November 2, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) On November 7, 2008, Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Captain Franks S. Root, Arizona Department of Public Safety (ret.) on law enforcement intelligence operations.
Program Date: November 7, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Law Enforcement Intelligence Operations
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/11/08/Law-Enforcement-Intelligence-Operations
About the Guest
Frank S. Root has more than 35 years in law enforcement and intelligence operations with special emphasis on complex intelligence investigations organization and case management. During his law enforcement career he worked for the Arizona Department of Public Safety (20 years, retired as Captain); San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office (Automation and Crime Analysis Unit); and, State of California, Division of Investigation (conducting criminal investigations involving identity theft, insurance, and consumer fraud)
Frank S. Root is the author of Law Enforcement Intelligence Critical Elements which “is described as a publication designed to demonstrate how to identify, develop, and deliver the various intelligence-related products and services required to effectively support law enforcement intelligence and operational managers at each management level within an agency.”
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 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/2008/11/08/Law-Enforcement-Intelligence-Operations
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Face of Defense: Marine Amputee Who Returned to Iraq Earns Fellowship
By Marine Corps Cpl. Sean P. McGinty
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - A noncommissioned officer who returned to Iraq nine months ago after his left leg was amputated above the knee soon will represent the Marine Corps in the halls of Congress. Master Sgt. William "Spanky" Gibson, whose courage President Bush recognized during March 19 remarks on the fifth anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom, is one of three Marines selected for the first staff NCO congressional fellowships under new Marine Corps parameters for its part in the Defense Department congressional fellowships program.
Bush, who described Gibson's successful effort to rejoin the fight in Iraq, said that with Americans like Gibson serving, the enemy doesn't have a chance.
"I want to assist the Marine Corps globally," said Gibson, 37. "I want to show what staff NCOs can do in a position that staff NCOs have never been challenged in."
The Marine Corps congressional fellowship is a year-long program opened to staff NCOs for the first time this year. Gibson lost his leg in May 2006 after being shot in the knee by a sniper while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, as a joint terminal attack controller for 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. After extensive rehabilitation at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Gibson set out to prove he was fit for duty. He trained for and participated in endurance races and triathlons.
In June 2007, he competed in the "Escape from Alcatraz" triathlon in San Francisco, where he met and asked Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, who then commanded Marine forces serving in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, to let him return to Iraq.
Less than two years after adjusting to his prosthetic leg and fighting to stay in the Marine Corps, Gibson returned to Iraq with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force as the force fires chief for Multinational Force West here.
Gibson said that while recuperating in Bethesda, he told himself he would never return to the Washington, D.C., area. He was fully focused on returning to Iraq, he said.
"I never contemplated something like this," he said. "Nine months ago, my thoughts were directed in getting back to the battlefield. Now, I'm going to have to learn more about the legislative process, and I'll have interaction between generals and congressmen."
As a congressional fellow, Gibson will trade his uniform for a business suit while working with either the House of Representatives or the Senate. He will work for a member of Congress, doing anything any staffer might do, except for campaign work, said Maj. Ernest E. Robinson of the Marine Corps' legislative affairs office.
"He will be working in one of the Congress members' office, working directly for the member," Robinson said. "Depending on his tasks, he could be involved in legislation or some pretty important business."
Marine guidelines for the fellowship say Gibson's new duties could include drafting legislation, serving as a liaison to constituents, planning international conferences and dialogues, and much more.
"I'm looking forward to understanding the legislative process and what it has to do with the Marine Corps," the Pryor, Okla., native said. "Now us staff NCOs can be a part of that process and have a say in it."
As with nearly all military congressional fellows, Gibson most likely will serve with a Congress member who serves on the House or Senate Armed Services Committee or the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense, according to Col. Raymond E. Celeste of Marine Corps legislative affairs.
Gibson will provide accurate information to members of Congress, said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Neil O'Connell, the senior enlisted Marine in Multinational Force West. "He's tactically and technically proficient, constantly educating himself, and due to his situation, he's well versed in the treatment and rehabilitation of the wounded," O'Connell said.
Selection for the program seems like a natural step for his career in the Marines, Gibson said. The majority of his experience in the Marine Corps has been focused on ground combat, but he said he's ready for a change.
"I think it's the perfect time to go," Gibson said. "This deployment has shown me where my place in the future is. This is going to be an environment I'm not used to, but it'll be an environment where I can help the whole military."
Though Gibson's tour in Washington will be something he has never done before, O'Connell said, his selection to the fellowship shows the Defense Department has faith that Gibson's extensive experience and professionalism will represent the Marine Corps in a positive light.
"He's a driven Marine, and he's earned his selection," he said.
(Marine Corps Cpl. Sean P. McGinty serves in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - A noncommissioned officer who returned to Iraq nine months ago after his left leg was amputated above the knee soon will represent the Marine Corps in the halls of Congress. Master Sgt. William "Spanky" Gibson, whose courage President Bush recognized during March 19 remarks on the fifth anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom, is one of three Marines selected for the first staff NCO congressional fellowships under new Marine Corps parameters for its part in the Defense Department congressional fellowships program.
Bush, who described Gibson's successful effort to rejoin the fight in Iraq, said that with Americans like Gibson serving, the enemy doesn't have a chance.
"I want to assist the Marine Corps globally," said Gibson, 37. "I want to show what staff NCOs can do in a position that staff NCOs have never been challenged in."
The Marine Corps congressional fellowship is a year-long program opened to staff NCOs for the first time this year. Gibson lost his leg in May 2006 after being shot in the knee by a sniper while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, as a joint terminal attack controller for 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. After extensive rehabilitation at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Gibson set out to prove he was fit for duty. He trained for and participated in endurance races and triathlons.
In June 2007, he competed in the "Escape from Alcatraz" triathlon in San Francisco, where he met and asked Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, who then commanded Marine forces serving in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, to let him return to Iraq.
Less than two years after adjusting to his prosthetic leg and fighting to stay in the Marine Corps, Gibson returned to Iraq with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force as the force fires chief for Multinational Force West here.
Gibson said that while recuperating in Bethesda, he told himself he would never return to the Washington, D.C., area. He was fully focused on returning to Iraq, he said.
"I never contemplated something like this," he said. "Nine months ago, my thoughts were directed in getting back to the battlefield. Now, I'm going to have to learn more about the legislative process, and I'll have interaction between generals and congressmen."
As a congressional fellow, Gibson will trade his uniform for a business suit while working with either the House of Representatives or the Senate. He will work for a member of Congress, doing anything any staffer might do, except for campaign work, said Maj. Ernest E. Robinson of the Marine Corps' legislative affairs office.
"He will be working in one of the Congress members' office, working directly for the member," Robinson said. "Depending on his tasks, he could be involved in legislation or some pretty important business."
Marine guidelines for the fellowship say Gibson's new duties could include drafting legislation, serving as a liaison to constituents, planning international conferences and dialogues, and much more.
"I'm looking forward to understanding the legislative process and what it has to do with the Marine Corps," the Pryor, Okla., native said. "Now us staff NCOs can be a part of that process and have a say in it."
As with nearly all military congressional fellows, Gibson most likely will serve with a Congress member who serves on the House or Senate Armed Services Committee or the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense, according to Col. Raymond E. Celeste of Marine Corps legislative affairs.
Gibson will provide accurate information to members of Congress, said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Neil O'Connell, the senior enlisted Marine in Multinational Force West. "He's tactically and technically proficient, constantly educating himself, and due to his situation, he's well versed in the treatment and rehabilitation of the wounded," O'Connell said.
Selection for the program seems like a natural step for his career in the Marines, Gibson said. The majority of his experience in the Marine Corps has been focused on ground combat, but he said he's ready for a change.
"I think it's the perfect time to go," Gibson said. "This deployment has shown me where my place in the future is. This is going to be an environment I'm not used to, but it'll be an environment where I can help the whole military."
Though Gibson's tour in Washington will be something he has never done before, O'Connell said, his selection to the fellowship shows the Defense Department has faith that Gibson's extensive experience and professionalism will represent the Marine Corps in a positive light.
"He's a driven Marine, and he's earned his selection," he said.
(Marine Corps Cpl. Sean P. McGinty serves in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs Office.)
Petraeus Assumes Leadership of U.S. Central Command
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - Army Gen. David H. Petraeus assumed leadership of the U.S. military command charged with helping to build peace in a tough and war-torn part of the world today. Petraeus took the reins of U.S. Central Command from acting commander Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey in a ceremony here.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided over the change of command held at the base's Memorial Park.
"General Petraeus, you are again taking responsibility for our precious sons and daughters," Gates said. "I have no doubt they will continue to make you and me – indeed all Americans – very proud."
Petraeus now has responsibility for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He must deal with the threat that Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons poses to the region and world. He also must deal with an unstable government in Pakistan. U.S. Central Command reaches from Kazakhstan to Yemen and Egypt to Kyrgyzstan.
Petraeus commanded Multinational Force Iraq during the troop surge that turned the tide in Iraq's security. Violence dropped in Iraq, and most of the country has returned to Iraqi control.
Before the change of command ceremony, Gates presented Dempsey with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Marine Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Morin, U.S. Central Command's senior enlisted leader, with the Defense Superior Service Medal.
The Senate has confirmed Dempsey for his fourth star and the post of commander U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Va. Dempsey – who was deputy commander of CentCom – took over as acting commander upon the retirement of Navy Adm. William J. Fallon in March. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John R. Allen succeeded Dempsey today in CentCom's No. 2 post.
"I recall my first meeting with Marty Dempsey after he took the reins of CentCom," Gates said in his remarks. "He gave me a sheet of paper outlining the priorities for this command and asked for my guidance. After hearing what Marty had to say, I simply held up his own sheet of paper and said, 'This is my guidance to you' – a testament to his strategic vision and pragmatism, which he possesses in extra measure."
Dempsey has been far more than a place-holder at U.S. Central Command, Gates said, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed.
"Here at CentCom, Marty truly made the words 'acting commander' a contradiction in terms," Mullen said during the ceremony. "For there was nothing 'acting' about the way Marty has exercised the full spectrum of command throughout his entire area of responsibility. Nothing 'acting' about the way he orchestrated two wars at a critical time in our nation's history."
There also was nothing "acting" about his coordination with fellow combatant commanders and his management of the transition of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to U.S. Africa Command last month, Mullen said.
"Through it all, Marty has always placed the warfighter at the forefront – a priority that he made clear on Day One – and he has responded at every turn with a quiet confidence that earned my admiration and that of countless others under his command and throughout the region," the secretary said.
Gates next addressed the challenges awaiting Petraeus. "At the MNF-I change of command a few weeks ago, I said that history will regard him as one of our nation's great battle captains," Gates said. "He is the preeminent soldier-scholar-statesman of his generation, and precisely the man we need in this command at this time."
The troops under his command, "dealt our enemies in Iraq a tremendous blow," Gates said. "Now he will take aim at our adversaries in Afghanistan and lead security capacity efforts throughout the Middle East, the Gulf and Central Asia."
Mullen said that America has great expectations as Petraeus takes command here. "His watchwords – learn and adapt – have echoed from the streets of Baghdad to the halls of Washington," the chairman said.
He said Petraeus and Dempsey have "fired the minds of generations to understand the true purpose of power as a force for good: To listen in order to understand; to treat all cultures as equals, with dignity and respect; to admit quickly when we are wrong; and to share risk with those we protect – all in order to build trust."
Building trust among all peoples of the Middle East is the priority of the command, Mullen said. "The progress of peace, and the speed of that progress, depends upon the quality of trust Dave and this command will be able to achieve throughout the broader Middle East, and how he will build upon the lessons Marty has brought forward to this very moment," the chairman said.
While the challenges of the region may not require the same strategies Petraeus used in Iraq, he can build on that experience as he moves forward, Mullen said. "Dave, it is now your turn, with a new, broader aperture," the chairman said. "And we have great expectations ahead."
Both Petraeus and Dempsey are graduates of the U.S. military Academy's class of 1974.
Representatives of many of the partner nations attended the ceremony and Gates had a special welcome for them. The secretary thanked them for their support in Central Command.
"The United States has had enduring interests in this part of the world for many decades under presidents of both political parties," he said. "We will continue to have a presence there, standing strong with our friends and allies."
Gates also praised the efforts of American troops serving in U.S. Central Command. "CentCom went on a war footing when our country was attacked and has not let up since," he said. "For seven years, those who serve in this command have bravely stepped forward and, when necessary, unsheathed the sword on our enemies.
"I've heard it said that 'communism didn't fall, it was pushed.' Likewise, violent extremism will neither crumble nor fade away of its own accord," the secretary continued. "It will be the valor, grit and fighting spirit of you – the men and women of U.S. Central Command – that will give heart to our friends while pursuing terrorists where they hide, wrecking their malevolent designs and keeping them far from our shores."
