Spouse jobs program to relaunch in October

by Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

7/20/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official announced July 20.

Changes include a reduction in the amount of financial aid, a change in the population eligible to receive that aid -- from all military spouses to just spouses of junior servicemembers -- and more robust counseling services.

These changes bring the program, commonly known as MyCAA, back to its original intent of equipping military spouses of junior servicemembers with portable careers, such as in real estate or health care, said Clifford Stanley, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The program was launched in November 2007 for spouses of junior servicemembers, and was expanded to all pay grades and programs of study in March 2009.

"We're trying to empower, to give spouses in particular, an opportunity to be immediately impactful as soon as they get into a community," Mr. Stanley said. "We want to make sure they have opportunities to work when they get to a new duty station."

Officials temporarily halted the program Feb. 16, pending a top-to-bottom review, after an enrollment surge overwhelmed the system and caused the program to nearly reach its budget threshold. In March, with the review still under way, officials resumed the program for the more than 136,000 spouses who already had established an account.

The review took time, but officials wanted to ensure they could sustain the program for the long-term, particularly in light of fiscal realities the government is facing, Mr. Stanley said.

"We want to help people be employed, but at the same time we have to be cost conscious," he said.

The aim is to sustain the program, he said.

"We don't want to start it and stop it. This is something we want to continue because it's important to take care of our families and our spouses."

The previous program offered all spouses of active duty servicemembers a lifetime benefit of $6,000 to be used for education purposes.

Under the new parameters, spouses of junior servicemembers can apply for a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 for up to three years from the start date of the first class, with a $2,000 annual cap, Mr. Stanley explained. Spouses pursuing licenses or certifications requiring an up-front fee of greater than $2,000 may apply for a waiver of the annual cap up to the maximum benefit of $4,000, he added.

Financial aid will be limited to spouses of active duty servicemembers in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2, Mr. Stanley said, as well as the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders, he added.

Those spouses eligible to receive aid can use the money to fund associate's degrees, licenses and certification programs, not higher degrees. The program wasn't intended to support bachelor's and master's degrees, Mr. Stanley said. However, he added, spouses pursuing higher degrees can explore a plethora of other education opportunities -- such as scholarships, federal grants and the G.I. Bill -- with help from Military OneSource consultants.

"The counseling piece is probably the most important, and pivotal, part of this program," he said.

Spouses currently enrolled in the program can continue their participation through Oct. 21, when MyCAA will ramp down and prepare for the Oct. 25 relaunch. As of Oct. 25, those spouses who fall within the eligible pay grades can continue their program participation. Spouses who no longer are eligible for financial aid still can participate by accessing career and education counseling services, Mr. Stanley said.

"There are still opportunities," he said. "This one program is just one small part of the overall equation of taking care of our family members. It's an important part, but it's a small part."

To fund the program, officials have budgeted about $210 million for 2010 with an increase to $250 million for 2011 due to an expected spike in enrollments, Mr. Stanley said. For future years, officials are estimating a budget of about $190 million per year.

To ensure the vitality of the program, Military OneSource counselors will encourage spouses to explore other funding resources, including federal benefits. And staffing levels have been increased to handle the anticipated call volume and enable more one-on-one counseling with spouses, Mr. Stanley said. Officials also will monitor the program much closer now to ensure they can maintain it, he added.

The program became "wildly popular" before, mainly through word of mouth, Mr. Stanley said. People heard about the program and immediately recognized it was a good deal.

And "It's still a good deal," he said. "We always tend to look at the glass as half empty. We are doing the best we can with what we have. I wish we had a lot more money, but we don't. But this glass is still half full."

Airmen help Trinidadian officials build disaster plan

by Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

7/20/2010 - PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AFNS) -- A military medical team is helping Trinidadian officials develop more comprehensive disaster plans, and also providing them the forum to coordinate their plans with other local agencies here July 20.

Each agency represented at the Disaster Planning and Mass Casualty Response course has a disaster plan.

"Now, the goal is for them to talk to each other, and take all of these plans and put them into one comprehensive plan," said Staff Sgt. Abraham Rodriguez, the NCO in charge for the Defense Institute of Medical Operations at Brooks City-Base, Texas.

For Christina Siew, a health and safety officer with Trinidad and Tobago's Northwest Regional Health Authority, having these different agencies in one room is helping her revise her current disaster plan.

"Everyone in one room is helping, because within the reviewing process, we need to get stakeholders to give us the additional assistance required," she said. "We don't have police, and we don't have transport -- we have them in our plan mentally, but with them here, they can work through issues."

Some of the potential natural disasters to Trinidad and Tobago include flooding, landslides and earthquakes. With these potential disasters in mind, the instructors create scenarios for the officials to practice and discuss their plans.

"We give them the scenarios and ask them what kind of resources or manpower is needed," Sergeant Rodriguez said. "If we identify that fire department services are needed, we ask the individual in the classroom what his agency brings to the table. This way, all of the agencies are on the same page on what is needed."

"It also helps that officials from different echelons of these agencies are here to discuss these issues," he said. "This way, the people at the work stations, such as the fire department, have the opportunity to justify to those higher officials why they need what resources, if a disaster occurred."

"I hope to get a better understanding of disaster preparedness," Ms. Siew said. "Right now, we just have the basics. The material (the DIMO team) provided is more in-depth, which will help us better prepare a final document."

U.S. Fleet Forces Visits RIVGRU, NECC

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class(SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) presented awards to Riverine Group (RIVGRU) 1 and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story July 19.

During his RIVGRU 1 visit, Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr. presented Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Michael Finch, Riverine Squadron 1, with the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Finch manned a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle gun during a four-vehicle tactical convoy from Basrah Area Operations Center (BAOC) June 25. While returning from a salvage operation, Finch's vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device about one kilometer southwest of BAOC. Finch's hand was severely damaged in the attack.

"I was extremely honored to receive the Purple Heart medal for doing my job. When everything happened all my training kicked in, and it felt like second nature; I racked my weapon (chambered a round) and assessed the situation," said Finch. "I am definitely excited to get back out there on deployment with my shipmates. If I could go now, I would."

Harvey presented NECC personnel with the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) for exceptional meritorious service from 2006 to 2008.

"The results of NECC's mission have been beneficial to the Navy, to the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to all the other places that we have deployed you," said Harvey. "Thank you and congratulations on a job extraordinarily well done."

From January 2006 through the end of 2008, NECC deployed more than 25,000 expeditionary forces to support combatant commanders and Navy component commanders' global requirements.

"It takes something special to receive a NUC. It took something special back in 2006 to bring all these communities together with their histories, traditions and backgrounds and to bring them all together in a coherent and complete way," said Harvey. "I respect the leadership team and the folks who have been here from day one for coming together and putting this command together."

Harvey said the incredible skill sets forged at NECC will be needed long after OIF and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Exemption from State Tax Withholding for Military Residents of Oklahoma

Per Oklahoma Statute, Title 68, Sec. 2358 (2009), effective for taxable years beginning on or after 1 January 2010 and through 2014, all military pay received by active duty or reserve members of the Armed Forces will be exempt from Oklahoma income tax.

The military pay exemption applies to all Oklahoma military members regardless of where the member is stationed.

Continuation of the tax exclusion for tax years 2015 and beyond will be determined later based on an analysis by Oklahoma officials of various kinds of revenues.

Effective 1 July 2010, PPC stopped withholding of state income tax for members claiming Oklahoma as their state of legal residence. However, PPC will continue to report earnings even though taxes will not be withheld. Members must continue to file Oklahoma state income tax returns to claim the exclusion of military pay. Other earnings by military personnel, such as investment income or income from other employment, are not exempt.

