By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010 - Proposed changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill would improve military readiness, a senior Pentagon official said today at a Capitol Hill hearing.
Robert E. Clark, assistant director for accessions policy in the office of the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, also said education benefits are crucial to military recruiting and retention efforts during his testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Clark discussed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2010 and how it would affect the Department of Defense.
One of the more notable options in the bill is transferability. It gives career servicemembers who've served on active duty or in the selected reserve on or after Aug. 1, 2009, the option to transfer their education benefits to family members, Clark said. Transferability was approved in the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2008, which became law in June 2008.
Panel members are debating that option for the 2010 bill. Some say transferability shouldn't be available for every servicemember, because of budget constraints. Rather, the option should be reserved for specific military specialties that are difficult to fill, they said.
"We had concerns about the generous benefit being more of a draw for first-term members to leave [the military] in order to use this benefit," Clark said. "[But] we were very pleased to see the transferability ... to share this benefit that [servicemembers] have earned with their family members.
"We did not believe this benefit for family members was to be limited to any specific targeting," he continued. "We believe that every soldier, sailor, airmen and Marine who chooses to stay should have the same opportunity to share their earned benefits with their family members."
Money for education remains a top reason for young Americans to join and stay in the military, Clark said. Transferability and the 9/11 GI Bill will help the Pentagon meet its recruiting and retention goals, he added.
"There is no doubt that the Post-9/11 GI Bill will continue to have this impact, and we are seeing that happen with unprecedented recruiting success," he said in his written testimony.
Other proposed changes include new rules for entitlement, modifications of the amount and types of assistant covered, methods of education payment and transferring unused benefits. The proposed bill would enhance provisions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as make improvements in other Veterans Affairs Department education programs, Keith M. Wilson, director of education service for VA, said at the hearing.
The proposed bill also clarifies eligibility for reserve component troops. Troops activated for training and other purposes in support of reserve component forces or in support of contingency operations qualify for the bill benefits, Wilson said. Also full-time citizen-servicemembers and members activated for national emergency responses are eligible, he added.
Individuals released from active duty for medical or hardship conditions must be released under honorable conditions, Wilson continued.
"The amendments regarding qualifying Title 10 service and extending coverage to Guard members ... would be consistent with qualifying active service under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program," he explained in his written testimony. "The proposed amendment clarifying that certain service must result in an honorable discharge is similar to the honorable discharge requirements applicable to other covered individuals."
Regarding tuition payment under the proposed bill, VA would pay fees based on charges reported by the institution. That would include out-of-state tuition, as well, Wilson said.
For foreign or private institutions, VA would pay fees according to statistics obtained from the Department of Education. The figures used would be of the "average of established charges at all institutions in the U.S. for a baccalaureate degree for the most recent year," Wilson explained.
Meanwhile, he said, the housing stipend will be calculated based on attendance in school. This means, for example, students enrolled in 50 percent of a full course load will receive 50 percent of the stipend.
Also, housing stipends under the proposed 2010 bill will expand to vocational schools, correspondence training, on-the-job training and apprenticeships and flight schools. Stipends are based on the area's housing allowance rates for an E-5 with dependents, Wilson said.
VA supports streamlining the tuition-and-fee benefits for students attending public institutions and establishing a maximum payment cap private school students, he said.
"The manner in which institutions assess charges varies widely from state to state and from school to school," Wilson said. "VA also does not object to expansion of the program to permit payment for vocational, flight, correspondence ..., subject to Congress identifying appropriate [cost savings]."
Additional amendments in the proposed bill include the types of methods VA uses to pay various institutions and training facilities. Although VA supports the intent to improve the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the department does not support some of these provisions, Wilson said.
These provisions would "severely hamper" payment methods, Wilson said, as the bill's amendments would take effect as if the 2008 bill never existed. VA proposes to postpone "significant changes" to the law until Aug. 2011 to ensure the improvements don't have negative impact on service delivery, he explained.
Since the inception of the 2008 legislation, VA has awarded nearly $4 billion to more than 295,000 veterans and their education institutions, Wilson said.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Cheonan Tragedy Strengthens U.S.-South Korean Alliance
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2010 - For years, the catchphrase for U.S. and South Korean troops posted here has been "Katchi-Kapshida – We Go Together."
The fact that the United States is a steadfast ally of South Korea is one of the messages carried by U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, who today visited with U.S. troops stationed here.
Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to 2nd Infantry Division soldiers and airmen. The servicemembers had a chance to ask the admiral about the situation in Korea and other topics.
Mullen earlier met with senior South Korean defense and foreign affairs officials in Seoul, the national capital. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also are visiting South Korea. They, too, met with their counterparts, Minister of National Defense Kin Tae-young and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-hwan.
Mullen then took a helicopter flight to Camp Red Cloud and spoke to more than 200 servicemembers in the base gym. The meetings marked the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War – a war in which 32,000 American servicemembers died from 1950-1953. The meetings also highlighted the continuing U.S. commitment to South Korea following North Korea's March attack on the frigate Cheonan that killed 46 South Korean sailors.
"What has happened since the sinking has validated the U.S.-South Korean alliance," Mullen told the servicemembers. He related how a senior South Korean leader told him that the Republic of Korea now really knows who its friends are in wake of the tragedy.
The alliance between the U.S. and South Korea has grown stronger since the Cheonan attack, Mullen said, noting that's probably not the result the North Koreans neither wanted nor expected.
The South Korean government did not jump to conclusions following the sinking and did not launch rash actions, Mullen pointed out. The South Korean government withheld judgment about what sank the vessel until a special panel made up of experts from South Korea, Sweden, the United States, Australia, Canada and Great Britain delivered the report. The evidence was conclusive – a North Korean torpedo had sunk the Cheonan inside South Korean territorial waters.
South Korea presented its case to the United Nations Security Council and all 15 nations on the council voted for a presidential finding on the sinking. The finding says the Cheonan was attacked, but does not identify the attacker.
The "yes" votes in the Security Council included those of China and Russia – two neighbors with council veto powers. The voting "shows we're all concerned about Pyongyang and where this leadership [North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il] goes," Mullen said.
"He's a pretty unpredictable guy," the admiral said of Kim Jong-il.
The United States and South Korea will soon hold combined naval and air exercises to send a clear, strong message to the North that their attacks and provocations must stop, Mullen said. The first exercise begins July 25, and includes the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group. Hundreds of U.S. and South Korean aircraft will participate, including Air Force F-22 Raptors – the most sophisticated jet in the world.
The United States has 28,500 servicemembers in South Korea, and that number will remain constant for the foreseeable future, the chairman said. The details of the U.S. footprint and capabilities those forces bring to the alliance will change over time, "but our commitment will not," he said.
In fact, some of the details are already known. U.S. servicemembers can now serve three-year tours to South Korea and can bring their families. That option is limited right now as the United States and South Korea builds the infrastructure to support it, but some military families have already taken advantage of it. Mullen said there will be more schools, health facilities and housing for U.S. military families on the peninsula.
The U.S. footprint in South Korea will change, Mullen said. Camp Red Cloud itself – named for Army Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War – will close as the 2nd Division shifts south of the Han River to Camp Humphreys. Other U.S. bases in South Korea will close or consolidate through 2016, but the total numbers of troops in country will remain constant.
The United States must remain committed to South Korea and the region, Mullen said, as well as in other parts of the world.
"In a world that is so much more interconnected the requirements for global presence and interaction [is larger]," the admiral said.
As the U.S. military reviews its global footprint, one guiding principle is that America must remain engaged with other nations, Mullen said.
"Hearing problems from other peoples' perspective ... and understanding the cultures [is important]," the admiral said.
Mullen thanked the servicemembers for their contributions, and asked them to thank their families for their sacrifices. He said he would continue to put their well-being first.
"Every single day that I've had this job and I have decisions which cross my desk, first and foremost in those decisions are what do they do to you? You are out here making things happen," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2010 - For years, the catchphrase for U.S. and South Korean troops posted here has been "Katchi-Kapshida – We Go Together."
The fact that the United States is a steadfast ally of South Korea is one of the messages carried by U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, who today visited with U.S. troops stationed here.
Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to 2nd Infantry Division soldiers and airmen. The servicemembers had a chance to ask the admiral about the situation in Korea and other topics.
Mullen earlier met with senior South Korean defense and foreign affairs officials in Seoul, the national capital. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also are visiting South Korea. They, too, met with their counterparts, Minister of National Defense Kin Tae-young and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-hwan.
Mullen then took a helicopter flight to Camp Red Cloud and spoke to more than 200 servicemembers in the base gym. The meetings marked the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War – a war in which 32,000 American servicemembers died from 1950-1953. The meetings also highlighted the continuing U.S. commitment to South Korea following North Korea's March attack on the frigate Cheonan that killed 46 South Korean sailors.
"What has happened since the sinking has validated the U.S.-South Korean alliance," Mullen told the servicemembers. He related how a senior South Korean leader told him that the Republic of Korea now really knows who its friends are in wake of the tragedy.
The alliance between the U.S. and South Korea has grown stronger since the Cheonan attack, Mullen said, noting that's probably not the result the North Koreans neither wanted nor expected.
The South Korean government did not jump to conclusions following the sinking and did not launch rash actions, Mullen pointed out. The South Korean government withheld judgment about what sank the vessel until a special panel made up of experts from South Korea, Sweden, the United States, Australia, Canada and Great Britain delivered the report. The evidence was conclusive – a North Korean torpedo had sunk the Cheonan inside South Korean territorial waters.
