By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - About 9,300 National Guard soldiers and airmen joined thousands of active-duty and reserve military members from all services today to support President Barack Obama's inauguration. "We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's Today show, said from the parade staging area outside the Pentagon here.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, "Suddenly, the National Guard took on a whole new meaning," Roker said. "So, it's only fitting that at one of the most secure inaugurals, the National Guard would be involved.
"When it comes down to our security, both domestically and internationally, the National Guard is obviously an integral part of that," he said.
Today's inauguration marked the Guard's largest contribution to a presidential inauguration since Minutemen gathered for the First Muster in Massachusetts more than 372 years ago.
"This is a historic first," Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, said. "The National Guard is contributing not only to the federal response overseas, but we're also working very closely with our states and our governors. The inauguration is another example of how all our states, territories and the District of Columbia are performing their jobs."
While National Guard members from a dozen different states and D.C. provided communication, transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support to civilian authorities staging the inauguration, others marched in the inaugural parade.
"This is a historic moment, and I wanted to be a part of history," said parade participant Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gardner, of the District of Columbia National Guard's recruiting and retention command. "The National Guard is the oldest military organization in the country. It's fitting that the National Guard is represented."
The day began as early as 2 a.m. for participating military members, and their duties were scheduled to run into the evening. But troops said they would not trade the opportunity, and many said they were proud to be a part of the inauguration on both a personal and professional level.
Air Force Senior Airman Jodi Leininger traveled here at the start of the year for a two-month mission to document the military's contribution to the inauguration for historical purposes.
As a result, this self-proclaimed "small-town girl," who serves with the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, was able to photograph the president-elect during the run-up to the inauguration.
"That was, to me ... the biggest opportunity of my life," Leininger said. "Having the opportunity to take a picture of our first African-American president -- my new commander in chief -- was exciting."
It was 20 degrees and windy outside the Pentagon when parade participants gathered today before dawn. Army Spc. Angela Harper, of the District of Columbia National Guard's 276th Military Police Company, called it "bone chilling."
Despite the cold, "This is a wonderful moment in time, and I'm privileged to have this opportunity," Harper said. "I would do it again, and again, and again."
Army Lt. Col. Xavier Brunson, from the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, brought about 100 soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., to represent the Army in the parade.
"The opportunity we have to participate in this transfer of government is exciting to myself and my paratroopers," Brunson said.
Leininger said the National Guard made a huge contribution before and during the inauguration, but what struck her most was how military members from the active and reserve components pulled together as a team. "It was just one big group," she said.
Navy Cmdr. Craig Kujawa led part of that group as the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee's parade division chief.
He called the assembly of more than 200 horses and 300 busloads of marchers a logistical miracle. "Every service is represented," he said. "It's a wonderful experience."
Both the Army and the Air National Guard were represented in the parade, Kujawa said, and both contributed to the preparation and execution of the event.
Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Mark Stallworth said he will never forget marching in the inaugural parade.
"I can tell my son, my grandchildren, great-grands," Stallworth said. "This is something that you can always say that you were a part of, pass it down the line. Call home to your mother and father, 'Hey, mom, look at me!' "
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves in the National Guard Bureau.)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Airmen Kick Off Inauguration Day Preparing for Parade
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - Air Force Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle his morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th Medical Group waited here at the base club for another bus – this one transporting her and other active-duty airmen to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade.
"I knew that this would happen in my lifetime, but I thought it would be when I was 90 or 100 years old," she said of the inauguration of the nation's first African-American president. "And now that I have the privilege to be a part of it, I still don't believe it. I just want to be there in the moment."
Excitement and anticipation filled the Andrews club as Holmes-Barnett and about 70 other airmen gathered at 6 a.m. to prepare for the march. They'll travel to nearby Bolling Air Force Base to pick up additional Air Force marchers, then head out to a staging area at the Pentagon.
Air Force Capt. Christopher Karins, officer in charge of the 316th Wing contingency, estimated that the airmen will begin the 1.5-mile march from the Capitol to the White House at about 4 p.m.
"It's going to be a while because we're toward the back half of the parade," he said. "But that's okay. At least it's warmer today than it was for the rehearsal. And being a little cold is a small price to pay for the opportunity to be here to see history as it occurs."
Air Force Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodic, commander of the Air Force District of Washington, reflected on the magnitude of the day as he circulated through the room, shaking hands and wishing the airmen well.
"This is a great opportunity for everybody. It's a historical event, a monumental event," he said. "And it's happening at a crucial time in our nation, with a lot of problems to confront.
"We in the military are here to support the president," he continued. "We've been doing that since 1789."
Jodic, who will lead the parade along with his counterparts from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, called it an honor for him and his airmen to participate. "We're representing all the military, no matter what uniform," he said.
"But we're also representing all those men and women who are deployed. Because without them and what they are doing, we wouldn't be here doing this today."
As Jodic moved through the room, the airmen readied their uniforms for their departure. Most wore long underwear under their service blue uniforms and had liners in their coats and all had gloves and scarves to shield them from the cold.
Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Mikkelsen from the 844th Communications Squadron showed the airmen a trick to keep their wool scarves in perfect form. He stretched strips of duct tape out on a counter, overlapping them slightly, then transferred the mass of tape to the back of a scarf. "It's an honor guard thing," he said.
The airmen followed Mikkelsen's lead, expressed excitement about the day ahead as they duct-taped their scarves.
"It's an awesome feeling, and a real privilege," said Airman 1st Class Alyssa Super, a medical lab technician with the 779th Medical Squadron. "It's one of those things you never thought you'd be able to do, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure."
Airman 1st Class Kai Hall, a weather maintenance apprentice with the 744th Communications Squadron, said he's thrilled about the opportunity to march.
"But I'm really here marching for my grandmother," he said. "Yesterday was her birthday, she's been though it all – the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King. So this means a whole lot to her.
"And I'm just grateful to be a part of it," Hall said. "It's something not that many people ever get a chance to do."
For Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Williams, marching in the Inaugural parade is the perfect conclusion to a tour of duty in Washington that ends tomorrow with a move to Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.
"I've been here for two and a half years, and I've gotten to do the [President Gerald] Ford funeral and this," said Williams, a vehicle maintainer with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It's one of those unique things you get to do when you're stationed in Washington. And everybody is pretty excited about it."
The 316th Wing, under the Air Force District of Washington, has provided myriad support to the Inauguration.
It provided lodging for hundreds of Air National Guardsmen assigned to Federal Emergency Management Agency District 3, provided hot meals to 1,500 military members to make up the honor cordon during the parade route, and stocked each bus headed to the Inauguration with water, coffee, cocoa, hot broth and box lunches.
Later today, Andrews Air Force Base will host the departure ceremony for President George W. Bush.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - Air Force Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle his morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th Medical Group waited here at the base club for another bus – this one transporting her and other active-duty airmen to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade.
"I knew that this would happen in my lifetime, but I thought it would be when I was 90 or 100 years old," she said of the inauguration of the nation's first African-American president. "And now that I have the privilege to be a part of it, I still don't believe it. I just want to be there in the moment."
Excitement and anticipation filled the Andrews club as Holmes-Barnett and about 70 other airmen gathered at 6 a.m. to prepare for the march. They'll travel to nearby Bolling Air Force Base to pick up additional Air Force marchers, then head out to a staging area at the Pentagon.
Air Force Capt. Christopher Karins, officer in charge of the 316th Wing contingency, estimated that the airmen will begin the 1.5-mile march from the Capitol to the White House at about 4 p.m.
"It's going to be a while because we're toward the back half of the parade," he said. "But that's okay. At least it's warmer today than it was for the rehearsal. And being a little cold is a small price to pay for the opportunity to be here to see history as it occurs."
Air Force Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodic, commander of the Air Force District of Washington, reflected on the magnitude of the day as he circulated through the room, shaking hands and wishing the airmen well.
"This is a great opportunity for everybody. It's a historical event, a monumental event," he said. "And it's happening at a crucial time in our nation, with a lot of problems to confront.
"We in the military are here to support the president," he continued. "We've been doing that since 1789."
Jodic, who will lead the parade along with his counterparts from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, called it an honor for him and his airmen to participate. "We're representing all the military, no matter what uniform," he said.
"But we're also representing all those men and women who are deployed. Because without them and what they are doing, we wouldn't be here doing this today."
As Jodic moved through the room, the airmen readied their uniforms for their departure. Most wore long underwear under their service blue uniforms and had liners in their coats and all had gloves and scarves to shield them from the cold.
Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Mikkelsen from the 844th Communications Squadron showed the airmen a trick to keep their wool scarves in perfect form. He stretched strips of duct tape out on a counter, overlapping them slightly, then transferred the mass of tape to the back of a scarf. "It's an honor guard thing," he said.
The airmen followed Mikkelsen's lead, expressed excitement about the day ahead as they duct-taped their scarves.
"It's an awesome feeling, and a real privilege," said Airman 1st Class Alyssa Super, a medical lab technician with the 779th Medical Squadron. "It's one of those things you never thought you'd be able to do, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure."
Airman 1st Class Kai Hall, a weather maintenance apprentice with the 744th Communications Squadron, said he's thrilled about the opportunity to march.
"But I'm really here marching for my grandmother," he said. "Yesterday was her birthday, she's been though it all – the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King. So this means a whole lot to her.
"And I'm just grateful to be a part of it," Hall said. "It's something not that many people ever get a chance to do."
For Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Williams, marching in the Inaugural parade is the perfect conclusion to a tour of duty in Washington that ends tomorrow with a move to Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.
"I've been here for two and a half years, and I've gotten to do the [President Gerald] Ford funeral and this," said Williams, a vehicle maintainer with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It's one of those unique things you get to do when you're stationed in Washington. And everybody is pretty excited about it."
The 316th Wing, under the Air Force District of Washington, has provided myriad support to the Inauguration.
It provided lodging for hundreds of Air National Guardsmen assigned to Federal Emergency Management Agency District 3, provided hot meals to 1,500 military members to make up the honor cordon during the parade route, and stocked each bus headed to the Inauguration with water, coffee, cocoa, hot broth and box lunches.
Later today, Andrews Air Force Base will host the departure ceremony for President George W. Bush.
Troops Bid Bush Farewell at Andrews Air Force Base
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - The U.S. military bid farewell today to the outgoing commander in chief during a stirring and emotional departure ceremony in which he called leading men and women in uniform the highlight of his presidency. A joint service honor guard, military band and about 4,000 cheering, flag-waving fans greeted former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush as they arrived here from what's been called "the ultimate change of command ceremony."
The participants -- former staffers, invited guests and servicemembers and their families -- waited inside the 316th Airlift Wing's Hangar Six to hail the president and former Vice President Dick Cheney. They watched the inaugural ceremonies on a jumbotron screen suspended from the hangar ceiling, then waited with anticipation as Bush lifted off from the Capitol grounds aboard the Marine Corps VH-60 helicopter referred to as "Executive One."
The crowd roared as the former president and vice president made their dramatic entrance into the hangar. The rousing sounds of the "Air Force One" movie theme rung out as the huge hangar slowly opened, revealing the huge blue-and-white presidential aircraft glistening in the sunlight.
Children climbed onto their parents' shoulders to catch a better glimpse, and spectators hoisted cameras high to capture the moment in history.
Bush admitted that he wasn't sure how he would feel passing the presidency to the next administration, but declared, "I am thankful, I am grateful and I am joyful!"
"I've had a lot of great experiences," as president, he told the group, but said none has been better than leading military members who have volunteered to serve the country in a time of danger. Bush said he'll miss being commander in chief and being able to stand in front of the troops to tell them "how much we respect you and how much we admire you."
Bush said he'll leave the presidency with his "head held high," confident that he took the right course in difficult times. Historians will sort out his time in office, he said, expressing belief that they'll note "we did not shirk our duty, we did not shy away" from difficult decisions and that "we served with conviction."
Cheney praised Bush for taking on "the big jobs that needed doing" after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks launched some of the greatest challenges to ever confront the United States. "George W. Bush protected America," he said. "History remembers such leaders and marks them well."
