Congressional Commission Studies Women in Combat

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2011 – The Defense Department will review the recommendations of a congressional commission studying the role of women in combat when the group’s report is complete, a DOD official said today.

Congress established the Military Leadership Diversity Commission as part of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act. The commission’s task is to evaluate and assess policies that provide opportunities for promotion and advancement of minority members of the armed forces.

The commission’s report, expected in March, will include the findings and conclusions of the commission as well as its recommendations for improving diversity within the armed forces.

“DOD will look at the recommendation and go from there,” Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said. “We’ll see what the nature of the report is when it’s done.”

Congress repealed the combat exclusion laws in the January 1994 National Defense Authorization Act, but requires the services to submit proposed changes to existing assignment policy to Congress for review, Lapan said.

“For example, when the Navy recently changed its policy to enable women to serve on submarines, that would go through that process,” he said. “So the Navy would have to inform Congress it was going to make a change.”

The Marine Corps also triggered congressional review when it opened some intelligence positions to women, Lapan said, but female Marines serving on engagement teams in Afghanistan are in line with department policy on women’s assignments.

Lapan said the U.S. military currently prohibits women from serving in combat units below the brigade level. The Marine women on engagement teams are not assigned to combat units, but are augmenting them for a specific mission, he said.

“Part of the reason to do that was because the infantry battalions that were out there didn’t have any women, because they couldn’t,” he explained.

Women make up 14.6 percent of the active duty military. By service, the percentage ranges from 7.5 percent in the Marine Corps to 19.2 percent in the Air Force, according to statistics compiled by the Women in Military Service for America Foundation.

Face of Defense: Soldier Earns Worldwide Competition Berth

By Army Pfc. Karina Paraoan

Alaska National Guard

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2011 – An Alaska National Guardsman will compete in the figure bodybuilding competition at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, March 3-5.

The festival, founded by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is billed as the nation’s largest multisport event and features competition in archery, boxing, amateur bodybuilding, cheerleading and dance, and other sports.

Army Staff Sgt. Diane Singh, an Alaska National Guard drug demand reduction noncommissioned officer, will compete in the amateur figure bodybuilding category. One way to qualify for the category is to be a nationally qualified bodybuilder, a qualification Singh met when she competed in the Emerald Cup amateur figure bodybuilding competition in Seattle on April 16.

“This competition is different [from] the others I have competed in, because everything I have done up to this point is going to culminate in this show,” Singh said. “Every show I have done so far has been a stepping stone and learning experience. For me to say that I’m competing in the Arnold is a dream come true.”

Along with a strenuous workout schedule, Singh said, her diet plan is a challenge. For the next few weeks, Singh is limited to eating only grilled chicken, fish or turkey with green vegetables, brown rice and sweet potatoes. Another key to staying healthy with her workout plan, she added, is to drink a lot of water.

“I have always been impressed with Staff Sergeant Singh’s enthusiasm before, during and after her competitions,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Theulen, also an Alaska National Guard drug demand reduction NCO. “Even if she wins fifth place, her smile never disappears and she only has positive things to say about the experience.”

Singh has represented the Alaska National Guard for the past two years in various bodybuilding competitions in and out of state, including two nationwide events.

“Ever since I started competing, I’ve had so many soldiers ask me questions,” Singh said. “They’ve asked me questions about bodybuilding and what to eat. I’m always happy to help Guardsmen out, and I love sharing that information with them.”

Singh said she’ll continue to compete after the Arnold event, and plans to take part in the Alaska National Physique Committee State Championships on April 30.

“She has been a role model to the women in our office, as she is always sharing fitness regimens and techniques,” Theulen said.

Gates Consults With South Korea on North’s Provocations

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited South Korean leaders here today to demonstrate American solidarity against North Korean provocations.

North Korea sank the South Korean ship Cheonan in March, killing 46 sailors. In November, North Korea shelled the South Korean island of Yeongpeong, killing two civilians and two South Korean marines.

“We are all concerned about the tense situation on the peninsula caused by North Korea's continued belligerence and repeated provocations over the past few months," Gates said at the beginning of a meeting with Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin.

During the meeting, Gates and Kim discussed South Korean-U.S. military coordination and consultations to deter future provocations.

Gates said diplomatic engagement is possible, starting with direct engagement between North Korea and South Korea, but only if “North Korea's actions show cause to believe that negotiations can be productive and conducted in good faith.”

Following the meeting with Kim, Gates traveled to the Blue House and met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. He spoke to both Kim and Lee about his meetings with Chinese and Japanese leaders.

Earlier in the week, Gates said a moratorium on nuclear research and testing and a moratorium on building intercontinental ballistic missiles would be examples of concrete steps North Korea could take. Only with these concrete steps, he added, could the Six-Party Talks -- with the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea and North Korea -- resume.

