Arlington, VA —Today, Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson took over the leadership of the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), a six-year-old program that provides personalized support to severely wounded, ill and injured soldiers and veterans, as well as their families. Gadson’s 22-year military career began at West Point with a field artillery commission and includes several combat tours, most recently as a battalion commander in Iraq, where an improvised explosive device (IED) resulted in the amputation of both his legs. Lt. Col. Gadson was recently selected for promotion to the rank of Colonel.
“As an alumni of AW2’s support, I know first-hand the value that the Army Wounded Warrior Program brings to the long term success of wounded soldiers. This is the perfect place for me to serve, and I am honored to have this mission,” said AW2 Director Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson. “For our severely wounded, ill and injured soldiers and veterans, AW2 provides an umbrella of expertise that helps foster the independence that leads to long-term success. For me, AW2's personalized support led to my continued service in the Army.”
AW2, a component of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC), provides each severely wounded soldier – such as those with amputations, burns, paralysis, vision loss, post traumatic stress disorder, or traumatic brain injury–with a local AW2 Advocate. The AW2 Advocate’s role is to foster the soldier’s independence as they learn to adapt to their injury and transition to life post-injury, whether that is back to duty or into civilian status. The AW2 Advocate connects the soldier with resources, benefits and information, and also provides a shoulder to lean on or motivation to keep them moving forward.
“Having served twice with Lt. Col. Gadson in Afghanistan, I know there is no better leader for this program. He understands soldiers, knows the challenges faced by our severely wounded, and is eager to build on AW2's proven success,” stated Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, WTC commander.
WTC, a major subordinate command under the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), serves as the central comprehensive source for warrior care support across the Army. Its mission is to develop, coordinate and integrate the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program for wounded, ill and injured soldiers, veterans, and their families in order to promote future success in the force or in civilian live.
Col. Jim Rice, the outgoing AW2 director, will now serve as the Chief, Health Service Support Directorate on the Joint Staff. In this role he will coordinate medical support for all the services to combatant commanders around the world.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Department of Defense’s Oldest and Largest Exchange Service to Mark 115 Years of Support
DALLAS – As the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) readies to mark 115 years of service and support to America’s military, the military command’s mission remains basically the same: provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Services programs.
Established July 25, 1895, when the War Department issued General Order number 46 directing post commanders to establish an Exchange at every post where practicable, AAFES continues to deliver a comprehensive and customer–focused benefit to troops and their families at installations throughout America, Europe, the Pacific and Middle East.
In addition to its flagship Exchange facilities, modern AAFES operations also include convenience stores, car care centers, military clothing sales stores, fast food restaurants, retail concession services such as flower shops and gift stores, vending, telecommunications support and a wide variety of personal services through more than 3,100 facilities in 25 countries, five US territories and all 50 states.
The scope of current operations goes well beyond the conventional offerings the War Department might have envisioned in the late 1800’s as AAFES today operates bakeries, water bottling activities and provides more than 22,000 meals a day to troops’ children at 91 Department of Defense Schools in nine countries.
Just like the merchants who supplied provisions to America’s troops in the late 19th century, AAFES associates continue to live and work alongside those they serve. In fact, more than 300 associates are currently deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, actively delivering a slice of Americana to troops through 90 Exchange operations, 72 phone centers and 250 fast food restaurants scattered throughout the Middle East.
Closer to home, the largest and most senior Exchange service is focused on energizing outreach efforts to communicate the value, benefit and capabilities it brings to the military community. Recognizing the pivotal role National Guard and Reserve troops are playing as they transition from a strategic force to an operational force, AAFES is specifically reaching out to “Citizen Soldiers’” families to ensure they understand the value of their exchange benefit not only downrange, but also on the installation, online or over the phone. AAFES’ outreach efforts are further enhanced through social media channels such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and SalutetoYourService.com, that strengthen positive, long-term relationships with military shoppers.
“AAFES’ commitment to America’s troops is as strong as it’s ever been,” said Col. Virgil Williams, AAFES chief of staff. “Whether at their home station, deployed overseas, providing support in the wake of a natural disaster, or even in the hospital, AAFES is there.”
Keeping in the spirit of exceptional service and support, Exchanges and the Exchange Online Store are inviting authorized customers to “celebrate the savings” from Sunday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 27.
Shoppers who stop by CONUS exchanges during the three-day period can register to win a $5,000 Exchange shopping spree while runners-up will receive one of three Samsung LED TVs ranging from 40-55”. Exchange patrons in the U.S. can also enter to win a round trip for two to Hollywood to meet Mario Lopez and attend a taping of eXTRA.
Military shoppers stationed overseas who stop by the Exchange during the three-day period can register to win a $5,000 Exchange shopping spree, a backpack or set of luggage.
In addition to the giveaways and sweepstakes, Exchanges across the globe will offer a variety of great deals centered on AAFES’ 115th birthday. Shoppers using their MILITARY STAR® card, for example, will receive $15 off any purchase of $115 or more as well as 15 cents off a gallon of gas during the three-days of festivities. Additionally, several items at aafes.com, including a Bulova watch, diamond bangle bracelet, Voyager Bluetooth headset and Cuisinart Chef’s 10-piece cookware set, will be offered for just $115.
Since its establishment in 1895, AAFES has been involved in 14 major contingencies (to include the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Balkans and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom) and several dozen humanitarian and disaster relief contingencies.
AAFES is a joint command of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and is directed by a Board of Directors who is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. AAFES has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military MWR and Services programs.
Established July 25, 1895, when the War Department issued General Order number 46 directing post commanders to establish an Exchange at every post where practicable, AAFES continues to deliver a comprehensive and customer–focused benefit to troops and their families at installations throughout America, Europe, the Pacific and Middle East.
In addition to its flagship Exchange facilities, modern AAFES operations also include convenience stores, car care centers, military clothing sales stores, fast food restaurants, retail concession services such as flower shops and gift stores, vending, telecommunications support and a wide variety of personal services through more than 3,100 facilities in 25 countries, five US territories and all 50 states.
The scope of current operations goes well beyond the conventional offerings the War Department might have envisioned in the late 1800’s as AAFES today operates bakeries, water bottling activities and provides more than 22,000 meals a day to troops’ children at 91 Department of Defense Schools in nine countries.
Just like the merchants who supplied provisions to America’s troops in the late 19th century, AAFES associates continue to live and work alongside those they serve. In fact, more than 300 associates are currently deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, actively delivering a slice of Americana to troops through 90 Exchange operations, 72 phone centers and 250 fast food restaurants scattered throughout the Middle East.
Closer to home, the largest and most senior Exchange service is focused on energizing outreach efforts to communicate the value, benefit and capabilities it brings to the military community. Recognizing the pivotal role National Guard and Reserve troops are playing as they transition from a strategic force to an operational force, AAFES is specifically reaching out to “Citizen Soldiers’” families to ensure they understand the value of their exchange benefit not only downrange, but also on the installation, online or over the phone. AAFES’ outreach efforts are further enhanced through social media channels such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and SalutetoYourService.com, that strengthen positive, long-term relationships with military shoppers.
“AAFES’ commitment to America’s troops is as strong as it’s ever been,” said Col. Virgil Williams, AAFES chief of staff. “Whether at their home station, deployed overseas, providing support in the wake of a natural disaster, or even in the hospital, AAFES is there.”
Keeping in the spirit of exceptional service and support, Exchanges and the Exchange Online Store are inviting authorized customers to “celebrate the savings” from Sunday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 27.
Shoppers who stop by CONUS exchanges during the three-day period can register to win a $5,000 Exchange shopping spree while runners-up will receive one of three Samsung LED TVs ranging from 40-55”. Exchange patrons in the U.S. can also enter to win a round trip for two to Hollywood to meet Mario Lopez and attend a taping of eXTRA.
Military shoppers stationed overseas who stop by the Exchange during the three-day period can register to win a $5,000 Exchange shopping spree, a backpack or set of luggage.
In addition to the giveaways and sweepstakes, Exchanges across the globe will offer a variety of great deals centered on AAFES’ 115th birthday. Shoppers using their MILITARY STAR® card, for example, will receive $15 off any purchase of $115 or more as well as 15 cents off a gallon of gas during the three-days of festivities. Additionally, several items at aafes.com, including a Bulova watch, diamond bangle bracelet, Voyager Bluetooth headset and Cuisinart Chef’s 10-piece cookware set, will be offered for just $115.
Since its establishment in 1895, AAFES has been involved in 14 major contingencies (to include the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Balkans and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom) and several dozen humanitarian and disaster relief contingencies.
AAFES is a joint command of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and is directed by a Board of Directors who is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. AAFES has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and of generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military MWR and Services programs.
Rules Change on Escorting Families During Duty Station Moves
By Wm. Cullen James, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Service members traveling on indeterminate temporary duty (ITDY) orders are now authorized to escort their family members to and from an alternate location at government expense, according to NAVADMIN 227/10, which was released July 9.
The message announced the change in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) law that went into effect March 15.
The new policy adds an escort entitlement for Sailors to accompany their family during an authorized move. There is no change to family member travel.
ITDY is similar to temporary duty (TDY), which the Navy calls temporary additional duty (TAD), but there is no specified time period and no end-date in the orders. A modification or follow-on orders are required for the member to go to their permanent duty station (PDS).
According to Cmdr. Carl Chaffin, distribution management and procedures branch head, this change in policy is the culmination of more than two years of work that was initiated at the direction of the Task Force Individual Augmentee (IA) Conference held in the fall of 2007.
"To allow service members returning from IA assignments to reunite with their families was a major issue of that conference," said Chaffin. "Reducing the requirement from 365 to 210 days to be eligible for ITDY orders and the escort entitlement were the courses of action taken to meet that issue."
To apply for escort entitlement, the member must be on ITDY orders dated March 15 or later. Orders dated prior to March 15 can be modified, but this modification does not grandfather in prior travel.
"ITDY orders are issued to service members going on temporary duty when the return date is unknown," said Chaffin. "To qualify for ITDY orders, the Navy has reduced the estimated minimum number of days on assignment to 210 days. ITDY orders extend the same entitlements as TDY orders, plus additional entitlements for moving family members to an alternate place. The escort option only applies to the member when assisting family members such as for the purpose of concurrent travel."
Under the new rules, service members must request approval of their itinerary prior to starting travel. Travel is either from the PDS to the ITDY location or from the ITDY location to the PDS. Service members currently on Global War on Terrorism Support Assignments (GSA) cannot be reimbursed retroactively for previous travel, but may make a request for their return travel.
Some typical scenarios:
• A service member accompanies family members from an alternate location en route to the old PDS upon return from an individual augmentee assignment when the servicemember does not have follow-on permanent change of station orders.
• The member escorts family members to an alternate location and returns to the Sailor's PDS prior to departing for an IA/GSA.
• When the servicemember has follow-on PCS orders, travel from the ITDY location to the old PDS (if family members elected to stay there) and travel to new PDS when returning from a GSA.
The government will not pay for escort travel when:
• The member wants to use it to arrange for household goods or privately owned vehicle shipments, take leave or any other personal convenience.
• The member does not have ITDY orders. Any travel prior to having written orders is not reimbursable.
• The member has already reported to the new PDS.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Service members traveling on indeterminate temporary duty (ITDY) orders are now authorized to escort their family members to and from an alternate location at government expense, according to NAVADMIN 227/10, which was released July 9.
The message announced the change in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) law that went into effect March 15.
The new policy adds an escort entitlement for Sailors to accompany their family during an authorized move. There is no change to family member travel.
ITDY is similar to temporary duty (TDY), which the Navy calls temporary additional duty (TAD), but there is no specified time period and no end-date in the orders. A modification or follow-on orders are required for the member to go to their permanent duty station (PDS).
According to Cmdr. Carl Chaffin, distribution management and procedures branch head, this change in policy is the culmination of more than two years of work that was initiated at the direction of the Task Force Individual Augmentee (IA) Conference held in the fall of 2007.
"To allow service members returning from IA assignments to reunite with their families was a major issue of that conference," said Chaffin. "Reducing the requirement from 365 to 210 days to be eligible for ITDY orders and the escort entitlement were the courses of action taken to meet that issue."
To apply for escort entitlement, the member must be on ITDY orders dated March 15 or later. Orders dated prior to March 15 can be modified, but this modification does not grandfather in prior travel.
"ITDY orders are issued to service members going on temporary duty when the return date is unknown," said Chaffin. "To qualify for ITDY orders, the Navy has reduced the estimated minimum number of days on assignment to 210 days. ITDY orders extend the same entitlements as TDY orders, plus additional entitlements for moving family members to an alternate place. The escort option only applies to the member when assisting family members such as for the purpose of concurrent travel."
Under the new rules, service members must request approval of their itinerary prior to starting travel. Travel is either from the PDS to the ITDY location or from the ITDY location to the PDS. Service members currently on Global War on Terrorism Support Assignments (GSA) cannot be reimbursed retroactively for previous travel, but may make a request for their return travel.
Some typical scenarios:
• A service member accompanies family members from an alternate location en route to the old PDS upon return from an individual augmentee assignment when the servicemember does not have follow-on permanent change of station orders.
• The member escorts family members to an alternate location and returns to the Sailor's PDS prior to departing for an IA/GSA.
• When the servicemember has follow-on PCS orders, travel from the ITDY location to the old PDS (if family members elected to stay there) and travel to new PDS when returning from a GSA.
The government will not pay for escort travel when:
• The member wants to use it to arrange for household goods or privately owned vehicle shipments, take leave or any other personal convenience.
• The member does not have ITDY orders. Any travel prior to having written orders is not reimbursable.
• The member has already reported to the new PDS.
