters.
"Balikatan was a key exercise for the ASOC because it provided a crucial step towards becoming fully combat mission capable," said Lt. Col. John Schaefer III, the 25th ASOS commander. "We proved we were able to field a self-sustained command and control hub which retained accountability for fixed and rotary winged aircraft while executing requests for close air support and support land maneuver forces."
As part of their team, the 25th ASOS deployed joint terminal attack controllers, communication specialists and logisticians.
JTACs, a specialized subset of the tactical air control party career field, are qualified members who, from a forward position, direct the actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other air operations. The JTACs, along with communication specialists and logisticians, directly support the ASOC's main mission to coordinate and direct air support for joint force land component operations.
The new ASOC has a standard wartime mission and a new employment capability that can be tasked with supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
"The same air control capability used during wartime can be used to help control civilian aircraft after a major disaster when an airport may have been affected and cannot handle the influx of response personnel and supplies," said 1st Lt. Anita B. Clark, the 25th ASOS communications flight commander. "The ASOC has the capability to take control and deconflict aircraft altitudes and ensure a steady and clear flow of air traffic."
(1st Lt. Anita B. Clark contributed to this article.)
Saturday, April 03, 2010
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will Initiate Rulemaking Associated with Surface Coal Mining in Appalachia
April 3, 2010 - The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy announced today that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will initiate regulatory rulemaking aimed at providing better environmental protection of aquatic resources from the impacts of Appalachian surface coal mining.
The proposed rule change, reflecting an Administration change in policy, would expand the Corps' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scope of analysis to include all of the effects of proposed surface coal mining "valley fills" on downstream aquatic resources, while ensuring that future mining operations remains consistent with federal law.
This rulemaking implements, in part, a June 11, 2009, agreement between the Army, the Department of Interior (DOI), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in which the agencies committed to review existing authorities and procedures to determine whether regulatory modifications should be proposed to address environmental and public health concerns associated with surface coal mining in Appalachia.
"Today's announcement is a major step in the direction of fulfilling this commitment. The Corps will continue to work closely with EPA and DOI to coordinate its rulemaking effort with other administration initiatives already underway focused on protecting aquatic resources from the adverse environmental impacts of surface coal mining," said Darcy.
Results of the Corps' rulemaking effort will be published in the Federal Register upon conclusion of the process.
For more information, contact Army Public Affairs, David Foster at 703-697-5344, or Bill Layer at 703-693-4987.
The proposed rule change, reflecting an Administration change in policy, would expand the Corps' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scope of analysis to include all of the effects of proposed surface coal mining "valley fills" on downstream aquatic resources, while ensuring that future mining operations remains consistent with federal law.
This rulemaking implements, in part, a June 11, 2009, agreement between the Army, the Department of Interior (DOI), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in which the agencies committed to review existing authorities and procedures to determine whether regulatory modifications should be proposed to address environmental and public health concerns associated with surface coal mining in Appalachia.
"Today's announcement is a major step in the direction of fulfilling this commitment. The Corps will continue to work closely with EPA and DOI to coordinate its rulemaking effort with other administration initiatives already underway focused on protecting aquatic resources from the adverse environmental impacts of surface coal mining," said Darcy.
Results of the Corps' rulemaking effort will be published in the Federal Register upon conclusion of the process.
For more information, contact Army Public Affairs, David Foster at 703-697-5344, or Bill Layer at 703-693-4987.
Army Command Sustains Logistics for Warfighters
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2010 - The Army command charged with management of the logistical aspect of the Iraq drawdown and Afghanistan buildup looks to be ahead of schedule, Army Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Jr., said today. President Barack Obama announced in December that the U.S. would increase its footprint in Afghanistan by 30,000 troops. Initial estimates suggested that the buildup of troops and equipment would take about 18 months in order to maintain a responsible drawdown of some of the same equipment in Iraq.
But after months of putting those plans into action, troops heading to Afghanistan will be able to obtain their equipment sooner than expected, Webster, commander of U.S. Central Command's 3rd Army said at a Pentagon news conference here.
"Through the efficiencies that we've found and the hard work of the entire [Defense Department] and our allies, we now will be able to move the 5,000-plus vehicles that are needed for the [Afghanistan] buildup by the end of the summer," he said.
That's about a year ahead of schedule to equip inbound troops with mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, known as MRAPs. Basic humvees and other tactical vehicles are part of the changeover, too, Webster said.
Some of the equipment in Iraq is too worn for deployment to Afghanistan and will be sent stateside for training requirements. Other equipment in Iraq will be left there for the Iraqi military, he said.
Much of the U.S. equipment leaving Iraq is being refurbished in Kuwait where 3rd Army's theater headquarters is located. Afghanistan-bound equipment will be reconfigured to fit that country's terrain and environment, he said.
"The process is complex, but we have a great team at 3rd Army, and we are executing a well-thought-out plan," Webster said. "We have the flexibility to adjust to accommodate the responsible drawdown timeline while setting conditions for success throughout our area of responsibility."
Success also comes to the American taxpayer. Webster explained that 3rd Army does a cost-benefit analysis of every piece of equipment in Iraq, including the costs of transporting it out.
So far, redistribution of vehicles and equipment to the United States and Afghanistan from Iraq has resulted in more than $992 million in defense savings, he said.
The Afghanistan buildup is the largest in terms of equipment since World War II, Webster noted. When the drawdown operation in Iraq began in June about 2.8 million items of equipment, along with 88,000 containers, were identified.
As of March 29, 35 percent of material and equipment, as well as 21,000 troops, have been redeployed from Iraq since the president's announcement. Nearly half of the equipment due out of Iraq has been identified or is being processed for Afghanistan, Webster said.
While support of a responsible Iraq drawdown is critical, 3rd Army's priority is to support the Afghanistan buildup. More than 2,600 reconfigured MRAPs, including the all-terrain version, already have arrived in Afghanistan, the general said.
"Our top priority is to support the 30,000 additional troops the president has ordered to Afghanistan, and getting them the resources they need to execute their mission," Webster said. "Every day, 3rd Army is shipping more life-saving vehicles to Afghanistan to meet the warfighter requirements."
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2010 - The Army command charged with management of the logistical aspect of the Iraq drawdown and Afghanistan buildup looks to be ahead of schedule, Army Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Jr., said today. President Barack Obama announced in December that the U.S. would increase its footprint in Afghanistan by 30,000 troops. Initial estimates suggested that the buildup of troops and equipment would take about 18 months in order to maintain a responsible drawdown of some of the same equipment in Iraq.
