Navy to Roll Out New ASW Mission Package

The first U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship, Freedom (LCS 1), the inaugural ship in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface warships, is seen conducting a speed run during Builders Trials. The ship is designed for littoral, or close-to-shore, operations and to provide access and dominance in coastal-water areas. (Photo provided courtesy Lockheed Martin /Released)

The Navy will roll out its new anti-submarine warfare mission package for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) in a ceremony Sept. 19 at Naval Base Point Loma Naval Mine & ASW Command Complex, San Diego.

Vice Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Rear Adm. Mike Shatynski; Principal Civilian Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research and Development, Jim Thomsen; Deputy Director of Surface Warfare, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Adm. Michael K. Mahon; Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Rear Adm. Michael C. Bachmann; Program Executive Officer for Littoral and Mine Warfare, E. Anne Sandel; and Commodore, LCS Class Squadron, Capt. Lewis Chris Nygard, are all scheduled to speak at the event.

"The delivery of the anti-submarine warfare mission package will provide the Navy with a persistent large area detection capability, through our advanced unmanned vehicles and bi-static ASW systems," said Sandel. "Tomorrow we will take a critical step forward in support of assured access in the littorals for U.S. Joint Forces."

LCS can be configured to deploy with any one of three interchangeable mission modules: the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) module; mine countermeasures (MCM) module and surface warfare (SUW) module also know as mission packages. The first ASW mission package (MP) will use several different vehicles -- MH-60R, unmanned air vehicle, unmanned surface vehicle -- and associated sensors -- towed array sonar, remote towed active source, USV dipping sonar, multi-static off-board source -- to detect, classify, localize, track and engage submarines in the littoral environment.

LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship with versatile warfighting capabilities, capable of open-ocean operation but optimized for littoral and coastal missions. Operational experience and analyses indicate that future adversaries will employ asymmetric means to deny U.S. and allied forces access into critical coastal regions, such as strategic chokepoints and vital economic sea lanes.

The LCS seaframe and mission modules are specifically designed to defeat such "anti-access" threats, which include fast surface craft, quiet diesel submarines and various types of mines.

Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Freedom

Littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) returns to its homeport in Marinette, Wis., after completing acceptance trials in Lake Michigan. A littoral combat ship is a fast, agile, focused-mission ship designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. Freedom is scheduled to be delivered later this year and will be homeported in San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jhi L. Scott (Released)

Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast officially accepted delivery of Freedom (LCS 1) on behalf of the Navy from the Lockheed Martin/Marinette Marine/Gibbs and Cox team in Marinette, Wis., Sept. 18.

"This is a truly exciting day for the Navy. Today marks a critical milestone in fulfilling the need and realizing the vision we began just a few years ago," said Capt. James Murdoch, the LCS program manager. "Despite our challenges, the Navy and industry have continued to press on to build and deliver the first ship of a unique class, a ship class that will give our nation asymmetric advantages against maritime threats."

Since builder's and acceptance trials this summer, the Navy and the Lockheed Martin team have been working to prepare the ship for delivery, sail away and commissioning. With acceptance by the Navy, the LCS crew will move aboard and prepare the ship to depart Marinette Marine for Milwaukee, the location of the ship's commissioning. Upon commissioning, the ship will sail out of the Great Lakes and down the East Coast for Norfolk, Va., making a number of port calls along the way.

Prior to delivery, the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) conducted acceptance trials aboard LCS 1 Aug. 17-21. INSURV found the ship to be "capable, well-built and inspection-ready" and recommended that the Chief of Naval Operations authorize delivery of the ship. Because the trials were conducted in Lake Michigan, some ship systems, including aviation and combat systems, could not be demonstrated. Systems not demonstrated during recent trials will be presented to INSURV in early 2009 trials in Norfolk and in the open ocean.

The second ship of this class, Independence (LCS 2), is currently being built by General Dynamics in the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Independence is scheduled to be christened next month in Mobile.

Freedom class ships will help the U.S. Navy defeat growing littoral, or close-to-shore, threats including mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare. Littoral combat ships are fast, easy to maneuver and are equipped with interchangeable mission modules that allow commanders to meet changing warfare needs.

Coast Guard Drug Bust

A Miami based Coast Guard crew captured a vessel hauling seven tons of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Guard Unit Prepares for Predator Training Operations

By Air Force Capt. Al Bosco
Special to American Forces Press Service

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE - Having successfully surpassed two years of combat operations flying the MQ-1 Predator, the nation's first Air National Guard Predator unit is poised to spread its history-making wings again. With only minor details remaining, the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing is ready to begin training the Air Force's next generation of unmanned aerial system warriors.

Beginning in early January, the unit expects to fly its first "live" training sortie at home from the former George Air Force Base, now known as Southern California Logistics Airport, about 40 miles from March.

"We are really excited about taking this critical next step in our employment of the Predator," said Air Force Col. Randall Ball, 163rd Operations Group commander. "We've been working toward this since getting the Predator mission in 2006, and it has taken a total team effort to go from concept to reality as quickly as we have."

Since transitioning from its support mission flying the KC-135 Stratotanker to conducting active combat flying the Predator, the wing has proven it has the mettle to meet any challenge head-on. In fact, shortly after beginning Predator flight operations, the wing was charged to provide three continuous combat air patrols over Southwest Asia.

As a result of the "surge," the wing has amassed more than 21,000 flying hours supporting combat operations overseas by providing combatant commanders with 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week aerial surveillance and precision strike capability.

"This has truly been an historic event for us," Air Force Col. Al Aimar, 163rd RW commander, said. "It's been quite an exciting time, and we're eager to begin the next chapter in this remarkable mission."

Once the facilities and infrastructure needed to support the flying program at SCLA are in place, the wing will begin flying the Predator locally in preparation for its first class of Predator aviators, scheduled to begin in April.