Sailors Shine in Yorktown Waterman's Heritage Festival
By Mark O. Piggott, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs
YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown enjoyed the fun and festivities of the 2010 Yorktown Waterman's Heritage Festival at the Yorktown Waterman's Museum in Yortown, Va., July 11.
The festival is held annually to honor watermen who fish on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the men and women of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard who protect them.
The festival features waterman's boat races, maritime and environmental educational displays, arts and crafts vendors and various military units. Sailors from the NWS Yorktown's Security Department brought a 45-foot harbor security boat and patrol cruiser to display for festival patrons.
Other military elements included a U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat from U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown and Marine Corps humvees from 2nd Fleet's Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) at NWS Yorktown.
"The military's participation is always a big part of the festival every year," said David Niebuhr, executive director for the Yorktown Waterman's Museum. "We can't do enough to thank them for their service to our country and for their support of the Yorktown community."
The highlight of the festival is the annual waterman boat races. Each year, the local watermen try to win honors and bragging rights for the next year. From outboard motors to big diesel engines, the boats put on quite a show for all the spectators to see.
"It's amazing to see what these workboats are capable of," said Capt. Chuck Marks, NWS Yorktown's commanding officer. "These men take pride in their work and show it by maintaining their boats in a high state of readiness. That's the mark of a true seaman."
Throughout the day, people who wandered the festival grounds got a chance to see military hardware up close and interact with Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. The festival gives the local community the opportunity to see their military neighbors outside the fence line.
"Our mission of fleet ordnance support requires intense security and some restrictions, especially when it comes to the base operations," said Marks. "We welcome opportunities like the Waterman's Festival to bring us a little bit closer to the community we call home."
"I know we can always rely on the military to help us in any way, shape or form," said Niebuhr. "They add significantly to the Waterman's Museum goal of educating people on the resources and history of the York River."
The festival concluded with a rousing performance by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band "Four-Star Edition" playing top rock, pop and country hits.
YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown enjoyed the fun and festivities of the 2010 Yorktown Waterman's Heritage Festival at the Yorktown Waterman's Museum in Yortown, Va., July 11.
The festival is held annually to honor watermen who fish on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the men and women of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard who protect them.
The festival features waterman's boat races, maritime and environmental educational displays, arts and crafts vendors and various military units. Sailors from the NWS Yorktown's Security Department brought a 45-foot harbor security boat and patrol cruiser to display for festival patrons.
Other military elements included a U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat from U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown and Marine Corps humvees from 2nd Fleet's Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) at NWS Yorktown.
"The military's participation is always a big part of the festival every year," said David Niebuhr, executive director for the Yorktown Waterman's Museum. "We can't do enough to thank them for their service to our country and for their support of the Yorktown community."
The highlight of the festival is the annual waterman boat races. Each year, the local watermen try to win honors and bragging rights for the next year. From outboard motors to big diesel engines, the boats put on quite a show for all the spectators to see.
"It's amazing to see what these workboats are capable of," said Capt. Chuck Marks, NWS Yorktown's commanding officer. "These men take pride in their work and show it by maintaining their boats in a high state of readiness. That's the mark of a true seaman."
Throughout the day, people who wandered the festival grounds got a chance to see military hardware up close and interact with Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. The festival gives the local community the opportunity to see their military neighbors outside the fence line.
"Our mission of fleet ordnance support requires intense security and some restrictions, especially when it comes to the base operations," said Marks. "We welcome opportunities like the Waterman's Festival to bring us a little bit closer to the community we call home."
"I know we can always rely on the military to help us in any way, shape or form," said Niebuhr. "They add significantly to the Waterman's Museum goal of educating people on the resources and history of the York River."
The festival concluded with a rousing performance by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band "Four-Star Edition" playing top rock, pop and country hits.
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 13, 2010
NAVY
ITT Electronic Systems, Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems, Clifton, N.J., is being awarded a $42,498,896 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Clifton, N.J. (44 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (38 percent); and North Amityville, N.Y. (18 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0071).
Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $41,987,101 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 Tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif. (25 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25 percent); Dallas, Texas (25 percent); Fort Wayne, Ind. (10 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (7 percent); Torrance, Calif. (5 percent); Fairfax, Va. (2 percent); and Anacortes, Wash. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0073).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems - Eastern Region, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $41,976,091 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Linthicum, Md. (60 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (34 percent); Rockledge, Fla. (5 percent); and Mojave, Calif. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0072).
BAE Systems, Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $41,748,137 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H. (32 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (27 percent); Lansdale, Pa. (25 percent); and Melbourne, Fla. (16 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0070).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $12,099,188 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0007) for the procurement of various obsolete parts for MV-22 and CV-22 aircraft, including both life-of-type and bridge buys. The associated obsolete parts are for the Display Electronics Unit II; Dual Digital Map System; Air Data Unit; Slim Multi Functional Display; and Thermoelectric Cooler Modular Unit. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (95 percent); Vergennes, Vt. (3 percent); and Albuquerque, N.M. (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed in October 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $10,124,259 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
HDR Architecture, Inc., Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $10,000,000 modification to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40083-08-D-0065) to exercise Option 2 for architectural and engineering services at Naval Station Great Lakes. The work to be performed provides for partial design packages; total design packages; design-build request for proposal packages; repairs and alterations to existing facilities; collateral equipment lists; project preliminary hazard analysis; obtaining permits and regulatory approvals; surveys, topographic and boundary; soil investigations; comprehensive interior design; contractor submittal review; construction inspection, observation and consultation; operations and maintenance support information; environmental assessments; fire protection; anti-terrorism/force protection evaluation and design; designs for phased construction; and as-built drawing preparation. The current total estimated contract amount after exercise of this option will be $30,000,000. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and work for this option period is expected to be completed July 15, 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,598,456 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0007) for the procurement of 20 Tomahawk Block IV mid-body range safety system kits and flight test kits. These components will be installed in each Tomahawk Block IV flight test missile to provide telemetry and safety-related communications between the missile and either ground or airborne safety controllers. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Bristol, Pa. (15 percent); San Diego, Calif. (14 percent); Westminster, Colo. (12 percent); Berryville, Ark. (5 percent); Lancaster, Pa. (2 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (1 percent); Joplin, Mo. (1 percent); Tulsa, Okla. (1 percent); Ontario, Calif. (1 percent); and miscellaneous locations throughout the U.S. (3 percent). Work is expected to be completed in May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Y. Hata & Co., Ltd.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum $40,500,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 14, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3295).
Y. Hata & Co., Ltd.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum $10,125,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 14, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3294).
Adanac Industries, Inc.*, Eastlake, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,856,000 firm-fixed-price with indefinite-quantity for antifriction bearing housing. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System Web site with two responses. The date of performance completion is Dec. 24, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0237).
Adanac Industries, Inc.*, Eastlake, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,856,000 firm-fixed-price with indefinite-quantity for antifriction bearing housing. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System Web site with two responses. The date of performance completion is Dec. 29, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0251).
ARMY
Raydon Corp., Daytona Beach, Fla., was awarded on July 9 a $36,355,550 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for 11 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle virtual trainers for the Army National Guard. Work is to be performed in Daytona Beach, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. Over 50 bids were solicited with one bid received. National Guard Bureau, ZC-AQ, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-10-F-0130).
Conti Federal Services, Inc., South Plainfield, N.J., was awarded on July 7 a $7,027,043 firm-fixed-price contract. T his contract is for the construction of "Westbank and Vicinity, New Orleans, LA Hurricane Protection Project, WBV-09C Hero to Oakville HWY 23 Crossing; Plaquemines Parish, La." Work is to be performed in Plaquemines Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of May 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0095).
Science Application International Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on July 9 a $5,549,168 firm-fixed-price contract for non-personal services in support of the "Advanced Electronic Magnetic Pulse Test & Technical Assistance In Accordance with Statement of Work." Work is to be performed in Fort Belvoir, Va., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, R&D Enterprise Contracts, BE-BCRB, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (DTRA01-03-D-0005).
AIR FORCE
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, N.M., was awarded a $5,892,639 contract which will establish an educational outreach program that will develop, implement and maintain an integrated education recruitment and professional development system. At this time, $240,000 has been obligated. AFRL/RVKE, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-10-2-0259).
Boeing Co., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded a $7,000,000 contract which will support the 40mm gun requirement for the AC-130 Plus Four program. At this time, $1,173,207 has been obligated. 782 CBSG/GBKAA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8520-10-D-0010).
ITT Electronic Systems, Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems, Clifton, N.J., is being awarded a $42,498,896 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Clifton, N.J. (44 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (38 percent); and North Amityville, N.Y. (18 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0071).
Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $41,987,101 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 Tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif. (25 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25 percent); Dallas, Texas (25 percent); Fort Wayne, Ind. (10 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (7 percent); Torrance, Calif. (5 percent); Fairfax, Va. (2 percent); and Anacortes, Wash. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0073).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems - Eastern Region, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $41,976,091 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Linthicum, Md. (60 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (34 percent); Rockledge, Fla. (5 percent); and Mojave, Calif. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0072).
BAE Systems, Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $41,748,137 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technology maturation efforts in support of the next-generation jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off/mod-escort platform. Specifically, the contractor will mature and provide a concept demonstrator (CD) design and mature critical technology elements required to support CD design. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H. (32 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (27 percent); Lansdale, Pa. (25 percent); and Melbourne, Fla. (16 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, with four proposals received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0070).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $12,099,188 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0007) for the procurement of various obsolete parts for MV-22 and CV-22 aircraft, including both life-of-type and bridge buys. The associated obsolete parts are for the Display Electronics Unit II; Dual Digital Map System; Air Data Unit; Slim Multi Functional Display; and Thermoelectric Cooler Modular Unit. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (95 percent); Vergennes, Vt. (3 percent); and Albuquerque, N.M. (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed in October 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $10,124,259 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
HDR Architecture, Inc., Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $10,000,000 modification to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40083-08-D-0065) to exercise Option 2 for architectural and engineering services at Naval Station Great Lakes. The work to be performed provides for partial design packages; total design packages; design-build request for proposal packages; repairs and alterations to existing facilities; collateral equipment lists; project preliminary hazard analysis; obtaining permits and regulatory approvals; surveys, topographic and boundary; soil investigations; comprehensive interior design; contractor submittal review; construction inspection, observation and consultation; operations and maintenance support information; environmental assessments; fire protection; anti-terrorism/force protection evaluation and design; designs for phased construction; and as-built drawing preparation. The current total estimated contract amount after exercise of this option will be $30,000,000. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and work for this option period is expected to be completed July 15, 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,598,456 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0007) for the procurement of 20 Tomahawk Block IV mid-body range safety system kits and flight test kits. These components will be installed in each Tomahawk Block IV flight test missile to provide telemetry and safety-related communications between the missile and either ground or airborne safety controllers. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Bristol, Pa. (15 percent); San Diego, Calif. (14 percent); Westminster, Colo. (12 percent); Berryville, Ark. (5 percent); Lancaster, Pa. (2 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (1 percent); Joplin, Mo. (1 percent); Tulsa, Okla. (1 percent); Ontario, Calif. (1 percent); and miscellaneous locations throughout the U.S. (3 percent). Work is expected to be completed in May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Y. Hata & Co., Ltd.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum $40,500,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 14, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3295).
Y. Hata & Co., Ltd.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum $10,125,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 14, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3294).
Adanac Industries, Inc.*, Eastlake, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,856,000 firm-fixed-price with indefinite-quantity for antifriction bearing housing. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System Web site with two responses. The date of performance completion is Dec. 24, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0237).
Adanac Industries, Inc.*, Eastlake, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,856,000 firm-fixed-price with indefinite-quantity for antifriction bearing housing. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System Web site with two responses. The date of performance completion is Dec. 29, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0251).
ARMY
Raydon Corp., Daytona Beach, Fla., was awarded on July 9 a $36,355,550 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for 11 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle virtual trainers for the Army National Guard. Work is to be performed in Daytona Beach, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. Over 50 bids were solicited with one bid received. National Guard Bureau, ZC-AQ, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-10-F-0130).
Conti Federal Services, Inc., South Plainfield, N.J., was awarded on July 7 a $7,027,043 firm-fixed-price contract. T his contract is for the construction of "Westbank and Vicinity, New Orleans, LA Hurricane Protection Project, WBV-09C Hero to Oakville HWY 23 Crossing; Plaquemines Parish, La." Work is to be performed in Plaquemines Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of May 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0095).
Science Application International Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on July 9 a $5,549,168 firm-fixed-price contract for non-personal services in support of the "Advanced Electronic Magnetic Pulse Test & Technical Assistance In Accordance with Statement of Work." Work is to be performed in Fort Belvoir, Va., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, R&D Enterprise Contracts, BE-BCRB, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (DTRA01-03-D-0005).
AIR FORCE
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, N.M., was awarded a $5,892,639 contract which will establish an educational outreach program that will develop, implement and maintain an integrated education recruitment and professional development system. At this time, $240,000 has been obligated. AFRL/RVKE, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-10-2-0259).
Boeing Co., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded a $7,000,000 contract which will support the 40mm gun requirement for the AC-130 Plus Four program. At this time, $1,173,207 has been obligated. 782 CBSG/GBKAA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8520-10-D-0010).
No More C-17s, Defense Officials Tell Congress
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
July 13, 2010 - The military has more than enough large transport planes, and the appropriation of any more in the next budget year will force some into premature retirement, Defense Department officials told a congressional panel today.
"We have enough C-17s," Mike McCord, principal deputy undersecretary of defense (comptroller), said. "Money spent on things we don't need takes away from those we do need."