But after months of putting those plans into action, troops heading to Afghanistan will be able to obtain their equipment sooner than expected, Webster, commander of U.S. Central Command's 3rd Army said at a Pentagon news conference here.
"Through the efficiencies that we've found and the hard work of the entire [Defense Department] and our allies, we now will be able to move the 5,000-plus vehicles that are needed for the [Afghanistan] buildup by the end of the summer," he said.
That's about a year ahead of schedule to equip inbound troops with mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, known as MRAPs. Basic humvees and other tactical vehicles are part of the changeover, too, Webster said.
Some of the equipment in Iraq is too worn for deployment to Afghanistan and will be sent stateside for training requirements. Other equipment in Iraq will be left there for the Iraqi military, he said.
Much of the U.S. equipment leaving Iraq is being refurbished in Kuwait where 3rd Army's theater headquarters is located. Afghanistan-bound equipment will be reconfigured to fit that country's terrain and environment, he said.
"The process is complex, but we have a great team at 3rd Army, and we are executing a well-thought-out plan," Webster said. "We have the flexibility to adjust to accommodate the responsible drawdown timeline while setting conditions for success throughout our area of responsibility."
Success also comes to the American taxpayer. Webster explained that 3rd Army does a cost-benefit analysis of every piece of equipment in Iraq, including the costs of transporting it out.
So far, redistribution of vehicles and equipment to the United States and Afghanistan from Iraq has resulted in more than $992 million in defense savings, he said.
The Afghanistan buildup is the largest in terms of equipment since World War II, Webster noted. When the drawdown operation in Iraq began in June about 2.8 million items of equipment, along with 88,000 containers, were identified.
As of March 29, 35 percent of material and equipment, as well as 21,000 troops, have been redeployed from Iraq since the president's announcement. Nearly half of the equipment due out of Iraq has been identified or is being processed for Afghanistan, Webster said.
While support of a responsible Iraq drawdown is critical, 3rd Army's priority is to support the Afghanistan buildup. More than 2,600 reconfigured MRAPs, including the all-terrain version, already have arrived in Afghanistan, the general said.
"Our top priority is to support the 30,000 additional troops the president has ordered to Afghanistan, and getting them the resources they need to execute their mission," Webster said. "Every day, 3rd Army is shipping more life-saving vehicles to Afghanistan to meet the warfighter requirements."
General Officer Assignment
The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignment:
Brig. Gen. Ian R. Dickinson, commander, 81st Training Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to director, communications and information, and chief information officer, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
Brig. Gen. Ian R. Dickinson, commander, 81st Training Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to director, communications and information, and chief information officer, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Military Continues to Support Recovery in Haiti
By Judith Snyderman
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
April 2, 2010 - The deputy commander of the military task force set up after a devastating Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti said the U.S. military will continue to support the work of Haiti's government and international agencies after the task force is deactivated at the end of May.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, deputy commanding general of Joint Task Force Haiti, noted during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable yesterday that the mission in Haiti is out of the usual military lane.
"In a traditional military mission, we can designate the enemy and do those things easily," he said. "Here, really, the adversaries are the forces of nature and time."
Another difference, Trombitas explained, is that instead of commanding and controlling the mission, the U.S. military has played a support role, "coordinating and collaborating" with lead agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, which provided security.
Trombitas said he is impressed by how well combat skills have transferred to the relief mission. He observed that servicemembers' experiences working with civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq have paid off in Haiti.
The general recalled that the Haiti mission started with work to bring "order from chaos" at the airport. He added that the Seabees performed "a Herculean effort in fixing the main pier [and] the south pier, with some underwater engineering there, bolstering the pylons that the pier stands on."
Current efforts are focused on preparing for the coming rainy season by relocating some of the 1.3 million displaced people from camps that are at risk for flooding, Trombitas said. He described the greatest needs as shelter, settlement and sanitation.
"We have the Seabees doing construction projects," he said. "We have the Air Force [helping at] the airfield and one of the hospitals here. We have Marines integrated into the staff, as well as the Coast Guardsmen, and everyone's still doing their share."
At the peak of the crisis, some 20,000 U.S. servicemembers were involved in the mission. A phased withdrawal has reduced that number to 2,400.
"Every soldier, sailor, airmen, Marine and Coast Guardsman that I have had the opportunity to talk to is extremely proud to be a part of this mission," Trombitas said. "And the leadership here is really proud to lead these folks and really even prouder to serve alongside them."
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
April 2, 2010 - The deputy commander of the military task force set up after a devastating Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti said the U.S. military will continue to support the work of Haiti's government and international agencies after the task force is deactivated at the end of May.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, deputy commanding general of Joint Task Force Haiti, noted during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable yesterday that the mission in Haiti is out of the usual military lane.
"In a traditional military mission, we can designate the enemy and do those things easily," he said. "Here, really, the adversaries are the forces of nature and time."
Another difference, Trombitas explained, is that instead of commanding and controlling the mission, the U.S. military has played a support role, "coordinating and collaborating" with lead agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, which provided security.
Trombitas said he is impressed by how well combat skills have transferred to the relief mission. He observed that servicemembers' experiences working with civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq have paid off in Haiti.
The general recalled that the Haiti mission started with work to bring "order from chaos" at the airport. He added that the Seabees performed "a Herculean effort in fixing the main pier [and] the south pier, with some underwater engineering there, bolstering the pylons that the pier stands on."
Current efforts are focused on preparing for the coming rainy season by relocating some of the 1.3 million displaced people from camps that are at risk for flooding, Trombitas said. He described the greatest needs as shelter, settlement and sanitation.
"We have the Seabees doing construction projects," he said. "We have the Air Force [helping at] the airfield and one of the hospitals here. We have Marines integrated into the staff, as well as the Coast Guardsmen, and everyone's still doing their share."
At the peak of the crisis, some 20,000 U.S. servicemembers were involved in the mission. A phased withdrawal has reduced that number to 2,400.
"Every soldier, sailor, airmen, Marine and Coast Guardsman that I have had the opportunity to talk to is extremely proud to be a part of this mission," Trombitas said. "And the leadership here is really proud to lead these folks and really even prouder to serve alongside them."
Air Force Veteran Aims for Paralympics
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
April 2, 2010 - In the blink of an eye your life can change forever. That's what happened to Sean Halsted one day when he fell 40 feet to the ground while fast-roping from a helicopter during a training mission at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
"I don't remember what happened," said Halsted, a former combat controller who was stationed at then-McChord Air Force Base, Wash. "I just know one minute I was reaching for the rope, and the next I was on the ground with my back hurting and the guys are telling me to lay still."
