President Acknowledges Military Father's Sacrifices, Contributions

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

June 19, 2009 - President Barack Obama recognized in his Father's Day proclamation the sacrifices military fathers make every day, and hosted the Military Father of the Year today at the White House for a town hall session on fatherhood. Navy Chief Petty Officer John Lehnen, the father of four children with special needs and recipient of the 2009 National Fatherhood Initiative-Lockheed Martin Military Fatherhood Award, was among five fathers invited to participate in the forum slated to coincide with the national Father's Day observance.

Lehnen, a quartermaster, shared his story about the challenges he and other military fathers face, and how he stays connected to his children's lives during deployments and reconnects with them after he returns home.

Obama recognized in his Father's Day proclamation issued today the strength military fathers like Lehnen bring, not just to their families, but to their country as well.

"We ... express special gratitude to fathers who serve in the United States armed forces for the sacrifices they and their families make every day," the president said. "All of these individuals are making great contributions, and children across the country are better off for their care."

While most Americans are planning backyard barbecues and family outings to celebrate Father's Day, many military families with deployed husbands and fathers will be settling for more subdued observances.

At Camp Lejeune, N.C., for example, three 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit families whose babies were born after the MEU deployed in May will get treated tomorrow to an interactive video with their loved ones.

Frank Smith, the unit's family readiness group officer, said it will be the first time most of the Marines have seen their newborn children in anything but e-mailed photos.

"It will be an opportunity for them to see and hear them face to face," said Smith, a retired Marine master sergeant. "And it's also a way to let them know that while they are out there in the face of danger, those of us in the rear appreciate what they are doing and are looking our for their families."

Meanwhile, other families of deployed servicemembers – an estimated 150,000 of them fathers -- and their families are expected to observe Father's Day in quieter ways.

Many already have made their treks to the post office to ship off Father's Day cards and care packages of snack foods, batteries and other coveted goodies.

Air Force Lt. Col. James "Andy" Leinart, an operations analyst deployed to Baghdad, knows a care package is en route from his wife and three daughters in Annandale, Va.

While he's not expecting a repeat of last year's breakfast in bed and carefully crafted gifts from his little girls, Leinart is keeping a stiff upper lip about missing his special day with his family.

"I miss my wife and children every day, whether it's Father's Day or not," he said. "I guess the only real difference is that Father's Day will give me a pause to reflect more on it." Quickly brushing any hint of melancholy aside, Leinart said he'll be happy with a call home or a Skype session on the Internet.

And he'll make a point to call his own father in Waco, Texas. "There's probably no better day than Father's Day to do that," he said.

MILITARY CONTRACTS June 19, 2009

NAVY
Austal USA, Mobile Ala., was awarded a $99,557,548 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2217) on Jun. 17, 2009, for long lead time material (LLTM) for Ships 2 and 3 of the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) Program. This contract provides LLTM for main propulsion engines, aluminum, waterjets, reduction gears, generators, and other components to support construction of JHSV Ships 2 and 3, commencing in June 2010. The LLTM procured or manufactured for construction or installation in JHSV 2 and 3 will be subsumed with their associated costs into their respective ship construction line items upon award of construction contracts for JHSV 2 and 3. Work will be performed in Detroit, Mich., (38 percent); Chesapeake, Va., (18 percent); Henderson, Australia, (13 percent); Gulfport, Miss., (10 percent); Ravenswood, W.Va., (9 percent); and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., (4 percent); Mobile, Ala., (3 percent); Auburn, Ind., (2.6 percent); Winter Haven, Fla., (1 percent); Gardena, Calif., (1 percent); and Davenport, Iowa, (.4 percent). Work is expected to be complete by July 2013. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.

J&R Tool Inc. Loogootee, Ind.*, (N00164-09-D-JS60); Process Development & Fabrication Inc., Brazil, Ind., * (N00164-09-D-JS61); C&S Machine, PlainVille, Ind.*, (N00164-09-D-JS62), and American Manufacturing Solutions, North Vernon, Ind.*, (N00164-09-D-JS63), are being awarded a $49,900,000 multiple award, ($5,000 min) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for machine shop services used for the fabrication of prototype hardware and items requiring low rate production. This contract will provide prototype fabrication, low rate production, prototyped development support to include but not limited to items manufactured from: metals, polymers, ceramics, fabrics, woods, glass, masonry materials, and coatings for such materials. Work will be performed in Loogootee, Ind.; Brazil, Ind., PlainVille, Ind., and North Vernon, Ind., as determined by each task order, and is expected to be completed by May 2013. These four contractors will compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the contract, therefore, definitive location percentages for where the work will be performed cannot be determined at this time. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with unlimited proposals solicited and 15 offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Ce! nter, Cr ane, Ind., is the contracting activity.

Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $31,411,443 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for ultra-high frequency satellite communications and high frequency communications waveform software support for the network enterprise domain under the Joint Program Executive Office Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $45,401,519. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by June 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until June 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and one offer was received via the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-09-D-0021).

Converteam, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a $22,984,640 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4203) for the DDG 1000 Baseline Tactical High Voltage Power Subsystem (HVPS) for use in the Navy's integrated power system land based test site. The DDG 1000 HVPS includes an advanced induction motor, motor drive, harmonic filters and resistors for dynamic braking and neutral grounding. The HVPS distributes electrical power for the ship's turbine-generators to the various electrical loads and also provides for electric propulsion. These components will meet the same specification established by the DDG 1000 shipyards for the lead ships installation. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $13,819,474 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of Specialized Test Equipment used to perform depot level repairs to the Common Cockpit Avionics Suite Components for the MH-60. The Specialized Test Equipment consist of one Audio Management Computer, one Relay Assembly, one Flight Management Computer, one Mission Computer, and the Communication Systems Controller testers. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (50 percent); Owego, N.Y., (25 percent); and Farmingdale, N.Y., (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., (N68335-09-C-0149).

T B Penick & Sons, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $10,199,734 for firm-fixed price task order #0005 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8618) for construction of a Marine Corps Reserve Training Center at the Naval Air Station Lemoore. The work to be performed provides for construction of two new single story buildings to provide training facilities, administrative spaces and support spaces in a Reserve Training Center and a Vehicle Maintenance Facility for Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, Detachment Alpha and incidental related work. The facility will replace the existing inadequate facilities. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $10,482,734. Work will be performed in Lemoore, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $9,983,058 cost-plus fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-06-G-0001) for Cuff and Yoke conceptual design and preliminary tooling release for the H-1 aircraft, to include a rotor parametric study. Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in October 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $5,626,065 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded an $8,481,024 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 3 Electro-Optic Third Generation Consoles for the Governments of Australia (2) and Finland (1), to include spares, installation kits, and ancillary equipment, in support of F/A-18 and MH-60R/S weapon systems. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Government of Australia, ($4,426,670; 52 percent) and the Government of Finland, ($4,054,354; 48 percent), under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0333).

Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $6,413,738 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0004 modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of OCONUS field service representative mechanics, back ramp retrofit kits, and several contract data requirement lists. This order is in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program. The MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with blast resistant underbodies designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary, and direct fire weapons. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and in Iraq, and work is expected to be completed August 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $7,291,171 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The base contract was competitively awarded, and the new requirements are sole source additions to the contract. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
US Foodservice Lexington, Lexington, S.C., is being awarded a maximum $40,857,062 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. Other location of performance is Lexington, South Carolina. Using services are Army Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Non-DOD customers in South Carolina. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the fourth option. The date of performance completion is Jun. 19, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3057).

AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to SNC Telecommunications of Washington, D.C., for $23,000,000. This contract action will provide Airman Battle System Fire Resistant Gear (coats/shirts/trousers). At this time, $2,694,600 has been obligated. ASC/648th AESS/TAC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-09-D-6287, Delivery order 0001).

The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to Jacobs Technology, Inc., of Tullahoma, Tenn., for $25,083,864. This contract will provide Technical, Engineering and Acquisition Support at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and various other tenant organizations. This modification is to increase work requirement. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006, P00030).

ARMY
E.W. Howell Co., Inc., Woodbury, N.Y., was awarded on Jun. 18, 2009 a $ 15,493,883 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction addition and alteration of existing Army Reserve Center (ARC). Work is to be performed in Suffolk County, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 20, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six (6) bids received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., was the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0040).

Great Lakes Dredge & 7 Dock Co., LLC. Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Jun. 18, 2009 a $ 28,834,000 firm-fixed-price contract for WBV-14c.1, West Bank and Vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurricane Protection Project, Westwego to Harvey Canal, New Westwego Pumping Stations to Orleans Village Levee, Third Enlargement. Work is to be performed in Jefferson parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via FedTeds with three (3) bids received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-C-0071).

Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc. Orlando Fla., was awarded on Jun. 16, 2009 a $ 6,351,670 firm-fixed-price contract to procure the Light Armor Range Complex-C for U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center. Work is to be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 26, 2010. Bids were solicited using the World Wide Web with two (2) bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-C-0080).

Flight to Nation's Capitol Honors World War II Veterans

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

June 19, 2009 - When an "honor flight" from Long Island, N.Y., lands here tomorrow with 31 mostly World War II veterans aboard, it's likely to be met in the same manner as others before it: with much applause and fanfare. The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit group that transports World War II survivors and other veterans who may be terminally ill to the nation's capital to visit and reflect at their memorials. Hundreds of veterans have taken advantage of the opportunity to visit the national memorials at no cost.

"The reason I'm involved in this is to make a difference, and I feel that we are," said retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric L. Haney, whose book, "Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counter-terrorist Unit," was the basis for the hit TV series "The Unit."

Haney also is a spokesman for Theragenics Corp., a partner with the Honor Flight Network for this year's honor flights. On behalf of the corporation, Haney said, he hopes to educate the veterans about the risk of prostate cancer and available treatments.
"We've helped make it possible for hundreds of veterans who would never have gone to D.C. to take a trip to their memorial," he said. "So many of them tell me it's an experience they will never forget, [and] many say it was the best day they've had in a long time. I'm grateful to give back to them. On a larger scale, we're helping to spread a message that is so important but rarely discussed: men's health."

The Long Island veterans will begin their one-day excursion around 10:30 a.m. and wrap it up around 8 p.m. In between, they'll visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps War Memorial, more commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial.

The experience understandably is an emotional one for the veterans, but it also has an impact on the relatives and guardians who accompany each flight.

"The trip allowed me conversation time with men and women who became remarkable heroes by their response to duty," said Dr. Jack Griffeth, who served as a medical guardian aboard an Honor Flight from Atlanta earlier this year, in his blog on the tohonortocure.com Web site.

"I conversed with men who stormed the beaches of Normandy, survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, leaped from the sinking [USS] Yorktown, saw the flag raised on Iwo Jima, liberated the prisoners from Japanese and German prisons ... [and] took on shrapnel and continued to fight," he said.

Griffeth said the veterans often told their stories through tears, and occasionally with enthusiasm and excitement. The doctor said he was only too enthused to relay all he'd learned when he encountered groups of students who had volunteered to assist the veterans.

"I went up to several groups ... exclaiming, 'Remember reading about Pearl Harbor? This guy was at the airfield during the attack! This guy was on the Yorktown when it was torpedoed and sank! Remember reading about D-Day? This guy was on Omaha Beach,'" he wrote. "'These old guys you are pushing in wheelchairs saved the world!'"

The kids truly seemed to get it, he said.

So, as the plane lands tomorrow and the veterans make their rounds, a new generation has a chance to learn about The Greatest Generation from the men and women who earned that moniker.

The Honor Flight Network has four more flights planned this year.

Commander Calls for More Enablers to Support Special Ops Missions

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

June 19, 2009 - With heavy demand on special operations capabilities and limitations on how quickly these forces can grow, it's critical that the services develop more capabilities to support special operators, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command told Congress yesterday. Navy Adm. Eric T. Olson told a Senate Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities that it's impossible to increase special operations forces by more than 3 to 5 percent per year, primarily due to the enormous training requirements involved.

"This growth rate will not meet the already-obvious appetite for the effects of [special operations forces] in forward operating areas," he conceded.

Eighty-five percent of special operators have deployed to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility during the last several years, he reported. And while special operators continue their missions as trainers, advisors and combat partners around the world – operating in 106 countries during fiscal 2009 alone – Olson said heavy demands within the Centcom region have detracted from efforts elsewhere.

"We have been in fewer places with fewer people less often and for shorter periods of time around the rest of the world because of our commitment in Centcom," he told the senators.

The mission requirement in Centcom isn't likely to diminish any time soon, Olson said, even as U.S. forces begin drawing down in Iraq. And as more troops deploy into Afghanistan, Olson expressed concern that it will leave his special operators lacking in the airlift capability they need to operate effectively.

So while growing specific special operations capabilities, Olson said, the best way to mitigate demands on these forces is to develop and sustain supporting capabilities within the services beyond their own organic needs that can be used to directly support special operations commanders. This would enhance the impact of forward-deployed special operations forces without placing additional demand on their own limited enabling units, the admiral told the Senate panel.

