The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Stockdale, during an 11:00 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Port Hueneme, Calif.
Designated DDG 106, the new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale (1923-2005), the legendary leader of American prisoners of war (POWs) during the Vietnam War.
Stockdale was the highest-ranking naval officer ever held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. His plane was shot down Sept. 9, 1965, while flying combat missions over North Vietnam. Stockdale spent more than seven years in captivity at prisons in North Vietnam, including time at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." Four of those years were spent in solitary confinement. While imprisoned, Stockdale is credited with organizing a set of rules to govern the behavior of fellow prisoners of war and for helping to develop a code for prisoners to communicate with each other that included tapping on cell walls. In recognition of his leadership and sacrifice he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1976.
Stockdale received 26 combat medals and awards, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Distinguished Service Medals, two Purple Hearts and four Silver Stars. He was also named to the Aircraft Carrier Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame, and was an honorary member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Timothy Keating, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Sybil Stockdale will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late husband. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Stockdale is the 56th of 62 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The ship will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Stockdale will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower," the new maritime strategy that postures the sea services to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.
Cmdr. Fred W. Kacher, of Oakton, Va., will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Stockdale was built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics Company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
DOD's eye in the sky supporting troops on the ground
by Staff Sgt. Raymond Hoy, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
For the troops on the ground in hot zones all around the world, there are many items they rely on that are vital in their day-to-day operations: their weapons, their wingmen, their body armor. But what about their space assets?
The Defense Department's space assets don't always come to mind as key items in the daily operations of the commander on the ground in operational areas like Iraq and Afghanistan. And perhaps no other unit has as much of a direct affect on those operations than the Joint Space Operations Center, or JSpOC, here.
The JSpOC is a busy mix of U.S. servicemembers from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines; foreign servicemembers from Australia, Great Britain and Canada; and a select group of civilian counterparts, who provide a focal point for the operational employment of worldwide joint space forces. These are the people who enable the commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Space to integrate space power into global military operations.
"We provide operational command and control for the space forces that are assigned to the Joint Functional Component Command for Space in (U.S. Strategic Command)," said Col. Richard Boltz, the JSpOC director. "We provide the overall guidance, direction and execution of the space mission through the Joint Space Operations Center."
And while many of those requests come from STRATCOM, many actually come directly from commanders in the field.
"We obviously receive tasks directly from STRATCOM," Colonel Boltz said. "However, we have relationships set up with directors of space forces in each one of the combatant commands, and, often times, the request for space support within a theater will typically come from (a lieutenant colonel) or (a colonel) out in the field directly to the JSpOC asking for a specific service. We'll answer the request however it may happen to come to us."
"I work with the different geographic commanders and their space liaisons and make sure that they receive whatever they need in regards to space," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Drayer, a space operations duty officer. "We will take what we do and tinker it to fit the need that the commander may have for any particular mission. Whether it's GPS or communications satellites, instead of just making sure it's up and running, we try to maximize the potential of those assets."
One of the most common requests to the JSpOC has to do with GPS. Most people think they can simply turn on their GPS unit and everything will be fine. However, GPS systems are sensitive to things like the number of GPS satellites in view. And, while many people wouldn't notice or could simply wait out a problem, the military GPS units are much more relied on and need to be extremely accurate when called upon.
"There are aircraft out there with older GPS navigation units on them and they will have specific GPS needs like how many satellites are in view," Sergeant Drayer said. "We will do a prediction for them saying, 'If you are flying this route with this aircraft, at these waypoints, your GPS navigation system will operate properly.' This way the pilots know whether or not they can use their GPS as a navigation tool or not."
When not working directly with the warfighter, JSpOC operators also work 24-hours per day monitoring the more than 19,000 pieces of space debris currently orbiting the planet. This particular mission led to their direct involvement in one of the most high-profile operations they have been a part of to date: Operation Burnt Frost. This nationally publicized event thrust the JspOC to center stage of the national media.
In this operation, a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite had lost power and began making its gradual decent out of orbit. While many items fall out of orbit and make the rapid decent back toward earth, most of those items never make it all the way to the ground. This particular, rather large satellite, however, would not burn up completely in the atmosphere, and due to the fact that it failed shortly after launch, it had a nearly full tank of hydrazine, a particularly hazardous material used as a fuel source on the satellite.
For this mission, the JSpOC operators provided command and control for the global network of sensors known as the Space Surveillance Network to track the satellite's movements. They also assessed the solar environment's effects on the Earth's atmosphere, which impacts how a satellite's orbit decays. All of the information gathered was then shared with each agency involved in the operation.
"The Aegis missile system didn't have radar track of the satellite when it launched its missile," Colonel Boltz said. "It was launching to a specific point in space where the satellite was predicted to be at a specific time. Our sensors had been tracking that satellite and our operators were the ones who provided that point in space to shoot at. They provided the target quality positional data of where that satellite was expected to be, which enabled the Navy to shoot, in the blind essentially, to that specific point."
And while the JSpOC team played an integral role in the destruction of the wayward satellite, the job didn't stop there. The destruction added approximately 150 more pieces of space debris to the more than 19,000 already tracked.
The JSpOC has come a long way since its activation in May of 2005. And the unit will continue to strive for success in its support of all space-related DOD functions while still growing into its full potential in the coming years.
"Anything that we can provide to help out the troops in a war zone, that's what we're here for," Sergeant Drayer said. "I personally take pride in what I do while I'm doing what I can to support the guys out there living in the dirt, roughin' it. The guys trying to talk on the radio having problems because at certain times of the day the atmosphere messes with their radio communications, that's the important stuff. Those guys need to be able to count on their communications and GPS. They expect it to be there. They don't get up in the morning and say, 'I hope it's working today.' It's important for us to do what we can to ensure they have what they need."
For the troops on the ground in hot zones all around the world, there are many items they rely on that are vital in their day-to-day operations: their weapons, their wingmen, their body armor. But what about their space assets?
The Defense Department's space assets don't always come to mind as key items in the daily operations of the commander on the ground in operational areas like Iraq and Afghanistan. And perhaps no other unit has as much of a direct affect on those operations than the Joint Space Operations Center, or JSpOC, here.
The JSpOC is a busy mix of U.S. servicemembers from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines; foreign servicemembers from Australia, Great Britain and Canada; and a select group of civilian counterparts, who provide a focal point for the operational employment of worldwide joint space forces. These are the people who enable the commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Space to integrate space power into global military operations.
"We provide operational command and control for the space forces that are assigned to the Joint Functional Component Command for Space in (U.S. Strategic Command)," said Col. Richard Boltz, the JSpOC director. "We provide the overall guidance, direction and execution of the space mission through the Joint Space Operations Center."
And while many of those requests come from STRATCOM, many actually come directly from commanders in the field.
"We obviously receive tasks directly from STRATCOM," Colonel Boltz said. "However, we have relationships set up with directors of space forces in each one of the combatant commands, and, often times, the request for space support within a theater will typically come from (a lieutenant colonel) or (a colonel) out in the field directly to the JSpOC asking for a specific service. We'll answer the request however it may happen to come to us."