“But the [North Korean] leadership must stop these dangerous provocations and take concrete steps to show that they will begin meeting international obligations," Gates said.

The Six-Party Talks began in 2003 after North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. In response to a United Nations Security Council presidential statement in April 2009 condemning a failed satellite launch, North Korea pulled out of the talks and announced it would resume its nuclear enrichment program.

Alaska crews deploy to safeguard fishing fleet

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

As harsh winter weather causes Alaskans to pack up their boats until spring, the Alaskan crab and groundfish fleets brave fierce storms and icy temperatures in search of the big catch. As the fishing fleet gets underway, they can take comfort in the knowledge that Coast Guard search and rescue teams will be protecting them every step of the way.

Two rescue helicopters from Air Station Kodiak have been forward deployed to remote St. Paul Island, one of four volcanic islands located in the Bering Sea between the United States and Russia. With aircrews standing by on this 40-square-mile island, more than 270 miles from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, they are able to greatly reduce the response distance to a possible emergency during the winter fishing season.

“Winter in the Bering Sea is a combination of the harshest weather and most activity,” said Capt. Bark Lloyd, chief of response for the 17th Coast Guard District, “In the case of an emergency, critical response hours are significantly reduced by forward deploying aircraft to St. Paul.”

In addition to the aircrews, the fishing fleet will be protected by a Coast Guard cutter carrying a rescue helicopter of its own.

Forward deployment of these assets is the culmination of months of preparation by Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak and Unalaska. These marine safety detachments conducted safety training with the crab fleets as well as voluntary fishing vessel safety exams.

“The Coast Guard continues to vigorously stress the importance of exercising good maritime practices and compliance with safety standards,” said Capt. Adam Shaw, chief of prevention for the 17th Coast Guard District. “The dockside safety examination services offered to commercial fishing vessel owners and operators are especially relevant given our extreme maritime environment and geographic remoteness.”

Despite the best efforts of the Coast Guard, the cooperation of local partners and fishing fleet itself is critical to mission success. To strengthen vital safety and enforcement partnerships in Alaska, the Coast Guard hosts bi-weekly teleconferences with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.

With crab pots safely stacked on deck and the fleet out in droves, Coast Guard crews standby ready to protect and look after Alaska’s fishing fleet.

Coast Guard update to the Surface Naval Association

Posted by: CDR Glynn Smith

Yesterday, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp provided a Coast Guard update to the 23rd annual symposium of the Surface Naval Association.

In his speech, Adm. Papp provided attendees a snapshot of the Coast Guard’s major cutter fleet and efforts to recapitalize these ships.  “We anticipate delivery of the first three [Fast Response Cutter] hulls by the end of calendar year 2011,” said Adm. Papp, adding, “The acquisition project to replace 12 high endurance cutters [with new National Security Cutters] is well underway.

While discussing his principle of Steady the Service, Adm. Papp said, “Rather than proposing additional change, I determined that our best course of action would be to complete these [modernization] initiatives, and seek to properly resource our new post 9-11 responsibilities.”  Adm. Papp went on to outline the other three of his four principles: Honor our Profession, Strengthen our Partnerships, and Respect our Shipmates.

This year’s Surface Navy Association symposium theme is, “Surface Naval Forces: Relevant Capabilities For A Challenging Future.”

Wisconsin Army Guard one of nation's top two Guard organizations

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin Army National Guard is in the running to be named the overall winner in the Army National Guard category of the Army Communities of Excellence Awards competition.

Wisconsin and West Virginia are the two Army National Guard organizations vying for the top honor this year. The runner-up will receive the

Gold First Place

award. The Department of the Army is expected to announce the Army National Guard winner sometime in March.

According to Lt. Col. Robert Phillips, executive officer for the Army National Guard chief of staff, the initial selection process took place in late August 2010. The National Guard Bureau sent a site visit team to Wisconsin's Joint Force Headquarters Nov. 4-8, 2010, and the judging board rendered its decisions Nov. 15-17.

The ACOE Awards follow a 12-month evaluation in which Army, National Guard and Reserve installations are judged against Army priorities and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria. Participants are not judged against each other. The assessment considers the overall quality of military environment, facilities and services.

"The most important benefits of the ACOE program are the eventual improvements made as a result of the annual feedback reports," Phillips said in a Jan. 11 e-mail.

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, explained that the ACOE program provides Wisconsin Army Guard leadership with an understanding of the organization's direction. The ACOE system of processes allows for a critical examination of the organization, he added, which leads to a better organization overall by reinforcing the ability to assess and improve.

Phillips agreed.