U.S. Fleet Forces Visits RIVGRU, NECC

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class(SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) presented awards to Riverine Group (RIVGRU) 1 and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story July 19.

During his RIVGRU 1 visit, Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr. presented Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Michael Finch, Riverine Squadron 1, with the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Finch manned a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle gun during a four-vehicle tactical convoy from Basrah Area Operations Center (BAOC) June 25. While returning from a salvage operation, Finch's vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device about one kilometer southwest of BAOC. Finch's hand was severely damaged in the attack.

"I was extremely honored to receive the Purple Heart medal for doing my job. When everything happened all my training kicked in, and it felt like second nature; I racked my weapon (chambered a round) and assessed the situation," said Finch. "I am definitely excited to get back out there on deployment with my shipmates. If I could go now, I would."

Harvey presented NECC personnel with the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) for exceptional meritorious service from 2006 to 2008.

"The results of NECC's mission have been beneficial to the Navy, to the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to all the other places that we have deployed you," said Harvey. "Thank you and congratulations on a job extraordinarily well done."

From January 2006 through the end of 2008, NECC deployed more than 25,000 expeditionary forces to support combatant commanders and Navy component commanders' global requirements.

"It takes something special to receive a NUC. It took something special back in 2006 to bring all these communities together with their histories, traditions and backgrounds and to bring them all together in a coherent and complete way," said Harvey. "I respect the leadership team and the folks who have been here from day one for coming together and putting this command together."

Harvey said the incredible skill sets forged at NECC will be needed long after OIF and Operation Enduring Freedom.

MILITARY CONTRACTS July 20, 2010

ARMY

Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, was awarded on July 12 a $469,922,290 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The guided multiple rocket systems (GMLRS) unitary, Full Rate Production V procurement is to acquire 4,770 unitary and 530 reduced range rocket pods (RRPR). This procurement covers requirements and service for the U.S., foreign partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. The U.S. Army is to acquire 532 unitary pods, 3 stockpile reliability program pods and 18 unitary production validation test rockets. The U.S. Marine Corps is to acquire 98 unitary pods. Foreign partners are to aquire the following: Germany, 20 unitary pods; United Kingdom, 72 unitary pods; France, 43 unitary pods. Foreign Military Sales customer Jordan is to acquire 24 unitary pods. The procurement of RRPR is as follows: U.S. Army, 344 pods; U.S. Marine Corps, 120 pods; United Arab Emirates (UAE), 30 pods; and Jordan, 36 pods. Downloads/demate rocket pods are as follows: U.S. Army unitary, 538 pods; U.S. Army RRPR, 344 pods; U.S. Army 2009 supplemental, 118 pods; U.S. Marine Corps supplemental, 74 pods; U.S. Marine Corps, 98 pods; U.S. Marine Corps RRPR, 120 pods; Germany unitary, 20 pods; United Kingdom unitary, 72 pods; France unitary, 43 pods; Jordan unitary, 24 pods; UAE RRPR, 30 pods; and Jordan RRPR, 36 pods. Other requirements in support of production deliveries include: integrated logistic support; facilitization of France; GMLRS technical publications, Jordan; GMLRS multiple launch rocket system family of munitions spares; and GMLRS obsolescence. Work is to be performed in Dallas, Texas (15 percent), and Camden, Ark. (85 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0270).

AVI Bophirima, Inc., Corvallis, Ore., was awarded on July 14 a $80,396,827 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. This contract is for the development and licensure of hemorrhagic fever virus therapeutics, Ebola and Marburg. Work is to be performed in Corvallis, Ore. (51.85 percent); Fort Detrick, Md. (2.7 percent); and Fort Devens, Mass. (42.45 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 24, 2016. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (W9113M-10-C-0056).

Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp., British Columbia, Canada, was awarded on July 14 a $34,747,879 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. This contract is for development and licensure of hemorrhagic fever virus therapeutics. Work is to be performed in Canada (68.72 percent), and Fort Detrick, Md. (31.28 percent), with an estimated completion date of July 19, 2016. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (W9113M-10-C-0057).

NAVY

J.J. Sosa & Associates, Inc.*, Tampa, Fla. (N69450-10-D-0783); Asset Group, Inc.*, Oklahoma City, Okla. (N69450-10-D-0784); Core Engineering & Construction, Inc.*, Winter Park, Fla. (N69450-10-D-0785); DC General, LLC*, Hattiesburg, Miss. (N69450-10-D-0786); Environmental Management Resources, Inc.*, Lawrence, Kan. (N69450-10-D-0787); and Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc.*, Brandon, Miss. (N69450-10-D-0788), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build construction contract for projects at military installations along the Gulf Coast of the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama region within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast's area of responsibility. The work to be performed provides for general building type projects - new construction, renovation, alteration and repair of facilities and infrastructure, roofing, demolition, and routine renovation - including, but not limited to: aviation and aircraft facilities; maintenance facilities; barracks and personnel housing facilities; administrative facilities; warehouses and supply facilities; training facilities; personnel support and service facilities; security level facilities; community support facilities; and abatement and handling of hazardous/regulated materials, including and not limited to asbestos, lead paint, mold remediation, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Projects may also require comprehensive incorporation of sustainable features. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all six contracts combined is $100,000,000. J. J. Sosa & Associates, Inc., is being awarded task order #0001 at $5,726,565 for the design and construction of a battalion maintenance facility and equipment yard at Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by January 2012. All work on this contract will be performed primarily in Louisiana (40 percent), Mississippi (30 percent), and Alabama (20 percent). Work may also be performed within a range of 250 miles from Gulfport, Miss. (10 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of July 2015. Contract funds for task order #0001 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 37 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

G.S.E. Dynamics, Inc.*, Hauppauge, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,462,663 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the acquisition of repair/refurbishment, rebuilding, assembling and modification of government-furnished fiberglass composite structures for various Navy ships. The required service repairs will consist of submarine antenna and periscope mast fairings; radomes; antenna closure caps; non-composite submarine antenna mast fairings and periscope fairing structures; hydraulic/hoist cylinders; bearing frames; and closure doors. Work will be performed in Hauppauge, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by July 2015. Contract funds will expire at end of the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-10-D-0012).

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $34,804,061 contract modification which will exercise the fourth option for Space Based Infrared Systems Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit Payload 3 launch and early on-orbit support. At this time, $548,174 has been obligated. ISSW/PKF, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002; P00012).

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Sudbury, Mass., was awarded a $29,211,458 contract modification for the surveillance radar program, a foreign military sales program managed by the Electronic Systems Center to provide Taiwan with the elements of a missile and air defense capability. At this time, $8,324,987 has been obligated. 850 ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8722-05-C-0001 P00073).

ITT Corp., Clifton, N.J., was awarded a $7,482,910 contract which will provide AN/ALQ-172 block cycle software support and enhanced maintenance test set engineering services. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. WR-AL/GRWKB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity.(FA8523-09-G-0001-0002).

Gates Discusses Korea Tour Lengths, Army Deployments

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

July 20, 2010 - Tour lengths for servicemembers assigned to South Korea and the Army's deployment cycles were on the minds of soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team when they met with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates here today.

After making prepared remarks to about 300 soldiers at this post about 20 miles from Korea's demilitarized zone, Gates opened the floor to questions.

One soldier wanted to know if the standard tour length for unaccompanied servicemembers would be doubled to two years.