"I work with the different geographic commanders and their space liaisons and make sure that they receive whatever they need in regards to space," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Drayer, a space operations duty officer. "We will take what we do and tinker it to fit the need that the commander may have for any particular mission. Whether it's GPS or communications satellites, instead of just making sure it's up and running, we try to maximize the potential of those assets."
One of the most common requests to the JSpOC has to do with GPS. Most people think they can simply turn on their GPS unit and everything will be fine. However, GPS systems are sensitive to things like the number of GPS satellites in view. And, while many people wouldn't notice or could simply wait out a problem, the military GPS units are much more relied on and need to be extremely accurate when called upon.
"There are aircraft out there with older GPS navigation units on them and they will have specific GPS needs like how many satellites are in view," Sergeant Drayer said. "We will do a prediction for them saying, 'If you are flying this route with this aircraft, at these waypoints, your GPS navigation system will operate properly.' This way the pilots know whether or not they can use their GPS as a navigation tool or not."
When not working directly with the warfighter, JSpOC operators also work 24-hours per day monitoring the more than 19,000 pieces of space debris currently orbiting the planet. This particular mission led to their direct involvement in one of the most high-profile operations they have been a part of to date: Operation Burnt Frost. This nationally publicized event thrust the JspOC to center stage of the national media.
In this operation, a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite had lost power and began making its gradual decent out of orbit. While many items fall out of orbit and make the rapid decent back toward earth, most of those items never make it all the way to the ground. This particular, rather large satellite, however, would not burn up completely in the atmosphere, and due to the fact that it failed shortly after launch, it had a nearly full tank of hydrazine, a particularly hazardous material used as a fuel source on the satellite.
For this mission, the JSpOC operators provided command and control for the global network of sensors known as the Space Surveillance Network to track the satellite's movements. They also assessed the solar environment's effects on the Earth's atmosphere, which impacts how a satellite's orbit decays. All of the information gathered was then shared with each agency involved in the operation.
"The Aegis missile system didn't have radar track of the satellite when it launched its missile," Colonel Boltz said. "It was launching to a specific point in space where the satellite was predicted to be at a specific time. Our sensors had been tracking that satellite and our operators were the ones who provided that point in space to shoot at. They provided the target quality positional data of where that satellite was expected to be, which enabled the Navy to shoot, in the blind essentially, to that specific point."
And while the JSpOC team played an integral role in the destruction of the wayward satellite, the job didn't stop there. The destruction added approximately 150 more pieces of space debris to the more than 19,000 already tracked.
The JSpOC has come a long way since its activation in May of 2005. And the unit will continue to strive for success in its support of all space-related DOD functions while still growing into its full potential in the coming years.
"Anything that we can provide to help out the troops in a war zone, that's what we're here for," Sergeant Drayer said. "I personally take pride in what I do while I'm doing what I can to support the guys out there living in the dirt, roughin' it. The guys trying to talk on the radio having problems because at certain times of the day the atmosphere messes with their radio communications, that's the important stuff. Those guys need to be able to count on their communications and GPS. They expect it to be there. They don't get up in the morning and say, 'I hope it's working today.' It's important for us to do what we can to ensure they have what they need."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Essex Arrives for Balikatan 2009
Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, April 15 at the request of the government of the Philippines to take part in exercise Balikatan 2009.
Balikatan, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise, will take place in the Philippines April 16-30.
"It's an honor to be part of Balikatan; I look forward to furthering our relationship with this year's exercise." said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "For 25 years now, our countries have worked together to accomplish great things during Balikatan, not just militarily, but in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well.
During the exercise, Essex Sailors will participate in a series of community relations projects and support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which will conduct various cross-training and field training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
On April 14, Essex and Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 off-loaded support personnel assigned to the 31st MEU's Aviation Combat Element (ACE) and dozens of vehicles and ground troops. In addition, Essex' Sailors hosted a small group of Filipino marines during the week leading up to the exercise, and welcomed dozens more aboard April 14 to familiarize them with the ship. Many of those marines took advantage of the opportunity to learn from, and with, their U.S. counterparts.
"Over the past five days, we've learned lot about the way the U.S. Marines operate," said Philippine marine Capt. Hermolino Etusi Jr. "We've worked together on a variety of combat training scenarios and it's been quite an experience."
While Etusi Jr. said both countries' marines learned a lot about each other in terms of combat, he said the most surprising aspect of his stay was the respect shown by Essex Sailors.
"Even though we are a foreign contingent, the crew has treated us as equals," he said. "They've truly shown us tremendous respect and I'm very thankful for that."
During the exercise, Essex Sailors are scheduled to participate in four community relations projects. The projects are a tremendous opportunity to reach out to those in need, said Cmdr. Chin Dang, Essex' chaplain.
"The main goal is to be ambassadors of good will and friendship," said Dang. "That goodwill works both ways. When a Sailor goes out and does something good for someone in need, it makes them feel good about themselves, too."
For many Essex Sailors, like Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Ezekiel Graham, of Rose Hill, S.C., this will be their first community relations project in the Philippines.
"I grew up in Philadelphia and had a chance to see a lot of very unfortunate people," said Graham. "There are so many people out there who don't have a chance and I want to do whatever I can to help them. Participating in projects like these are great opportunities to help."
In addition to the community relations projects, Sailors will also have an opportunity to experience local customs and scenery through 15 different tours offered by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. Tours range from half-day to full-day expeditions and feature everything from metropolitan shopping sprees to safaris in the jungles of Olongapo.
"We always try to get the Sailors out to experience the culture in every port we visit," said Mick Hultz, Essex' afloat recreation specialist. "Hopefully our tours give them an opportunity to get off the ship and do some things they wouldn't normally have a chance to do."
Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Balikatan, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise, will take place in the Philippines April 16-30.
"It's an honor to be part of Balikatan; I look forward to furthering our relationship with this year's exercise." said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "For 25 years now, our countries have worked together to accomplish great things during Balikatan, not just militarily, but in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well.
During the exercise, Essex Sailors will participate in a series of community relations projects and support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which will conduct various cross-training and field training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
On April 14, Essex and Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 off-loaded support personnel assigned to the 31st MEU's Aviation Combat Element (ACE) and dozens of vehicles and ground troops. In addition, Essex' Sailors hosted a small group of Filipino marines during the week leading up to the exercise, and welcomed dozens more aboard April 14 to familiarize them with the ship. Many of those marines took advantage of the opportunity to learn from, and with, their U.S. counterparts.
"Over the past five days, we've learned lot about the way the U.S. Marines operate," said Philippine marine Capt. Hermolino Etusi Jr. "We've worked together on a variety of combat training scenarios and it's been quite an experience."
While Etusi Jr. said both countries' marines learned a lot about each other in terms of combat, he said the most surprising aspect of his stay was the respect shown by Essex Sailors.
"Even though we are a foreign contingent, the crew has treated us as equals," he said. "They've truly shown us tremendous respect and I'm very thankful for that."
During the exercise, Essex Sailors are scheduled to participate in four community relations projects. The projects are a tremendous opportunity to reach out to those in need, said Cmdr. Chin Dang, Essex' chaplain.
"The main goal is to be ambassadors of good will and friendship," said Dang. "That goodwill works both ways. When a Sailor goes out and does something good for someone in need, it makes them feel good about themselves, too."