"We need to make sure we take a steady approach to starting the flight training program here so we can ensure we are training the best Predator pilots possible, able to step out of the classroom and into the combat theater providing the kind of support commanders need and have come to expect," Air Force Lt. Col. Kirby Colas, 196th Reconnaissance Squadron commander, said.

Initially, the wing will begin training Air National Guard personnel as Predator aircrews, but the program is expected to expand to include training active-duty aviators as well relieving some of the load for Creech Air Force Base, Nev., currently the only base training Predator aircrews.

Since the wing already has extensive experience with the platform, providing the training to both Guard and active-duty aircrews is expected to be a smooth process. In fact, several of the unit's current senior-level pilots and sensor operators already have gained valuable experience in the academic environment, having served as instructor pilots and sensor operators at Creech.

"Our wing is really a unique organization," Aimar said. "We've gone through a tremendous amount of change over the past couple years, but the amazing thing is nobody complains. Every time a new mission or task has come up, everyone across the wing was quick to jump in to figure out how we could get it done. As a commander, it makes me proud to see that kind of dedication, not only to our nation, but to the warfighters on the ground, who rely on our support to accomplish their missions."

Currently, the wing conducts Predator maintenance training in its recently established state-of-the-art field training detachment operating under Creech's Detachment 13 as part of Air Education and Training Command. The fully accredited maintenance training facility trains active-duty and Guard Predator maintenance personnel.

(Air Force Capt. Al Bosco serves with the California National Guard.)

USS Boone Rescues Migrants at Sea

USS Boone (FFG 28) rescued 50 migrants while investigating a suspicious vessel Sept. 3.

Joint Interagency Task Force South directed Boone to deploy its rigid-hull inflatable boat to search a suspicious vessel. Boone's boarding team pulled alongside and was granted permission to board the vessel. When the team investigated, they discovered 50 migrants crowded together aboard the vessel.

Boone's boarding team interviewed the migrants and decided to transport them to the ship for their health and safety. Once aboard Boone, the crew provided the migrants with a medical examination, food, clothing and shower facilities.

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Michael Roggio, one of Boone's search and rescue swimmers, appreciated the opportunity to help the migrants.

"It was a special experience for me to get to do something humanitarian," said Roggio.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Vincent De La Ossa administered medical exams to all of the migrants.

"I am very lucky to help those less fortunate than me," said Ossa.

Boone is deployed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet, and tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S).

Typically, this involves the detection and interdiction of narcotics smugglers; however, the prevention of human trafficking is also a goal for Sailors deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus.

Boone, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is deployed with embarked Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 406.

USS Nassau Responding to Hurricane Ike at 'Best Speed'

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Merriam, USS Nassau Public Affairs
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Toni Killian guides an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter to land on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Clayton/Released)

Amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) has been directed to take station off Galveston Island to provide maritime emergency response assistance to citizens affected by Hurricane Ike made landfall Sept. 13 and to assist responders supporting local citizens.

Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations when Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast. Nassau was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast and then received orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.

Nassau traveled more than 1,500 nautical miles in three days, stopping only to bring members of Amphibious Squadron 6 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 on board with the help of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28.

"Like most Navy ships, the crew of the Nassau is constantly training for various missions, and doing disaster relief is something we think about a lot and plays on the various skills of an amphibious warfare ship," said Nassau Commanding Officer Capt. James R. Boorujy.

"We do a lot of flight operations, we do a lot of boat operations, and those are the kinds of things that we need to do to assist our fellow countrymen with disaster relief."

Because of the extensive and continuous training the Nassau crew has received, the ship quickly and efficiently integrated new support elements while in transit and completed the trip at best speed to the Gulf Coast. The Nassau maintained readiness at sea in order to quickly respond if called upon by civil authorities.

"We work great with the amphibious squadron and embarked detachments. That's a core capability of amphibious ships, we do that all the time. We have a boat detachment, landing craft, helicopter detachment, and we frequently have them aboard," Boorujy said.

"We work very closely with the commodore. We have several meetings a day with him. He is in frequent communication with Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet; they know exactly what we're ready to do. We're ready for this mission, and if we're needed we're ready to go in as soon as possible."

Nassau brings with it diverse assets and capabilities, including two MH-60S Nighthawk search and rescue helicopters, four landing craft utility, a beachmaster unit, a disaster relief team, a fleet surgical team, and a significant amount of water, food and other emergency relief supplies. The ship is also equipped with a 300-bed hospital, four medical operating rooms and three dental operating rooms.

Troops Return

National Guard (MA) troops from the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment were honored September 14.

Air Force, Air National Guard partner for new mission

The Air Force and Air National Guard officials have agreed to establish a temporary mission qualification training detachment for the RC-12 aircraft at Key Field in Meridian, Miss. This mission, conducted by the Mississippi Air National Guard, will help bolster the Department of Defense's intelligence gathering capability in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The RC-12 aircraft is the Air Force's newest manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform (ISR), providing near-real-time ISR. Nearly $100 million has been obligated to bring up to seven RC-12 aircraft to the base beginning in January 2009.

This mission, designated Project Liberty, will train approximately 1,000 students during the next two years at the 186th Air Refueling Wing, located at Key Field. The 186th ARW will conduct total force mission qualification training for this program, providing the manpower and facilities for the training unit. The 186th ARW will continue performing its current air refueling mission through 2011, operating the KC-135R Stratotanker while conducting Project Liberty training.

"The Air National Guard is excited to be a part of this important mission and to play a critical role in providing this needed capability to today's fight," said Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard.

"The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. William L. Freeman Jr., and I are very proud that the 186th Refueling Wing was chosen for this very important mission," said Governor Haley Barbour. "This wing has shown success time after time because of the dedication and professionalism of its officers and Airmen."