The men and women of U.S. Central Command have sacrificed for all Americans, and "we cannot thank you enough," Mullen said. "It doesn't take ceremonies like this to celebrate the confidence of a grateful nation in our men and women in uniform, here in Tampa, and throughout the world, who choose lives of great sacrifice, and along with their families, bear heroic burdens, and honor us all."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - Army Gen. David H. Petraeus assumed leadership of the U.S. military command charged with helping to build peace in a tough and war-torn part of the world today. Petraeus took the reins of U.S. Central Command from acting commander Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey in a ceremony here.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided over the change of command held at the base's Memorial Park.
"General Petraeus, you are again taking responsibility for our precious sons and daughters," Gates said. "I have no doubt they will continue to make you and me – indeed all Americans – very proud."
Petraeus now has responsibility for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He must deal with the threat that Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons poses to the region and world. He also must deal with an unstable government in Pakistan. U.S. Central Command reaches from Kazakhstan to Yemen and Egypt to Kyrgyzstan.
Petraeus commanded Multinational Force Iraq during the troop surge that turned the tide in Iraq's security. Violence dropped in Iraq, and most of the country has returned to Iraqi control.
Before the change of command ceremony, Gates presented Dempsey with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Marine Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Morin, U.S. Central Command's senior enlisted leader, with the Defense Superior Service Medal.
The Senate has confirmed Dempsey for his fourth star and the post of commander U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Va. Dempsey – who was deputy commander of CentCom – took over as acting commander upon the retirement of Navy Adm. William J. Fallon in March. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John R. Allen succeeded Dempsey today in CentCom's No. 2 post.
"I recall my first meeting with Marty Dempsey after he took the reins of CentCom," Gates said in his remarks. "He gave me a sheet of paper outlining the priorities for this command and asked for my guidance. After hearing what Marty had to say, I simply held up his own sheet of paper and said, 'This is my guidance to you' – a testament to his strategic vision and pragmatism, which he possesses in extra measure."
Dempsey has been far more than a place-holder at U.S. Central Command, Gates said, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed.
"Here at CentCom, Marty truly made the words 'acting commander' a contradiction in terms," Mullen said during the ceremony. "For there was nothing 'acting' about the way Marty has exercised the full spectrum of command throughout his entire area of responsibility. Nothing 'acting' about the way he orchestrated two wars at a critical time in our nation's history."
There also was nothing "acting" about his coordination with fellow combatant commanders and his management of the transition of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to U.S. Africa Command last month, Mullen said.
"Through it all, Marty has always placed the warfighter at the forefront – a priority that he made clear on Day One – and he has responded at every turn with a quiet confidence that earned my admiration and that of countless others under his command and throughout the region," the secretary said.
Gates next addressed the challenges awaiting Petraeus. "At the MNF-I change of command a few weeks ago, I said that history will regard him as one of our nation's great battle captains," Gates said. "He is the preeminent soldier-scholar-statesman of his generation, and precisely the man we need in this command at this time."
The troops under his command, "dealt our enemies in Iraq a tremendous blow," Gates said. "Now he will take aim at our adversaries in Afghanistan and lead security capacity efforts throughout the Middle East, the Gulf and Central Asia."
Mullen said that America has great expectations as Petraeus takes command here. "His watchwords – learn and adapt – have echoed from the streets of Baghdad to the halls of Washington," the chairman said.
He said Petraeus and Dempsey have "fired the minds of generations to understand the true purpose of power as a force for good: To listen in order to understand; to treat all cultures as equals, with dignity and respect; to admit quickly when we are wrong; and to share risk with those we protect – all in order to build trust."
Building trust among all peoples of the Middle East is the priority of the command, Mullen said. "The progress of peace, and the speed of that progress, depends upon the quality of trust Dave and this command will be able to achieve throughout the broader Middle East, and how he will build upon the lessons Marty has brought forward to this very moment," the chairman said.
While the challenges of the region may not require the same strategies Petraeus used in Iraq, he can build on that experience as he moves forward, Mullen said. "Dave, it is now your turn, with a new, broader aperture," the chairman said. "And we have great expectations ahead."
Both Petraeus and Dempsey are graduates of the U.S. military Academy's class of 1974.
Representatives of many of the partner nations attended the ceremony and Gates had a special welcome for them. The secretary thanked them for their support in Central Command.
"The United States has had enduring interests in this part of the world for many decades under presidents of both political parties," he said. "We will continue to have a presence there, standing strong with our friends and allies."
Gates also praised the efforts of American troops serving in U.S. Central Command. "CentCom went on a war footing when our country was attacked and has not let up since," he said. "For seven years, those who serve in this command have bravely stepped forward and, when necessary, unsheathed the sword on our enemies.
"I've heard it said that 'communism didn't fall, it was pushed.' Likewise, violent extremism will neither crumble nor fade away of its own accord," the secretary continued. "It will be the valor, grit and fighting spirit of you – the men and women of U.S. Central Command – that will give heart to our friends while pursuing terrorists where they hide, wrecking their malevolent designs and keeping them far from our shores."
The men and women of U.S. Central Command have sacrificed for all Americans, and "we cannot thank you enough," Mullen said. "It doesn't take ceremonies like this to celebrate the confidence of a grateful nation in our men and women in uniform, here in Tampa, and throughout the world, who choose lives of great sacrifice, and along with their families, bear heroic burdens, and honor us all."
2008 Phoenix Award Winner Announced
The Department of Defense today announced the 2008 winner of the Phoenix Award, part of 2008 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards. The field-level maintenance award honors military maintenance organizations for outstanding performance. The awardee is chosen from active and reserve organizations performing unit-or field-level maintenance and singled out as the best of the best and receives the Phoenix Award.
The 2008 winner of the Phoenix Award for field-level maintenance is the Air Force's 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, Hurlburt Field, Fla., which distinguished itself by accomplishing superior aircraft maintenance supporting the generation of 3,200 combat sorties that flew nearly 14,000 hours over hostile territory. Challenged with a $336 million modification program and the bed down of two new weapon systems at home, the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group was able to generate 4,200 training sorties that produced more than 3,100 combat ready aircrews needed to fight the Global War on Terrorism. Despite an imposing operations tempo, maintenance personnel throughout the group still supported 65 off-and on-station training and exercise commitments highlighted by a revamped training program that saved 98,000 labor hours per year and accomplished more than 33,000 training events.
The award was presented Oct. 29, 2008, at the 2008 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Denver, Colo. Additional information regarding the 2008 DoD Maintenance awards can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12109 .
The 2008 winner of the Phoenix Award for field-level maintenance is the Air Force's 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, Hurlburt Field, Fla., which distinguished itself by accomplishing superior aircraft maintenance supporting the generation of 3,200 combat sorties that flew nearly 14,000 hours over hostile territory. Challenged with a $336 million modification program and the bed down of two new weapon systems at home, the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group was able to generate 4,200 training sorties that produced more than 3,100 combat ready aircrews needed to fight the Global War on Terrorism. Despite an imposing operations tempo, maintenance personnel throughout the group still supported 65 off-and on-station training and exercise commitments highlighted by a revamped training program that saved 98,000 labor hours per year and accomplished more than 33,000 training events.
The award was presented Oct. 29, 2008, at the 2008 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Denver, Colo. Additional information regarding the 2008 DoD Maintenance awards can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12109 .
Acquisition Directorate Saves Billions for Taxpayers, Official Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - The Defense Department's acquisition directorate saved billions of dollars for taxpayers after adjusting the purchase schedule of several procurement programs, a senior Defense Department official said here yesterday. John J. Young Jr., the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters that he'd set a goal to save the department $10-$15 billion in procurement costs. Young was appointed to his post in November 2007.
"That's a pretty high goal ... but, I can tell you we think we've saved about $5 billion" so far, said Young.
One method found to reduce costs in the acquisition realm involves how the Pentagon purchases its equipment, Young said.
"We looked at a lot of our larger (procurement) programs and found many candidates, where if the enterprise was willing to take the pain of buying a few more sooner, and in some cases buying out faster, or... buying at a more economic order quantity – we can save money," Young said.
Nearly a dozen Pentagon procurement programs in the fiscal 2009 defense budget will be adjusted in that way to save costs, Young said.
The department also is looking at ways to realize another $30 billion in potential procurement cost savings, Young said.
The Pentagon's use of joint-analysis teams that examine the merit and capabilities of items such as advanced radar systems and other future equipment, Young said, greatly assists the department in its quest to procure the best military equipment and systems at the best price.
Young said he is thankful for the expertise of in-house military and defense civilian procurement experts who serve on the joint-analysis teams. He also saluted outside procurement experts who serve on defense support teams that brainstorm with Defense Department officials to solve procurement issues.
Using in-house and external experts to evaluate proposed procurement programs, Young said, is an example of "another best-practice that helps the enterprise to get the job done with discipline and efficiency."
Young also praised the utility of competitions sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that invite private industry to demonstrate expertise in fields such as lightweight, wearable power systems for soldiers and robotic vehicles.
Thanks to such competitions, the battery weight for prototype soldier-carried power systems, such as battery packs for computers, has been greatly reduced, Young said.
"So, that's great news in and of itself," Young said. "We have essentially prototype systems that weigh a third of what we ask soldiers to carry now and offer all the logistical benefits that come with that – less weight, less logistical demand to resupply batteries, et cetera. And, hopefully, we'll move that technology forward."
Young said he has sought to manage the Pentagon's acquisition process based on principles of realistic requirements, mature technology and fiscal discipline.
Future leadership decisions will need to be made on major defense acquisition programs that include new Navy surface vessels, the Joint Strike Fighter, the Air Force's F-22 fighter, the Army's Future Combat System and others, Young said.
"I think every one of the big programs will get some level of attention," Young said, since "the next administration will want to look at how their priorities in the budget line up."
Returning to the issue of procurement costs, Young noted that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has expressed concern about processes that drive up the cost of new acquisition programs and expend additional taxpayer dollars.
Adding requirements beyond a system's initial design and performance specifications drives up procurement costs, Young said. It's therefore incumbent upon procurement officials, he said, to decide on the minimum necessary requirements for new defense systems and to carefully weigh the need and cost of adding other desired functions.
"I think bells and whistles are costing us money. Bells and whistles drive more testing," Young said. "There can be a set of 'tradable requirements, but we need to be careful about how we're going to evaluate them."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - The Defense Department's acquisition directorate saved billions of dollars for taxpayers after adjusting the purchase schedule of several procurement programs, a senior Defense Department official said here yesterday. John J. Young Jr., the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters that he'd set a goal to save the department $10-$15 billion in procurement costs. Young was appointed to his post in November 2007.
"That's a pretty high goal ... but, I can tell you we think we've saved about $5 billion" so far, said Young.
One method found to reduce costs in the acquisition realm involves how the Pentagon purchases its equipment, Young said.
"We looked at a lot of our larger (procurement) programs and found many candidates, where if the enterprise was willing to take the pain of buying a few more sooner, and in some cases buying out faster, or... buying at a more economic order quantity – we can save money," Young said.
Nearly a dozen Pentagon procurement programs in the fiscal 2009 defense budget will be adjusted in that way to save costs, Young said.
The department also is looking at ways to realize another $30 billion in potential procurement cost savings, Young said.
The Pentagon's use of joint-analysis teams that examine the merit and capabilities of items such as advanced radar systems and other future equipment, Young said, greatly assists the department in its quest to procure the best military equipment and systems at the best price.
Young said he is thankful for the expertise of in-house military and defense civilian procurement experts who serve on the joint-analysis teams. He also saluted outside procurement experts who serve on defense support teams that brainstorm with Defense Department officials to solve procurement issues.
Using in-house and external experts to evaluate proposed procurement programs, Young said, is an example of "another best-practice that helps the enterprise to get the job done with discipline and efficiency."
Young also praised the utility of competitions sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that invite private industry to demonstrate expertise in fields such as lightweight, wearable power systems for soldiers and robotic vehicles.
Thanks to such competitions, the battery weight for prototype soldier-carried power systems, such as battery packs for computers, has been greatly reduced, Young said.
"So, that's great news in and of itself," Young said. "We have essentially prototype systems that weigh a third of what we ask soldiers to carry now and offer all the logistical benefits that come with that – less weight, less logistical demand to resupply batteries, et cetera. And, hopefully, we'll move that technology forward."
Young said he has sought to manage the Pentagon's acquisition process based on principles of realistic requirements, mature technology and fiscal discipline.
Future leadership decisions will need to be made on major defense acquisition programs that include new Navy surface vessels, the Joint Strike Fighter, the Air Force's F-22 fighter, the Army's Future Combat System and others, Young said.
"I think every one of the big programs will get some level of attention," Young said, since "the next administration will want to look at how their priorities in the budget line up."
Returning to the issue of procurement costs, Young noted that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has expressed concern about processes that drive up the cost of new acquisition programs and expend additional taxpayer dollars.
Adding requirements beyond a system's initial design and performance specifications drives up procurement costs, Young said. It's therefore incumbent upon procurement officials, he said, to decide on the minimum necessary requirements for new defense systems and to carefully weigh the need and cost of adding other desired functions.
"I think bells and whistles are costing us money. Bells and whistles drive more testing," Young said. "There can be a set of 'tradable requirements, but we need to be careful about how we're going to evaluate them."