For many Essex Sailors, like Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Ezekiel Graham, of Rose Hill, S.C., this will be their first community relations project in the Philippines.
"I grew up in Philadelphia and had a chance to see a lot of very unfortunate people," said Graham. "There are so many people out there who don't have a chance and I want to do whatever I can to help them. Participating in projects like these are great opportunities to help."
In addition to the community relations projects, Sailors will also have an opportunity to experience local customs and scenery through 15 different tours offered by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. Tours range from half-day to full-day expeditions and feature everything from metropolitan shopping sprees to safaris in the jungles of Olongapo.
"We always try to get the Sailors out to experience the culture in every port we visit," said Mick Hultz, Essex' afloat recreation specialist. "Hopefully our tours give them an opportunity to get off the ship and do some things they wouldn't normally have a chance to do."
Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Iraq Operational Update
Army Colonel Gary Volesky explains why things are going better in Mosul, Iraq, where his 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, operates.
U.S. Troops Could Stay in Mosul Past June Deadline
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service
U.S. soldiers could remain in Mosul, Iraq, past June 30, when Iraqi forces are scheduled to assume full security responsibilities for the entire country, a senior U.S. military commander in the area said today.
Army Col. Gary Volesky, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, said in a video news conference from Iraq that the Iraqi government will make that determination.
"We are conducting an assessment right now with our Iraqi counterparts to determine what the way ahead is for security in Mosul," Volesky said. "If the Iraqi government believes we should stay in Mosul to continue the security progress, we'll support our Iraqi counterparts past 30 June."
The deadline is part of the U.S.-Iraq agreement that took effect Jan. 1. It calls for U.S. troops to end major combat operations in Iraq and withdraw from cities and urban areas into a solely supportive role of Iraqi forces.
In Mosul, however; al-Qaida in Iraq continues to carry out terrorist attacks fairly regularly, despite months of relative calm throughout the rest of the country during the past year, the colonel said. Though violence and attack levels have decreased "significantly" in and around the city, insurgents there still have the ability to conduct "some high-profile attacks," he said.
Earlier today, Volesky said, he attended a memorial service for five of his soldiers who were killed April 10 by a suicide truck bomber. The attack was the deadliest in Iraq in more than a year. A reported nine Iraqis were killed and another 30 or more were wounded.
"These operations we have done have not come without cost," he said, referring to a month-long "clearing" operation his brigade is currently conducting. "We have memorialized five of our great Americans this morning. [Al-Qaida] does have that capability. However, overall these attacks and their effectiveness are continuing to decline."
Volesky said insurgents in Mosul have two choices: "They can fight or flee." He added that in the areas his unit has cleared, attacks are rare. Local residents are taking charge of their neighborhoods, and Iraqi army and police are perceived as the main security effort there, he said.
"The more neighborhoods we clear, the less freedom of movement [insurgents] have," he continued. "I am cautiously optimistic. There could be bad days ahead, as the enemy realizes that his freedom of maneuver and movement has been reduced."
But, Volesky said, he remains confident in his Iraqi counterparts. He compared Iraqi forces during his previous deployment to Iraq in 2004 to now and called the Iraqis "100 percent" improved. The 25,000 Iraqi soldiers and policemen in his area of responsibility conduct independent operations daily and actually take the brunt of insurgent attacks in the city, he said. "Insurgents have focused their attacks on the Iraqi security forces, and the Iraqis have not wavered at all," he added.
Iraqis, for the most part, continue to lead the security effort there, with help from U.S. aviation, engineer and intelligence assets that the Iraqi military can't provide themselves, Volesky said, but the Iraqis forces are doing well with what they have.
"They're all in the lead right now," Volesky said. "I don't own a base, and I coordinate all of my operations with them. So, they're doing those things today that we expect them to do when we eventually leave."
Still, the insurgency in Mosul is complex Volesky noted, but he said he remains optimistic about the progress Iraqi security forces are making. Security forces are better in some neighborhoods than in others, while al-Qaida and other insurgent groups want to remain "viable" to their cause, he explained.
These, he said, are the issues he and other U.S. military leaders and Iraqi officials are taking into consideration as the need for U.S. forces in Mosul after June 30 is determined. The choice for U.S. troops to stay past the agreed-upon deadline is Iraq's to make, he said.
"If the Iraqi government wants us to stay, we will stay," he said. "But again, it's the Iraqis' decision; it's not mine. If the Iraqis invite us to stay, we're going to stay and continue to support those operations that keep the quality of life improving and the security getting better in Mosul."
U.S. soldiers could remain in Mosul, Iraq, past June 30, when Iraqi forces are scheduled to assume full security responsibilities for the entire country, a senior U.S. military commander in the area said today.
Army Col. Gary Volesky, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, said in a video news conference from Iraq that the Iraqi government will make that determination.
"We are conducting an assessment right now with our Iraqi counterparts to determine what the way ahead is for security in Mosul," Volesky said. "If the Iraqi government believes we should stay in Mosul to continue the security progress, we'll support our Iraqi counterparts past 30 June."
The deadline is part of the U.S.-Iraq agreement that took effect Jan. 1. It calls for U.S. troops to end major combat operations in Iraq and withdraw from cities and urban areas into a solely supportive role of Iraqi forces.
In Mosul, however; al-Qaida in Iraq continues to carry out terrorist attacks fairly regularly, despite months of relative calm throughout the rest of the country during the past year, the colonel said. Though violence and attack levels have decreased "significantly" in and around the city, insurgents there still have the ability to conduct "some high-profile attacks," he said.
Earlier today, Volesky said, he attended a memorial service for five of his soldiers who were killed April 10 by a suicide truck bomber. The attack was the deadliest in Iraq in more than a year. A reported nine Iraqis were killed and another 30 or more were wounded.
"These operations we have done have not come without cost," he said, referring to a month-long "clearing" operation his brigade is currently conducting. "We have memorialized five of our great Americans this morning. [Al-Qaida] does have that capability. However, overall these attacks and their effectiveness are continuing to decline."
Volesky said insurgents in Mosul have two choices: "They can fight or flee." He added that in the areas his unit has cleared, attacks are rare. Local residents are taking charge of their neighborhoods, and Iraqi army and police are perceived as the main security effort there, he said.
"The more neighborhoods we clear, the less freedom of movement [insurgents] have," he continued. "I am cautiously optimistic. There could be bad days ahead, as the enemy realizes that his freedom of maneuver and movement has been reduced."
But, Volesky said, he remains confident in his Iraqi counterparts. He compared Iraqi forces during his previous deployment to Iraq in 2004 to now and called the Iraqis "100 percent" improved. The 25,000 Iraqi soldiers and policemen in his area of responsibility conduct independent operations daily and actually take the brunt of insurgent attacks in the city, he said. "Insurgents have focused their attacks on the Iraqi security forces, and the Iraqis have not wavered at all," he added.
Iraqis, for the most part, continue to lead the security effort there, with help from U.S. aviation, engineer and intelligence assets that the Iraqi military can't provide themselves, Volesky said, but the Iraqis forces are doing well with what they have.
"They're all in the lead right now," Volesky said. "I don't own a base, and I coordinate all of my operations with them. So, they're doing those things today that we expect them to do when we eventually leave."
