By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - Two ship seizures in the Indian Ocean in recent days appear to indicate that pirates have broadened their focus beyond the heavily patrolled Gulf of Aden. Pirates hijacked two chemical tankers: the Bahamian-flagged, Norwegian-owned vessel Bowasir on March 25 and the Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned Nipayia yesterday, a Navy spokesman confirmed.
Bowasir and its 23-member crew were operating more than 380 nautical miles southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. Nipayia and its 19 merchant mariners were pirated 490 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, the official said.
The seizures were the farthest yet from the Gulf of Aden, where the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet and the international community stepped up patrols after piracy soared last year.
"This appears to be a new round of attacks well off the east coast of Somalia vs. in the Gulf of Aden where we had seen the majority of attacks last year and in 2009 to date," the official said.
The latest hijackings expand the pirates' operating area, creating what the official called "a monumental challenge" to those working to prevent piracy.
"To put the challenge into geographic perspective, the area involved off the coast of Somalia and Kenya as well as the Gulf of Aden equals more than 1.1 million square miles," he said. "That is roughly four times the size of the U.S. state of Texas, or the size of the Mediterranean and Red Seas combined."
To better confront the problem, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, who commands U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, stood up a multinational, anti-piracy effort known as Combined Task Force 151 on Jan. 1.
Task force members have national mandates to conduct counter-piracy operations and work together "to support our goal of deterring, disrupting and eventually bringing to justice the maritime criminals involved in piracy events," Gortney explained as the task force became fully operational in mid-January.
CTF 151 operates primarily in and around the Gulf of Aden, but also in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
At any given time, 12 to 16 warships from the task force as well as non-coalition nations are operating in the region. "The international presence there is significant," the Navy official said. "We are working with everybody who is there."
But the vast size of the region would require 61 ships just to control the internationally designated shipping lanes, he said. "And that's a small portion of the area we are talking about."
Despite the geographic challenges, the task force's efforts are showing signs of success.
Pirates seized 42 ships last year, but 80 of the 122 piracy "events" were unsuccessful, the official reported. So far in 2009, 48 "events" have occurred, with 11 hijackings and 37 unsuccessful attempts.
Meanwhile, more commercial shipping crews are applying lessons learned so they can foil pirates' attempts.
Just this week, the vessel Preventor evaded an attack more than 450 nautical miles southeast of Dar el Salam, Tanzania. The ship's crew conducted evasive maneuvering and used charged fire hoses to repel the pirates, the official said.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Face of Defense: Shooter Aims for 2012 Paralympics
By Caroline GotlerSpecial to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - An infantryman for most of his Army career, Army Staff Sgt. Josh Olson never dreamed he would someday become an internationally ranked shooter with the Army's World Class Athlete Program. But everything changed for Olson after losing his right leg in an attack during a deployment to Iraq in 2003.
"I was going to get out of the military," Olson said. "I was an infantryman, and I knew I couldn't do that anymore, so I just wanted to get out. Then this opportunity came up and it gave me a renewed sense of duty and honor."
That opportunity was a call from U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit recruiters to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where Olson was undergoing physical therapy. Olson had been participating in a program that provides hunting, fishing and outdoor sports events to recovering soldiers. When medical center officials asked if any soldiers were interested in an AMU recruiting trip here, Olson jumped at the chance.
"When I found out I could do this, I was like, 'Yeah, absolutely, let's do it!'" he said. "You can't be in the fight, but you have the opportunity to help soldiers who are going to fight. So I'm still contributing, just in a different way."
Since joining the AMU international rifle shooting team in 2005, Olson has risen rapidly through the world of shooting. He competed in the 2006 International Paralympics Committee World Championships and the 2007 Oceanic Games, and earned a spot as an alternate on the 2008 Paralympics team. Today, he's aiming for a spot on the U.S. shooting team at the 2012 Paralympics in London.
"As far as he's come in such a short period of time is amazing," Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, Olson's AMU teammate, said. "He came to us with no international shooting experience and in three years' time, he was an alternate. We expect him to be up on the medal podium in another three years."
To qualify for the Paralympics, Olson will need to shoot at least three qualifying scores in international matches over the next four years. He expects to have shot at least two by the end of this year.
Olson's dedication and positive attitude have set an example for the entire unit, Parker said.
"He's always had a positive attitude," Parker said. "That's one of the great things about him. You look at him and sometimes you can see that he's not feeling great, but he's out there putting out 100 percent. He's a great motivator. He's contributed to our mission in every possible way."
Olson said that knowing his AMU teammates are counting on him helps keep him motivated during tough times.
"On days I don't want to get up and come to training and I'm kind of feeling sorry for myself, I think, 'Hey look, there are people counting on you, so you need to get out there and work your butt off,'" he said.
He credits his injury with allowing him to serve and represent his country in new ways.
"Without me getting injured, I would have never gotten the opportunity to come here and shoot," he said. "Being wounded might have closed some doors, but it opened others in other places. And this is one of the places it opened up -- for me to be able to compete, shoot and train troops and still be contributing to the war effort.
"Being a disabled veteran, to go out and wear U.S.A. on your jacket and to hear them announce you -- 'Now shooting for the U.S., Josh Olson' -- that's a pretty big deal. I can't represent the U.S. as a deployed soldier, but now I represent them on a whole new battlefield -- the athletic field."
(Caroline Gotler works at the Fort Benning public affairs office.)
Colorado Employers Eager to Hire, Support Army Reservists
By Army Reserve 1st Lt. Olivia Cobiskey
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signed on to the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative at a March 20 ceremony here that also drew 11 private-sector employers. The governor is the first to commit all state agencies to working with the Army Reserve to fill critical shortages, officials said.
"It is my pleasure to add Colorado to the list of employers who will proactively seek to hire and retain Army Reserve soldiers when they return home," Ritter said. "This partnership with the Army Reserve expands the opportunities for the men and women who have made great sacrifices on our behalf. It is one more step towards attempting to repay the debt we owe our brave troops and veterans."
In the end, 11 Denver employers and the state of Colorado agreed to work collaboratively with the Army Reserve to enhance job opportunities for America's soldiers and veterans. The Denver-area employers that signed on include Adecco, BC Services, City of Denver, Cicsco, Front Range Airport, Loomis, NorthGlenn Dodge, Pennica Financial Group, Pepsi Bottling Group and Western Freightways.
The alliances launched under the initiative will help to strengthen the community, support Army Reserve soldiers and their families, and maintain a strong economy, Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, said.
The excitement over the program's success, especially at the height of an economic recession, was clear on the faces of Army Reserve Sgt. Gregory S. Ruske and others who attended the event.
"It just demonstrates how much the public supports the military," said Ruske, who serves with the 96th Regional Readiness Command and received the Silver Star, the Army's second-highest award, for valor while deployed in Afghanistan. "You can't help but smile each time a business signs the agreement. Here we are in a struggling economy, and they're willing to put their support in writing and hire Army Reserve soldiers."
Ruske, a juvenile corrections officer at the Mount View Youth Service Center in Denver, said he has found the tools offered by the EPI invaluable.
"I want to find something in law enforcement, security," said Ruske, 29, the fourth Army Reserve soldier to earn the Silver Star for heroic service since Sept. 11, 2001. "I think it's more suited to my personality, and I like to be more active, not confined to a cubicle."
It's also more suited to the skills he learned while an infantry soldier and complements the bachelor's degree in sociology he earned from Colorado State University.
Employers at the ceremony in Denver seemed to agree as Ruske collected a stack of business cards. But that's not the only help he has received from the initiative. Carl Blum from Tip of the Arrow Foundation has been helping Ruske with his resume and networking.
"There are tools out there to help you in your job search, but EPI is like a power tool -- most of the grunt work is done for you, and you can concentrate on the details," Ruske said.
"It's not like the old days where you had to know someone, or play golf, to get a job," Ruske said. "EPI has created this symbiotic relationship that benefits both the Army Reserve and the employers."
Since its inception in April 2008, nearly 300 public and private employers have joined the initiative, including Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, industry associations, state agencies and local police departments.
"I'm pleased to officially begin an enduring, strategic partnership with so many of Denver's leading employers and the state of Colorado," Army Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, deputy chief of the Army Reserve, said during the ceremony. "I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partners to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce."
(Army 1st Lt. Olivia Cobiskey serves with the Army Reserve.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signed on to the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative at a March 20 ceremony here that also drew 11 private-sector employers. The governor is the first to commit all state agencies to working with the Army Reserve to fill critical shortages, officials said.
"It is my pleasure to add Colorado to the list of employers who will proactively seek to hire and retain Army Reserve soldiers when they return home," Ritter said. "This partnership with the Army Reserve expands the opportunities for the men and women who have made great sacrifices on our behalf. It is one more step towards attempting to repay the debt we owe our brave troops and veterans."
In the end, 11 Denver employers and the state of Colorado agreed to work collaboratively with the Army Reserve to enhance job opportunities for America's soldiers and veterans. The Denver-area employers that signed on include Adecco, BC Services, City of Denver, Cicsco, Front Range Airport, Loomis, NorthGlenn Dodge, Pennica Financial Group, Pepsi Bottling Group and Western Freightways.
The alliances launched under the initiative will help to strengthen the community, support Army Reserve soldiers and their families, and maintain a strong economy, Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, said.
The excitement over the program's success, especially at the height of an economic recession, was clear on the faces of Army Reserve Sgt. Gregory S. Ruske and others who attended the event.
"It just demonstrates how much the public supports the military," said Ruske, who serves with the 96th Regional Readiness Command and received the Silver Star, the Army's second-highest award, for valor while deployed in Afghanistan. "You can't help but smile each time a business signs the agreement. Here we are in a struggling economy, and they're willing to put their support in writing and hire Army Reserve soldiers."
Ruske, a juvenile corrections officer at the Mount View Youth Service Center in Denver, said he has found the tools offered by the EPI invaluable.
"I want to find something in law enforcement, security," said Ruske, 29, the fourth Army Reserve soldier to earn the Silver Star for heroic service since Sept. 11, 2001. "I think it's more suited to my personality, and I like to be more active, not confined to a cubicle."
It's also more suited to the skills he learned while an infantry soldier and complements the bachelor's degree in sociology he earned from Colorado State University.
Employers at the ceremony in Denver seemed to agree as Ruske collected a stack of business cards. But that's not the only help he has received from the initiative. Carl Blum from Tip of the Arrow Foundation has been helping Ruske with his resume and networking.
"There are tools out there to help you in your job search, but EPI is like a power tool -- most of the grunt work is done for you, and you can concentrate on the details," Ruske said.
"It's not like the old days where you had to know someone, or play golf, to get a job," Ruske said. "EPI has created this symbiotic relationship that benefits both the Army Reserve and the employers."
Since its inception in April 2008, nearly 300 public and private employers have joined the initiative, including Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, industry associations, state agencies and local police departments.
"I'm pleased to officially begin an enduring, strategic partnership with so many of Denver's leading employers and the state of Colorado," Army Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, deputy chief of the Army Reserve, said during the ceremony. "I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partners to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce."
(Army 1st Lt. Olivia Cobiskey serves with the Army Reserve.)
Marines to Test New Expeditionary Vehicle in 2010
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - The Marine Corps' first expeditionary fighting vehicles –- 17-passenger armored vehicles -- are slated to be delivered to the Marine Corps for testing in May 2010, the vehicle's program manager said. The Marine Corps' EFV program successfully released a critical design review in the first quarter of this fiscal year, allowing it to go into a second system development and demonstration phase.
"We're currently building seven new prototypes to that new design. Those vehicles are currently going through fabrication and machining the hulls at Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio. They'll begin assembly this summer," Marine Corps Col. Keith Moore said in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable March 25.
"The Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity will run the vehicle through 10 to 12 mission-profile scenarios to assess the overall performance, as well as the reliability of the vehicle," Moore added.
An analysis of the system reliability was conducted in December 2008 and it projected a 61 hours mean time between operational mission failures, which is significantly above what the requirements were to continue the program forward, Moore explained.
The reliability testing conducted in December involved an overall reassessing of the total ground vehicle structure for the Marine Corps and a critical design review for the redesigned vehicle.
"We'll go back through a reliability growth program of testing those, identifying additional failure modes, and redesigning components to get them up to the required reliability," Moore said.
A result of limited testing and redesign, the failure of the initial SDD phase prototypes to demonstrate acceptable reliability during the 2006 operational assessment was a significant concern driving the 2007 certification and restructure of the program, officials said. This restructure allowed a second SDD-2 phase to be conducted with an updated series of newly manufactured prototypes.
Moore added that the EFV is a critical element of the national security capability.
"There is no other alternative to providing that capability for less or equal cost," Moore said.
During prototype testing in May next year, the Marine Corps will determine if the vehicle meets their expectations.
"We just need the time to get to when we had planned this next demonstration of capability, and then we can revisit, 'Did it meet the expectations?' If it doesn't meet the expectations, is it because of something that's fixable, or is it because this is just too hard to do?" Moore said.
In response to a question about the need for an amphibious capability, Moore said that from 1982 to 2006, the Marine Corps had been involved in 102 amphibious operations.