The Air Force, National Guard Bureau and Mississippi Air National Guard officials are working closely to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

USN/USCG Capture Drug-Running Semi-Submersible

The guided-missile frigate USS McInerney (FFG 8) tows a self-propelled, semi-submersible craft seized Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 by Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404. The Coast Guard law enforcement officers, embarked aboard the McInerney, seized seven tons of cocaine during a night raid about 350 miles west of Guatemala. The seized vessel has the capability to travel from Ecuador to San Diego, Calif. McInerney, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is deployed in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Justin Cooper/Released)


Sailors from USS McInerney (FFG 8) and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404 (LEDET) intercepted a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) carrying seven tons of cocaine Sept. 13.

Sailors intercepted the 59-foot SPSS in a nighttime interdiction 350 miles off the coast of Guatemala, capturing four suspected narcotics smugglers from Colombia and the large cargo of cocaine before the SPSS could be scuttled.

An SPSS is capable of carrying 3-5 metric tons of cocaine and has no maritime use other than the covert transport of narcotics or other illegal goods. An SPSS is between 25-65 feet long, travel at speeds up to 13 knots, carry 4-5 crew members, and can travel up to 2,500 nautical miles without refueling. An SPSS is dangerous to capture since it is designed with valves that smugglers can use to quickly flood and sink the vessel, posing a risk to boarding teams attempting to capture it.

McInerney, homeported in Mayport, Fla., and the embarked LEDET 404 are currently deployed under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (NAVSO/4th FLT) conducting counter illicit trafficking operations for Joint Interagency Task Force-South in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of focus.

As the Naval Component Command of USSOUTHCOM, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval Forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Various operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to NAVSO, exercising operational control of assigned forces in the SOUTHCOM area of focus.

USS Columbus Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Cynthia Clark, Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Public Affairs

USS Columbus (SSN 762) returned to Pearl Harbor Naval Station Sept. 11 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

As he greeted his family, fellow submariners and other guests, Cmdr. James Doody, Columbus commanding officer took a moment to reflect on the seven year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"We had a great deployment," said Doody. "I think it's especially nice to be able to come home on 9/11, so we can come home and not only see the people we did this for, but the reason why we do it."

As Columbus' more than 130 officers and Sailors were reunited with family and friends, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Jared Redmile reflected on the deployment.

"It was exciting," Redmile said. "It was something I was glad I got to do, a great life experience, but nothing beats coming home."

Columbus departed Pearl Harbor in March for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment, during which they supported theater security cooperation efforts and conducted port visits to Guam, Okinawa, Japan and Sasebo, Japan.

Columbus joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force in September 1994.

Navy to Christen USNS Carl Brashear

The Navy will launch and christen dry cargo/ammunition ship the USNS Carl Brashear at a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony on Sept. 18. The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of underway replenishment ships will be held at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979. Brashear was the subject of the 2000 movie "Men of Honor" starring Cuba Gooding Jr.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at the christening ceremony and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Serving as ship's sponsor, Lauren Brashear will christen the ship in honor of her grandfather. The launching ceremony will include the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "USNS Carl Brashear."

USNS Carl Brashear is the seventh ship of the Navy's T-AKE 1 class. The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics force ships and the last three of which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). As a combat logistics force ship, USNS Carl Brashear will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.

As part of Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the USNS Carl Brashear is designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC. The ship will also have a military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination and, when needed, can carry a helicopter detachment of up to 36.

Space Operations a Key Focus for the Iwo Jima ESG

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 conducts a vertical replenishment with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima is deployed as the flagship of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group and is supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker/Released)

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is blazing trails in the area of space operations and taking advantage of every opportunity to employ this concept.

Space operations integrates space-based capabilities to build situational awareness and enhance communications capabilities, navigation, defense, and weather information, which are all vital to a ship at sea.

Modern-day naval warships rely on space operations for five vital areas: satellite communications; navigation and timing; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; meteorology and oceanography; and missile warning.

"In order to get information on and off the ship, we rely heavily on satellite communications," said Wheaton. "To drive a ship, we need systems to help navigate and we rely on external communications, which is heavily satellite-based or space-based."

"Much of the intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, capabilities are also space based," he continued. "Additionally, there are space systems that forecast the weather, which supports our meteorology and oceanography missions."

Missile warning is one of the most critical areas supported by space operations, which is mutually supportive with ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities.

"From a force protection point of view, missile warning is important for any strike group; especially when we operate in potentially hostile areas of the world," said Wheaton. "Anything that helps us maintain our situational awareness and keep our ships safe is very, very important."

Since its inception, space operations has been an asset for day-to-day underway operations.

"The ability to operationalize information that we get from space operations is very meaningful," said Wheaton. "Having been a communications officer and a surface warfare officer, I see the value in being able to forecast potential problem areas. The whole reason I'm here as the space operations officer is to bring knowledge and understanding of the space environment to operational planners within the strike group so they can factor it into their combat plans and other operations."

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.; and a Marine landing force from the 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The strike group is deployed to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

While in theater, the strike group will also support the other tenets of the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response. The Maritime Strategy represents a new vision for the 21st century and establishes new capabilities to codify longstanding challenges, while maintaining the focus on enduring missions.

Avengers, Blacksheeps Team-Up with BHR

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tiffany Sivels, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs


AV-8B Harriers returned to the flight deck of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)(BHR) after a 10-month 2007 Western Pacific deployment as Marine Attack Squadrons (VMA) 211 and 214 began deck landing qualifications (DLQ) Sept. 14.

Known as the "Wake Island Avengers", VMA-211 is aboard BHR to allow pilots to earn and maintain necessary qualifications, before deploying to the USS Essex (LHD 2) in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Szoka, ship's handler, DLQs ensure pilots are proficient in landing aircraft aboard a naval ship, in the event of an emergency, maintenance issues or to refuel.