Still, the insurgency in Mosul is complex Volesky noted, but he said he remains optimistic about the progress Iraqi security forces are making. Security forces are better in some neighborhoods than in others, while al-Qaida and other insurgent groups want to remain "viable" to their cause, he explained.
These, he said, are the issues he and other U.S. military leaders and Iraqi officials are taking into consideration as the need for U.S. forces in Mosul after June 30 is determined. The choice for U.S. troops to stay past the agreed-upon deadline is Iraq's to make, he said.
"If the Iraqi government wants us to stay, we will stay," he said. "But again, it's the Iraqis' decision; it's not mine. If the Iraqis invite us to stay, we're going to stay and continue to support those operations that keep the quality of life improving and the security getting better in Mosul."
NG Troops Deploying to Iraq/Afghanistan
National Guard troops from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia all received send offs April 13 as they prepare to go to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
USS San Francisco Departs Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
USS San Francisco (SSN 711) departed Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) April 7, after more than three years of maintenance work to her bow, forward ballast tanks and associated mechanical and weapon systems.
The challenging maintenance involved PSNS and IMF cutting more than one million pounds from the now decommissioned USS Honolulu (SSN 718) forward ballast tanks and sonar sphere. The bow restoration also involved many piping systems, mechanical linkages, combat systems components used for torpedo systems and sonar sounding equipment that facilitates control and operation of the submarine.
"We continued to press forward through tough circumstances and overcame varied obstacles," said Cmdr. John Lund, superintendent of the San Francisco repair team. "That says a lot about the team effort involved in this challenging project."
San Francisco arrived at PSNS in September 2005 following a 5,600-mile open ocean surface transit from Guam.
On Jan. 8, 2005, the submarine collided with an undersea mountain approximately 350 miles south of Guam. A Sailor was killed and several others sustained various injuries during the accident.
The submarine is headed to her new homeport of San Diego.
The challenging maintenance involved PSNS and IMF cutting more than one million pounds from the now decommissioned USS Honolulu (SSN 718) forward ballast tanks and sonar sphere. The bow restoration also involved many piping systems, mechanical linkages, combat systems components used for torpedo systems and sonar sounding equipment that facilitates control and operation of the submarine.
"We continued to press forward through tough circumstances and overcame varied obstacles," said Cmdr. John Lund, superintendent of the San Francisco repair team. "That says a lot about the team effort involved in this challenging project."
San Francisco arrived at PSNS in September 2005 following a 5,600-mile open ocean surface transit from Guam.
On Jan. 8, 2005, the submarine collided with an undersea mountain approximately 350 miles south of Guam. A Sailor was killed and several others sustained various injuries during the accident.
The submarine is headed to her new homeport of San Diego.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Mulitnational Naval Forces Poised for 50th UNITAS Exercise
MAYPORT, Fla. -- Sailors, partner nations and Latin American representatives are working the final details on the exercise UNITAS Gold, the longest running, multi-national naval exercise in the world.
For nearly 49 years, UNITAS has served as the primary naval security engagement exercise amongst the militaries of the Western Hemisphere and has become the U.S. Navy’s longest-running annual multilateral exercise. Working with South American, German and Canadian partner nations, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command is planning the maritime exercise that has become an annual institution in Latin America.
"As we embark on the 50th iteration of UNITAS, we also celebrate its history and success. Through the years UNITAS has evolved to fit the landscape, needs, and mutual naval and maritime interests of the Americas and Caribbean,” said Rear Admiral Joseph Kernan, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.
This year’s exercise will prove no different. Participants and observers invited include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay will arrive at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., to take part in the annual exercise which will run from Apr. 20 to May 5, 2009.
During this two-week exercise, the United States, partner nations and Latin American countries will train together in a realistic scenario-driven training environment featuring live-fire exercises, undersea warfare, shipboard operations, maritime interdiction operations, air defense and surface warfare, amphibious operations, electronic warfare, and special warfare. In all over 30 ships, two submarines and more than a 50 aircraft are expected to participate.
“[UNITAS] has persistently provided a training and interoperability platform for partnered nations and provided great benefit to United States and Latin American Sailors, Marines, Naval Infantry and Coast Guard forces. Participating maritime services make UNITAS the success that it is today, bringing with them the ideas and best practices for maritime strategy and security from their countries,” said Kernan.
Along with their strategy for success is the ever important human element. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel will have the opportunity to train side-by-side with Latin American navies in a high-tech environment utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. The relationships that develop from this exercise will help to foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating Navies.
“As we move forward together, I am confident that future opportunities to work with our partners will not only strengthen our ability to operate together and provide for our nations security but will also build personal and professional respect and friendships," said Kernan.
The U.S. Navy representation consists of the Amphibious Transport Dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Guided Missile Destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910) and Guided Missile Frigates USS Doyle (FFG 39) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59).
For nearly 49 years, UNITAS has served as the primary naval security engagement exercise amongst the militaries of the Western Hemisphere and has become the U.S. Navy’s longest-running annual multilateral exercise. Working with South American, German and Canadian partner nations, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command is planning the maritime exercise that has become an annual institution in Latin America.
"As we embark on the 50th iteration of UNITAS, we also celebrate its history and success. Through the years UNITAS has evolved to fit the landscape, needs, and mutual naval and maritime interests of the Americas and Caribbean,” said Rear Admiral Joseph Kernan, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.
This year’s exercise will prove no different. Participants and observers invited include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay will arrive at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., to take part in the annual exercise which will run from Apr. 20 to May 5, 2009.
During this two-week exercise, the United States, partner nations and Latin American countries will train together in a realistic scenario-driven training environment featuring live-fire exercises, undersea warfare, shipboard operations, maritime interdiction operations, air defense and surface warfare, amphibious operations, electronic warfare, and special warfare. In all over 30 ships, two submarines and more than a 50 aircraft are expected to participate.
“[UNITAS] has persistently provided a training and interoperability platform for partnered nations and provided great benefit to United States and Latin American Sailors, Marines, Naval Infantry and Coast Guard forces. Participating maritime services make UNITAS the success that it is today, bringing with them the ideas and best practices for maritime strategy and security from their countries,” said Kernan.
Along with their strategy for success is the ever important human element. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel will have the opportunity to train side-by-side with Latin American navies in a high-tech environment utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. The relationships that develop from this exercise will help to foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating Navies.
“As we move forward together, I am confident that future opportunities to work with our partners will not only strengthen our ability to operate together and provide for our nations security but will also build personal and professional respect and friendships," said Kernan.
The U.S. Navy representation consists of the Amphibious Transport Dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Guided Missile Destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910) and Guided Missile Frigates USS Doyle (FFG 39) and USS Kauffman (FFG 59).
Sunday, April 12, 2009
National Guard Prepares for 2009 Hurricane Season
By Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, Special to American Forces Press Service
ARLINGTON, Va., - With the start of hurricane season only a few months away, the National Guard is busy preparing to respond if such a storm should make landfall, senior Army officials said during an Army bloggers roundtable yesterday (April 9).
Those preparations include a large-scale command post exercise scheduled for April 14-15 at Fort Belvoir, Va.