Gates replied that he approved the idea of "tour normalization" in South Korea a couple of years ago. "What we're looking at is a two-year tour for single members of the service and three-year [tours] for families," he said. "We're proceeding with the first phase in terms of families."

It's a long-term process, the secretary explained, partly because greater numbers of command-sponsored families means more infrastructure is needed to support their needs.

"We think the circumstances are such ... that this is a place where American families would be comfortable and would be safe," he said, "and would make the service of our men and women in uniform more bearable for the families."

Army Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, pointed out to Gates that the decision has begun to have an effect. Two years ago, about 1,600 U.S. military families were living in South Korea, a number that has reached more than 4,200.

"Even up here at 2nd Infantry Division, they have about 600 families that are command-sponsored right now," Sharp said. "[We're] making sure that we build the infrastructure in order to be able to have even more families come, to the point where we can eventually allow all families to come, to get to about 14,000 families [in South Korea].

Another soldier wanted to know what Gates thinks about Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr.'s desire to reduce combat deployments for soldiers, which now are a year long, to nine months.

"One of the reasons that the Army has had 12-month tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, in contrast to [the other services], among other things, has just been the logistics," Gates said. "Trying to move as many forces as the Army had in Iraq and Afghanistan on nine-month centers has just been beyond our capability."

Gates said he believes Casey expects that as stress on the force comes down with drawdowns in Iraq and upon reaching the authorized strength in Afghanistan, the Army can go to one-year combat tours followed by two years at home stations, and then work from there toward a 1-to-3 ratio.

"And I know that it is his goal, once we're not involved in these two wars simultaneously, to be able to get to nine-month deployments, which would obviously be a lot easier on troops and their families," Gates said.

"But I won't kid you," he added. "I still think it's a long ways away."

Gates, who had begun his formal remarks by offering his thanks to the soldiers for their service and to their families for supporting them, took time after the question-and-answer session to shake hands with each soldier, pose for pictures with them, and present them with his commemorative coin.

The secretary later met with Defense Minister Kim Tae-young in the South Korean capital of Seoul, and tomorrow he'll join Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Korea's demilitarized zone. The two Cabinet officers are visiting South Korea this week to participate in the first "Two-plus-Two Talks" between the long-time allies.

Gates Plans Demilitarized Zone Visit as Gesture of Solidarity

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

July 20, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will visit Korea's demilitarized zone tomorrow in a demonstration of U.S.-South Korean solidarity.

Gates told soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team here that he'll visit the demilitarized zone along with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and their South Korean counterparts to highlight the importance of operations there and to demonstrate the "steadfast" U.S. commitment to South Korea.

"I think [the demilitarized zone visit] is a useful reminder that we are in an armistice and that it is a volatile region," Gates told reporters after his talk with the soldiers, noting North Korea's sinking of the freighter Cheonan in March that killed 46 South Korean soldiers. "I think it's a gesture of solidarity with our Korean allies, and recognition that issues of [North Korean] missile and nuclear proliferation endure and continue to be serious challenges for us and for our allies."

Gates told the soldiers that he and Clinton will participate with their South Korean counterparts in the first "2-plus-2 Talks" between the two nations tomorrow, and they'll discuss a wide range of issues, including upcoming military exercises. Though the meetings were in the planning stages before the Cheonan incident, he said, "that attack and our collective efforts to prevent another one will certainly also be a part of our bilateral discussions this week."

In fact, the secretary said, he would meet later in the day with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young to discuss a series of exercises involving the two nations' armed forces over the next several months. The exercises, mainly in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, are designed to enhance interoperability and readiness, he said, adding that the exercises also are meant to send a strong signal of deterrence to North Korea.

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington is arriving in South Korea this week for a port visit and will participate in the first exercise of the upcoming series.

"It's going to be a pretty big exercise -- I think all together [it will involve] about 18 ships – 10 U.S., eight South Korean," Gates told the soldiers, who are based about 20 miles from the demilitarized zone. The exercise also will involve a large number of aircraft and will feature anti-submarine warfare operations and aircraft operations using an Air Force training range, he added.

USS George Washington to Visit Republic of Korea

By Special to American Forces Press Service
American Forces Press Service

July 18, 2010 - USS George Washington, the U.S. Navy's only permanently, forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will visit the Korean port of Busan July 21-25, 2010, officials at U.S. Forces Korea announced today.

In addition to USS George Washington, three destroyers from its strike group will also visit Korean ports. USS McCampbell and USS John S. McCain will visit Busan, and USS Lassen will visit Chinhae.

"The U.S. Navy maintains a robust forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region and the people of the Republic of Korea are our good friends and allies," said George Washington commanding officer Capt. David Lausman. "Our presence here is a testament to the strength of our alliance and our constant readiness to defend the Republic of Korea."

While in Busan, the George Washington will host a reception for distinguished members of the community, and will conduct a number of guided tours of the 97,000-ton aircraft carrier.

"For more than 60 years, we have maintained a strong alliance with the Republic of Korea," said Lausman. "My crew is thrilled with the opportunity to interact with the Korean people and show them their incredible level of pride and professionalism."

While in port about 300 George Washington sailors will volunteer their time to landscape a home for the elderly, visit an orphanage and help make repairs at a local school.

"These deeds are a small token of goodwill on our part towards Korea and lets them know we care," said George Washington Chaplain Cmdr. Brian Haley. "This is also character building for our sailors, so I think this is really a win-win opportunity for them and us."

The George Washington departed its forward operating base of Yokosuka, Japan, on July 9. The ship last visited Busan in October 2008.

Gates to Underscore U.S. Commitment to South Korea

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

July 19, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here tonight for a visit intended to underscore the U.S. commitment to South Korea and provide framework for further strengthening the alliance between the two nations.

Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will meet with their South Korean counterparts in the first "2-plus-2 Talks" between the two nations. Among other agenda items, they're expected to finalize details for a series of military exercises to be conducted over the next several months, officials said.

The USS George Washington will arrive July 21 in Busan on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula for a port visit that will last until July 25. Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters traveling with Gates that the port visit's timing, in conjunction with the 2-plus-2 Talks, provides "a visual, tangible manifestation of our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea."

After the port visit, Morrell added, the George Washington will participate in the first of the U.S.-South Korean military exercises expected over the coming months. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. Three destroyers from its strike group also will visit South Korean ports this week. USS McCampbell and USS John S. McCain will visit Busan, and USS Lassen will visit Chinhae.

"Our presence here is a testament to the strength of our alliance and our constant readiness to defend the Republic of Korea," Navy Capt. David Lausman, the George Washington's commanding officer, said in a written statement released by U.S. Forces Korea.

The 2-plus-2 Talks and the George Washington's port visit come amid continuing world reaction to North Korea's March 26 sinking of the frigate Cheonan, which killed 46 South Korean sailors.

A senior Defense Department official speaking on background said last week that discouraging North Korea from continuing its aggressive behavior is part of the aim of Gates' visit and the exercises that will follow.

"We're trying to send a clear message of deterrence to North Korea," the official said, "which we hope will have an effect of impressing upon them that they need to reconsider the sort of behavior they've been engaged in, including the Cheonan [incident]. We're also seeking to work with [South Korea] to increase and enhance the alliance's capabilities -- readiness, flexibility and our operational capacity. So I think there's a real purpose to these exercises."

Also on the agenda for the talks is the transfer of wartime operational control of forces on the Korean peninsula to the South Korean military by December 2015. President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak announced a delay in that transfer – originally scheduled for April 2012 – after they met during the G-20 Summit in Toronto last month.