"Landing on board a ship, for most pilots, is one of the hardest things they have to overcome," said Szoka. "There are times when your efficiency can slip, especially during night operations, so practice is needed."

During DLQs, pilots practice 'touch and go's, in which an aircraft takes off and touches down for a period of time from different or the same locations, to ensure they maintain mission ready capabilities.

According to Capt. Kristofer Harris, VMA-211 pilot, there are a few challenges to overcome while conducting DLQs.

"Flying a precision pattern and learning the correct site picture to determine the accurate adjustments to flight paths and nozzle levels have proven to be a challenge for myself," said Harris. "I hope to gain the experience to improve my accuracy and precision when landing on board, so I can work safely with the Navy and Marine Corps team."

DLQs also offer shipboard personnel an opportunity to familiarize themselves with flight operation procedures and protocols.

"This is an opportunity for aviation boatswain's mates to train and qualify new personnel," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW) Wilfred Rabina. "Everyone, regardless of rank, needs training and practice and that's what we expect to gain during DLQs.

USS Nassau Proceeds to Gulf of Mexico in Ike's Wake

The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), was directed to proceed to the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 13 and take station off the Texas coast, prepared to render support to civil authorities in the wake of Hurricane Ike as needed.

Three ships, Nassau, USS Ponce (LPD 15), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support.

Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations, and was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast before receiving orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.

The amphibious transport dock Ponce will get underway Sept. 14. The amphibious assault ship Bataan has been ordered to remain in a prepared-to-deploy status, ready to get underway within 24 hours, if needed.

Although there has been no specific tasking for these three ships, their at-sea readiness provides options for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command.

Ponce Underway, Demonstrating Readiness to Respond

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) pulls away from the pier at Naval Station Norfolk. Ponce will be on station in the Gulf of Mexico if needed to provide assistance to civilian authorities in the wake of Hurricane Ike. The storm stuck the Texas Gulf Coast Saturday, Sept. 13 as a major hurricane, causing major flooding and leaving millions without power. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lolita Lewis/Released)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) got underway Sept. 14 from Naval Station Norfolk, to demonstrate operational readiness at sea.

Ponce is conducting routine training operations off the Virginia coast, and is capable of providing disaster response and of rendering assistance to civil authorities, if called upon to perform this mission.

Three ships, USS Nassau (LHA 4), Ponce, and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support.

Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations, and was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast before receiving orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.

The amphibious assault ship Bataan has been ordered to remain in a prepared-to-deploy status, ready to get underway within 24 hours, if needed.

Although there has been no specific tasking for these three ships, their at-sea readiness provides options for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command.

Ike Information Sites

The Red Cross has set up a web site for people hit by Ike to let friends and family know they're safe and well. The Navy and Army have also set up accountability web sites.

Joint Task Force 129 Airmen Rescue Civilians Stranded in Galveston

By Air National Guard Capt. Alyson Teeter American Forces Press Service


Joint Task Force 129 crew, Jolly 92, lands in a tight space between houses to rescue an adult male in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 12, 2008. The California Air National Guard crew of Jolly 92 rescued six civilians and pets stranded in Galveston. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wally Bacio

MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.

Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.

During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.

The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.

The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.

A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.

Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.

While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.

Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.

Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.

Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.

As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.

Picking up the Pace

The Pentagon Channel's Sgt Ted MacDonald reports the pace of operations is beginning to pick up at the Texas National Guard's Joint Operations Center in Austin, TX.

Convoys Ready to Roll

Texas National Guard troops are waiting for Hurricane Ike to blow past so they can begin rescue efforts in Houston. Also, hundreds of high-water vehicles are rolling out of San Antonio.

C-17 crew makes history in Antarctica

by Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais Air Force News Agency

Lt. Col. James McGann looks out over the ice after a night vision goggles-assited landing on Pegasus Ice Runway near McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on Sept. 11. Colonel McGann leads a crew testing the concept of using night vision technology in combination with reflective cones and limited electrical lighting to land safely on the ice runway after dark. The mission was conducted by Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force. The joint task force is currently conducting Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program. Colonel McGann is the commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Christchurch, New Zealand. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais)

PEGASUS ICE RUNWAY, Antarctica (AFPN) -- A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., performed the first known after-dark landing in Antarctica using night vision goggles here Sept.
11.

The McChord aircrew, consisting of active duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing and Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing, verified the C-17's capability to access McMurdo Station, Antarctica, by landing here in complete darkness using night vision technology in combination with reflective cones.

The mission was flown as part of Operation Deep Freeze, which is commanded by U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. Headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force, JTF SFA's mission is to provide air- and sealift support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.

There is no sunlight in Antarctica for several months of the year, from around late March to the middle of August. The night vision goggle concept will make it easier and safer for C-17 aircrews to get into Antarctica any time of the year.

Maj. Corey Simmons, an evaluator pilot with McChord's 62nd Operations Support Squadron and one of the pilots on the mission, said there are many reasons the National Science Foundation may need strategic airlift during winter months.

"There could be a contingency operation where someone is sick or hurt down here during the winter-over months, when they have complete darkness for four and a half months," Major Simmons said. "We have the capability now to get them out."

The use of night vision goggles and reflective cones on the ground capitalizes on an inherent strength of the C-17 Globemaster III -- the jet is built for night vision operations. Its Heads-Up-Display shows all the aircraft's operating parameters directly in front of its pilots on a piece of glass. This allows pilots to use night vision goggles to survey the area while maintaining a close eye on the aircraft's performance.

Flying airlift missions into the coldest, windiest, and most inhospitable continent on the globe can be challenging business. No one knows this better than Lt. Col. Jim McGann, commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and the night vision goggle concept's chief architect. With 12 years and more than 60 missions to the ice under his belt, Colonel McGann has just about seen it all.