Bush shook hands with many in the crowd, then turned toward the VC-25 aircraft that would take him home to Texas. The flight was designated Special Air Mission 28000 rather than Air Force One, which belongs only to the airplane carrying the sitting president.
On the tarmac, Air Force Brig. Gen. Maggie Woodward, the 89th Airlift Wing commander, escorted the Bushes to a red carpet stretching to the aircraft. A 42-piece joint honor guard flanked both sides of the carpet.
At the end of the carpet, Air Force Col. Steven Shepro, commander of the 316th Wing, and Col. Eric Snadecki, his vice commander, said their final goodbyes before Bush climbed the steps to the plane.
Shepro said he felt honored for him and his airmen to bid a personal goodbye to the departing former president. "It's like saying goodbye to an old friend," he said. He credited his elite team that regularly serves the president -- with the Air Force's only flightline protocol office and a second-to-none security detachment, among them -- with bringing honor to the Air Force.
"This is another moment in history that they share," he said. "We're giving him a fitting sendoff just like we always do."
Command Chief James Davis, Andrews' top noncommissioned officer, relished his base's role in the inauguration and presidential departure ceremony. "We are a part of history, from the person working the logistics to the ones in the cordon to the ones marching in the parade," he said.
"We're all here to honor our former honor in chief as he departs," said Army Sgt. Tyler Murray, one of six members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" to serve in the joint service honor guard. "President Bush has looked out for his troops, and we're here to honor him."
"I've been involved in a lot of high-priority missions," said Army Pfc. Jared Robison, a fellow "Old Guard" soldier. "But this one is the highest on my list, personally."
"It's wonderful being a part of it, especially as a military member," agreed Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Hawkens, from the 316th Security Forces. "It's breathtaking, it's exciting, it's wonderful to see these things going on."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - The U.S. military bid farewell today to the outgoing commander in chief during a stirring and emotional departure ceremony in which he called leading men and women in uniform the highlight of his presidency. A joint service honor guard, military band and about 4,000 cheering, flag-waving fans greeted former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush as they arrived here from what's been called "the ultimate change of command ceremony."
The participants -- former staffers, invited guests and servicemembers and their families -- waited inside the 316th Airlift Wing's Hangar Six to hail the president and former Vice President Dick Cheney. They watched the inaugural ceremonies on a jumbotron screen suspended from the hangar ceiling, then waited with anticipation as Bush lifted off from the Capitol grounds aboard the Marine Corps VH-60 helicopter referred to as "Executive One."
The crowd roared as the former president and vice president made their dramatic entrance into the hangar. The rousing sounds of the "Air Force One" movie theme rung out as the huge hangar slowly opened, revealing the huge blue-and-white presidential aircraft glistening in the sunlight.
Children climbed onto their parents' shoulders to catch a better glimpse, and spectators hoisted cameras high to capture the moment in history.
Bush admitted that he wasn't sure how he would feel passing the presidency to the next administration, but declared, "I am thankful, I am grateful and I am joyful!"
"I've had a lot of great experiences," as president, he told the group, but said none has been better than leading military members who have volunteered to serve the country in a time of danger. Bush said he'll miss being commander in chief and being able to stand in front of the troops to tell them "how much we respect you and how much we admire you."
Bush said he'll leave the presidency with his "head held high," confident that he took the right course in difficult times. Historians will sort out his time in office, he said, expressing belief that they'll note "we did not shirk our duty, we did not shy away" from difficult decisions and that "we served with conviction."
Cheney praised Bush for taking on "the big jobs that needed doing" after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks launched some of the greatest challenges to ever confront the United States. "George W. Bush protected America," he said. "History remembers such leaders and marks them well."
Bush shook hands with many in the crowd, then turned toward the VC-25 aircraft that would take him home to Texas. The flight was designated Special Air Mission 28000 rather than Air Force One, which belongs only to the airplane carrying the sitting president.
On the tarmac, Air Force Brig. Gen. Maggie Woodward, the 89th Airlift Wing commander, escorted the Bushes to a red carpet stretching to the aircraft. A 42-piece joint honor guard flanked both sides of the carpet.
At the end of the carpet, Air Force Col. Steven Shepro, commander of the 316th Wing, and Col. Eric Snadecki, his vice commander, said their final goodbyes before Bush climbed the steps to the plane.
Shepro said he felt honored for him and his airmen to bid a personal goodbye to the departing former president. "It's like saying goodbye to an old friend," he said. He credited his elite team that regularly serves the president -- with the Air Force's only flightline protocol office and a second-to-none security detachment, among them -- with bringing honor to the Air Force.
"This is another moment in history that they share," he said. "We're giving him a fitting sendoff just like we always do."
Command Chief James Davis, Andrews' top noncommissioned officer, relished his base's role in the inauguration and presidential departure ceremony. "We are a part of history, from the person working the logistics to the ones in the cordon to the ones marching in the parade," he said.
"We're all here to honor our former honor in chief as he departs," said Army Sgt. Tyler Murray, one of six members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" to serve in the joint service honor guard. "President Bush has looked out for his troops, and we're here to honor him."
"I've been involved in a lot of high-priority missions," said Army Pfc. Jared Robison, a fellow "Old Guard" soldier. "But this one is the highest on my list, personally."
"It's wonderful being a part of it, especially as a military member," agreed Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Hawkens, from the 316th Security Forces. "It's breathtaking, it's exciting, it's wonderful to see these things going on."
National Guard Provides Unprecedented Support for Inauguration
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - During the nation's 56th presidential inauguration today, some 9,300 members of the National Guard will be working to provide transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support, as well as performing in the parade. It is the Guard's largest contribution of manpower to an inauguration in its 372-year history.
"The scope is incredible," said Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during an interview the day before the inauguration.
McKinley visited Guardmembers on duty around the nation's capital on the eve of the inauguration.
"My takeaways today are the professionalism, the breadth and depth of our organization, the fact that we have multiple states involved," McKinley said. "It gives me great hope and promise that [the inauguration] will be both successful and safe."
Guardsmen from Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have joined those from the District of Columbia to form Joint Task Force-District of Columbia to support the inauguration. It is the first time the Iowa National Guard is supporting an inauguration, providing 1,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.
Additional Guard support is as follows:
• Members of the 257th Army National Guard Band are among 250 troops on duty from the District of Columbia. The band is providing ceremonial and inaugural ball support.
• More than 2,000 National Guardsmen and women from Maryland and Virginia are working in support of their states' lead law enforcement and transportation agencies to assist with traffic flow into and out of the District of Columbia.
• For the first time Iowa is supporting an inauguration: The Iowa National Guard is sending about 1,000 Soldiers from
• More than 200 members of the New York National Guard are helping with communications and traffic control.
• In addition to providing 400 soldiers and airmen, the West Virginia National Guard is providing specialized homeland defense and security units, fixed wing and rotary aircraft and mobile satellite communications equipment in support of federal and local agencies to help manage the large crowds expected at the event.
• Tennessee's contribution includes Airmen from the 228th Combat Communications Squadron and the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Soldiers from the 117th Military Police Battalion.
The National Guard Bureau participates in Armed Forces Inaugural Committee efforts while coordinating the support provided by the National Guard with federal and state civil authorities. A joint coordination center at the Bureau in Crystal City, Va., is being staffed around the clock through the inauguration.
The Guard has a long history of supporting presidential inaugurations. Local militia units marched with George Washington as he proceeded to his first inauguration on April 30, 1789, according to Guard historians. (Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill is a member of the National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - During the nation's 56th presidential inauguration today, some 9,300 members of the National Guard will be working to provide transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support, as well as performing in the parade. It is the Guard's largest contribution of manpower to an inauguration in its 372-year history.
"The scope is incredible," said Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during an interview the day before the inauguration.
McKinley visited Guardmembers on duty around the nation's capital on the eve of the inauguration.
"My takeaways today are the professionalism, the breadth and depth of our organization, the fact that we have multiple states involved," McKinley said. "It gives me great hope and promise that [the inauguration] will be both successful and safe."
Guardsmen from Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have joined those from the District of Columbia to form Joint Task Force-District of Columbia to support the inauguration. It is the first time the Iowa National Guard is supporting an inauguration, providing 1,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.
Additional Guard support is as follows:
• Members of the 257th Army National Guard Band are among 250 troops on duty from the District of Columbia. The band is providing ceremonial and inaugural ball support.
• More than 2,000 National Guardsmen and women from Maryland and Virginia are working in support of their states' lead law enforcement and transportation agencies to assist with traffic flow into and out of the District of Columbia.
• For the first time Iowa is supporting an inauguration: The Iowa National Guard is sending about 1,000 Soldiers from
• More than 200 members of the New York National Guard are helping with communications and traffic control.
• In addition to providing 400 soldiers and airmen, the West Virginia National Guard is providing specialized homeland defense and security units, fixed wing and rotary aircraft and mobile satellite communications equipment in support of federal and local agencies to help manage the large crowds expected at the event.
• Tennessee's contribution includes Airmen from the 228th Combat Communications Squadron and the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Soldiers from the 117th Military Police Battalion.
The National Guard Bureau participates in Armed Forces Inaugural Committee efforts while coordinating the support provided by the National Guard with federal and state civil authorities. A joint coordination center at the Bureau in Crystal City, Va., is being staffed around the clock through the inauguration.
The Guard has a long history of supporting presidential inaugurations. Local militia units marched with George Washington as he proceeded to his first inauguration on April 30, 1789, according to Guard historians. (Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill is a member of the National Guard.)
Guard Nerve Centers Prove Key to Inaugural, National Missions
By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - When National Guard soldiers and airmen show up for the thousands of missions they perform, they know they're part of the right unit, in the right place, at the right moment. But, getting them to a mission does not happen by chance. That's partly because the joint staff at the National Guard Bureau, along with the Army and Air Guard's readiness centers work behind the scenes with the states and territories to put the Guard's best foot forward.
The National Guard's support to the current presidential inauguration is no different, but its footprint is nearly four times larger than any in previous inaugurations.
"The last 30 days have been pretty intense," said Air Force Maj. Gen. William Etter, director of Domestic Operations at the Bureau, referring to the coordination and deployment of some 9,300 Guardsmen. "The last time I checked, 33 states were involved."
Just before the Guard's Inauguration Day support, soldiers and airmen at the National Guard Bureau Joint Coordination Center, the Army Guard Readiness Center and the Air Guard Readiness Center were busy fine tuning last-minute details.
Although their work and cooperation was not as readily visible as the thousands of Guardmembers providing ceremonial and security support, Etter said JoCC Guardmembers' participation is equally vital.
The Guard Bureau JoCC
The JoCC is the Bureau's nerve center for the presidential inauguration and for all its current operations. Its members, located in Crystal City, Va., are working 24/7 operations for both missions.
The center should not be confused with the states' and territories' Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) operations centers. Each state's JFHQ provides the command and control of Guard forces for its governor.
"The Bureau and the readiness centers do not command, but we synchronize," said Etter. He explained that their missions help coordinate use of Guard assets between the Army Guard, the Air Guard and the states.
"I think that we have a very well coordinated effort for the inauguration," said Etter, who added the inaugural is one of their largest non-emergency missions to date.
As a mission comes in, the JoCC finds what assets the states' Army and Air Guards can best support it. This includes personnel and equipment.
Helping with those support requests was Army Sgt. Christopher Pyle, message center NCO, who is working his first inauguration.
"We get all the e-mails coming from the states. Then we sort through them and send them where they need to go," said Pyle. On a busy day, that can add up to nearly 200 messages.
Pyle sat before a wall of televisions and computer screens. He combed through a flurry of messages. He looked through personnel rosters.
An automated message system - called the Joint Information Exchange Environment - helps manage requests to the JoCC. The JIEE provides special codes used to push requests to officials as well as to Army and Air Guard liaisons. The liaisons help communicate those requests to their respective readiness centers.
"It's a good process," said Etter. "We have taken past procedures from events and formalized them. This is the first chance we had to slow down and capture those best procedures."
For the inauguration, the extreme volume of messages had so many JoCC members busy that some chose to sleep on cots at the Bureau. But the experience was welcome, they said.