'Operation Education' Provides Net for Veterans
By Joni Kirk
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - One decision turned Chase Clark's life upside-down, but another is helping him realize the dreams he didn't think were possible. While still in high school in rural Blackfoot, Idaho, Clark signed up for the Army National Guard because of the great benefits and the "opportunity to make something" of himself.
Immediately following graduation, he took advantage of the educational benefits and enrolled at Idaho State University. "I never expected to get activated, but I knew it was a possibility," he said.
That's exactly what happened his first semester, however. Clark found himself serving in Iraq, where he was wounded in combat. He won't discuss his injuries, though, because of the emotional trauma he still suffers.
Upon his return home, Clark was discharged from the Army National Guard, but found the battle was only beginning. "Veteran wounds can suck you down and hold you within yourself. I was in a deep, dark place," he said.
Eventually, Clark realized he needed to escape the demons that haunted him. Intent on obtaining a degree in landscape architecture, he took another gamble and headed to the University of Idaho. This time he won the jackpot.
Soon after his arrival, Clark learned about a scholarship created specifically for disabled veterans: the university's "Operation Education" scholarship program.
Operation Education has three components customized to meet the personal needs of each scholar. Each plan provides financial, academic and social support for the diverse challenges that go with a return to civilian life, adjusting to life with a disability and working to earn a college degree. The program also is available to veterans' spouses.
According to John Sawyer, a veterans' advisor at the University of Idaho, a college degree can lead to a new life and career opportunities.
"For many disabled veterans, returning to a productive and satisfying life is about more than just money," Sawyer said. "Rather, it is about the need for comprehensive and integrated support. We will do whatever it takes for these veterans to succeed in the classroom, on campus, in the community and, ultimately, in society by helping them complete a college degree."
"I know a lot of wounded vets who have had a tough time getting their benefits and aren't getting paid, which is stressful on their families," Clark said. "This scholarship is not like that at all. The people with Operation Education get things done. They make things happen. More than that, they take care of anything needed for my education."
For Clark, the package has included physical therapy, assistance with vocational rehabilitation, social support, financial assistance for extra expenses, and more.
Because he doesn't have to worry about the "behind the scenes" efforts, Clark said, he is able to focus on his course work. With help from Operation Education, he was able to take a six-week landscape architecture course in Italy. He also plans to study abroad in New Zealand in the spring.
"Studying internationally allows me to glean from the foundations and traditions of landscape architecture," he said. "There are great examples of city form, land planning and landscape design that can serve as inspiration for contemporary design and planning."
Clark's also developing his skills closer to home. This year, students in the university's landscape architecture program are working in Cascade, Idaho, to develop and realize a community vision.
"It's a project where we impact real people directly," Clark said. "It made me realize what I can become. I'm developing both as an individual and as part of a team. It's very inspiring and presents me with new challenges and ideals."
He credits the university and its scholarship program as being a "grounding rod" for disabled veterans.
"Operation Education is more than a scholarship – it's a support web," Clark said. "It allows me to be flexible in exploring the different avenues and opportunities of my education. I can focus on learning without being hindered by all the details.
"I encourage other vets who may think that they can't go to school to reconsider."
(Joni Kirk works at the University of Idaho.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - One decision turned Chase Clark's life upside-down, but another is helping him realize the dreams he didn't think were possible. While still in high school in rural Blackfoot, Idaho, Clark signed up for the Army National Guard because of the great benefits and the "opportunity to make something" of himself.
Immediately following graduation, he took advantage of the educational benefits and enrolled at Idaho State University. "I never expected to get activated, but I knew it was a possibility," he said.
That's exactly what happened his first semester, however. Clark found himself serving in Iraq, where he was wounded in combat. He won't discuss his injuries, though, because of the emotional trauma he still suffers.
Upon his return home, Clark was discharged from the Army National Guard, but found the battle was only beginning. "Veteran wounds can suck you down and hold you within yourself. I was in a deep, dark place," he said.
Eventually, Clark realized he needed to escape the demons that haunted him. Intent on obtaining a degree in landscape architecture, he took another gamble and headed to the University of Idaho. This time he won the jackpot.
Soon after his arrival, Clark learned about a scholarship created specifically for disabled veterans: the university's "Operation Education" scholarship program.
Operation Education has three components customized to meet the personal needs of each scholar. Each plan provides financial, academic and social support for the diverse challenges that go with a return to civilian life, adjusting to life with a disability and working to earn a college degree. The program also is available to veterans' spouses.
According to John Sawyer, a veterans' advisor at the University of Idaho, a college degree can lead to a new life and career opportunities.
"For many disabled veterans, returning to a productive and satisfying life is about more than just money," Sawyer said. "Rather, it is about the need for comprehensive and integrated support. We will do whatever it takes for these veterans to succeed in the classroom, on campus, in the community and, ultimately, in society by helping them complete a college degree."
"I know a lot of wounded vets who have had a tough time getting their benefits and aren't getting paid, which is stressful on their families," Clark said. "This scholarship is not like that at all. The people with Operation Education get things done. They make things happen. More than that, they take care of anything needed for my education."
For Clark, the package has included physical therapy, assistance with vocational rehabilitation, social support, financial assistance for extra expenses, and more.
Because he doesn't have to worry about the "behind the scenes" efforts, Clark said, he is able to focus on his course work. With help from Operation Education, he was able to take a six-week landscape architecture course in Italy. He also plans to study abroad in New Zealand in the spring.
"Studying internationally allows me to glean from the foundations and traditions of landscape architecture," he said. "There are great examples of city form, land planning and landscape design that can serve as inspiration for contemporary design and planning."
Clark's also developing his skills closer to home. This year, students in the university's landscape architecture program are working in Cascade, Idaho, to develop and realize a community vision.
"It's a project where we impact real people directly," Clark said. "It made me realize what I can become. I'm developing both as an individual and as part of a team. It's very inspiring and presents me with new challenges and ideals."
He credits the university and its scholarship program as being a "grounding rod" for disabled veterans.
"Operation Education is more than a scholarship – it's a support web," Clark said. "It allows me to be flexible in exploring the different avenues and opportunities of my education. I can focus on learning without being hindered by all the details.
"I encourage other vets who may think that they can't go to school to reconsider."
(Joni Kirk works at the University of Idaho.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS October 31, 2008
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Arizona, is being awarded a $441,900,000 (maximum) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for development and test of the Ballistic Missile Defense System Multiple Kill Vehicle Payload System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona and is expected to be complete by December 2011. This is a sole source contract award. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (HQ0147-09-D-0001). The contract will be incrementally funded. The Task Order 0001 negotiated value is $54,013,313 with a period of performance of 1 Nov. 2008 through 1 Nov. 2009. We anticipate funding approximately $24,000,000 at time of award. Both FY09 and FY10 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be used.
NAVY
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $55,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-06-D-0038) to exercise an option for engineering, analytical and manufacturing to support aging aircraft. Work will be performed in various locations throughout the United States (80 percent) and Rockville, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems & Sensors, Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $37,500,000 Basic Ordering Agreement for Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on the Littoral Combat Ship, USS Freedom (LCS-1). The orders to be issued will encompass services which support the total PSA effort which include, but are not limited to program management, advance planning, engineering, material kitting, liaison, scheduling and participation in PSA planning conferences and design reviews, and preparation of documentation as required by the Contract Data Requirement List. The orders will also encompass material and labor to perform the PSA for LCS 1, all testing, including post repair trials required to verify the accuracy and completion of all shipyard industrial work, non-standard equipment when approved, and technical manuals for non-standard equipment. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (53 percent) and Norfolk, Va. (47 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-G-2300).
Walton Construction Co., LLC, Harahan, La., is being awarded a $34,020,000 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N69450-08-C-1759) to exercise an option which provides for the design and construction of two barracks at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $59,280,000. Work will be performed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
LTM, Inc.*, Havelock, N.C., is being awarded a $25,345,721 ceiling priced modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-01-D-0101) to exercise an option for approximately 353,600 hours of maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Fleet Readiness Center(FRC) East, Cherry Point, N.C. These services include evaluating initial designs and proposed design changes, maintenance planning, and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed at FRC East, Cherry Point, N.C. (99 percent), and at various locations across the United States (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Lejeune Support Services, LLC, Sterling, Va., is being awarded $14,047,049 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-deliver/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-05-D-4192) to exercise option year four for facilities maintenance and repair and heavy equipment repair at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, N.C. The work to be performed includes all labor, materials, tools, equipment, supervision, technical expertise, transportation and management necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the facilities, roads, grounds, equipment, and utilities and perform other specialized functions, such as locksmith services, machinery, sign fabrication, etc. After exercise of this option, the total cumulative contract amount will be $75,704,122. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and work is expected to be completed Oct. 31, 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The solicitation was available for full and open competition, and three proposals were received. Award was made to Lejeune Support Services, LLC on Jan. 26, 2005. The Officer in Charge of Construction, Marine Corps Installations East, is the administering contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,841,577 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for near and long term requirements to continue the analysis required for an efficient and orderly shutdown of the T-45 production line transition Phase II and the associated post-production support efforts for the T-45 A/C aircraft series. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (77 percent) and Warton, Lancashire, UK (23 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,653,085 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Turbo Combustor Technology, Inc., Stuart, Fla.* is being awarded a maximum $10,640,000 firm fixed price, total set-aside contract for aircraft engine platform equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally three proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-09-C-0003).
ARMY
AeroVironment Incorporated, Sun Valley, Calif., was awarded Oct. 30, 2008, a $5,810,622 firm/fixed/price contract. This effort is to procure research, development, test & evaluation digital data link effort for the Raven RQ-11B unmanned aircraft System. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army Contracting Command Aviation & Missile Command/AMSCC/AMC/ARA, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338).
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Arizona, is being awarded a $441,900,000 (maximum) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for development and test of the Ballistic Missile Defense System Multiple Kill Vehicle Payload System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona and is expected to be complete by December 2011. This is a sole source contract award. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (HQ0147-09-D-0001). The contract will be incrementally funded. The Task Order 0001 negotiated value is $54,013,313 with a period of performance of 1 Nov. 2008 through 1 Nov. 2009. We anticipate funding approximately $24,000,000 at time of award. Both FY09 and FY10 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be used.
NAVY
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $55,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-06-D-0038) to exercise an option for engineering, analytical and manufacturing to support aging aircraft. Work will be performed in various locations throughout the United States (80 percent) and Rockville, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems & Sensors, Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $37,500,000 Basic Ordering Agreement for Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on the Littoral Combat Ship, USS Freedom (LCS-1). The orders to be issued will encompass services which support the total PSA effort which include, but are not limited to program management, advance planning, engineering, material kitting, liaison, scheduling and participation in PSA planning conferences and design reviews, and preparation of documentation as required by the Contract Data Requirement List. The orders will also encompass material and labor to perform the PSA for LCS 1, all testing, including post repair trials required to verify the accuracy and completion of all shipyard industrial work, non-standard equipment when approved, and technical manuals for non-standard equipment. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (53 percent) and Norfolk, Va. (47 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-G-2300).
Walton Construction Co., LLC, Harahan, La., is being awarded a $34,020,000 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N69450-08-C-1759) to exercise an option which provides for the design and construction of two barracks at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $59,280,000. Work will be performed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
LTM, Inc.*, Havelock, N.C., is being awarded a $25,345,721 ceiling priced modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-01-D-0101) to exercise an option for approximately 353,600 hours of maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Fleet Readiness Center(FRC) East, Cherry Point, N.C. These services include evaluating initial designs and proposed design changes, maintenance planning, and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed at FRC East, Cherry Point, N.C. (99 percent), and at various locations across the United States (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Lejeune Support Services, LLC, Sterling, Va., is being awarded $14,047,049 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-deliver/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-05-D-4192) to exercise option year four for facilities maintenance and repair and heavy equipment repair at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, N.C. The work to be performed includes all labor, materials, tools, equipment, supervision, technical expertise, transportation and management necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the facilities, roads, grounds, equipment, and utilities and perform other specialized functions, such as locksmith services, machinery, sign fabrication, etc. After exercise of this option, the total cumulative contract amount will be $75,704,122. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and work is expected to be completed Oct. 31, 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The solicitation was available for full and open competition, and three proposals were received. Award was made to Lejeune Support Services, LLC on Jan. 26, 2005. The Officer in Charge of Construction, Marine Corps Installations East, is the administering contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,841,577 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for near and long term requirements to continue the analysis required for an efficient and orderly shutdown of the T-45 production line transition Phase II and the associated post-production support efforts for the T-45 A/C aircraft series. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (77 percent) and Warton, Lancashire, UK (23 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,653,085 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Turbo Combustor Technology, Inc., Stuart, Fla.* is being awarded a maximum $10,640,000 firm fixed price, total set-aside contract for aircraft engine platform equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally three proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-09-C-0003).
ARMY
AeroVironment Incorporated, Sun Valley, Calif., was awarded Oct. 30, 2008, a $5,810,622 firm/fixed/price contract. This effort is to procure research, development, test & evaluation digital data link effort for the Raven RQ-11B unmanned aircraft System. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army Contracting Command Aviation & Missile Command/AMSCC/AMC/ARA, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338).