Along with McCord, Air Force Maj. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins, director of strategic plans for Air Mobility Command, and Alan Estevez, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistical and materiel readiness, repeated Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' position against the purchase of more C-17s to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs' federal financial management ubcommittee.
All three defense officials agreed with the subcommittee's leaders, Sens. Thomas Carper and John McCain, that the C-17, in addition to the C-5, has been critical to airlift in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan. However, they said, the military's current fleet of 223 C-17s and 111 C-5s is more than enough airlift capability for years to come.
A department study that concluded in February was consistent with two other studies that found that the current fleet is sufficient "even in the most demanding environments" to take the military through 2016, McCord said. The oldest plane in the transport fleet, Lockheed's C-5A Galaxy, will be viable until 2025, and the fleet as a whole should last until 2040, he said.
The department has not requested C-17s, built by Boeing, since the fiscal 2007 budget, yet Congress has added them every year since, spending about $1.25 billion on C-17s "that we don't want or need," said McCord, a 21-year staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee before his current appointment.
Any additional appropriation for C-17s will have to be offset by retiring some of the military's older – but still viable -- transport planes, the defense officials said.
And, the defense officials said, adding force structure such as aircraft always entails additional costs in training, maintenance, and infrastructure, such as new hangars, bases and tooling. The department spends about $50,000 per aircraft per year to store aircraft where spare parts are available, Desjardins said.
"It's the gift that keeps on giving, because if you give it to us, we'll maintain it," Estevez said.
It would be more cost-effective, the defense officials said, to modify the C-5M for longer viability to continue to work in conjunction with the C-17.
Desjardins called the C-17 the "backbone" of the air mobility fleet, and said the C-5's combination of long range, high capacity and capability to carry outsize cargo is unequaled. Together, she said, "they meet the needs for cargo and capacity anywhere in the world."
Retiring the least-capable C-5s would save about $320 million, Desjardins said.
"Making tradeoffs of two types of aircraft when we already have more than enough of both is not going be cost effective," McCord said.
Asked what the department would cut to accommodate any new C-17s, McCord said that would depend on how many new C-17s were bought. "You and Congress would decide that," he said, "because you would cut from our budget about $300 million for every C-17 added."
"We have a good mix right now," Estevez said. "Replacement is definitely not the most cost-effective way. Buying more to retire more is certainly not the way the department needs to balance its resources."
The defense secretary has made that case to Congress, and President Barack Obama has promised to veto any legislation that provides for more C-17s.
American Forces Press Service
July 13, 2010 - The military has more than enough large transport planes, and the appropriation of any more in the next budget year will force some into premature retirement, Defense Department officials told a congressional panel today.
"We have enough C-17s," Mike McCord, principal deputy undersecretary of defense (comptroller), said. "Money spent on things we don't need takes away from those we do need."
Along with McCord, Air Force Maj. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins, director of strategic plans for Air Mobility Command, and Alan Estevez, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistical and materiel readiness, repeated Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' position against the purchase of more C-17s to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs' federal financial management ubcommittee.
All three defense officials agreed with the subcommittee's leaders, Sens. Thomas Carper and John McCain, that the C-17, in addition to the C-5, has been critical to airlift in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan. However, they said, the military's current fleet of 223 C-17s and 111 C-5s is more than enough airlift capability for years to come.
A department study that concluded in February was consistent with two other studies that found that the current fleet is sufficient "even in the most demanding environments" to take the military through 2016, McCord said. The oldest plane in the transport fleet, Lockheed's C-5A Galaxy, will be viable until 2025, and the fleet as a whole should last until 2040, he said.
The department has not requested C-17s, built by Boeing, since the fiscal 2007 budget, yet Congress has added them every year since, spending about $1.25 billion on C-17s "that we don't want or need," said McCord, a 21-year staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee before his current appointment.
Any additional appropriation for C-17s will have to be offset by retiring some of the military's older – but still viable -- transport planes, the defense officials said.
And, the defense officials said, adding force structure such as aircraft always entails additional costs in training, maintenance, and infrastructure, such as new hangars, bases and tooling. The department spends about $50,000 per aircraft per year to store aircraft where spare parts are available, Desjardins said.
"It's the gift that keeps on giving, because if you give it to us, we'll maintain it," Estevez said.
It would be more cost-effective, the defense officials said, to modify the C-5M for longer viability to continue to work in conjunction with the C-17.
Desjardins called the C-17 the "backbone" of the air mobility fleet, and said the C-5's combination of long range, high capacity and capability to carry outsize cargo is unequaled. Together, she said, "they meet the needs for cargo and capacity anywhere in the world."
Retiring the least-capable C-5s would save about $320 million, Desjardins said.
"Making tradeoffs of two types of aircraft when we already have more than enough of both is not going be cost effective," McCord said.
Asked what the department would cut to accommodate any new C-17s, McCord said that would depend on how many new C-17s were bought. "You and Congress would decide that," he said, "because you would cut from our budget about $300 million for every C-17 added."
"We have a good mix right now," Estevez said. "Replacement is definitely not the most cost-effective way. Buying more to retire more is certainly not the way the department needs to balance its resources."
The defense secretary has made that case to Congress, and President Barack Obama has promised to veto any legislation that provides for more C-17s.
Wisconsin Air Guard to support gulf oil spill response efforts
Date: July 13, 2010
Four Airmen with the Wisconsin Air National Guard are expected to depart this week to support response operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Airmen - all noncommissioned officers - will work in an Air Force North secondary air operations center to manage the airspace in the area of the Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill recovery effort. Three of the Airmen hail from the 128th Air Refueling Wing; Tech. Sgt. Jill Hofstetter, Reeseville is an air surveillance technician with the 128th Air Control Squadron, a position she's held the past two years. Prior to that, she served eight years in the active Air Force.
"This will be a change of pace," she explained while outprocessing at the 115th Fighter Wing. "It's been two years - I miss the active duty pace."
The Wisconsin Airmen will be among 57 National Guard members to staff the command center. Those Guard members will include pilots, navigators, air battle managers and air traffic controllers, and intelligence. The duty is expected to last up to 120 days. According to Maj. David May, deputy director of operations for the Wisconsin National Guard joint staff, additional Airmen from Wisconsin may be called upon to support this mission. While these would be the first Guard members from Wisconsin to assist in the gulf oil spill recovery operations, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from the gulf states and others have been on active state duty to help combat the oil spill since early May.
Four Airmen with the Wisconsin Air National Guard are expected to depart this week to support response operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Airmen - all noncommissioned officers - will work in an Air Force North secondary air operations center to manage the airspace in the area of the Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill recovery effort. Three of the Airmen hail from the 128th Air Refueling Wing; Tech. Sgt. Jill Hofstetter, Reeseville is an air surveillance technician with the 128th Air Control Squadron, a position she's held the past two years. Prior to that, she served eight years in the active Air Force.
"This will be a change of pace," she explained while outprocessing at the 115th Fighter Wing. "It's been two years - I miss the active duty pace."
The Wisconsin Airmen will be among 57 National Guard members to staff the command center. Those Guard members will include pilots, navigators, air battle managers and air traffic controllers, and intelligence. The duty is expected to last up to 120 days. According to Maj. David May, deputy director of operations for the Wisconsin National Guard joint staff, additional Airmen from Wisconsin may be called upon to support this mission. While these would be the first Guard members from Wisconsin to assist in the gulf oil spill recovery operations, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from the gulf states and others have been on active state duty to help combat the oil spill since early May.
USS Chafee Returns to Pearl Harbor
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) after a three-month deployment in the Western Pacific July 12.
Chafee departed JBPHH April 5 for an independent deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
"This was a very productive deployment," said Cmdr. Chase Patrick, commanding officer of Chafee. "We never had a bad day at sea, we had a lot of fun and we got a lot of work accomplished."
While on deployment, Chafee took part in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian Navy to promote the interoperability between the United States and India.
Chafee also participated in operations supporting Commander Task Force 70 and trained alongside the Malaysian Navy.
Patrick spoke about how well the crew performed during the deployment.
"The crew performed great. They were very proficient from the navigation detail down to the engineers," said Patrick. "They did their jobs exceedingly well."
Friends and families were excited to see their Sailors return home as they waited at the pier.
Guided-missile destroyers are multimission surface combatants, capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) after a three-month deployment in the Western Pacific July 12.
Chafee departed JBPHH April 5 for an independent deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
"This was a very productive deployment," said Cmdr. Chase Patrick, commanding officer of Chafee. "We never had a bad day at sea, we had a lot of fun and we got a lot of work accomplished."
While on deployment, Chafee took part in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian Navy to promote the interoperability between the United States and India.
Chafee also participated in operations supporting Commander Task Force 70 and trained alongside the Malaysian Navy.
Patrick spoke about how well the crew performed during the deployment.
"The crew performed great. They were very proficient from the navigation detail down to the engineers," said Patrick. "They did their jobs exceedingly well."
Friends and families were excited to see their Sailors return home as they waited at the pier.
Guided-missile destroyers are multimission surface combatants, capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.
Third-Generation Officer Takes Oath
Joint Task Force 435
July 13, 2010 - One of the Navy's newest officers joined the ranks in a unique way July 9 when he received his commissioning oath via video teleconference from his uncle, a Navy vice admiral who commands a joint task force in Afghanistan. The commissioning of Ensign Ian Kriegish by Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, Joint Task Force 435 commander, marked the beginning of the third generation of his family to serve as an officer in the Navy.
"We are all very proud of you -- proud of you for what you're doing," Harward told his nephew. "You're taking on this obligation when we're at war, and you'll serve while we're at war. There's no greater purpose that you could have in life, so go out and serve the fleet well."
Harward introduced Kriegish to the Navy. As a recent honors graduate from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., Kriegish was undecided about his future. But a visit to his uncle's home in Norfolk, Va., changed that.
"When he was visiting me in Norfolk, he didn't know what he wanted to do," Harward said. "I live near the [aircraft] carrier, so we just walked over and walked on some of the ships. We talked to some young kids who were just junior officers. He decided that joining seemed interesting, so he applied."
After finding out that he had aced the entry test and had been accepted to become an intelligence officer, Kriegish began Officer Candidate School.
"When he applied, he wanted intel, so he was excited to be accepted by them and to have that be what he's going to do for the next few years," Harward said.
After receiving his commission, Kriegish was congratulated by his attending family and his video-teleconferencing uncle. "Congratulations, Ensign Kriegish," the admiral said. "I just wish I could be there to be your first salute."
After a small talk with the family, Harward offered a parting, "Go get 'em, Ensign Kriegish," as he sent his nephew to join the fleet.
Joint Task Force 435 assumed responsibility for U.S. detention operations -- including the care and custody of detainees at the detention facility in Parwan -- oversight of detainee review processes, programs for the peaceful reintegration of detainees into society, and coordination with other agencies and partners for the promotion of the rule of law in Afghanistan.
AF attends International Bowl Expo
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
LAS VEGAS – Air Force bowling representatives learned marketing tips and how to make Air Force bowling centers more innovative during the recent Military Training Program at the 2010 International Bowl Expo here.
According to Air Force Services Agency officials, the annual expo brings together bowling professionals from around the world to collaborate and share ideas. The Air Force also provides hands-on training, certifications and educational seminars for bowling managers and coaches.
Educational topics included technology, marketing/promotions, best practices, food and beverage operations, pro shop operations, entertainment income, business planning and coaching. The expo showcased new products and recreational simulators Air Force bowling managers can introduce to their bowling centers.
“This is the one time of year when the entire industry comes together to network and share ideas,” said Don Freund, Air Force bowling program manager. “There are several ideas we can take from industry experts that open our minds on how we can better serve our Airmen and families.”
According to Mr. Freund, training was successful. The majority of attendees took interest in an advanced management course that focused on marketing and demographics. By the end of the course, bowling managers developed extensive summer plans to be implemented at their installations.
“We will continue to focus on program development, center operations and work closely with the industry experts to improve management education to benefit Airmen and their families,” Mr. Freund said.
Bowling centers already offer Airmen and families programs such as:
Hook up the Bowling: A new player development course taught by a U.S. Bowling Congress-certified coach that teaches novice bowlers the basics in the sport, bowling courtesy and rules of the game. Students leave the course with their own bowling ball and bag. Interested participants should check with their local bowling center to sign up for a class.
Summer program/specials: Every bowling center that registers receives support from the Air Force Services Agency to develop summer programs to support the wants and needs of their community. Customers can find anything from open play specials, summer leagues and/or summer youth camps. Most of these programs include bowler incentives that reward the player for participation.
For more information on what individual bowling centers offer, visit local Force Support Squadron “FSS.com” websites or visit the U.S. Air Force Services website at www.usafservices.com.
LAS VEGAS – Air Force bowling representatives learned marketing tips and how to make Air Force bowling centers more innovative during the recent Military Training Program at the 2010 International Bowl Expo here.
According to Air Force Services Agency officials, the annual expo brings together bowling professionals from around the world to collaborate and share ideas. The Air Force also provides hands-on training, certifications and educational seminars for bowling managers and coaches.
Educational topics included technology, marketing/promotions, best practices, food and beverage operations, pro shop operations, entertainment income, business planning and coaching. The expo showcased new products and recreational simulators Air Force bowling managers can introduce to their bowling centers.
“This is the one time of year when the entire industry comes together to network and share ideas,” said Don Freund, Air Force bowling program manager. “There are several ideas we can take from industry experts that open our minds on how we can better serve our Airmen and families.”
According to Mr. Freund, training was successful. The majority of attendees took interest in an advanced management course that focused on marketing and demographics. By the end of the course, bowling managers developed extensive summer plans to be implemented at their installations.