"This gives us appropriate time ... within the existing security context to do this right," Obama said in Toronto, "because this alliance is the linchpin of not only security for the Republic of Korea and the United States, but also for the Pacific as a whole."

Gates also will participate in an observance of the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War during his visit.

National Guard to Deploy Troops to Mexican Border

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

July 19, 2010 - The National Guard is sending 1,200 troops to the Southwest border states to provide temporary support for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, officials announced today.

The citizen-soldiers and -airmen will serve alongside federal agents for one year as an augmentation force. The troops will work to prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking north of the border, as well as to counter weapons and cash smuggling going south, Alan Bersin, CBP commissioner, said today at a Pentagon news conference.

The deployment will give CBP and the Department of Homeland Security the time to hire and train 1,000 more border patrol agents and CBP officers, Bersin said.

The deployment and measures to increase border patrol personnel, he said, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the border, he said. More than 340,000 illegal aliens and smugglers have been apprehended along the border since October, he added.

"What we have to do is continue ... to be able to deal with the transnational criminal organizations ...," Bersin said. "To this extent, the Guard has been a tried and tested support to law enforcement on the border, and I'm confident [it] will prove again this instance."

Troops are expected to begin deploying to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California by Aug. 1. All 1,200 troops should be on the ground by September, Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, National Guard Bureau chief, said at the news conference.

"We're very pleased to be in support of our interagency partners," McKinley said. "Our ramp-up will be over time, and we'll make sure that all our soldiers and airmen are well qualified, well integrated and well briefed on the mission at hand."

Some troops will work as criminal and intelligence analysts. Others will support CBP entry identification teams. Troops operating in those capacities are undergoing training now, McKinley noted. Also, about 300 guardsmen are already on the ground working on counternarcotics teams, he added.

"Those are specifically the jobs that we've been asked to do," McKinley said, noting those specialties are well within the "job jar" of the National Guard.

"These are efforts that I think will bring synergy and bring real teamwork together," he said. "I know our young men and women will do a great job."

Troops will be armed during the deployment. However, their weapons are for self-defense purposes, the general explained. The CBP and border patrol agents "have the lead" and determine the amount of force necessary for certain situations, he added.

"Self protection means just that, that if under some kind of danger, they are able to protect themselves, to extricate themselves from the situation," McKinley said. "[Guardsmen] will be taking the lead from the law-enforcement personnel who they will be assisting."

The troops will only be deployed on the United States side of the border and will follow the rules of engagement set by the agencies in each state, the general said. He added that the troops will fall under the command and control of the state governors. "We have done this before," he said. "It is common practice for our soldiers and airmen to follow the leads, to only take that action which is necessary to extricate themselves from the situation and not be provocative."

The border deployment does not hinder the Guard's mission overseas, McKinley said. Although states are providing guardsmen for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, a "sizeable" number of troops remain available for duty, he said.

"Right now I cannot see a case where we would be overextending the National Guard in this effort," he said.

Foreign Pilots Train Aboard Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alex R. Forster, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Three foreign pilots with the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 landed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) July 15 as part of a pilot exchange program during the ship's fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications.

The Navy has long been a forward-deployed presence throughout the world, providing unique opportunities to work closely with, and learn from, military personnel from other countries.

The opportunity for these pilots to embark and train aboard Enterprise provides them with the chance to gain valuable experience and insight into carrier operations.

"I'm here in the U.S. as part of a pilot exchange program between the Swiss Air Force and the U.S. Navy," said Capt. Ralph Iseli, a native of Beringen, Kt. Schaffhausen, Switzerland. "When I heard I was coming here, I was really excited.

"It's an amazing opportunity to come to a carrier - the Swiss Navy does not have them," said Iseli. "I get to watch the ship perform carrier qualifications and tactics, something I would never have the opportunity to see in the Swiss Air Force."

Iseli explained that there is always an exchange of pilots taking place between countries, ensuring the U.S. and its allies are trained in as many different skills as possible.

In Switzerland, Iseli said that some of his duties included training new pilots as well. "There are three squadrons in Switzerland, and because of that it means all the pilots must train the newer ones to become fully qualified," said Iseli. "I think the more experience I gain here, the better I can train those young pilots."

Iseli is gaining valuable experience to take back to Switzerland and pass on.

"Trapping [aircraft] on an aircraft carrier never gets old," said Iseli. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to train on an aircraft carrier." Also training with the "Gladiators" are Lt. Ben Hullah and Lt. Stephan Collins of Great Britain.

The "Gladiators" welcome the rare occasion to work with pilots from other militaries. "I'm thrilled we get to work with pilots from foreign nations because it gives us insight as to how other countries train,," said Lieutenant Matthew B. Rhodes. "This opportunity allows us a chance to work with pilots with a completely different skill set."

The pilot exchange program is just one tactic in the Department of Defense's overall strategy to maximize interoperability in a global war fighting environment.

Today, more than ever, the United States and its allies train and fight together in a multinational environment. The pilot exchange program is a critical part of ensuring that everyone can communicate effectively and execute the mission, no matter where the battlefield is or where the war fighters come from.

Enterprise is at sea preparing for work-ups leading to its 21st deployment.

Taylor Delivers Project Handclasp Supplies to Odessa Orphanage

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward S. Kessler, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ODESSA, Ukraine (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Taylor (FFG 50) took time during exercise Sea Breeze 2010 to deliver Project Handclasp supplies to the Lastochka Orphanage in Odessa, Ukraine, July 16.

Besides delivering the humanitarian and goodwill supplies to the orphanage, Taylor's crew also spent time playing soccer with the children and repainted the orphanage's fence.

"It's a great opportunity for the ship's personnel to interact with some of the people of Ukraine," said Ensign Kelly McWhorter, Taylor's community relations coordinator. "It certainly enhances [Sea Breeze], and it shows that we are not only dedicated to the military mission, but also to the local population."

Lastochka Orphanage cares for 114 children without parents. The children were very friendly and eager to share their day with their new friends from the U.S. Navy.

"We are very grateful for [the Sailors'] visit today," said Lastochka Orphanage Director Sasha Chemenchenko. "A small project like this makes not only a big impact on the kids, but all the [orphanage] staff and parents. Even people driving by slow down when they see [U.S.] Sailors working here at Lastochka."

The children danced and played soccer with the Sailors in the morning and the Sailors repainted the fence to the entrance of the orphanage after lunch.

"To be a part of something like Project Handclasp is a tremendous experience," said Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW) Gary Lamar, a Sailor attached aboard Taylor. "It really shows how we as a Navy and also as American people are committed to our global neighbors."

Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently participating in Sea Breeze, a two-week maritime exercise designed to enhance interoperability and maritime security operations of developing Black Sea nations.

The exercise includes 1,600 military and civilian participants from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States.

ESG 2 Holds Change of Command Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anna Wade, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 held a change of command ceremony July 19 at Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.

Rear Adm. Kevin D. Scott relieved Adm. Michelle J. Howard as ESG 2 commanding officer.

Vice Adm. Melvin G. Williams, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and spoke about the Navy's belief system and how Scott and Howard, as well as other Navy members, represent those ideals.

"We serve globally. We can shape events. We can prevent wars," said Williams.

He said the world is now more complex than the era when Howard and Scott entered the Navy. Sailors and Marines must be more prepared to face the uncertain future. All members of the Navy hold an essential piece to the entire community.

"To me, serving the people is important" said Williams.

Williams stepped away from the podium as a loud round of applause filled the hanger bay.

Command Master Chief Anthony Josey, command master chief of ESG 2, presented Howard with a special award for her service with ESG 2.