Dempsey's 'Acting' Career Ends as CentCom Turns Over to Petraeus
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey's "acting" career is over. Dempsey turned over command of U.S. Central Command to Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during a sun-drenched ceremony at Memorial Field here today. As CentCom's deputy commander, Dempsey took over as acting commander following the retirement of Navy Adm. William J. Fallon in March. He will receive his fourth star and assume command of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Va., and was succeeded today as CentCom's deputy commander by Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John R. Allen.
Dempsey paid tribute to the more than 250,000 American servicemembers and civilians serving in the command, which stretches from Kazakhstan to Egypt and includes two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said they are "far from home, often in harm's way, uncomplaining; representing both the resolve and compassion of this great nation."
"As a nation," he said, "we have been blessed by their service, and I have been blessed to be part of their team."
The area the command covers presents the United States with challenges that sometimes seem unsolvable, he said. "Yet it offers us opportunities to solve many, and perhaps even most, of the world's perplexing problems," he said.
While the vast majority of people in the region have aspirations much like those of Americans, violent extremists in the region have declared war on the American way of life, Dempsey said.
"And so, CentCom is a command at war," he said. "It is also a command committed to promoting peace. We relentlessly pursue our enemies while simultaneously conducting disaster relief, training with our coalition and regional partners and protecting the global commons at sea and in the air.
"There is always an honest day's work to be done at U.S. Central Command," he said.
The command's trademarks are teamwork, partnership, sacrifice and resolve, Dempsey said. "CentCom is a team of teams," he said. The command teams with other nations, other agencies and – at home – with Tampa, he noted.
"Most of what gets done well in our government gets done through the trust and confidence that comes with partnership," Dempsey said. "As partners, we demonstrate every day that in matters of security, the whole really is stronger than the sum of its parts."
The men and women of CentCom "understand that there are things in this world – like freedom – worth the sacrifice necessary to achieve and then preserve them," the general said.
Dempsey described visiting Afghanistan's border with Pakistan in December and speaking with the U.S. leader about his 20-man detachment's fight against 50 or 60 Taliban the night before.
"There were several inches of snow on the ground," he said. "The troopers were living in sandbagged metal containers at 8,000 feet and most of their supplies had to be brought in by helicopter because the road network had been mined by the Taliban – a tough and important mission being performed superbly by a tough group of soldiers."
Those soldiers and their fellow servicemembers around the region are brave and proud, and they accept the sacrifices America's asks of them, Dempsey said.
"I'll tell you one other thing: Nobody is getting through that pass ... or through any other outpost where young Americans stand watch for our freedom," he said.
Petraeus thanked Dempsey for his service as acting commander and said he is ready for the challenges presented by the region.
"Indeed, from transnational extremist organizations and industrial strength insurgencies, to weapons proliferation, a rise in piracy and persistent ethno-sectarian conflict, the CentCom area contains innumerable challenges," Petraeus said.
And the solutions to these challenges require comprehensive approaches that employ the whole of the U.S. government's capabilities, he said, and close coordination with host country and coalition governments and security forces.
"This is necessary not just to resolve pressing short-term issues but to address – over time – the underlying conditions that give rise to such serious security challenges," he said.
The road ahead will be tough, but the mission must be accomplished, Petraeus said.
"It's clear that in the months and years ahead, a great deal of responsibility will continue to rest on the shoulders of the wonderful men and women of the coalition countries serving in harm's way in the Central Command area of responsibility, and it is an honor to serve with them again," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey's "acting" career is over. Dempsey turned over command of U.S. Central Command to Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during a sun-drenched ceremony at Memorial Field here today. As CentCom's deputy commander, Dempsey took over as acting commander following the retirement of Navy Adm. William J. Fallon in March. He will receive his fourth star and assume command of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Va., and was succeeded today as CentCom's deputy commander by Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John R. Allen.
Dempsey paid tribute to the more than 250,000 American servicemembers and civilians serving in the command, which stretches from Kazakhstan to Egypt and includes two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said they are "far from home, often in harm's way, uncomplaining; representing both the resolve and compassion of this great nation."
"As a nation," he said, "we have been blessed by their service, and I have been blessed to be part of their team."
The area the command covers presents the United States with challenges that sometimes seem unsolvable, he said. "Yet it offers us opportunities to solve many, and perhaps even most, of the world's perplexing problems," he said.
While the vast majority of people in the region have aspirations much like those of Americans, violent extremists in the region have declared war on the American way of life, Dempsey said.
"And so, CentCom is a command at war," he said. "It is also a command committed to promoting peace. We relentlessly pursue our enemies while simultaneously conducting disaster relief, training with our coalition and regional partners and protecting the global commons at sea and in the air.
"There is always an honest day's work to be done at U.S. Central Command," he said.
The command's trademarks are teamwork, partnership, sacrifice and resolve, Dempsey said. "CentCom is a team of teams," he said. The command teams with other nations, other agencies and – at home – with Tampa, he noted.
"Most of what gets done well in our government gets done through the trust and confidence that comes with partnership," Dempsey said. "As partners, we demonstrate every day that in matters of security, the whole really is stronger than the sum of its parts."
The men and women of CentCom "understand that there are things in this world – like freedom – worth the sacrifice necessary to achieve and then preserve them," the general said.
Dempsey described visiting Afghanistan's border with Pakistan in December and speaking with the U.S. leader about his 20-man detachment's fight against 50 or 60 Taliban the night before.
"There were several inches of snow on the ground," he said. "The troopers were living in sandbagged metal containers at 8,000 feet and most of their supplies had to be brought in by helicopter because the road network had been mined by the Taliban – a tough and important mission being performed superbly by a tough group of soldiers."
Those soldiers and their fellow servicemembers around the region are brave and proud, and they accept the sacrifices America's asks of them, Dempsey said.
"I'll tell you one other thing: Nobody is getting through that pass ... or through any other outpost where young Americans stand watch for our freedom," he said.
Petraeus thanked Dempsey for his service as acting commander and said he is ready for the challenges presented by the region.
"Indeed, from transnational extremist organizations and industrial strength insurgencies, to weapons proliferation, a rise in piracy and persistent ethno-sectarian conflict, the CentCom area contains innumerable challenges," Petraeus said.
And the solutions to these challenges require comprehensive approaches that employ the whole of the U.S. government's capabilities, he said, and close coordination with host country and coalition governments and security forces.
"This is necessary not just to resolve pressing short-term issues but to address – over time – the underlying conditions that give rise to such serious security challenges," he said.
The road ahead will be tough, but the mission must be accomplished, Petraeus said.
"It's clear that in the months and years ahead, a great deal of responsibility will continue to rest on the shoulders of the wonderful men and women of the coalition countries serving in harm's way in the Central Command area of responsibility, and it is an honor to serve with them again," he said.
Friday, October 31, 2008
U.S. Troops Provide Filtered Water to Flood Victims in Honduras
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - U.S. troops here are helping provide clean drinking to local communities hurt by flooding caused by a tropical storm that brought more than a week of rain. The flooding from the tropical storm had a devastating impact on the community. Not only were homes ruined, but their well water supply was affected from the flood waters making the water undrinkable, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shane Bolles, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, to serve as part of Joint Task Force Bravo.
Servicemembers assigned to the task force are currently involved in a 10-day water filtration project in a community near La Paz. The project is scheduled to end Nov. 5. In just a few days time, the team has been able to transform more than 2,500 gallons of undrinkable water into clean water available for the public in large containers known as "water buffaloes," Bolles said.
The impact on the community provided by the water team is seen instantly by the servicemembers, Bolles said.
"After the floods happened, the community had to have water trucked in at great expense to them," Bolles said. "I see them coming here with a smile on their face, knowing that for many of them their lives were destroyed by this flood. This small gesture means a lot to them."
Not only does the clean water mean a lot to the community, but it holds a special meaning for the team members who came to help.
"You see them come with just about everything imaginable to fill up with water to take back to their homes," said Tech. Sgt. Romano Cedillos, deployed from the Phoenix Air National Guard. "After being able to visit with them and seeing how their community was affected, I feel as if I have made an impact in their lives."
"We are able to make almost any water source potable water in just a few hours," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Nick Luna, who also deployed from Dyess.
The machine the team uses relies on three filters that take out impurities at each stage and use a reverse osmosis system to bring the water back to its purest stage, Luna said.
"For every three gallons of unpotable water the machine pumps in we are able to pump out one gallon of potable water," Luna said. "The water that was not able to be transformed into pure water then is released back into the water source."
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Joel Mease is assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo public affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - U.S. troops here are helping provide clean drinking to local communities hurt by flooding caused by a tropical storm that brought more than a week of rain. The flooding from the tropical storm had a devastating impact on the community. Not only were homes ruined, but their well water supply was affected from the flood waters making the water undrinkable, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shane Bolles, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, to serve as part of Joint Task Force Bravo.
Servicemembers assigned to the task force are currently involved in a 10-day water filtration project in a community near La Paz. The project is scheduled to end Nov. 5. In just a few days time, the team has been able to transform more than 2,500 gallons of undrinkable water into clean water available for the public in large containers known as "water buffaloes," Bolles said.
The impact on the community provided by the water team is seen instantly by the servicemembers, Bolles said.
"After the floods happened, the community had to have water trucked in at great expense to them," Bolles said. "I see them coming here with a smile on their face, knowing that for many of them their lives were destroyed by this flood. This small gesture means a lot to them."
Not only does the clean water mean a lot to the community, but it holds a special meaning for the team members who came to help.
"You see them come with just about everything imaginable to fill up with water to take back to their homes," said Tech. Sgt. Romano Cedillos, deployed from the Phoenix Air National Guard. "After being able to visit with them and seeing how their community was affected, I feel as if I have made an impact in their lives."
"We are able to make almost any water source potable water in just a few hours," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Nick Luna, who also deployed from Dyess.
The machine the team uses relies on three filters that take out impurities at each stage and use a reverse osmosis system to bring the water back to its purest stage, Luna said.
"For every three gallons of unpotable water the machine pumps in we are able to pump out one gallon of potable water," Luna said. "The water that was not able to be transformed into pure water then is released back into the water source."
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Joel Mease is assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo public affairs.)
Iraqi, American Firefighters Combine Forces for Airfield Protection
By Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Davidson
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - As senior government leaders hammer out a new Status of Forces Agreement that will set the path for future American and Iraqi military policies, a group of American and Iraqi firefighters have already developed a working relationship that protects people, structures and aircraft here at Baghdad International Airport. U.S. Air National Guard firefighters from the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are working with Iraqi air force firefighters from New al Muthana Air Base, learning how to collaborate to protect life and property in the event of any type of ground or in-flight emergency.
The most recent training paired the American and Iraqi firefighters in an exercise where they practiced the procedures for rescuing the flight crew from a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in the event of a fire in the cargo hold.
The training began with the firefighters meeting for a briefing to discuss the objectives of the exercise including aircrew egress procedures and how to integrate their rescue and firefighting processes.
"We used an Iraqi air force C-130 for the training, and the Iraqi firefighters took the lead in entering the aircraft," said Chief Master Sgt. John Cinquemani, 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. "It's important to learn about each other's capabilities and become familiar with the different equipment that's used so we can integrate into one team in the event of any type of emergency. We have to have one common goal and one common process in order to save lives and get the job done."
Working firefighting activities at an airport offers a unique set of challenges and dangers as compared to a regular city fire department, said Cinquemani, who is deployed from the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York where he serves as the full-time fire chief for the Guard Base as well as Stewart International Airport.
With more than 37 years as a firefighter and 23 years as a fire chief, Cinquemani understands those challenges and dangers, and pushes both the American and Iraqi firefighters to learn how to work together.
To that end, the chief is planning weekly training and exercises that will encompass a vast range of crisis scenarios and push the firefighters to perform as a seamless team.
"If we have an emergency on the Iraqi air force side of the airfield or involving an Iraqi aircraft, then they will take the lead and we will back them up," he said. "If it involves an American aircraft, they have our backs—and it takes constant training be ready."
When the training began, the call went out over the radio announcing an emergency response to a simulated fire aboard the Iraqi aircraft. The Iraqi and American fire trucks rolled out across the taxiway and took staggered positions around the aircraft. With the Americans wearing silver protective suits and the Iraqis wearing black, they worked together to pull hoses off the Iraqi trucks and prepare to enter the aircraft.
The Iraqis manned the hoses and stood by as American firefighters counted down and then yanked open the aircraft door. The Iraqis immediately pushed through the opening with their hoses and began clearing procedures, followed by their American back-up.
Once the aircraft was cleared, the teams gathered to discuss what they did well, and what they could do better.
"We still have to overcome the language barrier and do better in coordinating our actions so we all move and act together," said Staff Sgt. Jason Ankenbauer, 447th ECES firefighter, who is deployed from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif.
"When you are dealing with an aircraft fire, there are lots of other things to consider including the fact that you have to work very quickly—not only to save lives but because it's a three-dimensional environment and there are always going to be other activities around the emergency area and multiple aircraft overhead that are waiting to land," he said.