South Korea presented its case to the United Nations Security Council and all 15 nations on the council voted for a presidential finding on the sinking. The finding says the Cheonan was attacked, but does not identify the attacker.
The "yes" votes in the Security Council included those of China and Russia – two neighbors with council veto powers. The voting "shows we're all concerned about Pyongyang and where this leadership [North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il] goes," Mullen said.
"He's a pretty unpredictable guy," the admiral said of Kim Jong-il.
The United States and South Korea will soon hold combined naval and air exercises to send a clear, strong message to the North that their attacks and provocations must stop, Mullen said. The first exercise begins July 25, and includes the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group. Hundreds of U.S. and South Korean aircraft will participate, including Air Force F-22 Raptors – the most sophisticated jet in the world.
The United States has 28,500 servicemembers in South Korea, and that number will remain constant for the foreseeable future, the chairman said. The details of the U.S. footprint and capabilities those forces bring to the alliance will change over time, "but our commitment will not," he said.
In fact, some of the details are already known. U.S. servicemembers can now serve three-year tours to South Korea and can bring their families. That option is limited right now as the United States and South Korea builds the infrastructure to support it, but some military families have already taken advantage of it. Mullen said there will be more schools, health facilities and housing for U.S. military families on the peninsula.
The U.S. footprint in South Korea will change, Mullen said. Camp Red Cloud itself – named for Army Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War – will close as the 2nd Division shifts south of the Han River to Camp Humphreys. Other U.S. bases in South Korea will close or consolidate through 2016, but the total numbers of troops in country will remain constant.
The United States must remain committed to South Korea and the region, Mullen said, as well as in other parts of the world.
"In a world that is so much more interconnected the requirements for global presence and interaction [is larger]," the admiral said.
As the U.S. military reviews its global footprint, one guiding principle is that America must remain engaged with other nations, Mullen said.
"Hearing problems from other peoples' perspective ... and understanding the cultures [is important]," the admiral said.
Mullen thanked the servicemembers for their contributions, and asked them to thank their families for their sacrifices. He said he would continue to put their well-being first.
"Every single day that I've had this job and I have decisions which cross my desk, first and foremost in those decisions are what do they do to you? You are out here making things happen," he said.
Mountaineers' Win Marks First Atlantic Fleet SSBN Selected in 25 Years
KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS West Virginia (SSBN 736)(Gold) was selected as the Atlantic Fleet recipient of the 2009 Arleigh Burke Trophy July 20.
This marks the first time a ballistic missile submarine has received the honor in 25 years.
The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy is presented annually to the ship or aircraft squadron from each coast. Selection reflects the greatest improvement in battle efficiency during the calendar year, based upon the Battle Efficiency Competition.
"This award means a lot to the crew," said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Steven Hall. "Time and again they have proven their talent, determination, and teamwork in getting the job done no matter the circumstance and this is recognition of their efforts," said Hall. "I am humbled by my crews' performance over the last 18 months and am so proud to be one of them!"
West Virginia's selection is a notable recognition to the SSBN community. The last time an Atlantic Fleet SSBN won the coveted Arleigh Burke Trophy was in 1985 by USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN 633)(Gold).
Capt. Kevin Brenton, commander Submarine Squadron 20, recognized the accomplishments of the skipper, chief of the boat (COB) and the entire crew.
"West Virginia Gold's dedication and professionalism resulted in unprecedented improvement in battle readiness across the board from 2008 to 2009 and directly resulted in this significant recognition," said Brenton. "West Virginia Gold is the "best of the best" and their improvement is a tribute to the steadfast leadership and dedication of the wardroom and chief petty officer quarters."
Highlights of the submarine's phenomenal year include receiving the 2009 Submarine Squadron 20 Strategic White "S" and Engineering Red "E". During a tactical readiness evaluation, the submarine was evaluated "above standards" by Commander Submarine Forces.
This highest achievable grade demonstrates the superb improvement in battle efficiency and tactical readiness as compared to the overall average performance during the same inspection in 2008.
As a testament to command-wide, effective and inspirational leadership, the crew produced unparalleled retention, culminating in the receipt of the Commander, Fleet Force Command Retention Excellence Award for 2009. Officer retention increased from 50 percent in 2008 to 100 percent in 2009. Leadership at all levels resulted in the advancement of 36 Sailors and four chief petty officers were selected and initiated.
In addition to their operational excellence, the Mountaineers dedicate hours to community service. The Gold crew conducted a namesake visit to the state of West Virginia to assist the staff with day-to-day chores and mentor the children at the West Virginia Children's Home; a partnership both crews of the West Virginia have committed to biannually.
In Kings Bay, the crew adopted a school and sponsors an honorary Sailor of the Month program that recognizes students who demonstrate a positive attitude, good attendance and good grade.
"I know the competition was tough and there were other deserving commands. I am both excited and happy for our crew because I believe the CO and the crew are very deserving of this recognition," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Julian Czeiszperger, West Virginia Gold COB.
Troops Must Understand the 'Why' of the Fight, Odierno Says
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2010 - With his tenure winding down as commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno today shared with reporters some of his lessons learned on asymmetric warfare and the U.S. military's needs of the future.
For counterinsurgency to work, military units must demonstrate their staying power to protect the local citizens, Odierno told reporters here during a Defense Writers Group breakfast meeting.
"What we learned in Iraq in 2006 was that it wasn't just about getting more people; it was about putting our people in the neighborhoods every day," he said. "It was about trust."
When U.S. troops first arrived in Iraqi cities and towns, Odierno said, the residents wouldn't talk to them – a key method used to gather information about the insurgency. That changed, he said, when the military began building permanent structures.
"They're position was, 'We'll tell you this stuff, but we want you here to protect us, after we tell you,'" he said.
Also, the general said, humanitarian missions, such as one-day medical clinics that U.S. troops conduct throughout Iraq, are important to connecting with residents. "Give them something they don't already have," the general said.
Odierno also discussed the U.S. troop drawdown in Iraq, which imposes a Sept. 1 goal of reducing the current 70,000 troops to 50,000. He traveled to Washington from Baghdad to take part in meetings with State Department officials about the transition from the military operations that began in Iraq in 2003 to the increasing State Department mission there.
The general himself will be part of the drawdown; the Senate earlier this month confirmed his presidential nomination to head U.S. Joint Forces Command, based in Norfolk, Va. Odierno said he will use his lessons learned during three combat tours in Iraq to meet the command's mission of developing joint doctrine and supporting the combatant commands.
Odierno said he will continue to make the point that military operations in today's environment are "exponentially more complicated than when I was a lieutenant."
In conventional warfare, servicemembers could get by on surveillance of the enemy, Odierno said. But today's servicemembers, he said, need to understand the culture, politics and economics of the regions in which they are fighting in.
"You have to understand the 'why,'" the general said. "You have both lethal and non-lethal tools available to you, and you have to know how and when to use them. It's a new way of thinking."
Odierno said he has been thinking a lot about those changes and how they should be reflected in military doctrine and training. He said he hopes those units that served under him in Iraq will come away more broadly trained and agile to meet changing demands.
"The Army has to be flexible enough to meet the many needs the Commander in Chief needs us to do," the general said. "The basic principles are that we have to train and study for each mission."
Army units of the future will have to be cross-trained in the way of brigade combat teams, rather than dividing units between those trained in asymmetric warfare and those trained conventionally, Odierno said.
"We want brigades and battalions that can operate across spectrums," he said. "It's about analyzing the problem, understanding your capabilities, and being flexible."
In the case of Iraq's counterinsurgency, Odierno said, "This is a very thinking enemy. They change how they do things, and we have to react to that."
It's not enough to create training and doctrine only around the Iraq and Afghanistan experiences, which "are very specific kinds of problems," the general said.
"If you look at the counterinsurgency of the future," he said, "we want to be able to send small units inside countries to work with governments."
The specialized teams of U.S. troops serving in Yemen are an example of that concept, Odierno said.
American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2010 - With his tenure winding down as commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno today shared with reporters some of his lessons learned on asymmetric warfare and the U.S. military's needs of the future.
For counterinsurgency to work, military units must demonstrate their staying power to protect the local citizens, Odierno told reporters here during a Defense Writers Group breakfast meeting.
"What we learned in Iraq in 2006 was that it wasn't just about getting more people; it was about putting our people in the neighborhoods every day," he said. "It was about trust."
When U.S. troops first arrived in Iraqi cities and towns, Odierno said, the residents wouldn't talk to them – a key method used to gather information about the insurgency. That changed, he said, when the military began building permanent structures.
"They're position was, 'We'll tell you this stuff, but we want you here to protect us, after we tell you,'" he said.
Also, the general said, humanitarian missions, such as one-day medical clinics that U.S. troops conduct throughout Iraq, are important to connecting with residents. "Give them something they don't already have," the general said.
Odierno also discussed the U.S. troop drawdown in Iraq, which imposes a Sept. 1 goal of reducing the current 70,000 troops to 50,000. He traveled to Washington from Baghdad to take part in meetings with State Department officials about the transition from the military operations that began in Iraq in 2003 to the increasing State Department mission there.
The general himself will be part of the drawdown; the Senate earlier this month confirmed his presidential nomination to head U.S. Joint Forces Command, based in Norfolk, Va. Odierno said he will use his lessons learned during three combat tours in Iraq to meet the command's mission of developing joint doctrine and supporting the combatant commands.
Odierno said he will continue to make the point that military operations in today's environment are "exponentially more complicated than when I was a lieutenant."
In conventional warfare, servicemembers could get by on surveillance of the enemy, Odierno said. But today's servicemembers, he said, need to understand the culture, politics and economics of the regions in which they are fighting in.