"Previously, we couldn't physically light the entire runway; it wasn't possible," Colonel McGann said. "Now, with the inherent [night vision goggle] capability in the C-17, the increased technological advances in night vision goggles, and 64 high-intensity retro-reflective cones placed on the runway edge, we can leverage the technologies and say, 'Let's see if we can get in there and access McMurdo at night.'

"We found the cones to be very good at illuminating the runway and providing critical situational awareness," he added. "When the aircraft turns to final [approach], the wingtip light reflects off the cones to the [night vision goggles] and we can see the entire runway."

Major Simmons said the beauty of the cones is that they light up "like Christmas trees" even though they are not powered.

"Even if you looked under the [night vision goggles] with the naked eye, you could see these things from two or three miles out coming in to Pegasus," Major Simmons said. "So the safety factor that we were able to give to this type of mission by adding something like this is exponential."

The successful test was the culmination of 18 months of planning, but the pilots on this mission said it was well worth the time and effort.

"The National Science Foundation is going to be able to get in year-round [now]," Major Simmons said. "So the fact that 18 months of planning, tests and hard work finally put that C-17 on the ground is definitely worth all the effort we put into it."

The successful test precedes a bittersweet exit for Colonel McGann; this will be his last season with Operation Deep Freeze.

"It's time," Colonel McGann said. "Like with everything, new blood is important. People seeing it with a new perspective and people with outside ideas who haven't been here as long as I have...will come into the program and bring it to the next level."

Some of the young pilots Colonel McGann talked about flew on this mission. There were ten pilots on board, all of whom were certified to land on the ice in the dark using night vision goggles and the cones.

Colonel McGann said the concept will open up many opportunities for the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.

"Now [the National Science Foundation]...can take advantage of the full capabilities of the C-17," he said.

Milcom Government/Mil Blog Logs 9-12-2008

Here are the latest summary of logs of military and government frequencies monitored yesterday (9/12) from here in Brasstown.

STARTED Sep-12/13-2008 18:24 to 0018 UTC

3349.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- KBPNNN
4490.0 SHARES SCN Ch 3:- KNY58 USDAEOC2 ZLSNNN
4765.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- OARNNN WWLNNN
4780.0 NG Primary:- FC6 FR5FEM INDOPS TX6
5015.0 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Ch 2:- G334 LRD1
5135.0 US Secure:- MA1NC
5158.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- EDXNNN KBPNNN OARNNN WWLNNN ZLSNNN
5378.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC4FEM FC8FEM
5402.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
5711.0 SHARES SCN Channel 4:- AAT3BF KBPNNN NNN0KEF
5817.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- NRK
5961.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM
6806.0 USAF CAP ALE:- 0004WICAP 0011ARCAP 101NCRCAP 101SWRCAP 0355OKCAP 2204LACAP
6809.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC6 FC8FEM FR5FEM TX6 VA3FEM
7348.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM FR4FEM FR5FEM VA3FEM
7480.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC6 TX6
7642.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- OARNNN ZLSNNN
8012.0 USAF CAP ALE:-0048FLCAP 2204LACAP
8037.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- NRK
8047.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- HQ703N L060AN T040NN
8050.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
8622.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- BB2
9025.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network:- ADW HAW JNR NW1 NW2 OFF
9106.0 SHARES SCN Channel 5:- 2PBAFA 9999OKCAP AAT3BF BF741
10194.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
11108.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
11485.0 US NPHRN:- CRB T9ACBP
12216.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
13446.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
16338.5 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- HQ703N I100DN

COTHEN
ALE Addresses: 500 716 C06 I86 J01 J09 J10 J14 J19 J29 J31 J33 CRB LNT OPB PAC T16 T47 T9ACBP TSC

Frequencies: 5732.0 7527.0 8912.0 10242.0 11494.0 13907.0 15867.0 18594.0 20890.0 23214.0 25350.0 kHz

Task Force Recommends New Air Force Nuclear Command

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - A Defense Department task force has recommended the Air Force Space Command be re-designated as Air Force Strategic Command and be home to the service's nuclear mission.

Former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger briefed the press on the task force's conclusions during a Pentagon news conference today.

The new command would be a major command and include all of the service's assets from missiles to bombers. Known as the Schlesinger Panel, the task force came into being as a result of revelations that the Air Force mistakenly had sent nuclear missile components to Taiwan in 2006, and inadvertently had flown nuclear weapons from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in 2007.

As a result Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates asked Schlesinger to look into ways to fix the situation. A previous report authored by Navy Adm. Kirkwood Donald said the Air Force culture needed to be changed to stress the importance of the nuclear mission.

For his part Schlesinger gave a short history lesson to frame the problem.

"The nuclear mission has altered substantially since the days of the Cold War," he said.

During the Cold War, the NATO allies were fearful that the Warsaw Pact countries held a conventional force advantage over the Western allies. The nuclear umbrella America provided deterred the Soviet Union and its allies from attacking.

"That mission has gone by the boards," Schlesinger said. "The nuclear deterrent role today is quite different, and it is much more circumscribed than it was in the days of the Cold War. However, it is no less important, despite the fact that the domain of the nuclear mission has shrunk."

By treaty, the United States still holds the nuclear umbrella over the NATO countries, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. "The confidence that they have in that umbrella will determine whether or not they themselves may seek to acquire nuclear weapons," Schlesinger said. "Some (nations) have expressed increasing misgivings about whether or not they feel comfortable under the umbrella.

Part of the Air Force and Defense Department task is to "resuscitate their confidence in the credibility of the nuclear umbrella," he said.

The service has to change its culture, the former secretary said, because Air Force interest in the nuclear mission has atrophied. "This goes back to the disestablishment of the Strategic Air Command in 1991," he said.