"Howard has set a standard that will be very hard to meet. All I can hope for is to keep the fire burning. Thank you all for coming today. God bless you and America," said Scott.

The ceremony was concluded with the formal reading of the official orders by Howard and Scott. Afterwards, they followed the traditional procedure, officially passing authority from Howard to Scott.

ESG 2 deploys as an operational ESG and directly supports all Atlantic Fleet Amphibious ships. It is also involved in the execution of humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

SURFPAC Sends Community Leaders to Sea

By Lt. j.g. Alanna Strei, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twelve community leaders hit the high seas July 13-15 for three, one-day embarks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) as part of the Leaders to Sea (LTS) program.

Through the LTS program, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) provides an opportunity for leaders from business and civic organizations to experience the daily operations on board a Navy warship and to become familiar with the capabilities of the surface force.

Halsey Sailors gave the guests an in-depth ship tour, including a trip to the Sailors' living quarters and dining facilities and introductions to different mission-centric spaces throughout the ship. Tours of combat systems, the sonar room and the pilothouse culminated with a visit to engineering spaces, where they learned that Halsey was the 2009 small ship category winner of the Secretary of the Navy's Fuel Conservation Award.

"It's really great to see the efforts made to conserve fuel and energy, especially as a taxpayer," said David Genecov, founder and director, International Craniofacial Institute. "I was truly impressed by the Sailors' enthusiasm and pride in not only their award but their entire ship."

Genecov also said he enjoyed learning about present-day missions. The LTS program offers the opportunity for community leaders to develop an educated understanding of how U.S. Navy warships carry out the Maritime Strategy. Doing more than assisting with conflicts around the world, they also provide critical support for humanitarian efforts, help train allies during multilateral exercises and provide security in strategically sensitive waterways around the world.

"I love this part of the job," said Cmdr. Jordy Harrison, Halsey's commanding officer. "The ability to show the great people that are part of our ship and to let them tell their stories is what makes Leaders to Sea so successful."

LTS participants had the unique opportunity to witness a MK38 MODII 25 milimeter weapon shoot.

"Having worked with defense systems for years, it is rewarding to see some of the things we have helped design in action," said David Marlow, vice president of sales and marketing, ClientCentric Solutions. "It has been amazing to see the Navy's application of such sophisticated systems."

The community leaders included several members of the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations.

"It is remarkable to hear about all of the humanitarian assistance the Navy provides," said Sarah Soong, director, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. "Hearing about how the Navy has often been first response for disaster relief amplified my respect for all of their hard work."

Halsey is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer attached to the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, which is currently conducting training exercises off the coast of California. The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is preparing for a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

MILITARY CONTRACTS July 19, 2010

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $819,647,920 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-09-C-0010) for special tools/test equipment required in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) air system low-rate initial production Lot IV production. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (25.2 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (21.6 percent); Rochester, United Kingdom (21.5 percent); Rolling Meadows, Ill. (9.5 percent); Baltimore, Md. (2.2 percent); Boulder, Colo. (2.1 percent); various locations outside contiguous U.S. (9.2 percent); and locations within the contiguous U.S. (8.7 percent). Work is expected to be completed in January 2013. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($352,473,960; 43 percent); the U.S. Air Force ($294,473,960; 36 percent); and international partners ($172,700,000; 21 percent). 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.

Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $12,631,440 firm-fixed-price contract to perform work onboard the USS Hue City (CG 66). This contract is for drydock selected restricted availability to include drydock, ship alterations and topside maintenance repair work. Extensive coordination is required for the drydock evolution in addition to the numerous systems onboard to be repaired. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $26,265,812. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with two offers received. The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-10-C-0092).

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded $8,702,795 for delivery order #0001 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-10-D-5022) for upgrade kits that allow for conversion of three configurations of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) to a capability for on-board vehicle power (OBVP). These kits are required in order to properly and fully provide the on-board electric power needed for current and emerging needs. The OBVP kit is an electric drive transmission to replace the current mechanical transmission of the MTVR. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (89 percent), and Jacksonville, N.C. (11 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on July 13 a $95,964,520 firm-fixed-price contract. This is for the definitized letter contract to procure Army/Marine Corps requirements for the fiscal 2009-2011 Javelin hardware program. Work is to be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (50 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2014. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0376).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Technical Services, Inc., Sierra Vista, Ariz., was awarded on July 13 a $47,250,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is to provide capability-based rotations support for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and revitalization for the Hunter unmanned aircraft system. Work is to be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of July 14, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AR-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0025).

AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on July 12 a $37,962,239 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This effort is to increase funds and exercise options on the Shadow tactical unmanned aircraft system performance-based logistics contract. Work is to be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command/CCAM-ARA-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0006).

Ames Construction Inc., Burnsville, Minn., was awarded on July 13 a $17,860,000 firm-fixed-price construction contract for "Lower Yellowstone Diversion Dam, Main Canal Diversion, Fish Protection, Lower Yellowstone, Montana." Work is to be performed in Glendive, Mont., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0027).

Arinc Engineering Services, Annapolis, Md., was awarded on July 13 a $16,964,340 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support and parts for the MI-17. Work is to be performed in Iraq with an estimated completion date of March 02, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, CCAM-NS, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0028).

Proven Management Inc., San Francisco, Calif., was awarded on July 14 a $14,997,620 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the Napa Creek Site project and consists of two large-barreled diversion culvert, grade control structures, scour aprons, and bank protection along Napa Creek starting from its confluence with the Napa River and proceeding upstream. Work is to be performed in Napa, Calif., with an estimated completion date of March 29, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-10-C-0028).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on July 13 a $10,514,581 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the procurement of 2,476 split up-armored turret hatch assemblies necessary for the integration of crew remote operated weapon station. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0301).

Greenleaf Construction Co., Inc., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on July 15 a $9,839,658 firm-fixed-price contract for access control point at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Construction is to include roads; search canopy; gatehouses; offices; visitor control center; barriers; and all required utilities, as well as site improvements. Work is to be performed in Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0056).

Aegis Technologies Group, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 14 a $8,099,452 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The contractor shall develop a reconfigurable arbitrary-waveform scene projector under the "OSD, Test Resource Management Center Multispectral Test" program. Work is to be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 5, 2013. Bids were solicited via Broad Agency Announcement with 30 bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Installation Contracting Division, CCRD-AI-MC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W912ZLK-10-C-0008).

TASC, Inc., Andover, Mass., was awarded on July 15 a $7,231,805 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for common ground joint capabilities technical demonstration support response for applied research. Work is to be performed in Alexandria, Va., with an estimated completion date of July 20, 2012. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering Research & Development Command Contracting Office, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W9132V-09-C-00180.

Bristol Design Build Services, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on July 15 a $7,214,365 firm-fixed-price contract to provide secure entries and pavilions; computer room air conditioning units; electronic security system; and secure doors in accordance with design drawings and specifications. Work is to be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 29, 2011. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Charleston District/Contracting Division, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0035).

HP Logit Management, LLC, Texarkana, Texas, was awarded on July 15 a $7,209,212 firm-fixed-price contract for the prep, paint and blast of M967 and M969 confined space and non-confirmed space semi-trailer, tanker 5000 gallons. Work is to be performed in Texarkana, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 10, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. Red River Army Depot, Directorate for Contracting, Texarkana, Texas, is the contracting activity (W911RQ-10-P-0101).

Delfasco, LLC, Afton, Tenn., was awarded on July 14 a $6,928,698 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Delivery order #0002 is issued for 185,190 M232A1 containers. Work is to be performed in Afton, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2012. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-10-D-0045).