Halsted damaged his spinal cord and became a paraplegic as a result of the accident.
"When I got hurt it was like, life is over. Good thing there's the Internet; good thing there's DVD players," Halsted said. "I'll just be sitting in my room passing the time and looking on the Internet. I found out that's not the case. Life goes on. Life is still there."
Halsted didn't give up. His recovery led him to compete as a U.S. Paralympian at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
The Department of Veterans Affairs staff helped Halsted realize he had access to programs to help him get back to living a fuller life.
"The VA is a great insurance company," he said. "We've got one of the best programs that help you out with anything that you've got."
The Washington State University graduate said his training as a combat controller helped him on his road to recovery.
"You can't accept sitting in your room," Halsted said. "It took me a while to get through that because I was stuck in my room. I couldn't do the level of stuff I used to do. The (military) training really did help me because my expectations were a lot higher."
Upon the urging of his physical therapist and the staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Halsted discovered a program that met his high physical expectations: the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. He realized he had a passion for adaptive Nordic skiing.
"I went with cross country skiing because I like that endorphin rush and it's fun being out in the woods and it's fun being on the slopes," Halsted said. "I was an Alpine skier before. Racing Alpine just isn't my thing. I just wasn't getting that exertion that I used to get. For me it was just a natural fit to come to Nordic skiing. It just fit everything I wanted."
The training at the winter sports clinic prepared Halsted to compete at the next level.
"Without that exposure, I don't know that I would've tried," Halsted said. "I think it would've taken me a lot more to get out and start doing stuff. I would've just stuck with wheelchair basketball and I wouldn't have been happy."
At the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games, Halsted finished in the top 10 in all three of the events he participated in. He is not planning on slowing down anytime soon. Halsted aims to compete at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
"I want to push it as far as I can," Halsted said. What does Halsted have to say to disabled veterans who haven't been to the NDVWSC?
"Get off your (butt) and get out here," he said. "There's a lot of (disabled veterans) who've got their couch potato tickets and they're punching them. Life is still going on; you have to live life."
Gates Presents Transcom with Joint Meritorious Unit Award
By Bob Fehringer
U.S. Transportation Command
April 2, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here yesterday to personally present U.S. Transportation Command with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
The award is granted to joint activities for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, for actions in the following situations; combat with an armed enemy of the United States, a declared national emergency or under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests.
"I am glad to get the chance to be here today to have the opportunity to present the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to the men and women of the United States Transportation Command," Gates said. "You should know that this award is the first and only award that I have personally issued in my eight-plus years as Secretary of Defense."
Gates was joined by Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, who oversees operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of U.S. Transcom, and other senior civilian and military officials.
"Mr. Secretary, I want to thank you for personally flying out to Scott Air Force Base today" to present the award to Transcom, Petraeus said. "Nobody deserves this honor more."
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told Pentagon reporters March 30, "Secretary Gates believes the members of Transcom are among the unsung heroes of our military efforts around the world, and this award allows him to personally thank this dedicated and unheralded team of professionals."
Transcom also played an instrumental role in U.S. relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake, Morrell said.
"In responding to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, Transcom has provided over 2 million meals, more than 5 million liters of water to the island, in ongoing humanitarian and disaster-relief operations," Morrell said.
The citation accompanying the award reads: "Headquarters, United States Transportation Command distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious achievement from 1 March 2007 to 28 February 2010. During this period, the Command consistently displayed exceptional collaborative leadership and execution of wartime missions for United States forces engaged in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.
"The Command's three components--Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command, and Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command--carried over 5 million passengers, 25 thousand patients, and 7.5 million short tons in support of United States Central Command's two main operations," the citation continued. "USTRANSCOM expedited the delivery of thousands of sets of individual body armor, armored vehicles, and supplemental armor kits, in addition to supporting troop surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan."
McNabb thanked Gates and Petraeus and lauded the efforts of those under his command.
"You have honored us today by your presence and your words," McNabb said. "And we are humbled by the trust you have in us. We will strive to always, always be worthy of that trust."
U.S. Transportation Command
April 2, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here yesterday to personally present U.S. Transportation Command with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
The award is granted to joint activities for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, for actions in the following situations; combat with an armed enemy of the United States, a declared national emergency or under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests.
"I am glad to get the chance to be here today to have the opportunity to present the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to the men and women of the United States Transportation Command," Gates said. "You should know that this award is the first and only award that I have personally issued in my eight-plus years as Secretary of Defense."
Gates was joined by Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, who oversees operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of U.S. Transcom, and other senior civilian and military officials.
"Mr. Secretary, I want to thank you for personally flying out to Scott Air Force Base today" to present the award to Transcom, Petraeus said. "Nobody deserves this honor more."
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told Pentagon reporters March 30, "Secretary Gates believes the members of Transcom are among the unsung heroes of our military efforts around the world, and this award allows him to personally thank this dedicated and unheralded team of professionals."
Transcom also played an instrumental role in U.S. relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake, Morrell said.
"In responding to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, Transcom has provided over 2 million meals, more than 5 million liters of water to the island, in ongoing humanitarian and disaster-relief operations," Morrell said.
The citation accompanying the award reads: "Headquarters, United States Transportation Command distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious achievement from 1 March 2007 to 28 February 2010. During this period, the Command consistently displayed exceptional collaborative leadership and execution of wartime missions for United States forces engaged in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.
"The Command's three components--Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command, and Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command--carried over 5 million passengers, 25 thousand patients, and 7.5 million short tons in support of United States Central Command's two main operations," the citation continued. "USTRANSCOM expedited the delivery of thousands of sets of individual body armor, armored vehicles, and supplemental armor kits, in addition to supporting troop surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan."
McNabb thanked Gates and Petraeus and lauded the efforts of those under his command.
"You have honored us today by your presence and your words," McNabb said. "And we are humbled by the trust you have in us. We will strive to always, always be worthy of that trust."
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Navy SEAL
On April 15, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature with Chief Michael Jaco, USN (ret.) about the Navy SEALs and his book The Intuitive Warrior.
Program Date: April 15, 2010
Program Time: 1700 hours Pacific
Topic: Navy Seal
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/04/16/navy-seal
About the Guest
Chief Michael Jaco, USN (ret.) “served as a Navy SEAL with distinction for 24 years and saw combat in Operation “Just Cause.” Over the course of his career, he earned various ribbons and medals, including three Navy Commendation Medals. Jaco was also an expert at creating training courses, developing the first combat fighting course and the first climbing course for the SEAL teams. Following his departure from the military, Jaco founded a training organization that teaches participants tactical awareness skills. He also performs contract security work, often protecting government officials overseas. Chief Michael Jaco is the author of The Intuitive Warrior.
