Gates Recommends Dempsey as Next Army Chief of Staff

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has recommended to President Barack Obama that he nominate Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey to be the next Army chief of staff.

Gates made the announcement at a Pentagon news conference.

The Army chief of staff is the highest-ranking soldier and serves as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

If nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, Dempsey would succeed Gen. George W. Casey Jr., who has served as Army chief of staff since April 2007 and will retire after more than 40 years of service.

Dempsey, 58, is commander of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, based at Fort Monroe, Va.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Dempsey a “creative thinker and a terrific soldier” who has his unequivocal support.

Dempsey served as the acting commander of U.S. Central Command upon the retirement of Navy Adm. William Fallon in 2008. He took up the Training and Doctrine Command’s reins in December 2008.

Dempsey commanded the 1st Armored Division in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, and he served as commander of the Multinational Security Transition Command in Iraq from 2007 to 2008.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant following graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1974. He was assigned to Germany as an armor officer, and he served with the 3rd Armored Division during Operation Desert Storm.

Navy Intel Chief Discusses China’s Military Advances

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – Though China has demonstrated its ability to field advanced military prototypes speedily, how soon it can put those capabilities to use remains a key question, the Navy’s intelligence chief said yesterday.

Vice Adm. David J. “Jack” Dorsett, director of naval intelligence and deputy chief of naval operations for information dominance, spoke to defense writers about China’s emerging military capabilities.

“They’ve entered operational capability quicker than we frequently project,” Dorsett said.

“We’ve been on the mark on an awful lot of our assessments,” he added, “but there have been a handful of things we’ve underestimated.”

Dorsett’s remarks were delivered on the same day that Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan e-mailed reporters about the Defense Department’s annual report to Congress on “Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China.”

The report, Lapan wrote, states China “continues to make investments to support a comprehensive military modernization program which includes advanced aircraft.”

Specifically, Lapan noted, the China report references the Quadrennial Defense Review report.

"China is developing and fielding large numbers of advanced medium-range ballistic and cruise missiles, new attack submarines equipped with advanced weapons, increasingly capable long-range air defense systems, electronic warfare and computer network attack capabilities, advanced fighter aircraft and counter-space systems," he wrote.

The latest Chinese military technology has been widely reported in recent weeks. In December, high-resolution photos surfaced of a Chinese aircraft that appears to be a large stealth fighter. The previous week, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, was quoted in a Japanese newspaper as saying a Chinese anti-ship ballistic missile, the Dong Feng 21D or DF-21D, has been extensively tested and now is considered to be at initial operational capability.

Amid growing global attention to China’s growing military inventory, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will travel to China on Jan. 9 for long-planned meetings, the first between the two nations’ defense leaders since China suspended military-to-military contact early last year.

During his meeting with reporters, Dorsett said Chinese advances should be viewed in perspective. Their stealth fighter, he said, will not be fully operationally capable for years, and the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile system has been test-fired over land, but is not believed to have been tested over water against maneuvering targets.

But recent developments in ballistic-missile technology have increased the probability that China could hit a maneuvering target -- such as an aircraft carrier -- with a missile salvo, Dorsett said.

“How proficient they are, or what that level of probability is, we don’t know,” he said. “And frankly, I’m guessing that they don’t know.”

China’s stealth aircraft, he said, likely is in early development. Based on pictures he has seen of the Chinese so-called J-20 stealth aircraft, Dorsett said, it’s not clear when it will be fully tested and operational.

“Over the years, the Chinese military doctrine was ‘hide and bide’ –- hide your resources and bide your time,” Dorsett said. “They now appear to have shifted into an era where they’re willing to show their resources and capabilities.”

While China is providing more insight, Dorsett said, “Still, the lack of transparency into what they’re doing, the lack of openness, remains a concern for us.”

Another concern is China’s ability to become operationally proficient in a joint, sophisticated combat environment, he said.

“I don’t see China [with] those capabilities right now. I see them delivering individual components, individual weapons systems,” Dorsett said. “So one of the areas that I focus on is how good are they at developing their operational proficiency to manage across the spectrum of warfare.

“That’s one [area] where I don’t want to get the assessment wrong,” he continued. “I want to get it pretty right on about when we think they’re going to become operationally proficient.”

It’s clear the Chinese are modernizing across a broad array of weapons systems, Dorsett said. “Their economy is such that they can invest, and have been able to invest this decade, quite heavily in a military buildup,” he added.

China’s advances in procuring modern military equipment should not be a surprise, Dorsett said, but the speed of their progress has been.

“I am intrigued by the developments. I am quite interested in the quantities and different types of technology that have been developed that we either didn’t expect or we underestimated,” he said.

Still, Dorsett said, fielding a prototype is just the first step toward integrating it into routine military operations.