Their training also will allow them to be better prepared to assist civilian Iraqi firefighters on the Baghdad International Airport side of the flightline in the event of a major civilian aircraft crash, fire or mass-casualty incident, Ankenbauer said.
Cinquemani praised the firefighters for staying focused on their task, and doing their best to move as a team. He then explained that he is working on a project to make sure all American and Iraqi firefighters get the same self-contained breathing equipment so they can more effectively team-up while working and training together.
Cinquemani's plans for additional exercises and training include scenarios that will call upon American and Iraqi firefighters as well as medical personnel from the 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron.
"The Iraqi air force firefighters are obviously very proud of their accomplishments, and every step we take with them in training is another step towards their capability to take over all of the military emergency services activities here," he said. "Each of their accomplishments also brings them one step closer to becoming a fully independent and operational air force."
(Master Sgt. Brian Davidson serves with the 447th Air Expeditionary Group.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 31, 2008 - As senior government leaders hammer out a new Status of Forces Agreement that will set the path for future American and Iraqi military policies, a group of American and Iraqi firefighters have already developed a working relationship that protects people, structures and aircraft here at Baghdad International Airport. U.S. Air National Guard firefighters from the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are working with Iraqi air force firefighters from New al Muthana Air Base, learning how to collaborate to protect life and property in the event of any type of ground or in-flight emergency.
The most recent training paired the American and Iraqi firefighters in an exercise where they practiced the procedures for rescuing the flight crew from a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in the event of a fire in the cargo hold.
The training began with the firefighters meeting for a briefing to discuss the objectives of the exercise including aircrew egress procedures and how to integrate their rescue and firefighting processes.
"We used an Iraqi air force C-130 for the training, and the Iraqi firefighters took the lead in entering the aircraft," said Chief Master Sgt. John Cinquemani, 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. "It's important to learn about each other's capabilities and become familiar with the different equipment that's used so we can integrate into one team in the event of any type of emergency. We have to have one common goal and one common process in order to save lives and get the job done."
Working firefighting activities at an airport offers a unique set of challenges and dangers as compared to a regular city fire department, said Cinquemani, who is deployed from the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York where he serves as the full-time fire chief for the Guard Base as well as Stewart International Airport.
With more than 37 years as a firefighter and 23 years as a fire chief, Cinquemani understands those challenges and dangers, and pushes both the American and Iraqi firefighters to learn how to work together.
To that end, the chief is planning weekly training and exercises that will encompass a vast range of crisis scenarios and push the firefighters to perform as a seamless team.
"If we have an emergency on the Iraqi air force side of the airfield or involving an Iraqi aircraft, then they will take the lead and we will back them up," he said. "If it involves an American aircraft, they have our backs—and it takes constant training be ready."
When the training began, the call went out over the radio announcing an emergency response to a simulated fire aboard the Iraqi aircraft. The Iraqi and American fire trucks rolled out across the taxiway and took staggered positions around the aircraft. With the Americans wearing silver protective suits and the Iraqis wearing black, they worked together to pull hoses off the Iraqi trucks and prepare to enter the aircraft.
The Iraqis manned the hoses and stood by as American firefighters counted down and then yanked open the aircraft door. The Iraqis immediately pushed through the opening with their hoses and began clearing procedures, followed by their American back-up.
Once the aircraft was cleared, the teams gathered to discuss what they did well, and what they could do better.
"We still have to overcome the language barrier and do better in coordinating our actions so we all move and act together," said Staff Sgt. Jason Ankenbauer, 447th ECES firefighter, who is deployed from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif.
"When you are dealing with an aircraft fire, there are lots of other things to consider including the fact that you have to work very quickly—not only to save lives but because it's a three-dimensional environment and there are always going to be other activities around the emergency area and multiple aircraft overhead that are waiting to land," he said.
Their training also will allow them to be better prepared to assist civilian Iraqi firefighters on the Baghdad International Airport side of the flightline in the event of a major civilian aircraft crash, fire or mass-casualty incident, Ankenbauer said.
Cinquemani praised the firefighters for staying focused on their task, and doing their best to move as a team. He then explained that he is working on a project to make sure all American and Iraqi firefighters get the same self-contained breathing equipment so they can more effectively team-up while working and training together.
Cinquemani's plans for additional exercises and training include scenarios that will call upon American and Iraqi firefighters as well as medical personnel from the 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron.
"The Iraqi air force firefighters are obviously very proud of their accomplishments, and every step we take with them in training is another step towards their capability to take over all of the military emergency services activities here," he said. "Each of their accomplishments also brings them one step closer to becoming a fully independent and operational air force."
(Master Sgt. Brian Davidson serves with the 447th Air Expeditionary Group.)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
SECNAV Names New Zumwalt-Class Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor
Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter announced last night at a Navy SEAL Warrior Fund Benefit Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, the name of the newest Zumwalt-class Destroyer will be USS Michael Monsoor. Designated as DDG- 1001, the name honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 29, 2006.
Winter discussed the qualities, values, and dedication to duty that Navy SEAL's exemplify, including the extraordinary acts of Michael Monsoor.
"Tonight I would like to single out one of those heroes from the community of Navy SEAL's," Winter said. "Those who served with Michael Monsoor will remember him always as a consummate professional who faced terrorist enemies with aplomb and stoicism."
"The full extent of Michael's courage, gallantry, and self-less heroism were revealed on the 29th of September, in Ramadi. When his team was surprised by an enemy grenade, Michael could have escaped and saved himself," Winter said. "But he chose a different path, a path of honor that embodies the way of a Navy SEAL. For having chosen that path, Petty Officer Michael Monsoor joined the ranks of those who have earned our nation's highest distinction, the Medal of Honor."
Winter concluded that Michael Monsoor's heroism and self sacrifice for his teammates and his nation epitomize the Navy's core values, and will forever provide prideful admiration for our sailors.
"Michael Monsoor's name will now be linked with one of our nation's most visible examples of military power, a U.S. Navy warship," Winter said. "His legacy will inspire the hearts of future Sailors who serve on the ship that bears his name."
The USS Michael Monsoor will be a multi-mission surface combatant tailored for advanced land attack and littoral dominance. The ship's mission is to provide credible, independent forward presence and deterrence and to operate as an integral part of naval, joint or combined maritime forces.
The USS Michael Monsoor will be the 2nd Zumwalt-class destroyer. She will be 600 feet in length, have a beam of 80.7 feet, and displace approximately 15,000 tons. Michael Monsoor will have a crew size of 148 officers and sailors, he will make speed in excess of 30 knots.
Additional information about Monsoor and Winter is available online at
http://www.navy.mil/moh/Monsoor/ and
http://www.news.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=325 .
Winter discussed the qualities, values, and dedication to duty that Navy SEAL's exemplify, including the extraordinary acts of Michael Monsoor.
"Tonight I would like to single out one of those heroes from the community of Navy SEAL's," Winter said. "Those who served with Michael Monsoor will remember him always as a consummate professional who faced terrorist enemies with aplomb and stoicism."
"The full extent of Michael's courage, gallantry, and self-less heroism were revealed on the 29th of September, in Ramadi. When his team was surprised by an enemy grenade, Michael could have escaped and saved himself," Winter said. "But he chose a different path, a path of honor that embodies the way of a Navy SEAL. For having chosen that path, Petty Officer Michael Monsoor joined the ranks of those who have earned our nation's highest distinction, the Medal of Honor."
Winter concluded that Michael Monsoor's heroism and self sacrifice for his teammates and his nation epitomize the Navy's core values, and will forever provide prideful admiration for our sailors.
"Michael Monsoor's name will now be linked with one of our nation's most visible examples of military power, a U.S. Navy warship," Winter said. "His legacy will inspire the hearts of future Sailors who serve on the ship that bears his name."
The USS Michael Monsoor will be a multi-mission surface combatant tailored for advanced land attack and littoral dominance. The ship's mission is to provide credible, independent forward presence and deterrence and to operate as an integral part of naval, joint or combined maritime forces.
The USS Michael Monsoor will be the 2nd Zumwalt-class destroyer. She will be 600 feet in length, have a beam of 80.7 feet, and displace approximately 15,000 tons. Michael Monsoor will have a crew size of 148 officers and sailors, he will make speed in excess of 30 knots.
Additional information about Monsoor and Winter is available online at
http://www.navy.mil/moh/Monsoor/ and
http://www.news.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=325 .
Navy Reserve Maintenance Group Saves Time, Money, Manpower
By Navy Chief Petty Officer David Votroubek
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Miriam Verbarg, a boatswain's mate, watched over a young sailor as he sewed panels on a foul-weather hatch cover. Known as a "dogshack," the small shelter was being made at the Navy Reserve Intermediate Maintenance Activity here to help protect fleet submarine watch standers from the elements.
While the group and what they do may be unfamiliar to many, the RIMA program provides products that have been used by thousands of sailors out in the fleet. RIMA shops manufacture items such as cofferdams, damage-control plugs, podiums, award plaques and bunk curtains to support fleet operations around the world and improve shipboard quality of life.
"The support from RIMA for manufacturing submarine rack curtains has allowed all Norfolk-area submarines to deploy with a full load of rack curtains in excellent repair," said Chief Petty Officer John W. Johnson, a fire control technician who helps to initiate RIMA projects.
One of the most successful RIMA products is a man-movable submarine brow with a counter-balance that allows it to be placed and removed without the aid of a crane. Eliminating crane dependency reduces costs, improves operational flexibility and saves valuable time required to place and remove brows during arrival or when getting underway.
Johnson added that RIMA sailors respond to the needs of the fleet and can change their products to meet those needs.
"RIMA personnel have been very flexible in customizing products such as dogshacks to meet the operational submarine force needs for a portable and rugged product," he said.
Although RIMAs usually support commands within the submarine force, they also can provide services to any fleet asset. The RIMAs charge the requesting command only for the cost of the production materials, while the balance is funded by Navy Reserve Force via Submarine Group 2.
This arrangement saves money on products and services while sustaining a high level of technical and production proficiency within the Navy Reserve. Occasionally, the RIMAs become the only source for repair parts and equipment that are no longer available in the military supply system.
Each activity is manned by reserve-component expeditionary maintenance detachment sailors who work on the projects during their monthly drill weekends. For that reason, projects that can be finished over several drill periods are best suited for RIMA support.
"The key to receiving a requested product within a desired timeframe is advanced planning and scheduling," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tony Marrero, Submarine Group 2 operational support officer.
In addition to the unit here, the RIMA program comprises maintenance activities in Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati; Denver; Great Lakes, Ill.; Eleanor, W.Va.; Louisville, Ky.; and Tucson, Ariz.
"The unit pulls together as a team to produce a final product that directly benefits the fleet," Verbarg said.
After it was finished, several RIMA sailors assembled the dogshack under the gray Spokane skies. Soon, it will protect submarine sailors from worse weather around the world.
(Navy Chief Petty Officer David Votroubek serves with Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific Detachment Northwest.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Miriam Verbarg, a boatswain's mate, watched over a young sailor as he sewed panels on a foul-weather hatch cover. Known as a "dogshack," the small shelter was being made at the Navy Reserve Intermediate Maintenance Activity here to help protect fleet submarine watch standers from the elements.
While the group and what they do may be unfamiliar to many, the RIMA program provides products that have been used by thousands of sailors out in the fleet. RIMA shops manufacture items such as cofferdams, damage-control plugs, podiums, award plaques and bunk curtains to support fleet operations around the world and improve shipboard quality of life.
"The support from RIMA for manufacturing submarine rack curtains has allowed all Norfolk-area submarines to deploy with a full load of rack curtains in excellent repair," said Chief Petty Officer John W. Johnson, a fire control technician who helps to initiate RIMA projects.
One of the most successful RIMA products is a man-movable submarine brow with a counter-balance that allows it to be placed and removed without the aid of a crane. Eliminating crane dependency reduces costs, improves operational flexibility and saves valuable time required to place and remove brows during arrival or when getting underway.
Johnson added that RIMA sailors respond to the needs of the fleet and can change their products to meet those needs.
"RIMA personnel have been very flexible in customizing products such as dogshacks to meet the operational submarine force needs for a portable and rugged product," he said.
Although RIMAs usually support commands within the submarine force, they also can provide services to any fleet asset. The RIMAs charge the requesting command only for the cost of the production materials, while the balance is funded by Navy Reserve Force via Submarine Group 2.
This arrangement saves money on products and services while sustaining a high level of technical and production proficiency within the Navy Reserve. Occasionally, the RIMAs become the only source for repair parts and equipment that are no longer available in the military supply system.
Each activity is manned by reserve-component expeditionary maintenance detachment sailors who work on the projects during their monthly drill weekends. For that reason, projects that can be finished over several drill periods are best suited for RIMA support.
"The key to receiving a requested product within a desired timeframe is advanced planning and scheduling," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tony Marrero, Submarine Group 2 operational support officer.
In addition to the unit here, the RIMA program comprises maintenance activities in Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati; Denver; Great Lakes, Ill.; Eleanor, W.Va.; Louisville, Ky.; and Tucson, Ariz.
"The unit pulls together as a team to produce a final product that directly benefits the fleet," Verbarg said.