Bering Straits Technical Services, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on July 13 a $7,533,575 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor shall provide all labor, personnel, supervision, administration, material, equipment, tools and transportation necessary to perform maintenance and repair of Army family housing and troop barracks on Fort Richardson, Alaska. Work is to be performed in Fort Richardson, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with no bids received. Directorate of Contracting, Mission Installation Contracting Command, Fort Richardson, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W912CZ-09-D-0018).

AIR FORCE

TASC, Inc., Redondo Beach, Calif., was awarded a $198,000,000 contract which will provide systems engineering and integration support of the Infrared Space Systems Wing. At this time, $8,620,744 has been obligated. SMC/ISSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-10-C-0001).

General Electric Aviation, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded a $24,745,185 contract which will service life engine program kits and time compliance technical order upgrade kits in support of the upgrade of 12 Egyptian Air Force F110 engines. At this time, $12,372,592.38 has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8122-09-G-0001-0010).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Sysco Hampton Roads, LLC, Suffolk, Va., is being awarded a maximum $48,211,188 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web-solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is July 11, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-08-D-3393).

CORRECTION: Air Force contract number FA8810-08-C-0002, modification P00012, published in news release 621-10, was not awarded on July 16, 2010.

Volk Field hosts large-scale exercise

Date: July 19, 2010
By Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez
Wisconsin National Guard

Approximately 1,100 troops from 23 states and three different nations have converged on the Wisconsin Air National Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, as well as Fort McCoy, for the Air and Army National Guard's annual Patriot Exercise July 10-24.

The goal of the exercise is for coalition nations and National Guard units to enhance their domestic and combat defense capabilities in real-world training scenarios while working in a joint environment that is not normally available at their home station.

"The Wisconsin National Guard is proud to be able to host the Patriot exercise which creates an environment where Soldiers and Airmen can develop their skills and expand on their ability to operate in a joint environment with military and domestic emergency responders," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "Volk Field is a crown jewel among National Guard training centers, providing real-world scenarios for service members as well as civilian responders to practice emergency response plans for domestic operations."

This year, Wisconsin National Guard troops completed their portion of Patriot with a two-day large-scale all-hazard response domestic operations scenario supporting civilian counterparts at Volk Field July 14-15.

The training scenario involved a collision between a school bus and a freight train transporting multiple hazards, causing a derailment. Participants benefitted from rail and cargo simulators, damaged structures, mannequins, and live fires and explosions. To add a sense of urgency, adult and children volunteers acted as victims.

"Volk Field and Fort McCoy have the facilities and ranges we need for the types of scenarios we conduct and it's centrally located in the country for participating units," said Air Force Lt. Col. George Gosting, the director for this year's exercise. Gosting also said troops have indicated they feel the training has been realistic and has enhanced their preparation to provide domestic support.

Volk Field is one of only four Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Centers in the nation which provides a year-round integrated training environment with state-of-the-art facilities for units to enhance their combat capabilities and readiness.

Army suicides hit record number in June

By Liz Goodwin liz Goodwin –

Thirty-two soldiers took their own lives last month, the most Army suicides in a single month since the Vietnam era. Eleven of the soldiers were not on active duty. Of the 21 who were, seven were serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said.
Army officials say they don't have any answers to why more and more soldiers are resorting to suicide.
"There were no trends to any one unit, camp, post or station," Col. Chris Philbrick, head of the Army's suicide prevention task force, told CNN. "I have no silver bullet to answer the question why."

Last year, a record-breaking 245 soldiers committed suicide. The Army seems on track to surpass that number this year, as 145 soldiers have taken their lives in the first half of 2010.
Tim Embree of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America testified Wednesday before the House Veterans Affairs Committee that many soldiers fear seeking help.
"The heavy stigma associated with mental health care stops many service members and veterans from seeking treatment," he said. "More than half of soldiers and Marines in Iraq who tested positive for a psychological injury reported concerns that they will be seen as weak by their fellow service members."
He pointed out that the statistics don't include the number of veterans who end their own lives. That figure surged 26 percent from 2005 to 2007, according to the Veterans Affairs Department.
The Army has a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline, and has videos and other resources on its website. The Army's new suicide prevention video features a soldier talking about his own failed suicide attempt after his wife said she wanted to divorce him. The rifle he used to try to kill himself didn't fire, he says, and he later found out his comrade had disabled it because he was worried about him.

Pakistan Navy trains with Coast Guard VBSS Team

by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge

The sailors underwent training that included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) techniques, basic shipboard tactical movement, and self-defense in an effort to further enhance regional maritime safety and security in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

According to Pakistan Navy Lt. Ahmed Sher, the skills acquired during the training will continue to benefit Pakistan and will be used by their country’s VBSS teams.

“I will teach the same techniques to my own service,” said Sher. “The tactics learned during this training will be added to current training for our teams in Pakistan.”

U.S. Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Dan Burgoyne, one of the trainers said the Pakistan Navy already had some experience with the procedures, and the course reflected the experience of the students.

“The training program that we have established is intensive,” he said. “We employ a fast-paced combination of classroom and practical training.”

Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) Commanding Officer Commander Scott Bauby said the training demonstrated the effectiveness of coalition operations and maritime protection. He added that the training is essential for both the Pakistani and U.S. militaries.

“This two-week professional exchange provided a great opportunity for our two visit, board, search and seizure teams to share ideas,” said Bauby. “The U.S. Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) are loyal friends who face many of the same challenges. We look forward to building on this success and strengthening our relationship with the MSA during the coming months.”

U.S. Coast Guard VBSS teams are a part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, which was re-established in November 2009 to support amphibious forces deployed to the region, mine warfare, contingency response missions, maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Pacific Partnership 2010 Departs Tobelo, Morotai

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Matthew Jackson, Pacific Partnership 2010 Public Affairs

TOBELO, Indonesia (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10) departed Tobelo and Morotai, Indonesia, July 17 concluding four days of operations alongside the people of Indonesia after delivering a variety of humanitarian and civic assistance programs ashore and surgical treatment aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19)

Several distinguished visitors were present to show their support for PP10, including Ir. Hain Namotemo, the bupati (regent) of the Tobelo Regency, and Dr. Andus Said Bajak, the vice of committee.

Commander, PP10, Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti gave remarks during the closing ceremony, expressing her thoughts on operations in Tobelo.

"It is hard for me to believe we met here just four days ago, in the same place to open Pacific Partnership 2010 in Indonesia," said Franchetti.

Tobelo, Indonesia, hosted the opening ceremony for PP10 participants just days before. Mercy will be in Indonesia's North Maluku and Maluku Provinces through August 4, conducting disaster response fleet exercises in coordination with the local governments.

"Since then [July 14] many people, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, volunteers, patients, visitors and a tremendous amount of medical supplies and medicines have crossed the pier in Tobelo, or passed through the sky on our helicopters, taking their spot in the history of Pacific Partnership 10," Franchetti said.

During the disaster relief exercise, PP10 treated approximately 5,700 medical patients ashore, issued 3,900 pairs of glasses, performed more than 50 surgeries and treated more than 150 patients aboard the hospital ship, provided veterinary care for 450 animals, conducted subject matter expert exchanges and made $200,000 dollars worth of repairs to medical equipment.

Namotemo shared his gratitude on behalf of the people of Tobelo for PP10's partnership with them during that past several days.

"As the head of this region, I would like to say thank you to everybody for all the support, good coordination, and everything that you gave for this mission," said Namotemo. "I hope this friendship will bring a good memory for each one of us here. This experience gives us a new dimension to our future."