"You have to understand the 'why,'" the general said. "You have both lethal and non-lethal tools available to you, and you have to know how and when to use them. It's a new way of thinking."
Odierno said he has been thinking a lot about those changes and how they should be reflected in military doctrine and training. He said he hopes those units that served under him in Iraq will come away more broadly trained and agile to meet changing demands.
"The Army has to be flexible enough to meet the many needs the Commander in Chief needs us to do," the general said. "The basic principles are that we have to train and study for each mission."
Army units of the future will have to be cross-trained in the way of brigade combat teams, rather than dividing units between those trained in asymmetric warfare and those trained conventionally, Odierno said.
"We want brigades and battalions that can operate across spectrums," he said. "It's about analyzing the problem, understanding your capabilities, and being flexible."
In the case of Iraq's counterinsurgency, Odierno said, "This is a very thinking enemy. They change how they do things, and we have to react to that."
It's not enough to create training and doctrine only around the Iraq and Afghanistan experiences, which "are very specific kinds of problems," the general said.
"If you look at the counterinsurgency of the future," he said, "we want to be able to send small units inside countries to work with governments."
The specialized teams of U.S. troops serving in Yemen are an example of that concept, Odierno said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 21, 2010
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Acquisition Services Corp., Huntsville, Alabama (HQ0147-10-D-0035); BCF Solutions, Chantilly, Va. (HQ0147-10-D-0036); and Quantech Services, Inc., Lexington, Mass. (HQ0147-10-D-0037) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide advisory and assistance services to the Acquisition Functional Capability Group, which is comprised of five independent directorates: acquisition management; international affairs; business and financial management; legislative affairs; and readiness management. The contractors will assist these directorates by providing the agency with acquisition support services for the Ballistic Missile Defense System. These contracts are being competitively awarded under the small business set-aside request for proposal HQ0147-09-R-0001. Each contract has a not-to-exceed ordering ceiling of $601,800,000. The companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work under these contracts will be performed in Huntsville, Ala.; Dahlgren, Va.; and other Missile Defense Agency locations. The performance period is through July 2015. Obligations will be made by task orders using Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds. This procurement is managed by the Missile Defense Agency Engineering and Support Services Program Office. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $37,044,801 contract modification to incorporate an increase in funding and ceiling for Air Force fiscal 2008 material improvement projects of the C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the total amount has been obligated. MSW/ASC/WLMK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P000371).
Sonalysts, Inc., Waterford, Conn., was awarded a $5,781,914 contract which will develop and deliver a training system for the Rapid Attack Identification Detection and Reporting System Block-10 initial operations capability system. At this time, $2,604,000 has been obligated. SMC/SYSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-10-C-0001).
NAVY
CTA, Inc., Ridgecrest, Calif., is being awarded a $34,362,979 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 2,350 carriage systems and pod assemblies, including associated engineering, technical and repair support services for the carriage systems. The carriage systems produced are used to carry the AN/ULQ-21(V) countermeasures set modules, AN/UPT-2 emitter modules and other countermeasure and emitter modules. These systems are used to evaluate U.S. weapons systems and train fleet operators. These systems are also mounted in and on unmanned aerial targets for live fire developmental test and operational test of weapon systems. Work will be performed in Ridgecrest, Calif., and is expected to be completed in July 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, with five offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-10-D-0041).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $20,738,905 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for training, education, engineering, technical and management support services for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in the U.S. (35 percent) and overseas (65 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-C-Z073).
Croman Corp., White City, Ore., is being awarded a $12,257,224 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0027) to provide airlift and recovery functions in support of all Hawaiian military ranges. In addition, this contract provides for utility/transport missions to carry passengers/cargo and range clearing operation in the Hawaiian operating area. Work will be performed in Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed in August 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Agri Chemical & Supply, Inc.*, Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded a maximum amount $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price, performance based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for natural resources services for exotic pest plant species eradication at various locations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for natural resources services to include, but not limited to, surveying, mapping, and eradicating exotic pest plants via both chemical and mechanical means; and provides planning, research and analysis to predict and manage land use changes and effects. Task order #0001 is being issued concurrently with the contract award at $50,060 to perform invasive species control at the Fallbrook detachment, Fallbrook, Calif. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by December 2011. All work on this contract will be performed at various locations in the NAVFAC Southwest AOR, including, but not limited to, California (90 percent), Arizona (5 percent) and Nevada (5 percent). The term of the contract is not-to-exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of 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 website, with one proposal received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-10-D-0802).
Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va., is being awarded an $8,220,354 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Enterprise Training Management Delivery System (ETMDS). ETMDS is a modernization initiative for the existing learning management system distance learning program. ETMDS will modernize existing shore-side Navy eLearning capabilities, and will provide additional capabilities in the area of "Total Force" workforce management and development. Work will be performed in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 20, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with seven offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0045).
Raytheon Co., Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $6,771,682 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0034) for the incorporation of functions and interfaces required to perform routine setup and recurring certification of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System ship system. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif. (98 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,477,239 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc., Davenport, Iowa, is being awarded a maximum $18,478,801 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, indefinite-delivery contract for oxygen regulator equipment kits. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System website with one response. The date of performance completion is July 19, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0282).
Bremen Bowdon*, Bowdon, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $12,303,000 firm-fixed-price contract for men's dress coats. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System website with five responses. The date of performance completion is August 27, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1090).
Campbellsville Apparel Co., LLC*, Campbellsville, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $11,317,977 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside contract for men's briefs. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. This contract is exercising the fourth option year. The date of performance completion is July 24, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa, is the contracting activity (SP0100-06-D-0378).
Honeywell International, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. is being awarded a maximum $8,731,800 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for variable generators. Other location of performance is Tucson, Ariz. Using services are Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPRPA1-09-G-002X-5289).
Acquisition Services Corp., Huntsville, Alabama (HQ0147-10-D-0035); BCF Solutions, Chantilly, Va. (HQ0147-10-D-0036); and Quantech Services, Inc., Lexington, Mass. (HQ0147-10-D-0037) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide advisory and assistance services to the Acquisition Functional Capability Group, which is comprised of five independent directorates: acquisition management; international affairs; business and financial management; legislative affairs; and readiness management. The contractors will assist these directorates by providing the agency with acquisition support services for the Ballistic Missile Defense System. These contracts are being competitively awarded under the small business set-aside request for proposal HQ0147-09-R-0001. Each contract has a not-to-exceed ordering ceiling of $601,800,000. The companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work under these contracts will be performed in Huntsville, Ala.; Dahlgren, Va.; and other Missile Defense Agency locations. The performance period is through July 2015. Obligations will be made by task orders using Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds. This procurement is managed by the Missile Defense Agency Engineering and Support Services Program Office. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $37,044,801 contract modification to incorporate an increase in funding and ceiling for Air Force fiscal 2008 material improvement projects of the C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the total amount has been obligated. MSW/ASC/WLMK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P000371).
Sonalysts, Inc., Waterford, Conn., was awarded a $5,781,914 contract which will develop and deliver a training system for the Rapid Attack Identification Detection and Reporting System Block-10 initial operations capability system. At this time, $2,604,000 has been obligated. SMC/SYSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-10-C-0001).
NAVY
CTA, Inc., Ridgecrest, Calif., is being awarded a $34,362,979 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 2,350 carriage systems and pod assemblies, including associated engineering, technical and repair support services for the carriage systems. The carriage systems produced are used to carry the AN/ULQ-21(V) countermeasures set modules, AN/UPT-2 emitter modules and other countermeasure and emitter modules. These systems are used to evaluate U.S. weapons systems and train fleet operators. These systems are also mounted in and on unmanned aerial targets for live fire developmental test and operational test of weapon systems. Work will be performed in Ridgecrest, Calif., and is expected to be completed in July 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, with five offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-10-D-0041).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $20,738,905 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for training, education, engineering, technical and management support services for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in the U.S. (35 percent) and overseas (65 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-C-Z073).
Croman Corp., White City, Ore., is being awarded a $12,257,224 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0027) to provide airlift and recovery functions in support of all Hawaiian military ranges. In addition, this contract provides for utility/transport missions to carry passengers/cargo and range clearing operation in the Hawaiian operating area. Work will be performed in Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed in August 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Agri Chemical & Supply, Inc.*, Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded a maximum amount $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price, performance based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for natural resources services for exotic pest plant species eradication at various locations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for natural resources services to include, but not limited to, surveying, mapping, and eradicating exotic pest plants via both chemical and mechanical means; and provides planning, research and analysis to predict and manage land use changes and effects. Task order #0001 is being issued concurrently with the contract award at $50,060 to perform invasive species control at the Fallbrook detachment, Fallbrook, Calif. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by December 2011. All work on this contract will be performed at various locations in the NAVFAC Southwest AOR, including, but not limited to, California (90 percent), Arizona (5 percent) and Nevada (5 percent). The term of the contract is not-to-exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of 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 website, with one proposal received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-10-D-0802).
Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va., is being awarded an $8,220,354 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Enterprise Training Management Delivery System (ETMDS). ETMDS is a modernization initiative for the existing learning management system distance learning program. ETMDS will modernize existing shore-side Navy eLearning capabilities, and will provide additional capabilities in the area of "Total Force" workforce management and development. Work will be performed in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 20, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with seven offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0045).
Raytheon Co., Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $6,771,682 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0034) for the incorporation of functions and interfaces required to perform routine setup and recurring certification of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System ship system. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif. (98 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,477,239 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc., Davenport, Iowa, is being awarded a maximum $18,478,801 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, indefinite-delivery contract for oxygen regulator equipment kits. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System website with one response. The date of performance completion is July 19, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0282).