"This capability is oftentimes more effective, and serves a larger strategic and operational purpose in the employment of it, but you have to have the credible threat of being able to do it," Moore said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - The Marine Corps' first expeditionary fighting vehicles –- 17-passenger armored vehicles -- are slated to be delivered to the Marine Corps for testing in May 2010, the vehicle's program manager said. The Marine Corps' EFV program successfully released a critical design review in the first quarter of this fiscal year, allowing it to go into a second system development and demonstration phase.
"We're currently building seven new prototypes to that new design. Those vehicles are currently going through fabrication and machining the hulls at Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio. They'll begin assembly this summer," Marine Corps Col. Keith Moore said in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable March 25.
"The Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity will run the vehicle through 10 to 12 mission-profile scenarios to assess the overall performance, as well as the reliability of the vehicle," Moore added.
An analysis of the system reliability was conducted in December 2008 and it projected a 61 hours mean time between operational mission failures, which is significantly above what the requirements were to continue the program forward, Moore explained.
The reliability testing conducted in December involved an overall reassessing of the total ground vehicle structure for the Marine Corps and a critical design review for the redesigned vehicle.
"We'll go back through a reliability growth program of testing those, identifying additional failure modes, and redesigning components to get them up to the required reliability," Moore said.
A result of limited testing and redesign, the failure of the initial SDD phase prototypes to demonstrate acceptable reliability during the 2006 operational assessment was a significant concern driving the 2007 certification and restructure of the program, officials said. This restructure allowed a second SDD-2 phase to be conducted with an updated series of newly manufactured prototypes.
Moore added that the EFV is a critical element of the national security capability.
"There is no other alternative to providing that capability for less or equal cost," Moore said.
During prototype testing in May next year, the Marine Corps will determine if the vehicle meets their expectations.
"We just need the time to get to when we had planned this next demonstration of capability, and then we can revisit, 'Did it meet the expectations?' If it doesn't meet the expectations, is it because of something that's fixable, or is it because this is just too hard to do?" Moore said.
In response to a question about the need for an amphibious capability, Moore said that from 1982 to 2006, the Marine Corps had been involved in 102 amphibious operations.
"This capability is oftentimes more effective, and serves a larger strategic and operational purpose in the employment of it, but you have to have the credible threat of being able to do it," Moore said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media directorate.)
Veterans Affairs Honors Military Women of Past, Present
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were honored for their morale-boosting efforts during World War II in a ceremony at the Department of Veterans Affairs here yesterday. Alyce Dixon and Mary Ragland, two former members of the battalion, were on hand to accept the accolades and to set the record straight.
"What a monumental challenge [you'd] taken on. That's the kind of can-do spirit that is the hallmark of the American soldier," said John Gingrich, Veterans Affairs' chief of staff. "You cleared out two years [worth] -- 7 million pieces -- of backlogged mail in just three months."
"It was 90,000 pieces of mail," Dixon quipped from the front row, correcting the number of letters she and the other members of her unit cleared through a temporary post office in Birmingham, England.
Working three shifts, seven days a week, the women of the first all-woman, all African-American battalion, cleared the backlog in just three months before they were moved to France to start the same task all over again. They were given six months to complete the job. Again, they did it in three months.
"The women of the 6888 made tremendous sacrifices and endured many injustices," Lucretia McClenney, director of the Center for Minority Veterans, said. "However, they not only prevailed, but they succeeded in their mission, and they created a positive impact on racial integration in the military.
"Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and especially the women veterans, are honored to salute you, the women veterans of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, and say thanks for answering our nation's call to serve," she said.
The battalion included 832 enlisted members and 31 officers. It was commanded by Army Maj. Charity Adams Earley who, by the end of the war, was the highest-ranking African-American woman in the military.
The ceremony also included the presentation of a painting honoring women veterans to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Though Gingrich said it captures the "heart and spirit of the woman veteran," its creator, Nancy E. Rhodes, is, ironically, a civilian.
The artwork, titled "Women in the Military," holds the distinction of being the nation's first large-scale painting solely dedicated to all women in the military, past, present and future, to be permanently installed in a federal building.
The painting serves to honor the sacrifices generations of women have made for their country.
"Before I started this important work, and especially because I wasn't a veteran, I felt it was essential to interview many veterans, both active and retired," Rhodes said. "After listening to the accounts of veterans spanning World War II up until the Gulf War, I realized that while many women had positive experiences in the military, there were far too many others who were not treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.
"Even sadder, many of these women, especially some of our older veterans, didn't think that they deserved recognition either," she added. "It was astonishing to me that these veterans didn't even know that they could apply for veterans benefits. They didn't consider themselves to be real veterans like the men, even after enlisting and giving up four years of their lives to serve."
Rhodes, born in Philadelphia, has earned degrees from both the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York and Temple University in her hometown. She and her family are currently living in East Lansing, Mich., where she is on the faculty at Lansing Community College.
Congress passed a resolution declaring March Women's History Month in 1981 as an outgrowth of the celebration of Women's History Week, which included International Woman's Day.
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2009 - The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were honored for their morale-boosting efforts during World War II in a ceremony at the Department of Veterans Affairs here yesterday. Alyce Dixon and Mary Ragland, two former members of the battalion, were on hand to accept the accolades and to set the record straight.
"What a monumental challenge [you'd] taken on. That's the kind of can-do spirit that is the hallmark of the American soldier," said John Gingrich, Veterans Affairs' chief of staff. "You cleared out two years [worth] -- 7 million pieces -- of backlogged mail in just three months."
"It was 90,000 pieces of mail," Dixon quipped from the front row, correcting the number of letters she and the other members of her unit cleared through a temporary post office in Birmingham, England.
Working three shifts, seven days a week, the women of the first all-woman, all African-American battalion, cleared the backlog in just three months before they were moved to France to start the same task all over again. They were given six months to complete the job. Again, they did it in three months.
"The women of the 6888 made tremendous sacrifices and endured many injustices," Lucretia McClenney, director of the Center for Minority Veterans, said. "However, they not only prevailed, but they succeeded in their mission, and they created a positive impact on racial integration in the military.
"Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and especially the women veterans, are honored to salute you, the women veterans of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, and say thanks for answering our nation's call to serve," she said.
The battalion included 832 enlisted members and 31 officers. It was commanded by Army Maj. Charity Adams Earley who, by the end of the war, was the highest-ranking African-American woman in the military.
The ceremony also included the presentation of a painting honoring women veterans to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Though Gingrich said it captures the "heart and spirit of the woman veteran," its creator, Nancy E. Rhodes, is, ironically, a civilian.
The artwork, titled "Women in the Military," holds the distinction of being the nation's first large-scale painting solely dedicated to all women in the military, past, present and future, to be permanently installed in a federal building.
The painting serves to honor the sacrifices generations of women have made for their country.
"Before I started this important work, and especially because I wasn't a veteran, I felt it was essential to interview many veterans, both active and retired," Rhodes said. "After listening to the accounts of veterans spanning World War II up until the Gulf War, I realized that while many women had positive experiences in the military, there were far too many others who were not treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.
"Even sadder, many of these women, especially some of our older veterans, didn't think that they deserved recognition either," she added. "It was astonishing to me that these veterans didn't even know that they could apply for veterans benefits. They didn't consider themselves to be real veterans like the men, even after enlisting and giving up four years of their lives to serve."
Rhodes, born in Philadelphia, has earned degrees from both the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York and Temple University in her hometown. She and her family are currently living in East Lansing, Mich., where she is on the faculty at Lansing Community College.
Congress passed a resolution declaring March Women's History Month in 1981 as an outgrowth of the celebration of Women's History Week, which included International Woman's Day.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Obama Pledges More Support for Returning Combat Veterans
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama promised during an online town hall meeting today to ensure returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the benefits and support they deserve. "When our veterans come home from Iraq and Afghanistan -- and they have performed brilliantly; they have done everything that's been asked of them, regardless of what your views are on these wars -- they have earned these benefits that, all too often, we fail to give them," the president told a questioner during a session otherwise dominated by economic issues.
Obama said his Department of Veterans Affairs budget proposal -- with the biggest funding increase in 30 years – will help provide more services to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.
It also will help clear up the backlog that Obama said too many veterans experience before they receive the benefits to which they're entitled.
The president called the high homeless rate for veterans -- multiple times that of nonveterans --"inexcusable." "We're going to make sure that homeless veterans are receiving housing and services," he said.
But Obama emphasized that "government alone can't do it" in supporting the country's veterans.
"All of us, individually, are going to have roles," he said. "That's going to be critical." For example, business owners can't discriminate against veterans when they hire. Communities, neighborhoods and churches need to reach out to veterans, and to celebrate when they return home.
"I think we've done a much better job during these wars than we did during Vietnam, where in many cases our treatment of veterans was inexcusable," Obama said. "But we can always do more. Government is going to ... do its role, and then we've got to make sure that our communities do their role as well."
Obama reflected on his visit to Arlington National Cemetery yesterday, where he met with about 35 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients during a Medal of Honor Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
"And it just reminds you that we wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the sacrifices of earlier veterans," he said. "We would not enjoy the same safety and security and liberty that we do."
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama promised during an online town hall meeting today to ensure returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the benefits and support they deserve. "When our veterans come home from Iraq and Afghanistan -- and they have performed brilliantly; they have done everything that's been asked of them, regardless of what your views are on these wars -- they have earned these benefits that, all too often, we fail to give them," the president told a questioner during a session otherwise dominated by economic issues.
Obama said his Department of Veterans Affairs budget proposal -- with the biggest funding increase in 30 years – will help provide more services to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.
It also will help clear up the backlog that Obama said too many veterans experience before they receive the benefits to which they're entitled.
The president called the high homeless rate for veterans -- multiple times that of nonveterans --"inexcusable." "We're going to make sure that homeless veterans are receiving housing and services," he said.
But Obama emphasized that "government alone can't do it" in supporting the country's veterans.
"All of us, individually, are going to have roles," he said. "That's going to be critical." For example, business owners can't discriminate against veterans when they hire. Communities, neighborhoods and churches need to reach out to veterans, and to celebrate when they return home.
"I think we've done a much better job during these wars than we did during Vietnam, where in many cases our treatment of veterans was inexcusable," Obama said. "But we can always do more. Government is going to ... do its role, and then we've got to make sure that our communities do their role as well."
Obama reflected on his visit to Arlington National Cemetery yesterday, where he met with about 35 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients during a Medal of Honor Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
"And it just reminds you that we wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the sacrifices of earlier veterans," he said. "We would not enjoy the same safety and security and liberty that we do."
USO Metro Salutes Exceptional Troops, Volunteers
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - The United Services Organizations honored members of the U.S. military and those who support them during an event held here last night that recognized selfless service and volunteerism . The United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington, or USO-Metro for short, held its 27th annual awards dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The organization assists some 300,000 local troops and families.
"I love this event," Academy Award-winning actress Renee Zellweger said. "It is so special to have been invited here tonight to dine in honor of our military and in celebrating the work that the USO of Metropolitan Washington does."
Zellweger gave tribute to wounded warriors and their families, sharing her experiences of visits she's made to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., over the last year. She recognized four wounded warriors currently recovering from injuries and shared their stories with an audience of more than 300 military members and supporters.
"I've met a lot of true heroes through the USO," she said. "The hardest road the soldiers walk is the one he or she faces after the battle is over. It's inspiring, but it's extraordinarily moving. I have to say, it's tremendously humbling."
Army Sgt. Jason Shepperly, a combat medic and one of the wounded warriors introduced by Zellweger, had the opportunity to present the evening's top honor. The USO-Metro Merit Award was presented to comedian-politician Al Franken for his seven overseas tours to visit deployed troops and numerous volunteer hours he's given to wounded warriors at local military hospitals.
Shepperly was wounded in Mosul, Iraq, last year and is recovering from leg injuries at Walter Reed, where he first met Franken and Zellweger as well as other celebrities and entertainers, he said.
"[Wounded warriors] all have stories about how the USO has boosted our spirits from meeting entertainers to check out football or baseball games," Shepperly said. "In my experience, it's not just the injury that gets to you, it's also the boredom of being stuck in a hospital bed day after day. The USO gives us something to look forward to."
Shepperly recalled Franken's most recent visit to Walter Reed, describing the bond Shepperly and other wounded troops had with him, calling Franken "just one of the guys."
"I remember sitting in the hospital room cracking jokes and getting a laugh with one of the funniest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting," Shepperly said. "We could tell that he cared, and we had fun.
"I'm truly honored to present the man who has entertained the troops in the field and in the hospital, a man who has given up holidays with his family, spent time in heavy body armor stomping through the sand just to be there for the soldiers," he continued.
Franken thanked Shepperly and the USO-Metro "for making entertaining and my experience with the USO the most rewarding thing I've ever done."
Franken recalled his first experience visiting wounded troops, telling the audience of how nervous he was. Thoughts of "how am I going to cheer up a guy who is in danger of losing his leg or has traumatic brain injury or is an amputee." raced through his mind, he said.
His anxiety soon went away, he added, as he realized the resilience and positive attitudes the troops carried with them.
"What you learn, of course, is that they cheer you up, and that you leave with more than what you came with," he said.
Among Franken and Zellweger, the list of celebrity USO supporters attending last night were book author and professional wrestler Mick Foley, actress and model Leann Tweeden, Miss American 2009 Katie Stam and several National Football League former players. Also, 34 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients were in attendance and were honored with a performance by singing trio, The American Belles.