"We see how everyone is tied together," said Pyle. "I heard that before Hurricane Katrina, no one really talked to each other, but now I see the government agencies coordinating."
Much cross-agency talk is held via video teleconferences hosted by the Multi-agency Coordination Center. The MACC coordinated a vast array of government agencies for the inauguration.
"You can't think of a single agency not represented," said Etter after Sunday's MACC VTC. He added "it's heartwarming and encouraging" to see everyone cooperating for the same goal: the protection of U.S. citizens and visitors who have arrived in Washington, D.C., to see the inauguration.
"When all is said and done for this inaugural, any success can be attributed to a combination of everyone working together and to the great leadership of Maj. Gen. [Errol] Schwartz, the commanding general of the D.C. Guard," he said.
The Army Guard Watch
Army Maj. Leafay Jones, the JoCC's Army Guard liaison officer, sat in the JoCC and monitored messages.
As the Guard's soldiers meet demands brought by the nation's domestic callouts and the war fight, thousands are supporting the inauguration with ceremonial units and military police, among many other missions. Soldiers in both Maryland and Virginia are supporting law enforcement and transportation agencies. Still others are supporting communications and traffic control. Nearly 13,000 also are prepared to support civil authorities on short notice, in case of an emergency.
Jones helped organize that record number of inaugural support Soldiers with the JoCC and Army "Watch" relationship.
The Watch is a 24-hour crisis response team located at the ARNGRC in Arlington, Va.
"Once a request is assigned to an Army asset, I will determine if we can source it through the people at the Watch," Jones said.
The Watch is made up of a battle captain, a shift officer-in-charge and several NCOs. The soldiers maintain communications with the states' JFHQs as well as with deployed Guard Soldiers and units.
"When they pass a request over to us, we look and see if there are forces available to provide the capability, and we also look at the resources necessary," said Army Col. Hank Amato, chief of the ARNGRC operations division.
Amato said the ARNGRC has increased its manning for the inauguration by bringing in soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard to augment their Watch and Crisis Action Team.
"We're a dynamic organization that expands and contracts based on the missions," said Amato.
Amato said the Watch and CAT are just one piece of the expanding ARNGRC, where the Guard Bureau's JoCC and its staff plan to relocate to by 2011.
The Air Guard Crisis Action Center
In the Bureau's JoCC, Air Guard liaison officers sit across from their Army Guard counterparts. The entire JoCC staff surrounds both.
"We work between the Army and the Air Force right here, real time, to figure out what each service can provide [for a mission]," said Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Beckman, Air Guard branch chief for aviation planning.
Much like the Army Watch, the Air Guard Crisis Action Team at the ANGRC on Andrews Air Force Base, Md., coordinates between their liaison officers and the JFHQs to provide Air Guard assets for missions.
For the presidential inauguration, their efforts have helped bring a large amount of Air Guard support for inaugural ceremonies and security.
Among other Air Guard support, the District's entire 113th Wing is helping with transportation, security, in-processing, ceremonial marching and other missions. From other states, a large contingent of medical airlift specialists is working with federal agencies. Services personnel are providing hot meals. Still, others are helping at traffic and pedestrian stations.
Nearly 50 airmen also are manning the ANGRC CAT 24/7 for inauguration support, said Air Force Lt. Col. Allen Minick, its director.
"I consider it a major effort on the part of our CAT, the Center and the states' airmen," said Minick.
First staffed in 2005, the ANG CAT's high-security room includes television screens that relay VTCs as well as live newscasts. The CAT's technical capabilities include secure network communications and data links that receive, manage and communicate JIEE messages and other communications.
"We have functional managers here who know the status of Air Guard equipment and airmen," said Minick.
During a crisis, Minick said the CAT can have as many as 140 Airmen operating around the clock to support the states, federal agencies and civilian responders.
When all is said and done, the states and territories will have sent their modern day minutemen and women to the nation's Capital to help usher in a new President and Commander and Chief in the ultimate change of command ceremony.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - When National Guard soldiers and airmen show up for the thousands of missions they perform, they know they're part of the right unit, in the right place, at the right moment. But, getting them to a mission does not happen by chance. That's partly because the joint staff at the National Guard Bureau, along with the Army and Air Guard's readiness centers work behind the scenes with the states and territories to put the Guard's best foot forward.
The National Guard's support to the current presidential inauguration is no different, but its footprint is nearly four times larger than any in previous inaugurations.
"The last 30 days have been pretty intense," said Air Force Maj. Gen. William Etter, director of Domestic Operations at the Bureau, referring to the coordination and deployment of some 9,300 Guardsmen. "The last time I checked, 33 states were involved."
Just before the Guard's Inauguration Day support, soldiers and airmen at the National Guard Bureau Joint Coordination Center, the Army Guard Readiness Center and the Air Guard Readiness Center were busy fine tuning last-minute details.
Although their work and cooperation was not as readily visible as the thousands of Guardmembers providing ceremonial and security support, Etter said JoCC Guardmembers' participation is equally vital.
The Guard Bureau JoCC
The JoCC is the Bureau's nerve center for the presidential inauguration and for all its current operations. Its members, located in Crystal City, Va., are working 24/7 operations for both missions.
The center should not be confused with the states' and territories' Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) operations centers. Each state's JFHQ provides the command and control of Guard forces for its governor.
"The Bureau and the readiness centers do not command, but we synchronize," said Etter. He explained that their missions help coordinate use of Guard assets between the Army Guard, the Air Guard and the states.
"I think that we have a very well coordinated effort for the inauguration," said Etter, who added the inaugural is one of their largest non-emergency missions to date.
As a mission comes in, the JoCC finds what assets the states' Army and Air Guards can best support it. This includes personnel and equipment.
Helping with those support requests was Army Sgt. Christopher Pyle, message center NCO, who is working his first inauguration.
"We get all the e-mails coming from the states. Then we sort through them and send them where they need to go," said Pyle. On a busy day, that can add up to nearly 200 messages.
Pyle sat before a wall of televisions and computer screens. He combed through a flurry of messages. He looked through personnel rosters.
An automated message system - called the Joint Information Exchange Environment - helps manage requests to the JoCC. The JIEE provides special codes used to push requests to officials as well as to Army and Air Guard liaisons. The liaisons help communicate those requests to their respective readiness centers.
"It's a good process," said Etter. "We have taken past procedures from events and formalized them. This is the first chance we had to slow down and capture those best procedures."
For the inauguration, the extreme volume of messages had so many JoCC members busy that some chose to sleep on cots at the Bureau. But the experience was welcome, they said.
"We see how everyone is tied together," said Pyle. "I heard that before Hurricane Katrina, no one really talked to each other, but now I see the government agencies coordinating."
Much cross-agency talk is held via video teleconferences hosted by the Multi-agency Coordination Center. The MACC coordinated a vast array of government agencies for the inauguration.
"You can't think of a single agency not represented," said Etter after Sunday's MACC VTC. He added "it's heartwarming and encouraging" to see everyone cooperating for the same goal: the protection of U.S. citizens and visitors who have arrived in Washington, D.C., to see the inauguration.
"When all is said and done for this inaugural, any success can be attributed to a combination of everyone working together and to the great leadership of Maj. Gen. [Errol] Schwartz, the commanding general of the D.C. Guard," he said.
The Army Guard Watch
Army Maj. Leafay Jones, the JoCC's Army Guard liaison officer, sat in the JoCC and monitored messages.
As the Guard's soldiers meet demands brought by the nation's domestic callouts and the war fight, thousands are supporting the inauguration with ceremonial units and military police, among many other missions. Soldiers in both Maryland and Virginia are supporting law enforcement and transportation agencies. Still others are supporting communications and traffic control. Nearly 13,000 also are prepared to support civil authorities on short notice, in case of an emergency.
Jones helped organize that record number of inaugural support Soldiers with the JoCC and Army "Watch" relationship.
The Watch is a 24-hour crisis response team located at the ARNGRC in Arlington, Va.
"Once a request is assigned to an Army asset, I will determine if we can source it through the people at the Watch," Jones said.
The Watch is made up of a battle captain, a shift officer-in-charge and several NCOs. The soldiers maintain communications with the states' JFHQs as well as with deployed Guard Soldiers and units.
"When they pass a request over to us, we look and see if there are forces available to provide the capability, and we also look at the resources necessary," said Army Col. Hank Amato, chief of the ARNGRC operations division.
Amato said the ARNGRC has increased its manning for the inauguration by bringing in soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard to augment their Watch and Crisis Action Team.
"We're a dynamic organization that expands and contracts based on the missions," said Amato.
Amato said the Watch and CAT are just one piece of the expanding ARNGRC, where the Guard Bureau's JoCC and its staff plan to relocate to by 2011.
The Air Guard Crisis Action Center
In the Bureau's JoCC, Air Guard liaison officers sit across from their Army Guard counterparts. The entire JoCC staff surrounds both.
"We work between the Army and the Air Force right here, real time, to figure out what each service can provide [for a mission]," said Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Beckman, Air Guard branch chief for aviation planning.
Much like the Army Watch, the Air Guard Crisis Action Team at the ANGRC on Andrews Air Force Base, Md., coordinates between their liaison officers and the JFHQs to provide Air Guard assets for missions.
For the presidential inauguration, their efforts have helped bring a large amount of Air Guard support for inaugural ceremonies and security.
Among other Air Guard support, the District's entire 113th Wing is helping with transportation, security, in-processing, ceremonial marching and other missions. From other states, a large contingent of medical airlift specialists is working with federal agencies. Services personnel are providing hot meals. Still, others are helping at traffic and pedestrian stations.
Nearly 50 airmen also are manning the ANGRC CAT 24/7 for inauguration support, said Air Force Lt. Col. Allen Minick, its director.
"I consider it a major effort on the part of our CAT, the Center and the states' airmen," said Minick.
First staffed in 2005, the ANG CAT's high-security room includes television screens that relay VTCs as well as live newscasts. The CAT's technical capabilities include secure network communications and data links that receive, manage and communicate JIEE messages and other communications.
"We have functional managers here who know the status of Air Guard equipment and airmen," said Minick.
During a crisis, Minick said the CAT can have as many as 140 Airmen operating around the clock to support the states, federal agencies and civilian responders.
When all is said and done, the states and territories will have sent their modern day minutemen and women to the nation's Capital to help usher in a new President and Commander and Chief in the ultimate change of command ceremony.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is pleased to announce the addition of these servicemembers to the website:
General Jacob E. Smart, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Donald M. Buchwald, USA (ret.)
Colonel George W. Garrington, USMC (ret.)
Colonel Ed Garretson, USA (ret.)
Colonel Fletcher Ware, USA (ret.)
Colonel Conrad W. Walker, USA (ret.)
Captain Gene Thomas Gomulka, Navy (ret.)
Captain Bernie L. Calaway, USN (ret.)
Captain Eric H. Swenson, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel R. Max Bowser, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Carl Berryman, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Dominik George Nargele, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Joseph P. Dulany, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Robert P. Sables, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Frank Hurst Wilcox, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Larry Haworth, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Richard M. Ransom, USAF (ret.)
Captain Jason Conroy, USA
Lieutenant Earl Tunison, USN (ret.)
Chief Warrant Officer Albert Petty, USN (ret.)
The Website now lists 822 servicemembers and their 2617 books.
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General Jacob E. Smart, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Donald M. Buchwald, USA (ret.)
Colonel George W. Garrington, USMC (ret.)
Colonel Ed Garretson, USA (ret.)
Colonel Fletcher Ware, USA (ret.)
Colonel Conrad W. Walker, USA (ret.)
Captain Gene Thomas Gomulka, Navy (ret.)
Captain Bernie L. Calaway, USN (ret.)
Captain Eric H. Swenson, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel R. Max Bowser, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Carl Berryman, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Dominik George Nargele, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Joseph P. Dulany, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Robert P. Sables, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Frank Hurst Wilcox, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Larry Haworth, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Richard M. Ransom, USAF (ret.)
Captain Jason Conroy, USA
Lieutenant Earl Tunison, USN (ret.)
Chief Warrant Officer Albert Petty, USN (ret.)
The Website now lists 822 servicemembers and their 2617 books.