“For example, while they’re developing technology and capabilities, it has just been [during] the last year and a half, two years, that we’ve seen the Chinese navy deploy out of area for any period of time,” he said.

“In … late 2008, when they deployed a three-ship task group to the Gulf of Aden to conduct counterpiracy operations, that was a big step for them,” Dorsett added. “Three ships to the Gulf of Aden, compared to what the U.S. Navy does on a daily basis, … you can’t contrast the two, because the difference is so great.”

China lacks some basic components of advanced military power, Dorsett said: integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability, anti-submarine warfare capability, a level of sophistication in joint warfighting, and mature operational proficiency across the board.

“So what would be dangerous for us is to overestimate them today but underestimate [the] timeline of trying to synchronize these various elements together,” he said.

The Chinese “game plan” is to gradually build to global power, Dorsett said, offering their planned aircraft carrier capability development as an example.

“They’ve got a used, very old Russian carrier that they’re going to probably start conducting sea trials with later this year,” he said. “They are planning on building indigenous aircraft carriers that will come into their order of battle later on, over the next decade.”

But by 2020, Chinese aircraft carrier proficiency and capability will still be very limited, Dorsett said, because integrating flying aircraft into not just flight deck operations but battle group operations “takes a fair amount of time.”

“The U.S. Navy has had … 100 years of flight activity. So it’s going to take time for them to build that capability,” he said. “They’re pragmatic; they’ve got a game plan that deals in decades.”

Dorsett said in his view, China is trying to build a navy that becomes a near-term regional power, with long-term significant global implications in support of their nation.

“They want a naval force that can be deployed to protect their resource flow or their vital national interests, such as the anti-piracy operations,” he said.

While the Chinese plan to build a massive military infrastructure is long-range, their pursuit of technological capability is much quicker, Dorsett said, noting that over the last 10 years, China has developed a “competent capability” in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and over-the-horizon radars.

“Ten years from now, we expect a much greater increase in the number of satellites they have in orbit and their capability to fuse information,” he said.

The Chinese are maturing in their use of capabilities, Dorsett said. “But have you seen them deploy large groups of naval forces?” he added. “No. Have we seen large, joint, sophisticated exercises? No. Do they have any combat proficiency? No. That’s what I’m saying –- they are at the front end of developing that military capability.”

While developments in Chinese maritime, ballistic missile and stealth fighter capability deserve attention, Dorsett said, “The area and the technology that I’m most concerned about is China’s focus and attention on trying to develop capabilities to dominate in the electro-magnetic spectrum, to conduct counter-space capabilities, and clearly to conduct cyber activities.”

The Chinese write about what they call joint informationalized operations and attempting to dominate the electromagnetic environment, Dorsett said.

“In fact, you see throughout their training, their exercises, they attempt to employ a wide range of electronic warfare and electromagnetic control mechanisms,” he said. “They try to really use space –- so all of these things that are nonkinetic are pretty crucial to warfare for China. But guess what? In the Information Age, they need to be critical elements for all nations.”

Nonkinetic and information warfare and dominating the electromagnetic spectrum are key components of warfighting for the future, Dorsett said. “We really shouldn’t focus excessively on China,” he added. “We should focus on information capabilities and how nations might employ those in the future.”

Dorsett said the United States and China are focused on a new area of warfare that other nations also are looking at and developing.

“We’re going through a transformation, if not a revolution, in military capabilities these days -- and it’s more toward the information, the nonkinetic, the cyber side of the house,” he said.

The United States military is in the midst of that paradigm shift, Dorsett said.

“We don’t want to shoot behind the target,” he said. “We don’t want to prepare for the last war. We don’t want to prepare for ground activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, in a relatively benign environment in terms of sophistication of warfare.”

Roadside bombs and insurgents on the ground pose a great threat to U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Dorsett said, but the present war shouldn’t prevent defense experts from planning for future conflicts.

“I do think [in future conflicts] we’ll use advanced technologies, advanced capabilities, and [be] much more nonkinetic than we’ve ever seen in the past,” he said. “So [the Defense Department] is, in fact, preparing for that.”

The U.S. military must also maintain its combat capability and proficiency in irregular warfare, such as the fight in Afghanistan, he said.

“We really need to commit the right resources to win in Afghanistan, to be successful there, but at the same time, … we are looking at other elements of warfighting, especially on the information side, where we need to make improvements,” Dorsett said. “It’s not either-or. It’s both, and at the same time, we’re going through a significant transition.”

National Guard Prepares for Southeast Storm Support

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell

National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2011 – As a winter storm rolls through the southern United States, some governors have placed their National Guard on state active duty.

The Arkansas National Guard is providing 10 Humvees and 24 soldiers for state active duty to conduct safety and wellness checks along Interstate 30 between Little Rock and Malvern. They also are scheduled to open the Malvern and Benton armories for shelter opportunities to accommodate stranded motorists.