"In the spirit of continuous performance and process improvement, we emphasize that everyone is a winner," he said. "By documenting individual organizational management practices, states use measureable performance results to continually and systematically improve their processes and customer focus."

This can be seen in recent top ACOE finishes for the Wisconsin Army National Guard. In 2010 Wisconsin received a

Silver Second Place

finish - sixth in the Army National Guard. The state earned a

Gold Third Place

award in 2009 (fourth overall), and a Silver

1st Place

award (fifth overall) in 2008.

MMA Brawlers Invade Navy, Air Force Bases on Guam

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Seven mixed martial arts (MMA) superstars interacted with service members, dependents and Department of Defense employees during autograph signings and interactive exhibitions on U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) and Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) Jan. 10-11.

Nate "Rock" Quarry, "Filthy" Tom Lawalor, Dustin Poirier, Joao Assis, Eben Kaneshiro, Kurt Shrout, and legendary coach Eddie Dahlen were on hand at the Navy Exchange and Single Sailor Sanctuary on NBG Jan 10 to take-on all visitors during a meet-and-greet session.

"I'm a huge MMA fan, and I was so excited to come out here and meet all of these great fighters," said Fire Control Technician 1st Class (SS) Donald Medlin, of Submarine Squadron 15. "It's awesome to know that they support the military and were willing to travel all the way to Guam to show it!"

After signing autographs, taking photos, and giving thanks to service members for all they do, the fighters were off to an interactive exhibition at the Charles King Fitness Center on NBG.

Hundreds of people showed up to watch the grapplers demonstrate the basics of MMA fighting. Several lucky amateurs were also able to receive one-on-one instruction from the professional martial artists.

"I've been on-island for eight months, and that was by far the most fun I've had," said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Justin Bennett, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11. "It was great to learn techniques from the pros, and a real honor that they'd come all the way out here just to interact with us. I really had a blast."

After their visit to the naval base, the MMA specialists visited the Coral Reef Fitness Center on Andersen AFB to sign more autographs and host another interactive exhibition.

"The training was a really good overview; I liked the pace. It was nice and slow, which made it real easy for you to learn and commit it to memory, as opposed to seeing it done and trying to figure it out yourself," said Staff Sgt. Juan Pacheco, of 36th Civil Engineer Squadron. "They obviously know what they're doing and they broke the moves down to a simple level where people could learn them fairly easy."

Pacheco said he also felt that events like this help to lighten the mood and improve command climate.

"It's excellent for morale and it's something everyone can enjoy," he said.

Kaneshiro said that it was truly an honor to meet with service members and their families, and to have a positive effect on their morale.

"The military does so many things for us, that it's really hard to fathom the depths of their sacrifices," he said. "So if my two weeks of touring can do anything to brighten their day and let them know that we appreciate what they do for us, then it was totally worth it."

The MMA fighters will move on to Japan to continue their tour.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/.

Carrier Air Wing One Conducts Carrier Qualifications Aboard Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) continued to arrive and conduct carrier qualifications aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 15 as she heads east for her 21st deployment.

A total of 61 aircraft from eight squadrons based out of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Wash., and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., comprise CVW-1, enabling the Enterprise Strike Group to carry out missions in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The mission of CVW-1 is to conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in the planning, control, coordination and integration of eight air wing squadrons in support of combat operations. Following extensive training at their respective air stations, the aircrews and pilots embarked Enterprise in August to complete shipboard qualifications before deployment.

"CVW-1 returned from our last deployment in Dec. of 2007 and since then, we have upgraded our technology, trained to the most demanding scenarios and studied the enemy as they have evolved their tactics," said Capt. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, CVW-1. "There is no better prepared air wing to go into combat and support the coalition fighters on the ground."

Updated radar technology, called active electronic scanned array, in two of the air wing's F/A-18 Super Hornet squadrons is just one of the many technology upgrades made to air wing aircraft.

"Our nation has made huge investments in advanced technology in order to provide us with the most capable and lethal aircraft possible," said Cmdr. Jason Velivlis, executive officer of the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. "The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a multi-role, strike-fighter aircraft, which can be configured for a wide variety of combat and combat support missions, including air-to-air, air-to-ground and most recently, aerial refueling."

CVW-1 has been in commission longer than any other Navy air wing. Since July 1, 1938, CVW-1 has served aboard 20 different aircraft carriers and has made more than 40 major deployments.

Velivlis said that teamwork, pride and professionalism are the keys that will help each squadron achieve its goals and successfully contribute to CVW-1's mission.

"Our most important goal is to arrive in the theater of operations prepared for combat and to be ready to provide critical close air support to friendly troops on the ground," said Velivlis. "VFA-136's long-term goal is to complete the deployment safely and effectively and bring the entire "Knighthawk" team back to Oceana for a happy reunion with our friends and family."