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Defense Leaders Host Luncheon for Medal of Honor Heroes
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 19, 2009 - America's most senior defense leaders honored 43 men who risked their lives with unmatched heroism in service to their country during a luncheon here today.
The men honored had all earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, and they will attend the presidential inauguration as honored guests tomorrow.
"More than 1,500 Medals of Honor were awarded in the Civil War," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the men. "In the century-and-a-half since, whenever the United States has been forced into action on the battlefield, wherever we have been forced to defend and re-consecrate our values with blood, our men and women in uniform have answered the call."
Since President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the award in 1861, there have been 3,448 recipients.
Americans have fought and bled from the killing fields of Antietam, to the trenches of France. Their valor has been seen from the beaches of Iwo Jima, to the hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, and the streets of Mogadishu. Today, Americans are fighting in a war on terrorism during which five Americans have received the Medal of Honor – all posthumously.
"Of the countless stories of bravery that ring through our country's history, yours are the greatest and most gallant," Gates said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the character of the men being honored.
"These heroes have some amazing stories," Mullen said. "To a man, they would tell you they were just doing their duty. They are as humble as they are brave."
Mullen said the contributions of the Medal of Honor recipients cannot be measured just in acts of heroism, but must include the futures that all enjoy because of their sacrifices.
An example was that of the most recent medal recipient, Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, who threw himself on a hand grenade in Iraq to save his fellow soldiers. The men that McGinnis died to save have their tomorrows because of his action, Mullen said.
"We are surrounded by people who have given more than they or we could imagine," he said. "They are not just names on a wall. Each has provided us with far more than inspiring profiles, more than just accounts of incredible courage. They have given us simple things, meaningful things, things too often taken for granted."
Mullen said the heritage that the men in the room, and soldiers like McGinnis represent will continue.
"In the decades to come there will likely be more, not just because the horrors of combat demand heroic action, but because we are and always will be surrounded by heroes: special individuals who, in their minds, will only be doing their duty and who will do the right things at the right time," he said.
"It's the soldier on patrol. The Marine on point. The airman overhead. The sailor on watch. The Coast Guardsman protecting our shores. And out there among them lies the spirit of sacrifice that goes above and beyond the call of duty," he said.
These individuals do not perform these deeds for glory, he said. Rather it's "because everyday courage and battlefield circumstance will collide," he said. "We can't teach this sacrifice, we can't predict it, but we can – and we must always – honor it."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 19, 2009 - America's most senior defense leaders honored 43 men who risked their lives with unmatched heroism in service to their country during a luncheon here today.
The men honored had all earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, and they will attend the presidential inauguration as honored guests tomorrow.
"More than 1,500 Medals of Honor were awarded in the Civil War," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the men. "In the century-and-a-half since, whenever the United States has been forced into action on the battlefield, wherever we have been forced to defend and re-consecrate our values with blood, our men and women in uniform have answered the call."
Since President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the award in 1861, there have been 3,448 recipients.
Americans have fought and bled from the killing fields of Antietam, to the trenches of France. Their valor has been seen from the beaches of Iwo Jima, to the hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, and the streets of Mogadishu. Today, Americans are fighting in a war on terrorism during which five Americans have received the Medal of Honor – all posthumously.
"Of the countless stories of bravery that ring through our country's history, yours are the greatest and most gallant," Gates said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the character of the men being honored.
"These heroes have some amazing stories," Mullen said. "To a man, they would tell you they were just doing their duty. They are as humble as they are brave."
Mullen said the contributions of the Medal of Honor recipients cannot be measured just in acts of heroism, but must include the futures that all enjoy because of their sacrifices.
An example was that of the most recent medal recipient, Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, who threw himself on a hand grenade in Iraq to save his fellow soldiers. The men that McGinnis died to save have their tomorrows because of his action, Mullen said.
"We are surrounded by people who have given more than they or we could imagine," he said. "They are not just names on a wall. Each has provided us with far more than inspiring profiles, more than just accounts of incredible courage. They have given us simple things, meaningful things, things too often taken for granted."
Mullen said the heritage that the men in the room, and soldiers like McGinnis represent will continue.
"In the decades to come there will likely be more, not just because the horrors of combat demand heroic action, but because we are and always will be surrounded by heroes: special individuals who, in their minds, will only be doing their duty and who will do the right things at the right time," he said.
"It's the soldier on patrol. The Marine on point. The airman overhead. The sailor on watch. The Coast Guardsman protecting our shores. And out there among them lies the spirit of sacrifice that goes above and beyond the call of duty," he said.
These individuals do not perform these deeds for glory, he said. Rather it's "because everyday courage and battlefield circumstance will collide," he said. "We can't teach this sacrifice, we can't predict it, but we can – and we must always – honor it."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Maryland National Guard Supports President-elect's 'Whistle-stop' Tour
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 18, 2009 - About 100 Maryland National Guard members provided support alongside the U.S. Secret Service in Baltimore yesterday during President-elect Barack Obama's "whistle-stop" train trip, Maryland Guard officials said. The Baltimore stop was Obama's last stop before reaching Washington, D.C. The president-elect took the train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., to retrace part of the route taken by Abraham Lincoln to his inauguration in 1861.
The Guardsmen were among the more than 40 federal, state and city agencies that helped ensure the president-elect's safety as his train pulled into Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station, officials said.
"This type of mission reflects just how adaptable the Maryland National Guard is, particularly where it involves support to civilian authorities right here at home," Army Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general for Maryland, said.
"Immediately following the November election, we began planning for what we anticipated would be a support role during the inauguration," Adkins continued. "The Guard has been involved in each and every presidential inauguration, and we're extremely proud to continue this rich tradition."
Jan. 18, 2009 - About 100 Maryland National Guard members provided support alongside the U.S. Secret Service in Baltimore yesterday during President-elect Barack Obama's "whistle-stop" train trip, Maryland Guard officials said. The Baltimore stop was Obama's last stop before reaching Washington, D.C. The president-elect took the train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., to retrace part of the route taken by Abraham Lincoln to his inauguration in 1861.
The Guardsmen were among the more than 40 federal, state and city agencies that helped ensure the president-elect's safety as his train pulled into Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station, officials said.
"This type of mission reflects just how adaptable the Maryland National Guard is, particularly where it involves support to civilian authorities right here at home," Army Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general for Maryland, said.
"Immediately following the November election, we began planning for what we anticipated would be a support role during the inauguration," Adkins continued. "The Guard has been involved in each and every presidential inauguration, and we're extremely proud to continue this rich tradition."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is pleased to announce the addition of these servicemembers to the website:
Lt. General Albert P. Clark, USAF (ret.)
Major General James Pocock, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Nick Halley, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Dorothy B. Pocklington, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, USA (ret.)
Colonel John F. Welch, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Carroll V. Glines, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Charles L. Crain, USA (ret.)
Colonel Eric H. Vieler, USA (ret.)
Colonel Edward Vaughan Coggins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Stanford E. Linzey, USN (ret.)
Captain Dale R. Herspring, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Calvin W. Vraa, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Roland Everett Langford, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ronald K. Culp, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James B. Pocock, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Herman L. Gilster, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ralph Peters, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Michael P. Elcano, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Charles T. O’Reilly, USA (ret.)
Commander Raymond B. Allen, USN (ret.)
Commander John C. Whitehead, USN (ret.)
Commander George Sigler, USN (ret.)
Lt. Commander James A. Brink, USN (ret.)
Major Lothar Maier, USAF (ret.)
Major Samuel D. Greco, USAF (ret.)
Major W.L George Collins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Malcom S. Macgruer, USMC (ret.)
Captain Edgar F. Puryear, USAF (ret.)
Captain Roger M. Baty, USA (ret.)
First Lieutenant Donald Springer Hawley, USA (ret.)
The Website now lists 802 servicemembers and their 2583 books.
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Lt. General Albert P. Clark, USAF (ret.)
Major General James Pocock, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Nick Halley, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Dorothy B. Pocklington, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, USA (ret.)
Colonel John F. Welch, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Carroll V. Glines, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Charles L. Crain, USA (ret.)
Colonel Eric H. Vieler, USA (ret.)
Colonel Edward Vaughan Coggins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Stanford E. Linzey, USN (ret.)
Captain Dale R. Herspring, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Calvin W. Vraa, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Roland Everett Langford, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ronald K. Culp, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James B. Pocock, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Herman L. Gilster, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ralph Peters, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Michael P. Elcano, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Charles T. O’Reilly, USA (ret.)
Commander Raymond B. Allen, USN (ret.)
Commander John C. Whitehead, USN (ret.)
Commander George Sigler, USN (ret.)
Lt. Commander James A. Brink, USN (ret.)
Major Lothar Maier, USAF (ret.)
Major Samuel D. Greco, USAF (ret.)
Major W.L George Collins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Malcom S. Macgruer, USMC (ret.)
Captain Edgar F. Puryear, USAF (ret.)
Captain Roger M. Baty, USA (ret.)
First Lieutenant Donald Springer Hawley, USA (ret.)
The Website now lists 802 servicemembers and their 2583 books.
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Friday, January 16, 2009
Hero of Hudson River Crash Landing Got Start in Air Force
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2009 - The pilot who crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River this afternoon, saving 155 lives on board, is an Air Force Academy graduate who received his pilot training in the Air Force. Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger steered US Airways Flight 1549 toward the river when both engines failed less than five minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. All 150 passengers and five crew members survived the incident. Sullenberger is an Air Force Academy graduate who served in the Air Force from 1973 to 1980, according to his resume posted on the homepage of his company, Safety Reliability Methods, Inc.
He was an U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II fighter pilot who served as a flight leader and training officer in Europe and the Pacific. He was also the Blue Force mission commander during Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
President George W. Bush and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg were among the first to publicly laud Sullenberger for quick thinking and heroism that averted a catastrophe.
Bloomberg noted during an early evening news conference that Sullenberger did not leave the aircraft as it floated in the river until he had confirmed that every passenger had been safely evacuated.
"It would appear the pilot did a masterful job of landing in the river and making sure everybody got out," Bloomberg said. "I had a long conversation with the pilot. He walked the plane twice and made sure that everybody was out."
Bush, in a statement released by the White House, said his adminstration is coordinating with state and local officials to respond to the incident as it monitors the situation.
"Laura and I are inspired by the skill and heroism of the flight crew as well as the dedication and selflessness of the emergency responders and volunteers who rescued passengers from the icy waters of the Hudson," he said. "We send our thoughts and prayers to all involved in the accident."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2009 - The pilot who crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River this afternoon, saving 155 lives on board, is an Air Force Academy graduate who received his pilot training in the Air Force. Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger steered US Airways Flight 1549 toward the river when both engines failed less than five minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. All 150 passengers and five crew members survived the incident. Sullenberger is an Air Force Academy graduate who served in the Air Force from 1973 to 1980, according to his resume posted on the homepage of his company, Safety Reliability Methods, Inc.
He was an U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II fighter pilot who served as a flight leader and training officer in Europe and the Pacific. He was also the Blue Force mission commander during Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
President George W. Bush and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg were among the first to publicly laud Sullenberger for quick thinking and heroism that averted a catastrophe.
Bloomberg noted during an early evening news conference that Sullenberger did not leave the aircraft as it floated in the river until he had confirmed that every passenger had been safely evacuated.
"It would appear the pilot did a masterful job of landing in the river and making sure everybody got out," Bloomberg said. "I had a long conversation with the pilot. He walked the plane twice and made sure that everybody was out."
Bush, in a statement released by the White House, said his adminstration is coordinating with state and local officials to respond to the incident as it monitors the situation.
"Laura and I are inspired by the skill and heroism of the flight crew as well as the dedication and selflessness of the emergency responders and volunteers who rescued passengers from the icy waters of the Hudson," he said. "We send our thoughts and prayers to all involved in the accident."
Teasury Targets Taiwanese Proliferators
The U.S. Department of Treasury today designated two Taiwanese individuals and two Taiwanese entities pursuant to Executive Order 13382, an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their supporters, and at isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems.
"Proliferators depend on access to the international financial and commercial systems to support their dangerous trade," said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "Our action today exposes a North Korean procurement channel, and we urge governments and companies worldwide to cut this channel off entirely."