The Alabama National Guard has activated two soldiers as liaison officers for the State Emergency Operation Center, and will continue to monitor the situation, officials said. Meanwhile, the Georgia National Guard is preparing equipment and issuing plans to support communities if the governor orders their mobilization.

“Soldiers and airmen of the Georgia National Guard stand ready to do our part to help local communities recover, if we are needed,” said Army Maj. Gen. William Nesbitt, Georgia’s adjutant general.

Guardsmen already conducting their monthly drills yesterday prepared Humvees, loaded equipment, pre-positioned supplies and updated plans to mobilize should the governor call upon them, officials said.

The Georgia Guard’s Joint Forces Headquarters also brought its Joint Operations Center staffing up to operating capacity yesterday to monitor the storm and manage any potential National Guard response.

Korean-American Carl Vinson Sailors Returning Home For Busan Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher K. Hwang, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- A handful of Korean-born Sailors assigned to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) will be returning home for the first time in several years when the Nimitz-class carrier pulls into Busan Jan. 11.

From the beach city of Busan to the streets of Seoul, several Korean-American Vinson Sailors will venture back into a familiar part of their lives and some will spend time with family they have never met.

"I didn't expect (to go to Korea) at all and when I heard we were going, I was really excited," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Kathleen Brigham, attached to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. She is an Irish-Korean-American who was born in the states and will visit her mother's family in Korea for the first time.

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Jun Sin, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, is returning to a place he calls home. This is his first deployment and the opportunity to reunite with family literally keeps him up at night. "I really miss my family and I can't wait to see them," said Sin.

While some Korean-American Sailors are enjoying time with their relatives, others will be using their bilingual capabilities and cultural familiarities to be an ambassador in both professional and personal capacities.

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Katherine Kim, assigned to Supply Department S-2 Division, will fly to the Busan beach detachment to help the ship prepare supply items and merchandise pier side. She is also providing tours for interested personnel and acting as a translator between Vinson Sailors and South Korean citizens. Kim said she is looking forward to helping and sharing the great pride she holds in her Korean heritage.

"Korea is as much my country as the United States," said Kim.

Sin is helping as a translator for Vinson's soccer team, who will play against a Korean team on the Republic of Korea Navy Base. Sin said he is excited to translate and also play with the Vinson team in his home country.

In addition to providing support through community relations, Korean-American Sailors also plan to share their culture with shipmates on liberty.

"I plan to take my coworkers from the shop and show them around," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Leilani Morton, assigned to Vinson's Combat Systems Department, CS-3 Division. Morton said she wants to use this opportunity to promote diversity and educate her peers that have never experienced Korean culture, including the country's cuisine.

"I can't wait to finally have authentic Korean food," said Morton, who plans to enjoy several Korean dishes not only served in restaurants. "Street vendors provide a variety of different meal options, ranging from vegetarian to pork ribs, stir-fried beef and buckwheat noodles," she said.

Sin sees this to be an "unbelievable" opportunity to reconnect with his family. "When I first heard we were going to Korea, I didn't think it would happen. But once the captain announced it, it was like living a dream."

Opening Statement by Secretary Robert Gates during Joint Press Conference with General Liang Guanglie from Beijing, China

“It is a pleasure to be back in Beijing.  I’d like to thank the government and people of China for their gracious hospitality, which I’ve greatly enjoyed since my first visit almost 30 years ago.  Much has changed since then.

“I also want to thank Gen. Liang for his hospitality.  He and I had a great deal to discuss in our meetings earlier today.  Both President Obama and President Hu have stressed that building a sustained and reliable relationship between our two militaries is an indispensible part of strengthening our two nations’ broader relationship -- a relationship that consists of deepening economic and cultural ties that touch the lives of virtually all our citizens.

“Among these are:

Improving maritime security; Addressing the challenges posed by the spread of nuclear-, space-, cyber-, and missile technology; Maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula by facilitating engagement between the two Koreas and towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula; Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon by continuing to work through the dual-track approach; and finally continuing to cooperate generally to diffuse global conflicts and tensions.

“I’ve stressed several times the importance of maintaining an ongoing military-to-military dialogue between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.  Mechanisms such as the Defense Consultative Talks, the Defense Policy Coordination Talks, and the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement can serve as important channels of communication in this regard.

“As Gen. Liang mentioned in his statement, we have agreed to pursue now seven priority areas of cooperation which were agreed to in October 2009.  The general and I have also agreed to establish a working group that will develop a new framework for improving ties between the U.S. and Chinese military establishments.  This group will meet several times during the coming year, and will present the framework during the 2011 Defense Consultative Talks.  We also agreed to hold working group meetings under the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement to discuss future operational safety and to build cooperation in the maritime domain.