Bremen Bowdon*, Bowdon, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $12,303,000 firm-fixed-price contract for men's dress coats. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System website with five responses. The date of performance completion is August 27, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1090).
Campbellsville Apparel Co., LLC*, Campbellsville, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $11,317,977 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside contract for men's briefs. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. This contract is exercising the fourth option year. The date of performance completion is July 24, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa, is the contracting activity (SP0100-06-D-0378).
Honeywell International, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. is being awarded a maximum $8,731,800 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for variable generators. Other location of performance is Tucson, Ariz. Using services are Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPRPA1-09-G-002X-5289).
Spouse Jobs Program to Relaunch in October
By Elaine Wilson, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official said.
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 spouses of junior service members - 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 service members with portable careers, such as in real estate or health care, said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The program was launched in November 2007 for spouses of junior service members, 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," 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, 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 service members a lifetime benefit of $6,000 to be used for education purposes.
Under the new parameters, spouses of junior service members 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, 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, 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, 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 in a roundtable discussion with reporters July 20.
Spouses currently enrolled in the program can continue their participation through Oct. 21, when MyCAA will ramp down and prepare for the Oct. 25 launch. 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, 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, 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, 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, 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."
Spouses can learn more about MyCAA on Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or http://www.militaryonesource.com.
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official said.
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 spouses of junior service members - 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 service members with portable careers, such as in real estate or health care, said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The program was launched in November 2007 for spouses of junior service members, 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," 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, 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 service members a lifetime benefit of $6,000 to be used for education purposes.
Under the new parameters, spouses of junior service members 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, 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, 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, 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 in a roundtable discussion with reporters July 20.
Spouses currently enrolled in the program can continue their participation through Oct. 21, when MyCAA will ramp down and prepare for the Oct. 25 launch. 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, 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, 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, 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, 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."
Spouses can learn more about MyCAA on Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or http://www.militaryonesource.com.
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.
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.
Local Sailors Embrace Navy's New CSADD Program
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Oliver Cole, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors from the San Diego area are embracing the Navy's new peer mentoring program, "Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions" (CSADD), which was launched June 24 and focuses on helping junior Sailors make better decisions.
"CSADD originated in the Mid-Atlantic Region as a process in which each command establishes a CSADD chapter with Sailors in the age group of 18-25 and enables them to take on a leadership role in CSADD," said Navy Total Force Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning. "Our goal is to provide accurate information and resources while you share your best practices with your shipmates across the Navy."
The program was implemented June 18 by Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel. Not only does CSADD promote better decision making, it also encourages networking. Networking is one of the Navy's largest forms of communication and continues to grow through social media.
"CSADD also brings on-line social networking together with actual in place social networking with your shipmates in your command," said Benning. "Together we can make a positive impact for our Navy, our Shipmates and our Nation. I look forward to the continued growth of CSADD and look forward to seeing how each of you contributes to our Navy's team success."
San Diego Sailors are glad that CSADD has its own page on one of the world's major networking channels, Facebook. The program's page contains more than 1200 fans and continues to grow. Fans can stay informed by simply reading wall posts or checking updates.
"Everyone uses Facebook," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Zak Dushey, whose squadron spends a lot of time in San Diego. "It's a great way to network and share information. CSADD sounds like a wonderful program and it's much needed. I'm going to participate in the program."
Although Facebook is popular and easily accessible to the targeted group of young Sailors, it's not the only way to participate in the program. CSADD also has regional and command chapters that perform the same task as the Facebook page. All structures of the program focus on two key areas each month beginning in July 2010 with "Financial Freedom" and "Fire Safety and At-Home Safety."
CSADD encourages positive influence and behavior while at the same time bringing together on-line and in-person networking with peer interaction. All commands are encouraged to promote this program which practices informed decision making and reinforces the idea of shipmates helping shipmates.
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors from the San Diego area are embracing the Navy's new peer mentoring program, "Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions" (CSADD), which was launched June 24 and focuses on helping junior Sailors make better decisions.
"CSADD originated in the Mid-Atlantic Region as a process in which each command establishes a CSADD chapter with Sailors in the age group of 18-25 and enables them to take on a leadership role in CSADD," said Navy Total Force Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning. "Our goal is to provide accurate information and resources while you share your best practices with your shipmates across the Navy."
The program was implemented June 18 by Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel. Not only does CSADD promote better decision making, it also encourages networking. Networking is one of the Navy's largest forms of communication and continues to grow through social media.
"CSADD also brings on-line social networking together with actual in place social networking with your shipmates in your command," said Benning. "Together we can make a positive impact for our Navy, our Shipmates and our Nation. I look forward to the continued growth of CSADD and look forward to seeing how each of you contributes to our Navy's team success."
San Diego Sailors are glad that CSADD has its own page on one of the world's major networking channels, Facebook. The program's page contains more than 1200 fans and continues to grow. Fans can stay informed by simply reading wall posts or checking updates.
"Everyone uses Facebook," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Zak Dushey, whose squadron spends a lot of time in San Diego. "It's a great way to network and share information. CSADD sounds like a wonderful program and it's much needed. I'm going to participate in the program."
Although Facebook is popular and easily accessible to the targeted group of young Sailors, it's not the only way to participate in the program. CSADD also has regional and command chapters that perform the same task as the Facebook page. All structures of the program focus on two key areas each month beginning in July 2010 with "Financial Freedom" and "Fire Safety and At-Home Safety."
CSADD encourages positive influence and behavior while at the same time bringing together on-line and in-person networking with peer interaction. All commands are encouraged to promote this program which practices informed decision making and reinforces the idea of shipmates helping shipmates.
Gates Urges Soldiers to Complete Survey
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
Input from individual servicemembers is vital to ensuring the Defense Department acts in a way that makes sense if Congress repeals the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays from serving openly in the military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told soldiers here today.
The issue came up during a question-and-answer session with about 300 soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
Gates noted that the Senate has passed a bill to change the law, but that the eventual result of the legislative process remains to be seen. In the meantime, he said, the Defense Department is conducting a complete review of what would be necessary if the law is repealed.
"If the law changes and we are told to implement it – and we will, if the law changes – then how do we do this in a way that makes sense? How do we identify beforehand the problems, the issues and the challenges that we're going to face? The kind of training requirements we're going to need, the kinds of changes in regulations, the impact on benefits – all of these things need to be addressed in advance," the secretary told the soldiers. "And that's where we want to hear from you all."
Statistically, Gates said, some of the 300 soldiers on hand for his visit here had received a survey that was sent to 200,000 active-duty servicemembers and 200,000 more in the reserve components as part of the Defense Department's review.
"It's very important for us to hear from you your views on this," he said, "and particularly the challenges and issues, or your support of your opposition, for that matter, because we need a better understanding of how to do this smart.
"I've told the Congress – I've been pretty blunt with them – there are two ways to carry out change: there's a smart way, and there's a stupid was," he continued. "If the law changes and we carry out this change, I'm determined that we do it smart, and in a way that has the least possible impact on our force, on our families and on unit cohesion."
The secretary said he had hoped that Congress would hold off on changing the law to allow the results of the Defense Department's review to help in shaping the legislation. Although the Senate didn't wait, he said, its legislation still allows the Defense Department to take its review into account in implementing repeal.
"We will be able to complete this review and do all the things necessary for smart implementation if the law changes without constraints of time," Gates said. "So the compromise that they came up with was not my preferred option, but it is an option I think we can work with, because it won't rush us to do something stupid."
In addition to survey responses, the Pentagon's review panel is gathering opinions at http://www.defense.gov/dadt, where anyone with a Defense Department common access card can weigh in on the issue.
American Forces Press Service
Input from individual servicemembers is vital to ensuring the Defense Department acts in a way that makes sense if Congress repeals the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays from serving openly in the military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told soldiers here today.
The issue came up during a question-and-answer session with about 300 soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
Gates noted that the Senate has passed a bill to change the law, but that the eventual result of the legislative process remains to be seen. In the meantime, he said, the Defense Department is conducting a complete review of what would be necessary if the law is repealed.
"If the law changes and we are told to implement it – and we will, if the law changes – then how do we do this in a way that makes sense? How do we identify beforehand the problems, the issues and the challenges that we're going to face? The kind of training requirements we're going to need, the kinds of changes in regulations, the impact on benefits – all of these things need to be addressed in advance," the secretary told the soldiers. "And that's where we want to hear from you all."
Statistically, Gates said, some of the 300 soldiers on hand for his visit here had received a survey that was sent to 200,000 active-duty servicemembers and 200,000 more in the reserve components as part of the Defense Department's review.
"It's very important for us to hear from you your views on this," he said, "and particularly the challenges and issues, or your support of your opposition, for that matter, because we need a better understanding of how to do this smart.
"I've told the Congress – I've been pretty blunt with them – there are two ways to carry out change: there's a smart way, and there's a stupid was," he continued. "If the law changes and we carry out this change, I'm determined that we do it smart, and in a way that has the least possible impact on our force, on our families and on unit cohesion."
The secretary said he had hoped that Congress would hold off on changing the law to allow the results of the Defense Department's review to help in shaping the legislation. Although the Senate didn't wait, he said, its legislation still allows the Defense Department to take its review into account in implementing repeal.
"We will be able to complete this review and do all the things necessary for smart implementation if the law changes without constraints of time," Gates said. "So the compromise that they came up with was not my preferred option, but it is an option I think we can work with, because it won't rush us to do something stupid."