After it was finished, several RIMA sailors assembled the dogshack under the gray Spokane skies. Soon, it will protect submarine sailors from worse weather around the world.
(Navy Chief Petty Officer David Votroubek serves with Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific Detachment Northwest.)
Army, National Institute of Mental Health Begin Suicide Study
By J.D. Leipold
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - The Army and the National Institute of Mental Health have begun a five-year, $50 million research program into the factors behind soldier suicides and how to prevent them, Army Secretary Pete Geren told reporters at the Pentagon yesterday. Geren said the new partnership with NIMH, the Army Science Board and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs would build on work that already is under way to conduct the most far-reaching and comprehensive research project ever undertaken on suicide and its prevention.
"It's a five-year study to examine the mental and behavioral health of soldiers, with particular focus on the multiple determinants of suicidal behavior and resiliency across all phases of Army service," Geren said. "Family members and family relationships, including parents and siblings, will also be included in the study where it's appropriate."
The study also will include the National Guard and Army Reserve.
This effort will be followed by an Army Science Board study with the goal of identifying correlated risk factors and recommending mitigation strategies and practices to prevent suicide. At the same time, the secretary said, the Army would not wait for the end of the study to implement mitigation strategies, but would put those strategies into practice as they make themselves clear.
According Dr. Thomas R. Insel, NIMH director, the study will give NIMH a bigger picture on the suicide risk factors of the nation's population, critical information that he said affects the entire United States because the Army is a "microcosm of the nation."
"There are more than 30,000 suicides in the U.S. each year, actually 32,000 in 2006, the most recent year for which we have numbers," he said. "That's almost twice the number of homicides in the country. Suicide is really a significant public health problem. If we can reduce the rate in the Army, it will ultimately reduce the rate in the nation. Those are really the goals for this collaborative effort."
Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said that "suicide rates aren't exactly plummeting."
"Half the suicides we can't figure out what happened, so that's why we need the NIMH's help," he said.
Geren said that of the 115 suicides the Army confirmed in 2007, 36 of the soldiers were deployed at time of death, 50 had been deployed prior to their deaths, and 29 never had been deployed. The secretary said he expects suicide rates for 2008 will be up compared with 2007 rates.
(J.D. Leipold works at Army News Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - The Army and the National Institute of Mental Health have begun a five-year, $50 million research program into the factors behind soldier suicides and how to prevent them, Army Secretary Pete Geren told reporters at the Pentagon yesterday. Geren said the new partnership with NIMH, the Army Science Board and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs would build on work that already is under way to conduct the most far-reaching and comprehensive research project ever undertaken on suicide and its prevention.
"It's a five-year study to examine the mental and behavioral health of soldiers, with particular focus on the multiple determinants of suicidal behavior and resiliency across all phases of Army service," Geren said. "Family members and family relationships, including parents and siblings, will also be included in the study where it's appropriate."
The study also will include the National Guard and Army Reserve.
This effort will be followed by an Army Science Board study with the goal of identifying correlated risk factors and recommending mitigation strategies and practices to prevent suicide. At the same time, the secretary said, the Army would not wait for the end of the study to implement mitigation strategies, but would put those strategies into practice as they make themselves clear.
According Dr. Thomas R. Insel, NIMH director, the study will give NIMH a bigger picture on the suicide risk factors of the nation's population, critical information that he said affects the entire United States because the Army is a "microcosm of the nation."
"There are more than 30,000 suicides in the U.S. each year, actually 32,000 in 2006, the most recent year for which we have numbers," he said. "That's almost twice the number of homicides in the country. Suicide is really a significant public health problem. If we can reduce the rate in the Army, it will ultimately reduce the rate in the nation. Those are really the goals for this collaborative effort."
Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said that "suicide rates aren't exactly plummeting."
"Half the suicides we can't figure out what happened, so that's why we need the NIMH's help," he said.
Geren said that of the 115 suicides the Army confirmed in 2007, 36 of the soldiers were deployed at time of death, 50 had been deployed prior to their deaths, and 29 never had been deployed. The secretary said he expects suicide rates for 2008 will be up compared with 2007 rates.
(J.D. Leipold works at Army News Service.)
Face of Defense: Company Commander Exemplifies Warrior Ethos
By Sarah Maxwell
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - In most ways, Army Capt. Alex Houston is like any other Army commander. He comes to work here every day ready to lead and set the standard for the soldiers who work for him. He diligently performs all of his administrative duties as the 21st Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, and he gets down and dirty with the unit during company physical training. He jokes with his staff, and even has been known to sing off-key for them.
And he does this all as a wounded warrior. As a platoon leader in Iraq, Houston lost his left hand when his convoy was attacked during a night mission.
The electricity was going on and off while his 1st Cavalry Division unit was on patrol, Houston recalled. "It was so dark -- the kind of dark that you can't even see your hand in front of your face," he said.
As the lights flickered off, the unit's battalion commander came under fire from enemy forces. Although others were in the area, Houston said, he was trained to step up as the ranking officer on the mission, and he headed into the battle to support his commander. He took charge, and while on the radio, he also took a hit.
"There was melted metal all around my hand, and shrapnel went through my arm," he said, "but I was still on the radio giving information to headquarters."
His duty came before the pain, he said, and his faith in God allowed him to remain calm and accomplish the mission of getting the convoy through the area.
"After everyone came over to see how I was, I kept saying, 'I'm OK.' And I was," he said.
He was rushed to the combat support hospital, and doctors later told him they couldn't save his hand. The division commander presented his Purple Heart while he was still sedated in the combat hospital.
"I just said 'Hooah,'" said Houston, "and they saw the soldier in me."
Houston was given the choice of going back to Fort Hood, Texas, or to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Having heard the Army's best care was at Walter Reed, he said, he spent about a year recovering there.
While at Walter Reed, he had access to many programs that helped wounded warriors transition into the civilian job market, but he said when the Army asked him if he wanted to stay in, he knew his answer was yes. Houston, who started out as an enlisted soldier, already had made a commitment to a career in the Army. "I made a decision a long time ago that I'm going to give 100 percent," he said.
Before he deployed to Iraq and before he attended Officer Candidate School, Houston was a chaplain's assistant for the 21st Signal Brigade.
Army Col. Theresa Coles, the brigade commander, said Houston was an easy choice to take command of the headquarters company, since he desired to lead and already had strong connections to the unit and Fort Detrick.
"I thought he was a committed officer and soldier — committed to his profession," she said. "He went to OCS, became an officer and hadn't gotten a chance to fulfill his goals. He wants to be a leader and is not letting the injury stop him."
Coles said she couldn't be happier with her decision, as Houston has been an outstanding company commander.
"He walks the walk, and talks the talk," she said. "He and his family are committed to the unit and soldiers. His injury has not been an impediment at all. He's a true testament to the Warrior Ethos — a testament to what the folks at Walter Reed and he have done."
(Sarah Maxwell works at Fort Detrick Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - In most ways, Army Capt. Alex Houston is like any other Army commander. He comes to work here every day ready to lead and set the standard for the soldiers who work for him. He diligently performs all of his administrative duties as the 21st Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, and he gets down and dirty with the unit during company physical training. He jokes with his staff, and even has been known to sing off-key for them.
And he does this all as a wounded warrior. As a platoon leader in Iraq, Houston lost his left hand when his convoy was attacked during a night mission.
The electricity was going on and off while his 1st Cavalry Division unit was on patrol, Houston recalled. "It was so dark -- the kind of dark that you can't even see your hand in front of your face," he said.
As the lights flickered off, the unit's battalion commander came under fire from enemy forces. Although others were in the area, Houston said, he was trained to step up as the ranking officer on the mission, and he headed into the battle to support his commander. He took charge, and while on the radio, he also took a hit.
"There was melted metal all around my hand, and shrapnel went through my arm," he said, "but I was still on the radio giving information to headquarters."
His duty came before the pain, he said, and his faith in God allowed him to remain calm and accomplish the mission of getting the convoy through the area.
"After everyone came over to see how I was, I kept saying, 'I'm OK.' And I was," he said.
He was rushed to the combat support hospital, and doctors later told him they couldn't save his hand. The division commander presented his Purple Heart while he was still sedated in the combat hospital.
"I just said 'Hooah,'" said Houston, "and they saw the soldier in me."
Houston was given the choice of going back to Fort Hood, Texas, or to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Having heard the Army's best care was at Walter Reed, he said, he spent about a year recovering there.
While at Walter Reed, he had access to many programs that helped wounded warriors transition into the civilian job market, but he said when the Army asked him if he wanted to stay in, he knew his answer was yes. Houston, who started out as an enlisted soldier, already had made a commitment to a career in the Army. "I made a decision a long time ago that I'm going to give 100 percent," he said.
Before he deployed to Iraq and before he attended Officer Candidate School, Houston was a chaplain's assistant for the 21st Signal Brigade.
Army Col. Theresa Coles, the brigade commander, said Houston was an easy choice to take command of the headquarters company, since he desired to lead and already had strong connections to the unit and Fort Detrick.
"I thought he was a committed officer and soldier — committed to his profession," she said. "He went to OCS, became an officer and hadn't gotten a chance to fulfill his goals. He wants to be a leader and is not letting the injury stop him."
Coles said she couldn't be happier with her decision, as Houston has been an outstanding company commander.
"He walks the walk, and talks the talk," she said. "He and his family are committed to the unit and soldiers. His injury has not been an impediment at all. He's a true testament to the Warrior Ethos — a testament to what the folks at Walter Reed and he have done."
(Sarah Maxwell works at Fort Detrick Public Affairs.)
Runners Tackle Marine Corps Marathon to Support Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - As they have for the past 32 years, nearly 20,000 runners gathered at the Marine Corps War Memorial here to tackle the 26.2 miles of the 33rd Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 26. Among the runners were many individuals and teams who participated as a show of support for servicemembers. Marie Campbell, who lost her husband in the 1996 attack on Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, ran as her way of helping the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
"I do this to give back to others who need grief and recovery support, so TAPS can continue to support the many surviving families who've lost someone serving in the military and are walking the road I once walked down," she said. "TAPS helped me so much in those early years, and I ran the Marine Corps Marathon as part of my own healing."
Campbell, director of the TAPS "Run and Remember Team," ran her eighth Marine Corps Marathon this year. TAPS provides care for the families of America's fallen servicemembers.
While many, if not all, of the participants who ran as part of a troop-support group's team were running in support or memory of a loved one, they had another important purpose. They helped to raise funds that will be used to support servicemembers and their families. And not all of them were civilians.
Two injured Marine veterans joined together to overcome their injuries, help each other make it across the finish line and help out MarineParents.com in the process.
Lance Cpl. Josef Lopez suffered a sudden illness while serving in Iraq in 2006 that left him paralyzed. He spent months recuperating in the hospital. On the day of the race, however, Lopez faced the challenging course with a customized hand cycle and the encouragement of Cpl. Neil Schalk. The corporal earned a Purple Heart after being injured by a homemade bomb while serving in Iraq in 2005.
The money the two veterans raised will support two outreach programs offered by MarineParents.com. Purple Heart Family Support and Operation PAL provide meals to patients and families at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md., and "adopt" injured Marines, sending cards, letters and prayers.
MarineParents.com provides education and support for Marine Corps families, provides support for Marines, and provides community awareness programs for troop support.
Homes for Our Troops also had a 15-person team running to raise funds to build adapted houses to meet the needs of injured veterans.
"We had a couple of people from Massachusetts travel [to run in the marathon], and really, they're just supportive of the mission ... and they're looking for a way to give back," Dawn Teixeira, the organization's vice president, said. "We raised about $20,000. It'll go a long way toward something in one of the houses."
As the race concluded less than three hours after it began, it was two first-time runners who took first place in the men's and women's open divisions.
Andrew Dumm, 23, of Washington, won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, 42 seconds. He was recruited by his brother, an Air Force first lieutenant who won the armed forces division, but finished behind his younger brother.
Cate Fenster, the daughter of a former Army Ranger, won the women's race with a time of 2:39:32. The 37-year-old teaches neurobiology and physiology at the College of Wooster in Ohio but is currently on assignment at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.
At the end of it all, however, the big winners were the troops who saw the support of the individual runners as well as that of the troop-support organizations.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - As they have for the past 32 years, nearly 20,000 runners gathered at the Marine Corps War Memorial here to tackle the 26.2 miles of the 33rd Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 26. Among the runners were many individuals and teams who participated as a show of support for servicemembers. Marie Campbell, who lost her husband in the 1996 attack on Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, ran as her way of helping the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
"I do this to give back to others who need grief and recovery support, so TAPS can continue to support the many surviving families who've lost someone serving in the military and are walking the road I once walked down," she said. "TAPS helped me so much in those early years, and I ran the Marine Corps Marathon as part of my own healing."
Campbell, director of the TAPS "Run and Remember Team," ran her eighth Marine Corps Marathon this year. TAPS provides care for the families of America's fallen servicemembers.
While many, if not all, of the participants who ran as part of a troop-support group's team were running in support or memory of a loved one, they had another important purpose. They helped to raise funds that will be used to support servicemembers and their families. And not all of them were civilians.