According to the book description of The Intuitive Warrior, “From conflicts in Panama to war in Iraq, Navy SEAL Michael Jaco has employed his powers of perception and awareness to save his life and the lives of his fellow SEALs. In The Intuitive Warrior, Jaco recounts the mentally and physically demanding training required of members of one of the most elite Special Forces units, and how the intuition developed during that training can be learned and applied by anyone. Using real-life examples, Jaco explains how he tapped into his intuitive capabilities to predict attacks and protect his fellow soldiers. The Intuitive Warrior will teach you how employing the methods perfected by a genuine military hero can act as a catalyst toward developing a richer, more fulfilled life.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/04/16/navy-seal
Archive Link:
http://www.americanheroesradio.com/navy_seal.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: April 15, 2010
Program Time: 1700 hours Pacific
Topic: Navy Seal
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/04/16/navy-seal
About the Guest
Chief Michael Jaco, USN (ret.) “served as a Navy SEAL with distinction for 24 years and saw combat in Operation “Just Cause.” Over the course of his career, he earned various ribbons and medals, including three Navy Commendation Medals. Jaco was also an expert at creating training courses, developing the first combat fighting course and the first climbing course for the SEAL teams. Following his departure from the military, Jaco founded a training organization that teaches participants tactical awareness skills. He also performs contract security work, often protecting government officials overseas. Chief Michael Jaco is the author of The Intuitive Warrior.
According to the book description of The Intuitive Warrior, “From conflicts in Panama to war in Iraq, Navy SEAL Michael Jaco has employed his powers of perception and awareness to save his life and the lives of his fellow SEALs. In The Intuitive Warrior, Jaco recounts the mentally and physically demanding training required of members of one of the most elite Special Forces units, and how the intuition developed during that training can be learned and applied by anyone. Using real-life examples, Jaco explains how he tapped into his intuitive capabilities to predict attacks and protect his fellow soldiers. The Intuitive Warrior will teach you how employing the methods perfected by a genuine military hero can act as a catalyst toward developing a richer, more fulfilled life.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/04/16/navy-seal
Archive Link:
http://www.americanheroesradio.com/navy_seal.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Statement by Army Secretary John McHugh
April 1, 2010 - "Yesterday, in response to a series of questions from reporters regarding "Don't Ask Don't Tell", I made several statements that require further comment.
"First, while President Obama has asked Congress to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell", it is and remains the law of the land. As I have testified before Congress and Secretary Gates has made clear, the Department of the Defense will continue to apply the law, as we are obligated to do.
"Second, I was incorrect when I stated that Secretary Gates had placed a moratorium on discharges of homosexual service-members. There is no moratorium of the law and neither Secretary Gates nor I would support one. Further, the recent changes to implementing regulations authorized by Secretary Gates, which I support, apply the law in a fairer and more appropriate manner; they do not in any way create a moratorium of the law.
"Third, with regard to the three soldiers who shared their views and thoughts with me on "Don't Ask Don't Tell", I might better have counseled them that statements about their sexual orientation could not be treated as confidential and could result in their separation under the law. Because of the informal and random manner in which these engagements occurred, I am unable to identify these soldiers and I am not in a position to formally pursue the matter.
"Secretary Gates has committed to soliciting the views of men and women in uniform across the military, including those who are gay and lesbian, within the parameters of the review process he has established. The intra-department, intra-service working group, lead by Jeh Johnson, general counsel of the Department of Defense, and Gen. Carter Ham, commander, U.S. Army Europe, is working to determine the most effective and most comprehensive way to do this. The working group is likely to utilize a third party from outside of the department to solicit these views so soldiers can speak candidly and without fear of separation. I urge every soldier to share his or her views and suggestions on this important issue through this channel. This is the appropriate way to do so.
I strongly support the deliberative process that Secretary Gates has established to review this important issue. Until Congress repeals "Don't Ask Don't Tell", it remains the law of the land and the Department of the Army and I will fulfill our obligation to uphold it.
"First, while President Obama has asked Congress to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell", it is and remains the law of the land. As I have testified before Congress and Secretary Gates has made clear, the Department of the Defense will continue to apply the law, as we are obligated to do.
"Second, I was incorrect when I stated that Secretary Gates had placed a moratorium on discharges of homosexual service-members. There is no moratorium of the law and neither Secretary Gates nor I would support one. Further, the recent changes to implementing regulations authorized by Secretary Gates, which I support, apply the law in a fairer and more appropriate manner; they do not in any way create a moratorium of the law.
"Third, with regard to the three soldiers who shared their views and thoughts with me on "Don't Ask Don't Tell", I might better have counseled them that statements about their sexual orientation could not be treated as confidential and could result in their separation under the law. Because of the informal and random manner in which these engagements occurred, I am unable to identify these soldiers and I am not in a position to formally pursue the matter.
"Secretary Gates has committed to soliciting the views of men and women in uniform across the military, including those who are gay and lesbian, within the parameters of the review process he has established. The intra-department, intra-service working group, lead by Jeh Johnson, general counsel of the Department of Defense, and Gen. Carter Ham, commander, U.S. Army Europe, is working to determine the most effective and most comprehensive way to do this. The working group is likely to utilize a third party from outside of the department to solicit these views so soldiers can speak candidly and without fear of separation. I urge every soldier to share his or her views and suggestions on this important issue through this channel. This is the appropriate way to do so.
I strongly support the deliberative process that Secretary Gates has established to review this important issue. Until Congress repeals "Don't Ask Don't Tell", it remains the law of the land and the Department of the Army and I will fulfill our obligation to uphold it.
Department of Defense Announces Selected Acquisition Reports
April 1, 2010 - The Department of Defense (DoD) has released details on major defense acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance changes since the September 2008 reporting period. This information is based on the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) submitted to the Congress for the December 2009 reporting period. [Note: DoD did not submit a full complement of SARs for fiscal 2009 because the fiscal 2010 President's Budget did not include updated outyear funding information.]
SARs summarize the latest estimates of cost, schedule, and performance status. These reports are prepared annually in conjunction with submission of the President's Budget. Subsequent quarterly exception reports are required only for those programs experiencing unit cost increases of at least 15 percent or schedule delays of at least six months. Quarterly SARs are also submitted for initial reports, final reports, and for programs that are rebaselined at major milestone decisions.