In addition to survey responses, the Pentagon's review panel is gathering opinions at http://www.defense.gov/dadt, where anyone with a Defense Department common access card can weigh in on the issue.
Wisconsin Airman recognized during Brewers game
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
The Milwaukee Brewers recognized Senior Master Sgt. Marlin Mosley, an instructor boom operator and the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of operations and training at the 128th Air Refueling Wing, during the pre-game events of the Sunday, July 11 baseball game at Miller Park.
Mosley was recognized for his achievements throughout his military career and for his contributions during recent deployments. The Brewers displayed Mosley's career biography, several photos of him performing his duties, and a live-feed of him and his family, which was broadcast on the stadium's Jumbotron.
"Words can't even explain the privilege this is," Mosley said.
According to Mosley, 128th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Ted Metzgar, chose the 25-year veteran as the first choice to receive the community's recognition.
Mosley said he was deployed to Transit Center at Manas in 2008 as the chief boom operator, was the acting first sergeant and flew refueling missions.
One year later, Mosley said he deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, where he flew the most refueling missions in a three-week period.
"It was an honor to be chosen, it is a privilege to serve this nation, and this is more than I could ask for," Mosley said.
Mosley was accompanied by his wife, Jessica, his children Kendall, Myles and Kellen, and several friends and family members.
128th Air Refueling Wing
The Milwaukee Brewers recognized Senior Master Sgt. Marlin Mosley, an instructor boom operator and the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of operations and training at the 128th Air Refueling Wing, during the pre-game events of the Sunday, July 11 baseball game at Miller Park.
Mosley was recognized for his achievements throughout his military career and for his contributions during recent deployments. The Brewers displayed Mosley's career biography, several photos of him performing his duties, and a live-feed of him and his family, which was broadcast on the stadium's Jumbotron.
"Words can't even explain the privilege this is," Mosley said.
According to Mosley, 128th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Ted Metzgar, chose the 25-year veteran as the first choice to receive the community's recognition.
Mosley said he was deployed to Transit Center at Manas in 2008 as the chief boom operator, was the acting first sergeant and flew refueling missions.
One year later, Mosley said he deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, where he flew the most refueling missions in a three-week period.
"It was an honor to be chosen, it is a privilege to serve this nation, and this is more than I could ask for," Mosley said.
Mosley was accompanied by his wife, Jessica, his children Kendall, Myles and Kellen, and several friends and family members.
Military Showcases Capabilities, Equipment on Guam
By Jesse Leon Guerrero
Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
ASAN, GUAM (NNS) -- The U.S. Armed Forces participated in Armed Services Recognition Day at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Asan Beach Unit on Guam July 17.
The event was part of Guam's 66th Liberation Day festivities, which recognize the island's liberation from Japanese forces during World War II.
The event showcased the military's capabilities and allowed an opportunity for service members to educate the public about their respective missions. It featured a collection of heavy equipment, weapons, vehicles and static displays, drawing local residents, tourists and other attendees throughout the day.
"It's definitely great to be a part of this and to see the people coming out, seeing their support for us and us being able to give our support back to the community," said Tech. Sgt. Vance Burke, of the 736th Security Forces Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base.
Burke was one of more than 100 Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Guam National Guardsmen and other Department of Defense personnel who spoke with attendees and explained the capabilities of their respective units and commands.
Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Eric Carlson, of USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), said the day was an opportunity to explain to visitors how the military supports Guam and the region. Damage control gear, firefighting suits and steam suits used to protect submariners gave attendees insight on life and work done aboard a submarine.
Carlson said Guam is tactically important because of its location as a forward-deployed site and the history of submarines on Guam stretches back to the 1950s.
"We just do our job, and we're here to defend the country and keep everybody's freedom," Carlson said. "That's what our main focus is."
Attendees stopped at the various booths situated along the display route to snap a photo, carry a rifle and have their questions answered about military operations and the military as a career choice.
Tim Clements, a civilian contractor for the Navy, said he brought his two daughters down along with him to get a close look at the boats, vehicles and weapons.
"We had a great time," Clements said. "It gives [the kids] an understanding of how and why the military is important to us."
At the Marine display of firearms, members of 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FAST PAC), Bravo Company, 4th Platoon, showed how to properly hold an M4 assault rifle and man a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. Capt. Travis Bowden, of FAST PAC, said they'd just arrived on Guam 36 hours before the event, but they were looking forward to spending a week touring Guam.
"From what I've seen, the support and the hospitality from the island have been incredible," Bowden said. "It's an opportunity for us to give back and show our support back, do community service projects and get engaged with the local community, just to show what we're all about and that we're thankful for their support of us."
Near the end of the day, members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Band, out of Okinawa, Japan, performed live.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steve Giove, 3rd MEF Band director, said it was an honor for the band to be on Guam because the Asan site held special meaning for the Marines. Marine forces landed at Asan Beach July 21, 1944, to begin their liberation of the island from Japanese forces.
"To us, it's sacred ground," Giove said. "It's a great legacy — to see and understand and to be part of that is an awesome thing for these young Marines."
Guam was occupied by Japan for 31 months until the U.S. Armed Forces liberated the island July 21, 1944.
Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
ASAN, GUAM (NNS) -- The U.S. Armed Forces participated in Armed Services Recognition Day at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Asan Beach Unit on Guam July 17.
The event was part of Guam's 66th Liberation Day festivities, which recognize the island's liberation from Japanese forces during World War II.
The event showcased the military's capabilities and allowed an opportunity for service members to educate the public about their respective missions. It featured a collection of heavy equipment, weapons, vehicles and static displays, drawing local residents, tourists and other attendees throughout the day.
"It's definitely great to be a part of this and to see the people coming out, seeing their support for us and us being able to give our support back to the community," said Tech. Sgt. Vance Burke, of the 736th Security Forces Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base.
Burke was one of more than 100 Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Guam National Guardsmen and other Department of Defense personnel who spoke with attendees and explained the capabilities of their respective units and commands.
Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Eric Carlson, of USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), said the day was an opportunity to explain to visitors how the military supports Guam and the region. Damage control gear, firefighting suits and steam suits used to protect submariners gave attendees insight on life and work done aboard a submarine.
Carlson said Guam is tactically important because of its location as a forward-deployed site and the history of submarines on Guam stretches back to the 1950s.
"We just do our job, and we're here to defend the country and keep everybody's freedom," Carlson said. "That's what our main focus is."
Attendees stopped at the various booths situated along the display route to snap a photo, carry a rifle and have their questions answered about military operations and the military as a career choice.
Tim Clements, a civilian contractor for the Navy, said he brought his two daughters down along with him to get a close look at the boats, vehicles and weapons.
"We had a great time," Clements said. "It gives [the kids] an understanding of how and why the military is important to us."
At the Marine display of firearms, members of 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FAST PAC), Bravo Company, 4th Platoon, showed how to properly hold an M4 assault rifle and man a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. Capt. Travis Bowden, of FAST PAC, said they'd just arrived on Guam 36 hours before the event, but they were looking forward to spending a week touring Guam.
"From what I've seen, the support and the hospitality from the island have been incredible," Bowden said. "It's an opportunity for us to give back and show our support back, do community service projects and get engaged with the local community, just to show what we're all about and that we're thankful for their support of us."
Near the end of the day, members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Band, out of Okinawa, Japan, performed live.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steve Giove, 3rd MEF Band director, said it was an honor for the band to be on Guam because the Asan site held special meaning for the Marines. Marine forces landed at Asan Beach July 21, 1944, to begin their liberation of the island from Japanese forces.
"To us, it's sacred ground," Giove said. "It's a great legacy — to see and understand and to be part of that is an awesome thing for these young Marines."
Guam was occupied by Japan for 31 months until the U.S. Armed Forces liberated the island July 21, 1944.
Naval Base Guam Has New Mini-mart, Gas Station
By Catherine Cruz Norton, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas Public Affairs
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas awarded a $6.6 million firm-fixed-price task order July 13 to P&S Construction, Inc. of Lowell, Mass., for the design and construction of a new Navy Exchange mini-mart and gas station on board U.S. Naval Base Guam.
The mini-mart facility will include retail sales, customer service, a receiving and storage area, employee facilities and a separate fast-food franchise.
The gas station is to consist of at least six double-sided fuel dispensing islands under full canopy for three grades of gasoline and diesel. The station will be complete with a tire refill area, auto-vacuum stations and a propane tank refill station for small consumer propane tanks.
"This new gas station and mini-mart will provide a one-stop shop for our Sailors and their families and should simplify their daily errands," said Capt. Rich Wood, commanding officer of Naval Base Guam. "This is a great addition to our growing base, and which should improve the quality of life, and support our ongoing efforts toward making Naval Base Guam the geographic destination of choice for Sailors seeking their next assignment."
This is the third task order issued under the small business multiple award construction contract (SB MACC) awarded March 2010 to six small business firms. The contract has a combined value of $500 million.
"Small businesses are extremely valuable to the military mission," said Capt. Peter Lynch, commanding officer of NAVFAC Marianas. "They provide the support we require for critical construction projects and represent the engines that fuel our economy."
"In addition, the SB MACC allows us to build a strong partnership with the small business community, and we look forward to their contribution of high quality and safe construction projects," said Lynch.
Work on this project is expected to be completed by December 2011.
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas awarded a $6.6 million firm-fixed-price task order July 13 to P&S Construction, Inc. of Lowell, Mass., for the design and construction of a new Navy Exchange mini-mart and gas station on board U.S. Naval Base Guam.