“As Gen. Liang mentioned in his statement, we agreed to look into a number of joint military activities ranging from maritime search and rescue to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-piracy, counterterrorism, and more. Not only will joint exercises improve certain key capabilities on both sides they also will lead to safer practices for our sea and air forces, and, over time, cultivate trust and lead to more opportunities for defense cooperation.  We are in strong agreement.  In order to reduce the chances of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or miscalculation, it is important that our military-to-military ties are solid, consistent, and not subject to shifting political winds.

 “Finally, I was pleased that Gen. Liang noted and said that the Chinese side would consider and study the beginning of a strategic security dialogue -- as part of a broader Strategic and Economic Dialogue -- that covers nuclear, missile defense, space, and cyber issues.

 “Cultivating personal relationships can be an important part of improving understanding and cooperation.  In that vein, Adm. Mullen and I will be pleased to welcome the Chief of the General Staff of the PLA to visit the United States in the first half of this year.  And, of course, we are very much looking forward to President Hu’s state visit to Washington next week.

 “The next two days will provide further opportunities for dialogue with my Chinese colleagues.  They include:

Meetings later today with Vice President Xi, the Vice Chairmen of the Central Military Commission followed by an official banquet tonight; Discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and with President Hu Jintao tomorrow; and on Wednesday, a visit to the PLA’s Second Artillery Corps, the latter providing a key opportunity to advance our discussion of nuclear strategy.

 “China and the United States are two of the world’s great powers and we both recognize the responsibilities and opportunities that status entails -- including showing the rest of the world the benefits that arise when great nations cooperate on matters of shared interests.  Our two nations now have an extraordinary opportunity to define the relationship not by the obstacles that at times divide us, but by the opportunities that exist to foster greater cooperation and bring us closer together.”

U.S. Coast Guard and the World Maritime University

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Post Written by Lt. Cmdr. Mark Sawyer, Instructor at the World Maritime University

Few are aware of the Coast Guard’s contributions to the success of the World Maritime University (WMU). In fact, it wasn’t until my assignment to the University as a U.S. Coast Guard Instructor that I fully understood the unique, positive relationship the Coast Guard and WMU have shared for 27 years. Further, I gained a better understanding of the immense importance the WMU plays in the international maritime community.

“WMU benefits from the professional and operational expertise of the presence of the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Dr. Björn Kjerfve, president of WMU. “As a mutually beneficial outcome, both WMU alumni and Coast Guard are better equipped for the future to communicate, develop and implement global initiatives to enhance international maritime safety, security and environmental standards and also support maritime commerce.”

Recognizing the need for well qualified, educated maritime professionals, the International Maritime Organization established WMU on July 4, 1983 in Malmö, Sweden. The University is considered the center of excellence for advanced maritime education and the January 2010 revised charter puts emphasis on the particular mission of capacity building in developing countries. Over the last quarter century, the WMU international faculty has educated over 3,000 maritime professionals from over 162 countries.

“WMU graduates hold key maritime leadership positions around the world. They lead as mariners, shipping executives, energy and transportation specialists, heads of Coast Guards, and UN policy makers,” said RADM James Watson, deputy commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “U.S. Coast Guard instructors at WMU enhance international maritime operations through their interaction with WMU students. Ultimately our access to WMU graduates strengthens U.S. Coast Guard operations through industry collaboration to facilitate commerce, maintain law and order on the high seas, and for life-saving emergency response cooperation.”

Currently, the University offers postgraduate degrees including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Science (MSc) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD). In addition to its facility in Malmö, Sweden, World Maritime University operates two satellite campuses in China, Dalian and Shanghai with both master’s and doctoral degree programs as well as professional development courses and seminars.

“The World Maritime University greatly appreciates the support from the U.S. Coast Guard since the inception of the University in 1983. WMU has built up an impressive network of alumni [as of today 3,040] who occupy influential maritime positions in most countries around the globe.” said Kjerfve.

New Navy Reserve Force Master Chief Selected

By Capt. Robert Durand, Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The next Navy Reserve Force master chief was announced by the chief of the Navy Reserve Jan. 6.

Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink announced that Command Master Chief Christopher T. Wheeler was selected as the next Navy Reserve Force master chief.

Wheeler will relieve Navy Reserve Master Chief (FMF) Ronney Wright as Navy Reserve Force master chief in June 2011.

"Command Master Chief Wheeler was chosen for this important job from a group of highly motivated, professional and qualified candidates," said Debbink. "I will rely on his insight and counsel to ensure that our Sailors, their families and their civilian employers have what they need to carry out our mission and to live up to our Navy Reserve Force motto - 'Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere.'"

Wheeler's focus as force master chief will be taking care of the Navy Reserve Sailors he works for.

"Taking care of Sailors is what this job is all about, and Master Chief Wheeler is a deckplate leader who knows and cares deeply for our Sailors," said Wright. "Serving in this job is a tremendous honor and an awesome responsibility. Command Master Chief Wheeler is eager to take on this challenge."