Other award recipients were:
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class (retired) Carlo De Porto received the Col. John Gioia Patriot Award for more than 32 years of military service, spanning from World War II to the Vietnam War. He's spent more than 50 years and logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours with the USO. At 86, he still volunteers every Thursday at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport USO.
-- The NFL Alumni Association was awarded the Legacy of Hope Award for the countless volunteer hours former NFL players have dedicated to visiting wounded and deployed servicemembers all over the world. The NFL Alumni Association remains actively involved with USO-Metro fundraisers and programs.
-- Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Barrows received a USO-Metro Special Salute for deploying a Coast Guard cutter to the Arabian Gulf in Iraqi water in April 2003, which was the first combat deployment by the U.S. Coast Guard since the Vietnam War. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his Service.
-- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Luis E. Fronseca, Jr. received a USO-Metro Special Salute for rescuing injured Marines from a burning amphibious assault vehicle in April 2003 Baghdad. Fronseca's vehicle, where he was treating casualties, was eventually hit with enemy fire. He organized a litter team to hand-carry the casualties to safety. All of his casualties survived. He received the Navy Cross for his actions.
-- Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph Perez received a USO-Metro Special Salute for leading a charge to destroy an Iraqi position April 2003 in Baghdad. In an engagement later in the day, he sustained gunshot wounds to his torso and shoulders, but continued to direct his squad to overrun another Iraqi position. He received the Navy Cross for his actions.
-- Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Waiters received a USO-Metro Special Salute for rescuing fellow soldiers from a flame-engulfed Bradley Fighting Vehicle in the midst of enemy fire in Diyala province, Iraq, in April 2007. He shot his way through more than 100 meters of enemy fire, killing two insurgents and eventually pulling the soldiers out of the vehicle and to safety. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.
-- Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner received a USO-Metro Special Salute for successfully calling in air strikes after his team of Army Special Forces soldiers and Afghan troops were ambushed by more 200 enemy fighters April 2008 in Afghanistan. He suffered bullet wounds to his leg but still managed to alternate between returning fire and calling in air support for more than 6 hours. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - The United Services Organizations honored members of the U.S. military and those who support them during an event held here last night that recognized selfless service and volunteerism . The United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington, or USO-Metro for short, held its 27th annual awards dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The organization assists some 300,000 local troops and families.
"I love this event," Academy Award-winning actress Renee Zellweger said. "It is so special to have been invited here tonight to dine in honor of our military and in celebrating the work that the USO of Metropolitan Washington does."
Zellweger gave tribute to wounded warriors and their families, sharing her experiences of visits she's made to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., over the last year. She recognized four wounded warriors currently recovering from injuries and shared their stories with an audience of more than 300 military members and supporters.
"I've met a lot of true heroes through the USO," she said. "The hardest road the soldiers walk is the one he or she faces after the battle is over. It's inspiring, but it's extraordinarily moving. I have to say, it's tremendously humbling."
Army Sgt. Jason Shepperly, a combat medic and one of the wounded warriors introduced by Zellweger, had the opportunity to present the evening's top honor. The USO-Metro Merit Award was presented to comedian-politician Al Franken for his seven overseas tours to visit deployed troops and numerous volunteer hours he's given to wounded warriors at local military hospitals.
Shepperly was wounded in Mosul, Iraq, last year and is recovering from leg injuries at Walter Reed, where he first met Franken and Zellweger as well as other celebrities and entertainers, he said.
"[Wounded warriors] all have stories about how the USO has boosted our spirits from meeting entertainers to check out football or baseball games," Shepperly said. "In my experience, it's not just the injury that gets to you, it's also the boredom of being stuck in a hospital bed day after day. The USO gives us something to look forward to."
Shepperly recalled Franken's most recent visit to Walter Reed, describing the bond Shepperly and other wounded troops had with him, calling Franken "just one of the guys."
"I remember sitting in the hospital room cracking jokes and getting a laugh with one of the funniest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting," Shepperly said. "We could tell that he cared, and we had fun.
"I'm truly honored to present the man who has entertained the troops in the field and in the hospital, a man who has given up holidays with his family, spent time in heavy body armor stomping through the sand just to be there for the soldiers," he continued.
Franken thanked Shepperly and the USO-Metro "for making entertaining and my experience with the USO the most rewarding thing I've ever done."
Franken recalled his first experience visiting wounded troops, telling the audience of how nervous he was. Thoughts of "how am I going to cheer up a guy who is in danger of losing his leg or has traumatic brain injury or is an amputee." raced through his mind, he said.
His anxiety soon went away, he added, as he realized the resilience and positive attitudes the troops carried with them.
"What you learn, of course, is that they cheer you up, and that you leave with more than what you came with," he said.
Among Franken and Zellweger, the list of celebrity USO supporters attending last night were book author and professional wrestler Mick Foley, actress and model Leann Tweeden, Miss American 2009 Katie Stam and several National Football League former players. Also, 34 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients were in attendance and were honored with a performance by singing trio, The American Belles.
Other award recipients were:
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class (retired) Carlo De Porto received the Col. John Gioia Patriot Award for more than 32 years of military service, spanning from World War II to the Vietnam War. He's spent more than 50 years and logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours with the USO. At 86, he still volunteers every Thursday at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport USO.
-- The NFL Alumni Association was awarded the Legacy of Hope Award for the countless volunteer hours former NFL players have dedicated to visiting wounded and deployed servicemembers all over the world. The NFL Alumni Association remains actively involved with USO-Metro fundraisers and programs.
-- Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Barrows received a USO-Metro Special Salute for deploying a Coast Guard cutter to the Arabian Gulf in Iraqi water in April 2003, which was the first combat deployment by the U.S. Coast Guard since the Vietnam War. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his Service.
-- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Luis E. Fronseca, Jr. received a USO-Metro Special Salute for rescuing injured Marines from a burning amphibious assault vehicle in April 2003 Baghdad. Fronseca's vehicle, where he was treating casualties, was eventually hit with enemy fire. He organized a litter team to hand-carry the casualties to safety. All of his casualties survived. He received the Navy Cross for his actions.
-- Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph Perez received a USO-Metro Special Salute for leading a charge to destroy an Iraqi position April 2003 in Baghdad. In an engagement later in the day, he sustained gunshot wounds to his torso and shoulders, but continued to direct his squad to overrun another Iraqi position. He received the Navy Cross for his actions.
-- Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Waiters received a USO-Metro Special Salute for rescuing fellow soldiers from a flame-engulfed Bradley Fighting Vehicle in the midst of enemy fire in Diyala province, Iraq, in April 2007. He shot his way through more than 100 meters of enemy fire, killing two insurgents and eventually pulling the soldiers out of the vehicle and to safety. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.
-- Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner received a USO-Metro Special Salute for successfully calling in air strikes after his team of Army Special Forces soldiers and Afghan troops were ambushed by more 200 enemy fighters April 2008 in Afghanistan. He suffered bullet wounds to his leg but still managed to alternate between returning fire and calling in air support for more than 6 hours. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions.
10,000th MRAP En Route to Central Command
By Army Master Sgt. Kevin Young and Dani Pacheco
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - Military and civilian officials gathered March 23 to commemorate the 10,000th surface shipment of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, known as MRAPs, to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, which includes Iraq and Afghanistan. Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, and Army Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge, commander of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, attended the event at Wharf Alpha at the Naval Weapons Station Charleston here. SDDC's 841st Transportation Battalion served as host for the commemoration.
In his remarks, Army Lt. Col. Randy Haufe, battalion commanding officer, acknowledged the team effort responsible for this milestone. He recognized his civilian and military workforce and that of the International Longshoremen Association from Terminal Corporation-East for their dedication in accomplishing this and other vital port operations here.
Hodge also saluted the efforts of those involved in the shipment of MRAPs, which he described as "the best equipment our service men and women could have available as they serve in harm's way."
McNabb recognized the professionalism and dedication involved on everyone's part in the safe, secure and efficient shipment of the 10,000 MRAPs. "These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe."
Army Capt. Lonnie Nipper of the 841st, who recently returned from a 12-month tour in Iraq, shared his personal experiences with the MRAP.
In Iraq, Nipper worked with about 15 soldiers as part of a military transition team responsible for mentoring and advising Iraqi forces. He recalled when improvised explosive devices hit his convoy of MRAPs. Though MRAPs were delayed by flat tires, vehicle damage and, on one occasion, one flipped over, there were no casualties.
"If it wasn't for the people working diligently here getting these vehicles ready and shipped over to us, we wouldn't be able to accomplish our mission," Nipper said. "So, thank you."
The ship carrying the 10,000th MRAP, the MV Alliance New York, is the same ship that delivered the first MRAP carried by surface to the Central Command theater of operations in November 2007.
(Army Master Sgt. Kevin Young serves with the 841st Transportation Battalion and Dani Pacheco is an employee of Naval Weapons Station Charleston.)
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - Military and civilian officials gathered March 23 to commemorate the 10,000th surface shipment of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, known as MRAPs, to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, which includes Iraq and Afghanistan. Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, and Army Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge, commander of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, attended the event at Wharf Alpha at the Naval Weapons Station Charleston here. SDDC's 841st Transportation Battalion served as host for the commemoration.
In his remarks, Army Lt. Col. Randy Haufe, battalion commanding officer, acknowledged the team effort responsible for this milestone. He recognized his civilian and military workforce and that of the International Longshoremen Association from Terminal Corporation-East for their dedication in accomplishing this and other vital port operations here.
Hodge also saluted the efforts of those involved in the shipment of MRAPs, which he described as "the best equipment our service men and women could have available as they serve in harm's way."
McNabb recognized the professionalism and dedication involved on everyone's part in the safe, secure and efficient shipment of the 10,000 MRAPs. "These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe."
Army Capt. Lonnie Nipper of the 841st, who recently returned from a 12-month tour in Iraq, shared his personal experiences with the MRAP.
In Iraq, Nipper worked with about 15 soldiers as part of a military transition team responsible for mentoring and advising Iraqi forces. He recalled when improvised explosive devices hit his convoy of MRAPs. Though MRAPs were delayed by flat tires, vehicle damage and, on one occasion, one flipped over, there were no casualties.
"If it wasn't for the people working diligently here getting these vehicles ready and shipped over to us, we wouldn't be able to accomplish our mission," Nipper said. "So, thank you."
The ship carrying the 10,000th MRAP, the MV Alliance New York, is the same ship that delivered the first MRAP carried by surface to the Central Command theater of operations in November 2007.
(Army Master Sgt. Kevin Young serves with the 841st Transportation Battalion and Dani Pacheco is an employee of Naval Weapons Station Charleston.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 26, 2009
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Honeywell International Incorporated of Tempe, Ariz., for $87,143,385. This indefinite delivery, indefinite quality requirements contract is for overhaul/repair and spares in support of several weapons systems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBC, Tinker Air Force Base is the contracting activity (F34601-00-D-0371, P00068).
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to L-3 Communications Corp., of Camden, N.J., for a maximum $49,750,000. This action will provide for small UAS research and evaluation program is to provide maximum flexibility to perform research and evaluation for Small Unmanned Serial Systems. At this time, $78,414 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-D-7903).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract to BBN Technologies Corp., of Cambridge, Mass., for $11,338,058. The action provides for Wireless Network after Next Adaptive Network Development. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AFRL/RIKF Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-C-0169, P00005).
NAVY
The Haskell Co., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $23,199,000 firm fixed price contract for design and construction a Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The BEQ shall contain a total of 180 sleeping rooms (174 double-occupancy; two units on the ground floor handicap accessible double-occupancy). Maximum housing occupancy shall be 348 enlisted military personnel. Each BEQ shall include an interior corridors, entrance vestibule, Barracks Manager's office with duty counter, duty storage, private head and bunk room; multi-purpose room; linen storage room; laundry room with commercial-grade top loading washers and stackable dryers; single public head; vending space; elevator; stair towers; janitor closets; facility support spaces include mechanical room, electrical room, telecommunications room, and fire protection/pump room; and material storage rooms. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $25,026,000. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 15 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3! 201).
Rockwell Collins Inc., Richardson, Texas, is being awarded a $10,281,275 fixed firm price contract for approximately 37,250 man-hours of non-recurring engineering, installation, and testing in support of Phase four of the Internet Protocol and Bandwidth Expansion (IPBE) for the E-6B Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) aircraft. In addition, a total of three options with a total value of $7,678,423 are being exercised at time of award that includes an additional 40,900 man-hours of non-recurring engineering, installation, and testing. The purpose of the IPBE Phase 4 is to install the Digital Northstar System on the E-6B aircraft to provide the aircraft with the necessary interoperability and the proper configuration to communicate with DNS ground sites. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas, (69 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (18 percent); and Phoenix, Ariz., (13 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0035).
AECOM Design, Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for architectural design and engineering services for support of projects within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for architectural and engineering services, including civil/structural/mechanical/electrical. Services that may be required under this contract include DD Form 1391 documentation, plans, specifications, cost estimates, related studies, all associated engineering services, shop drawing review, as-built drawing preparation, Quality Assurance Plan preparation, Operation and Maintenance Support Information, and construction surveillance and engineering consultation services during construction. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps Installations and other Government facilities within the NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic AOR including, but not limited to Conn. (35 percent), R.I., (35 precent) and Mass. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 17 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-D-7020).