Alex H.T. Tsai (Tsai) has been designated for providing, or attempting to provide, financial, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID), which was identified as a proliferator by President George W. Bush in the June 2005 Annex to Executive Order 13382.
Tsai has been supplying goods with weapons production capabilities to KOMID and its subordinates since the late 1990s, and he has been involved in shipping items to North Korea that could be used to support North Korea's advanced weapons program. On June 19, 2008, Tsai was indicted by Taiwan's Taipei District Prosecutors Office for forging shipping invoices and illegally shipping restricted materials to North Korea.
Global Interface Company Inc. has been designated for being owned or controlled by Tsai, who is a shareholder of the company and acts as its president. Tsai is also the general manager of Trans Merits Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Global Interface Company Inc. that has been designated for being owned or controlled by Global Interface Company Inc.
Alex H.T. Tsai's wife, Lu-chi Su, has also been designated pursuant to Executive Order 13382 for acting or purporting to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Trans Merits Co. Ltd. Lu-chi Su is an officer in Global Interface Company Inc. and Trans Merits Co. Ltd. and is directly involved in the companies' operations.
Designations under E.O. 13382 are implemented by Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and they prohibit all transactions between the designees and any U.S. person, and freeze any assets the designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
"Proliferators depend on access to the international financial and commercial systems to support their dangerous trade," said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "Our action today exposes a North Korean procurement channel, and we urge governments and companies worldwide to cut this channel off entirely."
Alex H.T. Tsai (Tsai) has been designated for providing, or attempting to provide, financial, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID), which was identified as a proliferator by President George W. Bush in the June 2005 Annex to Executive Order 13382.
Tsai has been supplying goods with weapons production capabilities to KOMID and its subordinates since the late 1990s, and he has been involved in shipping items to North Korea that could be used to support North Korea's advanced weapons program. On June 19, 2008, Tsai was indicted by Taiwan's Taipei District Prosecutors Office for forging shipping invoices and illegally shipping restricted materials to North Korea.
Global Interface Company Inc. has been designated for being owned or controlled by Tsai, who is a shareholder of the company and acts as its president. Tsai is also the general manager of Trans Merits Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Global Interface Company Inc. that has been designated for being owned or controlled by Global Interface Company Inc.
Alex H.T. Tsai's wife, Lu-chi Su, has also been designated pursuant to Executive Order 13382 for acting or purporting to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Trans Merits Co. Ltd. Lu-chi Su is an officer in Global Interface Company Inc. and Trans Merits Co. Ltd. and is directly involved in the companies' operations.
Designations under E.O. 13382 are implemented by Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and they prohibit all transactions between the designees and any U.S. person, and freeze any assets the designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
Decisions Loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program, Support Remains High
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President-elect Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said yesterday he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill.
Based on initial indications and inquiries from Obama's transition team, Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis said he's confident the F-35 program begun during the Clinton administration will continue, even if budget restraints force scale-backs. Davis made the comments here as keynote speaker at a Brookings Institution forum, "The Joint Strike Fighter and Beyond."
"Support throughout what appears to be three administrations has been relatively consistent," he said. "As of yet, we see no reason that that support is going to change. There is nobody on Capitol Hill who has said they want to cancel the Joint Strike Fighter."
That doesn't mean, he acknowledged, that the program to develop the next-generation strike aircraft weapon system for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and allied countries might not get scaled back.
Davis conceded he gets many questions about the F-35's cost -- expected to be $80 million to $90 million, depending on the variant -- and delivery schedule. And if fewer aircraft are built, each will cost even more.
"We lose two airplanes in our [fiscal 2009] appropriation, and every other one of the airplanes being bought in that year goes up $3 million," he said.
Another consideration, he said, is the cost of maintaining the aging legacy fleets the F-35 would replace if production is cut.
Earlier yesterday, William Lynn, Obama's deputy defense secretary nominee, told the Senate Armed Services Committee it would be "very difficult" for the Defense Department to keep all its weapons systems development programs on track in tight budget times.
Lynn said at his confirmation hearing he'll push for a speedy Quadrennial Defense Review to set priorities through fiscal 2015, and expects the tactical aviation force modernization issue to play heavily in those considerations.
In written responses submitted to the committee, Lynn recognized the capabilities of both the F-22 and F-35 aircraft -- particularly when considered together.
"The F-22 is the most advanced tactical fighter in the world and, when combined with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will provide the nation with the most capable mix of fifth-generation aircraft available for the foreseeable future," he said.
The F-22, to replace the legacy F-15 fleet, brings "tremendous capability" and is a critical element of the department's overall tactical aircraft force structure, Lynn said. The F-35, on the other hand, "will provide the foundation for the department's tactical air force structure."
The F-35 is the first aircraft to be developed within the Defense Department to meet the needs of three services, with three variants being developed simultaneously.
It will replace the legacy F-16 aircraft for the Air Force and the F/A-18 and AV-8 aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as numerous legacy aircraft for the international partners participating in the F-35 program, Lynn told the Senate committee.
So the big question, he said, is determining the appropriate mix between the two aircraft. "If confirmed, I would expect this to be a key issue for the early strategy and program-budget reviews that the department will conduct over the next few months," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has made no secret of his interest in reaching a decision and moving forward. During a June visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., he told airmen at Air Combat Command the new administration will have to determine the proper balance between the two aircraft.
"End the debate, make a decision and move on," Gates said. "'Start getting stuff built' is just so important.'"
Gates told the airmen he had allocated enough money to keep the F-22 production lines open so the next administration could make its decision. He did not know at the time that he would be part of that decision-making process.
Davis told the Brooking Institution audience yesterday, "support from all three services has never been stronger" for the F-35 program.
The Marine Corps, slated to receive the "B" variant that has a vertical-lift capability, has been "the most vocal, avid and fervent customer," Davis said. The Marine Corps leadership expects the F-35 to become "the most effective air platform they have ever had," he said. "Looking at their history of how they have used airplanes, that is quite a bold statement."
Similarly, the Navy, to receive the aircraft's "C" variant designed for carrier launches, "has never been more supportive of the program," Davis said. He noted that the Navy has been "fighting aggressively" to keep its aircraft carriers fully outfitted.
In addition, the Air Force recognizes the need for a complementary mix of aircraft to meet its mission requirements, he said. Its "A" variant of the F-35 will provide conventional take-off and landing capabilities.
Meanwhile, nine partner nations continue to support the program, with other countries considering signing on, too, Davis said. The F-35 program represents the first time in military procurement history that the United States has partnered with another nation to build an aircraft from the ground up.
"We believe that the coalition that was put in place when they signed up for this program is probably stronger than ever now," Davis said.
This partnership, he said, brings the concept of coalition integration to a whole new level. In addition to funding and developing the F-35 together, the partners plan to use a single system to sustain it -- sharing spares and repair capabilities to reduce costs.
"There is something very unique that Joint Strike Fighter offers that other programs I have seen do not," he said.
The big challenge for now, Davis said, is to take advantage of the latest manufacturing processes to get the production line moving ahead.
"Even the manufacturing lines for some of our newest fighters, the F-22, started in the late '80s and early '90s," he said. "We have progressed almost two decades in manufacturing technology, but we have never really tried it out on a full-scale program."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President-elect Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said yesterday he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill.
Based on initial indications and inquiries from Obama's transition team, Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis said he's confident the F-35 program begun during the Clinton administration will continue, even if budget restraints force scale-backs. Davis made the comments here as keynote speaker at a Brookings Institution forum, "The Joint Strike Fighter and Beyond."
"Support throughout what appears to be three administrations has been relatively consistent," he said. "As of yet, we see no reason that that support is going to change. There is nobody on Capitol Hill who has said they want to cancel the Joint Strike Fighter."
That doesn't mean, he acknowledged, that the program to develop the next-generation strike aircraft weapon system for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and allied countries might not get scaled back.
Davis conceded he gets many questions about the F-35's cost -- expected to be $80 million to $90 million, depending on the variant -- and delivery schedule. And if fewer aircraft are built, each will cost even more.
"We lose two airplanes in our [fiscal 2009] appropriation, and every other one of the airplanes being bought in that year goes up $3 million," he said.
Another consideration, he said, is the cost of maintaining the aging legacy fleets the F-35 would replace if production is cut.
Earlier yesterday, William Lynn, Obama's deputy defense secretary nominee, told the Senate Armed Services Committee it would be "very difficult" for the Defense Department to keep all its weapons systems development programs on track in tight budget times.
Lynn said at his confirmation hearing he'll push for a speedy Quadrennial Defense Review to set priorities through fiscal 2015, and expects the tactical aviation force modernization issue to play heavily in those considerations.
In written responses submitted to the committee, Lynn recognized the capabilities of both the F-22 and F-35 aircraft -- particularly when considered together.
"The F-22 is the most advanced tactical fighter in the world and, when combined with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will provide the nation with the most capable mix of fifth-generation aircraft available for the foreseeable future," he said.
The F-22, to replace the legacy F-15 fleet, brings "tremendous capability" and is a critical element of the department's overall tactical aircraft force structure, Lynn said. The F-35, on the other hand, "will provide the foundation for the department's tactical air force structure."
The F-35 is the first aircraft to be developed within the Defense Department to meet the needs of three services, with three variants being developed simultaneously.
It will replace the legacy F-16 aircraft for the Air Force and the F/A-18 and AV-8 aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as numerous legacy aircraft for the international partners participating in the F-35 program, Lynn told the Senate committee.
So the big question, he said, is determining the appropriate mix between the two aircraft. "If confirmed, I would expect this to be a key issue for the early strategy and program-budget reviews that the department will conduct over the next few months," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has made no secret of his interest in reaching a decision and moving forward. During a June visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., he told airmen at Air Combat Command the new administration will have to determine the proper balance between the two aircraft.
"End the debate, make a decision and move on," Gates said. "'Start getting stuff built' is just so important.'"
Gates told the airmen he had allocated enough money to keep the F-22 production lines open so the next administration could make its decision. He did not know at the time that he would be part of that decision-making process.
Davis told the Brooking Institution audience yesterday, "support from all three services has never been stronger" for the F-35 program.
The Marine Corps, slated to receive the "B" variant that has a vertical-lift capability, has been "the most vocal, avid and fervent customer," Davis said. The Marine Corps leadership expects the F-35 to become "the most effective air platform they have ever had," he said. "Looking at their history of how they have used airplanes, that is quite a bold statement."
Similarly, the Navy, to receive the aircraft's "C" variant designed for carrier launches, "has never been more supportive of the program," Davis said. He noted that the Navy has been "fighting aggressively" to keep its aircraft carriers fully outfitted.
In addition, the Air Force recognizes the need for a complementary mix of aircraft to meet its mission requirements, he said. Its "A" variant of the F-35 will provide conventional take-off and landing capabilities.
Meanwhile, nine partner nations continue to support the program, with other countries considering signing on, too, Davis said. The F-35 program represents the first time in military procurement history that the United States has partnered with another nation to build an aircraft from the ground up.
"We believe that the coalition that was put in place when they signed up for this program is probably stronger than ever now," Davis said.
This partnership, he said, brings the concept of coalition integration to a whole new level. In addition to funding and developing the F-35 together, the partners plan to use a single system to sustain it -- sharing spares and repair capabilities to reduce costs.
"There is something very unique that Joint Strike Fighter offers that other programs I have seen do not," he said.
The big challenge for now, Davis said, is to take advantage of the latest manufacturing processes to get the production line moving ahead.
"Even the manufacturing lines for some of our newest fighters, the F-22, started in the late '80s and early '90s," he said. "We have progressed almost two decades in manufacturing technology, but we have never really tried it out on a full-scale program."
General Counsel Nominee to Promote Collaboration
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - The nominee for the Defense Department's general counsel said in his confirmation hearing yesterday that he will foster collaborative relationships between himself and military lawyers at all levels to best advise the defense secretary. Jeh C. Johnson, whose legal career includes being a partner at a New York law firm, serving as the Air Force's general counsel under the Clinton administration and as the assistant U.S. attorney in the southern district of New York, is poised to become the chief legal officer for the department.