The mini-mart facility will include retail sales, customer service, a receiving and storage area, employee facilities and a separate fast-food franchise.
The gas station is to consist of at least six double-sided fuel dispensing islands under full canopy for three grades of gasoline and diesel. The station will be complete with a tire refill area, auto-vacuum stations and a propane tank refill station for small consumer propane tanks.
"This new gas station and mini-mart will provide a one-stop shop for our Sailors and their families and should simplify their daily errands," said Capt. Rich Wood, commanding officer of Naval Base Guam. "This is a great addition to our growing base, and which should improve the quality of life, and support our ongoing efforts toward making Naval Base Guam the geographic destination of choice for Sailors seeking their next assignment."
This is the third task order issued under the small business multiple award construction contract (SB MACC) awarded March 2010 to six small business firms. The contract has a combined value of $500 million.
"Small businesses are extremely valuable to the military mission," said Capt. Peter Lynch, commanding officer of NAVFAC Marianas. "They provide the support we require for critical construction projects and represent the engines that fuel our economy."
"In addition, the SB MACC allows us to build a strong partnership with the small business community, and we look forward to their contribution of high quality and safe construction projects," said Lynch.
Work on this project is expected to be completed by December 2011.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
DOD to Resume Restructured Military Spouse Career Program
From the Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced July 20 the resumption of a restructured military spouse career advancement account program - MyCAA, following a comprehensive review.
The program will be available to spouses of service members in the pay grades of E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 beginning Oct. 25.
"The changes announced today reflect a return to the original intent of the program, which is to help military spouses, with the greatest need, successfully enter, navigate and advance in portable careers," said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "We fully support the program and are committed to ensuring the program's sustainability. To that end, we are making several critical operational changes."
Amongst these changes, eligible spouses will receive a total of $4,000 in DoD-funded financial aid, with an annual cap of $2,000 per fiscal year; funding must be used within a three-year time period from the start date of the first class; and must be used to obtain an associates' degree, licensure or certification. A waiver may be granted when fees for licensure or certification require an up-front fee greater than $2,000 and up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
"The MyCAA program popularity grew beyond our expectations and became too expensive to continue. Therefore, we are returning to the original intent of the program in a way that is attainable and fiscally responsible for the Defense Department," said Stanley. "As we look to the future, we envision a program that is much broader than DoD's financial assistance component. Military spouses will be guided along a more holistic approach to career planning."
Under the long-term program guidelines, career counselors will continue to work with all military spouses to help develop career and education goals and plans and assist them in identifying and accessing available federal education benefits toward these goals.
"Families play a crucial role in supporting our men and women on the battlefield. When service members are confident that their families at home have access to resources and support, they are better able to focus on their mission," said Stanley. "The Defense Department is committed to investing in military families. When we invest in the well-being of the family, we invest in the well-being of the force."
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced July 20 the resumption of a restructured military spouse career advancement account program - MyCAA, following a comprehensive review.
The program will be available to spouses of service members in the pay grades of E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 beginning Oct. 25.
"The changes announced today reflect a return to the original intent of the program, which is to help military spouses, with the greatest need, successfully enter, navigate and advance in portable careers," said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "We fully support the program and are committed to ensuring the program's sustainability. To that end, we are making several critical operational changes."
Amongst these changes, eligible spouses will receive a total of $4,000 in DoD-funded financial aid, with an annual cap of $2,000 per fiscal year; funding must be used within a three-year time period from the start date of the first class; and must be used to obtain an associates' degree, licensure or certification. A waiver may be granted when fees for licensure or certification require an up-front fee greater than $2,000 and up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
"The MyCAA program popularity grew beyond our expectations and became too expensive to continue. Therefore, we are returning to the original intent of the program in a way that is attainable and fiscally responsible for the Defense Department," said Stanley. "As we look to the future, we envision a program that is much broader than DoD's financial assistance component. Military spouses will be guided along a more holistic approach to career planning."
Under the long-term program guidelines, career counselors will continue to work with all military spouses to help develop career and education goals and plans and assist them in identifying and accessing available federal education benefits toward these goals.
"Families play a crucial role in supporting our men and women on the battlefield. When service members are confident that their families at home have access to resources and support, they are better able to focus on their mission," said Stanley. "The Defense Department is committed to investing in military families. When we invest in the well-being of the family, we invest in the well-being of the force."
Minnesota Sailors Volunteer at Charity to Help Children around the World
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (NNS) -- Twin Cities Sailors prepared food at a warehouse operated by the Minnesota charity Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) July 19 during Twin Cities Navy Week.
Sailors, along with 40 additional volunteers, packed rice and protein meals for children around the world.
FMSC is a non-profit organization distributing through missionary partners millions of meals each year to orphanages, schools and relief centers. In 2010, FMSC will prepare 127 million meals to feed children in 60 countries.
Twin Cities Navy Week gave the public a close-up look at what Sailors do throughout the world. The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Minneapolis and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Minneapolis will participate with the Navy Parachute Team "Leap Frogs" and Navy Band Great Lakes "Horizon" to showcase the Navy July 17-24. Twin Cities Navy Week is taking place with the 2010 Minneapolis Aquatennial. It is one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2010.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be part of this project," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Sharla Jackson, NOSC Minneapolis. "It's fun watching the kids!"
FMSC accommodates volunteers from age 5 to 85. FMSC trains 60 volunteers per session, five sessions per day, six days per week. The other five FMSC packing sites in Minnesota, Illinois and Arizona can accommodate 100 volunteers per session.
"This is a hands-on endeavor," said Lois Long, a FMSC team leader. "They have an investment in the time. It's not just an envelope in the mail."
Sailors worked alongside the children, scooping rice, weighing and counting packets, refilling bins and sealing boxes. In two hours, more than 11,000 meals in 53 boxes were prepared for children around the globe.
Navy Week includes demonstrations by the Navy Parachute Team and performances by the Navy Band Great Lakes. Interactive displays, including the Navy Simulator will feature live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery, at a variety of locations. The schedule also includes civic, corporate and educational engagements by Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly, Commander, Submarine Force, and Rear Adm. Buzz Little, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.
Twin Cities Navy Week concludes July 24 with a performance by the Navy Band at the Xcel Energy River Bash on the Minneapolis Riverfront.
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (NNS) -- Twin Cities Sailors prepared food at a warehouse operated by the Minnesota charity Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) July 19 during Twin Cities Navy Week.
Sailors, along with 40 additional volunteers, packed rice and protein meals for children around the world.
FMSC is a non-profit organization distributing through missionary partners millions of meals each year to orphanages, schools and relief centers. In 2010, FMSC will prepare 127 million meals to feed children in 60 countries.
Twin Cities Navy Week gave the public a close-up look at what Sailors do throughout the world. The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Minneapolis and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Minneapolis will participate with the Navy Parachute Team "Leap Frogs" and Navy Band Great Lakes "Horizon" to showcase the Navy July 17-24. Twin Cities Navy Week is taking place with the 2010 Minneapolis Aquatennial. It is one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2010.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be part of this project," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Sharla Jackson, NOSC Minneapolis. "It's fun watching the kids!"
FMSC accommodates volunteers from age 5 to 85. FMSC trains 60 volunteers per session, five sessions per day, six days per week. The other five FMSC packing sites in Minnesota, Illinois and Arizona can accommodate 100 volunteers per session.
"This is a hands-on endeavor," said Lois Long, a FMSC team leader. "They have an investment in the time. It's not just an envelope in the mail."
Sailors worked alongside the children, scooping rice, weighing and counting packets, refilling bins and sealing boxes. In two hours, more than 11,000 meals in 53 boxes were prepared for children around the globe.
Navy Week includes demonstrations by the Navy Parachute Team and performances by the Navy Band Great Lakes. Interactive displays, including the Navy Simulator will feature live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery, at a variety of locations. The schedule also includes civic, corporate and educational engagements by Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly, Commander, Submarine Force, and Rear Adm. Buzz Little, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.
Twin Cities Navy Week concludes July 24 with a performance by the Navy Band at the Xcel Energy River Bash on the Minneapolis Riverfront.
Minnesota Sailors Volunteer at Charity to Help Children around the World
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (NNS) -- Twin Cities Sailors prepared food at a warehouse operated by the Minnesota charity Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) July 19 during Twin Cities Navy Week.
Sailors, along with 40 additional volunteers, packed rice and protein meals for children around the world.
FMSC is a non-profit organization distributing through missionary partners millions of meals each year to orphanages, schools and relief centers. In 2010, FMSC will prepare 127 million meals to feed children in 60 countries.
Twin Cities Navy Week gave the public a close-up look at what Sailors do throughout the world. The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Minneapolis and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Minneapolis will participate with the Navy Parachute Team "Leap Frogs" and Navy Band Great Lakes "Horizon" to showcase the Navy July 17-24. Twin Cities Navy Week is taking place with the 2010 Minneapolis Aquatennial. It is one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2010.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be part of this project," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Sharla Jackson, NOSC Minneapolis. "It's fun watching the kids!"
FMSC accommodates volunteers from age 5 to 85. FMSC trains 60 volunteers per session, five sessions per day, six days per week. The other five FMSC packing sites in Minnesota, Illinois and Arizona can accommodate 100 volunteers per session.
"This is a hands-on endeavor," said Lois Long, a FMSC team leader. "They have an investment in the time. It's not just an envelope in the mail."
Sailors worked alongside the children, scooping rice, weighing and counting packets, refilling bins and sealing boxes. In two hours, more than 11,000 meals in 53 boxes were prepared for children around the globe.