Scott Technologies, Inc. DBA Scott Health & Safety, Monroe, N.C., is being awarded a $6,384,000 firm fixed price requirements contract for the procurement of 3,200 Supplied Air Respirator with Escape Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Work will be performed in Monroe, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with one offer was received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-09-D-0011).
Correction:
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
Lynden Air Cargo, LLC, of Anchorage, Alaska, 99502-1809 is being awarded a $52,788,495.00 firm fixed price requirements contract to obtain air cargo service from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Shemya and various points throughout the state of Alaska. The performance period is from Apr. 1, 2009, to Mar. 31, 2010, plus four one-year options. This contract was a competitive acquisition with one bid received. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisitions, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., 62225 (HTC711-09-D-0015). Both Lynden Air Cargo and Elmendorf Air Force Base are in Alaska vice Arkansas.
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Honeywell International Incorporated of Tempe, Ariz., for $87,143,385. This indefinite delivery, indefinite quality requirements contract is for overhaul/repair and spares in support of several weapons systems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBC, Tinker Air Force Base is the contracting activity (F34601-00-D-0371, P00068).
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to L-3 Communications Corp., of Camden, N.J., for a maximum $49,750,000. This action will provide for small UAS research and evaluation program is to provide maximum flexibility to perform research and evaluation for Small Unmanned Serial Systems. At this time, $78,414 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-D-7903).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract to BBN Technologies Corp., of Cambridge, Mass., for $11,338,058. The action provides for Wireless Network after Next Adaptive Network Development. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AFRL/RIKF Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-C-0169, P00005).
NAVY
The Haskell Co., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $23,199,000 firm fixed price contract for design and construction a Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The BEQ shall contain a total of 180 sleeping rooms (174 double-occupancy; two units on the ground floor handicap accessible double-occupancy). Maximum housing occupancy shall be 348 enlisted military personnel. Each BEQ shall include an interior corridors, entrance vestibule, Barracks Manager's office with duty counter, duty storage, private head and bunk room; multi-purpose room; linen storage room; laundry room with commercial-grade top loading washers and stackable dryers; single public head; vending space; elevator; stair towers; janitor closets; facility support spaces include mechanical room, electrical room, telecommunications room, and fire protection/pump room; and material storage rooms. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $25,026,000. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 15 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3! 201).
Rockwell Collins Inc., Richardson, Texas, is being awarded a $10,281,275 fixed firm price contract for approximately 37,250 man-hours of non-recurring engineering, installation, and testing in support of Phase four of the Internet Protocol and Bandwidth Expansion (IPBE) for the E-6B Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) aircraft. In addition, a total of three options with a total value of $7,678,423 are being exercised at time of award that includes an additional 40,900 man-hours of non-recurring engineering, installation, and testing. The purpose of the IPBE Phase 4 is to install the Digital Northstar System on the E-6B aircraft to provide the aircraft with the necessary interoperability and the proper configuration to communicate with DNS ground sites. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas, (69 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (18 percent); and Phoenix, Ariz., (13 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0035).
AECOM Design, Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for architectural design and engineering services for support of projects within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for architectural and engineering services, including civil/structural/mechanical/electrical. Services that may be required under this contract include DD Form 1391 documentation, plans, specifications, cost estimates, related studies, all associated engineering services, shop drawing review, as-built drawing preparation, Quality Assurance Plan preparation, Operation and Maintenance Support Information, and construction surveillance and engineering consultation services during construction. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps Installations and other Government facilities within the NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic AOR including, but not limited to Conn. (35 percent), R.I., (35 precent) and Mass. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 17 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-D-7020).
Scott Technologies, Inc. DBA Scott Health & Safety, Monroe, N.C., is being awarded a $6,384,000 firm fixed price requirements contract for the procurement of 3,200 Supplied Air Respirator with Escape Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Work will be performed in Monroe, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with one offer was received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-09-D-0011).
Correction:
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
Lynden Air Cargo, LLC, of Anchorage, Alaska, 99502-1809 is being awarded a $52,788,495.00 firm fixed price requirements contract to obtain air cargo service from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Shemya and various points throughout the state of Alaska. The performance period is from Apr. 1, 2009, to Mar. 31, 2010, plus four one-year options. This contract was a competitive acquisition with one bid received. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisitions, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., 62225 (HTC711-09-D-0015). Both Lynden Air Cargo and Elmendorf Air Force Base are in Alaska vice Arkansas.
Guard Fights Floods in North Dakota, Three Other States
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - The next few days will be critical as North Dakota braces for record-setting Red River water levels, officials in the affected area said today.
A National Guard task force brought strong communication with other agencies and the physical effort of 1,200 citizen-soldiers and -airmen to a fight against time.
"The biggest issue is if the dike breaks," Army Col. James Hrdlicka, commander, Joint Task Force East, said by telephone from Fargo, N.D., the state's largest city, with about 100,000 residents facing potentially disastrous flooding.
"It's supposed to crest approximately this Saturday," Hrdlicka said, emphasizing that weather forecasting is an uncertain art. "One or two days -- don't take this for gospel -- during that time frame is when it's going to be critical that that thing holds. Once it starts to subside, once we get to that point and nothing has given way or it's still holding, then we should be OK."
North Dakota was at the epicenter of a four-state struggle against the elements, while three others had their hands full as well.
In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Pawlenty was submitting an expedited major disaster declaration request as about 430 Guard members distributed sandbags, provided security at sandbagging sites, patrolled dikes, secured pumps and
controlled traffic.
In South Dakota, Guard members helped the state's transportation department remove snow after severe snowfall March 23 fell on Sturgis and Rapid City, forcing the closure of Interstate 90 from the Wyoming border to Chamberlain.
In Montana, National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters provided search and rescue assistance after transportation workers were unable to breach heavy snow and ice to reach stranded motorists following the March 23 snowstorm.
Hrdlicka and his soldiers and airmen found themselves facing some of the storm's severest tests after the melt from accumulated snow and ice threatened to swell the Red River to levels not seen in living memory.
"Our presence helps," Hrdlicka said. "It makes people feel a little more comfortable."
Guard members assisted with evacuations and traffic control, lined up to place sandbags that strengthened levees, and provided aerial surveillance. North Dakota troops, in particular, provided personnel and resources to key flood-fighting areas. They filled, stored and distributed sandbags; patrolled dikes; broke ice jams; provided security; operated traffic control points; and helped stranded citizens threatened by flood waters.
The National Guard was contributing to a team effort that included the state's Emergency Operations Center working at its highest activation level, a Red Cross shelter opening, a private engineering company blasting ice in Bismarck, and local law enforcement and other rescue workers out in force.
"The most important thing is communicating and being with the city officials and their [Emergency Operations Center]," Hrdlicka said. "When we're out doing missions, the soldiers and airmen are side by side with the citizens."
The Red River previously reached about 39 feet in 1997, the commander said. "If it gets over 39 1/2, something like that, then this will be one of the biggest events in this area. The entire state is seeing flooding that many people really haven't seen in places that normally don't."
Some Guard members were on duty even though their own homes were at risk. "If there is a situation at their house, they come off state active duty and go take care of that," Hrdlicka said. "A lot of them come back."
Joint Task Force East serves the Red River Valley, where the river flows north from the border with South Dakota to the Canadian border. Wahpeton is the first community in the river's progress from the southern part of the state. It flows north through Fargo, the Grand Forks and numerous communities on up to Canada.
"We will be following this all the way up to Canada," Hrdlicka said. "We had a call for volunteers. We had real short notice. Within 24 hours, we had 200. They step up, they really do. The attitude is really good. It's snowing out. We had freezing rain last night. The roads are slippery.
Visibility isn't that great. We've got folks out there on traffic control points and building dikes and putting up barriers, and their attitude is good. They have a sense that they're helping somebody, and that really makes a difference."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - The next few days will be critical as North Dakota braces for record-setting Red River water levels, officials in the affected area said today.
A National Guard task force brought strong communication with other agencies and the physical effort of 1,200 citizen-soldiers and -airmen to a fight against time.
"The biggest issue is if the dike breaks," Army Col. James Hrdlicka, commander, Joint Task Force East, said by telephone from Fargo, N.D., the state's largest city, with about 100,000 residents facing potentially disastrous flooding.
"It's supposed to crest approximately this Saturday," Hrdlicka said, emphasizing that weather forecasting is an uncertain art. "One or two days -- don't take this for gospel -- during that time frame is when it's going to be critical that that thing holds. Once it starts to subside, once we get to that point and nothing has given way or it's still holding, then we should be OK."
North Dakota was at the epicenter of a four-state struggle against the elements, while three others had their hands full as well.
In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Pawlenty was submitting an expedited major disaster declaration request as about 430 Guard members distributed sandbags, provided security at sandbagging sites, patrolled dikes, secured pumps and
controlled traffic.
In South Dakota, Guard members helped the state's transportation department remove snow after severe snowfall March 23 fell on Sturgis and Rapid City, forcing the closure of Interstate 90 from the Wyoming border to Chamberlain.
In Montana, National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters provided search and rescue assistance after transportation workers were unable to breach heavy snow and ice to reach stranded motorists following the March 23 snowstorm.
Hrdlicka and his soldiers and airmen found themselves facing some of the storm's severest tests after the melt from accumulated snow and ice threatened to swell the Red River to levels not seen in living memory.
"Our presence helps," Hrdlicka said. "It makes people feel a little more comfortable."
Guard members assisted with evacuations and traffic control, lined up to place sandbags that strengthened levees, and provided aerial surveillance. North Dakota troops, in particular, provided personnel and resources to key flood-fighting areas. They filled, stored and distributed sandbags; patrolled dikes; broke ice jams; provided security; operated traffic control points; and helped stranded citizens threatened by flood waters.
The National Guard was contributing to a team effort that included the state's Emergency Operations Center working at its highest activation level, a Red Cross shelter opening, a private engineering company blasting ice in Bismarck, and local law enforcement and other rescue workers out in force.
"The most important thing is communicating and being with the city officials and their [Emergency Operations Center]," Hrdlicka said. "When we're out doing missions, the soldiers and airmen are side by side with the citizens."
The Red River previously reached about 39 feet in 1997, the commander said. "If it gets over 39 1/2, something like that, then this will be one of the biggest events in this area. The entire state is seeing flooding that many people really haven't seen in places that normally don't."
Some Guard members were on duty even though their own homes were at risk. "If there is a situation at their house, they come off state active duty and go take care of that," Hrdlicka said. "A lot of them come back."
Joint Task Force East serves the Red River Valley, where the river flows north from the border with South Dakota to the Canadian border. Wahpeton is the first community in the river's progress from the southern part of the state. It flows north through Fargo, the Grand Forks and numerous communities on up to Canada.
"We will be following this all the way up to Canada," Hrdlicka said. "We had a call for volunteers. We had real short notice. Within 24 hours, we had 200. They step up, they really do. The attitude is really good. It's snowing out. We had freezing rain last night. The roads are slippery.
Visibility isn't that great. We've got folks out there on traffic control points and building dikes and putting up barriers, and their attitude is good. They have a sense that they're helping somebody, and that really makes a difference."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
'Operation Purple' Offers Summer Fun to Military Kids
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - The National Military Family Association will host more than 9,000 military children at "Operation Purple" youth camps across America this year. These free, weeklong, overnight camps are meant to bring children of deployed servicemembers, ages 7 to 17, together for an exciting and memorable experience. Camps will be held in 62 locations and 37 states and territories across the United States.
"We understand these are trying times for our youngest heroes," Michelle Joyner, NMFA's director of communications, said. "Operation Purple Camps bring together kids in similar situations and teach them coping skills to better deal with their feelings. At the same time, the camp helps build their confidence by introducing new experiences like learning to be stewards of the environment."
Military children experience a wide range of activities at the camps from horseback riding and canoeing to rock climbing and swimming. Each camp creates a "Wall of Honor" in which campers are asked to bring a photo of their parent to be posted. Campers also are given an opportunity to talk about their parent during this event. A military-themed activity day allows campers to work with their local military community on a joint project.
A military guest speaker also is invited to speak with campers.
"Outside of the traditional outdoor activities, campers are given the chance to learn more about what the deployment is really like," Joyner said.
The Operation Purple program was created by NMFA, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., in 2004 as a way to help military children struggling with the stresses of war. The program includes traditional summer camps, teen camps, teen leadership camps, family retreat camps and day clinics in overseas locations.
"This year, we're excited to offer three Operation Purple Teen Leadership Camps for military teens who are role models and leaders in their community," Joyner said. "These leadership camps last a bit longer, 10 days, and include travel expenses to and from camp. After camp, teens return home armed to make a difference in their community."
Registration for this year's camps will be open until midnight EST on April 20. Priority will be given to military children with a parent deployed or deploying anytime between September 2008 and December 2009 and who have not had the opportunity to attend an Operation Purple camp in the past.
Thanks to the support of the Sierra Club, a grassroots environmental organization, camps are free to all participants.