“We will continue to focus on program development, center operations and work closely with the industry experts to improve management education to benefit Airmen and their families,” Mr. Freund said.
Bowling centers already offer Airmen and families programs such as:
Hook up the Bowling: A new player development course taught by a U.S. Bowling Congress-certified coach that teaches novice bowlers the basics in the sport, bowling courtesy and rules of the game. Students leave the course with their own bowling ball and bag. Interested participants should check with their local bowling center to sign up for a class.
Summer program/specials: Every bowling center that registers receives support from the Air Force Services Agency to develop summer programs to support the wants and needs of their community. Customers can find anything from open play specials, summer leagues and/or summer youth camps. Most of these programs include bowler incentives that reward the player for participation.
For more information on what individual bowling centers offer, visit local Force Support Squadron “FSS.com” websites or visit the U.S. Air Force Services website at www.usafservices.com.
DOD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for June 2010
The Department of Defense announced today its recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for June 2010.
Active Component.
Recruiting. All four active services met or exceeded their accession goals for June 2010.
• Army – 7,438 accessions with a goal of 7,328; 102 percent
• Navy – 3,209 accessions with a goal of 3,209; 100 percent
• Marine Corps – 4,048 accessions with a goal of 4,046; 100 percent
• Air Force – 1,935 accessions with a goal of 1,931; 100 percent
Retention. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force retention are at or above the fiscal year-to-date goals for the first nine months of the year.
Reserve Component.
Recruiting. Four of the six reserve components exceeded their accession goals for June 2010. Both the Army and Air National Guard intentionally slowed June accessions because they are exceeding their fiscal year-to-date recruiting goal.
• Army National Guard – 4,544 accessions with a goal of 4,825; 94 percent
• Army Reserve – 1,865 accessions with a goal of 1,690; 110 percent
• Navy Reserve – 694 accessions with a goal of 694; 100 percent
• Marine Corps Reserve – 1,296 accessions with a goal of 1,183; 110 percent
• Air National Guard – 501 accessions with a goal of 507; 99 percent
• Air Force Reserve – 778 accessions with a goal of 754; 103 percent
Attrition. Losses in all reserve components are within acceptable limits.
Detailed information on specific recruiting data can be obtained by contacting the individual military recruiting commands at 502-626-0164 for Army, 210-565-4678 for Air Force, 703-784-9454 for Marine Corps and 901-874-9049 for Navy. The reserve components can be reached at the following numbers: National Guard Bureau 703-607-2586; Army Reserve 404-464-8490; Air Force Reserve 703-697-1761; Navy Reserve 757-322-5652; and Marine Corps Reserve 504-678-6535.
Active Component.
Recruiting. All four active services met or exceeded their accession goals for June 2010.
• Army – 7,438 accessions with a goal of 7,328; 102 percent
• Navy – 3,209 accessions with a goal of 3,209; 100 percent
• Marine Corps – 4,048 accessions with a goal of 4,046; 100 percent
• Air Force – 1,935 accessions with a goal of 1,931; 100 percent
Retention. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force retention are at or above the fiscal year-to-date goals for the first nine months of the year.
Reserve Component.
Recruiting. Four of the six reserve components exceeded their accession goals for June 2010. Both the Army and Air National Guard intentionally slowed June accessions because they are exceeding their fiscal year-to-date recruiting goal.
• Army National Guard – 4,544 accessions with a goal of 4,825; 94 percent
• Army Reserve – 1,865 accessions with a goal of 1,690; 110 percent
• Navy Reserve – 694 accessions with a goal of 694; 100 percent
• Marine Corps Reserve – 1,296 accessions with a goal of 1,183; 110 percent
• Air National Guard – 501 accessions with a goal of 507; 99 percent
• Air Force Reserve – 778 accessions with a goal of 754; 103 percent
Attrition. Losses in all reserve components are within acceptable limits.
Detailed information on specific recruiting data can be obtained by contacting the individual military recruiting commands at 502-626-0164 for Army, 210-565-4678 for Air Force, 703-784-9454 for Marine Corps and 901-874-9049 for Navy. The reserve components can be reached at the following numbers: National Guard Bureau 703-607-2586; Army Reserve 404-464-8490; Air Force Reserve 703-697-1761; Navy Reserve 757-322-5652; and Marine Corps Reserve 504-678-6535.
F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii
7/12/2010 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.
Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth generation fighter, which replaces the F-15 Eagle that the squadron has flown since 1987. The 199th FS is the first guard unit to receive the F-22.
"The 199th (FS members prove) that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau.
The F-22, a single-seat, twin engine aircraft that utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed primarily as an air superiority fighter.
"These F-22 Raptors are the state of the art air superiority fighter and couldn't be located at a better place," General McKinley said.
Many of the guard members will serve as the lead in a "total force" concept that is already in use at JB Hickam. The 19th FS, 15th Air Wing will fly and help maintain the F-22s that bring a new capability to the HIANG, as well as the Air Force.
"The Air Force is a seamless total force. Along with our Air Force Reserve and civilians, the National Guard and our active duty component form a very severe fighting force that can get the job done," Gen. McKinley said.
Final MC-12 deployed to USCENTCOM AOR
by Master Sgt. Russell Petcoff
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
7/12/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The 30th MC-12 Liberty was recently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility completing the initial deployment plan, an Air Force official announced July 9.
"We mobilized a significant industry base and every resource at our disposal, and delivered the first Federal Aviation Administration-certified aircraft in six months and three weeks," said Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, the deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at Headquarters Air Force. "It began flying combat sorties in less than eight months."
"This was an extraordinary team effort by a hand-picked, incredibly dedicated industry and Air Force team," General Deptula said. "The MC-12W is the fastest weapons system delivered from concept to combat since the P-51 Mustang in World War II."
The MC-12W is a medium- to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Its primary mission is providing ISR support directly to ground forces.
The aircraft has had a positive impact in the AOR, General Deptula said. It has assisted in the capture of hundreds of insurgents, and the discovery of weapons caches and improvised explosive devices.
The MC-12 fleet has flown more than 5,000 combat sorties and taken more than 22,000 hours of full-motion video and more than 40,000 images to date.
"This project is an unqualified success, and the model for how we should develop and deliver quick-reaction ISR capabilities," General Deptula said.
The aircraft are military versions of the Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and Super King 350ER. They are equipped with an electro-optical infrared sensor, and other sensors as the mission requires. The EO/IR sensor also includes a laser illuminator and designator in a single sensor package. A fully operational system consists of a modified aircraft with sensors, a ground exploitation cell, line-of-sight and satellite communications data-links, and a robust voice communications suite.
The MC-12 capability supports all aspects of the Air Force Irregular Warfare mission -- counter insurgency, foreign internal defense and building partnership capacity -- and is capable of worldwide operations.
In April 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates established a Department of Defense-wide ISR Task Force to identify and recommend solutions for increased ISR in the CENTCOM AOR. Secretary Gates tasked Air Force officials July 1, 2008, to acquire 37 "C-12" class aircraft to augment unmanned systems. It was less than eight months from funding approval to the delivery of the first aircraft in theater.
"The entire Project Liberty team worked seamlessly to get this airborne ISR capability to the AOR as quickly as possible," said Lt. Gen Craig Koziol, the DOD ISR Task Force director. "From concept to all the sensor integration efforts required to get this platform deployed, the team demonstrated superb focus to get this quick reaction, airborne ISR capability fielded to support (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom)."
The entire operational fleet of 30 aircraft was deployed in only 13 months.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
7/12/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The 30th MC-12 Liberty was recently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility completing the initial deployment plan, an Air Force official announced July 9.
"We mobilized a significant industry base and every resource at our disposal, and delivered the first Federal Aviation Administration-certified aircraft in six months and three weeks," said Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, the deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at Headquarters Air Force. "It began flying combat sorties in less than eight months."
"This was an extraordinary team effort by a hand-picked, incredibly dedicated industry and Air Force team," General Deptula said. "The MC-12W is the fastest weapons system delivered from concept to combat since the P-51 Mustang in World War II."
The MC-12W is a medium- to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Its primary mission is providing ISR support directly to ground forces.
The aircraft has had a positive impact in the AOR, General Deptula said. It has assisted in the capture of hundreds of insurgents, and the discovery of weapons caches and improvised explosive devices.
The MC-12 fleet has flown more than 5,000 combat sorties and taken more than 22,000 hours of full-motion video and more than 40,000 images to date.
"This project is an unqualified success, and the model for how we should develop and deliver quick-reaction ISR capabilities," General Deptula said.
The aircraft are military versions of the Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and Super King 350ER. They are equipped with an electro-optical infrared sensor, and other sensors as the mission requires. The EO/IR sensor also includes a laser illuminator and designator in a single sensor package. A fully operational system consists of a modified aircraft with sensors, a ground exploitation cell, line-of-sight and satellite communications data-links, and a robust voice communications suite.
The MC-12 capability supports all aspects of the Air Force Irregular Warfare mission -- counter insurgency, foreign internal defense and building partnership capacity -- and is capable of worldwide operations.
In April 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates established a Department of Defense-wide ISR Task Force to identify and recommend solutions for increased ISR in the CENTCOM AOR. Secretary Gates tasked Air Force officials July 1, 2008, to acquire 37 "C-12" class aircraft to augment unmanned systems. It was less than eight months from funding approval to the delivery of the first aircraft in theater.
"The entire Project Liberty team worked seamlessly to get this airborne ISR capability to the AOR as quickly as possible," said Lt. Gen Craig Koziol, the DOD ISR Task Force director. "From concept to all the sensor integration efforts required to get this platform deployed, the team demonstrated superb focus to get this quick reaction, airborne ISR capability fielded to support (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom)."
The entire operational fleet of 30 aircraft was deployed in only 13 months.
Iwo Jima Deploys in Support of Continuing Promise
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Morgan E. Dial, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 12 in support of Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10).
Continuing Promise is an annual humanitarian civic assistance operation that provides opportunities to establish new partnerships with other nations, non-government organizations (NGOs), international government organizations and learn from host nations and civilian experts.
During the scheduled four-month surge, relief operations will be conducted in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Panama and Suriname.
CP10 is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F).
There are more than 1,600 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians including Commander Amphibious Squadron 6, Fleet Surgical Team 2, Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, Maritime Civil Affairs Team 206, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF), CLR-25 Medical Detachment and contingents of medical personnel from the armed forces of The Netherlands, Canada and Germany and various other satellite commands embarked on board Iwo Jima.
Iwo Jima's medical team will work alongside Central American, South American and Caribbean medical teams as well as NGOs. Together, the teams are capable of providing general surgical care, primary and consultative care, ophthalmologic services, optometric services, preventative and environmental health, dental screenings and treatment, public health training and veterinary services.
"Iwo Jima has the optimal blend of medical, surgical and dental capabilities," said Capt. Michael T. Hopkins, Iwo Jima's senior medical officer. "In addition, we have more capability to transport people and supplies from the flight deck and well deck than the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during their deployments."
Seabees from CBMU 202 in Norfolk will be supporting the civic action programs along with detachments from Jacksonville and Key West, Fla., and Kings Bay, Ga. They will provide local communities with building repairs and improvements, new small construction projects, utility system repairs and other projects depending on the host nation's needs.
SPMAGTF will also provide medical and engineering support to this humanitarian civic assistance by conducting subject matter expert exchanges with specified partner nations. In addition, they will provide air and ground transportation for nearly all of the medical, engineering and community relation sites.
"I am so very proud of this crew. Since I took command in 2008, all tasks that have been put in front of them, they have simply knocked them out of the park," said Capt. Jeff Amick, Iwo Jima commanding officer. "These great Americans have exceeded every expectation throughout a very challenging year and a half. I am extremely confident that this humanitarian mission is going to really showcase this ship, these Sailors and Marines and our Navy's ability to respond to any situation when tasked. This crew is ready to respond and could not be more ready to deliver."
COMUSNAVSO is the naval component command for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all Naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility.
COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations and counter-illicit trafficking operations.
NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 12 in support of Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10).
Continuing Promise is an annual humanitarian civic assistance operation that provides opportunities to establish new partnerships with other nations, non-government organizations (NGOs), international government organizations and learn from host nations and civilian experts.
During the scheduled four-month surge, relief operations will be conducted in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Panama and Suriname.
CP10 is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F).
There are more than 1,600 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians including Commander Amphibious Squadron 6, Fleet Surgical Team 2, Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, Maritime Civil Affairs Team 206, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF), CLR-25 Medical Detachment and contingents of medical personnel from the armed forces of The Netherlands, Canada and Germany and various other satellite commands embarked on board Iwo Jima.
Iwo Jima's medical team will work alongside Central American, South American and Caribbean medical teams as well as NGOs. Together, the teams are capable of providing general surgical care, primary and consultative care, ophthalmologic services, optometric services, preventative and environmental health, dental screenings and treatment, public health training and veterinary services.
"Iwo Jima has the optimal blend of medical, surgical and dental capabilities," said Capt. Michael T. Hopkins, Iwo Jima's senior medical officer. "In addition, we have more capability to transport people and supplies from the flight deck and well deck than the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during their deployments."
Seabees from CBMU 202 in Norfolk will be supporting the civic action programs along with detachments from Jacksonville and Key West, Fla., and Kings Bay, Ga. They will provide local communities with building repairs and improvements, new small construction projects, utility system repairs and other projects depending on the host nation's needs.
SPMAGTF will also provide medical and engineering support to this humanitarian civic assistance by conducting subject matter expert exchanges with specified partner nations. In addition, they will provide air and ground transportation for nearly all of the medical, engineering and community relation sites.