While medical civic action programs throughout the region offered a wide variety of medical care for local Indonesians, the events were equally beneficial for PP10 medical professionals, said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kahlil Weaver, an optician assigned to Mercy.

"It feels great to actually make a difference in someone's life by providing medical care and then receiving that gratifying smile from them," said Weaver. "I believe this is one of the best things we as Americans, partner nations, and all PP10 participants aboard Mercy have the opportunity to do. Sharing hope is a wonderful thing, and that is what I believe we are doing as a whole."

Community service (COMSERV) projects included a visit to Rumah Sejahtera Orphanage, a soccer game with local Indonesian citizens and a five-kilometer walk/run with North Halmahera Regency civil servants. The COMSERVs brought participants together to enrich partnerships in ways professional operations perhaps do not.

"It has been a lifelong desire of mine to visit and serve at an orphanage," said Lt. Cmdr. Kerry Climo, deputy director of naval medicine, New Zealand Defence Force. "The COMSERV was rewarding for me because play is a universal language that is spoken by all people, young and old. There's no need to exchange words, we all seemed to completely understand each other while playing."

Climo explained how COMSERVs further improve the quality of partnerships.

"These events enrich the quality of partnerships. Working alongside each other is the key to success on a mission such as PP10. All boundaries disappear as soon as you realize that this is not about you…it is about the children you are serving," said Climo.

Having completed medical, dental, surgical, engineering and COMSERV events in Tobelo and Morotai, the hospital ship will transit to Ternate and conduct operations in Ternate, Tidore, Jailolo, Sofifi and Mare Island.

PP10 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet endeavors conducted in Indonesia as a disaster relief exercise aimed at strengthening regional relationships with host and partner nations in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Pacific Partnership 2010 Seabees Repair Indonesian Hospital

By Lt. j.g. Nelson Balido, Pacific Partnership 2010 Public Affairs

TOBELO, Indonesia (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Seabees completed renovations of a World War II-era Daruba hospital on the island of Morotai in Tobelo, Indonesia, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 15, as part of the Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10) engineering civic action program (ENCAP).

Officials from the local government and hospital staff, PP10 Mission Commander Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti and area residents were on hand for the festive event.

Construction Electrician 2nd Class Jacob Simino, the project's crew leader, said local residents gave the Sailors a warm welcome.

"Pacific Partnership is about showing the people of the host nation that we really care about them. The previous use by Allied forces of this hospital is a historical fact that is in the hearts and minds of the locals no matter what their age," said Simino.

The hospital was built in 1945 and used by Allied Forces in World War II. This renovation program, conducted by the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 from Gulfport, Miss., is vital to the people in the surrounding area.

Some of the work included roof repairs, replacing more than 2,500 square feet of tile, new windows and doors; installation of electrical fixtures; refinishing the interior and exterior walls; painting the entire structure inside and out; and cleaning up the landscape.

There was never a moment when the renovation crew was without an audience. Local children played close by, occasionally inviting the Seabees to play soccer. The hospital's nurses and physicians excitedly peeked in the building to see the miraculous transformation it had undergone in just a few short weeks.

"This has truly been a rewarding experience," said Utilitiesman 2nd Class Anthony Sheffield. "It's not every day that you get to work in a place where the people truly appreciate what you are doing; I am going to miss them."

Currently, the hospital serves 15,000 residents on the island. The staff includes two doctors, one dentist and 39 nurses. This extension will bring back to service various areas that were dilapidated.

This clinic, like most PP10 exercise project sites that are in need of renovations or related work, is co-determined by the host nation government and the ENCAP team leadership.

The Seabees worked long days to meet the tight completion schedule. The renovations will affect more than 1,000 patients per month, providing them with a clean and safe environment for services.

Builder 3rd Class John Richard Gernhard said despite difficulties in getting materials to such a remote location, the work went well.

"The best part of all is that this building will be used for another 50 years, and the kids we play soccer with will be able to get proper access to health care. That alone is worth what we are doing," said Gernhard.

The ENCAP is part of PP10, the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet endeavors conducted in Indonesia as a disaster relief exercise aimed at strengthening regional partnerships and increasing interoperability with U.S. interagency, host nations, partner nations and international humanitarian and relief organizations.

PP10 has included visits to Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.

Thirty Truman Sailors Earn Warfare Pins

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonnie Hobby, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Thirty USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Sailors were awarded enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) and enlisted aviation warfare specialist (EAWS) designations during a pinning ceremony July 16.

Earning a warfare qualification represents a milestone in a Sailor's career and signifies professionalism, dedication and Navy pride along with making a service member more competitive for advancement.

The pinning ceremony marks the first of what Truman leadership hopes will be many mass warfare pinning ceremonies during the aircraft carrier's deployment. Electronics Technician Senior Chief (SW/AW) Michael Callaway, Truman's command ESWS coordinator, said leadership felt it was important to make the ceremony a command function.

"They wanted all the folks in the audience to be able to see their shipmates getting pinned," he said. "Sailors who spent time working with them or who eat with them on the mess decks will see them and think, 'If they can do it, so can I.'"

Machinist Mate 3rd Class (SW/AW) Kara Harris spent six months working on her EAWS qualification, and said she believes the hard work in earning the qualification was worth the sacrifice.

"I worked hard to get this pin, and it felt good to be recognized by the upper-chain of command," she said. "I think my chief was very proud of me. Other than my mentor, he was the one who supported me the most while I was working on this qualification."

Callaway said the commanding officer, command master chief and warfare program coordinators brainstormed for hours to decide when, where and how the ceremony should occur to make it a memorable experience for the awardees.

"A lot of thought went into deciding how we should do it," said Callaway. "You only get pinned once, and we wanted the ceremony to be special for the Sailors who worked hard to achieve their goal."

The new warfare specialists were able to choose the person to pin their qualification. Many Sailors said that the ability to select the mentor who had a positive impact on their Naval career and contributed to their professional development made the experience more meaningful.

"I liked that we were able to pick the person to pin us as opposed to somebody we don't really know or who didn't directly interact with us," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW) Angeli Ancho, one of 20 Sailors earning the ESWS pin. "Being recognized by the captain and your peers for such an accomplishment—especially for the junior Sailors—is a very important and motivating thing."

Shoup, Momsen Train for Strike Group Operations

By Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USS Shoup (DDG 86) Public Affairs

USS SHOUP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) departed Naval Station Everett, Wash., July 15 to participate in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

The intermediate level battle group exercise is designed to forge together the battle group and its components into a fully functional fighting team.

The exercise is a critical part of the strike group's pre-deployment training designed to train the ship, embarked air wing and other units that make up the carrier strike group to function as one highly effective fighting force.

"It's invigorating to be steaming south, since these exercises are the culmination of everything we've been working toward," said Lt. j.g. Janel Hansen, Shoup's newest officer of the deck. "This is really the last step before we deploy and see these scenarios in the real world."

During the exercise, the strike group will simulate the type of scenarios that could be faced while deployed. The outcome will certify the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group for open-ocean operations and moves the strike group forward within the fleet response plan, allowing the Navy to deploy a flexible naval force capable of surging quickly.

Shoup and Momsen wasted no time once at sea, using July 15 afternoon to practice counter-piracy operations and small boat attack responses. Additionally, Shoup received training in electronic charting procedures from Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific and began a multi-day mock engineering inspection with the help of Regional Support Organization Pacific Northwest.

"This is the opportunity to show our strike group commander that Shoup is ready to deploy, and we're all in," said Lt. Paul Willis, Shoup's combat systems officer. "Above, on and below the sea, Shoup is prepared to do the nation's work, and our Sailors are up for the challenge."