Johnson told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he looks forward to bringing his experience to the department and working with military lawyers to provide the best recommendations to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"My style of legal analysis, decision-making, putting together recommendations for the secretary is collaboration," he said. "I want all points of view. I'd want to hear from the two-star, now three-star judge advocate, as well as the major who works the issue who understands it better than anybody."
Johnson said he considers himself a "traditionalist" when it comes to the mission of the military, and he believes the military needs the ability to detain enemy combatants captured on the battlefield. However, when it comes to the detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the cases against them, he said he expects to be part of an interagency review that reconsiders how those cases are handled.
While he admitted he needs to learn more about the subject, Johnson said he tends to agree with President-elect Barack Obama that the Guantanamo detainees should be tried in U.S. civilian courts as opposed to military commissions.
"But I think that ... we need to also be mindful of the future, not just the 250 or so detainees at Guantanamo," he said. "We are certainly going to have detainees in the future. So we need do build a system that has credibility and survives legal scrutiny for the future as well as the people that are currently there."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - The nominee for the Defense Department's general counsel said in his confirmation hearing yesterday that he will foster collaborative relationships between himself and military lawyers at all levels to best advise the defense secretary. Jeh C. Johnson, whose legal career includes being a partner at a New York law firm, serving as the Air Force's general counsel under the Clinton administration and as the assistant U.S. attorney in the southern district of New York, is poised to become the chief legal officer for the department.
Johnson told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he looks forward to bringing his experience to the department and working with military lawyers to provide the best recommendations to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"My style of legal analysis, decision-making, putting together recommendations for the secretary is collaboration," he said. "I want all points of view. I'd want to hear from the two-star, now three-star judge advocate, as well as the major who works the issue who understands it better than anybody."
Johnson said he considers himself a "traditionalist" when it comes to the mission of the military, and he believes the military needs the ability to detain enemy combatants captured on the battlefield. However, when it comes to the detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the cases against them, he said he expects to be part of an interagency review that reconsiders how those cases are handled.
While he admitted he needs to learn more about the subject, Johnson said he tends to agree with President-elect Barack Obama that the Guantanamo detainees should be tried in U.S. civilian courts as opposed to military commissions.
"But I think that ... we need to also be mindful of the future, not just the 250 or so detainees at Guantanamo," he said. "We are certainly going to have detainees in the future. So we need do build a system that has credibility and survives legal scrutiny for the future as well as the people that are currently there."
Mullen Credits Bush, Obama for 'Smooth' Transition
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - The transition from the Bush administration to that of President-elect Barack Obama has been remarkably smooth, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. In an interview today, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen credited the tone that President George W. Bush and Obama set for the ease, so far, of the transition.
Officials attribute the smooth transition, in part, to Obama asking Robert M. Gates to remain as defense secretary. The president-elect also moved quickly in announcing his choices for the national security team on Dec. 1.
Obama reached out to Mullen soon after the election. As chairman, Mullen is the principal military advisor to the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council.
"President-elect Obama called me and asked me to come out to Chicago shortly after the election," the chairman said. "That was a one-on-one and it was significant that he reached out."
Mullen called the first meeting with Obama on Nov. 21 a chance to get acquainted.
"I've also met with him on two or three other occasions and his national security team to look at the issues of the day and to discuss what those issues might be and where the new administration might be headed," the chairman said.
The conversations helped create deeper understanding of the issues confronting the department and nation, the chairman said.
"I'm encouraged by the engagement, I'm encouraged by the focus from that standpoint, and I've found those meetings to be very, very beneficial," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - The transition from the Bush administration to that of President-elect Barack Obama has been remarkably smooth, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. In an interview today, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen credited the tone that President George W. Bush and Obama set for the ease, so far, of the transition.
Officials attribute the smooth transition, in part, to Obama asking Robert M. Gates to remain as defense secretary. The president-elect also moved quickly in announcing his choices for the national security team on Dec. 1.
Obama reached out to Mullen soon after the election. As chairman, Mullen is the principal military advisor to the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council.
"President-elect Obama called me and asked me to come out to Chicago shortly after the election," the chairman said. "That was a one-on-one and it was significant that he reached out."
Mullen called the first meeting with Obama on Nov. 21 a chance to get acquainted.
"I've also met with him on two or three other occasions and his national security team to look at the issues of the day and to discuss what those issues might be and where the new administration might be headed," the chairman said.
The conversations helped create deeper understanding of the issues confronting the department and nation, the chairman said.
"I'm encouraged by the engagement, I'm encouraged by the focus from that standpoint, and I've found those meetings to be very, very beneficial," he said.
More Than 10,000 National Guard Members to Support Inauguration
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - More than 10,000 National Guard members will support President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20, the Guard's largest contribution to an inauguration in its 372-year history. "The National Guard will help to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees," Manny Pacheco, spokesman for the National Guard Bureau, said. "National Guard members are a force multiplier to a variety of federal and state agencies and military task forces."
National Guard members from several states and the District of Columbia are working for Joint Task Force District of Columbia. "The number of National Guard members that will be used is larger than we've ever had in history," said Army Brig. Gen. Barbaranette Bolden, task force commander.
Citizen-soldiers and –airmen are providing communications, transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support – as well as playing music and marching in the inaugural parade.
"Those National Guard personnel will help quite a bit," Cathy Lanier, the District of Columbia's police chief, said last week. "[They] help us ... keep law enforcement focused on law enforcement."
The Guard's support to civilian authorities works well because relationships already are well-established through previous events and shared training exercises. "They know that we will be there and that we will perform professionally, no matter what the situation," Bolden said.
Members of the 257th Army National Guard Band are among 250 troops on duty from the District of Columbia. The band is providing ceremonial and inaugural ball support. "We're so proud of them," Bolden said. "This has never happened before, our Army National Guard Band participating in an inauguration."
More than 2,000 National Guard members from Maryland and Virginia are working in support of their states' lead law enforcement and transportation agencies to assist with traffic flow into and out of the District of Columbia.
The Iowa National Guard is supporting an inauguration for the first time, sending about 1,000 soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
More than 200 members of the New York National Guard are helping with communications and traffic control.
In addition to about 400 soldiers and airmen, the West Virginia National Guard is providing specialized homeland defense and security units, airplanes and helicopters, and mobile satellite communications equipment in support of federal and local agencies to help manage the large crowds expected at the event.
Tennessee's contribution includes airmen from the 228th Combat Communications Squadron and the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and soldiers from the 117th Military Police Battalion.
The National Guard Bureau participates in Armed Forces Inaugural Committee efforts while coordinating the support provided by the National Guard with federal and state civil authorities. A joint operations center is being staffed around the clock through the inauguration.
The National Guard has a long history of supporting presidential inaugurations. Local militia units marched with George Washington as he proceeded to his first inauguration in New York on April 30, 1789, according to Guard historians.
"The National Guard is proud to continue this tradition of supporting and defending both the president of the United States, our constitutional form of government, and our American way of life," Pacheco said.
Guard members are proud of their role helping ensure a safe and secure environment for the event, Bolden said. "Every soldier and airman that comes here will be sharing this historic event with their families for many years to come," Bolden said.
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - More than 10,000 National Guard members will support President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20, the Guard's largest contribution to an inauguration in its 372-year history. "The National Guard will help to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees," Manny Pacheco, spokesman for the National Guard Bureau, said. "National Guard members are a force multiplier to a variety of federal and state agencies and military task forces."
National Guard members from several states and the District of Columbia are working for Joint Task Force District of Columbia. "The number of National Guard members that will be used is larger than we've ever had in history," said Army Brig. Gen. Barbaranette Bolden, task force commander.
Citizen-soldiers and –airmen are providing communications, transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support – as well as playing music and marching in the inaugural parade.
"Those National Guard personnel will help quite a bit," Cathy Lanier, the District of Columbia's police chief, said last week. "[They] help us ... keep law enforcement focused on law enforcement."
The Guard's support to civilian authorities works well because relationships already are well-established through previous events and shared training exercises. "They know that we will be there and that we will perform professionally, no matter what the situation," Bolden said.
Members of the 257th Army National Guard Band are among 250 troops on duty from the District of Columbia. The band is providing ceremonial and inaugural ball support. "We're so proud of them," Bolden said. "This has never happened before, our Army National Guard Band participating in an inauguration."
More than 2,000 National Guard members from Maryland and Virginia are working in support of their states' lead law enforcement and transportation agencies to assist with traffic flow into and out of the District of Columbia.
The Iowa National Guard is supporting an inauguration for the first time, sending about 1,000 soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
More than 200 members of the New York National Guard are helping with communications and traffic control.
In addition to about 400 soldiers and airmen, the West Virginia National Guard is providing specialized homeland defense and security units, airplanes and helicopters, and mobile satellite communications equipment in support of federal and local agencies to help manage the large crowds expected at the event.
Tennessee's contribution includes airmen from the 228th Combat Communications Squadron and the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and soldiers from the 117th Military Police Battalion.
The National Guard Bureau participates in Armed Forces Inaugural Committee efforts while coordinating the support provided by the National Guard with federal and state civil authorities. A joint operations center is being staffed around the clock through the inauguration.
The National Guard has a long history of supporting presidential inaugurations. Local militia units marched with George Washington as he proceeded to his first inauguration in New York on April 30, 1789, according to Guard historians.
"The National Guard is proud to continue this tradition of supporting and defending both the president of the United States, our constitutional form of government, and our American way of life," Pacheco said.
Guard members are proud of their role helping ensure a safe and secure environment for the event, Bolden said. "Every soldier and airman that comes here will be sharing this historic event with their families for many years to come," Bolden said.
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS January 16, 2008
NAVY
Integrits Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $38,695,701 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee contract to provide contractor support services for Combined Test Bed (CTB) development, operation and maintenance. This contract will support the efforts of the Tactical Systems Integration and Interoperability Division of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific). Work will include technical support of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, the Multifunctional Information Distribution System, RF equipment, radios, networks, and AEGIS systems and equipment. This contract also provides technical support of equipment or software for U.S. military Tactical Data Link communications. This five-year contract includes no options. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Jan. 19, 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as an 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business Set-Aside, via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities web site and posting to the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central web site, with two offers received. SSC Pacific is the contracting activity (N66001-09-D-0072).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $ 18,769,117 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5402) for the production of four Mk 49 MOD 3 Guided Missile Launcher Systems (GMLS) and associated equipment for the LPD 25 and CVN 78 platforms as well as 10 Mod 1 to Mod 3 GMLS Ordalt Kits. Work will be performed in Ottobrunn, Germany (50 percent), Louisville, Ky. (45 percent) and Tucson, Ariz. (5 percent) and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea System Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Sensors, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $9,876,491 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract (N00019-06-C-0300) to exercise an option for the maintenance, upgrade and development of Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System software for the U.S. Navy. Work will be performed in Valley Forge, Pa., and is expected to be completed in Jan. 2010. 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.
Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $6,948,832 firm-fixed-priced contract for the purchase of eight Category III MRAP Buffalo Vehicles, On-Board Consumables Kits, and associated Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRL's), in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and delivery of the vehicles is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, 2009 with sustainment support continuing thru January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-C-5000).
BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H.; ITT Corp., Clifton, N.J.; Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y.; and Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., are each being awarded firm fixed price contracts for research support in developing innovative concept solutions at the system level that address the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) requirements. The award for BAE Systems is $5,909,517; for ITT Corp. it is $5,748,082; for Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. it is $5,996,787; and for Raytheon Co. it is $5,538,028. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H.; Clifton, N.J.; Bethpage, N.Y.; and Goleta, Calif., and work is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited under an electronic Broad Agency Announcement and four offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0013; N00019-09-C-0082; N00019-09-C-0084; and N00019-09-C-0085, respectively).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a time and materials, firm fixed Price and Cost Reimbursable contract to Raytheon Technical Services Corp., of Vista, Calif., for $22,953,781. This contract provide for repair of various components for the AN/TPN-19 and GPN-22 Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBF, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8102-06-D-0001-P00017).