"It's an exercise that will have over 150 participants from all the inter-agencies, all the other portions of the Army, to include many of the National Guard [leaders in] states that are affected by hurricanes," said Army Maj. Gen. John Basilica Jr., commander of Operational Command Post 1, Army North, which oversees domestic operations.
"We do that rehearsal of concept to try and synchronize all of our collective efforts," the general explained. "It is a complex operation, and then we learn from them and finalize our plans leading up to the hurricane season."
For the states, hurricane season is just another contingency to plan for each year.
"About five years ago, we started meeting as a region in the southeast to discuss our shortfalls for units that were activating and mobilizing to go overseas as well as units coming back," said Army Col. Bill Beiswenger, the joint operations officer for the Florida National Guard. "For those shortfalls that we couldn't meet within our respective states, we went ahead and worked out preliminary EMACs — Emergency Management Agreement Compacts — between the states that we could bring in forces rapidly."
And that planning conference has grown, Beiswenger said.
"This year, we went ahead and took it one step further," he said. "We had 27 states represented at the conference. It was a three-day long conference, and we went through all our states' worst-case scenarios, and then we discussed our shortfalls and what assets we could provide across state lines as necessary."
For those in the Florida National Guard, those response plans have been refined over the years.
"We probably get more chance than anyone to exercise hurricane operations," Beiswenger said. "Since 1992, with Hurricane Andrew, the Florida National Guard has been activated 70 times [for state missions]. So, Florida gets a lot of chance to go ahead and rehearse and work actual operations."
That means that should a hurricane make landfall and cause damage, the response is almost second-nature for those in the Florida National Guard. It also means that training for such an occurrence is almost a year-round event.
"The minute hurricane season ends, we start our training program," Beiswenger said. "And we go through a multitude of training, everything from search and rescue to training our liaison officers that we put out in the county emergency operations centers. In turn, when we get ready for hurricane season, we're able to come together."
That allows for a seamless ability to get in where help is needed, Beiswenger said, adding that experience from previous storms has taught the Guardsmen a few lessons.
"We feel that with our experience, the citizens are going to need certain things," Beiswenger said. "They're going to need food, water and ice. They're going to need search and rescue, so we go in there, and our first forces in there are going to be able to go ahead and start fulfilling that."
That also means working hand-in-hand with state and local officials.
"During Katrina, Florida provided almost 7,000 folks up to Mississippi to assist in the four southernmost counties up there," Beiswenger said. "About 700 to 900 were National Guard; the rest was made up of first responders from across the state of Florida."
Forecasters are predicting 2009 to be an "above average" year for hurricanes, and the Guard will be ready to respond to those storms, Beiswenger said.
"We're all part of one team out there, and our main mission out there is to protect the life and property of our citizens," he said. "We're prepared to step up to the plate as needed throughout the year."
ARLINGTON, Va., - With the start of hurricane season only a few months away, the National Guard is busy preparing to respond if such a storm should make landfall, senior Army officials said during an Army bloggers roundtable yesterday (April 9).
Those preparations include a large-scale command post exercise scheduled for April 14-15 at Fort Belvoir, Va.
"It's an exercise that will have over 150 participants from all the inter-agencies, all the other portions of the Army, to include many of the National Guard [leaders in] states that are affected by hurricanes," said Army Maj. Gen. John Basilica Jr., commander of Operational Command Post 1, Army North, which oversees domestic operations.
"We do that rehearsal of concept to try and synchronize all of our collective efforts," the general explained. "It is a complex operation, and then we learn from them and finalize our plans leading up to the hurricane season."
For the states, hurricane season is just another contingency to plan for each year.
"About five years ago, we started meeting as a region in the southeast to discuss our shortfalls for units that were activating and mobilizing to go overseas as well as units coming back," said Army Col. Bill Beiswenger, the joint operations officer for the Florida National Guard. "For those shortfalls that we couldn't meet within our respective states, we went ahead and worked out preliminary EMACs — Emergency Management Agreement Compacts — between the states that we could bring in forces rapidly."
And that planning conference has grown, Beiswenger said.
"This year, we went ahead and took it one step further," he said. "We had 27 states represented at the conference. It was a three-day long conference, and we went through all our states' worst-case scenarios, and then we discussed our shortfalls and what assets we could provide across state lines as necessary."
For those in the Florida National Guard, those response plans have been refined over the years.
"We probably get more chance than anyone to exercise hurricane operations," Beiswenger said. "Since 1992, with Hurricane Andrew, the Florida National Guard has been activated 70 times [for state missions]. So, Florida gets a lot of chance to go ahead and rehearse and work actual operations."
That means that should a hurricane make landfall and cause damage, the response is almost second-nature for those in the Florida National Guard. It also means that training for such an occurrence is almost a year-round event.
"The minute hurricane season ends, we start our training program," Beiswenger said. "And we go through a multitude of training, everything from search and rescue to training our liaison officers that we put out in the county emergency operations centers. In turn, when we get ready for hurricane season, we're able to come together."
That allows for a seamless ability to get in where help is needed, Beiswenger said, adding that experience from previous storms has taught the Guardsmen a few lessons.
"We feel that with our experience, the citizens are going to need certain things," Beiswenger said. "They're going to need food, water and ice. They're going to need search and rescue, so we go in there, and our first forces in there are going to be able to go ahead and start fulfilling that."
That also means working hand-in-hand with state and local officials.
"During Katrina, Florida provided almost 7,000 folks up to Mississippi to assist in the four southernmost counties up there," Beiswenger said. "About 700 to 900 were National Guard; the rest was made up of first responders from across the state of Florida."
Forecasters are predicting 2009 to be an "above average" year for hurricanes, and the Guard will be ready to respond to those storms, Beiswenger said.
"We're all part of one team out there, and our main mission out there is to protect the life and property of our citizens," he said. "We're prepared to step up to the plate as needed throughout the year."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Visits Thailand
LAEM CHABANG, Thailand (NNS) -- John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand April 9 for a scheduled port visit during its western Pacific Ocean deployment.
The strike group supports maritime security in the region and promotes regional partnerships through joint operations and community service projects during port visits with host nations.
"We appreciate the people of Thailand allowing us to visit this beautiful port," said Rear Adm. Mark Vance, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. "Our Sailors are looking forward to the opportunity to explore this magnificent region."
The Maritime Strategy focuses on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world's sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
JCSCSG includes Carrier Air Wing 9, comprising Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, VFA 154, VFA 146, Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, Electronic Warfare Squadron 138, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30. JCSCSG also includes ships from Destroyer Squadron 21, including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).
The strike group supports maritime security in the region and promotes regional partnerships through joint operations and community service projects during port visits with host nations.
"We appreciate the people of Thailand allowing us to visit this beautiful port," said Rear Adm. Mark Vance, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. "Our Sailors are looking forward to the opportunity to explore this magnificent region."
The Maritime Strategy focuses on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world's sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
JCSCSG includes Carrier Air Wing 9, comprising Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, VFA 154, VFA 146, Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, Electronic Warfare Squadron 138, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30. JCSCSG also includes ships from Destroyer Squadron 21, including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).