"I am so very proud of this crew. Since I took command in 2008, all tasks that have been put in front of them, they have simply knocked them out of the park," said Capt. Jeff Amick, Iwo Jima commanding officer. "These great Americans have exceeded every expectation throughout a very challenging year and a half. I am extremely confident that this humanitarian mission is going to really showcase this ship, these Sailors and Marines and our Navy's ability to respond to any situation when tasked. This crew is ready to respond and could not be more ready to deliver."
COMUSNAVSO is the naval component command for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all Naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility.
COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations and counter-illicit trafficking operations.
Milwaukee-based security forces Airmen prepare to deploy
Date: July 12, 2010
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
Seventeen Airmen assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron have completed combat skills training at Fort Dix, N.J. The training is part of a 180-day deployment to the Transit Center at Manas, where the members will provide air base security for the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing.
The Airmen received a send-off June 23 from their families, Wing senior leadership officials and other security forces team members at Sijan Hall. Four members have already left for the Transit Center at Manas, while the remaining members will deploy later this month.
"I'm proud of them for being willing to go again," said Maj. Glenn Evenson, the 128th Air Refueling Wing security forces' commander.
Evenson's comment underscores the volunteer status of the team members.
Security forces team members are able to sign up for deployments, rather being ordered to go overseas, according to Master Sgt. Mark Warner, the 128th Security Forces Squadron training manager.
"This is what we do," Warner said.
The 128th Air Refueling Wing family support office is prepared to help the family members who stay behind while their loved ones go overseas.
"It's a challenging time for families," said Elaine Schachelmayer, the Airman and Family Program manager. "I just want to remind [the families] that we're here. We'll walk the walk with them."
The security forces team members spent approximately one month at Fort Dix to complete their combat skills training prior to deploying overseas. Combat skills training is a mandatory program for all service members, designed to reinforce war fighting skills, teach battlefield first aid techniques and hone necessary attributes for enduring a lengthy stay in hostile environments.
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
Seventeen Airmen assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron have completed combat skills training at Fort Dix, N.J. The training is part of a 180-day deployment to the Transit Center at Manas, where the members will provide air base security for the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing.
The Airmen received a send-off June 23 from their families, Wing senior leadership officials and other security forces team members at Sijan Hall. Four members have already left for the Transit Center at Manas, while the remaining members will deploy later this month.
"I'm proud of them for being willing to go again," said Maj. Glenn Evenson, the 128th Air Refueling Wing security forces' commander.
Evenson's comment underscores the volunteer status of the team members.
Security forces team members are able to sign up for deployments, rather being ordered to go overseas, according to Master Sgt. Mark Warner, the 128th Security Forces Squadron training manager.
"This is what we do," Warner said.
The 128th Air Refueling Wing family support office is prepared to help the family members who stay behind while their loved ones go overseas.
"It's a challenging time for families," said Elaine Schachelmayer, the Airman and Family Program manager. "I just want to remind [the families] that we're here. We'll walk the walk with them."
The security forces team members spent approximately one month at Fort Dix to complete their combat skills training prior to deploying overseas. Combat skills training is a mandatory program for all service members, designed to reinforce war fighting skills, teach battlefield first aid techniques and hone necessary attributes for enduring a lengthy stay in hostile environments.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Seven Guatemalan Sailors Rescued by HSV Swift
By Lt. Michael P. Quisao, High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2)Public Affairs
PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (NNS) -- Seven Guatemalan special forces sailors were rescued from their capsized vessel by High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Sailors and marchant marines off the coast of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, July 10.
The Guatemalan vessel was capsized during a Guatemalan drug interdiction operation as it became entangled with a sinking semi-submersible drug boat.
Upon arrival at the scene, Swift Sailors and marchant marines transferred the Guatemalan sailors aboard, who were suffering from exposure. The four personnel who were aboard the drug boat were transferred to a Guatemalan coast guard vessel.
Swift and the rescued sailors received a hero's welcome from Brig. Gen. Juan Jose Ruiz Morales, chief of staff of national defense in Guatemala, and a receiving line of Guatemalan service members upon their return to Puerto Quetzal. Morales personally thanked the Swift crew for their aid in the rescue mission.
Swift is currently deployed for Southern Partnership Station 2010, a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Central America. Its primary goal is information exchanging with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout these regions.
Guatemala is the fifth stop for Swift and SPS 2010, which has also visited El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Panama during the mission.
Swift is operated and navigated by 19 active duty Sailors and 17 civilian contract mariners working for a private company under charter to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.
PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (NNS) -- Seven Guatemalan special forces sailors were rescued from their capsized vessel by High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Sailors and marchant marines off the coast of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, July 10.
The Guatemalan vessel was capsized during a Guatemalan drug interdiction operation as it became entangled with a sinking semi-submersible drug boat.
Upon arrival at the scene, Swift Sailors and marchant marines transferred the Guatemalan sailors aboard, who were suffering from exposure. The four personnel who were aboard the drug boat were transferred to a Guatemalan coast guard vessel.
Swift and the rescued sailors received a hero's welcome from Brig. Gen. Juan Jose Ruiz Morales, chief of staff of national defense in Guatemala, and a receiving line of Guatemalan service members upon their return to Puerto Quetzal. Morales personally thanked the Swift crew for their aid in the rescue mission.
Swift is currently deployed for Southern Partnership Station 2010, a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Central America. Its primary goal is information exchanging with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout these regions.
Guatemala is the fifth stop for Swift and SPS 2010, which has also visited El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Panama during the mission.
Swift is operated and navigated by 19 active duty Sailors and 17 civilian contract mariners working for a private company under charter to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.
Haiti Task Force Focuses on Engineering, Medical Missions
By Army Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau
July 12, 2010 - Soldiers, sailors and airmen assigned to Joint Task Force New Horizons have made major progress on their engineering and medical missions in Haiti, the task force commander said today. Army Col. Michael Borrel told participants in a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable that the task force is scheduled to complete the construction of four schools and 10 medical readiness and training exercise sites by Sept. 18.
"We have four project sites currently under way," said Army Maj. Chuck Hudson, officer in charge of the engineering mission. "We anticipate completion of [two] of our project sites by the end of July, which include a roofing project and a school."
The two other school projects are scheduled to be complete by Aug. 15, he said.
"The system of construction that we're utilizing is the New Form system," said Hudson. "The system uses a reinforced concrete design with a steel framed and steel corrugated roof. It's a much stronger system and better technology than any of the other systems utilized in Haiti."
This new construction will be able to better withstand the elements during hurricane season.
On the medical side, Borrel, who is a member of the Louisiana National Guard, said four medical readiness and training exercise sites have been completed, and that those sites have treated more than 20,000 Haitian patients.
Another 10-day medical readiness and training exercise mission started today, said Air Force Col. Thomas Steinbrunner, officer in charge of the exercise. "Our team consists of medical providers in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, dentists and optometrists."
He added that the patients receive public health education as well as medications.
"We're a primary care site, so for patients who require more serious care, we utilize the local Haitian system, such as the local hospital and the more advanced hospital in Gonaïves," Steinbrunner said. "So far we've seen a lot of skin diseases and parasitic-borne illnesses."
In addition to using stronger construction designs in the new buildings, the National Guard also is prepared to provide additional support should another major weather event, such as a hurricane, affect the people of Haiti.
"Hurricane season is upon us," said Borrel, "and in the event of any type of severe weather, we could be directed by [U.S.] Southern Command and have a change of mission, which would require us to provide search and rescue, assessments of roads and ... limited medical assistance."
"We do have aircraft available to us and could put them into action once the weather passed," he said.
About 500 soldiers, sailors and airmen have conducted humanitarian operations for the past month in the Gonaïves area of Haiti.
"The U.S. forces here in Haiti are doing a tremendous job," said Borrel, "and even though we are only a small [task force], we are doing some very tangible things and truly helping the people of Haiti."
National Guard Bureau
July 12, 2010 - Soldiers, sailors and airmen assigned to Joint Task Force New Horizons have made major progress on their engineering and medical missions in Haiti, the task force commander said today. Army Col. Michael Borrel told participants in a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable that the task force is scheduled to complete the construction of four schools and 10 medical readiness and training exercise sites by Sept. 18.
"We have four project sites currently under way," said Army Maj. Chuck Hudson, officer in charge of the engineering mission. "We anticipate completion of [two] of our project sites by the end of July, which include a roofing project and a school."
The two other school projects are scheduled to be complete by Aug. 15, he said.
"The system of construction that we're utilizing is the New Form system," said Hudson. "The system uses a reinforced concrete design with a steel framed and steel corrugated roof. It's a much stronger system and better technology than any of the other systems utilized in Haiti."
This new construction will be able to better withstand the elements during hurricane season.
On the medical side, Borrel, who is a member of the Louisiana National Guard, said four medical readiness and training exercise sites have been completed, and that those sites have treated more than 20,000 Haitian patients.
Another 10-day medical readiness and training exercise mission started today, said Air Force Col. Thomas Steinbrunner, officer in charge of the exercise. "Our team consists of medical providers in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, dentists and optometrists."
He added that the patients receive public health education as well as medications.
"We're a primary care site, so for patients who require more serious care, we utilize the local Haitian system, such as the local hospital and the more advanced hospital in Gonaïves," Steinbrunner said. "So far we've seen a lot of skin diseases and parasitic-borne illnesses."
In addition to using stronger construction designs in the new buildings, the National Guard also is prepared to provide additional support should another major weather event, such as a hurricane, affect the people of Haiti.
"Hurricane season is upon us," said Borrel, "and in the event of any type of severe weather, we could be directed by [U.S.] Southern Command and have a change of mission, which would require us to provide search and rescue, assessments of roads and ... limited medical assistance."
"We do have aircraft available to us and could put them into action once the weather passed," he said.
About 500 soldiers, sailors and airmen have conducted humanitarian operations for the past month in the Gonaïves area of Haiti.
"The U.S. forces here in Haiti are doing a tremendous job," said Borrel, "and even though we are only a small [task force], we are doing some very tangible things and truly helping the people of Haiti."
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 12, 2010
NAVY
CH2M Hill, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a maximum amount $75,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for multimedia environmental compliance engineering support for Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) installations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic area of responsibility (AOR), primarily including the Midwest, Northwest and Southwest continental United States. The work to be performed provides for preparation of studies, plans, specifications, design, reports, cost estimates, and all associated engineering services in support of the Navy and other DoD installations' various environmental compliance programs, including Clean Air Act compliance; Safe Drinking Water Act compliance; Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans; Clean Water Act compliance studies; wastewater plans and compliance studies; laboratory services; petroleum storage tank; oil spill preparedness and planning; waste management; environmental condition of property programs; pesticide management; radon and related products; and sustainability services. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed within the NAVFAC Atlantic AOR including, but not limited to, southern California (25 percent); Texas (15 percent); Diego Garcia (13 percent); Mariana Islands (7 percent); Alaska (5 percent); Mississippi (5 percent); Arizona (2 percent); Hawaii (2 percent); Idaho (2 percent); Illinois (2 percent); Indiana (2 percent); Japan (2 percent); Louisiana (2 percent); Minnesota (2 percent); Montana (2 percent); New Mexico (2 percent); Nevada (2 percent); Ohio (2 percent); Oregon (2 percent); Tennessee (2 percent); and Utah (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-10-D-3009).
L-3 Communications, Nova Engineering, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum value $52,781,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for equipment systems, equipment upgrades and repairs, and program management for the Tactical Remote Sensor System (TRSS) System of Systems (SoS). The TRSS SoS provides the capability for all-weather remote monitoring of activity within and near a given objective area. This contract announcement includes the first delivery order, which is expected to be $10,854,132 and includes both 2009 and 2010 procurement Marine Corps funds. This is a dollar-based contract and not quantity-based. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 2015. The contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-10-D-7018).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $43,647,533 modification to definitize a previously awarded undefinitized contract action (N00019-09-C-0056) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. In addition, this modification provides for the design, development, integration, installation, and test and support of prototype upgraded systems in the government's E-6 systems integration laboratory and on pre-production Block I modification aircraft. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas (75 percent), and Patuxent River, Md. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
SKANSKA USA Civil Southeast, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $43,472,470 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the new base entry point and road at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. The work to be performed provides for the construction of approximately one-and-a-half miles of four-lane divided highway, and the construction and reworking of approximately one mile of a two-lane roadway. The project includes the widening of approximately two miles of road from a two-lane to a four-lane road, including relocation of utilities. The work includes the construction of a 2000-foot-long bridge crossing Northeast Creek, including adjacent wet lands. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-5318).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $30,910,129 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-09-C-0102) to exercise an option for technical services and supplies for the rapid design; development; customization; manufacturing; fabrication; integration; test and evaluation; installation; certification; maintenance and upgrade; logistics and life cycle support of new and/or existing communication-electronic platform; and equipment, systems and subsystems in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Requirements Division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 359,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in California, Md. (60 percent); Chesapeake, Va. (10 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Spring Lake, N.C. (10 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Saint Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Towson, Md., is being awarded a $16,000,000 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N40080-09-C-0018) to exercise Option 1 for delivery and installation of furniture, fixture and equipment described as Category G for the Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center, Support Facilities for the Warrior Transition Unit, at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $201,185,777. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Md., and is expected to be completed by August 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Officer in Charge of Construction, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity.
Detyens Shipyards, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $6,849,591 firm-fixed-price contract for a 55-calendar day regular drydock and overhaul of Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent. Work to be performed will include preservation of ballast and potable water tanks; propeller maintenance; and main engine overall. The ship's primary mission is to provide fuel to Navy ships at sea and jet fuel to aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,952,431. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an unrestricted solicitation posted to the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online, and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command is the contracting authority (N40442-10-C-1006).