Stewardship to the citizen-Sailors who man the Reserve Force is high on Wheelers priorities.

"I believe this job is about being an honest steward for the Navy Reserve Force, and I pledge my stewardship to Vice Adm. Debbink and all of our Navy Reserve Sailors," said Wheeler.

Wheeler currently serves as the command master chief of Naval Air Force Reserve and as staff command master chief for Naval Air Force.

The Navy Reserve Force master chief is responsible for advising the chief of Navy Reserve on matters affecting the morale, retention, Sailor development and general well-being of the 53,000 enlisted personnel of the Navy Reserve. The force master chief is also charged with ensuring active communications throughout the force and instilling a sense of heritage and active support of Navy core values to all Sailors.

Wheeler will be the 14th Navy Reserve Force master chief. The mission of the Navy Reserve is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to our Navy and Marine Corps team, and Joint forces, from peace to war.

Flags are to be flown at half staff through the evening of January 14, 2011.

President Obama has ordered that the United States flag be displayed at half-staff until sunset, January 14, 2011, as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona

Presidential Proclamation--Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Tucson, Arizona

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 14, 2011.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

ninth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Holly Petraeus to Lead Office of Servicemember Affairs

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – The wife of the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan will head up an office devoted to strengthening consumer financial protection for service members and their families, an official announced today.

In a White House blog, Elizabeth Warren, assistant to the president and special advisor to the secretary of the treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, formally welcomed Holly Petraeus, wife of Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, to the bureau’s implementation team, where she’ll direct efforts to establish an Office of Servicemember Affairs.

“She is the kind of leader we need,” Warren wrote in her blog. “Military families have unique challenges, and now they have a unique advocate to ensure that their special concerns get the attention they deserve.”

The Office of Servicemember Affairs will work closely with the Defense Department to help in ensuring that military families receive the financial education needed to make wise financial decisions, to monitor and respond to complaints and questions from military families, and to ensure that federal and state agencies coordinate their activities to improve consumer protection measures for military families, Warren explained.

Later this month, Warren and Petraeus will travel to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio to hear from service members and financial counselors about “the unique lending circumstances and challenges facing military communities,” Warren wrote.

“In this and in our later trips, we will ask many questions, listen to our troops and apply what we learn directly to our efforts,” she added.

Warren outlined some of the “unique” challenges military members and their families face, particularly when new to the military. Newly enlisted members, some of whom are receiving their first steady paycheck, may be lured in by easy credit offers and “far too many also get tangled in debt traps,” she said.

“Regrettably, the evidence is clear,” she wrote. “Service members and their families are sometimes easy targets for unscrupulous lenders. Even families that stay with mainstream lenders can struggle as the impact of separation and frequent moving takes a financial toll, leaving a family mired in debt and trying to digest reams of fine print.”

Financial issues can be a “dangerous distraction” for troops, she noted. Surveys have shown that finances trail only behind work and career concerns as a source of increasing stress, and ahead of deployments, health, life events, family relationships and war. Financial issues also can cause troops to lose often essential security clearances, Warren noted. In 2007, the Navy reported that financial management issues accounted for 78 percent of security clearance revocations and denials for Navy personnel, she added.

“Those who serve in the military should be able to focus on their jobs and their families without having to worry about getting trapped by abusive financial practices,” she said. “America’s national security depends on that basic premise.”

Warren expressed confidence that Petraeus was the right fit for the job of protecting military families from financial woes, and said she was impressed by her from their first meeting. At the time, Petraeus was serving as the director of Better Business Bureau Military Line, a partnership between the BBB and the Defense Department’s Financial Readiness Campaign that provides consumer education and advocacy for service members and their families.

“After we introduced ourselves, she got straight to the point: despite strong efforts by the Department of Defense and others, too many military families find themselves in financial trouble, scrambling hard to deal with mounting debts or falling into the arms of a predatory lender,” Warren said. “‘Wow,’ I thought. ‘This woman is fired up.’

“It soon became clear that Holly would be the perfect person to guide the establishment of the office,” she said.

Africa Strategy Encourages Democracy, Development

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2011 – The United States is pursuing a strategy that aims to foster stability and good, cooperative relationships with nations on the African continent, said Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy.

“That strategy puts a premium on supporting democratization and the emergence of democracies in Africa, supporting economic growth and development and building capacity,” Flournoy said during a recent interview in the Pentagon.

U.S. government agencies work closely with each other in Africa. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development have the lead in the nations of the continent. The Defense Department and U.S. Africa Command are in support of these lead federal agencies.

Much of the defense work in the nation is building partner capacity. This can range from small unit tactics to medical training to peacekeeping skills to humanitarian assistance operations.