Friday, April 10, 2009
Gary Deploys for Counter-Trafficking Mission
USS Gary (FFG 51) and embarked Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 45 Detachment (Det) 2 departed April 8 for a deployment supporting counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The frigate's mission will be to counteract trafficking in illegal substances and halt illegal activities. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 103 will conduct boarding and seizure missions aboard suspected trafficking vessels during the deployment. CIT operations are joint efforts designed to support participating nation's drug control programs.
Gary completed an extensive maintenance, upkeep and rigorous training cycle in preparation for the deployment. Gary is commanded by Cmdr. Daniel J. Senesky and the ship falls under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, led by Capt. Michael W. Selby, commodore, who saw the Gary off at her departure.
He commended the Sailors for their hard work during the past several months, which included a successful Board of Inspection and Survey material inspection that certified the frigate fit for sustained combat operations.
Gary's mission will directly support the U.S. maritime strategy by providing sustained interdiction operations and promoting cooperative relationships with the Coast Guard to provide a layered defense of the homeland.
The frigate's mission will be to counteract trafficking in illegal substances and halt illegal activities. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 103 will conduct boarding and seizure missions aboard suspected trafficking vessels during the deployment. CIT operations are joint efforts designed to support participating nation's drug control programs.
Gary completed an extensive maintenance, upkeep and rigorous training cycle in preparation for the deployment. Gary is commanded by Cmdr. Daniel J. Senesky and the ship falls under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, led by Capt. Michael W. Selby, commodore, who saw the Gary off at her departure.
He commended the Sailors for their hard work during the past several months, which included a successful Board of Inspection and Survey material inspection that certified the frigate fit for sustained combat operations.
Gary's mission will directly support the U.S. maritime strategy by providing sustained interdiction operations and promoting cooperative relationships with the Coast Guard to provide a layered defense of the homeland.
USS Wasp Gets Underway to Redeploy Marine Assets
NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed Norfolk Naval Station April 9 for the European Command Area of Responsibility to support the redeployment of U.S. Marine Corps assets in theater.
Wasp, commanded by Capt. Daniel H. Fillion, is a multipurpose amphibious assault ship homeported in Norfolk.
The Wasp-class of amphibious warship has as its primary mission, the support of a Marine Landing Force and is specifically designed to accommodate Landing Craft, Air Cushion for fast troop movement over the beach and AV-8B Harrier II vertical/short takeoff and landing jets which provide close-in air support for the assault force. LHD 1, which is 844 feet long with a beam of 106 feet, also accommodates the full range of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, conventional landing craft, and amphibious vehicles.
The Wasp is crewed by 1,075 Sailors and can accommodate 1,600 embarked Marines.
Wasp, commanded by Capt. Daniel H. Fillion, is a multipurpose amphibious assault ship homeported in Norfolk.
The Wasp-class of amphibious warship has as its primary mission, the support of a Marine Landing Force and is specifically designed to accommodate Landing Craft, Air Cushion for fast troop movement over the beach and AV-8B Harrier II vertical/short takeoff and landing jets which provide close-in air support for the assault force. LHD 1, which is 844 feet long with a beam of 106 feet, also accommodates the full range of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, conventional landing craft, and amphibious vehicles.
The Wasp is crewed by 1,075 Sailors and can accommodate 1,600 embarked Marines.
Navy's Newest Carrier Successfully Completes Acceptance Sea Trials
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed acceptance sea trials April 7-9 off the Virginia Capes and is in final preparation for delivery. Acceptance sea trials are the final test of the ship's readiness to begin fleet service.
Navy representatives from the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey tested and evaluated the ship's systems and performance. Acceptance trials will formally conclude April 10.
George H.W. Bush is the nation's 10th, and final, Nimitz-class carrier. The ship is designed to carry all current and future aircraft in its embarked air wing until the completion of her service life in approximately 2,059.
George H. W. Bush incorporates numerous design improvements to reduce operating cost, enhance operational effectiveness and protect the environment. These include newly designed propellers, a new underwater hull-coating system, advanced waste disposal systems, a new JP-5 (jet propellant) distribution system, and modernized aircraft launch and recovery equipment. Improved medical and dental facilities have been included in the ship to enhance quality of life. George H.W. Bush also has a new composite mast that reduces topside weight and maintenance.
George H.W. Bush incorporates a modernized island, bulbous bow design and three-wire arresting gear configuration, first introduced on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
The ship's keel was laid Sept. 6, 2003, at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. Ms. Dorothy Bush Koch, daughter of former President George H.W. Bush, served as the ship's sponsor during its christening on Oct. 7, 2006. The ship was commissioned Jan. 10, 2009, at Norfolk Naval Base. USS George H.W. Bush is commanded by Capt. DeWolfe H. Miller III, USN. Upon delivery to the Navy, the ship will conduct post delivery maintenance before commencing training for operational deployment in 2010.
Navy representatives from the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey tested and evaluated the ship's systems and performance. Acceptance trials will formally conclude April 10.
George H.W. Bush is the nation's 10th, and final, Nimitz-class carrier. The ship is designed to carry all current and future aircraft in its embarked air wing until the completion of her service life in approximately 2,059.
George H. W. Bush incorporates numerous design improvements to reduce operating cost, enhance operational effectiveness and protect the environment. These include newly designed propellers, a new underwater hull-coating system, advanced waste disposal systems, a new JP-5 (jet propellant) distribution system, and modernized aircraft launch and recovery equipment. Improved medical and dental facilities have been included in the ship to enhance quality of life. George H.W. Bush also has a new composite mast that reduces topside weight and maintenance.
George H.W. Bush incorporates a modernized island, bulbous bow design and three-wire arresting gear configuration, first introduced on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
The ship's keel was laid Sept. 6, 2003, at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. Ms. Dorothy Bush Koch, daughter of former President George H.W. Bush, served as the ship's sponsor during its christening on Oct. 7, 2006. The ship was commissioned Jan. 10, 2009, at Norfolk Naval Base. USS George H.W. Bush is commanded by Capt. DeWolfe H. Miller III, USN. Upon delivery to the Navy, the ship will conduct post delivery maintenance before commencing training for operational deployment in 2010.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Pirate Attack Foiled by Ship's Crew, Defense Officials Say
By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - A ship taken by pirates off the coast of Somalia this morning is now presumed to be under the control of its crew again, Defense Department officials said.
The cargo ship Maersk Alabama was attacked by pirates early this morning and presumed hijacked, according to information provided by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The vessel was en route to Mombasa, Kenya, when it was assaulted about 300 miles off Somalia's coast, officials said.
The Maersk Alabama is home-ported in Norfolk, Va., and has a crew of about 20 U.S. nationals, John Reinhart, president and CEO of the ship's owner, Maersk Line Ltd., told reporters today.
Reinhart said his company is contacting the crew's family members. He declined to confirm the ship's retaking by its crew, or to release the names of crew members.
The Maersk Alabama's crewmembers were trained to deal with pirate attacks, Reinhart said.
Pentagon officials noted there were four would-be hijackers, at least one of whom was captured by the ship's crew.
Pirates who attack merchant ships traveling off the coast of Somalia are difficult to deter because of the large area in which they operate, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today that he didn't want to comment on possible actions that could be taken in response to the Maersk Alabama's apparent hijacking.
However, Whitman said the piracy issue "is not going to be something that is solved in a purely military way or in international waters."