SAC, as it was called, was a specified command reporting directly to the defense secretary. It was the home of the Air Force legs of the strategic triad: the intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers. In 1991, the command split with the missiles going to Air Force Space Command and the bombers to Air Combat Command.

Both commands had other priorities and the nuclear mission lost money over the years. "As a result, the nuclear mission has been underfunded and this has resulted in a shrinkage of billets for units and even those shrunken billets remain unfilled in many cases," Schlesinger said.

"There is a shortage of security personnel. There is a shortage of maintenance people. There is a shortage of those who supervise the nuclear establishment and there ... has been a very noticeable lack of nuclear expertise," he said.

The Air Force has moved to change, Schlesinger said. Currently, the service has 180 corrective actions in the works. "It is a highly commendable response on the part of the Air Force," he said. "It has established a solid basis for change, and all of the Air Force leaders are saying the right things. The real question is whether there will be follow through on what is now being said."

Hurricane Hunters fly nonstop into Ike

by Maj. Chad E. Gibson 403rd Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Mark Carter looks at the sunset after flying nine hours on a Hurricane Ike mission on board a WC-130J Hercules Sept. 10 over the Gulf of Mexico. The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss, fly 24-hours-a-day, collecting data inside the heart of Hurricane Ike. The data collected by the Hurricane Hunters improve the National Hurricane Center forecast by 30 percent. Colonel Carter is a pilot with the 403rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Chad E. Gibson)

As residents of the Texas coastline flee to safe havens, the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters continue fly right into the center of Mother Nature's fury Sept. 12 from here.

Hurricane Ike is projected to make landfall Sept. 13 along the Texas coast near the city of Galveston as well as provide tropical storm force winds along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines.

Keesler Air Force Base Hurricane Hunters have been flying nonstop for more than three weeks into hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike.

WC-130J Hercules aircraft, flown by the Airmen of the 403rd Wing, pass through the eye of Hurricane Ike every three hours, 24 hours a day, collecting lifesaving data that is sent directly to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

This data increases the accuracy of the National Hurricane Center's forecasts by 30 percent. With the warning bubble expanded by nearly a third, hundreds more communities would be forced to evacuate ahead of the storm. At a cost of $1 million per mile of coastline to evacuate, the increased accuracy saves tens of millions of dollars on every flight. In addition, more lives are saved because residents heed the more accurate National Hurricane Center's warnings.

Hurricane Ike has been slow to change in reaching the coast, leading National Hurricane Center forecasters to believe the storm will not significantly increase in strength. However, by the time Ike reaches landfall Sept. 13 it could near Category 3 wind speeds. The additional concern is the storm surge created by Ike, already covering some low-lying roadways along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastline with water.

Officials in the 403rd Wing said they will continue to track the hurricane until it makes landfall.

Guard members in states of Ike's path ready, willing, able

by Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) -- National Guard members in Texas and four other states are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Ike looms just off the Gulf Coast Sept. 12.

Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, said state officials.

Heavy rains of up to 15 inches are projected for the hardest hit areas, while flooding and tornadoes are also being anticipated.

"Rain is what we're worried about," said Pat Scully, the spokesman for the Oklahoma National Guard. Much of the state is under a flood watch because forecasts indicate that a cold front from the north will join forces with the tropical storm.

"We're confident that if we are called, we'll have the personnel and equipment to handle the situation," Mr. Scully said.

The Oklahoma governor has not declared a state of emergency, but more than 1,000 Guard members are standing by as a quick reaction force, he said.

"We'll be using our quick reaction force and our follow-on force," Mr. Scully said. "After that, we'll have our on-station National Guard Soldiers ready to respond, both Army and Air Force."

The state is currently in a "planning mode," but expects to respond to missions ranging from search and rescue to delivering relief supplies.

Mr. Scully said Oklahoma has more than 2,000 Guard members available for these missions. Several units from the state are currently deployed or preparing for deployment, including the 45th Brigade Combat Team, a force of about 2,600 Soldiers, which is currently in Iraq; about 800 Soldiers from the 45th Fires Brigade, which is training at Fort Hood, Texas, for an upcoming deployment; and 300 Airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa, which deployed to Iraq earlier this week.

Flood watches are also in effect for more than 50 counties in Arkansas.

"What Arkansas is looking at is the possibility of the after effects of the hurricane, which could bring tornadoes into the state," said Capt. Chris Heathscott, an Arkansas National Guard spokesman.

Despite the deployment of Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq, Captain Heathscott said the state has about 6,000 Guardmembers available.

The Arkansas Guard has responded to many floods and tornadoes this year, so Hurricane Ike's effects are nothing new.

"2008 has been one of the heaviest years for natural disaster responses for our state," Captain Heathscott said. "It's unfortunately becoming routine business for us."

In Kansas, the Guard's concern is also flooding "and making sure people are not driving through high water and in need of rescue," said Sharon Watson, a Kansas Guard spokesperson.

About 5,000 Guard troops are available at the request of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and 2,000 are currently on alert, she said. Six hundred of those will be well prepared for the experience, since they are returning from hurricane relief duties in Louisiana.

With experience and clear objectives, Kansas will be well prepared, Ms. Watson said.

Experience will also benefit Missouri, where 2,000 Guard members, who are also returning from relief missions in Louisiana, can be called up if needed.

The 8,000 Guard members in the state also have experience because of the Mississippi River's flooding in June.

AMC aircraft, Airmen supporting Hurricane Ike evacuations

by Mark D. Diamond Headquarters AMC Public Affairs

Members of a mobile aeromedical staging facility team from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., board a plane headed to Corpus Christi, Texas, to support Hurricane Ike evacuation efforts there. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr.)