“It may be just general military training or it may be training them in a specialty area like medical evacuation,” the undersecretary said. “We also use our military forces to do a lot of civil affairs type of work where we are supporting the interagency process and working with militaries and communities writ large, again particularly in humanitarian operations.”

U.S. Africa Command is the Defense Department’s newest geographic command, and its establishment has given more coherence to defense support of U.S. strategy on the continent, she said. Previously, the African continent was split between three geographic commands: U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command.

“This led to somewhat uneven levels of focus, energy, resourcing, projects and so forth,” Flournoy said. “Pulling it all together under U.S. Africa Command gives it a more stable strategic perspective on what we’re doing across the continent. It also gives a greater ability to prioritize effort and resources towards things that really will make the greatest difference.”

Africa has some increasingly strong regional alliances, including the African Union and Economic Community of Western African States. “DOD works very much by, with and through these regional alliances,” the undersecretary said. “We are working closely with the African Union and ECOWAS to develop peacekeeping capacity.”

One example of this work is the peacekeeping mission in Somalia. U.S. trainers worked with military personnel from Uganda, Etyhiopia and other countries to train them for the mission. These are not large missions, but small teams training the trainers.

The department is also learning more about the cultural and linguistic and ethnic make-up of the continent.

“We are understanding the sub-regional dynamics of the continent,” Flournoy said. “The issues that you deal with in the north are different than those in the south. We are dealing with violent extremist groups in North Africa – al-Qaida in the Mahgreb for example – that have used ungoverned or under-governed spaces to try to gain a foothold. We’re also seeing organizations in Somalia –al Shabab, al-Qaida on the Arabia Peninsula.”

There is a growth in piracy centered in Somalia and spreading throughout the Indian Ocean, she noted. “We are taking a more challenge-oriented approach and a more sub-regional approach that really looks at how we can take a common challenge and work with a group of countries to build their capacities to be more effective in dealing with that with us in support,” she said. “In 10 years, we hope these countries will have the capacity and they will be more able to respond to crises, and also get ahead of them and prevent them.”

Much of the progress posited depends on the progress of democratization and development. “So many of these crises in Africa come from very weak experiences with democracy and peaceful changeovers in power – we’re seeing that right now in Cote d’Ivoire,” Flournoy said. “Every time you have a situation that becomes a full-time crisis, you are essentially setting back the development effort for a period of time as well.”

The creation of peaceful political processes that set the conditions for development to occur “is the name of the game in Africa,” she said.

Flournoy said there are many that have had peaceful transitions and are experiencing the growth that such peace and stability brings.

The U.S. is also working with other nations outside Africa to make best use of resources. For example he U.S. is collaborating with France to combat terrorism in North Africa. American leaders are also cooperating with ships from China, India, Russia, Singapore and the European Union to combat piracy.

One constant in U.S. strategy in Africa is reducing the ungoverned or under-governed pockets on the continent. The AIDS epidemic, problems of poverty and corruption and little or no infrastructure in many areas hampers progress, and that can mean dangers to Americans.

“Violent extremism grows from not fulfilling the needs of the people,” Flournoy said.

The undersecretary praised the National Guard’s state partner program for its work not only in Africa, but globally. The Guard teams come from a state and team with a country to foster collaboration and understanding. “We have these all over the world,” she said. “We see in so many of these situations how long-term relationships are so important to build trust and build capacity.”

This is not a one-time deal for the teams and the nations participating in the program, Flournoy pointed out. “They come again, and again, and again and the relationships are built, the trust is built and over time real capacity is built,” she said. “At a time when the active force is so heavily engaged in Iraq and in Afghanistan, having the National Guard teams that can provide consistent focus and work within the countries with which they are paired.”

Coast Guard Commandant addresses future officers

Posted by: Christopher Lagan

Earlier this week, cadets at the United States Coast Guard Academy were given insight on what it means to be a military officer from none other than Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Papp’s speech to the service’s future leaders focused on the oath of office each cadet will take when four years of academy life ends and their careers begin in earnest as commissioned Coast Guard officers.

Papp told the Corps “your oath is sacred, your commission is timeless” while noting that the wording of his commission is virtually identical to the 1791 commission of Hopley Yeaton — the first Coast Guard Officer.

Cadet 1st Class Meghan Zehringer, chosen by her peers to lead the 1,030-strong corps of cadets as regimental commander for the spring semester, was inspired by Papp’s message.

“With graduation approaching and my class about to take the oath to serve in the Coast Guard as junior officers, I found Admiral Papp’s address to be very eye opening and informative. I have never truly looked at the oath and the fact that he was able to analyze and explain each part of it increased not only my awareness of the importance of understanding the words that I pledge to live by but also that of the entire Corps of Cadets, the [Officer Candidate School] students, and all others present [at the speech].”

As the most junior members at the academy, 4th class cadets gained perspective on their chosen profession from the commandant’s words.