"This is going to have to be something that is addressed broadly by the international community," Whitman continued, "It's going to have to be addressed diplomatically, militarily (and) legally."
The complexity of the piracy issue requires taking "a very broad approach to addressing it," Whitman added.
Pirates operating off the coast of Somalia have attacked five vessels over the past week, according to news reports, not including today's attack on the Maersk Alabama.
Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, commander of Combined Maritime Forces based in Bahrain that oversees anti-piracy efforts in the region, provided an updated advisory notice to regional merchant shipping in a news release issued yesterday.
"We synchronize the efforts of the naval forces deployed to the region," Gortney said in the release. "However, as we have often stated, international naval forces alone will not be able to solve the problem of piracy at sea."
Piracy "is a problem that starts ashore," Gortney added.
And, despite the increased naval presence in the region, Gortney's notice said, because of an area of water that's four times the size of Texas, ships and aircraft are unlikely to be close enough to provide support to vessels under attack.
In view of the pirates' activity, merchant mariners should be highly vigilant when traveling through Somalia's coastal region, the release stated.
The release noted that a number of merchant vessels transiting the waters off Somalia have successfully employed evasive maneuvers and other defensive tactics to thwart attempted pirate attacks.
For example, a Panamanian-flagged vessel employed evasive maneuvers and fire hoses to thwart an attempted pirate attack, according to the release.
Milair Frequency Changes - 4/9/2009
Time for some more aero frequency changes, updates and corrections. From the Milcom MP Quik-Stop . . .
119.0750 Easton/Newnam Field MD (KESN) Ground Control/Clearance Delivery
120.9000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Murphy Dome AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
123.7250 Floyd W. Jones Lebanon MA Clearance Delivery
124.1500 Cape Cod CGAS MA (KFMH) Ground Control, ex-121.6000
124.2000 Nassau Radio, Bahamas
124.6000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Bettles AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
126.6250 Chicago O'Hare International Airport IL (KORD) Departure Control, ex-127.4000
126.9000 Potomac Clearance Delivery Service
127.9000 Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) Duluth MN RCAG Approach/Departure Services
128.0000 Nassau Radio, Bahamas
128.6250 Jacksonville ARTCC (ZJX) Tallahassee FL RCAG Ultra High Altitude - Micanopy Sector
132.4500 Miami ARTCC (ZMA) Pahokee FL RCAG Approach/Departure Services
132.5000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Cape Romanzof AK RCAG High Altitude Discrete
134.9500 Delete Seattle ARTCC (ZSE) Whibey Island WA RCAG this freq
135.0500 Phoenix-Mesa Gateway AZ (KIWA) Clearance Delivery, ex-128.250
266.8000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Cape Romanzof AK RCAG High Altitude Discrete, ex-226.8000
270.3000 Delete Seattle ARTCC (ZSE) Whibey Island RCAG this freq
276.4000 McClellan Palomar Airport CA (KCRQ) Tower, ex-392.0000
281.4500 Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) Duluth MN RCAG Approach/Departure Services
282.2250 Chicago O'Hare International Airport IL (KORD) D-ATIS, ex-269.900
307.1000 Miami ARTCC (ZMA) Pahokee FL RCAG Approach/Departure Services
319.2000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Murphy Dome AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
323.1750 Fort Smith Regional AR (KFSM) Tower, ex-381.6000
352.0000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Bettles AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
El Jefe
119.0750 Easton/Newnam Field MD (KESN) Ground Control/Clearance Delivery
120.9000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Murphy Dome AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
123.7250 Floyd W. Jones Lebanon MA Clearance Delivery
124.1500 Cape Cod CGAS MA (KFMH) Ground Control, ex-121.6000
124.2000 Nassau Radio, Bahamas
124.6000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Bettles AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
126.6250 Chicago O'Hare International Airport IL (KORD) Departure Control, ex-127.4000
126.9000 Potomac Clearance Delivery Service
127.9000 Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) Duluth MN RCAG Approach/Departure Services
128.0000 Nassau Radio, Bahamas
128.6250 Jacksonville ARTCC (ZJX) Tallahassee FL RCAG Ultra High Altitude - Micanopy Sector
132.4500 Miami ARTCC (ZMA) Pahokee FL RCAG Approach/Departure Services
132.5000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Cape Romanzof AK RCAG High Altitude Discrete
134.9500 Delete Seattle ARTCC (ZSE) Whibey Island WA RCAG this freq
135.0500 Phoenix-Mesa Gateway AZ (KIWA) Clearance Delivery, ex-128.250
266.8000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Cape Romanzof AK RCAG High Altitude Discrete, ex-226.8000
270.3000 Delete Seattle ARTCC (ZSE) Whibey Island RCAG this freq
276.4000 McClellan Palomar Airport CA (KCRQ) Tower, ex-392.0000
281.4500 Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) Duluth MN RCAG Approach/Departure Services
282.2250 Chicago O'Hare International Airport IL (KORD) D-ATIS, ex-269.900
307.1000 Miami ARTCC (ZMA) Pahokee FL RCAG Approach/Departure Services
319.2000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Murphy Dome AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
323.1750 Fort Smith Regional AR (KFSM) Tower, ex-381.6000
352.0000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Bettles AK RCAG Approach/Departure Services
El Jefe
So there really are no flying saucers in Area 51
BACK/STORY -- The Road to Area 51
http://www.latimes.com/features/la-mag-april052009-backstory,0,3355162.story
A story of Project Oxcart and more plus the real truth about Area 51 in the Nevada desert.
I have said this for years, and even wrote a detailed article in Monitoring Times (Phantoms in the Desert) on what was really going on at Area 51 in Nevada. I said it then and repeat it again -Area 51 is nothing more than a US Government/military site to test secret aircraft programs such as the SR-71, the military stealth aircraft, stealth UAVs, etc.
Of course, the Art Bell/George Noory Coast-to-Coast AM, conspiracy crowd decided they wanted to attack me personally, and said I was a government plant to hide the truth of what was really happening in Area 51 - little green men and flying saucers.
So to all you fools who are foolish to believe all that bunk (yes, like the mindless Alex Jones drones), the truth is out there, again. Of course, you folks will claim that those fellows mentioned in the article and the LA Times reporter are all part of the government plot, won't you.
So if that is what you believe, then you are part of the plot to deceive the real truth to the real world. You are no better than the corrupt politicians in Washington, that fall somewhere in the spectrum between a used car salesman (politician/TV advertising lawyer) and a hooker.
Thanks JN de El Jefe
http://www.latimes.com/features/la-mag-april052009-backstory,0,3355162.story
A story of Project Oxcart and more plus the real truth about Area 51 in the Nevada desert.
I have said this for years, and even wrote a detailed article in Monitoring Times (Phantoms in the Desert) on what was really going on at Area 51 in Nevada. I said it then and repeat it again -Area 51 is nothing more than a US Government/military site to test secret aircraft programs such as the SR-71, the military stealth aircraft, stealth UAVs, etc.
Of course, the Art Bell/George Noory Coast-to-Coast AM, conspiracy crowd decided they wanted to attack me personally, and said I was a government plant to hide the truth of what was really happening in Area 51 - little green men and flying saucers.