Mobility Airmen and their aircraft are again in full support of hurricane evacuation operations as Hurricane Ike approaches the Gulf Coast.

This effort to support evacuation of patients and members of the general population comes on the heels of Air Mobility Command's support to Hurricane Gustav evacuation efforts. Command and control and coordination of the airlift effort is provided by the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here while missions are flown by active duty, Reserve, Air National Guard and commercial partners.

According to AMC officials, days before the hurricane's projected landfall Air Force personnel, equipment and aircraft were prepositioned along the Gulf Coast in preparation for possible relocation of patients and members of the general population. More aircraft and aircrews were placed on alert.

618th TACC officials said AMC aircraft and personnel are now supporting the evacuation of hundreds of critical care and special needs patients from Corpus Christi, Texas. As early as Sept. 8, the 618th TACC was coordinating the movement of contingency response teams and mobile aeromedical staging facility teams to Texas to support possible AE missions.

Contingency Response Group elements from McGuire AFB, N.J. and Travis AFB, Calif. -- used to establish airfield operations and control the AMC airlift effort from the ground -- were positioned at several locations in Texas. Additionally, three MASF teams -- from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, MacDill AFB, Fla.; the 43rd Air Mobility Wing, Pope AFB, N.C.; and the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott AFB -- were positioned in Texas. MASFs provide a staging area to receive, hold and prepare patients involved with aeromedical evacuation.

Active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen have been involved with hurricane relief efforts almost nonstop for the past two weeks, since the initial planning and missions in support of Hurricane Gustav began in late August.

"AMC has the capability to quickly deliver emergency response teams and massive amounts of relief supplies and equipment on a moment's notice," an Air Mobility Command spokesman said. "Air mobility is a truly unique resource for our nation, with capabilities daily ranging from combat missions to humanitarian assistance."

On a typical day, the 618th TACC coordinates an average of 900 airlift and air refueling missions, moving nearly 2,000 tons of cargo and more than 6,000 passengers globally. The 618th TACC can seamlessly redirect these missions to support emerging requirements for contingency or humanitarian relief operations.

When a Hurricane is identified as having potential to strike the United States, the 618th TACC begins to posture mobility forces for various relief scenarios. This posturing may include placing aircraft and crews in Bravo alert status, meaning crews are on standby and ready to launch in three hours or less from notification.

Air Mobility Command is no stranger to humanitarian operations in the United States and throughout the world. The command has a long history of preparing for and assisting civilian authorities following a natural disaster.

In fact, for Hurricane Gustav, the 618th TACC coordinated the movement of 8,074 evacuees, nearly 573 patients and about 506 tons of equipment.

During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the 618th TACC tasked nearly 900 sorties to support relief efforts, and mobility forces moved more than 14,600 passengers, nearly 3,000 patients, and hauled the equivalent of 686 semi-truckloads of supplies to and from the Gulf Coast region.

After setting up the contingency response cell during Hurricane Katrina, TACC Airmen rapidly turned requirements into missions for humanitarian airlift assistance to people on the Gulf Coast. Within the first 24 hours of Katrina's landfall, the TACC aggressively moved search-and-rescue teams and their equipment to Louisiana, and then quickly shifted focus to a hub-and-spoke operation to bring in supplies and rescue patients.

The 618th TACC has also supported many humanitarian relief efforts around the globe. In fact, in August the Center supported the delivery of humanitarian assistance to individuals displaced by recent fighting in the Republic of Georgia. Air Force mobility Airmen delivered more than 587 tons of needed supplies, including Humanitarian Daily Rations, cots, blankets, generators, medical supplies, and more.

And during Pakistan earthquake relief operations in 2005, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J., supported 273 U.S. missions, and provided 15,294,000 pounds of relief supplies, including more than 93,000 sleeping bags and 292,000 blankets. The wing also loaded 587 trucks and processed 4,481 pallets.

USS Bataan Returns from Successful Underway Training

Tug boats assist the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) as it gets underway to participate in Hurricane Exercise 08-002. Vice Adm. Mel Williams Jr., commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, ordered Bataan to get underway to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response if called upon to perform this mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Moises M. Medel/Released)

The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulled into its homeport of Norfolk, Sept. 11 following a successful underway when the ship completed a four day Hurricane Exercise (HURREX 08-002) and landing qualifications for pilots from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 and Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron (VMM) 263.

Bataan sortied Sept. 2 to perform the HURREX, which enabled the ship and crew to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response. Following the exercise, the ship remained at sea to conduct training with embarked squadrons.

"This was a valuable time for us at sea," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. "Not only did we conduct training in all aspects of providing relief following a natural disaster, we were able to give the crew a head start coordinating and training with the Marine aviators who will embark next year for deployment."

Initial daytime landing qualifications for AV-8B Harrier pilots from VMA-542 and initial night-vision device landing qualifications for MV-22 Osprey pilots from VMM-263 is an important step in their pre-deployment training.

"We have guys who have been to [Operation Iraqi Freedom] three times, but some of them have never been a part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit," said Marine Corps Maj. Johnny Widener, safety officer for VMA-542. "Landing on a ship is one of the most dangerous things that we do, and we're making sure we're proficient in doing so."

Embarked squadrons included equipment and personnel from Commander Amphibious Squadron 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Squadron 21, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, VMA-452 and VMM-263.

Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954.

Milcom Government/Mil Blog Logs 9-11-2008

Here are the latest summary of logs of military and government frequencies monitored yesterday (9/11) from here in Brasstown.