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Florida Turbine Technologies of Jupiter, Fla., for a maximum of $10,000,000. This contact will provide for Phase II of the Versatile Affordable Advance Turbine Engines program Launch Operations Support program. At this time, $50,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKPB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-D-2932).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract to United Technologies Research Center of East Hartford, Connecticut for $5,679,970. This contract will provide fuel system life for Endothermic-Fuel-Cooled Scramjet Engines. At this time $450,381 has been obligated. AFRL/PKPA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-2901).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Petrol Ofisi, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey is being awarded a minimum $11,220,908 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aviation fuel deliveries. Other locations of performance are within Iraq. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is February 28, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-1002).
Sage Energy Trading, LLC, Tulsa, Okla.* is being awarded a maximum $6,697,916 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas delivery. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are federal civilian agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7501).
ARMY
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Oakbrook, Ill., was awarded on Jan. 15, 2009, an $11,149,750 firm fixed price contract for maintenance dredging for the Wilmington Inner Harbor, Smith Island Channel through Baldhead Shoal. Work will be performed in Brunswick County, N.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight bids were solicited on Oct. 31, 2008, and two bids were received. Savannah Regional Contracting Center, Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-C-0006).
Integrits Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $38,695,701 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee contract to provide contractor support services for Combined Test Bed (CTB) development, operation and maintenance. This contract will support the efforts of the Tactical Systems Integration and Interoperability Division of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific). Work will include technical support of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, the Multifunctional Information Distribution System, RF equipment, radios, networks, and AEGIS systems and equipment. This contract also provides technical support of equipment or software for U.S. military Tactical Data Link communications. This five-year contract includes no options. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Jan. 19, 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as an 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business Set-Aside, via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities web site and posting to the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central web site, with two offers received. SSC Pacific is the contracting activity (N66001-09-D-0072).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $ 18,769,117 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5402) for the production of four Mk 49 MOD 3 Guided Missile Launcher Systems (GMLS) and associated equipment for the LPD 25 and CVN 78 platforms as well as 10 Mod 1 to Mod 3 GMLS Ordalt Kits. Work will be performed in Ottobrunn, Germany (50 percent), Louisville, Ky. (45 percent) and Tucson, Ariz. (5 percent) and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea System Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Sensors, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $9,876,491 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract (N00019-06-C-0300) to exercise an option for the maintenance, upgrade and development of Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System software for the U.S. Navy. Work will be performed in Valley Forge, Pa., and is expected to be completed in Jan. 2010. 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.
Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $6,948,832 firm-fixed-priced contract for the purchase of eight Category III MRAP Buffalo Vehicles, On-Board Consumables Kits, and associated Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRL's), in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and delivery of the vehicles is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, 2009 with sustainment support continuing thru January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-C-5000).
BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H.; ITT Corp., Clifton, N.J.; Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y.; and Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., are each being awarded firm fixed price contracts for research support in developing innovative concept solutions at the system level that address the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) requirements. The award for BAE Systems is $5,909,517; for ITT Corp. it is $5,748,082; for Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. it is $5,996,787; and for Raytheon Co. it is $5,538,028. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H.; Clifton, N.J.; Bethpage, N.Y.; and Goleta, Calif., and work is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited under an electronic Broad Agency Announcement and four offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0013; N00019-09-C-0082; N00019-09-C-0084; and N00019-09-C-0085, respectively).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a time and materials, firm fixed Price and Cost Reimbursable contract to Raytheon Technical Services Corp., of Vista, Calif., for $22,953,781. This contract provide for repair of various components for the AN/TPN-19 and GPN-22 Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBF, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8102-06-D-0001-P00017).
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Florida Turbine Technologies of Jupiter, Fla., for a maximum of $10,000,000. This contact will provide for Phase II of the Versatile Affordable Advance Turbine Engines program Launch Operations Support program. At this time, $50,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKPB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-D-2932).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract to United Technologies Research Center of East Hartford, Connecticut for $5,679,970. This contract will provide fuel system life for Endothermic-Fuel-Cooled Scramjet Engines. At this time $450,381 has been obligated. AFRL/PKPA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-2901).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Petrol Ofisi, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey is being awarded a minimum $11,220,908 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aviation fuel deliveries. Other locations of performance are within Iraq. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is February 28, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-1002).
Sage Energy Trading, LLC, Tulsa, Okla.* is being awarded a maximum $6,697,916 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas delivery. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are federal civilian agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7501).
ARMY
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Oakbrook, Ill., was awarded on Jan. 15, 2009, an $11,149,750 firm fixed price contract for maintenance dredging for the Wilmington Inner Harbor, Smith Island Channel through Baldhead Shoal. Work will be performed in Brunswick County, N.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight bids were solicited on Oct. 31, 2008, and two bids were received. Savannah Regional Contracting Center, Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-C-0006).
Marine Band to Provide Inaugural Pomp and Circumstance
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - Not only is it fitting that the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band play "Hail to the Chief" during the Jan. 20 inauguration ceremonies, it's tradition. "The U.S. Marine Band was created by an act of Congress signed by President John Adams on July 11, 1798," Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. D. Michael Ressler, the band's historian and 34-year member, said.
The law called for 32 drummers and fifers to be part of the Marine Corps. "The President's Own" -- dubbed such by President Thomas Jefferson -- now includes about 130 members, five officers, a drum major and 22 full-time professional support staff.
Besides the U.S. Marine Band, "The President's Own" also encompasses the Marine Chamber Orchestra and the Marine Chamber Ensembles. They perform regularly at the White House and conduct more than 500 public performances across the nation each year.
But the road to such prestige is a long one.
"The band moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800 when the Capitol moved there, and we performed our first concert in Washington on Aug. 21, 1800," Ressler said. "We were involved in events celebrating Thomas Jefferson's inaugural in 1801, the first inaugural held in Washington, D.C., and have been a part of every inaugural since then."
For the upcoming inauguration, however, everything old is new again.
As in the past, the band will play two traditional inauguration pieces honoring the first and third presidents, "Washington's Grand March" and "Jefferson's March," respectively, as well as "Hail to the Chief."
Paying homage to the history being made that day, an additional song will be performed that made its debut in 1861.
"This year, the band will perform a march written in 1861 by former Marine Band Director Francis Scala titled, 'President Lincoln's Inaugural March,'" Ressler said. "The Marine Band premiered this march at President Lincoln's first inaugural in 1861.
"I believe that this will be only the second time that this music has been performed at an inaugural ceremony," he added.
Ressler said inauguration days are always long and challenging, but the band cheerfully accepts the responsibility and sees it as an honor and a privilege.
"There is no better demonstration of our mission than our participation in inaugural events," he said. "Our inaugural history dates back to 1801, and we look forward to renewing this tradition every four years."
Marine Capt. Michelle A. Rakers, one of the band's two assistant directors, knows all too well the challenges and the pride of participating in an inauguration with "The President's Own." This will be her third inauguration since joining the band in 1998.
"It is a tremendous honor to be involved in such a groundbreaking historic event for our nation this year," she said. "As professional musicians, we will always have a certain amount of nerves involved in any performance ... because we always want to do our best."
Since practice makes perfect and helps calm nerves, practices have been frequent at the Marine Barracks Annex in Washington where the band is headquartered.
Because of the significance of the inaugural parade, and the fact that the band's marching unit for the parade is so much larger than usual, the band has been doing more "field drills," or marching rehearsals, Rakers said.
"This is to ensure that we are all comfortable with our respective roles on [Inauguration] Day," she added. "We also have a special rehearsal planned for the prelude music that takes place before the ceremony."
The band's role begins before Inauguration Day, however. The Marine Chamber Orchestra will perform at the opening ceremony on Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial.
After playing before, during and after the ceremony, and leading the second division of the parade, the band will change into clean uniforms and play at two inaugural balls that night.
"It remains to be seen what the turnout may be for this year's inauguration," Rakers said. "But it seems as though the city is preparing for something that will remain in our memories for sometime as ... an event of far-reaching historical significance."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - Not only is it fitting that the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band play "Hail to the Chief" during the Jan. 20 inauguration ceremonies, it's tradition. "The U.S. Marine Band was created by an act of Congress signed by President John Adams on July 11, 1798," Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. D. Michael Ressler, the band's historian and 34-year member, said.
The law called for 32 drummers and fifers to be part of the Marine Corps. "The President's Own" -- dubbed such by President Thomas Jefferson -- now includes about 130 members, five officers, a drum major and 22 full-time professional support staff.
Besides the U.S. Marine Band, "The President's Own" also encompasses the Marine Chamber Orchestra and the Marine Chamber Ensembles. They perform regularly at the White House and conduct more than 500 public performances across the nation each year.
But the road to such prestige is a long one.
"The band moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800 when the Capitol moved there, and we performed our first concert in Washington on Aug. 21, 1800," Ressler said. "We were involved in events celebrating Thomas Jefferson's inaugural in 1801, the first inaugural held in Washington, D.C., and have been a part of every inaugural since then."
For the upcoming inauguration, however, everything old is new again.
As in the past, the band will play two traditional inauguration pieces honoring the first and third presidents, "Washington's Grand March" and "Jefferson's March," respectively, as well as "Hail to the Chief."
Paying homage to the history being made that day, an additional song will be performed that made its debut in 1861.
"This year, the band will perform a march written in 1861 by former Marine Band Director Francis Scala titled, 'President Lincoln's Inaugural March,'" Ressler said. "The Marine Band premiered this march at President Lincoln's first inaugural in 1861.
"I believe that this will be only the second time that this music has been performed at an inaugural ceremony," he added.
Ressler said inauguration days are always long and challenging, but the band cheerfully accepts the responsibility and sees it as an honor and a privilege.
"There is no better demonstration of our mission than our participation in inaugural events," he said. "Our inaugural history dates back to 1801, and we look forward to renewing this tradition every four years."
Marine Capt. Michelle A. Rakers, one of the band's two assistant directors, knows all too well the challenges and the pride of participating in an inauguration with "The President's Own." This will be her third inauguration since joining the band in 1998.
"It is a tremendous honor to be involved in such a groundbreaking historic event for our nation this year," she said. "As professional musicians, we will always have a certain amount of nerves involved in any performance ... because we always want to do our best."
Since practice makes perfect and helps calm nerves, practices have been frequent at the Marine Barracks Annex in Washington where the band is headquartered.
Because of the significance of the inaugural parade, and the fact that the band's marching unit for the parade is so much larger than usual, the band has been doing more "field drills," or marching rehearsals, Rakers said.
"This is to ensure that we are all comfortable with our respective roles on [Inauguration] Day," she added. "We also have a special rehearsal planned for the prelude music that takes place before the ceremony."
The band's role begins before Inauguration Day, however. The Marine Chamber Orchestra will perform at the opening ceremony on Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial.
After playing before, during and after the ceremony, and leading the second division of the parade, the band will change into clean uniforms and play at two inaugural balls that night.
"It remains to be seen what the turnout may be for this year's inauguration," Rakers said. "But it seems as though the city is preparing for something that will remain in our memories for sometime as ... an event of far-reaching historical significance."
Lynn Vows to Reform Processes if Confirmed as Deputy Secretary
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - The nominee to be deputy defense secretary promised the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday that he will do his utmost to improve processes in the "sometimes vast and unwieldy bureaucracy" of the Defense Department. The committee held hearings for four nominees to serve in the Defense Department as part of the administration of President-elect Barack Obama. They are Lynn; Robert Hale as undersecretary of defense for financial management; Michele Flournoy as undersecretary for policy; and Jeh Charles Johnson as the department's general counsel.
Lynn, who served as the department's comptroller in the Clinton administration, said he sees the deputy job as having co-equal responsibilities.
"On one hand, I'll work alongside the secretary to advance our national security strategy," he said. "On the other hand, as the chief management officer, I will have primary responsibility for ensuring the smooth functioning of a vast and sometimes unwieldy bureaucracy."
If confirmed, Lynn initially would focus on three challenges. The first is a smooth civilian transition, he said.
"I would work with the secretary and the Congress to assemble a top-quality cadre of civilian leaders," he said. "As part of that effort, I would also place a high priority on strengthening the capabilities of the career staff who are essential to address the many near-term challenges as well as the longer-term tasks of the department."