Two injured Marine veterans joined together to overcome their injuries, help each other make it across the finish line and help out MarineParents.com in the process.
Lance Cpl. Josef Lopez suffered a sudden illness while serving in Iraq in 2006 that left him paralyzed. He spent months recuperating in the hospital. On the day of the race, however, Lopez faced the challenging course with a customized hand cycle and the encouragement of Cpl. Neil Schalk. The corporal earned a Purple Heart after being injured by a homemade bomb while serving in Iraq in 2005.
The money the two veterans raised will support two outreach programs offered by MarineParents.com. Purple Heart Family Support and Operation PAL provide meals to patients and families at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md., and "adopt" injured Marines, sending cards, letters and prayers.
MarineParents.com provides education and support for Marine Corps families, provides support for Marines, and provides community awareness programs for troop support.
Homes for Our Troops also had a 15-person team running to raise funds to build adapted houses to meet the needs of injured veterans.
"We had a couple of people from Massachusetts travel [to run in the marathon], and really, they're just supportive of the mission ... and they're looking for a way to give back," Dawn Teixeira, the organization's vice president, said. "We raised about $20,000. It'll go a long way toward something in one of the houses."
As the race concluded less than three hours after it began, it was two first-time runners who took first place in the men's and women's open divisions.
Andrew Dumm, 23, of Washington, won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, 42 seconds. He was recruited by his brother, an Air Force first lieutenant who won the armed forces division, but finished behind his younger brother.
Cate Fenster, the daughter of a former Army Ranger, won the women's race with a time of 2:39:32. The 37-year-old teaches neurobiology and physiology at the College of Wooster in Ohio but is currently on assignment at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.
At the end of it all, however, the big winners were the troops who saw the support of the individual runners as well as that of the troop-support organizations.
Commissaries to Promote Warrior Care in November
By Kevin L. Robinson
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - The Defense Commissary Agency will join other Defense Department organizations in observing November as Warrior Care Month. The observance is designed to inform military members and their families about the many programs that are, and will be, available to assist wounded warriors.
In a memorandum announcing this initiative, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he wants to focus DoD's efforts in drawing attention to improvements for the support of wounded warriors.
Through Warrior Care Month, Gates said, he also intends to send "a clear message to our servicemembers and the public that there is no higher priority for this department than caring for those who have made personal sacrifices in the defense of our nation."
Throughout November, commissaries will display posters to emphasize wounded warriors and the programs that exist for their care and support. Throughout the year, personnel from DeCA's human resources and equal employment opportunity offices have teamed to recruit wounded warriors, along with civilians with targeted disabilities and veterans with a 30 percent or more disability rating.
"Our men and women in uniform who have been wounded or injured deserve more than our spoken gratitude," said Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and chief executive officer. "During Warrior Care Month, the Defense Commissary Agency will do its part to focus more attention on the resources to support our troops in their recovery and rehabilitation." Article sponsored by leadership seminars online.
In addition to posters in commissaries to raise awareness, DeCA will use its Web site, www.commissaries.com, to highlight programs and initiatives being provided through the warrior care system and to direct visitors to the agency's job opportunities for wounded warriors.
To further help wounded warriors and their families with any questions, concerns or problems during their recovery process, DoD created a Web site, www.warriorcare.mil, to provide a lasting gateway for resources and ongoing programs. The site includes a directory to find information throughout DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs about the military health system and existing service programs. Over time, warriorcare.mil will grow as new programs are introduced, officials said.
The term "wounded warrior" applies to all wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans. Each military service has specific units to address the needs of these troops. The Marines and the Army, for example, have established wounded warrior battalions and warrior transition units, respectively, to assist their servicemembers as they receive medical treatment.
Military OneSource also has created a 24-hour Wounded Warrior Resource Center that can be reached by telephone at 800-342-9647 and by e-mail at wwrc@militaryonesource.com. The center is staffed with trained consultants who will direct callers to the military or federal agency that can best help them. The consultant is expected to maintain contact with the caller until their question or concern is resolved, officials said, though the center is not designed to replace existing military units that support wounded warriors.
(Kevin L. Robinson works at the Defense Commissary Agency.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - The Defense Commissary Agency will join other Defense Department organizations in observing November as Warrior Care Month. The observance is designed to inform military members and their families about the many programs that are, and will be, available to assist wounded warriors.
In a memorandum announcing this initiative, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he wants to focus DoD's efforts in drawing attention to improvements for the support of wounded warriors.
Through Warrior Care Month, Gates said, he also intends to send "a clear message to our servicemembers and the public that there is no higher priority for this department than caring for those who have made personal sacrifices in the defense of our nation."
Throughout November, commissaries will display posters to emphasize wounded warriors and the programs that exist for their care and support. Throughout the year, personnel from DeCA's human resources and equal employment opportunity offices have teamed to recruit wounded warriors, along with civilians with targeted disabilities and veterans with a 30 percent or more disability rating.
"Our men and women in uniform who have been wounded or injured deserve more than our spoken gratitude," said Philip E. Sakowitz Jr., DeCA director and chief executive officer. "During Warrior Care Month, the Defense Commissary Agency will do its part to focus more attention on the resources to support our troops in their recovery and rehabilitation." Article sponsored by leadership seminars online.
In addition to posters in commissaries to raise awareness, DeCA will use its Web site, www.commissaries.com, to highlight programs and initiatives being provided through the warrior care system and to direct visitors to the agency's job opportunities for wounded warriors.
To further help wounded warriors and their families with any questions, concerns or problems during their recovery process, DoD created a Web site, www.warriorcare.mil, to provide a lasting gateway for resources and ongoing programs. The site includes a directory to find information throughout DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs about the military health system and existing service programs. Over time, warriorcare.mil will grow as new programs are introduced, officials said.
The term "wounded warrior" applies to all wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans. Each military service has specific units to address the needs of these troops. The Marines and the Army, for example, have established wounded warrior battalions and warrior transition units, respectively, to assist their servicemembers as they receive medical treatment.
Military OneSource also has created a 24-hour Wounded Warrior Resource Center that can be reached by telephone at 800-342-9647 and by e-mail at wwrc@militaryonesource.com. The center is staffed with trained consultants who will direct callers to the military or federal agency that can best help them. The consultant is expected to maintain contact with the caller until their question or concern is resolved, officials said, though the center is not designed to replace existing military units that support wounded warriors.
(Kevin L. Robinson works at the Defense Commissary Agency.)
Office Readies Defense Department for Transition to Next Administration
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - No matter who wins the election Nov. 4, Defense Department officials will work to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the new administration, DoD officials said today. "There is a ... rather robust structure to deal with transition," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Robert Rangel, special assistant to the secretary and the deputy secretary of defense, is in charge of the process in the department. Marine Brig. Gen. Frank McKenzie reports to Rangel in leading the effort for the Joint Staff.
How the transition moves forward will depend largely on the president-elect, Whitman said, noting there is an added emphasis on the transition this year because it will occur as the United States is involved in two wars and operations around the world.
"There is a recognition that ... given that we are a nation at war, that energy and effort [should] be sufficiently placed to ensure that we don't drop any balls, because national security and supporting our fielded forces that are engaged in combat is of paramount importance to this country," Whitman said. "We are preparing to make this as smooth a transition as we can."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued principles to guide the transition. The first is that the department must maintain its continuity of operations. The second is to ensure efficient and effective transition between the out-going political leaders and the incoming administration.
The department also will "facilitate quality transfer of information to the new administration [and] sustain focus on our existing programs and processes while allowing the in-coming administration to establish its governance processes," Whitman said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - No matter who wins the election Nov. 4, Defense Department officials will work to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the new administration, DoD officials said today. "There is a ... rather robust structure to deal with transition," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Robert Rangel, special assistant to the secretary and the deputy secretary of defense, is in charge of the process in the department. Marine Brig. Gen. Frank McKenzie reports to Rangel in leading the effort for the Joint Staff.
How the transition moves forward will depend largely on the president-elect, Whitman said, noting there is an added emphasis on the transition this year because it will occur as the United States is involved in two wars and operations around the world.
"There is a recognition that ... given that we are a nation at war, that energy and effort [should] be sufficiently placed to ensure that we don't drop any balls, because national security and supporting our fielded forces that are engaged in combat is of paramount importance to this country," Whitman said. "We are preparing to make this as smooth a transition as we can."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued principles to guide the transition. The first is that the department must maintain its continuity of operations. The second is to ensure efficient and effective transition between the out-going political leaders and the incoming administration.
The department also will "facilitate quality transfer of information to the new administration [and] sustain focus on our existing programs and processes while allowing the in-coming administration to establish its governance processes," Whitman said.
AFPS Presents 15-Part Series on Warrior Care
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - From the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are returning home, some with wounds so serious that they would not have survived in wars past. Remarkably, modern medicine, changing policy and pure grit have allowed many to recover and return to active duty.
These wounded warriors are hard to discern from the ranks of others. Often their prostheses are covered by combat boots and their scars by their uniforms. Their post-injury jobs vary, from returning to combat to serving as trainers, but all are driven to overcome their physical limitations by a common motivation - they are simply not ready to take off the uniform.
American Forces Press Service writer Fred Baker followed a handful of these servicemembers and chronicled their stories. He also interviewed top general officers in charge of each service's wounded warrior programs and updated each program's progress. These stories will be sent out starting Nov. 5 as part of DoD's Warrior Care Month.
To see all of the stories written by Baker and other DoD reporters on this topic, visit our Warrior Care Web special, "Staying Power," which will be posted Nov. 5 on Defenselink.mil.
Oct. 30, 2008 - From the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are returning home, some with wounds so serious that they would not have survived in wars past. Remarkably, modern medicine, changing policy and pure grit have allowed many to recover and return to active duty.
These wounded warriors are hard to discern from the ranks of others. Often their prostheses are covered by combat boots and their scars by their uniforms. Their post-injury jobs vary, from returning to combat to serving as trainers, but all are driven to overcome their physical limitations by a common motivation - they are simply not ready to take off the uniform.
American Forces Press Service writer Fred Baker followed a handful of these servicemembers and chronicled their stories. He also interviewed top general officers in charge of each service's wounded warrior programs and updated each program's progress. These stories will be sent out starting Nov. 5 as part of DoD's Warrior Care Month.
To see all of the stories written by Baker and other DoD reporters on this topic, visit our Warrior Care Web special, "Staying Power," which will be posted Nov. 5 on Defenselink.mil.
Africa Command Headquarters to Remain in Stuttgart
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - U.S. Africa Command's headquarters will remain in its current location in Stuttgart, Germany, for the foreseeable future, a Pentagon spokesman said today. The decision by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates allows the newest unified command to gain greater operational experience and develop and foster relationships with both African and European partners, Bryan Whitman said.
"We certainly looked at a number of alternatives," Whitman said. "But at the end of the day, it was determined that for now, and into the foreseeable future, the best location was for it to remain in its current headquarters."
AfriCom, which became operational this month, eventually will be composed of some 1,300 personnel. About half will be members of the U.S. military, with the other half from civilian agencies such as the departments of State, Commerce, Homeland Security and Treasury, among others, said Eric Elliott, an AfriCom spokesman.
"Our primary focus is on military-to-military programs," said Elliott, describing AfriCom's mission. "[It's] building partnership capacity, defense capacity, security capabilities with our African partners."
Whitman said that the decision to keep the headquarters in existing facilities at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart will not have any specific, unanticipated impact as AfriCom continues to develop and add staff members.
"Whenever you're embarking on building an enterprise such as a new combatant command, ensuring that all the partners in the region understand the purpose and the intent and how the command is designed to develop and foster relationships with these friendly nations is important," he added.
Echoing comments by Army Gen. William "Kip" Ward, AfriCom commander, Elliott noted that Stuttgart shares the same time zone, which affords easy communication with partners in Africa, and its proximity allows for easy air travel to and from the continent.
In addition, the command has inherited from the three regional commands that previously coordinated U.S. military activities in Africa a "small, but meaningful, U.S. military presence in several African nations," according to a Defense Department information sheet. This includes Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, as well as department personnel assigned to U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions to coordinate Defense Department programs in support of U.S. foreign policy.
Locating a command headquarters outside its area of operations is not an unprecedented move, as U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, has its headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., and the headquarters for U.S. Southern Command, which oversees South America, is located in Miami.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 30, 2008 - U.S. Africa Command's headquarters will remain in its current location in Stuttgart, Germany, for the foreseeable future, a Pentagon spokesman said today. The decision by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates allows the newest unified command to gain greater operational experience and develop and foster relationships with both African and European partners, Bryan Whitman said.
"We certainly looked at a number of alternatives," Whitman said. "But at the end of the day, it was determined that for now, and into the foreseeable future, the best location was for it to remain in its current headquarters."
AfriCom, which became operational this month, eventually will be composed of some 1,300 personnel. About half will be members of the U.S. military, with the other half from civilian agencies such as the departments of State, Commerce, Homeland Security and Treasury, among others, said Eric Elliott, an AfriCom spokesman.
"Our primary focus is on military-to-military programs," said Elliott, describing AfriCom's mission. "[It's] building partnership capacity, defense capacity, security capabilities with our African partners."