"Sierra Club is proud to be working with the National Military Family Association to connect our nation's youngest heroes with the healing benefits of the outdoors," Brittany McKee, Sierra Club's national military representative, said. "Operation Purple camps empower military children and provide a much-needed respite from worries about their deployed parent."
Since Operation Purple Camp's inception, NMFA has sent more than 20,000 military kids to camp for free.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - The National Military Family Association will host more than 9,000 military children at "Operation Purple" youth camps across America this year. These free, weeklong, overnight camps are meant to bring children of deployed servicemembers, ages 7 to 17, together for an exciting and memorable experience. Camps will be held in 62 locations and 37 states and territories across the United States.
"We understand these are trying times for our youngest heroes," Michelle Joyner, NMFA's director of communications, said. "Operation Purple Camps bring together kids in similar situations and teach them coping skills to better deal with their feelings. At the same time, the camp helps build their confidence by introducing new experiences like learning to be stewards of the environment."
Military children experience a wide range of activities at the camps from horseback riding and canoeing to rock climbing and swimming. Each camp creates a "Wall of Honor" in which campers are asked to bring a photo of their parent to be posted. Campers also are given an opportunity to talk about their parent during this event. A military-themed activity day allows campers to work with their local military community on a joint project.
A military guest speaker also is invited to speak with campers.
"Outside of the traditional outdoor activities, campers are given the chance to learn more about what the deployment is really like," Joyner said.
The Operation Purple program was created by NMFA, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., in 2004 as a way to help military children struggling with the stresses of war. The program includes traditional summer camps, teen camps, teen leadership camps, family retreat camps and day clinics in overseas locations.
"This year, we're excited to offer three Operation Purple Teen Leadership Camps for military teens who are role models and leaders in their community," Joyner said. "These leadership camps last a bit longer, 10 days, and include travel expenses to and from camp. After camp, teens return home armed to make a difference in their community."
Registration for this year's camps will be open until midnight EST on April 20. Priority will be given to military children with a parent deployed or deploying anytime between September 2008 and December 2009 and who have not had the opportunity to attend an Operation Purple camp in the past.
Thanks to the support of the Sierra Club, a grassroots environmental organization, camps are free to all participants.
"Sierra Club is proud to be working with the National Military Family Association to connect our nation's youngest heroes with the healing benefits of the outdoors," Brittany McKee, Sierra Club's national military representative, said. "Operation Purple camps empower military children and provide a much-needed respite from worries about their deployed parent."
Since Operation Purple Camp's inception, NMFA has sent more than 20,000 military kids to camp for free.
Guard Soldiers, Airmen Use Familiar Barriers to Dam Rising Floodwaters
By Army Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - While deployed in Iraq, the towering Hesco barriers that ringed the base became a familiar sight to Army Spc. Ryan L. Karsky. These large, modular steel baskets, lined with a fine, mesh material, held compacted desert sand, gravel and chunks of concrete. They served as an effective shield against hostile fire and shrapnel.
Now back home in North Dakota, Karsky, a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard's 817th Engineer Company, has found a different use for the trusty barriers. He was among about 50 Guard soldiers and airmen constructing miles of Hesco barriers along low-lying parts of Fargo, which is dealing with major flooding.
For many of south Fargo's most flood-prone neighborhoods, the Hescos are all that stand between the homes and the rising Red River.
"I saw them all the time in Iraq," Karsky said, "but I never ever thought we'd be using them to fight a flood. I thought we'd be over here throwing sandbags."
Sandbag dikes were the protection of choice back in 1997, the last time the Red River seriously threatened the Fargo area and before many of the citizen-soldiers and -airmen working the dike lines today were even Guardsmen.
Army 1st Sgt. Curtis W. Kaseman, also of the 817th, remembers the 1997 flood fight well. And as an Iraq war veteran, he's another soldier who had come to appreciate the Hescos for the protection they offered in a combat zone.
Kaseman, of Jamestown, N.D., said the Hesco barriers in Iraq were much larger -- some as high as 20 feet -- than the 3-foot versions being used in Fargo this week. The barriers are lined with plastic to help hold back the impending wall of water.
"They are not new technology as far as fighting floods is concerned, but they definitely are new around here since 1997," Kaseman said.
Representatives of Hesco Inc. said the barriers were designed primarily for flood control and to impede hillside erosion. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan opened up a new use for the barriers.
What makes the barriers so beneficial is the speed at which they can be constructed compared to traditional sandbag efforts. Company specifications claim that what would take a crew more than 70 hours to do with sandbags can be done in about 30 minutes with Hesco barriers.
As the Guarsmen set up and fill the Hescos, it is a race against the clock and the swelling river. The members of the Jamestown-based 817th have been placed on active-duty orders and sent to Fargo to fight the flood.
They join more than 800 North Dakota Guard soldiers and airmen, most of whom volunteered, for the statewide flood-fighting efforts. All are working alongside civilian contractors, businesses and homeowners to hold the high ground.
Before his unit was activated, Army Spc. Brett M. Steele was a Guard volunteer already involved in flood fighting in central North Dakota, near Beulah. He said it was hard to just pick up and leave.
"But this is where we need to be now," Steele said. "My only hesitation in all of this is that I had to move from one spot in need to another one."
Army Spc. Jordan J. Nygaard, also with the 817th, said he was amazed by the rapid-fire pace of the dike work going on around him this week. The soldiers kept the Hesco assembly line humming, as a parade of dump trucks supplied fresh clay and dirt to the site near Fargo's Lindenwood Park. A fleet of Bobcat loaders, driven by civilian contractors, filled the Hescos as quickly as they were set up.
"It's kind of intriguing to see nine Bobcat loaders working so quickly within a distance of one city block," Nygaard said. "There's a lot of moving parts. You have to watch out."
Gary Boatman, a Fargo resident whose mother lives near Lindenwood Park, was in the area and saw the work being done by the Guard. He wanted to help, so he brought his own Bobcat loader to the fight, complete with a cardboard sign that said, "Tell me what to do!"
"It's not just these neighborhoods that appreciate what the Guard is doing for us -- it's the whole city of Fargo," Boatman said, between hauling loads.
On Fargo's north side, flood fighting was in full effect yesterday morning.
Because of the terrain in the area, Hesco barriers could not be used, said Army 1st Lt. John W. Peyerl, a volunteer from the 136th Combat Service Support Battalion in Grand Forks.
Peyerl said about 130 Guard soldiers and airmen were forming a chain to move sandbags and place them about 2 feet high.
"They're a little sore out there today, but I don't think any of them are sorry they signed up for this," Peyerl said. "This is what they want to be doing, and they are out having a good time."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Elliot Steinbrink, with the North Dakota Air Guard's 119th Wing, had more on his mind than some of the other volunteers on the sandbag line. His home is only blocks away from the river.
"It makes me nervous, but everyone needs the help, not just me," Steinbrink said. "When you're working as a National Guardsmen, it means something. People recognize that and it feels good."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds serves with the North Dakota Army National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2009 - While deployed in Iraq, the towering Hesco barriers that ringed the base became a familiar sight to Army Spc. Ryan L. Karsky. These large, modular steel baskets, lined with a fine, mesh material, held compacted desert sand, gravel and chunks of concrete. They served as an effective shield against hostile fire and shrapnel.
Now back home in North Dakota, Karsky, a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard's 817th Engineer Company, has found a different use for the trusty barriers. He was among about 50 Guard soldiers and airmen constructing miles of Hesco barriers along low-lying parts of Fargo, which is dealing with major flooding.
For many of south Fargo's most flood-prone neighborhoods, the Hescos are all that stand between the homes and the rising Red River.
"I saw them all the time in Iraq," Karsky said, "but I never ever thought we'd be using them to fight a flood. I thought we'd be over here throwing sandbags."
Sandbag dikes were the protection of choice back in 1997, the last time the Red River seriously threatened the Fargo area and before many of the citizen-soldiers and -airmen working the dike lines today were even Guardsmen.
Army 1st Sgt. Curtis W. Kaseman, also of the 817th, remembers the 1997 flood fight well. And as an Iraq war veteran, he's another soldier who had come to appreciate the Hescos for the protection they offered in a combat zone.
Kaseman, of Jamestown, N.D., said the Hesco barriers in Iraq were much larger -- some as high as 20 feet -- than the 3-foot versions being used in Fargo this week. The barriers are lined with plastic to help hold back the impending wall of water.
"They are not new technology as far as fighting floods is concerned, but they definitely are new around here since 1997," Kaseman said.
Representatives of Hesco Inc. said the barriers were designed primarily for flood control and to impede hillside erosion. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan opened up a new use for the barriers.
What makes the barriers so beneficial is the speed at which they can be constructed compared to traditional sandbag efforts. Company specifications claim that what would take a crew more than 70 hours to do with sandbags can be done in about 30 minutes with Hesco barriers.
As the Guarsmen set up and fill the Hescos, it is a race against the clock and the swelling river. The members of the Jamestown-based 817th have been placed on active-duty orders and sent to Fargo to fight the flood.
They join more than 800 North Dakota Guard soldiers and airmen, most of whom volunteered, for the statewide flood-fighting efforts. All are working alongside civilian contractors, businesses and homeowners to hold the high ground.
Before his unit was activated, Army Spc. Brett M. Steele was a Guard volunteer already involved in flood fighting in central North Dakota, near Beulah. He said it was hard to just pick up and leave.
"But this is where we need to be now," Steele said. "My only hesitation in all of this is that I had to move from one spot in need to another one."
Army Spc. Jordan J. Nygaard, also with the 817th, said he was amazed by the rapid-fire pace of the dike work going on around him this week. The soldiers kept the Hesco assembly line humming, as a parade of dump trucks supplied fresh clay and dirt to the site near Fargo's Lindenwood Park. A fleet of Bobcat loaders, driven by civilian contractors, filled the Hescos as quickly as they were set up.
"It's kind of intriguing to see nine Bobcat loaders working so quickly within a distance of one city block," Nygaard said. "There's a lot of moving parts. You have to watch out."
Gary Boatman, a Fargo resident whose mother lives near Lindenwood Park, was in the area and saw the work being done by the Guard. He wanted to help, so he brought his own Bobcat loader to the fight, complete with a cardboard sign that said, "Tell me what to do!"
"It's not just these neighborhoods that appreciate what the Guard is doing for us -- it's the whole city of Fargo," Boatman said, between hauling loads.
On Fargo's north side, flood fighting was in full effect yesterday morning.
Because of the terrain in the area, Hesco barriers could not be used, said Army 1st Lt. John W. Peyerl, a volunteer from the 136th Combat Service Support Battalion in Grand Forks.
Peyerl said about 130 Guard soldiers and airmen were forming a chain to move sandbags and place them about 2 feet high.
"They're a little sore out there today, but I don't think any of them are sorry they signed up for this," Peyerl said. "This is what they want to be doing, and they are out having a good time."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Elliot Steinbrink, with the North Dakota Air Guard's 119th Wing, had more on his mind than some of the other volunteers on the sandbag line. His home is only blocks away from the river.
"It makes me nervous, but everyone needs the help, not just me," Steinbrink said. "When you're working as a National Guardsmen, it means something. People recognize that and it feels good."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds serves with the North Dakota Army National Guard.)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Obama Honors Medal of Honor Recipients at Arlington National Cemetery
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Arlington National Cemetery today, surprising about 30 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients attending a wreath-laying ceremony. Though it was first awarded some 150 years ago, only 3,448 troops have received the honor conferred for conspicuous courage at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
Several hundred sightseers and tourists visiting the cemetery watched as the military heroes from World War II, Korea and Vietnam stood in two separate rows, facing the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Obama walked down the steps of the amphitheater toward the tomb, with two Medal of Honor recipients at his side, while two other recipients, using the aid of canes, followed down the steps.
The president was accompanied by retired Navy Lt. John W. Finn, a 92-year old veteran of World War II; retired Navy Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, an 84-year old Korean War veteran; retired Air Force Col. Joe M. Jackson, an 85-year old Vietnam War veteran; and retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a 69-year old Vietnam veteran.
Obama and the medal recipients walked together toward a large flowered wreath, bearing the words, "Medal of Honor Day," that soldiers carried on a stand and placed between them and the Tomb. Obama then placed his hands on the wreath. As a drum roll began, and Taps was played, the president the four heroes placed their right hands on their hearts.
The assembled medal recipients formed a receiving line as the president stopped to shake hands and talk briefly with each one.
In a White House statement released later in the day, the president praised all who wear the uniform of the nation's armed forces and singled out Medal of Honor recipients, who he characterized as the "bravest of the brave."
"Members of our Armed Forces hold themselves to the highest standards and set an example of responsibility to one another and to the country that should inspire all Americans to serve a purpose greater than themselves." Obama said. "Today we pay our respect to those who distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty - the recipients of the Medal of Honor.
"Since it was first awarded during the Civil War to the current battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Medal of Honor recipients have displayed tremendous courage, an unfailing determination to succeed, and a humbling willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice," he said. "It is telling that so many Medal of Honor recipients received the award posthumously. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsman embody the best of American values and ideals.
"Medal of Honor recipients are the foremost example of greatness in service and sacrifice," Obama continued. "Their bravery and humble strength continues to reassure our nation of the strength of its character and ideals even in these difficult times. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our nation can never fully repay.