Olson rattled off the "enabling capabilities" he needs the services to provide more of: mobility, aerial sensors, field medics, remote logistics, engineering planners, construction, intelligence, regional specialists, interpreters and translators, communications, dog teams, close-air support specialists and security forces, among them.

These forces, if provided in greater numbers, would free up more special operations operators to focus more directly on their missions, he said.

"We are and will be dependent upon our service partners for key force enablers," he said. "Assigned at the unit or detachment level to support joint [special operations forces] commanders away from main bases, the effects of such a combined force can be impressive."

Meanwhile, Olson said, he's focused on growing special operations forces in a responsible way that maintains their unique capabilities and emphasizes the human element over equipment.

"Fundamental to this effort is the recognition that humans are more important than hardware, and that quality is more important than quantity," he said. "Investments in weapons platforms and technologies are sub-optimized if we fail to develop the people upon whom their effective employment depends."

So within Special Operations Command, Olson said, "we strive first to select and nurture the extraordinary operator and then to provide the most operationally relevant equipment."

The complexity of current strategic environments and those likely to be faced in the future raises the bar on what special operators must deliver, he said. It "requires that our [special operations forces] operators maintain not only the highest levels of warfighting expertise, but also cultural knowledge and diplomacy skills," he told the panel.

Toward this end, Special Operations Command is developing what Olson calls "3-D operators." These troops will make up a multi-dimensional force he said will be trained to "lay the groundwork in the myriad diplomatic, development, and defense activities that contribute to our government's pursuit of our vital national interests."

Pentagon Delegation to Visit Beijing for Military Talks

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

June 19, 2009 - Defense Department officials hope for more military-to-military engagement with China as a result of the 10th U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks, a senior defense official said today. The official, speaking on background, said Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy will head the U.S. delegation. Her counterpart is Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the deputy chief of the Peoples' Liberation Army's general staff. The meetings in Beijing are scheduled for June 23 and 24.

Flournoy also will visit Tokyo and Seoul, the South Korean capital, during the trip.

The talks are the forum for strategic conversations between the nations, and allow the Chinese and U.S. militaries "to build cooperative capacity, foster institutional understanding and develop a shared strategic vision," the official said. The talks are the first since President Barack Obama met Chinese President Hu Jintao in April and the first in the continuing series since Obama took office.

"We look to this to establish a framework for U.S.-China military-to-military relations, translate common interests into concrete action, expand those areas where we can cooperate, discuss expectations for behavior and regional security affairs, and build a plan for military-to-military exchanges for the rest of 2009," he said.

The meetings come at a tense time in northeastern Asia, with North Korea testing a nuclear warhead and launching intermediate and intercontinental missiles. That situation is helping to drive cooperation between China and the United States.

"We are working with China to try and achieve ever greater transparency," the official said. Military-to-military exchanges encourage this transparency and may help U.S. officials understand the continuing Chinese military build-up, he added.

Cooperation with China is on the upswing, the official said, noting that China has sent a ship to the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrols.

"The contacts and the dialogue that goes on in these visits will help transparency by clarifying intentions, clarifying world views, clarifying strategies," the official said. "And I'm quite positive that, given the state of the world the way it is, we'll find many more ways where the United States and China can operate with common interests in mind."

The delegations will discuss Chinese harassment of U.S. survey ships. "The incidents between our ships and their ships are a matter of record," the official said. "We have a vehicle for [dealing with] that: the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement from 1997. We would hope to reinvigorate those discussions, so that we can make sure that we're both operating in a safe and prudent manner."

In Seoul, the delegations will discuss not only North Korea, but also the joint vision statement agreed to between Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. "The vision statement is ... a very top-level, high-level view," the official said. "It's necessary to periodically reaffirm mutual goals and objectives within each of our alliance relationships."

The talks in Seoul will reaffirm continued support for ongoing efforts such as tour normalization for U.S. servicemembers, relocation of U.S. forces in South Korea and continued adjustments to both Korean and U.S. force structures "in lieu of the changing threat and the exceptional capabilities of the Republic of Korea military forces now," the official said.

"We're working to continue the strong relationship that we have," he said, "and make sure that we're adapting the alliance for future -- for the current and future conditions, and not fall into the trap of looking only at one threat."

Declassified Documents Reveal the Inner Workings and Intelligence Gathering Operations of the National Security Agency

For more information contact:
Matthew Aid - 202/994-7000

http://www.nsarchive.org

Washington, DC, June 19, 2009 - Declassified documents confirm that prior to the launch of the first spy satellites into orbit by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in the early 1960s, the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) collected by the National Security Agency and its predecessor organizations was virtually the only viable means of gathering intelligence information about what was going on inside the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, North Vietnam, and other communist nations. Yet, for the most part, the NSA and its foreign partners could collect only bits and pieces of huge numbers of low-level, uncoded, plaintext messages, according to Archive visiting fellow, Matthew M. Aid, who today posted a collection of declassified documents obtained for his new book The Secret Sentry on the Archive's Web site.

The Secret Sentry discloses that the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was far from the first time when U.S. government officials, including senior military commanders and the White House, "cherry picked" intelligence information to fit preconceived notions or policies and ignored intelligence which ran contrary to their expectations. The Secret Sentry and the documents posted today show that widespread manipulation of intelligence also occurred during the Korean and Vietnam Wars for example, when Washington ignored intelligence on Chinese intervention in Korea, resulting in catastrophic consequences.

The Secret Sentry also details how since the end of World War II, constant changes in computer, telecommunications, and communications security technologies have been the most important determinants of NSA's ability to produce intelligence. NSA has oftentimes found itself behind the curve in terms of its ability or willingness to adapt to technological changes, with delays and bureaucratic inertia causing immense harm to the agency's ability to perform its mission. As a result, during the past four decades NSA has dramatically increased the amount of the raw material that it collects, even while it has produced less and less intelligence information.

According to Matthew Aid's informed sources, during the Reagan administration in the 1980s, NSA processed, analyzed, and reported approximately 20 percent of the communications traffic it intercepted. Today, that number has dropped to less than 1 percent. For example, during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, NSA was unable to process 60 percent of the Iraqi messages it intercepted, while the U.S. military SIGINT units participating in the invasion processed less than 2 percent of the Iraqi military communications traffic that they intercepted.

Today's posting of 24 documents consists of a selection of reports and memoranda prepared by NSA officials concerning the role played by Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) in selected military conflicts and crises, a number of classified internal histories written by NSA historians on key events in the agency's past, and a selection of declassified articles from NSA internal journals.