As the squadrons of CVW-1 fly on board the Enterprise's flight deck, they round out the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, providing the force with the ability to complete their mission.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65 or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65>

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Sterett Enjoys Smooth Sailing During Maiden Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Seth Clarke, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72 Public Affairs)

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group commander, visited guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104), Jan. 13, to praise the crew on its performance midway through her maiden deployment.

Rear Adm. Mark D. Guadagnini, commander, Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, told Sterett crew members he was happy to return to the ship to see them conducting their mission firsthand.

"Sterett was the first destroyer I was ever on at sea," said Guadagnini. "I have a fondness for this ship and for this crew of warriors. When I came on board the first time, I talked about all the great things you might be doing when we came on deployment. You guys are making it happen. You're making a difference to the strike group on this deployment."

Sterett, commissioned Aug. 9, 2008, began her deployment Oct. 22, when she departed her homeport of San Diego to join the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility (AORs).

While in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, Sterett has escorted ships through the Strait of Hormuz, assisted stranded mariners at sea, and engaged with other strike group components on a variety of training missions.

Lt. j.g. Justin Lessel, Sterett's assistant supply officer, has been aboard the destroyer for more than a year. In that time, he's seen the ship grow into a valuable asset to the fleet. He said the crew has the new ship operating smoothly.

"We have a very good crew," Lessel said. "The people here know their jobs, and they do them very well. We've shown that throughout the deployment. This is a very capable warship; we're doing a lot of good things."

Fire Controlman 1st Class Stephen Zeller attributed the ship's success to the continuity provided by a crew that not only knows its role, but what to expect from one another.

"It's been good to find our rhythm," Zeller said. "When you have a crew that's together for an entire training cycle, it gives you the opportunity to train together so you know exactly how everybody is going to react. Everything has come together really seamlessly."

Zeller said that while getting a crew to grow together on a new destroyer can be a challenge, serving on a new ship also has its advantages.

"Having a newer ship takes a little bit of the maintenance demands off of our shoulders," he said. "It makes a big difference in helping us achieve our mission."

Throughout her deployment, Sterett will assist the strike group by providing deterrence, promoting peace and security, preserving freedom of the seas and offering humanitarian/disaster response capabilities.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.

Nebraska, Michigan Awarded Battle "E"

By Lt. Ed Early, Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Two Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor submarines, Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) and guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727), were recognized Jan. 1 by Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as recipients of the 2010 Battle Efficiency Award (Battle "E").

Nebraska's Blue and Gold crews received the Battle "E" for Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 17, while Michigan's Blue Crew was awarded the Battle "E" for Submarine Squadron 19.

"Both Nebraska crews exemplified the spirit of teamwork with enthusiasm," said Capt. Paul Skarpness, commander of SUBRON 17. "Throughout 2010, Nebraska excelled in mission accomplishment, kept the ship in great fighting condition, and provided outstanding support to their families and the community. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments."

For Nebraska, the Battle "E" award announcement came on the same day that the boat's Gold Crew returned to Bangor after an 88-day strategic deterrent patrol.

"When we learned that we had won the award, the COB [Chief of the Boat] and I walked the ship to congratulate each Sailor on their efforts, and I was very pleased to see the pride that showed in all of them," said Cmdr. Mike Fisher, commanding officer of Nebraska's Gold Crew. "To receive the news while underway helped the crew return to port with an extraordinary sense of accomplishment."

Michigan's Blue Crew, commanded by Capt. Jerry Logan, is currently deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility after conducting a crew swap in Guam last November. Michigan made a routine port visit to Busan, Republic of Korea, in December.

"Michigan Blue's exceptional mission accomplishment and unmatched readiness for all peacetime and wartime mission areas made her the top crew in the squadron and provided relevant presence and capability in the western Pacific," said Capt. Dennis Carpenter, commander of SUBRON 19. "They demonstrated tremendous teamwork and esprit de corps while accomplishing two missions vital to national security."

The Battle "E" is an award of merit presented to the most proficient submarine crew in each squadron and recognizes sustained superior technical performance and continual combat readiness throughout the year. The awards are presented by the commodore of each squadron to the submarine under their command which has demonstrated the highest level of battle readiness during the evaluation year.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.

U.S.-Japan Pact Has Demonstrated Worth, Gates Says

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

TOKYO, Jan. 13, 2011 – The U.S.-Japan defense pact has demonstrated its value over the past 50 years, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told students at Keio University here.

In a question-and-answer session after a speech he delivered the morning of Jan. 14 in Japan – late this evening on the U.S. East Coast -- the secretary also said he believes Chinese President Hu Jintao is firmly in control of the Peoples’ Liberation Army, but the civilian and military sides must communicate better.