Navy Week includes demonstrations by the Navy Parachute Team and performances by the Navy Band Great Lakes. Interactive displays, including the Navy Simulator will feature live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery, at a variety of locations. The schedule also includes civic, corporate and educational engagements by Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly, Commander, Submarine Force, and Rear Adm. Buzz Little, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.
Twin Cities Navy Week concludes July 24 with a performance by the Navy Band at the Xcel Energy River Bash on the Minneapolis Riverfront.
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (NNS) -- Twin Cities Sailors prepared food at a warehouse operated by the Minnesota charity Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) July 19 during Twin Cities Navy Week.
Sailors, along with 40 additional volunteers, packed rice and protein meals for children around the world.
FMSC is a non-profit organization distributing through missionary partners millions of meals each year to orphanages, schools and relief centers. In 2010, FMSC will prepare 127 million meals to feed children in 60 countries.
Twin Cities Navy Week gave the public a close-up look at what Sailors do throughout the world. The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Minneapolis and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Minneapolis will participate with the Navy Parachute Team "Leap Frogs" and Navy Band Great Lakes "Horizon" to showcase the Navy July 17-24. Twin Cities Navy Week is taking place with the 2010 Minneapolis Aquatennial. It is one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2010.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be part of this project," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Sharla Jackson, NOSC Minneapolis. "It's fun watching the kids!"
FMSC accommodates volunteers from age 5 to 85. FMSC trains 60 volunteers per session, five sessions per day, six days per week. The other five FMSC packing sites in Minnesota, Illinois and Arizona can accommodate 100 volunteers per session.
"This is a hands-on endeavor," said Lois Long, a FMSC team leader. "They have an investment in the time. It's not just an envelope in the mail."
Sailors worked alongside the children, scooping rice, weighing and counting packets, refilling bins and sealing boxes. In two hours, more than 11,000 meals in 53 boxes were prepared for children around the globe.
Navy Week includes demonstrations by the Navy Parachute Team and performances by the Navy Band Great Lakes. Interactive displays, including the Navy Simulator will feature live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery, at a variety of locations. The schedule also includes civic, corporate and educational engagements by Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly, Commander, Submarine Force, and Rear Adm. Buzz Little, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.
Twin Cities Navy Week concludes July 24 with a performance by the Navy Band at the Xcel Energy River Bash on the Minneapolis Riverfront.
Seoul Meetings Emphasize Strength of U.S., South Korean Pact
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 20, 2010 - In 1950, the United States and many other countries of the United Nations came to the defense of South Korea when North Korea invaded. The meetings in Seoul beginning tomorrow are a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to the Republic of Korea, said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters traveling with him that the "Two-plus-Two" meetings between the secretaries of State and Defense and the ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defense re-emphasize the security relationship between the United States and South Korea.
Mullen and Navy Adm Robert F. Willard will participate in the discussions, and provide their military advice to the civilian leaders. Their South Korean counterparts – led by Gen. Han Min-yu – will do the same for ROK government leaders. "I think it is an extremely important reaffirmation of the alliance on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War," Mullen said.
Complicating matters is the March sinking of the South Korean frigate Cheonan off the west coast of the peninsula. An independent review team concluded that a North Korean vessel fired a torpedo that sank the ship and killed 46 ROK sailors.
This latest incident continues a history of provocative acts by North Korea. Northern leaders have ordered assassinations, kidnappings, raids across the DMZ, and any number of other acts since the armistice ending the fighting in 1953.
North Korea has developed a nuclear capability and the missile capability to deliver it. North Korea maintains a military in excess of 1.5 million, and has thousands of artillery tubes and missiles pointed at – and in range of – Seoul, which is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world.
The discussions in Seoul will be more than simply military talks, senior defense officials said. The leaders will discuss the full range of foreign and security issues confronting the region. On the military side, the Two-plus-Two will be discussions of joint U.S.-ROK military exercises. Leaders will also discuss the extension of the date for passing wartime control to South Korean forces. The transition was supposed to be complete in April 2012. It will now happen in December 2015.
Mullen said the leaders will continue to work together both in exercises and operations. "This is a really critical part of the world, and certainly if you have an incident like Cheonan and a country like North Korea, you worry a great deal about what else could happen here," he said. "We will continue with our strong relationship and continue to work with the Korean military as we have over decades."
The chairman praised diplomats across the spectrum for the U.S. Security Council resolution on the Cheonan. "There is nobody – the United States or those who live in the region – who want any kind of conflict to break out," the admiral said.
The specific act of the sinking of Cheonan and killing 46 sailors "is just completely unacceptable," Mullen said. "It doesn't meet any kind of international norm and that behavior isn't going to be tolerated."
Still, the chairman said he will not underestimate North Korean capabilities. "The size of the force and its proximity to Seoul make it dangerous," Mullen said. "It's got an unpredictable leadership, and that's indicative in what happened to Cheonan."
The U.N. Security Council resolution – with the agreement of China and Russia – sends North Korean leaders the message that no country supports them. U.S. and South Korean forces will conduct joint exercises off both the east and west coasts of the peninsula. The intent of the exercises is to improve stability in the region and improve interoperability. It also sends the message to the North that the South Korean military is a powerful force on its own , and that the nation is a treaty ally of the most powerful and combat-proven force in the world today.
The U.S. and South Koreans exercise routinely in the waters off the peninsula. The Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea are international waters and the United States will use them as such, Mullen said.
The Two-plus-Two will begin with a ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul. There will be a moment of silence for the 46 sailors killed aboard the Cheonan. Leaders will also remember the more than 32,000 American servicemembers who died in the war. Since 1953, the United States has maintained troops on the peninsula. There are currently 28,500 U.S. servicemembers in South Korea.
American Forces Press Service
July 20, 2010 - In 1950, the United States and many other countries of the United Nations came to the defense of South Korea when North Korea invaded. The meetings in Seoul beginning tomorrow are a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to the Republic of Korea, said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters traveling with him that the "Two-plus-Two" meetings between the secretaries of State and Defense and the ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defense re-emphasize the security relationship between the United States and South Korea.
Mullen and Navy Adm Robert F. Willard will participate in the discussions, and provide their military advice to the civilian leaders. Their South Korean counterparts – led by Gen. Han Min-yu – will do the same for ROK government leaders. "I think it is an extremely important reaffirmation of the alliance on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War," Mullen said.
Complicating matters is the March sinking of the South Korean frigate Cheonan off the west coast of the peninsula. An independent review team concluded that a North Korean vessel fired a torpedo that sank the ship and killed 46 ROK sailors.
This latest incident continues a history of provocative acts by North Korea. Northern leaders have ordered assassinations, kidnappings, raids across the DMZ, and any number of other acts since the armistice ending the fighting in 1953.
North Korea has developed a nuclear capability and the missile capability to deliver it. North Korea maintains a military in excess of 1.5 million, and has thousands of artillery tubes and missiles pointed at – and in range of – Seoul, which is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world.
The discussions in Seoul will be more than simply military talks, senior defense officials said. The leaders will discuss the full range of foreign and security issues confronting the region. On the military side, the Two-plus-Two will be discussions of joint U.S.-ROK military exercises. Leaders will also discuss the extension of the date for passing wartime control to South Korean forces. The transition was supposed to be complete in April 2012. It will now happen in December 2015.
Mullen said the leaders will continue to work together both in exercises and operations. "This is a really critical part of the world, and certainly if you have an incident like Cheonan and a country like North Korea, you worry a great deal about what else could happen here," he said. "We will continue with our strong relationship and continue to work with the Korean military as we have over decades."
The chairman praised diplomats across the spectrum for the U.S. Security Council resolution on the Cheonan. "There is nobody – the United States or those who live in the region – who want any kind of conflict to break out," the admiral said.
The specific act of the sinking of Cheonan and killing 46 sailors "is just completely unacceptable," Mullen said. "It doesn't meet any kind of international norm and that behavior isn't going to be tolerated."
Still, the chairman said he will not underestimate North Korean capabilities. "The size of the force and its proximity to Seoul make it dangerous," Mullen said. "It's got an unpredictable leadership, and that's indicative in what happened to Cheonan."
The U.N. Security Council resolution – with the agreement of China and Russia – sends North Korean leaders the message that no country supports them. U.S. and South Korean forces will conduct joint exercises off both the east and west coasts of the peninsula. The intent of the exercises is to improve stability in the region and improve interoperability. It also sends the message to the North that the South Korean military is a powerful force on its own , and that the nation is a treaty ally of the most powerful and combat-proven force in the world today.
The U.S. and South Koreans exercise routinely in the waters off the peninsula. The Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea are international waters and the United States will use them as such, Mullen said.
The Two-plus-Two will begin with a ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul. There will be a moment of silence for the 46 sailors killed aboard the Cheonan. Leaders will also remember the more than 32,000 American servicemembers who died in the war. Since 1953, the United States has maintained troops on the peninsula. There are currently 28,500 U.S. servicemembers in South Korea.
General Outlines U.S. Mission, Challenges in Africa
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
July 20, 2010 - As U.S. Africa Command matures and strengthens ties with African nations, American interests on the continent become more stable, the command's top officer said today.
Africom was established in October 2007 to "add value" to African nations by improving their military capacities and to help nations achieve their short- and long-term goals, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward said during remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies here. He discussed progress and challenges and explained the strategic importance of the continent to global security.
Many African nations struggle with democratic processes, political reform, civil conflict and reconstruction issues, Ward noted. Despite those challenges, Africa presents tremendous opportunity, he said.