So to all you fools who are foolish to believe all that bunk (yes, like the mindless Alex Jones drones), the truth is out there, again. Of course, you folks will claim that those fellows mentioned in the article and the LA Times reporter are all part of the government plot, won't you.
So if that is what you believe, then you are part of the plot to deceive the real truth to the real world. You are no better than the corrupt politicians in Washington, that fall somewhere in the spectrum between a used car salesman (politician/TV advertising lawyer) and a hooker.
Thanks JN de El Jefe
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Milair NOTAM Frequency Changes - 4/8/2009
Jack NeSmith sends along the following two NOTAM frequency and callsign changes. Thanks Jack.
KHOP CAMPBELL AAF (FORT CAMPBELL)
L0003/09 - EAGLE VHF FREQ 128.75 OTS UFN; NEW EAGLE VHF FREQ IS 139.9 UFN.
05 FEB 13:41 2009 UNTIL 03 MAY 23:59 2009. CREATED: 05 FEB 13:45 2009
KWRI MC GUIRE AFBM0114/09 - ARRIVING/DEPARTING AIRCRAFT CONTACT THE 87 ABW COMMAND POST, CALLSIGN: BRICKYARD, ON FREQ 319.4 OR 134.1. IF 319.4 INOP, USE 349.4.
01 APR 19:25 2009 UNTIL 28 JUN 20:00 2009. CREATED: 01 APR 19:23 2009
KHOP CAMPBELL AAF (FORT CAMPBELL)
L0003/09 - EAGLE VHF FREQ 128.75 OTS UFN; NEW EAGLE VHF FREQ IS 139.9 UFN.
05 FEB 13:41 2009 UNTIL 03 MAY 23:59 2009. CREATED: 05 FEB 13:45 2009
KWRI MC GUIRE AFBM0114/09 - ARRIVING/DEPARTING AIRCRAFT CONTACT THE 87 ABW COMMAND POST, CALLSIGN: BRICKYARD, ON FREQ 319.4 OR 134.1. IF 319.4 INOP, USE 349.4.
01 APR 19:25 2009 UNTIL 28 JUN 20:00 2009. CREATED: 01 APR 19:23 2009
Guard F-16s intercept suspicious aircraft
Airmen on Air National Guard fighter aircraft from two states intercepted a suspicious aircraft as it flew into U.S. airspace April 6.
North American Aerospace Defense Command officials directed F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing from Duluth, Minn., to initially intercept the plane near Michigan's Upper Peninsula before handing off the mission to F-16s assigned to 115th Fighter Wing from Madison, Wis.
The Cessna 172 single-engine aircraft was reported as stolen from an aviation school in Thunder Bay, Ontario in Canada, and departed without Navigation Canada authority, said Mike Kucharek, a NORAD spokesman.
Pilots attempted to notify the pilot to establish communications with local Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers and land safely for further follow-on action, according to a news release from the Wisconsin National Guard.
The Cessna pilot acknowledged the fighters, but was unresponsive to specific nonverbal commands, according to a NORAD press release.
The pilot was flying erratically and did not communicate with fighter pilots, Mr. Kucharek said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft intercepted the Cessna as well, but the F-16s followed the aircraft until it landed in an area 23 miles northwest of Popular Bluff, Mo., at 9:45 p.m. EDT.
The Wisconsin fighters were about to hand the mission over to aircraft from the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard when the Cessna ran out of gas over southern Missouri. The aircraft landed on Highway 60 near Ellsinore, Mo., and was apprehended by local authorities.
Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of the Wisconsin National Guard and the homeland security adviser to the state, ordered the evacuation of the Wisconsin Capitol building in Madison as a precautionary measure, according to a press release from the state. At 5:45 p.m., the evacuation was terminated based on the aircraft's proximity to the capitol and workers were allowed to return to the building.
Air Force officials take delivery of first MC-12
by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WICHITA, Kan. (AFNS) -- Winning the fight from up high just got more advanced since the recent delivery of the MC-12 Project Liberty special mission turboprop aircraft.
The MC-12 is the first of its kind for the Air Force and is set to venture downrange in May. Lt. Gen. David Deptula, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Brig. Gen. Blair E. Hansen, director of ISR Capabilities took delivery of the 16,500-pound special mission aircraft at the Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
The Project Liberty program is part of the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' ISR task force and derives from his direction to provide enhanced ISR capabilities to U.S. Central Command.
The complexities of today's battlefield call for sophisticated capabilities and A2 intelligence officials said the MC-12 delivers.
"The MC-12 brings additional electro-optical and infrared full-motion video and signals intelligence to troops on the ground," General Hansen said. "The initial MX-15i system to be installed on the first eight aircraft features an infrared pointer, which allows the aircraft to signal an object or building to a soldier wearing special goggles on the ground," he said. The general added that a planned future upgrade will provide a state-of-the-art laser designator and allow it to target a position with formidable precision.
According to Hawker Beechcraft officials, the aircraft can provide more than eight hours of endurance and has the flexibility to loiter low and slow or cruise at 300 knots and 35,000 feet. Taking off with full fuel and payload, the MC-12 is uniquely equipped to perform medium-altitude surveillance for more than seven hours, fly back 100 nautical miles and still land with more than 45 minutes of fuel on board.
The MC-12 will augment unmanned systems already flying reconnaissance patrols over Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We think this is a core mission of the United States Air Force--medium altitude ISR," General Hansen said. "Through their advanced technology and reliability, these aircraft will increase the number of combat air patrols downrange."
Secretary Gates gave the green light to procure 37 MC-12 aircraft by the end of 2009.
WICHITA, Kan. (AFNS) -- Winning the fight from up high just got more advanced since the recent delivery of the MC-12 Project Liberty special mission turboprop aircraft.
The MC-12 is the first of its kind for the Air Force and is set to venture downrange in May. Lt. Gen. David Deptula, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Brig. Gen. Blair E. Hansen, director of ISR Capabilities took delivery of the 16,500-pound special mission aircraft at the Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
The Project Liberty program is part of the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' ISR task force and derives from his direction to provide enhanced ISR capabilities to U.S. Central Command.
The complexities of today's battlefield call for sophisticated capabilities and A2 intelligence officials said the MC-12 delivers.
"The MC-12 brings additional electro-optical and infrared full-motion video and signals intelligence to troops on the ground," General Hansen said. "The initial MX-15i system to be installed on the first eight aircraft features an infrared pointer, which allows the aircraft to signal an object or building to a soldier wearing special goggles on the ground," he said. The general added that a planned future upgrade will provide a state-of-the-art laser designator and allow it to target a position with formidable precision.
According to Hawker Beechcraft officials, the aircraft can provide more than eight hours of endurance and has the flexibility to loiter low and slow or cruise at 300 knots and 35,000 feet. Taking off with full fuel and payload, the MC-12 is uniquely equipped to perform medium-altitude surveillance for more than seven hours, fly back 100 nautical miles and still land with more than 45 minutes of fuel on board.
The MC-12 will augment unmanned systems already flying reconnaissance patrols over Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We think this is a core mission of the United States Air Force--medium altitude ISR," General Hansen said. "Through their advanced technology and reliability, these aircraft will increase the number of combat air patrols downrange."
Secretary Gates gave the green light to procure 37 MC-12 aircraft by the end of 2009.
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