Gates spoke at the beginning of a day that will take him from the college to Seoul, South Korea, and then to Washington, D.C. He told the students that Japanese defense costs would skyrocket if the nation decided to go it alone.

“Because of our alliance, Japan has been secure from foreign threats for over half a century at a cost of less than 1 percent of its gross domestic product,” Gates said. “I would say, in economic terms, this alliance has been a very good deal for Japan.”

Gates went on to say that the United States and Japan working together are stronger than either would be operating independently.

China is a concern and a challenge to the United States and Japan, the secretary noted. The United States and China have cooperated many times since the normalization of U.S.-China relations in 1972, he told the students. Early in the relationship, he said, the two countries cooperated against the Soviet Union, and since then, the nations have close and huge economic ties.

“I think there are a wide array of relationships between the United States and China that underpin the contacts between the two countries and provide opportunities for us to get to know each other better and to cooperate,” the secretary said.

On the military side, Gates and his Chinese counterparts agreed that the militaries can cooperate in counterterrorism, counterpiracy, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and other areas. Also, China, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Russia “very much have in common the need for stability and peace on the Korean peninsula,” he said.

Opportunities always are present for nations with different economic and political systems to work together, Gates said. He cited as proof his experience with the Central Intelligence Agency during the Cold War and the contacts he maintained with Soviet leaders. Two countries having different political systems is no obstacle to harmonious relationships, he said.

Gates told the students and faculty that there are signs of a “disconnect” between Chinese civilian and military leaders.

“We think the civilian leadership was not aware of the aggressive approach by Chinese ships to the USNS Impeccable a few years ago,” he said. “We also think the civilian leadership may not have known about the anti-satellite test that was conducted about three years ago, and … there were pretty clear indications that they were unaware of the flight test of the J-20 [stealth fighter Jan. 10],” he said.

Part of this disconnect can be explained by bureaucratic mistakes, Gates said, but it still worries him.

“One of the reasons why I have pressed so hard for there to be a deeper, senior-level military-civilian dialogue from both countries is we have no forum right now on military issues that includes senior civilians and military,” he said.

“I don’t question the [Communist] Party’s control of the Peoples’ Liberation Army,” he continued. “I have no doubts about the fact that President Hu Jintao is in command and in charge, but I know from our own system that sometimes there are disconnects with military information flowing to our civilian leaders.”

Gates said the U.S. system features the National Security Council, in which military and civilian staffs work side by side and military information is shared in detail not only with the White House, but also with the State Department.

“There are opportunities in this dialogue to advance this civilian-military cooperation,” he said, “and I think it would also enhance military-to-military relationships.”

Gates immediately left the university to travel to Seoul, South Korea.

King Might Understand Today’s Wars, Pentagon Lawyer Says

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2011 – If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, would he understand why the United States is at war?

Jeh C. Johnson, the Defense Department’s general counsel, posed that question at today’s Pentagon commemoration of King’s legacy.

In the final year of his life, King became an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War, Johnson told a packed auditorium. However, he added, today’s wars are not out of line with the iconic Nobel Peace Prize winner’s teachings.

“I believe that if Dr. King were alive today, he would recognize that we live in a complicated world, and that our nation's military should not and cannot lay down its arms and leave the American people vulnerable to terrorist attack,” he said.

Johnson is a 1979 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, where King graduated in 1948. He also attended school with King’s son, Martin Luther King III, and was privy to the elder King’s speaking engagements there.

Johnson said today’s service members might wonder whether the mission they serve is consistent with King's message and beliefs. In King’s last speech in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968 -- the night before he died -- King evoked the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Johnson noted.

According to the parable, a traveler was beaten and robbed and left for dead. Two other travelers passed the man as he lay alongside the road -- one was a priest. Both ignored the man and continued on their way. Finally, a Samaritan traveling the road showed compassion and took the stranger to an inn and saw to his care.

In his speech, King drew a parallel between those who passed by the man on the road and those in Memphis who at the time hesitated to help striking sanitation workers because they feared for their own jobs.

Johnson said King criticized those who are compassionate by proxy, noting the civil rights leader told the audience in Memphis that night, “The question is not, ‘If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?’ The question is, 'If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?'"

Johnson compared today’s troops to the Samaritan, who chose to help instead of taking an easier path.

“I draw the parallel to our own servicemen and women deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, away from the comfort of conventional jobs, their families and their homes,” Johnson said.

Volunteers in today’s military, he said, “have made the conscious decision to travel a dangerous road and personally stop and administer aid to those who want peace, freedom and a better place in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in defense of the American people.