"So, it is on this day that we salute that fact and celebrate their lives and heroic actions that have placed them amongst the "bravest of the brave," he said. "We must never forget their sacrifice and will always keep the Fallen and their families in our thoughts and prayers."
March 25, 2009 - President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Arlington National Cemetery today, surprising about 30 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients attending a wreath-laying ceremony. Though it was first awarded some 150 years ago, only 3,448 troops have received the honor conferred for conspicuous courage at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
Several hundred sightseers and tourists visiting the cemetery watched as the military heroes from World War II, Korea and Vietnam stood in two separate rows, facing the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Obama walked down the steps of the amphitheater toward the tomb, with two Medal of Honor recipients at his side, while two other recipients, using the aid of canes, followed down the steps.
The president was accompanied by retired Navy Lt. John W. Finn, a 92-year old veteran of World War II; retired Navy Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, an 84-year old Korean War veteran; retired Air Force Col. Joe M. Jackson, an 85-year old Vietnam War veteran; and retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a 69-year old Vietnam veteran.
Obama and the medal recipients walked together toward a large flowered wreath, bearing the words, "Medal of Honor Day," that soldiers carried on a stand and placed between them and the Tomb. Obama then placed his hands on the wreath. As a drum roll began, and Taps was played, the president the four heroes placed their right hands on their hearts.
The assembled medal recipients formed a receiving line as the president stopped to shake hands and talk briefly with each one.
In a White House statement released later in the day, the president praised all who wear the uniform of the nation's armed forces and singled out Medal of Honor recipients, who he characterized as the "bravest of the brave."
"Members of our Armed Forces hold themselves to the highest standards and set an example of responsibility to one another and to the country that should inspire all Americans to serve a purpose greater than themselves." Obama said. "Today we pay our respect to those who distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty - the recipients of the Medal of Honor.
"Since it was first awarded during the Civil War to the current battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Medal of Honor recipients have displayed tremendous courage, an unfailing determination to succeed, and a humbling willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice," he said. "It is telling that so many Medal of Honor recipients received the award posthumously. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsman embody the best of American values and ideals.
"Medal of Honor recipients are the foremost example of greatness in service and sacrifice," Obama continued. "Their bravery and humble strength continues to reassure our nation of the strength of its character and ideals even in these difficult times. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our nation can never fully repay.
"So, it is on this day that we salute that fact and celebrate their lives and heroic actions that have placed them amongst the "bravest of the brave," he said. "We must never forget their sacrifice and will always keep the Fallen and their families in our thoughts and prayers."
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 25, 2009
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded $320,000,000 not to exceed modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-08-C-0028). This modification provides for long lead materials and efforts associated with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Air System Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot III procurement of the required Special Tooling, Special Test Equipment and Technical Assistance. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, (35 percent); El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent); Warton, United Kingdom, (20 percent); Orlando, Fla., (10 percent); Nashua, N.H., (5 percent); and Baltimore, Md., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a firm fixed price retirements type long term contract in the amount of $56,556,484 for repair/overhaul of various weapons replaceable assemblies used to support the HM-60R/S helicopters. Work will be performed at Farmingdale, N.Y., (60 percent); Phoenix, Ariz., (13 percent); Clearwater, Fla., (13 percent); and Salt Lake City, Utah, (14 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-09-D-021F).
Team Logistics Joint Venture, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $17,274,213 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00421-01-D-0239) to exercise an option for 433,937 hours of maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. These services include evaluating initial designs and proposed design changes, maintenance planning, and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., (90 percent) and Lakehurst, N.J., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $16,528,945 modification to a previously awarded cost plus award fee, cost plus incentive fee contract (N00019-98-C-0190) to provide additional funds for the development of Tactical Control System (TCS), Block 2 Version 4 software product requirements in support of the Vertical Take-off Unmanned Air Vehicle (VTUAV). Work will be performed in Falls Church, Va., (82 percent), Dahlgren, Va., (10 percent), and San Pedro, Calif., (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Blue Rock Structures, Inc.*, Pollocksville, N.C., is being awarded a $14,471,095 firm fixed price contract for the renovation and upgrades to Hangar 130 at Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. The work to be performed provides for the renovation of Hanger 130 to accommodate two F/A-18 E/F squadrons. Renovations include reconfiguration of spaces to house maintenance, training, and administrative functions. The renovation will provide a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), a classified vault, fire sprinkler/ suppression system, hangar floor resurfacing and coating, interior 400hz frequency distribution system for aircraft, anti-terrorism measures and site improvements, including replacement of deteriorated aircraft pavements immediately adjacent to the hangar. The parking apron will be restriped to accommodate twenty parking spaces for F/A-18 E/F aircraft. The contract contains two unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative contract value to $19,225,395. Work will be performed in Havelock, N.C. area, and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting! activit y (contract number N40085-09-C-3204).
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded a $7,940,000 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Battle Course near Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the construction of an urban training range for the Marine Corps at an area in Greater Sandy Run, an outlying area of Camp Lejeune. Undeveloped road will be improved by widening and drainage; traffic circles will be constructed; and other roads will be widened, improved, or constructed. Roads will be used as a mock up of various configurations that troops operating anywhere in the world might encounter and where improvised explosive devices could be set up to inflict damage to the passing vehicles. The contract will include the construction of 17 buildings resembling an urban setting along both sides of the road, with an overpass. A training compound, training bleachers, and a control tower with cameras and communications to observe and control targets will also be constructed. Work will be performed in the Jacksonville, N.C. area, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 22 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engi! neering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3206).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Rockwell Collins, Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for $87,549,899. This contract modification is for the order of 53,920 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver units and assorted accessories through the exercise of 48 corresponding options on the receiver follow-on contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. GPSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-09-C0002, P00001).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed contract to L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss., for $15,563,895. This action will provide fleet maintenance and training support on twelve Cessna 173 aircraft and five Cessna 208B trainer aircraft owned by the Iraqi Government. At this time, $7,626,308 has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-0004).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Derossi & Son Company, Vineland, N.J.*, is being awarded a maximum $6,567,684 firm fixed price, total set aside, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for coats. Other location of performance is in New Jersey. The proposal was originally Web solicited with five responses. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is exercising the fourth option year. The date of performance completion is Apr. 25, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-05-D-0449).
Flightline Group Inc/DBA Flightline Tallahassee, Tallahassee, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,768,898 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is in Florida. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va.,
(SP0600-09-D-0056).
Correction:
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
Lynden Air Cargo, LLC, of Anchorage, Ala., 99502-1809 is being awarded a $52,788,495.00 firm fixed price requirements contract to obtain air cargo service from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala., to Shemya and various points throughout the state of Alaska. The performance period is from Apr. 1, 2009, to Mar. 31, 2010, plus four one-year options. This contract was a competitive acquisition with one bid received. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisitions, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. 62225 (HTC711-09-D-0015). Both Lynden Air Cargo and Elmendorf Air Force Base are in Alaska vice Arkansas.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded $320,000,000 not to exceed modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-08-C-0028). This modification provides for long lead materials and efforts associated with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Air System Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot III procurement of the required Special Tooling, Special Test Equipment and Technical Assistance. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, (35 percent); El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent); Warton, United Kingdom, (20 percent); Orlando, Fla., (10 percent); Nashua, N.H., (5 percent); and Baltimore, Md., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a firm fixed price retirements type long term contract in the amount of $56,556,484 for repair/overhaul of various weapons replaceable assemblies used to support the HM-60R/S helicopters. Work will be performed at Farmingdale, N.Y., (60 percent); Phoenix, Ariz., (13 percent); Clearwater, Fla., (13 percent); and Salt Lake City, Utah, (14 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-09-D-021F).
Team Logistics Joint Venture, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $17,274,213 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00421-01-D-0239) to exercise an option for 433,937 hours of maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. These services include evaluating initial designs and proposed design changes, maintenance planning, and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., (90 percent) and Lakehurst, N.J., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $16,528,945 modification to a previously awarded cost plus award fee, cost plus incentive fee contract (N00019-98-C-0190) to provide additional funds for the development of Tactical Control System (TCS), Block 2 Version 4 software product requirements in support of the Vertical Take-off Unmanned Air Vehicle (VTUAV). Work will be performed in Falls Church, Va., (82 percent), Dahlgren, Va., (10 percent), and San Pedro, Calif., (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Blue Rock Structures, Inc.*, Pollocksville, N.C., is being awarded a $14,471,095 firm fixed price contract for the renovation and upgrades to Hangar 130 at Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. The work to be performed provides for the renovation of Hanger 130 to accommodate two F/A-18 E/F squadrons. Renovations include reconfiguration of spaces to house maintenance, training, and administrative functions. The renovation will provide a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), a classified vault, fire sprinkler/ suppression system, hangar floor resurfacing and coating, interior 400hz frequency distribution system for aircraft, anti-terrorism measures and site improvements, including replacement of deteriorated aircraft pavements immediately adjacent to the hangar. The parking apron will be restriped to accommodate twenty parking spaces for F/A-18 E/F aircraft. The contract contains two unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative contract value to $19,225,395. Work will be performed in Havelock, N.C. area, and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting! activit y (contract number N40085-09-C-3204).
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded a $7,940,000 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Battle Course near Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the construction of an urban training range for the Marine Corps at an area in Greater Sandy Run, an outlying area of Camp Lejeune. Undeveloped road will be improved by widening and drainage; traffic circles will be constructed; and other roads will be widened, improved, or constructed. Roads will be used as a mock up of various configurations that troops operating anywhere in the world might encounter and where improvised explosive devices could be set up to inflict damage to the passing vehicles. The contract will include the construction of 17 buildings resembling an urban setting along both sides of the road, with an overpass. A training compound, training bleachers, and a control tower with cameras and communications to observe and control targets will also be constructed. Work will be performed in the Jacksonville, N.C. area, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 22 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engi! neering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3206).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Rockwell Collins, Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for $87,549,899. This contract modification is for the order of 53,920 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver units and assorted accessories through the exercise of 48 corresponding options on the receiver follow-on contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. GPSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-09-C0002, P00001).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed contract to L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss., for $15,563,895. This action will provide fleet maintenance and training support on twelve Cessna 173 aircraft and five Cessna 208B trainer aircraft owned by the Iraqi Government. At this time, $7,626,308 has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-0004).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Derossi & Son Company, Vineland, N.J.*, is being awarded a maximum $6,567,684 firm fixed price, total set aside, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for coats. Other location of performance is in New Jersey. The proposal was originally Web solicited with five responses. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is exercising the fourth option year. The date of performance completion is Apr. 25, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-05-D-0449).
Flightline Group Inc/DBA Flightline Tallahassee, Tallahassee, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,768,898 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is in Florida. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va.,
(SP0600-09-D-0056).
Correction:
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
Lynden Air Cargo, LLC, of Anchorage, Ala., 99502-1809 is being awarded a $52,788,495.00 firm fixed price requirements contract to obtain air cargo service from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala., to Shemya and various points throughout the state of Alaska. The performance period is from Apr. 1, 2009, to Mar. 31, 2010, plus four one-year options. This contract was a competitive acquisition with one bid received. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisitions, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. 62225 (HTC711-09-D-0015). Both Lynden Air Cargo and Elmendorf Air Force Base are in Alaska vice Arkansas.
Navy Submariners Participate in Arctic Ocean Exercise
By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - A group of Navy submariners are practicing wartime operations off the coast of northern Alaska as part of Ice Exercise 2009, the commander of the exercise said today. Two Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarines, the USS Helena and the USS Annapolis, are participating in this year's ICEX, said Navy Captain Greg Ott, a submariner who is also the deputy operations director for Submarine Force Command, based in Norfolk, Va.
The USS Helena is home-based in San Diego, while the USS Annapolis is home-ported in Groton, Conn.
"We're maintaining our proficiency in arctic operations," Ott said today during a telephone interview with American Forces Press Service.
The submariners, Ott said, are testing torpedo and sonar systems, while practicing wartime operations in an arctic environment. The exercise, he said, is slated to end in early April.
The undersea sailors are working alongside a group of technicians and civilian scientists housed at a temporary base camp set up on the Arctic Ocean ice near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The scientists are collecting environmental data.
"It's going great, so far," Ott said of the exercise. "In fact, we got a nice, warm day today; it's only about minus 10 [degrees Fahrenheit]."
Different skills are required when operating submarines in Arctic water conditions, Ott said, noting the frigid water temperatures and tricky currents affect a submarine's buoyancy characteristics and sonar capabilities.
Additionally, he said, submariners also must take care to avoid ice when traveling in Arctic regions.
U.S. nuclear submarines have operated under the polar ice since 1958, Ott said, when the USS Nautilus became the first submarine to complete a submerged trip to reach the North Pole.
Arctic submarine operations are important to U.S. national defense, according to Navy documents. Accordingly, the Navy's submarine force must be highly trained in arctic-water operations to provide and ensure access to strategic areas worldwide.
Continents of the Northern Hemisphere -- Europe, Asia and North America -- all share the Arctic Ocean.
F-22A Crashes Near Edwards Air Force Base
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - An Air Force F-22A Raptor fighter jet crashed this morning about 35 miles northeast of Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., defense officials confirmed. The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. in an area known as Harbor Dry. The aircraft, based at Edwards, was on a test mission when the incident occurred. Edwards is home of the Air Force Flight Test Center.