Shoup is homeported in Everett, Wash. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is also comprised of Carrier Air Wing 2, Destroyer Squadron 9 and the USS Cape St. George (CG 71).

Pacific Partnership 2010 Completes First MEDCAP in Indonesia

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Brian Gaines, Pacific Partnership 2010 Public Affairs

TOBELO, Indonesia (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2010 completed its first medical civic action program (MEDCAP) at the Negeri School in Tobelo, Indonesia, July 17 during the first leg of the mission's Indonesia visit.

The medical personnel attached to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) kicked off the MEDCAP by treating approximately 600 patients on the first day of operations.

"We saw and treated a wide variety of ailments," said Cmdr. Bharat Patel, officer-in-charge of the Negeri site. "In optometry, we discovered a lot of cataracts, some of which will require surgery to correct. We also saw a lot of infections, colds and injuries. In pediatrics, we saw the entire gamut, from inner ear infections to more serious medical conditions."

The patients were highly organized throughout their visit to the clinic. From check-in to discharge, the crowd moved efficiently through the MEDCAP site. "It was in part due to our streamlined system, and partly due to cultural etiquette," said Patel. "I have noticed a great respect for elders in the community. Earlier today, a crowd formed at the entrance and an elderly man spoke up and suddenly a single file line had formed."

In addition to the MEDCAPs offered by Pacific Partnership, military and civilian medical professionals also offered dental and veterinary civic action programs. Dental personnel were on hand to provide oral care to the local population. This was a unique opportunity for Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stephanie Agirre, a Reservist stationed in Tucson, Ariz., as this was her first dental civic action program.

"We have done a lot of tooth extractions in the heat today," said Agirre. "However, this is a great opportunity and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Over the course of the three-day MEDCAP at Negeri, there were subject matter expert exchanges between those embarked aboard Mercy and members of the Ministry of Health, as well as renovations to the school during an engineering civic action program. Those involved in Pacific Partnership 2010 are given the unique opportunity to work by, with and through the host nation at their invitation. The Negeri site was unique in that there were several programs going on simultaneously.

Pacific Partnership 2010 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet endeavors conducted in Indonesia as a disaster relief exercise to strengthen regional partnerships between the U.S., partner and host nations and international humanitarian and relief organizations.

To date, Pacific Partnership 2010 has included visits to Vietnam and Cambodia. While in Indonesia, Pacific Partnership will stop in the areas of Tobelo and Morotai, Ternate and Ambon.

Navy, Coast Guard Promote Summer Water Safety

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

HONOLULU (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard joined together to promote summer water safety at local television station KHON2 in Honolulu July 15.

Lt. Jennifer Hall, diving and undersea medical officer for Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, and Coast Guard Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Garrett Hamilton offered advice and tips for people engaging in water activities.

During the interview, Hamilton talked about the importance of wearing life jackets while being aboard a boat.

"It is always safe and recommended to wear a life jacket the moment you get aboard a boat. Life jackets don't work if you don't wear them," Hamilton said. "Also, as per federal regulation, anyone aboard a boat who is 12 years or younger must wear a life jacket at all times."

Hall noted that while diving and snorkeling are some of the more popular water activities in Hawaii, people should make sure they have proper equipment and have received training.

"If you want to become dive certified, take a course that will provide classroom training, pool in-water training and open-water dive training. The course should provide a good deal of in-water training," said Hall. "You should also make sure you are familiar with your dive equipment and ensure it is in good working order, including the maintenance and safety checks."

Hamilton spoke about the importance of being sober while operating a boat.

"Boating under the influence can have the same consequences as driving under the influence," said Hamilton. "Intoxication can impair your judgment while operating a vessel, and just like driving, boat collisions can happen on the water."

Hall also talked about the significance of having a plan when taking part in diving and snorkeling activities.

"The Navy is a big proponent of first having a plan and then adhering to the plan. We always say as divers, 'plan the dive and dive the plan,'" said Hall. "I always tell our Sailors that they should feel their best while in the water. If there's any doubt or concern physically or with safety, then you should not put yourself at risk."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3,500 unintentional drownings occur in the United States each year, and for every one drowning victim, there are up to five non-fatal drowning events which can result in lifelong complications, including significant brain damage. In addition, almost 500 die from other boating-related incidents.

US Ships Aid Romanian Sailor At Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rachel McMarr, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) will return a Romanian Sailor to his ship, the Liberian-flagged motor vessel (M/V) Antonis A, July 16 after Mesa Verde's medical team treated him for severe dehydration.

The Romanian Sailor became ill while his ship was operating in the northern Red Sea, which prompted the master-of-the-vessel to issue a medical distress call to guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) over bridge-to-bridge communications at about 1:30 a.m.

San Jacinto dispatched a search and rescue (SAR) team in a SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, the Mayport, Fla.-based "Proud Warrior," to pick up the ailing man and transport him to nearby Mesa Verde, which has a large on board medical and trauma facility.

Upon the SAR team's arrival, the Mesa Verde medical team treated the Sailor and determined he was suffering from severe dehydration.

Mesa Verde and San Jacinto are both transiting the Red Sea to return to their homeport in Norfolk having completed a successful deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Active Duty Service Members Help San Diego-Area Veterans During Stand Down 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) James R. Evans, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Dozens of San Diego's homeless veterans got a helping hand from active duty service members July 16-18 during the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) Stand Down 2010.

Stand Down is an annual three-day event in which homeless veterans and their families can receive free services including health care, substance abuse counseling, legal and employment assistance and food and clothing distribution.

As in years past, the event was held in a tent city erected by active duty military volunteers on San Diego High School's athletic field.

"One of the main goals of Stand Down is to take care of some of the physical needs of the veterans who are homeless because it's very difficult being on the street," said Dr. Jon Nachison, Stand Down's director.

"There are a lot of medical issues, and we want to be able to take care of those people, give them some clothing and fill their bellies. I also want to have an effect on people's spirit, and I think of Stand Down as kind of like boot camp for the spirit," said Nachison.

Nachison said that by providing such basic services and a sense of community, Stand Down gives homeless veterans the tools they need to begin the process of getting off the streets.

He estimated that by the end of the weekend, close to 3,000 volunteers will have donated their time to helping up to 1,000 homeless veterans accomplish that goal. Many of those volunteers are active duty service members from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

"The active duty participation is invaluable," said Nachison. "Everything you see here was set up by active duty, mostly Marines and Seabees who helped set up the tents."

For those Sailors and Marines who volunteer, Nachison said Stand Down can be a learning experience.

"If you look across the America, one third of our homeless are military veterans," said Nachison. "As a person on active duty, you think, 'I'm going to get out and everything is going to be fine, but you don't know that. Coming here can be like a wake-up call. We all have to take care of each other."

Among the camouflage netting and olive green tents, Sailors and Marines in uniform could be seen providing security, conducting health screenings and assisting with legal documents for veterans in the homeless and family court areas.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ian Polage, assigned to Navy Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), was one of several Sailors working in NMCSD's health clinic performing triage and doing initial health screenings for sick call. Polage said he volunteered because he would want someone to do the same for him.

"I want someone to take care of me when I'm old if I need this kind of help. These people served their country, so this is the least we can do," said Polage.

One of the patients he treated was Edward Patterson, a Marine Corps veteran.

"This is really good from the point of view of people in the streets," said Patterson. "The vets are getting care from the new kids, and I think it's much needed. It's a good time for us to come in off the streets."