“I was humbled by Admiral Papp’s presence and how someone of his ranking could take the time to talk to the corps. He even stayed after for anyone who wanted to personally talk with him. His speech on commitment to the oath really made me appreciate what I am doing and gave me something to look forward to after my time at the Academy.” – Cadet 4th Class Devin Fellman

“Admiral Papp’s speech provoked a sense of unpretentious kinship between his self and the corps, blending perfectly with his message that we are all shipmates. I believe that this sense of kinship has inspired the corps to a greater trust of and willingness to follow the Commandant of the Coast Guard.” – Cadet 4th Class Laura Carts

“I stayed behind after and talked a little bit with the admiral, and what was awesome was the fact that he was able to relate to what I was going through as a 4th class cadet. He asked me how the school year was going and some goals I was going to set for myself. He provided words of encouragement and support. Also, even though the admiral is in such a high position of power, he doesn’t let that change his attitude or how he acts. He honestly acts like he is one of our shipmates. In other words, he is very down to earth and an approachable guy.” – Cadet 4th Class John Ramirez

Canadian Member of Parliament Visits Makin Island

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kellie Abedzadeh, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Canadian Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence toured USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a visit to Naval Base San Diego Jan. 6.

While aboard Makin Island, the Honourable Laurie Hawn toured a number of the ship's operational spaces, including the hangar bay, medical facilities, command information center, flight deck and upper vehicle stowage.

The visit to Makin Island was Hawn's first tour of an amphibious assault ship. Hawn said he was impressed with the multioperational capabilities of Makin Island, and called the crew very "focused and professional."

"Canada is looking at similar types of ships, so the tour and visit to San Diego's naval base helps Canada better understand what the U.S. Navy is doing," Hawn said.

Hawn also emphasized the importance for both Canadian and American militaries to maintain close relationships. "Wherever we are, Americans are," he said. "So it's critical to both countries that we maintain close ties as allies."

As a retired lieutenant colonel who served more than 30 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Hawn is a strong supporter of military members worldwide. Hawn currently serves as a member of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan and the Standing Committee of National Defence.

Makin Island, the Navy's first hybrid-electric amphibious assault ship, is currently undergoing a maintenance availability period in preparation for its maiden deployment later this year.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Gates on Tucson Shooting

“I am saddened to hear of the attack on Congresswoman Giffords and members of her staff earlier today in Tucson, Arizona.   I have had an opportunity to interact with Congresswoman Giffords in her capacity as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where she served on the Readiness and Air and Land Forces subcommittees.    She is a strong supporter of America’s national defense, cares deeply about our men and women in uniform, and has pursued her oversight responsibilities with dedication.  Our thoughts are also with her husband, Navy Captain Mark Kelly, an aviator and astronaut of great distinction, as well as the families of the other victims of this attack.  Ms. Giffords represents a new generation of principled and thoughtful political leaders that have come to Washington in recent years.  We will miss her strong character and good judgment in the Congress during these important days ahead, and we are praying for her full recovery.”

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, January 10, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Gates Praises Wounded Congresswoman

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates praised Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) for her support of the military and expressed his wish for her full recovery. Giffords, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was reportedly critically wounded by a gunman who shot her in the face during a Tucson, Ariz., shooting rampage today that left six people dead.

"I am saddened to hear of the attack on Congresswoman Giffords and members of her staff earlier today in Tucson, Ariz. I have had an opportunity to interact with Congresswoman Giffords in her capacity as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where she served on the Readiness and Air and Land Forces subcommittees. She is a strong supporter of America's national defense, cares deeply about our men and women in uniform, and has pursued her oversight responsibilities with dedication," Gates said in a released statement.

"Our thoughts are also with her husband, Navy Captain Mark Kelly, an aviator and astronaut of great distinction, as well as the families of the other victims of this attack.  Ms. Giffords represents a new generation of principled and thoughtful political leaders that have come to Washington in recent years.  We will miss her strong character and good judgment in the Congress during these important days ahead, and we are praying for her full recovery," he said.

US 5th Fleet Mine Countermeasures Squadron Changes Command

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 5/Commander, Task Force (CTF) 52 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain Jan. 6.

Capt. Glenn Allen relieved Capt. Gerard O'Regan as commander of MCMRON 5/CTF 52.

MCMRON 5/CTF 52 plans and executes mine warfare operations in support of the U.S. 5th Fleet operational objectives. The command's efforts are critical to maintaining sea lines of communication, deterring and countering disruptive countries and strengthening regional partner maritime capabilities to promote a secure maritime environment in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR).

"Conducting the mine countermeasure mission is absolutely critical to our ability to operate in the region. Maintaining free movement of goods and services around the world is a strategic imperative," said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Vice Adm. Mark Fox, who presided over the change of command ceremony. "The expertise, knowledge and leadership Capt. O'Regan brought to the fight was invaluable, and will be missed, but his experience and knowledge will live on in the Sailors he has led, taught and mentored."