Archive Visiting Fellow Matthew M. Aid obtained the documents while conducting research for his new book, The Secret Sentry: The Untold History of the National Security Agency (Bloomsbury, 2009). For the National Security Archive, Aid has edited a comprehensive set of declassified documents on the history of the NSA and its predecessor organizations from 1945 to the present, which ProQuest will publish later this year.

http://www.nsarchive.org

Careers in Corrections

Editor's Note: Guest is former USMC; and, potential career path after military service.

On June 26, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with corrections official Tracy E. Barnhart.

Program Date: June 26, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Careers in Corrections
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/06/27/Careers-in-Corrections

About the Guest
After completion of a Marine Corps combat tour of duty in Iraq in 1991, Tracy E. Barnhart completed the National Registry requirements as an Emergency Medical Technician. He responded to calls of emergency medical nature for over three years until he became a police officer for the City of Galion (Ohio). After three years on patrol he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Later leaving the City of Galion Tracy E. Barnhart was hired as the Chief of Police for the City of Edison (Ohio). After 3 years as chief of police, and with a total of ten years experience in law enforcement he changed careers leaping into the realm of corrections where he is currently employed at the Marion Juvenile Correctional Facility.

Tracy E. Barnhart is the Law Enforcement coordinator the Tri-Rivers Public Safety Adult Education where he designs and coordinates continuing educational courses for law enforcement and correctional officers. He has established courses on verbal de-escalation, criminal behavior analysis, use of force, and ground fighting and take down techniques for law enforcement.

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

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

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/06/27/Careers-in-Corrections

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

Chance Phelps Foundation Donates $10,000 to 'Hope for the Warriors'

By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service

June 19, 2009 - A foundation formed by the family of a fallen Marine whose story was told in the HBO movie "Taking Chance" has donated $10,000 to a group that works to help wounded veterans and their families. Hope for the Warriors, a national nonprofit group, received the donation from the Chance Phelps Foundation during Fleet Week activities in New York on May 22.

Gretchen Mack, mother of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance R. Phelps and founder of the Chance Phelps foundation, said her family decided to make the donation based on what they experienced last year in New York at a Hope for the Warriors event that included wounded warriors involved in extensive rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio for loss of limbs, eyesight, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"We spent a lot of time with these servicemembers, and were very impressed and touched," Mack said. "This year, we decided to donate to Hope for the Warriors because what they do for those that serve is incredible."

The Chance Phelps Foundation, founded after Phelps was killed in Iraq in April 2004, is a nonprofit organization that raises money for donations to various charities that support quality-of-life issues for servicemembers, particularly those who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tina Atherall, Hope for the Warriors vice president, said the contribution was gratefully accepted and will assist the group in its mission of "No sacrifice forgotten, nor need unmet."

"We are forever grateful for their dedication and support to the wounded, their families and the families of the fallen," Atherall said. "This donation will help enhance our various programs: Immediate Needs, Above and Beyond, Hope and Morale, A Warriors Wish, Spouse Scholarships, Family Support Program, Wounded Warrior Barracks and Warrior House."

Mack and the fallen Marine's father, John Phelps, presented the donation to Robin Kelleher, president of Hope for the Warriors.

Mack said money donated to Hope for the Warriors was given to her family after she lost her son, and the family wanted to pass the money on.

"Hope for the Warriors help veterans with quality-of-life issues that they and their families may face after deployment," Mack said. "This may include physical injuries, financial issues and, of course, making sure they get the medical treatment they need and an opportunity to enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation. We are very passionate about being a part of helping our veterans and their families."

New Navy Secretary Stresses Commitment to Sailors, Marines, Families

By Darren Harrison
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 19, 2009 - Navy Secretary Raymond E. Mabus Jr. assumed office yesterday, pledging that commitment to sailors, Marines and their families will be the cornerstone of his service. "The law requires me to ensure that the Department of the Navy is properly manned, trained and equipped, fully prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century," Mabus said. "I deeply believe that this involves not just what our sailors and Marines do for us, but what we do for them and for their families."

Mabus made the remarks after Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates swore him in ceremonially at Admiral Leutze Park on the Washington Navy Yard. Earlier in the day, Vice President Joe Biden administered another ceremonial oath at the White House.

Senior government and military leaders and roughly 500 guests attended the ceremony at the Navy Yard. In addition, 27 foreign ambassadors attended the event.

"We face great challenges, and we have great friends and allies," Mabus said. "To representatives of the international community here today, welcome. I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen ties that are already strong, and I know our collaboration will advance the interests of peace and a more just and stable world."

President Barack Obama nominated Mabus, the former governor of Mississippi, to be the Navy's civilian leader March 27. Following his Senate confirmation, he was sworn in during a private ceremony May 19 so he "could be piped aboard immediately," he said.

Mabus oversees almost 900,000 people and a budget of $150 billion His duties include recruiting, equipping and mobilizing to overseeing the construction and repair of equipment, facilities and ships. Mabus also will formulate Navy policy and programs.

During his speech, Mabus spoke of the Navy's "noble and storied legacy," relating episodes in naval history from the capture of the HMS Margaretta in 1775 to the "bravery and skill of the Navy and Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan today."

"There is a long, unbreakable line of heroism that stretches from there, back to the beginning," Mabus said. "The heroes of our country are the heroes of our own families. They come from us. They defend us. Wearing the uniform from 1775 until today, they are the shining fabric of America."

He identified shipbuilding, aircraft production and meeting the needs of the Navy and Marines in an age of nonexpanding budgets as some of the challenges he faces.

Mabus served in the Navy from 1970 to 1972 as a surface warfare officer aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock. Prior to his active-duty service, he had been a member of the Naval ROTC as an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi.

"I am proud of that first tour of duty on a cruiser, and proud beyond words to finally come home to the Department of the Navy," Mabus said. "Early on, I saw the sacrifices that our servicemembers make every day to defend and secure our country."

Mabus graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in English and earned a master's degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from Harvard Law School.

The secretary served as governor of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992 and as ambassador to Saudi Arabia for two years during former President Bill Clinton's administration.

"Conscious of this service's long and glorious tradition, with confidence in its men, its women and its mission, I am privileged to assume the office of secretary of the Navy," Mabus said.

(Darren Harrison works in the Naval District Washington public affairs office.)

Nork Missile

North Korea has threatened to launch a nuclear capable missile at Hawaii. There are all kinds of ways for the US to shoot it down; an Air Born Laser over Korea, an Aegis destroyer in the Sea of Japanese, an Anti Ballistic Missile out of Ft. Greely, a Theater Area Defense Missile in Hawaii. The North Korean ICBM will get nowhere near the 50th state.

That's not the point. Threatening to shoot an ICBM at a state (or territory for that matter) is an act of war, or it should be, anyway. How much of this is the Obama Administration willing to take?