One pilot was on board, but the pilot's condition is unknown at this time, officials said.
A board of officers will investigate the cause of the crash.
March 25, 2009 - An Air Force F-22A Raptor fighter jet crashed this morning about 35 miles northeast of Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., defense officials confirmed. The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. in an area known as Harbor Dry. The aircraft, based at Edwards, was on a test mission when the incident occurred. Edwards is home of the Air Force Flight Test Center.
One pilot was on board, but the pilot's condition is unknown at this time, officials said.
A board of officers will investigate the cause of the crash.
Disaster Preparedness Exercise Trains 500 Guardsmen in Puerto Rico
By Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - An underwater earthquake triggers a tsunami as a terrorist cell is discovered producing dangerous chemicals. If there was a time to call the National Guard, this is it. Fortunately, these scenarios are only a simulation at Vigilant Guard 2009, an exercise under way here that tests the capabilities of more than 500 Guard members from five states and territories to handle disasters and cooperate with federal, state and local partners.
The two scenarios are the main focus of the exercise. In the first, which began yesterday and ends today, Guard members from the civil support teams of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico assist civil authorities in identifying and containing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The teams take turns arriving on the scene of a nonfunctioning oil refinery, stocked with suspected weapons of mass destruction by the 35th CST from West Virginia.
In the other scenario occurring today, Guard members from the Puerto Rico National Guard and Arizona Air National Guard Expeditionary Medical Support systems will assist in casualty evacuation and treatment in field hospitals.
"To be part of an exercise of this magnitude is an honor and exciting," said Capt. Aesha Rivers, acting commander of the 23rd CST from the Virgin Islands. "It's great to be able to come here in their home to help."
In the real-world-scenario feel of Vigilant Guard, Rivers saw the opportunity to help a neighbor in need, and with that the implied promise of help in return.
"If we have an incident in the Virgin Islands, we will call 22nd CST out of Puerto Rico," Rivers said. "We will call Florida. We will call Georgia. Those are our sister and brother states."
For the Guard members of Puerto Rico's 22nd CST, the exercise is a chance to improve upon training that so far has involved few of these large-scale exercises.
"This training is ... important for us," Army Staff Sgt. Edwin Rosa, a team chief with the 23rd CST from Puerto Rico, said. "It's realistic, and we will learn from this experience."
(Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - An underwater earthquake triggers a tsunami as a terrorist cell is discovered producing dangerous chemicals. If there was a time to call the National Guard, this is it. Fortunately, these scenarios are only a simulation at Vigilant Guard 2009, an exercise under way here that tests the capabilities of more than 500 Guard members from five states and territories to handle disasters and cooperate with federal, state and local partners.
The two scenarios are the main focus of the exercise. In the first, which began yesterday and ends today, Guard members from the civil support teams of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico assist civil authorities in identifying and containing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The teams take turns arriving on the scene of a nonfunctioning oil refinery, stocked with suspected weapons of mass destruction by the 35th CST from West Virginia.
In the other scenario occurring today, Guard members from the Puerto Rico National Guard and Arizona Air National Guard Expeditionary Medical Support systems will assist in casualty evacuation and treatment in field hospitals.
"To be part of an exercise of this magnitude is an honor and exciting," said Capt. Aesha Rivers, acting commander of the 23rd CST from the Virgin Islands. "It's great to be able to come here in their home to help."
In the real-world-scenario feel of Vigilant Guard, Rivers saw the opportunity to help a neighbor in need, and with that the implied promise of help in return.
"If we have an incident in the Virgin Islands, we will call 22nd CST out of Puerto Rico," Rivers said. "We will call Florida. We will call Georgia. Those are our sister and brother states."
For the Guard members of Puerto Rico's 22nd CST, the exercise is a chance to improve upon training that so far has involved few of these large-scale exercises.
"This training is ... important for us," Army Staff Sgt. Edwin Rosa, a team chief with the 23rd CST from Puerto Rico, said. "It's realistic, and we will learn from this experience."
(Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Servicemembers, Civilians Honored at Women's History Month Event
By C. Todd Lopez
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - Ten servicemembers and civilians were honored last week as part of the Defense Department's Women's History Month Observance and Awards Program. The recipients were awarded the 2009 Foreign Language and Science, Engineering and Math Role Model Award on March 19 at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
"For generations, women across our great land have helped make our country stronger and better," Gail H. McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans, said. "They have improved our communities and played a vital role in achieving justice and equal rights for all our citizens.
"The [Defense Department] joins our nation to recognize the many contributions women make to our society and ensure that the history of American women is recognized."
Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Rhonda Cornum, director of the Army's comprehensive soldier fitness program, gave the keynote address.
The general said during her years as a junior officer, she was largely unaware of the challenges women had faced in military service prior to her arrival. She said it was those who came before her who carved the path.
"We really need to recognize and celebrate those ladies who just kind of went through uncharted territory with machetes," Cornum said. "People like me who come after that think that path has always been there -- and it just has not been. I really did not appreciate that until somewhat recently."
Many women are recognized as "firsts" in the military, Cornum said -- first female general officer, first female commander of a unit, first female four-star general. Cornum said she believes many women don't want to be firsts, but rather just hope to progress in their career.
"As a jockey in my other life, I didn't want to be the first girl on a horse to get across the finish line," she said. "I wanted my horse to get across. It didn't matter to me the gender of the jockeys behind me."
Cornum also said there are many who could be the best at what they do, but it is simply a matter of letting those people compete.
"We will then invariably get the best performance for the entire force," she said.
Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Lynn Sacchetti was one of the 10 servicemembers recognized at the ceremony. She has served in uniform for 13 years and has been a helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard for about a decade. She said that the women of the Coast Guard who came before her have paved the way, allowing her to progress in her own career.
"There are a lot of women who have done a lot of things before me, so it gave me the opportunities to do the things I want to do with my job," she said.
Sacchetti does mostly search and rescue for the Coast Guard, she said. She was nominated for the award in part for her service in the Arctic, where she was hand-picked to lead the Coast Guard's first land-based, forward-operating location in the region during Operation Salliq.
"I was chosen to be the senior aviator for the Coast Guard's first forward-operating location base up in Barrow, Alaska -- I ran an aviation detachment up there," she said. "We are doing research to see what kind of Coast Guard assets we may or may not need to place up in the Arctic as a result of sea ice moving away from the land."
In the Arctic, she said, dangers include both weather and indigenous animals.
"The weather can be unpredictable, and in the Arctic you have to worry about predators as well, if you do have to do an emergency landing," she said.
Sacchetti said she next expects to serve in a staff job or as an operations officer.
Army Lt. Col. Felicia Langel, another recipient, is a veterinary corps officer and holds a doctorate in biomedical research. She works at the Uniformed Services University, and previously served at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Md. There, she studied both anthrax and Q fever.
Langel also worked to help grade school and high school students develop a better appreciation for science and math by bringing them into the laboratory and exposing them to science and technology that many students would not see until college-level courses.
"For the younger students it's very basic chemistry and biology," she said. "But what we try to do is put it in a real-world scenario so they can appreciate there is a value to learning science -- so it's not just science text books, but a real life application for science. In fact, we expose them to experimental procedures that usually people learn in college."
Sometimes the concepts are a little advanced for some young students, but the goal is not to teach them science, but to give them an appreciation for it -- to spark an interest and show them they can do it too, Langel said.
"It's not important to us if some is over their heads or not, what we are trying to do is excite them about the possibilities and to just see a glimmer of comprehension -- it is rewarding for us," she said.
Langel said she hopes to become a professor at the Uniformed Services University, and would like to continue working with youth as well.
The honorees include:
-- Army, Military: Langel
-- Army, Civilian: Christina Brantley
-- Navy, Military: Lt. Cmdr. Cheryll H. Hawthorne
-- Navy, Civilian: Camille Destafney
-- Marine Corps: Maj. Denise Garcia
-- Air Force: Maj. Ramsamooj J. Reyes
-- National Guard Bureau: Army Lt. Col. Susan I. Pangelinan
-- Coast Guard: Sacchetti
-- Defense Threat Reduction Agency: Irene Nehonov
-- Defense Contract Management Agency: Julie Harmon
(C. Todd Lopez serves at Army News Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - Ten servicemembers and civilians were honored last week as part of the Defense Department's Women's History Month Observance and Awards Program. The recipients were awarded the 2009 Foreign Language and Science, Engineering and Math Role Model Award on March 19 at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
"For generations, women across our great land have helped make our country stronger and better," Gail H. McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans, said. "They have improved our communities and played a vital role in achieving justice and equal rights for all our citizens.
"The [Defense Department] joins our nation to recognize the many contributions women make to our society and ensure that the history of American women is recognized."
Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Rhonda Cornum, director of the Army's comprehensive soldier fitness program, gave the keynote address.
The general said during her years as a junior officer, she was largely unaware of the challenges women had faced in military service prior to her arrival. She said it was those who came before her who carved the path.
"We really need to recognize and celebrate those ladies who just kind of went through uncharted territory with machetes," Cornum said. "People like me who come after that think that path has always been there -- and it just has not been. I really did not appreciate that until somewhat recently."
Many women are recognized as "firsts" in the military, Cornum said -- first female general officer, first female commander of a unit, first female four-star general. Cornum said she believes many women don't want to be firsts, but rather just hope to progress in their career.
"As a jockey in my other life, I didn't want to be the first girl on a horse to get across the finish line," she said. "I wanted my horse to get across. It didn't matter to me the gender of the jockeys behind me."
Cornum also said there are many who could be the best at what they do, but it is simply a matter of letting those people compete.
"We will then invariably get the best performance for the entire force," she said.
Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Lynn Sacchetti was one of the 10 servicemembers recognized at the ceremony. She has served in uniform for 13 years and has been a helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard for about a decade. She said that the women of the Coast Guard who came before her have paved the way, allowing her to progress in her own career.
"There are a lot of women who have done a lot of things before me, so it gave me the opportunities to do the things I want to do with my job," she said.
Sacchetti does mostly search and rescue for the Coast Guard, she said. She was nominated for the award in part for her service in the Arctic, where she was hand-picked to lead the Coast Guard's first land-based, forward-operating location in the region during Operation Salliq.
"I was chosen to be the senior aviator for the Coast Guard's first forward-operating location base up in Barrow, Alaska -- I ran an aviation detachment up there," she said. "We are doing research to see what kind of Coast Guard assets we may or may not need to place up in the Arctic as a result of sea ice moving away from the land."
In the Arctic, she said, dangers include both weather and indigenous animals.
"The weather can be unpredictable, and in the Arctic you have to worry about predators as well, if you do have to do an emergency landing," she said.
Sacchetti said she next expects to serve in a staff job or as an operations officer.
Army Lt. Col. Felicia Langel, another recipient, is a veterinary corps officer and holds a doctorate in biomedical research. She works at the Uniformed Services University, and previously served at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Md. There, she studied both anthrax and Q fever.
Langel also worked to help grade school and high school students develop a better appreciation for science and math by bringing them into the laboratory and exposing them to science and technology that many students would not see until college-level courses.
"For the younger students it's very basic chemistry and biology," she said. "But what we try to do is put it in a real-world scenario so they can appreciate there is a value to learning science -- so it's not just science text books, but a real life application for science. In fact, we expose them to experimental procedures that usually people learn in college."
Sometimes the concepts are a little advanced for some young students, but the goal is not to teach them science, but to give them an appreciation for it -- to spark an interest and show them they can do it too, Langel said.
"It's not important to us if some is over their heads or not, what we are trying to do is excite them about the possibilities and to just see a glimmer of comprehension -- it is rewarding for us," she said.
Langel said she hopes to become a professor at the Uniformed Services University, and would like to continue working with youth as well.
The honorees include:
-- Army, Military: Langel
-- Army, Civilian: Christina Brantley
-- Navy, Military: Lt. Cmdr. Cheryll H. Hawthorne
-- Navy, Civilian: Camille Destafney
-- Marine Corps: Maj. Denise Garcia
-- Air Force: Maj. Ramsamooj J. Reyes
-- National Guard Bureau: Army Lt. Col. Susan I. Pangelinan
-- Coast Guard: Sacchetti
-- Defense Threat Reduction Agency: Irene Nehonov
-- Defense Contract Management Agency: Julie Harmon
(C. Todd Lopez serves at Army News Service.)
Commanders Cite Top Security Concerns
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - What keeps the top U.S. commanders up at night? Three four-star officers from Europe and the Pacific got asked that question yesterday during a House Armed Services Committee hearing and shared their most pressing concerns. Army Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, said his No. 1 concern lies directly north of his Seoul headquarters. "It's Kin Jong Il in the North Korea regime ... and his willingness to be able to do everything he can for his regime's survival," even at the expense of his own people, he told the panel.
For Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, commander of U.S. European Command, the biggest concern is making sure NATO has a force "ready and adequate" to respond to a threat or direct attack.
Meanwhile, at U.S. Pacific Command, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating said he sees "the spread of radical terrorists and those who would support them" as the biggest threats in an otherwise stable region.
Sharp called North Korea "the primary threat to stability and security in northeast Asia."