O'Regan was commissioned in the Navy in May 1982 and assumed command of MCMRON 5/CTF 52 in August of 2009. He will retire from the Navy in April 2011 after completing 29 years of fithful service.

"I joined the Navy for adventure," said O'Regan. "I stayed because I felt a part of something special, something bigger than myself."

Fox awarded O'Regan the Legion of Merit for his work as the commander of MCMRON 5/CTF 52 at the ceremony.

Allen, a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, reports from the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, where he served as the assistant chief of staff for strategy and future technology.

"MCMRON 5/CTF 52 is a critical component of maintaining unfettered access to the Arabian Gulf and ensuring unencumbered use of the maritime domain for military and commercial needs," Allen said. "Our mission contributes directly to the well being of our country and our coalition partners. It is an honor to accept this responsibility."

MCMRON 5/CTF 52 oversees all mine countermeasures assets in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, which include mine countermeasures ships USS Scout (MCM 8), USS Gladiator (MCM 11), USS Ardent (MCM 12) and USS Dextrous (MCM 13), and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, Detachment 2.

General Officer Assignments

The Air Force chief of staff announces the assignments of the following general officers:

Brig. Gen. Jack L. Briggs II, commander, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Air Combat Command, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to deputy commander, Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Region, and deputy commander for operations, 1st Air Division, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Brig. Gen. Darryl L. Roberson, deputy director of legislative liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to commander, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Air Combat Command, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Brig. Gen. John L. Dolan, commander, 8th Fighter Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, to deputy director of legislative liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. John R. Ranck Jr., deputy director, strategic effects, U.S. Air Forces-Iraq, U.S. Central Command, Baghdad, Iraq, to director, warfighter systems integration, Office of Information Dominance and chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Naval Branch Health Clinic Bangor Renovation Project Breaks Ground

By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB), with the assistance of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest and Naval Base Kitsap, broke ground on Jan. 4, commencing a major facility upgrade and renovation of Naval Branch Health Clinic Bangor.

"The most important thing we do is provide care for our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines and their families," said Rear Admiral C. Forrest Faison III, Commander Navy Medicine West, honored guest who was hosted by NHB during his tour of the Naval Medical facilities in the Pacific Northwest.

The estimated $5.8 million project will improve patient care and allow clinic staff to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. The renovation will result in a well-organized layout with more exams rooms, updated handicapped accessibility, and associated services in close proximity which will greatly improve patient flow.

The project will also construct a 2,900 square foot addition to the building. Additionally, the clinic will undergo energy efficient and conservation measure upgrades.

"The modifications we are making in the next 18 months will present a challenge, but it's for the greater good of all," said Capt. Mark E. Brouker, commanding officer of NHB. "We are in a must-win situation in the ongoing war and the top weapon systems we have are our individual Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines. Providing the best in medical and dental services has always been vital, not just for them, but also for their families."

"Ground breakings are about progress and growth. Today's event is important because it involves improving the medical services to our Sailors and Marines," said Capt. Mark Olson, NBK commanding officer.

NBHC Bangor provides medical and dental services to approximately 9,000 active duty personnel and their dependents, along with another 3,000 eligible retiree beneficiaries and their dependents.

"Along with improving our health care and helping to win the war against terrorism, by working with our contractor for the project, Veterans Northwest, we are creating jobs on the Kitsap Peninsula and helping the local economy," said Capt. Pat Rios, NAVFAC Northwest commanding officer.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Christian Wallis, NBHC Bangor officer in charge, the renovation has been planned in a manner that will minimize impact on patient services.

"There should not be an impact on access to care for our enrolled population," said Wallis. "It is important for our beneficiaries to know that they will still receive the high quality, customer friendly care that our clinic provides."

Wallis says that the renovation has been in for works for some time.

"The clinic is a relatively old building and is in need of modern 21st century upgrades. The current layout has grown cumbersome as our services have expanded over the years," he said. "The new layout will provide staff and patients with a better design which improves patient flow throughout the clinic."

Wallis noted that the majority of the high volume services such as active duty care, pharmacy, general dentistry, lab, and optometry will continue to occur inside the clinic. However, there will be times when these services are either moved within the main clinic or moved adjoining modular buildings for a temporary period.

There are plans in place to relocate some services for the renovation period. These include: specialty dental services (prosthedontics, periodontics) will be moved to Building 506 on NBK Bremerton; some general dentistry will relocate to the Intermediate Maintenance Facility lower base Dental Annex on NBK Bangor; Occupational Health will be moved to the Behavior Health and Education Center on NBK Bangor; and Family Care Center "Gold Team" (family member care) will relocate to the temporary modular building in front of NBHC Bangor.

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, January 09, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.