The total program cost estimates provided in the SARs include research and development, procurement, military construction, and acquisition-related operation and maintenance (except for pre-Milestone B programs, which are limited to development costs pursuant to 10 USC §2432). Total program costs reflect actual costs to date as well as future anticipated costs. All estimates include anticipated inflation allowances.
The current estimate of program acquisition costs for programs covered by SARs for the prior reporting period (September 2008) was $1,648,292.3 million. After adding the cost changes for H-1 Upgrades in December 2008 and E-2D in June 2009 and subtracting the costs for four final reports for Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), Future Combat Systems (FCS), Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I), and Presidential Helicopter (VH-71) during fiscal 2009, the June 2009 adjusted current estimate of program acquisition costs is $1,485,068.0 million.
SARs summarize the latest estimates of cost, schedule, and performance status. These reports are prepared annually in conjunction with submission of the President's Budget. Subsequent quarterly exception reports are required only for those programs experiencing unit cost increases of at least 15 percent or schedule delays of at least six months. Quarterly SARs are also submitted for initial reports, final reports, and for programs that are rebaselined at major milestone decisions.
The total program cost estimates provided in the SARs include research and development, procurement, military construction, and acquisition-related operation and maintenance (except for pre-Milestone B programs, which are limited to development costs pursuant to 10 USC §2432). Total program costs reflect actual costs to date as well as future anticipated costs. All estimates include anticipated inflation allowances.
The current estimate of program acquisition costs for programs covered by SARs for the prior reporting period (September 2008) was $1,648,292.3 million. After adding the cost changes for H-1 Upgrades in December 2008 and E-2D in June 2009 and subtracting the costs for four final reports for Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), Future Combat Systems (FCS), Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I), and Presidential Helicopter (VH-71) during fiscal 2009, the June 2009 adjusted current estimate of program acquisition costs is $1,485,068.0 million.
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 1, 2010
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Lockheed Martin Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. is being awarded a sole-source indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (#HQ0147-10-D-0001) with a ceiling value of $434,738,000. Under this THAAD Field Support Contract, Lockheed Martin will provide logistics, maintenance, software, training, and engineering services to fielded THAAD fire units. The contract's period of performance extends through March 2015. Work will be carried out in Sunnyvale, California; Huntsville, Ala.; and Fort Bliss, Texas. Fiscal year (FY) 2010 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds will be utilized for Task Orders issued in FY 2010. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0147).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $77,148,971 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0015) to provide additional funding for logistics and engineering services in support of the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C. (36 percent), Miramar, Calif. (36 percent), and Okinawa, Japan (28 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $36,613,301 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4413) for the complete restoration of USS Hartford (SSN 768) through final fabrication and installation of the hull patch, bridge access trunk, port retractable bow plane and the sail. Selected required maintenance will also be performed. This modification includes options which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative amount to $86,889,301. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn.(85 percent) and Quonset, R.I. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $20,000,000 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.
Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation, is being awarded a $13,106,278 task order #0071 under previously awarded contract (M67854-02-A-9020) to provide engineering and technical support; on-going acquisition support; financial support; logistics support; website development and management; manpower, personnel and training analysis report development and assessment; manpower, personnel and training plan, development and support; administrative support and managerial support for the Program Manager (PM) Networking and Satellite Communications (NSC) and PM NSC Systems program teams. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Communications, Intelligence and Networking Systems (CINS) Product Group's (PG12) mission is to act as the central agent for the research, development, acquisition, and life cycle management of communications, intelligence, surveillance, and networking systems throughout the Marine Corps. PG12's assigned mission includes the responsibility of CINS for the Operating Forces and the Supporting Establishment. The programs within the PG cover all phases of the DoD 5000 acquisition process. The Contractor shall be required to interface and coordinate with other contractors supporting PG12 including those in all the Commercial Enterprise Omnibus Support Service (CEOss) domains. It is the contractor's responsibility to arrange any Non-Disclosure Agreements necessary to interface with other contractors in order to accomplish the PG12 mission. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va. Work is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $299,608 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Harris Corporation, RF Communications Division, Rochester, N.Y., is being issued $12,000,000 for firm-fixed-price GSA delivery order under previously awarded contract (M67854-10-F-7003) to purchase 20 watt to 50 watt software upgrades for the power amplifier on existing tactical hand held radio AN/VRC-110 systems. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and will be completed July 15, 2010. Contract Funds in the amount of $150,397 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This GSA delivery order was awarded on a competitive basis with one offer received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Information Network Systems, Inc., Stafford, Va., is being awarded $9,542,669 for task order #0053 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9013). The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager (PM) for Networks and Satellite Communications Systems (NSC), and PM for Tactical Communication Systems (TCS) mission is to act as the central agent for the research, development, acquisition, and life cycle management of communications, intelligence, surveillance, and networking systems throughout the Marine Corps. PM NSC and PM TCS's assigned mission includes the responsibility to the operating forces and the supporting establishments. The scope of this Statement of Work is represented in three areas: equipment support, inventory management, and fielding team support. Work will be performed in Marine Corps Command organizations Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
FMW Composite Systems Inc., Bridgeport, W.V., is being awarded $8,461,035 for firm- fixed-price delivery order #0011 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5004) for 99 small and 99 medium ground expedient refueling systems. Work will be performed in Bridgeport, WV, and work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Manassas, Va. is being awarded an $ 8,091,865 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, development, integration, test, certification, training, logistics, and maintenance for the Integrated Common Processor portion of the various Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (95 percent) and the government of Japan (5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va.(78.9 percent); Fairfax, Va.(11.5 percent); Anaheim Hills, Calif.(7.3 percent), Portsmouth, R.I. (1.6 percent), and Cherry Hill, N.J. (0.7 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0001).
The Center for Transportation and the Environment, Inc.*, Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a $6,092,394 costcontract for the development of a Department of Defense hydrogen fuel cell material handling equipment pilot program at the Defense Depot San Joaquin(DDJC), in Tracy, Calif. This requirement is for a hydrogen 2 (H2) pilot at DDJC utilizing twenty hydrogen powered forklifts for warehousing activities, and a hydrogen generation system using renewable energy to power an electrolysis-based Hydro2 generator. This contract is in support of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the exploration of alternative energy sources. Work will be performed in Tracy, Calif. (40 percent); Allentown, Pa. (30 percent); and Latham, N.Y (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $910,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with an unspecified number of proposals solicited and 8offers received. NSWC Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-C-GS20).
Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation, Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded $5,557,540 for task order #0072 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9020). The scope of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to provide on-going support in the areas of systems engineering, acquisition, financial, logistics, administrative management to the Product Group Director (PGD) Communications, Intelligence & Networking Systems (CINS), the CINS Milestone Assessment Team (MAT), the CINS Technical Support Team (TST), and the CINS Operations Manager. The programs within this Product Group cover all phases of the acquisition process. Due to the dynamic nature of systems acquisitions resulting from the ongoing other contingency operations, the contractor must demonstrate the ability to rapidly respond to changes associated with performance, such as those resulting from new programs or system requirements, accelerated fielding requirements, or the need to support immediate improvements to fielded equipment. The contractor shall be required to interface and coordinate with other contractors supporting PG-12 including those in all the Commercial Enterprise Omnibus Support Service domains. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $979,584 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY
Military Produce Group, LLC, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded an indefinite-delivery, requirements-type contract on April 2 to provide fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) for resale at 21 commissary store locations in the Defense Commissary Agency's east region, considered Area 1. The estimated award amount is $53,272,046.68. Contractor will deliver FF&V to the store locations as needed. The contract is for a two- year base period beginning May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2012. Three one-year option periods are available. If all option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed April 30, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Seventy-eight firms were solicited and six offers were received. The Defense Commissary Agency, Resale Contracting Division, Produce Support Branch, Fort Lee, Va., is the contracting activity (HDEC02-10-D-0001).
ARMY
Kiewit Building Group, Omaha, Neb., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $44,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract of for the design/ build construction contract entitled, "FY08 MCA PN50350 Barracks Complex PH 6B, Wheeler Army Airfields, Oahu, Hawaii. Work is to be performed in Oahu, Hawaii with an estimated completion date of Feb. 27, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Honolulu, Hawaii is the contracting activity (W9128A-10-C-0005).
Olin Corporation, Winchester Division, East Alton, Ill., was awarded on Mar. 29, 2010 a $43,442,000 Indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with firm-fixed-price orders. This procurement is a sole source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity effort for the manufacture and delivery of .50 calibre M903 Sabot light armor penetrator and M962 Sabot light armor penetrator tracer bulk and the 4:1 linked configuration of the M903/M962. Delivery Order 0001 will be issued at contract award. Work is to be performed in East Alton, Ill., (50 percent), Towanda, Pa., (26 percent), Jonesborough, Tenn., (8 percent), Independence, Mo., (6 percent), Hopkins, Minn., (4 percent), Wood Dale, Ill., (4 percent), St. Marks, Fla., (2 percent) with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2016. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-D-0010).
Nordic Ammunition Company, Karlsborg, Sweden, was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $24,191,317 firm-fixed-price contract. This procurement is for the manufacture and delivery of 5.56 mm M995 armor piecing cartridge and 7.62mm armor piercing cartridges. Work is to be performed in Bedford, Pa., and foreign Sweden., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 29, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions and Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0009).
ARMTEC Countermeasures Company, Coachella, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $23,425,364 firm-fixed-price contract for the exercise of Option Year 1 for W52P1J-09-C-0055 for M206, MJU-7A/B in support of the flares program. Work is to be performed in Milan, Tenn., (50 percent) and East Camden, Ark., (50 percent) with an estimated completion of Nov. 30, 2011. Bide were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Department of the Army, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1-09-C-0055).
Kilgore Flare Company, LLC., Toone, Tenn., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $20,415,451 firm-fixed-price contract for the exercise of Option Year 1 for W52P1J-09-C-0056 for M206, MJU-7A/B in support of the flares program. Work is to be performed in East Camden, Ark., (50 percent) with an estimated completion of Nov. 30, 2011. Bide were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Department of the Army, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1-09-C-0056).
L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems, Muskegon, Mich., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $16,149,237 firm-price with incentive and cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts. This contract is for 221 reset Bradley transmissions, 2 control tests and incentive fee pool. Work is to be performed in Muskegon, Mich., (54 percent), and Texarkana, Texas., (46 percent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0098).
J&J Contractors, Inc., Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $15,987,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design / build of an Armed Forces Reserve Center, Rutland, Vermont. Work is performed in Rutland, Vt., with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0038).
Purnell Construction Co., LLC., Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $15,810,697 firm-fixed-price contract. The work consists of construction operations for enlargement of existing levee by truck-hauling material from contractor furnished borrow pit, clearing and grubbing, installation of geotextile construction of a clay cut-off trench, maintenance of truck wash down racks, fertilizing, seeding and mulching and all operations incidental thereto. Work is to be performed at the Westwego to Harvey Canal, Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, V-Line Levee East of Vertex, Phase 2 First Enlargement, Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 27, 2011. Eleven bids were solicited with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0042).
Brigadler Construction Services, LLC., Cleveland, Ohio., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 an $11,992,700 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to construct a 1300 person dining facility based on standard design criteria. The project shall include design and complete construction as indicated in the request for proposal. The site design and construction outside the "5 Foot Line" be in this contract. The contract is performance based, and not definitive in type of construction or materials unless otherwise indicated. A comprehensive interior design is required with an option to provide furniture and décor items. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S> Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0057).
The Ross Group Construction Corp., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $11,551,000 firm-fixed-price contract to renovate B730, Fort Still Okla, Work includes evaluating existing classrooms electronically, mechanically, and in regard to connectivity; renovate classrooms in preparation for reception of future Classroom 21 package/suite; renovate hallways, staircases and display areas; renovate latrines; and achieve proper temperature regulation in the Classroom 21 computer server room. Work is to be performed in Fort Still, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 10, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0043).
AM General LLC., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Mar. 29, 2010 an $11,100,440 firm-fixed-price contract to add 94 each of High Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, AMSTA-AQ-ATCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
Greenleaf Construction Co, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on March 29, 2010 a $10,985,396 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/ build award for a motor transport operator/ wheeled vehicle drivers course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Work is to be performed in Waynesville, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2011. Hub-Zone set-aside bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-4012).
Paul S. Akins Company, Inc., Statesboro, Ga., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $10,777,100 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an advanced skills training trainee dining facility. This includes the design build of a complete enlisted personnel dining facility, supporting site work, and demolition of existing parking lot at the building site and surrounding area at Fort Benning, Ga. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2011. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0064).