“Every day, our servicemen and women practice the dangerousness -- the dangerous unselfishness Dr. King preached on April 3, 1968,” Johnson told the audience.

Gates Stresses Need to Prevent North Korean Provocations

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

TOKYO, Jan. 13, 2011 – Preventing another North Korea provocation of South Korea is in everyone’s interest, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.

In the past year, North Korea torpedoed the South Korean ship Cheonan, killing 46 sailors, and shelled the island of Yeongpeong, killing two civilians and two South Korean service members.

“Every country has the right to protect itself and defend itself against an unprovoked attack,” Gates said during a news conference at the Japanese defense ministry. “I think the key on the Korean peninsula, as I discussed in China and here in Japan, is to prevent another provocation from happening.”

The danger of escalation of force exists, the secretary said, and the United States, Japan, China and South Korea must work together to ensure stability and peace on the Korean peninsula.

North Korea has said it is willing to negotiate with South, Gates noted, but he added that the Pyongyang government must demonstrate it will change its behavior.

“This requires that the North cease its belligerent behavior, and its provocations that have killed innocent victims, both military and civilian, in Korea,” Gates said. “We are supportive of negotiations and engagement between North and South but there must be concrete evidence on the part of the North that they are serious about these negotiations.”

Gates has spoken with Chinese leaders about the situation on the peninsula, and his meetings today examined the subject. He will visit Seoul tomorrow to talk with South Korean leaders on the way ahead.

“All four countries have a common interest in a peaceful outcome and stability on the peninsula, and in each place we’ve talked about how to pursue that,” he said.

The secretary said wants to break the cycle of North Korean violence followed by crocodile tears.

“We have seen this cycle over and over again, and I think the objective we all have in common is how to prevent another provocation from taking place. How do we move the process forward on the peninsula in a way that shows the North Koreans are serious about engagement, serious about negotiations and that this is not just a repeat of what we have seen so often in the past after a provocation of trying to re-set the clock back to what it was before?” he said.

In China, he called for concrete North Korean steps, suggesting that a moratorium on nuclear and missile work would be a good place to start.

Gates met with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa. In addition to North Korea, Gates briefed the men on his visit to Beijing and meetings with Chinese leaders.

He also discussed the challenges associated with China’s growing military strength, the U.S.-Japanese collaboration on ballistic missile defense and in furthering U.S.-Japanese cooperation in areas such as counterpiracy, peacekeeping disaster response, humanitarian assistance and other important multinational efforts. These efforts include Japan’s substantial financial contributions to Afghanistan.

The meetings also covered a discussion on new Japanese defense program guidelines. He called the study “a forward-thinking document that reaffirms the importance of our alliance, including the U.S. military presence, to Japan’s defense.”

The leaders also discussed the U.S.-Japan alliance and its new vision statement.

“It has been about five years since the last vision statement, and the world and circumstances in Northeast Asia have evolved a good deal since then,” Gates said. “So it is appropriate to update our alliance at this time.”

The U.S. and Japanese leaders also discussed the relocation of U.S. forces in Okinawa.

Gates is scheduled to make a major speech tomorrow on the U.S-Japanese alliance at Keio University before flying to South Korea.

Operation Taconite

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

When we last checked in with Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay they were working day and night to finish up the largest buoy retrieval operation in the nation. There is no rest for the weary though, as Mobile Bay and her crew have made the transition to breaking ice on the St. Mary’s River.

As part of Operation Taconite – a name that is derived from one of the lake’s chief commodities, taconite – Mobile Bay is taking part in the largest domestic icebreaking operation in the United States. Keeping these waterways open is crucial to the transportation of vast amounts of iron ore, needed to meet the demands of steel mills in Lake Erie and Lake Michigan.

On a typical day, Mobile Bay will break ice from sunrise to sunset. While some of their ice breaking duties are scheduled as they maintain winter shipping lanes, the ice breaking can also become a response to escort or assist vessels that are beset in the ice – a risky operation that requires skill and finesse.

“Direct assistance is by far the most dangerous, as it usually requires close-aboard, high-speed passes of vessels that can be more than 1,000 feet in length,” said Lt. Bryan Estell, Mobile Bay’s executive officer. “During these evolutions, the conning officers must be constantly mindful of the weakened ice around the stuck vessel.”

After completing a day of breaking ice, pulling into port is a luxury often denied to the cutter’s crew who more often stay on the river and remain aboard the cutter overnight by finding a portion of strong plate ice away from the established track – a practice known as being “hove to.”

Anyone who has served on an icebreaker quickly learns there is nothing routine about this mission. Crews out on the Great Lakes system know all too well how quickly Mother Nature can affect their work. This past December Mobile Bay was caught in a winter storm and can testify how quickly “ops normal” can become a response.