Lynn said he also would like to conduct at least three sets of major program and budget reviews in the next few months. These include a review of the 2009 supplemental appropriation, revisions to the draft fiscal 2010 budget and its timely submission to Congress, and the expeditious completion of the Quadrennial Defense Review.
Part of this will be to establish the right balance among capabilities for addressing "irregular and counter-insurgency warfare, potential longer-term threats from a high-end or a near-term competitor and the proliferation of threats from rogue states or terrorist organizations," Lynn said.
Another challenge, he said, is to reform Defense Department processes.
"If confirmed, I would devote considerable time and energy to improving the department's processes for strategic planning, program and budget development and acquisition oversight," he said. "At a time when we face a wide range of national security challenges and unprecedented budget pressures, acquisition reform is not an option; it is an imperative."
Lynn vowed to ensure that every tax dollar to the department is used wisely and effectively, adding that good processes would be key.
"The key to getting a handle on program costs is to ensure that we are able to establish the requirements up front and adhere to those requirements," he said.
An important part of reforming the system is to rebuild the acquisition workforce, Lynn said.
"We've had an increase in the program costs and not a corresponding increase in the acquisition workforce," he said. "There's also a bubble of retirement. Many of the current workforce is eligible for retirement. They're going to need to be replaced with expert personnel."
Workforce development is going to be an important part of improving and developing the future cadres of the defense acquisition workforce, he said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - The nominee to be deputy defense secretary promised the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday that he will do his utmost to improve processes in the "sometimes vast and unwieldy bureaucracy" of the Defense Department. The committee held hearings for four nominees to serve in the Defense Department as part of the administration of President-elect Barack Obama. They are Lynn; Robert Hale as undersecretary of defense for financial management; Michele Flournoy as undersecretary for policy; and Jeh Charles Johnson as the department's general counsel.
Lynn, who served as the department's comptroller in the Clinton administration, said he sees the deputy job as having co-equal responsibilities.
"On one hand, I'll work alongside the secretary to advance our national security strategy," he said. "On the other hand, as the chief management officer, I will have primary responsibility for ensuring the smooth functioning of a vast and sometimes unwieldy bureaucracy."
If confirmed, Lynn initially would focus on three challenges. The first is a smooth civilian transition, he said.
"I would work with the secretary and the Congress to assemble a top-quality cadre of civilian leaders," he said. "As part of that effort, I would also place a high priority on strengthening the capabilities of the career staff who are essential to address the many near-term challenges as well as the longer-term tasks of the department."
Lynn said he also would like to conduct at least three sets of major program and budget reviews in the next few months. These include a review of the 2009 supplemental appropriation, revisions to the draft fiscal 2010 budget and its timely submission to Congress, and the expeditious completion of the Quadrennial Defense Review.
Part of this will be to establish the right balance among capabilities for addressing "irregular and counter-insurgency warfare, potential longer-term threats from a high-end or a near-term competitor and the proliferation of threats from rogue states or terrorist organizations," Lynn said.
Another challenge, he said, is to reform Defense Department processes.
"If confirmed, I would devote considerable time and energy to improving the department's processes for strategic planning, program and budget development and acquisition oversight," he said. "At a time when we face a wide range of national security challenges and unprecedented budget pressures, acquisition reform is not an option; it is an imperative."
Lynn vowed to ensure that every tax dollar to the department is used wisely and effectively, adding that good processes would be key.
"The key to getting a handle on program costs is to ensure that we are able to establish the requirements up front and adhere to those requirements," he said.
An important part of reforming the system is to rebuild the acquisition workforce, Lynn said.
"We've had an increase in the program costs and not a corresponding increase in the acquisition workforce," he said. "There's also a bubble of retirement. Many of the current workforce is eligible for retirement. They're going to need to be replaced with expert personnel."
Workforce development is going to be an important part of improving and developing the future cadres of the defense acquisition workforce, he said.
Comptroller Nominee Pledges to Make Budget Reviews First Priority
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be the Defense Department's chief financial officer said his first priority, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, will be to review the department's fiscal 2009 supplemental budget request and the fiscal 2010 budget request. Robert Hale, who served as the Air Force comptroller in the Clinton administration, said his top priority will be to help the department obtain the necessary resources to meet the country's national security objectives. Hale was among four nominees to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday.
"At a time when we have tens of thousands of Americans serving overseas and in harm's way, we all need to work together to be sure they have the resources that they need," Hale said.
Part of finding those resources will be ensuring the department does not waste taxpayer money. His job has the authority and responsibility for overseeing defense financial management and financial operations.
"We need to make continued improvements in how we pay our people and how we pay our vendors," he said. "We need to improve financial systems and improve the way we account for funds in the department."
Hale said this is crucial to continued progress toward auditable financial statements.
"The department also needs better financial information in order to spend the dollars that are appropriated to it efficiently and effectively," he said. "I think wise spending of defense dollars is always important, but it's especially important right now as the nation weathers this really serious economic crisis."
Hale, who served in the Navy on active duty and in reserves, said personnel is another priority.
"The department must have a capable and well-trained work force in order to accomplish defense financial management," he said. "We can have the best systems in the world. We can have the best accounting practices. If we don't have the people out there that are well-trained and in adequate numbers, it's not going to work."
If confirmed, he said, he plans to support the military departments and the agencies as they recruit, train and retain the right defense financial management work force.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2009 - President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be the Defense Department's chief financial officer said his first priority, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, will be to review the department's fiscal 2009 supplemental budget request and the fiscal 2010 budget request. Robert Hale, who served as the Air Force comptroller in the Clinton administration, said his top priority will be to help the department obtain the necessary resources to meet the country's national security objectives. Hale was among four nominees to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday.
"At a time when we have tens of thousands of Americans serving overseas and in harm's way, we all need to work together to be sure they have the resources that they need," Hale said.
Part of finding those resources will be ensuring the department does not waste taxpayer money. His job has the authority and responsibility for overseeing defense financial management and financial operations.
"We need to make continued improvements in how we pay our people and how we pay our vendors," he said. "We need to improve financial systems and improve the way we account for funds in the department."
Hale said this is crucial to continued progress toward auditable financial statements.
"The department also needs better financial information in order to spend the dollars that are appropriated to it efficiently and effectively," he said. "I think wise spending of defense dollars is always important, but it's especially important right now as the nation weathers this really serious economic crisis."
Hale, who served in the Navy on active duty and in reserves, said personnel is another priority.
"The department must have a capable and well-trained work force in order to accomplish defense financial management," he said. "We can have the best systems in the world. We can have the best accounting practices. If we don't have the people out there that are well-trained and in adequate numbers, it's not going to work."
If confirmed, he said, he plans to support the military departments and the agencies as they recruit, train and retain the right defense financial management work force.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
President Praises Troops, Cites Accomplishments in Farewell Speech
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2009 - President George W. Bush singled out military members for their selfless service and cited his administration's accomplishments over the past eight years during his farewell address to the nation. America owes a debt of gratitude to all its citizens who volunteer to defend the nation in this time of danger, Bush said tonight from the White House.
"I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families," he said. "And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your commander in chief."
Bush delivered the country's best wishes to his successor President-elect Barack Obama and his family, calling the inauguration of the first African-American president a chance for the world to see the vitality of American democracy.
"This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation," the president said.
Bush remarked on the central event of his presidency -- the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed 3,000 Americans.
"I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock," he said. "I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93.
"I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost," he said. "And I still carry his badge."
For most Americans, life was able to return to normal, but his never did, the president said. "Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation," he said. "And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe."
Bush spoke of the accomplishments that grew out of 9/11 including the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, the transformation of the military and improved cooperation among intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
"Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances and break up their plots," he said. "And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them."
Soon after the 9/11 attacks, coalition forces went into Afghanistan to eliminate the safe havens from which al-Qaida terrorists planned, trained for and financed the attacks.
"Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al-Qaida and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school," Bush said.
U.S. forces also participated in providing freedom to millions of Iraqis who lived under a brutal dictatorship. The country was once a sworn enemy of America, but is now "an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States," the president said.
Bush admitted that there is legitimate debate about many of his decisions. "But there can be little debate about the results," he said.
"America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil," he continued. "This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe -- law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States armed forces."
The president said the battles in Iraq and Afghanistan are part of a larger ideological conflict between two radically differing visions of the future.
"Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience and marks unbelievers for murder," he said. "The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace."
Advancing the belief in freedom and justice is the only way for America to defend itself, Bush said. "When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror," he said. "When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism."
He may have done some things differently, Bush said. "Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind," he said. "I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
The president said terrorism remains the greatest threat to the United States.
"Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again," he said. "America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard."
America must continue to engage with the nations of the world and reject isolationism and protectionism, he said. Retreating would only invite danger.
"In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad," he said. "If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led."
America must maintain its moral clarity in the future. "I have often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable," he said. "But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right.
"This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace," the president said.
Even in tough times, Bush remains optimistic because he has faith in Americans.
He spoke of Marine Staff Sgt. Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines, and of Dr. Bill Krissoff, a surgeon from California.
"His son Nathan, a Marine, gave his life in Iraq," Bush said. "When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son."
Krissoff was 60 years old - 18 years above the age limit -- but his petition for a waiver was granted. "For the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine," the president said. Now a lieutenant commander, he soon will deploy to Iraq where he will help save America's wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.
"In citizens like these, we see the best of our country -- resilient and hopeful, caring and strong," the president said. "These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2009 - President George W. Bush singled out military members for their selfless service and cited his administration's accomplishments over the past eight years during his farewell address to the nation. America owes a debt of gratitude to all its citizens who volunteer to defend the nation in this time of danger, Bush said tonight from the White House.
"I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families," he said. "And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your commander in chief."
Bush delivered the country's best wishes to his successor President-elect Barack Obama and his family, calling the inauguration of the first African-American president a chance for the world to see the vitality of American democracy.
"This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation," the president said.
Bush remarked on the central event of his presidency -- the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed 3,000 Americans.
"I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock," he said. "I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93.
"I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost," he said. "And I still carry his badge."
For most Americans, life was able to return to normal, but his never did, the president said. "Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation," he said. "And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe."
Bush spoke of the accomplishments that grew out of 9/11 including the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, the transformation of the military and improved cooperation among intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
"Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances and break up their plots," he said. "And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them."
Soon after the 9/11 attacks, coalition forces went into Afghanistan to eliminate the safe havens from which al-Qaida terrorists planned, trained for and financed the attacks.
"Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al-Qaida and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school," Bush said.
U.S. forces also participated in providing freedom to millions of Iraqis who lived under a brutal dictatorship. The country was once a sworn enemy of America, but is now "an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States," the president said.
Bush admitted that there is legitimate debate about many of his decisions. "But there can be little debate about the results," he said.
"America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil," he continued. "This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe -- law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States armed forces."
The president said the battles in Iraq and Afghanistan are part of a larger ideological conflict between two radically differing visions of the future.
"Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience and marks unbelievers for murder," he said. "The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace."
Advancing the belief in freedom and justice is the only way for America to defend itself, Bush said. "When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror," he said. "When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism."
He may have done some things differently, Bush said. "Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind," he said. "I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
The president said terrorism remains the greatest threat to the United States.
"Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again," he said. "America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard."
America must continue to engage with the nations of the world and reject isolationism and protectionism, he said. Retreating would only invite danger.
"In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad," he said. "If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led."
America must maintain its moral clarity in the future. "I have often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable," he said. "But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right.
"This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace," the president said.
Even in tough times, Bush remains optimistic because he has faith in Americans.
He spoke of Marine Staff Sgt. Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines, and of Dr. Bill Krissoff, a surgeon from California.
"His son Nathan, a Marine, gave his life in Iraq," Bush said. "When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son."
Krissoff was 60 years old - 18 years above the age limit -- but his petition for a waiver was granted. "For the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine," the president said. Now a lieutenant commander, he soon will deploy to Iraq where he will help save America's wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.
"In citizens like these, we see the best of our country -- resilient and hopeful, caring and strong," the president said. "These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail."
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