Olin Corp., Winchester Division, East Alton, Ill., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $10,691,561 requirements contract with actual awards made via delivery order and delivery order modification contract. This award is made under the terms of the existing requirements contract for 9mm M882 ball. This ammunition is used in the M9 Beretta pistol both for training and for combat. Work is to be performed in East Alton, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-06-D-0031).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Fraga Group USA, Greenbelt, Md.** is being awarded a maximum $20,316,180 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Spain. Using services are Navy, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. There were originally five proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-10-D-9405).
Breeze Eastern, Union, N.J.* is being awarded a maximum $13,042,825 firm fixed price, sole source contract for aircraft mount winch. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2015. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-AHA), Redstone Arsenal, Ala. (SPRRA1-10-D-0036).
Honeywell International Inc., Tempe, Ariz. is being awarded a maximum $7,748,600 firm fixed price sole source contract for shaft compressors. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Air Force and Marine Corps. 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 October, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPRPA1-09-G-002X-5242).
Mercury Air Center dba Atlantic Aviation, Reno, Nev.* is being awarded a maximum $7,375,457 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is same. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-10-D-0007).
Lockheed Martin Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. is being awarded a sole-source indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (#HQ0147-10-D-0001) with a ceiling value of $434,738,000. Under this THAAD Field Support Contract, Lockheed Martin will provide logistics, maintenance, software, training, and engineering services to fielded THAAD fire units. The contract's period of performance extends through March 2015. Work will be carried out in Sunnyvale, California; Huntsville, Ala.; and Fort Bliss, Texas. Fiscal year (FY) 2010 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds will be utilized for Task Orders issued in FY 2010. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0147).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $77,148,971 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0015) to provide additional funding for logistics and engineering services in support of the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C. (36 percent), Miramar, Calif. (36 percent), and Okinawa, Japan (28 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $36,613,301 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4413) for the complete restoration of USS Hartford (SSN 768) through final fabrication and installation of the hull patch, bridge access trunk, port retractable bow plane and the sail. Selected required maintenance will also be performed. This modification includes options which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative amount to $86,889,301. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn.(85 percent) and Quonset, R.I. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $20,000,000 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.
Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation, is being awarded a $13,106,278 task order #0071 under previously awarded contract (M67854-02-A-9020) to provide engineering and technical support; on-going acquisition support; financial support; logistics support; website development and management; manpower, personnel and training analysis report development and assessment; manpower, personnel and training plan, development and support; administrative support and managerial support for the Program Manager (PM) Networking and Satellite Communications (NSC) and PM NSC Systems program teams. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Communications, Intelligence and Networking Systems (CINS) Product Group's (PG12) mission is to act as the central agent for the research, development, acquisition, and life cycle management of communications, intelligence, surveillance, and networking systems throughout the Marine Corps. PG12's assigned mission includes the responsibility of CINS for the Operating Forces and the Supporting Establishment. The programs within the PG cover all phases of the DoD 5000 acquisition process. The Contractor shall be required to interface and coordinate with other contractors supporting PG12 including those in all the Commercial Enterprise Omnibus Support Service (CEOss) domains. It is the contractor's responsibility to arrange any Non-Disclosure Agreements necessary to interface with other contractors in order to accomplish the PG12 mission. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va. Work is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $299,608 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Harris Corporation, RF Communications Division, Rochester, N.Y., is being issued $12,000,000 for firm-fixed-price GSA delivery order under previously awarded contract (M67854-10-F-7003) to purchase 20 watt to 50 watt software upgrades for the power amplifier on existing tactical hand held radio AN/VRC-110 systems. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and will be completed July 15, 2010. Contract Funds in the amount of $150,397 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This GSA delivery order was awarded on a competitive basis with one offer received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Information Network Systems, Inc., Stafford, Va., is being awarded $9,542,669 for task order #0053 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9013). The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager (PM) for Networks and Satellite Communications Systems (NSC), and PM for Tactical Communication Systems (TCS) mission is to act as the central agent for the research, development, acquisition, and life cycle management of communications, intelligence, surveillance, and networking systems throughout the Marine Corps. PM NSC and PM TCS's assigned mission includes the responsibility to the operating forces and the supporting establishments. The scope of this Statement of Work is represented in three areas: equipment support, inventory management, and fielding team support. Work will be performed in Marine Corps Command organizations Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
FMW Composite Systems Inc., Bridgeport, W.V., is being awarded $8,461,035 for firm- fixed-price delivery order #0011 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5004) for 99 small and 99 medium ground expedient refueling systems. Work will be performed in Bridgeport, WV, and work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Manassas, Va. is being awarded an $ 8,091,865 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, development, integration, test, certification, training, logistics, and maintenance for the Integrated Common Processor portion of the various Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (95 percent) and the government of Japan (5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va.(78.9 percent); Fairfax, Va.(11.5 percent); Anaheim Hills, Calif.(7.3 percent), Portsmouth, R.I. (1.6 percent), and Cherry Hill, N.J. (0.7 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0001).
The Center for Transportation and the Environment, Inc.*, Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a $6,092,394 costcontract for the development of a Department of Defense hydrogen fuel cell material handling equipment pilot program at the Defense Depot San Joaquin(DDJC), in Tracy, Calif. This requirement is for a hydrogen 2 (H2) pilot at DDJC utilizing twenty hydrogen powered forklifts for warehousing activities, and a hydrogen generation system using renewable energy to power an electrolysis-based Hydro2 generator. This contract is in support of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the exploration of alternative energy sources. Work will be performed in Tracy, Calif. (40 percent); Allentown, Pa. (30 percent); and Latham, N.Y (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $910,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with an unspecified number of proposals solicited and 8offers received. NSWC Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-C-GS20).
Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation, Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded $5,557,540 for task order #0072 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9020). The scope of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to provide on-going support in the areas of systems engineering, acquisition, financial, logistics, administrative management to the Product Group Director (PGD) Communications, Intelligence & Networking Systems (CINS), the CINS Milestone Assessment Team (MAT), the CINS Technical Support Team (TST), and the CINS Operations Manager. The programs within this Product Group cover all phases of the acquisition process. Due to the dynamic nature of systems acquisitions resulting from the ongoing other contingency operations, the contractor must demonstrate the ability to rapidly respond to changes associated with performance, such as those resulting from new programs or system requirements, accelerated fielding requirements, or the need to support immediate improvements to fielded equipment. The contractor shall be required to interface and coordinate with other contractors supporting PG-12 including those in all the Commercial Enterprise Omnibus Support Service domains. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $979,584 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY
Military Produce Group, LLC, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded an indefinite-delivery, requirements-type contract on April 2 to provide fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) for resale at 21 commissary store locations in the Defense Commissary Agency's east region, considered Area 1. The estimated award amount is $53,272,046.68. Contractor will deliver FF&V to the store locations as needed. The contract is for a two- year base period beginning May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2012. Three one-year option periods are available. If all option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed April 30, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Seventy-eight firms were solicited and six offers were received. The Defense Commissary Agency, Resale Contracting Division, Produce Support Branch, Fort Lee, Va., is the contracting activity (HDEC02-10-D-0001).