“We had just anchored in the lower St. Mary’s River before gale force winds, white-out conditions, and bitter cold hit the area,” said Estell. “After the storm subsided, Mobile Bay found itself surrounded by no less than 17 ships that had waited out the storm and were awaiting our assistance to head up the river.”

Weathering winter storms, cutting through ice and maneuvering close to vessels is all in a days work for ice breaking tugs like Mobile Bay. With fellow icebreakers Mackinaw, Katmai Bay, and Biscayne Bay to keep the St. Mary’s River open for commerce, Mobile Bay is in good company, and the Great Lakes communities can be rest assured that Operation Taconite is in full force.

101st Airborne Division Lands Aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville

By Clark Pierce, Jax Air News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) provided a secure staging area Jan. 6-8, for 98 helicopters of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) "Screaming Eagles" as they began a rotation from Fort Campbell, Ky., ultimately to Afghanistan.

Capt. Jonathan Carver of the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division is officer in charge of the logistics mission.

"Since space is limited at the piers on Blount Island, we stage our helicopters at the secure infield of NAS Jax. When our people at the Port of Jacksonville are ready for more, we fly aircraft down there two at a time by following the St. Johns River. Army personnel at Blount Island then break the aircraft down so they can roll onto the cargo ship. We hope our unusual aerial activity doesn't disrupt traffic on the Dames Point Bridge," said Carver.

The 101st Airborne Division is deploying four airframes: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior; AH-64D Longbow Apache; CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk. The aircraft and soldiers should be reunited in Afghanistan within 30 to 50 days.

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey Maclay visited the staging area Jan. 7, and was invited to take a close-up look at the UH-60 and AH-64D helicopters. Maclay, who's logged more than 2,800 hours of flight time in the Navy's SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, noted the similarities with the Army Black Hawk.

"The Seahawk's general appearance is similar to that of its Black Hawk brother," said Maclay. "Both variants have been operational since the mid-1980s and share about 75 percent parts commonality. The most obvious differences are the landing gear and the arrangement of windows and doors."

Bill Vanderwege, a quality assurance manager for aircraft maintenance at Fort Campbell, said the Apache is a twin-engine, four-bladed attack helicopter recognized as the most advanced battlefield aerial fighting vehicle in the world.

"With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot in the rear cockpit and the co-pilot gunner, the Apache delivers a lethal array of armaments, including the AGM-114 Hellfire missile carried by most Navy aircraft," said Vanderwege. "The Longbow Fire Control Radar enables the Apache to detect, classify and prioritize stationary and moving targets both on the ground and in the air."

As he inspected his OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, pilot CW2 Mike McClain described his basic mission as reconnaissance and security.

"We're the eyes and ears for battlefield commanders, but can also perform emergency casualty evacuations with our capacity of two litters," said McClain.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Army Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserve, and Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter, acting Director of Army National Guard, conduct an on-the-record brief to the Pentagon Press Corps on the 2010 Army suicide statistics at 10:30 a.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5343 for escort into the building.

Alaska Ranger: Lessons from Coast Guard’s most challenging rescue

Posted by: Christopher Lagan

Guest post by Kalee Thompson

After the rescue of 42 crewmembers from the fishing vessel Alaska Ranger in 2008, author Kalee Thompson produced an in-depth report on one of the most challenging missions in Coast Guard history. She went on to write a book that examined the sinking, the rescue and the fishing industry. We asked for her thoughts on the recently released report of the Marine Board of Investigation since few have examined the case to the extent she has. All opinions expressed by Ms. Thompson are her own and posting her perspective in no way reflects the opinion of the United States Coast Guard.

When the bottom trawler Alaska Ranger foundered and sank in the Bering Sea in March 2008 the Coast Guard was ready. The 189-foot fishing vessel began taking on water around 2:20 a.m. on Easter morning. By 4:30, all 47 people on board had abandoned ship. More than half of them failed to get into life rafts. The first Coast Guard rescue asset-an HH-60 Jayhawk, forward deployed to remote St. Paul Island-arrived on scene at 5:00 a.m. and eventually plucked sixteen fishermen from the waves. More men were saved by the crew of an HH-65 Dolphin while a Kodiak C-130 flew cover and provided a communications platform for the rescuers below.

Dozens of Coasties ultimately contributed to the rescue effort and their work paid off: against all odds, 42 of the 47 crew of the Alaska Ranger were recovered alive from dark, 32˚ seas, twenty of them individually pulled from breaking swells by Coast Guard helicopters and then carefully lowered to the flight deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Munro. In terms of the number of people airlifted directly from the ocean, the rescue was unprecedented in Coast Guard history.