P&S Construction, Inc.*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded $6,607,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple-award construction contract (N40192-10-D-2804) for the design and construction of a Navy Exchange Minimart and gas station at Naval Base Guam. The facility is to consist of a large Minimart facility with retail sales; customer service; receiving and storage; public toilets; and employee facilities with a separate "white box" fast food franchise with public toilets. The gas station is to consist of at least six double sided fuel dispensing islands for three grades of gasoline and diesel, under a full canopy; sales point inside the minimart; tire refill and auto vacuum stations; and a propane tank refill station for small consumer propane tanks. The facility will replace the existing Minimart and Subway franchise in Dorm 20; existing Building 526, Bee Quick Minimart; and existing gas station/auto port Building 7012. The task order also contains four unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $7,057,000. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity.
Maron Construction Co., Inc.*, Providence, R.I., is being awarded a $5,569,500 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an unmanned anti-submarine warfare system support facility by demolishing and rebuilding a center section of Building 119. A new structure will be built in its place with second and third floors, adjoining and accessible on each floor level to the two existing portions of Building 119. This contract also contains an unexercised option which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $5,689,950. Work will be performed in Newport, R.I., and is expected to be completed by February 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-9425).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $9,804,630 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for poly/wool cloth. Other locations of performance are Raeford, N.C.; Cordova, N.C.; and Hurt, Va. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was solicited on Dibbs with one response. This contract is exercising the first option year period. The date of performance completion is July 10, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-09-D-0030).
CH2M Hill, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a maximum amount $75,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for multimedia environmental compliance engineering support for Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) installations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic area of responsibility (AOR), primarily including the Midwest, Northwest and Southwest continental United States. The work to be performed provides for preparation of studies, plans, specifications, design, reports, cost estimates, and all associated engineering services in support of the Navy and other DoD installations' various environmental compliance programs, including Clean Air Act compliance; Safe Drinking Water Act compliance; Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans; Clean Water Act compliance studies; wastewater plans and compliance studies; laboratory services; petroleum storage tank; oil spill preparedness and planning; waste management; environmental condition of property programs; pesticide management; radon and related products; and sustainability services. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed within the NAVFAC Atlantic AOR including, but not limited to, southern California (25 percent); Texas (15 percent); Diego Garcia (13 percent); Mariana Islands (7 percent); Alaska (5 percent); Mississippi (5 percent); Arizona (2 percent); Hawaii (2 percent); Idaho (2 percent); Illinois (2 percent); Indiana (2 percent); Japan (2 percent); Louisiana (2 percent); Minnesota (2 percent); Montana (2 percent); New Mexico (2 percent); Nevada (2 percent); Ohio (2 percent); Oregon (2 percent); Tennessee (2 percent); and Utah (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-10-D-3009).
L-3 Communications, Nova Engineering, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum value $52,781,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for equipment systems, equipment upgrades and repairs, and program management for the Tactical Remote Sensor System (TRSS) System of Systems (SoS). The TRSS SoS provides the capability for all-weather remote monitoring of activity within and near a given objective area. This contract announcement includes the first delivery order, which is expected to be $10,854,132 and includes both 2009 and 2010 procurement Marine Corps funds. This is a dollar-based contract and not quantity-based. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 2015. The contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-10-D-7018).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $43,647,533 modification to definitize a previously awarded undefinitized contract action (N00019-09-C-0056) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. In addition, this modification provides for the design, development, integration, installation, and test and support of prototype upgraded systems in the government's E-6 systems integration laboratory and on pre-production Block I modification aircraft. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas (75 percent), and Patuxent River, Md. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
SKANSKA USA Civil Southeast, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $43,472,470 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the new base entry point and road at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. The work to be performed provides for the construction of approximately one-and-a-half miles of four-lane divided highway, and the construction and reworking of approximately one mile of a two-lane roadway. The project includes the widening of approximately two miles of road from a two-lane to a four-lane road, including relocation of utilities. The work includes the construction of a 2000-foot-long bridge crossing Northeast Creek, including adjacent wet lands. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-5318).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $30,910,129 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-09-C-0102) to exercise an option for technical services and supplies for the rapid design; development; customization; manufacturing; fabrication; integration; test and evaluation; installation; certification; maintenance and upgrade; logistics and life cycle support of new and/or existing communication-electronic platform; and equipment, systems and subsystems in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Requirements Division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 359,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in California, Md. (60 percent); Chesapeake, Va. (10 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Spring Lake, N.C. (10 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Saint Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Towson, Md., is being awarded a $16,000,000 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N40080-09-C-0018) to exercise Option 1 for delivery and installation of furniture, fixture and equipment described as Category G for the Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center, Support Facilities for the Warrior Transition Unit, at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $201,185,777. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Md., and is expected to be completed by August 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Officer in Charge of Construction, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity.
Detyens Shipyards, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $6,849,591 firm-fixed-price contract for a 55-calendar day regular drydock and overhaul of Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent. Work to be performed will include preservation of ballast and potable water tanks; propeller maintenance; and main engine overall. The ship's primary mission is to provide fuel to Navy ships at sea and jet fuel to aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,952,431. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an unrestricted solicitation posted to the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online, and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command is the contracting authority (N40442-10-C-1006).
P&S Construction, Inc.*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded $6,607,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple-award construction contract (N40192-10-D-2804) for the design and construction of a Navy Exchange Minimart and gas station at Naval Base Guam. The facility is to consist of a large Minimart facility with retail sales; customer service; receiving and storage; public toilets; and employee facilities with a separate "white box" fast food franchise with public toilets. The gas station is to consist of at least six double sided fuel dispensing islands for three grades of gasoline and diesel, under a full canopy; sales point inside the minimart; tire refill and auto vacuum stations; and a propane tank refill station for small consumer propane tanks. The facility will replace the existing Minimart and Subway franchise in Dorm 20; existing Building 526, Bee Quick Minimart; and existing gas station/auto port Building 7012. The task order also contains four unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $7,057,000. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity.
Maron Construction Co., Inc.*, Providence, R.I., is being awarded a $5,569,500 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an unmanned anti-submarine warfare system support facility by demolishing and rebuilding a center section of Building 119. A new structure will be built in its place with second and third floors, adjoining and accessible on each floor level to the two existing portions of Building 119. This contract also contains an unexercised option which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $5,689,950. Work will be performed in Newport, R.I., and is expected to be completed by February 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-9425).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $9,804,630 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for poly/wool cloth. Other locations of performance are Raeford, N.C.; Cordova, N.C.; and Hurt, Va. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was solicited on Dibbs with one response. This contract is exercising the first option year period. The date of performance completion is July 10, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-09-D-0030).
General Officer Announcement
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:
Navy Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/commander, Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy. Locklear is currently serving as director, Navy staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Navy Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/commander, Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy. Locklear is currently serving as director, Navy staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
VA Eases Claims Process for Veterans with PTSD
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
July 12, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department will publish a final regulation tomorrow intended to ease the claims process and improve access to health care for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, VA officials announced today.
"This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often-devastating emotional wounds of war," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said in a statement issued today. "This final regulation goes a long way to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services they need."
The new rule, to be published in the Federal Register, will relax the evidence requirement if the PTSD stressor claimed by a veteran is linked to "fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and is consistent with the places, types and circumstances of the veteran's service," a VA news release said.
Currently, VA decision makers are required to confirm that a noncombat veteran actually experienced a stressor related to hostile military activity, the release said.
Under the new rule, VA no longer will require substantiation of a stressor tied to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist can confirm that the experience recalled by a veteran supports a PTSD diagnosis and the veteran's symptoms are related to the stressor, a VA release said.
"With this new PTSD regulation, we are acknowledging the inherently stressful nature ... of military service in which the reality and fear of hostile or terrorist activity is always present," Michael Walcoff, VA's acting undersecretary for benefits, said during a news conference today.
The regulation will eliminate the need to search for records to verify veterans' accounts, "often a very involved and protracted process," Walcoff said, and enable VA officials "to move more quickly to award more benefits to veterans suffering from PTSD."
Walcoff said he hopes the new regulation will encourage more veterans with PTSD to come forward, particularly those who have been deterred by a seemingly time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process.
More than 400,000 veterans currently are receiving compensation benefits for PTSD, VA officials said. And of the nearly 400,000 veterans treated at VA facilities for PTSD in fiscal 2009, nearly 70,000, or 19 percent, were veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
However, the new regulation has the potential to benefit all veterans regardless of their period of service, Walcoff noted.
Dr. Robert A. Petzel, VA's undersecretary for health, said the regulation will be particularly beneficial for veterans who have had their military records damaged or destroyed, female veterans whose records don't specify they have combat experience, and veterans who have experienced combat but have no record of it.
"This is good news for America's veterans; in fact, it's a historic day," Petzel said.
President Barack Obama called the changes a "long-overdue step" in his weekly address.
"I don't think our troops on the battlefield should have to take notes to keep for a claims application," Obama said. "And I've met enough veterans to know that you don't have to engage in a firefight to endure the trauma of war."
The new regulation not only will help veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, but "generations of their brave predecessors who proudly served and sacrificed in all our wars," the president said.
"It's a step that proves America will always be here for our veterans, just as they've been there for us," he said. "We won't let them down. We take care of our own. And as long as I'm commander in chief, that's what we're going to keep doing."
American Forces Press Service
July 12, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department will publish a final regulation tomorrow intended to ease the claims process and improve access to health care for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, VA officials announced today.
"This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often-devastating emotional wounds of war," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said in a statement issued today. "This final regulation goes a long way to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services they need."
The new rule, to be published in the Federal Register, will relax the evidence requirement if the PTSD stressor claimed by a veteran is linked to "fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and is consistent with the places, types and circumstances of the veteran's service," a VA news release said.
Currently, VA decision makers are required to confirm that a noncombat veteran actually experienced a stressor related to hostile military activity, the release said.
Under the new rule, VA no longer will require substantiation of a stressor tied to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist can confirm that the experience recalled by a veteran supports a PTSD diagnosis and the veteran's symptoms are related to the stressor, a VA release said.
"With this new PTSD regulation, we are acknowledging the inherently stressful nature ... of military service in which the reality and fear of hostile or terrorist activity is always present," Michael Walcoff, VA's acting undersecretary for benefits, said during a news conference today.
The regulation will eliminate the need to search for records to verify veterans' accounts, "often a very involved and protracted process," Walcoff said, and enable VA officials "to move more quickly to award more benefits to veterans suffering from PTSD."
Walcoff said he hopes the new regulation will encourage more veterans with PTSD to come forward, particularly those who have been deterred by a seemingly time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process.
More than 400,000 veterans currently are receiving compensation benefits for PTSD, VA officials said. And of the nearly 400,000 veterans treated at VA facilities for PTSD in fiscal 2009, nearly 70,000, or 19 percent, were veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
However, the new regulation has the potential to benefit all veterans regardless of their period of service, Walcoff noted.
Dr. Robert A. Petzel, VA's undersecretary for health, said the regulation will be particularly beneficial for veterans who have had their military records damaged or destroyed, female veterans whose records don't specify they have combat experience, and veterans who have experienced combat but have no record of it.
"This is good news for America's veterans; in fact, it's a historic day," Petzel said.
President Barack Obama called the changes a "long-overdue step" in his weekly address.
"I don't think our troops on the battlefield should have to take notes to keep for a claims application," Obama said. "And I've met enough veterans to know that you don't have to engage in a firefight to endure the trauma of war."
The new regulation not only will help veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, but "generations of their brave predecessors who proudly served and sacrificed in all our wars," the president said.
"It's a step that proves America will always be here for our veterans, just as they've been there for us," he said. "We won't let them down. We take care of our own. And as long as I'm commander in chief, that's what we're going to keep doing."
General Officer Assignments
The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignment:
Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart, commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, to commander, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Col. Balan R. Ayyar, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Brig. Gen. Michael J. Carey, deputy commander, space support and integration, J3A, Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., to deputy director, command and control and nuclear operations, J3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart, commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, to commander, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Col. Balan R. Ayyar, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Brig. Gen. Michael J. Carey, deputy commander, space support and integration, J3A, Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., to deputy director, command and control and nuclear operations, J3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
General Officer Announcement
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:
Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael R. Moeller has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as U.S. security coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority. Moeller is currently serving as director, strategy, plans and policy, J-5, Headquarters, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Douglas H. Owens has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as vice commander, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Owens is currently serving as the vice commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael R. Moeller has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as U.S. security coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority. Moeller is currently serving as director, strategy, plans and policy, J-5, Headquarters, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Douglas H. Owens has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as vice commander, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Owens is currently serving as the vice commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Mullens Reflect on 40 Years of Marriage, Service
American Forces Press Service
July 12, 2010 - Forty years ago today, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah, said, "I do" -- not just to each other, but to four decades in the Navy. The couple, who frequently appear together to discuss issues important to military families, recently spoke about their own military life to the armed forces' youngest family members.
In a video taped earlier this month as part of an Armed Forces Foundation Veterans Day message for elementary-age children of servicemembers, the Mullens recounted their earlier days of long deployments and frequent moves with their two sons.
"It's been a wonderful, wonderful life," the admiral said. "But Deborah sacrificed a lot for my career, and so did our two boys."
Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in his final year at the U.S. Naval Academy when the couple met – introduced by their mothers – at a wedding. Their first date was the 1967 Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Mullen acknowledged she faced a tough decision about marrying into the military. She knew the lifestyle was hard, she said, and with the Vietnam War in full force, her husband certainly would be sent.
Still, love endured and the couple married in 1970. "I only expected we would be in the Navy about five years," she said.