"We continue to be concerned with the threat posed by North Korea's large conventional military, artillery, ballistic missiles and special-operating forces, all that are located very near the North-South Korea border," he told the panel.
In addition, North Korea is the world's leading supplier to ballistic missiles and related technology, and a major proliferator of conventional weapons, he said.
Sharp pointed to North Korea's most recent provocations -- including a planned satellite launch -- "an attempt to ensure the regime survival and improve its bargaining position at international negotiations to gain concessions."
Meanwhile, Craddock said his biggest issue is ensuring the 26-nation NATO alliance is ready to respond to "Article 4 or 5 directives" issued due to a direct threat or attack on a NATO ally.
"It's when they tell me to do it, I have something capable to do it with," Craddock told American Forces Press Service.
Russia's incursion into Georgia last summer shook some long-held assumptions, he said during yesterday's testimony.
"For years -- 15, 16 years -- the assumption made in our focus on Europe was that there would be no invasions of anyone's land borders," Craddock said. "Well, that turned upside down, and that created an angst, a sense of tension among many of the NATO nations."
The key in moving toward the future, he said, is to "find and strike a balance between Russia and the NATO members and NATO partners."
"I believe we need to open up a dialogue and an engagement both bilaterally, the United States with Russia, and also from an alliance perspective," Craddock said.
As the discussion turned to the Pacific, Keating told the committee, "We don't lose sleep over many things at our headquarters."
He called the threat of violent extremism a black mark in his area of operations that's otherwise characterized by "a remarkable level of stability."
Keating noted progress made in preventing its spread, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines, during congressional testimony yesterday and last week. "I think we're making reasonable to good progress on our efforts to make life difficult for them, to reduce their number and to reduce their support base," he said.
Pacom currently has about 650 special operations forces in the Philippines, training the Philippine military, Keating told the panel. As a result of this type of cooperation, the Philippines' armed forces are "making great strides in reducing the vulnerability and the sustainability of the Abuy Sayyaf group and the Jamaah Islamiyah terrorists that have been trying to secure a foothold in the southern Philippines," he said.
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - What keeps the top U.S. commanders up at night? Three four-star officers from Europe and the Pacific got asked that question yesterday during a House Armed Services Committee hearing and shared their most pressing concerns. Army Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, said his No. 1 concern lies directly north of his Seoul headquarters. "It's Kin Jong Il in the North Korea regime ... and his willingness to be able to do everything he can for his regime's survival," even at the expense of his own people, he told the panel.
For Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, commander of U.S. European Command, the biggest concern is making sure NATO has a force "ready and adequate" to respond to a threat or direct attack.
Meanwhile, at U.S. Pacific Command, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating said he sees "the spread of radical terrorists and those who would support them" as the biggest threats in an otherwise stable region.
Sharp called North Korea "the primary threat to stability and security in northeast Asia."
"We continue to be concerned with the threat posed by North Korea's large conventional military, artillery, ballistic missiles and special-operating forces, all that are located very near the North-South Korea border," he told the panel.
In addition, North Korea is the world's leading supplier to ballistic missiles and related technology, and a major proliferator of conventional weapons, he said.
Sharp pointed to North Korea's most recent provocations -- including a planned satellite launch -- "an attempt to ensure the regime survival and improve its bargaining position at international negotiations to gain concessions."
Meanwhile, Craddock said his biggest issue is ensuring the 26-nation NATO alliance is ready to respond to "Article 4 or 5 directives" issued due to a direct threat or attack on a NATO ally.
"It's when they tell me to do it, I have something capable to do it with," Craddock told American Forces Press Service.
Russia's incursion into Georgia last summer shook some long-held assumptions, he said during yesterday's testimony.
"For years -- 15, 16 years -- the assumption made in our focus on Europe was that there would be no invasions of anyone's land borders," Craddock said. "Well, that turned upside down, and that created an angst, a sense of tension among many of the NATO nations."
The key in moving toward the future, he said, is to "find and strike a balance between Russia and the NATO members and NATO partners."
"I believe we need to open up a dialogue and an engagement both bilaterally, the United States with Russia, and also from an alliance perspective," Craddock said.
As the discussion turned to the Pacific, Keating told the committee, "We don't lose sleep over many things at our headquarters."
He called the threat of violent extremism a black mark in his area of operations that's otherwise characterized by "a remarkable level of stability."
Keating noted progress made in preventing its spread, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines, during congressional testimony yesterday and last week. "I think we're making reasonable to good progress on our efforts to make life difficult for them, to reduce their number and to reduce their support base," he said.
Pacom currently has about 650 special operations forces in the Philippines, training the Philippine military, Keating told the panel. As a result of this type of cooperation, the Philippines' armed forces are "making great strides in reducing the vulnerability and the sustainability of the Abuy Sayyaf group and the Jamaah Islamiyah terrorists that have been trying to secure a foothold in the southern Philippines," he said.
China's Military Capabilities Continue to Grow, Report Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - Transformation of the Chinese military has gained speed, but U.S. officials would like to see China become more transparent about military and security affairs, according to a report to Congress released today. The Defense Department report, called "Military Power of the People's Republic of China," provides some new details, "but there are no new, major strategic insights revealed or capabilities revealed," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
In the report, officials said that Chinese transparency has improved over the past year, "but much remains to be learned about China's national and military strategies, progress and trends in its military modernization, and the related implications for regional security and stability."
China's increased military ability stems from the nation's emergence as an economic superpower. With 8 percent per year economic growth, the Chinese have been able to invest significant sums in military modernization.
Morrell said the United States continues to ask for "more dialogue and transparency in our dealings with the Chinese government and military, all in an effort to reduce suspicions on both sides."
The Chinese still look at transparency as "a transaction to be negotiated." U.S. officials would like the Chinese to see transparency as a responsibility that accompanies the accumulation of national power. Without this transparency, conclusions in the report are subject to best guesses by U.S. experts.
To begin, the Chinese need to be more transparent in budgeting, the report says. The People's Liberation Army budget has more than doubled since 2000 -- from $27.9 billion to $60.1 billion. Officials believe the Chinese are underreporting the amount they spend on security. The real budget in 2008 is probably between $105 billion and $150 billion.
The limited transparency might even be dangerous and could contribute to instability. The Chinese reluctance creates uncertainty and increases the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation. "The United States continues to work with our allies and friends in the region to monitor these developments and adjust our policies accordingly," the report says.
Chinese military capabilities have increased tremendously. People's Liberation Army officials have invested in the acquisition of advanced foreign weapons, and they have fueled hothouse growth in domestic defense industries. The Chinese military also has poured money into research and development. On top of this, there is a far-reaching organizational and doctrinal reform of the People's Liberation Army.
"China's ability to sustain military power at a distance remains limited, but its armed forces continue to develop and field disruptive military technologies, including those for anti-access/area-denial, as well as for nuclear, space and cyber warfare, that are changing regional military balances and that have implications beyond the Asia-Pacific region," the report says.
China continues to put military pressure on Taiwan. "China's armed forces are rapidly developing coercive capabilities for the purpose of deterring Taiwan's pursuit of de jure independence," the report says. More advanced missiles, more equipment and better-trained troops have deployed to the military regions opposite the island. The military balance in the region continues to shift in Beijing's favor, the report says, and Taiwan no longer enjoys "air dominance" over the Taiwan Straits.
The capabilities the Chinese are putting in place "could in the future be used to pressure Taiwan toward a settlement of the cross-Strait dispute on Beijing's terms while simultaneously attempting to deter, delay or deny any possible U.S. support for the island in case of conflict," the report says.
Some of the Chinese capabilities have allowed the military to contribute to peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counter-piracy. "However, some of these capabilities, as well as other, more disruptive ones, could allow China to project power to ensure access to resources or enforce claims to disputed territories," the report says.
The Chinese assert that the People's Liberation Army is purely defensive in nature, and aimed solely at protecting China's security and interests. "Over the past several years, China has begun a new phase of military development by beginning to articulate roles and missions for the PLA that go beyond China's immediate territorial interests," the report says. But these statements have not cleared up international community questions about the purposes and objectives of the PLA's evolving doctrine and capabilities.
China has modernized its intercontinental ballistic missile arsenal with the deployment of DF-31 and DF-31A missiles, the report says. They also are readying to launch a new class of ballistic missile submarines soon.
The Chinese military has worked to develop anti-access and area-denial weapons, the report says. This capability goes beyond the nation's borders. China has developed the capability to hold surface ships, including aircraft carriers, at risk. The weaponry includes quiet submarines, advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, wire-guided and wake-homing torpedoes, or anti-ship ballistic missiles. They are working to deny use of shore-based airfields, secure bastions and regional logistics hubs via conventional ballistic missiles with greater ranges and accuracy, and land-attack cruise missiles.
The Chinese also can project air power using new advanced aircraft, advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems, air surveillance systems and ship-borne air defenses, the report says. China's space-based reconnaissance and positioning are leading to a precision-strike capability.
China still lags in developing an amphibious and airborne capability, airborne, air-to-air refueling, at-sea replenishment and in joint integration, the report says.
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2009 - Transformation of the Chinese military has gained speed, but U.S. officials would like to see China become more transparent about military and security affairs, according to a report to Congress released today. The Defense Department report, called "Military Power of the People's Republic of China," provides some new details, "but there are no new, major strategic insights revealed or capabilities revealed," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
In the report, officials said that Chinese transparency has improved over the past year, "but much remains to be learned about China's national and military strategies, progress and trends in its military modernization, and the related implications for regional security and stability."
China's increased military ability stems from the nation's emergence as an economic superpower. With 8 percent per year economic growth, the Chinese have been able to invest significant sums in military modernization.
Morrell said the United States continues to ask for "more dialogue and transparency in our dealings with the Chinese government and military, all in an effort to reduce suspicions on both sides."
The Chinese still look at transparency as "a transaction to be negotiated." U.S. officials would like the Chinese to see transparency as a responsibility that accompanies the accumulation of national power. Without this transparency, conclusions in the report are subject to best guesses by U.S. experts.
To begin, the Chinese need to be more transparent in budgeting, the report says. The People's Liberation Army budget has more than doubled since 2000 -- from $27.9 billion to $60.1 billion. Officials believe the Chinese are underreporting the amount they spend on security. The real budget in 2008 is probably between $105 billion and $150 billion.
The limited transparency might even be dangerous and could contribute to instability. The Chinese reluctance creates uncertainty and increases the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation. "The United States continues to work with our allies and friends in the region to monitor these developments and adjust our policies accordingly," the report says.
Chinese military capabilities have increased tremendously. People's Liberation Army officials have invested in the acquisition of advanced foreign weapons, and they have fueled hothouse growth in domestic defense industries. The Chinese military also has poured money into research and development. On top of this, there is a far-reaching organizational and doctrinal reform of the People's Liberation Army.
"China's ability to sustain military power at a distance remains limited, but its armed forces continue to develop and field disruptive military technologies, including those for anti-access/area-denial, as well as for nuclear, space and cyber warfare, that are changing regional military balances and that have implications beyond the Asia-Pacific region," the report says.
China continues to put military pressure on Taiwan. "China's armed forces are rapidly developing coercive capabilities for the purpose of deterring Taiwan's pursuit of de jure independence," the report says. More advanced missiles, more equipment and better-trained troops have deployed to the military regions opposite the island. The military balance in the region continues to shift in Beijing's favor, the report says, and Taiwan no longer enjoys "air dominance" over the Taiwan Straits.
The capabilities the Chinese are putting in place "could in the future be used to pressure Taiwan toward a settlement of the cross-Strait dispute on Beijing's terms while simultaneously attempting to deter, delay or deny any possible U.S. support for the island in case of conflict," the report says.
Some of the Chinese capabilities have allowed the military to contribute to peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counter-piracy. "However, some of these capabilities, as well as other, more disruptive ones, could allow China to project power to ensure access to resources or enforce claims to disputed territories," the report says.
The Chinese assert that the People's Liberation Army is purely defensive in nature, and aimed solely at protecting China's security and interests. "Over the past several years, China has begun a new phase of military development by beginning to articulate roles and missions for the PLA that go beyond China's immediate territorial interests," the report says. But these statements have not cleared up international community questions about the purposes and objectives of the PLA's evolving doctrine and capabilities.
China has modernized its intercontinental ballistic missile arsenal with the deployment of DF-31 and DF-31A missiles, the report says. They also are readying to launch a new class of ballistic missile submarines soon.
The Chinese military has worked to develop anti-access and area-denial weapons, the report says. This capability goes beyond the nation's borders. China has developed the capability to hold surface ships, including aircraft carriers, at risk. The weaponry includes quiet submarines, advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, wire-guided and wake-homing torpedoes, or anti-ship ballistic missiles. They are working to deny use of shore-based airfields, secure bastions and regional logistics hubs via conventional ballistic missiles with greater ranges and accuracy, and land-attack cruise missiles.
The Chinese also can project air power using new advanced aircraft, advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems, air surveillance systems and ship-borne air defenses, the report says. China's space-based reconnaissance and positioning are leading to a precision-strike capability.
China still lags in developing an amphibious and airborne capability, airborne, air-to-air refueling, at-sea replenishment and in joint integration, the report says.
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