If the Nork threat to fire a missile at Hawaii isn't ample justification for the United States to destroy said missile on the launch pad, I don't know what is.

For more about Will, visit http://www.gulfwarone.com/. His novel, 'A Line Through the Desert' can be purchased here.

Sub Hunter

On July 17, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Captain Edward M. Brittingham, USN (ret.).

Program Date: July 17, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Sub Hunter
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/07/18/Sub-Hunter

About the Guest
Captain Edward M. Brittingham, USN (ret.) “was in the Air Force ROTC in college, made pilot, but dropped out in his junior year. Drafted in 1962, he joined the Navy as a navigator (Naval Aviation Observer) and then reported to NAS Norfolk, Virginia for submarine training. He joined VP-10 and transitioned to the P-3A aircraft where antisubmarine warfare became the primary mission. He moved up the ranks ultimately to Commanding Officer of VP-11.” Edward M. Brittingham is the author of The Iranian Deception; Sub Chaser; Operation Poppy; and, Terrorism in the United States.

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

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/07/18/Sub-Hunter

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

United States vs Hamas & Hezbollah

Hamas, all of organizations, with Israeli help, recently foiled an assassination attempt on former president Jimmy Carter.

Question, had the effort succeeded, would that mean war? I think so. But how to proceed? Might it simply be a matter of outsourcing the job to our Israeli friends, who no doubt would love to eradicate Hamas once and for all? Or would national honor require US Marine landing on Gaza Beach. Americans, of course have been killed by Hamas and Hezbollah.

Had the attempt succeeded, Hamas one suspects, could be crushed relatively easily, with Gaza pinned up against Israel.

Hezbollah, ensconced as it is in southern Lebanon, would be a far tough nut to crack, requiring a Marine Expeditionary Unit, in this case the II out of Camp Lejune, supported by elements of the Army and the 6th fleet.

The 22nd MEU would land north of the Litani River and drive for the Bekka Valley. The 26th MEU would make up the follow on wave and push north to the Bekka . To cut off Syrian help from the north, would below Beirut and take up blocking positions. Sealing up the Bekka would be critical. To that end, the 173rd Airborne Brigade could be dropped into the valley, with one battalion keeping a watch on Syria while the other guards the southern approach.

The key would be to pin Hezbollah south of the Litania River and destroying their paramilitary forces, amounting to several thousand well armed and organized militia boasting a large arsenal of anti tank rockets. Hezbollah could certainly slow an American advance, and inflict casualties, as they did upon the IDF in 2006.

Of course, all this begs the question, what would the 12 infantry brigades and special operations brigades of Lebanese army do. They could not stop the Marines, they could barely fight them, but the sight of Lebanese Army troops being slaughtered by American forces would be bad publicity to say the least.

Are Hamas and Hezbollah stupid enough to give the United States a reason to go to war with them?

For more about Will, visit http://www.gulfwarone.com/. His novel, 'A Line Through the Desert' can be purchased here.

Air Force Audit Finds Agency Lacks Basic Systems to Comply with the Freedom of Information Act

Three years after a federal court found a pattern and practice of not processing FOIAs in a lawsuit brought by the National Security Archive, Air Force still has not fixed its system

For more information contact:
Meredith Fuchs - 202/994-7000

http://www.nsarchive.org

Washington, DC, June 18, 2009 - A report issued by the Air Force Audit Agency that was released to the National Security Archive this week identifies significant mismanagement in the Air Force Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program. The findings demonstrate a pattern of noncompliance with statutory timeframes to respond to records requests from the public and misrepresentations about the state of the Air Force FOIA program. In particular, the Air Force audit agency found that the Air Force:

* Did not properly track or record FOIA requests;
* Overstated the number of requests it received and understated its response times, leading to inaccurate reporting about its program to Congress;
* Failed to comply with the Electronic Freedom of Information Act requirements to include all frequently requested records in its Electronic Reading Room;
* Failed to inform all requesters of their appeal rights under the law; and
* Failed to notify interested third parties, such as government contractors, of the intent to release information.

"Four years after our law suit, and despite multiple court orders, the Air Force system remains broken," said David P. Dean, of the law firm James & Hoffman, P.C., who represents the Archive. "The facts, though stunning, speak for themselves. In 2005, we complained about 82 unprocessed FOIA requests that the Archive had submitted up to eighteen years earlier. Despite several court orders requiring the Air Force to complete processing and to create a functioning FOIA system, today six requests are still outstanding and the system is still dysfunctional."

The Archive's suit was filed in March 2005 and alleged that the Air Force failed to acknowledge FOIA requests, lost FOIA requests, failed to process requests, tried to discourage the public from pursuing FOIA requests, failed to respond to inquiries about the status of the requests, and let requests languish while records were destroyed or transferred to other agencies. The Archive's lawsuit resulted in a court decision in 2006 finding that the Air Force had a pattern and practice of not processing FOIA requests in accordance with the law. At that time, the court noted that "the Air Force only woke up in May 2005 to its need to fulfill its FOIA obligations on a more timely basis..."

Since that time, and as a result of the lawsuit, the Air Force has instituted numerous changes to its FOIA program, including:

* Committing to training all Air Force personnel about the agency's FOIA obligations;
* Committing to posting all released records in its Electronic Reading Room and linking all of its Electronic Reading Rooms;
* Putting in place a centralized database system that will track FOIA requests from initial submission to completion; and
* Receiving FOIA requests online through its FOIA web site.

"While we are extremely glad that our litigation has forced the Air Force to bring its program closer to what the public is entitled to expect under the law, we are concerned that these small changes are not sufficient to bring about the transformation that is needed at the Air Force," commented Meredith Fuchs, the Archive's General Counsel. "The Air Force has not yet addressed its problems with interagency referrals and consultations--which has proven to be a significant black hole--and it has not yet gotten the old, long pending requests into its new tracking system." Ms. Fuchs concluded, "If the Air Force is going to enter the new era of transparency promised by President Obama, then it is going to have to shift its culture to one that appreciates the agency's legal obligation to keep the public informed about its activities on their behalf."

Defense Schools' Director Pleased With Year's Accomplishments

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

June 18, 2009 - For the Department of Defense Education Activity, the 2008-2009 school year was all about improving education for military children, the agency's director said as she reflected on the accomplishments of what she's dubbed "Team DoDEA." "The whole year involved continuous improvement and that whole philosophy of taking some small steps [and] to really focus in on what we needed to improve," Shirley Miles said. "We are -- I've said many times -- a very good organization, and we can be great. We just have to look at what we do, review it, and then plan for that greatness."

Miles said she holds no opinion that the organization needs to make any sharp turns in its operations. It simply needs to "right the rudder," to borrow a Navy term, and focus on student achievement, she said.