It didn't take long, though, before the Mullens realized they were in the military for the long haul. Over time, she said, she came to see that "Mike and the Navy were perfect for each other."
"I learned that this was more than just a job to Mike," she said. "It was his way of life, and it would be my way of life and that of our children."
The couple noted the challenges all military families face with frequent moves, new schools, and having to make new friends.
"As we moved around, ... we spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was best for our two boys," the admiral said. "We tried to always focus on where we would live next, the transition, and where were the good schools. Too often, I had to move ahead, and Deborah and the boys had to figure it out on their own."
But overall, Mrs. Mullen said, the nomadic Navy lifestyle presented "enormous opportunities" for the family, and their children thrived by learning to be independent and open to change.
"As they look back," she said of their grown sons, "they see it as a very rewarding experience, and a part of life they cherish."
While the military lifestyle worked out well for their own children, the couple said they know some have a difficult time adjusting.
"I worry a great deal about the children and their ability to make these adjustments," Mrs. Mullen told an interviewer. The sacrifices military children make and their ability to adjust is something everyone should notice, she said.
"We're actually inspired by these children," she said. "They have extraordinary challenges, and I don't think our country realizes all the sacrifices they make."
The chairman and his wife expressed their appreciation for the sacrifices made by children of military families. "We really do believe you are the greatest," the admiral said. "You're part of a greater whole of a nation who care so much about what you're doing."
"We owe a great debt to you for what you help your mom and dad do for our country," Mrs. Mullen added.
NSPS positions assigned GS pay grades
by April Rowden
Air Force Manpower Agency Public Affairs Office
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – With only weeks remaining to classify Air Force civilian jobs into the legacy General Schedule personnel system, Air Force classifiers are ensuring NSPS positions have a current GS title, series and grade before the NSPS conversion out date.
The Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act repealed the National Security Personnel System, resulting in the mandatory transition of more than 44,000 Air Force federal employees to other personnel and pay systems.
Core documents are currently undergoing review and classification for those Air Force employees whose positions were created under NSPS. Core documents describe the major duties, responsibilities and supervisory relationship of a position.
“Classifiers are unbiased agents of the government and are held to very strict standards established by the Office of Personnel Management when assigning GS ratings to a position,” said Col. Brian Norman, the Air Force Manpower Agency commander. “Our team renders a classification based solely upon the actual work performed and required in the position under review, not upon any person’s qualifications or their previous military grade.”
Classifying a position at the accurate grade for the assigned duties and responsibilities ensures balance of the organization and is vital toward maintaining classification accuracy across the Air Force.
“All of us are charged with being good stewards of government resources and taxpayers’ dollars,” Colonel Norman said. “If a position is classified a GS-15 when it’s really a GS-14 or GS-13, we are doing an injustice to the other positions that are classified in accordance with OPM standards.”
AFMA classification specialists have a proven track record of making the right decisions and appropriately applying the OPM Classification Standards and Guidelines. Since centralized classification began in 1996, all appealed classification decisions have been upheld by OPM and the Department of Defense in favor of AFMA’s classifications.
“We properly classify positions based on standards given to us within the bounds legally established by the Office of Personnel Management,” Colonel Norman said. “To do otherwise would put our agency at risk of losing its classification authority.”
Employees whose positions were originally under GS will have the position classified based on the position description on file, also referred to as the “reach back PD.” Other positions may have an applicable Standard Core Personnel Document that may be used. any of these standard core documents are available for viewing on the Air Force Portal, keyword “SCPD library.”
“We understand that a few positions have dramatically evolved in workload and responsibility since the initial conversion to NSPS. For those individuals, we will review the updated core documents as soon as possible,” Colonel Norman said.
An employee who feels the classification does not accurately reflect his position’s assigned duties and responsibilities may appeal the classification decision to the Department of Defense or OPM after the individual has transitioned into the GS personnel system.
By law, employees will not lose pay upon conversion. These general guidelines will be followed when determining an employee’s pay. If the employee’s current pay:
- Fits within the rate range of the appropriate grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed at a step that equals or exceeds his existing pay.
- Is below the rate range for the appropriate GS grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed on the first step of the GS grade upon conversion out.
- Is above the rate range for the appropriate GS grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed on pay retention to ensure he does not suffer any decrease in or loss of pay upon conversion.
In the meantime, Air Force classification teams are working efficiently and effectively to provide fair and accurate classification service.
“The Air Force demand for classification and staffing expertise is at an unprecedented level with NSPS-out, insourcing, rated-to-civilian conversions, Global Strike stand-up and other key initiatives ongoing simultaneously. I am very proud to say the Air Force team has performed with the utmost professionalism and care,” said Colonel Norman. “We’ll continue to work closely with all stakeholders through these challenges.”
The first phase of the transition for Air Force employees began July 4. Phase II is scheduled to begin July 18. For more information on the transition schedule, click http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123210690.
For more information on the NSPS transition, visit www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/transition. For more on the classification process, visit http://www.opm.gov or AFPC’s personnel services website, keyword “Classification Standards.” Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.
Air Force Manpower Agency Public Affairs Office
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – With only weeks remaining to classify Air Force civilian jobs into the legacy General Schedule personnel system, Air Force classifiers are ensuring NSPS positions have a current GS title, series and grade before the NSPS conversion out date.
The Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act repealed the National Security Personnel System, resulting in the mandatory transition of more than 44,000 Air Force federal employees to other personnel and pay systems.
Core documents are currently undergoing review and classification for those Air Force employees whose positions were created under NSPS. Core documents describe the major duties, responsibilities and supervisory relationship of a position.
“Classifiers are unbiased agents of the government and are held to very strict standards established by the Office of Personnel Management when assigning GS ratings to a position,” said Col. Brian Norman, the Air Force Manpower Agency commander. “Our team renders a classification based solely upon the actual work performed and required in the position under review, not upon any person’s qualifications or their previous military grade.”
Classifying a position at the accurate grade for the assigned duties and responsibilities ensures balance of the organization and is vital toward maintaining classification accuracy across the Air Force.
“All of us are charged with being good stewards of government resources and taxpayers’ dollars,” Colonel Norman said. “If a position is classified a GS-15 when it’s really a GS-14 or GS-13, we are doing an injustice to the other positions that are classified in accordance with OPM standards.”
AFMA classification specialists have a proven track record of making the right decisions and appropriately applying the OPM Classification Standards and Guidelines. Since centralized classification began in 1996, all appealed classification decisions have been upheld by OPM and the Department of Defense in favor of AFMA’s classifications.
“We properly classify positions based on standards given to us within the bounds legally established by the Office of Personnel Management,” Colonel Norman said. “To do otherwise would put our agency at risk of losing its classification authority.”
Employees whose positions were originally under GS will have the position classified based on the position description on file, also referred to as the “reach back PD.” Other positions may have an applicable Standard Core Personnel Document that may be used. any of these standard core documents are available for viewing on the Air Force Portal, keyword “SCPD library.”
“We understand that a few positions have dramatically evolved in workload and responsibility since the initial conversion to NSPS. For those individuals, we will review the updated core documents as soon as possible,” Colonel Norman said.
An employee who feels the classification does not accurately reflect his position’s assigned duties and responsibilities may appeal the classification decision to the Department of Defense or OPM after the individual has transitioned into the GS personnel system.
By law, employees will not lose pay upon conversion. These general guidelines will be followed when determining an employee’s pay. If the employee’s current pay:
- Fits within the rate range of the appropriate grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed at a step that equals or exceeds his existing pay.
- Is below the rate range for the appropriate GS grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed on the first step of the GS grade upon conversion out.
- Is above the rate range for the appropriate GS grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed on pay retention to ensure he does not suffer any decrease in or loss of pay upon conversion.
In the meantime, Air Force classification teams are working efficiently and effectively to provide fair and accurate classification service.
“The Air Force demand for classification and staffing expertise is at an unprecedented level with NSPS-out, insourcing, rated-to-civilian conversions, Global Strike stand-up and other key initiatives ongoing simultaneously. I am very proud to say the Air Force team has performed with the utmost professionalism and care,” said Colonel Norman. “We’ll continue to work closely with all stakeholders through these challenges.”
The first phase of the transition for Air Force employees began July 4. Phase II is scheduled to begin July 18. For more information on the transition schedule, click http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123210690.
For more information on the NSPS transition, visit www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/transition. For more on the classification process, visit http://www.opm.gov or AFPC’s personnel services website, keyword “Classification Standards.” Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.
Upgrade allows civilians to update awards online
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Civilian employees can now update their non-monetary awards through the self-service module in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System using the “Awards and Bonuses” tab in “My Biz.”
The ability to update non-monetary awards, such as length of service recognition, exemplary civilian service award and Air Force Civilian Achievement Award, eliminates the need to fax, e-mail or deliver an approved award certificate or other award documentation to the local civilian personnel section or training office.
Monetary awards, such as notable achievement, special act or service, and time-off awards, must still be updated by the local CPS.
Although supervisors can view and print the awards entered by the employee, they cannot update their employees’ information.
This timely and customer-focused initiative is similar to the self-service education update initiative launched in August 2008 and the training update initiative launched in September 2009.
While this additional self-service capability allows employees direct access to update awards, officials strongly encourage users to review their inputs for accuracy before submitting them. Knowingly entering false or misleading information is punishable by disciplinary action, monetary fines or both.
For more information on the automation of civilian records, call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Civilian employees can now update their non-monetary awards through the self-service module in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System using the “Awards and Bonuses” tab in “My Biz.”
The ability to update non-monetary awards, such as length of service recognition, exemplary civilian service award and Air Force Civilian Achievement Award, eliminates the need to fax, e-mail or deliver an approved award certificate or other award documentation to the local civilian personnel section or training office.
Monetary awards, such as notable achievement, special act or service, and time-off awards, must still be updated by the local CPS.
Although supervisors can view and print the awards entered by the employee, they cannot update their employees’ information.
This timely and customer-focused initiative is similar to the self-service education update initiative launched in August 2008 and the training update initiative launched in September 2009.
While this additional self-service capability allows employees direct access to update awards, officials strongly encourage users to review their inputs for accuracy before submitting them. Knowingly entering false or misleading information is punishable by disciplinary action, monetary fines or both.
For more information on the automation of civilian records, call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
Hiring authority key in meeting goals, faster hiring
by April Rowden
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – As the Air Force continues to seek highly qualified talent to compliment its growing civilian work force, officials are promoting active use of the Schedule A hiring authority to fill these positions with qualified personnel.
Schedule A hiring is a special streamlined hiring authority available to hire individuals with targeted disabilities. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, targeted disabilities are deafness, blindness, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, convulsive disorders, mental retardation, mental illness, and distortion of limbs and/or spine.
Last fall, President Barack Obama announced new initiatives aimed at increasing the employment of people with disabilities in the federal work force, including increased use of Schedule A. To support the initiative, the Air Force has adopted the Department of Defense’s “2 percent goal” in which at least 2 percent of the civilian work force is made up of individuals with targeted disabilities, said Michelle Siples, the Air Force Disability Program manager.
In an effort to increase manager awareness and understanding of how to hire qualified people with disabilities, the Air Force Equal Opportunity Office posted the Air Force Plan for Employment of People with Disabilities and Reasonable Accommodation Procedures, and the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program Plan at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afcivilianjobs/resources.asp.
Air Force officials hope the increased awareness will help raise the number of employees with disabilities, presently at less than 1 percent.
“Managers must be aware of the benefits of using the Schedule A hiring authority. Bottom line, it saves time,” Ms. Siples said.
Qualified individuals with targeted disabilities can be hired non-competitively without recruitment, without posting and publicizing the position, without clearance of priority placement, and without going through the certificate process. Schedule A eliminates many of the competitive hiring steps, reducing the time it takes to fill a needed position.
Managers interested in considering Schedule A applicants through non-competitive procedures should contact their civilian personnel section or installation Disability Program manager. The process is noncompetitive, which means human resources specialists and/or disability program managers send resumes of qualified applicants directly to managers. Managers have the option to hire the individual immediately.
Ms. Siples said, “This is an excellent opportunity for managers to make a difference by hiring people with disabilities into the work force. People with disabilities bring to the job an unsurpassed loyalty, dedication and commitment, and we must do more to seek out this untapped source of individuals.”
To be eligible for noncompetitive appointment using the Schedule A hiring authority, candidates must obtain written proof of disability and a certification of job readiness from a licensed medical professional, a state or private vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any government agency that issues or provides disability benefits. Candidates must also meet the Office of Personnel Management’s position qualification standards for which they are applying.
The requirements for each position, such as education and experience, are listed on the OPM website. The site also contains information about the hiring process for people with disabilities and has a list of selective placement coordinators for each federal agency.
Individuals with disabilities may apply for noncompetitive appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority by submitting an application and any necessary supporting documentation directly to the selective placement coordinator or equivalent.
For more information about the Schedule A hiring authority and options for people with disabilities, visit the OPM website, http://www.opm.gov/, or AFPC’s personnel services website and search for“disability employment.” Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – As the Air Force continues to seek highly qualified talent to compliment its growing civilian work force, officials are promoting active use of the Schedule A hiring authority to fill these positions with qualified personnel.
Schedule A hiring is a special streamlined hiring authority available to hire individuals with targeted disabilities. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, targeted disabilities are deafness, blindness, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, convulsive disorders, mental retardation, mental illness, and distortion of limbs and/or spine.
Last fall, President Barack Obama announced new initiatives aimed at increasing the employment of people with disabilities in the federal work force, including increased use of Schedule A. To support the initiative, the Air Force has adopted the Department of Defense’s “2 percent goal” in which at least 2 percent of the civilian work force is made up of individuals with targeted disabilities, said Michelle Siples, the Air Force Disability Program manager.