I originally reported on the Alaska Ranger case for Popular Mechanics Magazine and in 2010 published a nonfiction book, Deadliest Sea, on the disaster. From the start, it was obvious that much went right on that Easter morning-which is what makes the story both compelling and inspirational. But within a day of the disaster a team of Coast Guard investigators was tasked with investigating what went wrong. Their comprehensive report was released this week.

One veteran Coast Guard officer explained to me early on in my reporting that casualty investigations can be like peeling an onion. “There’s a limit to how far you can go,” he told me. “You never get to the core.” I was surprised to discover, for instance, that the marine board would not be considering past marine casualties involving the Fishing Company of Alaska, the company that owned the ship. To me, those events seemed entirely relevant to the poor safety culture witnessed onboard the Alaska Ranger. I was also disappointed that the board declined to call the company’s owner, Karena Adler, to testify. In the end, it feels like a company that put profit over safety time and again got off with little more than a slap on the wrist.

The MBI report is much harder on the Coast Guard’s own. The final report devotes dozens of pages to evaluating the multiple shortcomings of the regional ACSA program (Alternative Compliance and Safety Agreement) that governs the Bering Sea Head and Gut fleet and includes several suggestions for how helicopter rescuers might avoid future mishaps like the one that occurred when a hypothermic Alaska Ranger fishermen fell from a rescue basket during a hoist.

During the course of my book research, I spent time with Coast Guard fishing vessel inspectors in both Washington State and Alaska and found them to be deeply committed to their safety mission. But for years they have been fighting an uphill battle against a regulatory environment that protects the financial interests of industry over the safety of fishermen.

Unfortunately, it sometimes takes egregious tragedies to energize public–and Congressional–support for stiffer regulation. New safety standards– like those included in the recently passed Coast Guard Authorization Act — are crucial to providing the Coast Guard with the power to demand and enforce safer conditions in the commercial fishing industry. I hope these new laws will be accompanied soon with funding for more inspectors and resources. Hard-working Coasties and the fishermen they protect deserve nothing less.

Kalee Thompson is a contributing editor at Popular Mechanics Magazine and the author of the book Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History.

DOD Announces Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program

The Department of Defense announced today its program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The program will:

• Thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

• Highlight the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the armed forces.

• Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

• Highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War.

• Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

DoD representatives will coordinate with other federal agencies, veteran groups, state, local government and non-government organizations for their input in Vietnam War commemoration activities. For more information call 877-387-9951 or visit the official website at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/ .

Naval Base Coronado Sailors Remember Dr. King's Dream

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian contractors from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), and guests, marched down the street and sang songs at Naval Base Coronado (NBC) Jan. 13 remembering and honoring the famous marches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The participants marched to the steps of the base theater, and upon entering Dr. King's famous speech "I Have a Dream" could be heard.

"We celebrate the actions of one man [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] who fought for diversity and recognized all people should be free," said Capt. John Smajdek, executive officer, FRCSW. "His passion, vision and courageous deeds should help us determine if our actions toward other races need improvement."

"Dr. King molded a vibrant multiracial nation and his actions should not be forgotten," said Smajdek.

Guests enjoyed the musical sounds of gospel recording artist Lanee Battle who sang the national, the black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and gospel hymns.

The theme of this year's ceremony was "Passing the Torch." Guest speaker Farrell Chiles, chairman of the board of Blacks in Government, said every person that possesses the torch must stand up to the plate, make an impact in their communities and continue to strive for the advancement of civil rights.

"Each generation must carry the torch," said Chiles. "We are not measured by who we are, but by how well we can pave the road for those to come."

As the commemoration ceremony came to an end, audience members joined Battle in singing "You'll Never Walk Alone."

"Anytime we come together to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., it is encouraging to see that people still remember him," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class (AW) Alice Y. Wingo, an FRCSW Sailor who attended the event.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/.

Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran

The January 20, 2011, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Sergeant Clyde Hoch, United States Marine Corps, is the author of Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran.

Program Date: January 20, 2011
Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC
Topic: Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2011/01/20/tracks-memoirs-of-a-vietnam-veteran

About the Guest
Sergeant Clyde Hoch, United States Marine Corps, is the author of Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran. According to Sergeant Hoch, “I served in the USMC from 1965 to 1969. I have just completed a book about my experience. I tell what it was like to have my tank and crew abandoned on the battlefield. I tell what it was like to work with the Korean Marines in Vietnam. I tell what it was like to be in a tank the struck a large land mine. My book starts with high school through boot camp to coming home to an unfriendly situation. It also has short stories from other people I served with in Vietnam."

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2011/01/20/tracks-memoirs-of-a-vietnam-veteran
Listen from the Archive:
http://www.americanheroesradio.com/tracks_memoirs_vietnam_veteran.html

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530