In the past school year, the agency conducted its regular customer satisfaction survey, as well as listening to employees' opinions and suggestions through its first employee-satisfaction survey. Miles said those responses, combined with input from other sources including the combatant commands and the Dependent Education Council, helped to guide her decisions.

The budget was prioritized, she said, so in the event of a budget cut, the "have tos" are crystal clear.

"If we have to make cuts, we can say, 'Here's the cut line, and if you cut us by 10 percent, 15 percent, we can't do all of these things," Miles said. "Of course, in our $1.8 billion budget, if we're cut [by] 10 percent, that's $180 million, and $180 million dollars [less] means you can't do a lot of things."

In addition, all of the school buildings in all 15 districts were evaluated and given a quality rating based on their state of repair. Taking the ratings and the need for a new school complex -- elementary, middle school and high school -- in Kaiserslautern, Germany, into account, Miles raised the organization's military construction budget request from $35 million to $100 million.

The bill for the Kaiserslautern complex alone comes in at $75 million.

"If we don't get the $100 million, we're going to have to piecemeal [the complex]," Miles said. "Obviously, we will do the remodeling and the repairs that we always do, [but] the [military construction] issue is a big issue, because we have old schools."

A program aimed at providing students who may miss classes for a deployed parent's rest and recuperation visit or who live in remote locations takes learning to the Internet.

"The virtual school, I think, is going to be fabulous," Miles said. "The virtual school really is going to help our home-schooled students, our children in remote locations [and] our children [who are absent] for two or three weeks at a time."

The virtual classroom will provide face-to-face instruction 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staffs of teachers around the globe in different time zones will keep the "school" staffed. "Hubs" will help keep teachers from having to come in and teach on a second shift schedule.

"We're establishing a hub already in Europe, [and] we have a hub that's going to start in the fall in the Pacific, and then we'll have a hub in [the United States]," Miles said.

The school will provide students with the opportunity to retake classes they've failed or classes not offered at their schools -- including advanced placement classes -- and to keep up with class work during an extended absence.

Miles wants each of the classes offered accredited through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement so that students using the virtual school will have a diploma when they graduate.

Perhaps the largest undertaking of the school year was a reorganization of administrative personnel. No school can run without administrators, but staffing needs to be done wisely, Miles said.

"My goal is always to focus resources as close to the school as possible," she said. "So we evaluated, particularly our [curriculum content] coordinators. Those coordinators were at the area offices, but they were doing, in my opinion, a lot of paperwork, and they needed to get out to the schools."

All of the coordinators for each curriculum area are being moved to the district levels so they are better able to help the teachers and the students. In the past, each of the organization's 15 school districts had two assistant superintendents. That number has been reduced.

"We were, in my opinion, a little too top heavy," Miles said. "I have eliminated one assistant superintendent per school district, and have moved those folks into different positions. Some of them are principals. Some of them are coordinators."

Because the turnover of the education activity's 16,000 employees is relatively high due to factors such as retirements and relocations, none of the organization's administrative personnel lost jobs in the shuffle.

"Only two teachers lost their jobs because they didn't have any other certification," Miles said. "They were certified in cosmetology, and we don't offer that any more."

Miles said she's amazed at what her team has accomplished in the past year.

"It's been a great year of thoughtful and purposeful effort, and I'm proud of that," she said. "I'm very proud of the staff across the world."

MILITARY CONTRACTS June 18, 2009

NAVY
Archer Western/RQ Construction Joint Venture, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $151,048,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of multiple bachelor enlisted quarters, Camp Lejeune. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $162,923,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by August 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 18 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3215).

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $72,698,102 modification to previously awarded contract (N62793-03-G-0001) to definitize the planning effort and material support and accomplishment effort for the Post Shakedown Availability/Selected Restricted Availability for the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,870,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity.

Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc., Lexington Park, Md., (N65236-09-D-3806), and ManTech Systems Engineering Corp., Fairfax, Va., (N65236-09-D-3807) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide tactical command and control integration and improvement support services required by multiple Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc., will receive $36,968,507 and ManTech Systems Engineering Corp., will receive $38,808,905. These contracts include option periods which, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value to an estimated amount of $205,683,274. These two contractors may compete for the task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (80 percent), and Lexington Park, Md., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until June 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The multiple award contracts were competitively procured using full and open competitive procedures via SPAWAR Systems Command e-commerce website, with four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Allentown, Pa., is being awarded a $17,875,310 firm-fixed-price construction contract for construction of Full Scale Electric Drive Test Facility, Philadelphia Naval Business Center, Philadelphia, Pa. The work to be performed provides for modification of existing facilities to construct a full scale electric drive test facility. The functions contained within the facility will be comprised of testing facilities for future Integrated Power and Energy Systems and components, including electric drive propulsion systems for shipboard systems. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., 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 website, with six proposals received. The Naval Facili! ties Eng ineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-7005).

General Dynamics Information Technologies, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $13,012,459 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to exercise an option for maintenance planning and design interface technical/ management support services for the In-Service Support Center and Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Jacksonville, Fla. These services include evaluating initial designs, evaluating proposed design changes, maintenance planning and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., (73 percent), Oklahoma City, Okla., (18 percent), Cherry Point, N.C., (6 percent), and Patuxent River, Md., (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N00421-00-D-0328).

Shaw Environmental, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $7,227,373 for firm-fixed-price task order #0006 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity unrestricted environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8822) for Radiological Remediation in Parcel D-1 at Hunters Point Shipyard. The work to be performed provides for radiological surveys and remediation in Parcel D-1 in order to achieve unrestricted free release of all radiologically impacted areas in the parcel. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded firm-fixed price Task Order 0005 at $7,266,343 under a multiple award construction contract for the repair and renovation of existing 4-story bachelor enlisted quarters 52609 at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $9,066,343. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (contract number N62473-06-D-1059).

Armorworks, Inc., Chandler, Ariz., is being awarded a delivery order in the amount of $7,015,535 against a previously awarded contract for Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts used as personal armor by Marines. Work will be performed in Chandler, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $7,015,536 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-06-D-3071).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Navistar Defense, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $42,872,326 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for sustainment spare parts in support of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., (SPRDL1-09-C-0088).

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $31,124,271 firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck engine procurement. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is June 19, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., (SPRDL1-09-D-0025).

Coast Produce*, Los Angeles, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $10,246,545 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set aside, indefinite quantity contract for fresh fruit and vegetables support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Navy, Marine Corps and USDA School customers. The original proposal was DIBBS solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising 18-month option year one. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-P020).

Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $9,498,608 firm-fixed-price, requirements type contract for Aircrew Integrated Helmet System and component parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army and Navy. The original proposal was DIBBS solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is June 17, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-1053).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $8,995,550 firm-fixed-price, sole source contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia

(DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., (N00383-06-D-001J-TH02).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
Total Immersion Software Inc., Alameda, Calif., is being awarded a $12,000,000 modification to a previously awarded other transaction for prototypes agreement for the RealWorld Transition program. Work will be performed in Alameda, Calif., (36 percent), Austin, Texas, (36 percent), Hampton, Va., (25 percent), and San Antonio, Texas, (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2011. Funds being obligated at time of award ($2,000,000) will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued a solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on Feb. 8, 2005, and over 100 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-06-9-0004, P00027).

Agilent Technologies Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., is being awarded a $6,814,116 cost-share technology investment agreement for the Panoptic Analysis of Chemical Traces program. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., and is expected to be completed in June 2011. Funds being obligated at time of award ($1,768,476) will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued a solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on Aug. 19, 2008, and 17 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-09-3-0003).

Gates, Mullen: Communications Technologies 'Strategic Asset' for United States

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

June 18, 2009 - As protestors in Iran demonstrate the power of social networking, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today called the freedom of communication afforded by communications technologies "a huge strategic asset for the United States." Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at today's Pentagon news conference, Gates said he wants the Defense Department to take better advantage of these same technologies to reach out to the world, particularly to young people.

Asked by reporters about the Iranian government's crackdown on traditional media and communications, and the success of Twitter and other social media that protestors of last week's elections are using to defy it, Gates called the emergence of these technologies a major blow to authoritarian governments.

"It's a huge win for freedom, around the world, because this monopoly of information is no longer in the hands of the government," he said.

The result has had historic impact. "There is no question that the availability or the easy access to Western communications and media played a part in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the liberation of Eastern Europe," Gates said.

Governments may be able to squelch some information channels, but "they just can't draw the net tight enough to stop everything," Gates said. "If you can't text, then you Twitter.

"And you know, my guess is, in some of these countries, that the leadership is kind of like me," Gates continued. Then, he added with a chuckle, "They don't have a clue what it's about."

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said leaders need to develop awareness about the technologies that have become almost second nature to the servicemembers they lead.

"For leaders, ... it's really important to be connected to that and understand it," he said, conceding that he has his own Facebook page. "I think communicating that way and moving information around that way -- whether it's administrative information or information in warfare -- is absolutely critical."

Gates said he kept that factor in mind as he interviewed Price Floyd, the department's new principal deputy assistant secretary for public affairs.

The secretary charged Floyd with enhancing the department's outreach, particularly to 18-to-25-year olds -- in the military, in the United States and around the world.

"We have 2 million people, ... most of them around the age that Admiral Mullen described," Gates said. "And how do we communicate better with them? ...How do we get reactions from them to things that we're doing? How do we get better plugged in with what they're thinking?"

Gates said he wants to reach the same age group overseas, too. "How do we reach them in a way that they understand?" he wondered aloud.

"This department, I think, is way behind the power curve in this, and it's an area where I think we have a lot of room for improvement."

U.S. Prepares Missile Defense, Continues Shipping Interdictions

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

June 18, 2009 - The United States has deployed missile defense equipment to the Pacific amid reports alleging that North Korea has threatened to fire a ballistic missile toward Hawaii, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We're obviously watching the situation in the north, with respect to missile launches, very closely," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "And we do have some concerns if they were to launch a missile to the west, in the direction of Hawaii."

Gates has ordered the deployment of Theater High Altitude Area Defense missiles to Hawaii and the sea-based SBX Radar near the island state to provide support. "Based on my visit to Fort Greely, the ground-based interceptors are clearly in a position to take action," he added, referring to the Army launch site for anti-ballistic missiles near Fairbanks, Alaska.

"Without telegraphing what we will do, I would just say I think we are in a good position should it become necessary to protect American territory," the secretary said.

Meanwhile, Mullen reiterated the U.S. intent to adhere to a United Nations resolution allowing Americans to conduct permissive searches of North Korean vessels.

"We intend to vigorously enforce the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874," Mullen said, noting that the United States has "hail and query" authority under Security Council guidelines, meaning American authorities can seek permission from the ship's crew to board and search its contents.

"If a vessel like this is queried and doesn't allow a permissive search, [the United States] can direct it to go into a port, and the country of that port would...inspect the vessel," Mullen said, noting that the resolution does not allow for an opposed or noncompliant boarding. The U.N. would be alerted in instances of North Korean vessels refusing searches or possessing weaponry in violation of resolution.

Asked about Pyongyang's stated stance that it would consider an interdiction of its vessels an act of war, Mullen underscored that the U.N. resolution represents an international commitment.

"It's not just the United States, it's a lot of other countries as well," he said. "And the north's steps to further isolate itself, to further noncomply with international guidance and regulations, in the long-run, puts them in a more difficult position."

Sailors of a Dozen Nations Wrap Up Baltic Exercises

By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 18, 2009 - After 11 days of sea trials and more than 250 separate events, a multinational naval exercise in the Baltic region is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow. The objective for the 12 countries participating in BALTOPS – short for "Baltic Operations" -- is to learn to work together and form new ideas for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, Navy Rear Adm. John Christenson, the mission commander, said yesterday during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable.

"You don't know what the disaster is going to be, but whatever it is, if you've worked together, communicated together and developed confidence in each other, it makes the response a lot easier and a lot more efficient," he said.

Even though it's an exercise, the events have significant impact, Christenson said.

"One of the big values here is we've been exploding World War II ordnance all week," he said. "Close to 100,000 mines were seeded in the Baltic Sea in World War II, and the mine countermeasure ships here have done a great job of finding both exercise torpedoes and mines, but also real-world mines."

Finding the mines isn't the only example of how the exercise has had a positive effect on mariners. Using knowledge gained from BALTOPS's annual ship-boarding event, Swedish sailors captured a pirate ship last year off the coast of Somalia, Christenson said.

While there are differences among the collaborating navies and how they handle situations, the exercise allows them to come together and develop problem-solving skills, said Swedish navy Lt. Cmdr. Jorgen Bergman, the Swedish liaison officer aboard the USS Mount Whitney.

"When different navies come together, usually the first couple of days are spent just being able to reach other on various frequencies and communicate, and basic ship handling," Christenson said. "We are all, in our hearts, sailors, but we do think different ways. But this is the perfect exercise to train together, do things together and develop our skills, to be team workers."

The 37th annual exercise ends tomorrow in Kiel, Germany, with what Christenson said is the largest gathering of sail vessels in the world.

(Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)

Face of Defense: Five Brothers Make Navy Their Family Business

By Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Katesha Washington
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 18, 2009 - For five brothers from a small town in Kentucky, serving in the military is a family tradition. Chief Petty Officer Chad Roberts, Petty Officers 1st Class Jody and Dwayne Roberts, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Roberts are brothers who serve in the Navy and with the same unit -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24, a Seabee unit based out of Lexington, Ky. Their brother, Bruce, retired from the Navy in 2006.

Chad and Chris, both steelworkers, and Dwayne, a construction electrician, are deployed to western Anbar province in Iraq. Jody, also a steelworker and the youngest boy out of seven children, did not deploy overseas with his brothers, but supports them while they are gone.

"I pray for their safety and their well-being every day," he said. "I am very proud of Dwayne, Chad and Chris. I wish I could have joined them in Iraq, but as things happen, there was a reason God chose me to stay behind."

Although they can't always be in the same place at the same time, the bond the brothers share is unbreakable. Their sacred connection to each other was formed when they were growing up on the family farm about 85 miles outside of Louisville. Just like other American boys living in Small Town USA, the Roberts brothers showed their love for each other by beating up one another, competing to see who could jump the highest on their bikes, and playing baseball on the baseball diamond that their father, Millard, created just for his boys.

Bruce Roberts said one of his favorite childhood memories was beating the 'unbeatable' Sorgho Reds in baseball. "Most of my brothers were on the team, and Dad was the coach," Bruce said. "We were very competitive."

The brothers' childhood dreams included the possibilities of becoming a professional baseball player, a veterinarian or even a farmer. Never did any one of them imagine that he, much less all of the brothers -- would join the Navy. But fate and their overwhelming love for the country drew them to where they are now.

Dwayne, the oldest of the siblings, was the first to join the Navy, in 1984. He didn't join seeking excitement or to just have a 9-to-5 job, but rather to achieve his aspiration for a higher education and to satisfy his desire to serve his country.

"I wanted to get educated and serve my country," he said. "I was already married, [but] couldn't afford to go to college, because my wife and I were both 'bringing home the bacon' so to speak."

Dwayne's younger brothers, Chad and Jody, joined the Air Force in 1984 and 1986, respectively. After completing their obligated four years of service, they left the Air Force, and Dwayne finished his four years in the Navy. More than 10 years passed before any of them thought of putting on a military uniform again.

Then, on Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America.

"It was the straw that broke the camel's back," Chris, the middle child of the family, said of the tragedy. "I didn't like the fact that we were attacked on our own soil in the U.S. I knew I had to do something."

Exactly two weeks after the attack, he raised his right hand and swore to support and defend the United States as a member of the Navy Reserve. Dwayne, Chad and Jody already had re-enlisted months before the attack.

"To do something like serving in the military is the most honorable thing one can do for their country," Jody Roberts said. "Everyone needs to fight for the freedom of our country -- stand up, do your duty, and do it with honor, courage and commitment. That is the backbone of our military and a code we live by."

The only opportunity for all five brothers to be in one location while serving in the Navy came in 2003, when Chad, Jody, Dwayne and Chris were at the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, but Bruce was unable to get orders there.

The Roberts brothers attribute their enthusiasm for service to the love and support they've received from their own families and their local community in Kentucky.

"Our community is very supportive," Chad Roberts said. "We all live in a small town of roughly 600 people, so everybody helps out our wives and watches out for our kids at school and around town."

Their father and their mother, Barbara, are especially supportive and proud of the sacrifices that their sons are making for their country. They never tried to talk any of them out of joining the military, and they were not surprised when they finally joined.

"I prayed all the years they were growing up that they would never have to be involved in a war, but I know that this is God's will," she said. "I know that God will protect them and sustain us."

Barbara added that love for God and each other are why her children are so close.

"We taught them to stand together in whatever they did and to support each other through life," Barbara Roberts said. "They are not only brothers, [but also are] friends."

The deep connection the brothers have with each other and the Navy is something they hope to pass on and already have begun to sow the seeds of brotherly love and commitment into their sons – Chris' son is a Marine, while Bruce's son followed his father's footsteps into the Navy. Family get-togethers, they all agree, bring them even closer.

"We grew up as a close family doing the usual family vacations," Chad Roberts said. "My mom and dad both have close families, so it was second nature to us. We all went into the military, but after our service was over, we all returned to our small town we grew up in to raise our own families there. So now we drill together, go camping together, and just spend time together."

These days, the Roberts brothers may not get to spend as much together as they would like or get to see each other every day as they used to back home in Kentucky, but they never forget that they are a band of brothers, in family and in arms."

(Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Katesha Washington serves with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.)

Obama Signs Memo Opening Benefits to Same-Sex Couples

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

June 18, 2009 - President Barack Obama signed a memorandum yesterday opening up benefits to same-sex couples and forbidding discrimination in the federal workplace. "We've got more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally, to fight injustice and intolerance in all its forms, and to bring about that more perfect union," Obama said before signing the memorandum. "I'm committed to these efforts, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of these issues in the months and years to come."

The president announced his support of the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act now before Congress. The act will guarantee the rights for all federal employees, he said.

Obama also called on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. "I believe it's discriminatory, I think it interferes with states' rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it," he said.

"This action presses for long overdue progress in our nation's journey to equality," said John Berry, the director of the Office of Personnel Management. "The president recognizes that many of our hard-working, dedicated and patriotic public servants have long been denied many of the rights and benefits that their colleagues enjoy for one simple reason: the people they love are of the same sex."

Berry, who spoke during a telephone news conference, said he and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton had conducted reviews to see if benefits could be extended within the confines of the Defense of Marriage Act.

"For civil service employees, domestic partners of federal employees can be added to the long-term care insurance program, and supervisors can also be required to allow employees to use their sick leave to take care of domestic partners and nonbiological, nonadopted children," Berry said.

For foreign service employees, the benefits include the use of medical facilities at posts abroad, medical evacuation from posts abroad and inclusion in family size considerations for housing allocations.

The president's memorandum directs OPM to issue guidance within 90 days to all executive departments and agencies regarding compliance with, and implementation of, civil service laws, which make it unlawful to discriminate against federal employees or applicants for federal employment on the basis of factors not related to their job performance.

The memo does not include health benefits or survivor benefits. "It requires legislation to address health benefits and insurance for same-sex couples and domestic partners," Berry said.

Fifty-seven percent of Fortune 500 companies currently provide domestic partner benefits, as do 16 states and more than 200 local governments. These entities offer the benefits "not only because it's the right thing to do, but because they recognize that it helps them compete for and retain the best possible talent – and we need top talent serving their country right now more than ever," Obama said.