Whitman said that the decision to keep the headquarters in existing facilities at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart will not have any specific, unanticipated impact as AfriCom continues to develop and add staff members.
"Whenever you're embarking on building an enterprise such as a new combatant command, ensuring that all the partners in the region understand the purpose and the intent and how the command is designed to develop and foster relationships with these friendly nations is important," he added.
Echoing comments by Army Gen. William "Kip" Ward, AfriCom commander, Elliott noted that Stuttgart shares the same time zone, which affords easy communication with partners in Africa, and its proximity allows for easy air travel to and from the continent.
In addition, the command has inherited from the three regional commands that previously coordinated U.S. military activities in Africa a "small, but meaningful, U.S. military presence in several African nations," according to a Defense Department information sheet. This includes Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, as well as department personnel assigned to U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions to coordinate Defense Department programs in support of U.S. foreign policy.
Locating a command headquarters outside its area of operations is not an unprecedented move, as U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, has its headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., and the headquarters for U.S. Southern Command, which oversees South America, is located in Miami.
MILITARY CONTRACTS October 30, 2008
Navy
Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a $605,030,234 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2102) for additional naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (68 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (32 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on contracts supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corp, Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $45,919,820 fixed-price delivery order (0066) under their existing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, M67854-04-D-5016. This delivery order is for the purchase of 173 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants, 172 Ready to Accept Armor kits (ECP 68R1), and 63 Sliding 5th Wheel kits (ECP 73) for MTVR vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $28,745,380 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0011) to exercise an option for logistics services in support of the E-6B Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) aircraft fleet. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), Okla. (70 percent); Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. (10 percent); Travis AFB, Calif. (10 percent); and Offutt AFB, Nebraska (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,427,875 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
L3 Services, Inc., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $17,429,154 modification to a previously awarded cost plus award fee contract (N00421-05-C-0009) to exercise an option for engineering and technical support services and supplies to design, develop, procure, prototype, modify, integrate, test and evaluate, install and provide logistics support for telecommunication and related communication-electronic (C-E) systems for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Special Communications Requirements Division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 184,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (80 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Systems Application & Technologies, Inc.*, Oxnard, Calif., is being awarded an $11,233,629 cost plus award fee contract for operational, maintenance, and technical support services for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Ranges Department. These requirements include preparation of land targets and target areas, operations and maintenance of range instrumentation/communication systems, frequency monitoring, field power systems (fuel-powered generators and photo-voltaic systems), photo-electronics (maintenance and repair of video equipment, cameras, tracking mount trailers, and domes), land targets, range scrap removal, ordnance removal and cleanup, range scheduling and billing, meteorology, operational support, stand-by maintenance, and post-operation analysis of test data. The estimated level of effort is 215,433 man-hours. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (70 percent), and Point Mugu, Calif. (30 percent) and is expected to be completed in April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. is the contracting activity (N68936-09-C-0003).
Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,933,738 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm fixed price contract for the acquisition of various quantities of Digital Video Surveillance Systems (DVSS) for installation on U.S. Navy Surface Combatant Ships and technical support. The required Digital Video Surveillance Systems is one of four core DDG Modernization alterations designed to reduce workload in the Central Control Station and Bridge on DDG 51 Class Destroyers. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers were received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0002).
L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $9,600,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0012) to exercise an option for training support and up to 2,000 flight instructor hours on a Boeing 737 next-generation aircraft to serve as an E-6B in-flight trainer. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $9,500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
LINXX Security Services*, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $9,037,024 ceiling priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N61339-07-D-0003) to exercise an option to procure the services of instructors for the Non-Compliant Boarding Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (NCB VBSS) and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Boarding Officer (VBSS BO) courses in support of the Center for Security Forces, Little Creek, Va. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va.(30 percent); San Diego, Calif.(30 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (20 percent); and Mayport, Fla.(20 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,499,998 modification for delivery order #0004 under a previously awarded contract (N00383-06-D-001J) to purchase repair-of-repairables support for the E/A-18 G Growler. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
Correction: Contract awarded Oct. 24, 2008, to Atlas Elektronik UK Ltd., Newport Great Britain, had an incorrect contract number. The correct contract number is N61331-09-D-0003.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Herndon Products, Inc., Maryland Heights, Mo.* is being awarded a maximum $274,400,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for total supply chain management and customer direct initiative to provide equipment delivery support. Other location of performance is Chambersburg, Pa. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps. There were originally 10 proposals Web solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is October 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9002).
Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $16,639,153 firm fixed price contract for electricity supply. Other locations of performance are in New York. Using services are Air Force and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 50 proposals solicited with 4 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8006).
Air Force
General Atomics of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus fee term contract for $177,082,588. This contract includes all programs management, urgent repairs and services, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor engineering technical services, contractor engineering technical specialists (formerly field support representatives), contractor inventory control point (formerly depot supply support) and spares management, depot repair, flight operations support, reliability/maintenance enhancements, CAMs/REMIS/CEMS data collection/entry and numbered Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) for the Predator/Reaper MQ-1 and MQ-9 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programs. At this time $163,082,588 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 003502).
Northrop Grumman Information technology of Herndon Va., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $177,082,588. This effort will accomplish the delivery of Joint Enterprise DoDIIS Infrastructure (JEDI) software and DoDIIS Trusted Workstation (DTW) software. This effort will include requirements definition analysis, systems engineering, development, integration management, quality control, requirements definition analysis, systems engineering, development, integration management, quality control, familiarization, integration/interoperability testing, security and system operation and administration. This effort will result in the delivery of several software releases (approximately one release every 6 months) to the DTW/JEDI user community, to include computer software, technical documentation, and as required, the installation and maintenance of the current systems located at existing intelligence sites worldwide. At this time $3,500,000 has been obligated. Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-08-D-0001 (Umbrella) and Order 0001).
Honeywell International Inc. of Clearwater Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price modification contract for $15,433,853. This action will provide one hundred eighty-one EGI production units, thirty EGI retrofit units, twenty-one EGI contractor depot repairs and one EGI mount. The Embedded GPS/INS Unit is a non-development item being procured to meet the navigation requirements of Tri-Service and Foreign Military Sales platforms. This is a modification to exercise options for the aforementioned efforts. At this time $15,433,853 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2065 P00058).
Boeing Co., Integrated Defense Systems of Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a firm fixed price modification contract for $8,220,600. This contract modification will provide additional contract funding in support of the fourth year of a five year Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for contract the VC-25A aircraft. At this time $8,220,600 has been obligated. Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-04-C-0006 / P00081).
Army
General Tactical Vehicles, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008 a $45,061,720 cost share contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Family of Vehicles technology development phase. Work will be performed in Livonia, Mich., Sterling Heights, Mich., Muskegon, Mich., and South Bend, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received.Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity ((W56HZV-08-C-0430).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments-Grounds System Division, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008 a $40,493,203 cost share contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles technology development phase. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., Warrenville, Ill., Johnson City, N.Y., and Troy, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received. Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity ((W56HZV-08-C-0426).
Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008, a $35,942,059 cost plus fixed fee contract. The contract is for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles technology development phase. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and Sealy, Texas with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received.Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0431).
Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a $605,030,234 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2102) for additional naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (68 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (32 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on contracts supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corp, Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $45,919,820 fixed-price delivery order (0066) under their existing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, M67854-04-D-5016. This delivery order is for the purchase of 173 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants, 172 Ready to Accept Armor kits (ECP 68R1), and 63 Sliding 5th Wheel kits (ECP 73) for MTVR vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $28,745,380 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0011) to exercise an option for logistics services in support of the E-6B Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) aircraft fleet. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), Okla. (70 percent); Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. (10 percent); Travis AFB, Calif. (10 percent); and Offutt AFB, Nebraska (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,427,875 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
L3 Services, Inc., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $17,429,154 modification to a previously awarded cost plus award fee contract (N00421-05-C-0009) to exercise an option for engineering and technical support services and supplies to design, develop, procure, prototype, modify, integrate, test and evaluate, install and provide logistics support for telecommunication and related communication-electronic (C-E) systems for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Special Communications Requirements Division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 184,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (80 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Systems Application & Technologies, Inc.*, Oxnard, Calif., is being awarded an $11,233,629 cost plus award fee contract for operational, maintenance, and technical support services for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Ranges Department. These requirements include preparation of land targets and target areas, operations and maintenance of range instrumentation/communication systems, frequency monitoring, field power systems (fuel-powered generators and photo-voltaic systems), photo-electronics (maintenance and repair of video equipment, cameras, tracking mount trailers, and domes), land targets, range scrap removal, ordnance removal and cleanup, range scheduling and billing, meteorology, operational support, stand-by maintenance, and post-operation analysis of test data. The estimated level of effort is 215,433 man-hours. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (70 percent), and Point Mugu, Calif. (30 percent) and is expected to be completed in April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. is the contracting activity (N68936-09-C-0003).
Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,933,738 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm fixed price contract for the acquisition of various quantities of Digital Video Surveillance Systems (DVSS) for installation on U.S. Navy Surface Combatant Ships and technical support. The required Digital Video Surveillance Systems is one of four core DDG Modernization alterations designed to reduce workload in the Central Control Station and Bridge on DDG 51 Class Destroyers. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers were received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0002).
L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $9,600,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0012) to exercise an option for training support and up to 2,000 flight instructor hours on a Boeing 737 next-generation aircraft to serve as an E-6B in-flight trainer. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $9,500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
LINXX Security Services*, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $9,037,024 ceiling priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N61339-07-D-0003) to exercise an option to procure the services of instructors for the Non-Compliant Boarding Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (NCB VBSS) and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Boarding Officer (VBSS BO) courses in support of the Center for Security Forces, Little Creek, Va. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va.(30 percent); San Diego, Calif.(30 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (20 percent); and Mayport, Fla.(20 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,499,998 modification for delivery order #0004 under a previously awarded contract (N00383-06-D-001J) to purchase repair-of-repairables support for the E/A-18 G Growler. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
Correction: Contract awarded Oct. 24, 2008, to Atlas Elektronik UK Ltd., Newport Great Britain, had an incorrect contract number. The correct contract number is N61331-09-D-0003.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Herndon Products, Inc., Maryland Heights, Mo.* is being awarded a maximum $274,400,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for total supply chain management and customer direct initiative to provide equipment delivery support. Other location of performance is Chambersburg, Pa. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps. There were originally 10 proposals Web solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is October 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9002).
Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $16,639,153 firm fixed price contract for electricity supply. Other locations of performance are in New York. Using services are Air Force and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 50 proposals solicited with 4 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8006).
Air Force
General Atomics of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus fee term contract for $177,082,588. This contract includes all programs management, urgent repairs and services, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor engineering technical services, contractor engineering technical specialists (formerly field support representatives), contractor inventory control point (formerly depot supply support) and spares management, depot repair, flight operations support, reliability/maintenance enhancements, CAMs/REMIS/CEMS data collection/entry and numbered Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) for the Predator/Reaper MQ-1 and MQ-9 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programs. At this time $163,082,588 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 003502).
Northrop Grumman Information technology of Herndon Va., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $177,082,588. This effort will accomplish the delivery of Joint Enterprise DoDIIS Infrastructure (JEDI) software and DoDIIS Trusted Workstation (DTW) software. This effort will include requirements definition analysis, systems engineering, development, integration management, quality control, requirements definition analysis, systems engineering, development, integration management, quality control, familiarization, integration/interoperability testing, security and system operation and administration. This effort will result in the delivery of several software releases (approximately one release every 6 months) to the DTW/JEDI user community, to include computer software, technical documentation, and as required, the installation and maintenance of the current systems located at existing intelligence sites worldwide. At this time $3,500,000 has been obligated. Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-08-D-0001 (Umbrella) and Order 0001).
Honeywell International Inc. of Clearwater Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price modification contract for $15,433,853. This action will provide one hundred eighty-one EGI production units, thirty EGI retrofit units, twenty-one EGI contractor depot repairs and one EGI mount. The Embedded GPS/INS Unit is a non-development item being procured to meet the navigation requirements of Tri-Service and Foreign Military Sales platforms. This is a modification to exercise options for the aforementioned efforts. At this time $15,433,853 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2065 P00058).
Boeing Co., Integrated Defense Systems of Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a firm fixed price modification contract for $8,220,600. This contract modification will provide additional contract funding in support of the fourth year of a five year Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for contract the VC-25A aircraft. At this time $8,220,600 has been obligated. Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-04-C-0006 / P00081).
Army
General Tactical Vehicles, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008 a $45,061,720 cost share contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Family of Vehicles technology development phase. Work will be performed in Livonia, Mich., Sterling Heights, Mich., Muskegon, Mich., and South Bend, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received.Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity ((W56HZV-08-C-0430).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments-Grounds System Division, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008 a $40,493,203 cost share contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles technology development phase. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., Warrenville, Ill., Johnson City, N.Y., and Troy, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received. Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity ((W56HZV-08-C-0426).
Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008, a $35,942,059 cost plus fixed fee contract. The contract is for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles technology development phase. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and Sealy, Texas with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received.Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0431).
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