Much of the continent's development progress is hindered by corruption, weak governance and drug and human trafficking, Ward explained. Also, the growing population faces challenges in food and security. However, those concerns are "not absolute barriers," he said.
Good governance and reliable militaries prove to counter such concerns, Ward said. Several nations have become well-respected, international partners dedicated to peacekeeping, he added.
"Good governance ... fosters change in stability that allows the U.S. and Africa, across all spectrums to build trust [and] pursue mutual interests toward lasting relationships," Ward said. "Africans are steadily taking ownership in addressing existing security challenges. It means that, over time, we can work more effectively together to further these mutual interests."
African nations have the potential to be great, long-term security partners, the general said. But some are more dependent on outside resources, he added.
"The greater issue is not that challenges exist in Africa," he said. "Africans lack the means to wholly and fully confront them."
In some cases, Ward explained, resources are available within African nations, but are not aligned to address the challenges. Also, sometimes opportunities for progress are not well understood, he said, adding that developing a stable economy and government need as much focus as security.
"I get asked all the time: What are you going to do about Somalia? What are you going to do about Sudan? What are you going to do about the Democratic Republic of the Congo? What are you going to do about Liberia?" the general said.
"It's also important to look at Africa in terms of the opportunity that exists," Ward said. "Economic development, governance, security initiatives and the continent's geopolitical role will both improve the lives of Africans and build a foundation for a stronger, longer friendship [and] cooperation between the nations of Africa and the United States, all the while promoting an environment where American lives are more secure."
Such effects will be felt abroad and in the United States, anywhere American interests are promoted, Ward said. The strategic importance of Africa is about stability and growth, which is in the best interest of the United States, he added.
"Since the command's inception, we routinely heard phrases like, 'African solutions to African problems,'" he said. "While that theme still resonates, U.S. efforts to help Africans address their challenges focus ... on a combination of diplomatic, developmental and defense engagement – programs that help build capacity, that foster African ownership."
The command, he said, prides itself on the ability to "listen and learn" from African nations.
"We had to get out of our foxholes, go down range and look back at what we were doing from the perspective of our most-important partners – the Africans," Ward said. "After hundreds of engagements with African political and military leaders, as well as members of civil society, there were several common themes of what the Africans wanted in terms of their long-term security interests."
Africom is primarily concerned with building military forces, the general said, acknowledging the importance of ground, sea and air military capabilities. However, he added, broader capabilities also are needed.
"Police, border patrols, coast guard, customs, immigration, air/space management, courts, law; all these are lined against the challenges and threats the partner nations face," Ward said. "Sufficient freedom from political violence is needed to allow real progress to take root."
Conditions must be set for Africans to address short-term challenges, so long-term objectives can be pursued, he said.
"This is clearly a long-term endeavor," Ward said. "Development or transformation of security capacity does not happen overnight, and in many cases will happen on an African, not an American, timetable."
American Forces Press Service
July 20, 2010 - As U.S. Africa Command matures and strengthens ties with African nations, American interests on the continent become more stable, the command's top officer said today.
Africom was established in October 2007 to "add value" to African nations by improving their military capacities and to help nations achieve their short- and long-term goals, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward said during remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies here. He discussed progress and challenges and explained the strategic importance of the continent to global security.
Many African nations struggle with democratic processes, political reform, civil conflict and reconstruction issues, Ward noted. Despite those challenges, Africa presents tremendous opportunity, he said.
Much of the continent's development progress is hindered by corruption, weak governance and drug and human trafficking, Ward explained. Also, the growing population faces challenges in food and security. However, those concerns are "not absolute barriers," he said.
Good governance and reliable militaries prove to counter such concerns, Ward said. Several nations have become well-respected, international partners dedicated to peacekeeping, he added.
"Good governance ... fosters change in stability that allows the U.S. and Africa, across all spectrums to build trust [and] pursue mutual interests toward lasting relationships," Ward said. "Africans are steadily taking ownership in addressing existing security challenges. It means that, over time, we can work more effectively together to further these mutual interests."
African nations have the potential to be great, long-term security partners, the general said. But some are more dependent on outside resources, he added.
"The greater issue is not that challenges exist in Africa," he said. "Africans lack the means to wholly and fully confront them."
In some cases, Ward explained, resources are available within African nations, but are not aligned to address the challenges. Also, sometimes opportunities for progress are not well understood, he said, adding that developing a stable economy and government need as much focus as security.
"I get asked all the time: What are you going to do about Somalia? What are you going to do about Sudan? What are you going to do about the Democratic Republic of the Congo? What are you going to do about Liberia?" the general said.
"It's also important to look at Africa in terms of the opportunity that exists," Ward said. "Economic development, governance, security initiatives and the continent's geopolitical role will both improve the lives of Africans and build a foundation for a stronger, longer friendship [and] cooperation between the nations of Africa and the United States, all the while promoting an environment where American lives are more secure."
Such effects will be felt abroad and in the United States, anywhere American interests are promoted, Ward said. The strategic importance of Africa is about stability and growth, which is in the best interest of the United States, he added.
"Since the command's inception, we routinely heard phrases like, 'African solutions to African problems,'" he said. "While that theme still resonates, U.S. efforts to help Africans address their challenges focus ... on a combination of diplomatic, developmental and defense engagement – programs that help build capacity, that foster African ownership."
The command, he said, prides itself on the ability to "listen and learn" from African nations.
"We had to get out of our foxholes, go down range and look back at what we were doing from the perspective of our most-important partners – the Africans," Ward said. "After hundreds of engagements with African political and military leaders, as well as members of civil society, there were several common themes of what the Africans wanted in terms of their long-term security interests."
Africom is primarily concerned with building military forces, the general said, acknowledging the importance of ground, sea and air military capabilities. However, he added, broader capabilities also are needed.
"Police, border patrols, coast guard, customs, immigration, air/space management, courts, law; all these are lined against the challenges and threats the partner nations face," Ward said. "Sufficient freedom from political violence is needed to allow real progress to take root."
Conditions must be set for Africans to address short-term challenges, so long-term objectives can be pursued, he said.
"This is clearly a long-term endeavor," Ward said. "Development or transformation of security capacity does not happen overnight, and in many cases will happen on an African, not an American, timetable."
World War II veteran receives Distinguished Flying Cross in Pentagon ceremony
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
7/20/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A World War II veteran received recognition for the heroism he displayed 65 years ago in the sky above Nazi Germany, during a ceremony July 19 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.
Retired Col. Claude M. Schonberger received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions Feb. 16, 1945, from Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, the deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at Headquarters Air Force here.
"I am in awe and ecstatic to be in the Hall of Heroes for this presentation," Colonel Schonberger said. "It is indeed a great privilege and honor to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for my actions in World War II.
"I share the Distinguished Flying Cross award with my former B-24 (Liberator) crew members who flew with me on most of my missions, many who were fatally injured," the retired colonel said.
General Deptula praised Colonel Schonberger's heroic actions on his 20th mission.
"Courage. There are those who attempt to define this small corner of the human soul with eloquent words," General Deptula said. "And then there are those who define it with their actions; who under great personal risk and danger, and not without fear, but rather in the resolute and firm sense of duty to service before self, act in spite of that fear in the almost certain consequences of the most selfless of ways that show us what courage really is.
"We call those who show us this courage 'heroes,'" General Deptula said, "and I'm both honored and humbled to be in the presence of just such a hero today: Colonel Claude Schonberger. For aviators, we recognize those heroes and their tenacity with the Distinguished Flying Cross," General Deptula said.
Colonel Schonberger's DFC citation details events of the Feb. 16 mission: " ... Lieutenant Schonberger demonstrated extraordinary flying skills and courage against the Obertraubling Airdrome in Regensburg, Germany. During the final bomb run of this mission, his bomb-loaded B-24 aircraft was struck by enemy fire, resulting in an uncontrollable propeller of the number four engine and a fire near the number three engine. Despite this hazardous situation, Lieutenant Schonberger continued on the bomb run and released his bombs with considerable accuracy."
General Deptula acknowledged that the delay in presenting Colonel Schonberger's DFC was not a reflection on the actions justifying it.
"Despite the fact that it's taken over 60 years for this day to arrive, time in no way diminishes the courageous actions of my fellow Airman, Claude Schonberger," General Deptula said.
Colonel Schonberger thanked General Deptula "for bringing my DFC papers to the attention of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records," and Lt. Col. Laura Ryan for "bringing all the required documentation together for review."
Colonel Ryan is the Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Branch chief, Joint Force Development and Integration Division, J-7, Joint Staff.
Colonel Schonberger heard in 1942 that his draft number was about to be called up for military service.
"I always wanted to get in the Air Corps," Colonel Schonberger said. He decided to head to Minneapolis to see if he could pass the requirements to become a pilot. He did, and began training at Lincoln Army Air Field, Neb. He and his crew sailed from Norfolk, Va., Sept. 4, 1944, for Bari, Italy. He was assigned to the 759th Squadron, 459th Group, 13th Wing, 15th Air Force.
Colonel Schonberger flew 21 missions before being shot down Feb. 28 on a bombing mission to a bridge in the northern Italian town of Bolzano. This happened 12 days after the mission where he earned the DFC. The only other crew member to survive the bomber's explosion along with Colonel Schonberger was his navigator, 2nd Lt. Bob Johnson of Bigfork, Mont. Colonel Schonberger spent the rest of the war at Stalag Luft XIII in Nuremberg, Germany.
Colonel Schonberger continued to serve on active duty until 1951. He later joined the D.C. Air National Guard and retired in 1974 as a colonel. He worked as an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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