ARMY
Kiewit Building Group, Omaha, Neb., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $44,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract of for the design/ build construction contract entitled, "FY08 MCA PN50350 Barracks Complex PH 6B, Wheeler Army Airfields, Oahu, Hawaii. Work is to be performed in Oahu, Hawaii with an estimated completion date of Feb. 27, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Honolulu, Hawaii is the contracting activity (W9128A-10-C-0005).
Olin Corporation, Winchester Division, East Alton, Ill., was awarded on Mar. 29, 2010 a $43,442,000 Indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with firm-fixed-price orders. This procurement is a sole source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity effort for the manufacture and delivery of .50 calibre M903 Sabot light armor penetrator and M962 Sabot light armor penetrator tracer bulk and the 4:1 linked configuration of the M903/M962. Delivery Order 0001 will be issued at contract award. Work is to be performed in East Alton, Ill., (50 percent), Towanda, Pa., (26 percent), Jonesborough, Tenn., (8 percent), Independence, Mo., (6 percent), Hopkins, Minn., (4 percent), Wood Dale, Ill., (4 percent), St. Marks, Fla., (2 percent) with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2016. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-D-0010).
Nordic Ammunition Company, Karlsborg, Sweden, was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $24,191,317 firm-fixed-price contract. This procurement is for the manufacture and delivery of 5.56 mm M995 armor piecing cartridge and 7.62mm armor piercing cartridges. Work is to be performed in Bedford, Pa., and foreign Sweden., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 29, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions and Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0009).
ARMTEC Countermeasures Company, Coachella, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $23,425,364 firm-fixed-price contract for the exercise of Option Year 1 for W52P1J-09-C-0055 for M206, MJU-7A/B in support of the flares program. Work is to be performed in Milan, Tenn., (50 percent) and East Camden, Ark., (50 percent) with an estimated completion of Nov. 30, 2011. Bide were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Department of the Army, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1-09-C-0055).
Kilgore Flare Company, LLC., Toone, Tenn., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $20,415,451 firm-fixed-price contract for the exercise of Option Year 1 for W52P1J-09-C-0056 for M206, MJU-7A/B in support of the flares program. Work is to be performed in East Camden, Ark., (50 percent) with an estimated completion of Nov. 30, 2011. Bide were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Department of the Army, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1-09-C-0056).
L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems, Muskegon, Mich., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $16,149,237 firm-price with incentive and cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts. This contract is for 221 reset Bradley transmissions, 2 control tests and incentive fee pool. Work is to be performed in Muskegon, Mich., (54 percent), and Texarkana, Texas., (46 percent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0098).
J&J Contractors, Inc., Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $15,987,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design / build of an Armed Forces Reserve Center, Rutland, Vermont. Work is performed in Rutland, Vt., with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0038).
Purnell Construction Co., LLC., Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $15,810,697 firm-fixed-price contract. The work consists of construction operations for enlargement of existing levee by truck-hauling material from contractor furnished borrow pit, clearing and grubbing, installation of geotextile construction of a clay cut-off trench, maintenance of truck wash down racks, fertilizing, seeding and mulching and all operations incidental thereto. Work is to be performed at the Westwego to Harvey Canal, Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, V-Line Levee East of Vertex, Phase 2 First Enlargement, Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 27, 2011. Eleven bids were solicited with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0042).
Brigadler Construction Services, LLC., Cleveland, Ohio., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 an $11,992,700 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to construct a 1300 person dining facility based on standard design criteria. The project shall include design and complete construction as indicated in the request for proposal. The site design and construction outside the "5 Foot Line" be in this contract. The contract is performance based, and not definitive in type of construction or materials unless otherwise indicated. A comprehensive interior design is required with an option to provide furniture and décor items. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S> Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0057).
The Ross Group Construction Corp., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $11,551,000 firm-fixed-price contract to renovate B730, Fort Still Okla, Work includes evaluating existing classrooms electronically, mechanically, and in regard to connectivity; renovate classrooms in preparation for reception of future Classroom 21 package/suite; renovate hallways, staircases and display areas; renovate latrines; and achieve proper temperature regulation in the Classroom 21 computer server room. Work is to be performed in Fort Still, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 10, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0043).
AM General LLC., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Mar. 29, 2010 an $11,100,440 firm-fixed-price contract to add 94 each of High Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, AMSTA-AQ-ATCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
Greenleaf Construction Co, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on March 29, 2010 a $10,985,396 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/ build award for a motor transport operator/ wheeled vehicle drivers course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Work is to be performed in Waynesville, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2011. Hub-Zone set-aside bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-4012).
Paul S. Akins Company, Inc., Statesboro, Ga., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $10,777,100 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an advanced skills training trainee dining facility. This includes the design build of a complete enlisted personnel dining facility, supporting site work, and demolition of existing parking lot at the building site and surrounding area at Fort Benning, Ga. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2011. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0064).
Olin Corp., Winchester Division, East Alton, Ill., was awarded on Mar. 26, 2010 a $10,691,561 requirements contract with actual awards made via delivery order and delivery order modification contract. This award is made under the terms of the existing requirements contract for 9mm M882 ball. This ammunition is used in the M9 Beretta pistol both for training and for combat. Work is to be performed in East Alton, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-06-D-0031).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Fraga Group USA, Greenbelt, Md.** is being awarded a maximum $20,316,180 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Spain. Using services are Navy, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. There were originally five proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-10-D-9405).
Breeze Eastern, Union, N.J.* is being awarded a maximum $13,042,825 firm fixed price, sole source contract for aircraft mount winch. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2015. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-AHA), Redstone Arsenal, Ala. (SPRRA1-10-D-0036).
Honeywell International Inc., Tempe, Ariz. is being awarded a maximum $7,748,600 firm fixed price sole source contract for shaft compressors. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Air Force and Marine Corps. 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 October, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPRPA1-09-G-002X-5242).
Mercury Air Center dba Atlantic Aviation, Reno, Nev.* is being awarded a maximum $7,375,457 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is same. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-10-D-0007).
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