In an effort to increase manager awareness and understanding of how to hire qualified people with disabilities, the Air Force Equal Opportunity Office posted the Air Force Plan for Employment of People with Disabilities and Reasonable Accommodation Procedures, and the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program Plan at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afcivilianjobs/resources.asp.
Air Force officials hope the increased awareness will help raise the number of employees with disabilities, presently at less than 1 percent.
“Managers must be aware of the benefits of using the Schedule A hiring authority. Bottom line, it saves time,” Ms. Siples said.
Qualified individuals with targeted disabilities can be hired non-competitively without recruitment, without posting and publicizing the position, without clearance of priority placement, and without going through the certificate process. Schedule A eliminates many of the competitive hiring steps, reducing the time it takes to fill a needed position.
Managers interested in considering Schedule A applicants through non-competitive procedures should contact their civilian personnel section or installation Disability Program manager. The process is noncompetitive, which means human resources specialists and/or disability program managers send resumes of qualified applicants directly to managers. Managers have the option to hire the individual immediately.
Ms. Siples said, “This is an excellent opportunity for managers to make a difference by hiring people with disabilities into the work force. People with disabilities bring to the job an unsurpassed loyalty, dedication and commitment, and we must do more to seek out this untapped source of individuals.”
To be eligible for noncompetitive appointment using the Schedule A hiring authority, candidates must obtain written proof of disability and a certification of job readiness from a licensed medical professional, a state or private vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any government agency that issues or provides disability benefits. Candidates must also meet the Office of Personnel Management’s position qualification standards for which they are applying.
The requirements for each position, such as education and experience, are listed on the OPM website. The site also contains information about the hiring process for people with disabilities and has a list of selective placement coordinators for each federal agency.
Individuals with disabilities may apply for noncompetitive appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority by submitting an application and any necessary supporting documentation directly to the selective placement coordinator or equivalent.
For more information about the Schedule A hiring authority and options for people with disabilities, visit the OPM website, http://www.opm.gov/, or AFPC’s personnel services website and search for“disability employment.” Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.
By Hans Petersen, VA Staff Writer
CWO Sam Domino and his grandson Jason mark the time on his watch that begins his 100th birthday. Marine Chief Warrant Officer Sam Domino is 100 years old, July 12, 2010. This Veteran’s life and career are notable in his dedication to the Marines, his country and his family.
In the Marine Corps, he served in two major conflicts, World War II and Korea, as well as stations throughout East Asia.
The son of Italian immigrants, Warrant Officer Domino was an exceptional athlete in his youth, lettering in baseball, football and track. His studies in agricultural engineering at university were interrupted when his father, a store keeper, lost everything in the great depression.
That’s when he joined the Marine Corps for his first tour of duty, earning less than $20 a month. He was to later re-enlist and make the Corps a career.
Domino was married for nearly 50 years to the love of his life, Anne. They had four children who gave them six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Proud to say he “loved the Corps,” he served as a valet to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, in the early days of World War II. His tour of duty included service on the USS Augusta, a heavy artillery cruiser.
Domino served in Okinawa for five years during the occupation and sadly remembers the many marines who died there.
Sam Domino receives a promotion from commanding officers during World War II.
Warrant Officer Domino was a star baseball player for the Marine Corps — his team was Asiatic champs in 1932 — and was so talented, the Navy tried to recruit him away from the Marine Corps team.
He spent a total of 27 years in the Marine Corps, retiring in the late 1950s. After leaving the Corps, he worked for the State of Florida Department of Transportation.
Domino loved to garden and tended his orange trees, vegetables and flowers until he reached 95 years of age.
His daughter, Madeline, enjoys looking through photos of his days training at Paris Island, his tours of duty to China, the Philippines, the Panama Canal, Australia and Japan.
About her dad, she says, “Dad is truly an amazing person and a great father and husband. He is always complimentary of my mother who followed him around the country on his U.S. assignments and reared the children, many times alone.
“As a father, dad always offered guidance to his children and instilled in us the virtues of faith in God, hard work, honesty and the value of an education. We are so blessed to have dad with us on this momentous occasion. We love you dad!”
A lifetime member of the Masons, Warrant Officer Domino was saluted on the NBC Today Show on July 12. The local Veterans Affairs Medical Center will celebrate his 100th birthday with a special party in his honor.
Luge Athlete Braves Heat at Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson Leader
July 12, 2010 - Before coming here to train in the sweltering heat, Army Pfc. Joseph Mortensen spent his days sliding down frozen luge tracks around the world. Mortensen, 21, Company E, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, competed internationally in luge, a sport in which the athletes race on sleds down a track about a mile long at speeds up to 90 mph.
"It is the biggest adrenaline rush of your life," said Mortensen, who is in his seventh week of basic combat training.
The luge athlete, who took up the sport at age 9, missed the 2010 Winter Olympics by one slot on Team USA.
"I loved the fact that when I woke up I was competing against the world's best," said Mortensen, whose Army specialty is interior electrician, adding that he plans to make a run for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
"It is a very mentally and physically challenging sport," he said. "The training is very much like [basic combat training]. We do a lot of push-ups, V-ups and pretty much anything you can think of that works the upper body." V-ups are an abdominal exercise.
In addition to upper-body strength, luge requires the ability to completely relax the body with controlled breathing – similar to some of the skills required for marksmanship.
Mortensen, of Huntington Station, N.Y., begins each season by training at Lake Placid, N.Y., before venturing to tracks across Europe and Canada.
"Each track has its own unique personality and requires a different approach," he said. "I loved traveling to the different tracks and experiencing different cultures. Some of the things I have seen I had only read about. It was kind of an overwhelming experience."
Mortensen got into the sport as a youth because his father worked for a major luge sponsor.
"I was a pretty active youngster," he said. "I first started sliding when I was 9 years old, and my father was able to introduce my brother and [me] to the sport."
The most important aspect of a luge run is the start, Mortensen said. The athletes push off and gain momentum by paddling their hands, which are clad in spiked gloves.
"You pick up speed when you go into corners, but your body has to be completely relaxed," Mortensen said. "The tighter the curve, the more pressure that is released, and the faster you go. How smooth you steer also determines your speed going around corners." Luge athletes steer their sleds with the calf of each leg or by exerting opposite shoulder pressure to the seat, he explained.
The sport is not without its dangers. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Georgian luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed in a training-run accident.
"That accident had a big impact on the sport, and speeds were reduced to prevent future fatalities," Mortensen said.
Besides sliding down a frozen track on his back, Mortensen was a three-sport athlete in high school, where he participated in wrestling, baseball and soccer. He said he joined the Army National Guard to help aid in the fight in Afghanistan.
All in all, Mortensen said, he is enjoying his time at hot and humid Fort Jackson.
"Where I am from, I am not used to this kind of heat," he said. "If it was a dry heat, it would be OK. But this is brutal. Overall though, I am having a good time."
USO, Nationals Celebrate Wounded Warriors, Families
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
July 11, 2010 - Like many combat-injured servicemembers, Army Pfc. Matthew Castillo del Muro has found comfort in family and support. Organizations such as the USO, Microsoft Corp. and the Washington Nationals have helped the airborne infantryman's recovery in ways he never expected, he said.
"The USO is great," Castillo del Muro said today at Nationals Park here. "All of the groups really go out of their way to make [wounded warriors] feel appreciated."
Castillo del Muro was one of 200 wounded warriors, active duty military and military family members honored at the Nationals game today against the San Francisco Giants. The celebration was part of USO of Metropolitan Washington and Microsoft's 4th Annual Salute to the Troops.
Castillo del Muro is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. He lost his lower right leg to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on June 6. Although he endured almost a year of patrolling Afghanistan's rigid terrain with the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, the 22-year-old is learning that recovering from his injuries may be his biggest challenge.
"It's tough, but events like this and support from my family really makes a positive difference," he said.
The troops and their families started the day with a VIP welcome from the Nationals. The Nationals rolled out the red carpet, literally, as their guests enjoyed food and drinks at the ballpark's rooftop party deck before the game.
Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army's vice chief of staff, lauded the organizations for their support. He acknowledged each of the groups for their steadfast and continued commitment to troops and their families.
"This is an event that happens only once a year," Chiarelli said. "Their support of our soldiers, all of our soldiers -- our wounded warriors, our soldiers who are deployed -- it's absolutely fantastic."
Nationals' games, in particular, have become known for paying tribute to the military community, he noted. Such recognition goes a long way for military families and children who are dealing with deployed loved ones, he added.
"It means so much to the kids, that they know their parents are doing something special, and their country supports them," he said.
"We've become Nationals fans, even though those of us in the military have teams back home that we support," the general continued. "You can't turn on a Nationals game or come out to the ballpark without seeing someone from the military being recognized."
Today, several wounded warriors were out on the field to meet players. One lucky troop even got to hand off the team line up card to the head umpire. The troops also were recognized in the third inning with a special salute on the big-screen monitor in centerfield. Troops waved their hats, smiling proudly, as the stadium roared with cheering fans.
"This is pretty amazing," Army Sgt. Matt Lavoir said. "Events like this go a long way in the healing process."
Lavoir, 23, also is recovering at Walter Reed. He was injured by a roadside bomb in September 2008 in Iraq, and has only partial use of his right arm, he said. He's participated in more than 20 USO-sponsored events while in rehabilitation here, he said proudly.
"I can't say enough good things about USO and what they do for us," the infantryman said. "USO and events like this are a huge help to all of us in uniform. Their events are a big pick-me-up, getting us out of our rooms and trying to live life again."
Curt Kolcun, Microsoft's vice president of U.S. Public Sector, and Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro president, said it's an honor for their organizations to reach out in support of the military.
"We're honored by the sacrifice the troops and families make every day for us," Kolcun said. "This is just a way for us to recognize and give back to those who've given so much."
"This is all of us, our way of really saying to our active duty military and their families, we really appreciate what you're doing for our country," Rogers added. "It doesn't get much better than a special day like today."
Although the Nationals fell behind early, and were down 5-0 in the top of the seventh, they sparked a late-game comeback. The Nats scored two runs, but left the bases loaded going into the eighth. The Giants closed the game 6-2.
However, it wasn't a total loss, Lavoir attested.
"It's a great day for baseball, and it was a great tribute to our military," he said
American Forces Press Service
July 11, 2010 - Like many combat-injured servicemembers, Army Pfc. Matthew Castillo del Muro has found comfort in family and support. Organizations such as the USO, Microsoft Corp. and the Washington Nationals have helped the airborne infantryman's recovery in ways he never expected, he said.
"The USO is great," Castillo del Muro said today at Nationals Park here. "All of the groups really go out of their way to make [wounded warriors] feel appreciated."
Castillo del Muro was one of 200 wounded warriors, active duty military and military family members honored at the Nationals game today against the San Francisco Giants. The celebration was part of USO of Metropolitan Washington and Microsoft's 4th Annual Salute to the Troops.
Castillo del Muro is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. He lost his lower right leg to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on June 6. Although he endured almost a year of patrolling Afghanistan's rigid terrain with the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, the 22-year-old is learning that recovering from his injuries may be his biggest challenge.
"It's tough, but events like this and support from my family really makes a positive difference," he said.
The troops and their families started the day with a VIP welcome from the Nationals. The Nationals rolled out the red carpet, literally, as their guests enjoyed food and drinks at the ballpark's rooftop party deck before the game.
Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army's vice chief of staff, lauded the organizations for their support. He acknowledged each of the groups for their steadfast and continued commitment to troops and their families.
"This is an event that happens only once a year," Chiarelli said. "Their support of our soldiers, all of our soldiers -- our wounded warriors, our soldiers who are deployed -- it's absolutely fantastic."
Nationals' games, in particular, have become known for paying tribute to the military community, he noted. Such recognition goes a long way for military families and children who are dealing with deployed loved ones, he added.
"It means so much to the kids, that they know their parents are doing something special, and their country supports them," he said.
"We've become Nationals fans, even though those of us in the military have teams back home that we support," the general continued. "You can't turn on a Nationals game or come out to the ballpark without seeing someone from the military being recognized."
Today, several wounded warriors were out on the field to meet players. One lucky troop even got to hand off the team line up card to the head umpire. The troops also were recognized in the third inning with a special salute on the big-screen monitor in centerfield. Troops waved their hats, smiling proudly, as the stadium roared with cheering fans.
"This is pretty amazing," Army Sgt. Matt Lavoir said. "Events like this go a long way in the healing process."
Lavoir, 23, also is recovering at Walter Reed. He was injured by a roadside bomb in September 2008 in Iraq, and has only partial use of his right arm, he said. He's participated in more than 20 USO-sponsored events while in rehabilitation here, he said proudly.
"I can't say enough good things about USO and what they do for us," the infantryman said. "USO and events like this are a huge help to all of us in uniform. Their events are a big pick-me-up, getting us out of our rooms and trying to live life again."
Curt Kolcun, Microsoft's vice president of U.S. Public Sector, and Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro president, said it's an honor for their organizations to reach out in support of the military.
"We're honored by the sacrifice the troops and families make every day for us," Kolcun said. "This is just a way for us to recognize and give back to those who've given so much."
"This is all of us, our way of really saying to our active duty military and their families, we really appreciate what you're doing for our country," Rogers added. "It doesn't get much better than a special day like today."
Although the Nationals fell behind early, and were down 5-0 in the top of the seventh, they sparked a late-game comeback. The Nats scored two runs, but left the bases loaded going into the eighth. The Giants closed the game 6-2.
However, it wasn't a total loss, Lavoir attested.
"It's a great day for baseball, and it was a great tribute to our military," he said
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