4490.0 SHARES SCN Ch 3:- KNY58
4765.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- WWLNNN
4780.0 IN NG Primary:- INDOPS
5135.0 US Secure:- NA1SH
5158.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- 2PBAFA KBPNNN WWLNNN
5402.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
5711.0 SHARES SCN Channel 4 - AAT3BF KFW652
5817.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- NRK RLD
5821.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
6151.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM
6785.0 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Ch 7:- G334
6806.0 USAF CAP ALE:- 0004WICAP 0048FLCAP 101NCRCAP 0902ALCAP 2204LACAP AVS
6809.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM VA3FEM
7348.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- VA3FEM
7642.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- 2PBAFA OARNNN
8012.0 USAF CAP ALE:- 0002CTCAP 0011ARCAP 0048FLCAP 0902ALCAP 2204LACAP AVS RIC
8047.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- T3Z238 R24001
8050.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM
8622.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- BB1
9025.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network - CRO
10194.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
10202.0 US NPHRN Ch 6:- KGD825
10588.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
11108.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
12087.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- T1Z147 R27069
12164.0 US NPHRN Ch 8:- 010CDCNHQ 494FEMAUX
12216.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
13242.0 SHARES SCN Channel 10/DISA NIPR - DL0001DAT
13446.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FM8FEM3 FM8FEM4D
15094.0 SHARES SCN Ch 7:-043NCS

COTHEN
ALE Addresses: 501 502 716 CRB F40 J14 J23 J27 J39 J40 LNT N01 OPB P22 PAC TSC
Frequencies: 5732.0 7527.0 8912.0 10242.0 11494.0 13907.0 15867.0 18594.0 20890.0 23214.0 25350.

Team conducts emergency medical movement in Antarctica

by Capt. Genieve David JTF Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs

Capt. Philip Poeppelman and Maj. Jason Allen look out over the ice Sept. 10 as they deliver supplies and equipment to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. On the return flight the crew evacuated a person assigned to the National Science Foundation in need of a cardiovascular evaluation to Christchurch, New Zealand. The medical movement was conducted by the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. Captain Poeppelman is an active-duty evaluator pilot with the 8th Airlift Squadron, and Major Allen is a Reserve evaluator pilot with the 97th Airlift Squadron, both at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais)

Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica provided a two-person medical team and C-17 Globemaster III to conduct an emergency medical evacuation Sept. 10 for a 56-year-old male assigned to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.

The patient needed a cardiovascular evaluation and was deemed as too high a risk to go unescorted from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to a New Zealand hospital, said Capt. Greg Richert, the on-board flight surgeon.

"We took an oxygen setup, emergency airway kits, a defibrillator and emergency intervention kit, just to be on the safe side," Captain Richert said. "I have the best job in the world-deploying at a moment's notice, and helping people. I enjoy doing things like this."

The patient was successfully moved without incident aboard the McChord Air Force Base, Wash., C-17 and is currently receiving medical care in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The aircrew and medics are part of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, with headquarters at Hickam AFB and led by 13th Air Force. The joint task force -- made up of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard members -- is currently conducting Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Antarctic Program.

In addition to moving people in need of medical attention, Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica coordinates strategic intertheater airlift, tactical LC-130 Hercules deep field support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling, and transportation requirements as part of Operation Deep Freeze.

Air Force medical teams have the ability to move patients on five different aircraft. The most common aircraft used for medical evacuation missions are C-17s, C-130s and KC-135 Stratotankers. Medical crews are fully self-contained, supplying their own oxygen and medical equipment. They only need to plug in to the aircraft's electrical system to provide en route care to their patients.

The mission was indicative of the professionalism of the joint U.S. team operating in the Pacific region and of the pride Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica personnel take in their mission, said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica and 13th Air Force commander.

"This movement is really just one small part of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica mission, but it demonstrates how well our people are trained and how quickly we can respond when needed," General Utterback said. "Our joint team is proud to support the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program as they continue their research in Antarctica, and to help their people when they are most in need."

Hurricane Hunters track Ike

by Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett 403rd Wing Public Affairs



Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is regaining strength as officials along the Texas coast began evacuations of the first of millions of residents in the forecast path of the storm Sept. 10.

Warm gulf waters contributed to renewed strength for Hurricane Ike after it passed over Cuba during the night, and Airmen aboard a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter were in the storm pinpointing the center and sending flight-level and surface-level readings back to the National Hurricane Center via satellite.

Citizen Airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron from Keesler Air Force Base, charged with flying directly into the eye of nature's most powerful storms, continue around-the-clock flights into Ike giving forecasters at the NHC the best possible data.

Hurricane Ike, now a Category 2 on the Safir-Simpson Scale, is a large tropical cyclone and is expected to intensify before making landfall the morning of Sept. 13. The storm has killed already 80 people in the Caribbean and took a significant toll on parts of Cuba, especially areas previously affected by Hurricane Gustav. At this time, the storm has hurricane force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending to 205 miles, according to the NHC.

The latest reports from the Hurricane Hunters show the storm is strengthening with the minimum central pressure dropping and surface winds increasing.

Residents in the projected path and near those regions are urged to pay close attention to government and news sources in their areas for critical watches and warnings.

Navy to Decommission Tarawa After 32 Years of Honorable Service

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) David A. Brandenburg, USS Tarawa Public Affairs

The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) pulls into homeport San Diego after completing its final deployment before being decommissioned. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Cale Bentley

The U.S. Navy announced that the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) will be decommissioned March 31, 2009, at Naval Base San Diego.

Tarawa completed her 14th and final Western Pacific deployment in June and returned from her last operational exercise -- Fuerzas Aliadas Panamax 2008 in the Panama Canal zone -- to her homeport of San Diego Aug. 29.

"I think it hit heavy on the way back [to San Diego] when [the crew] realized they would not be doing this again," said Capt. Brian Luther, Tarawa's commanding officer.

Panamax was the final chapter for Tarawa, which has readily served as a key asset in the defense of the United States for 32 years.

"It's going to be tough knowing that my ship will no longer be in service," said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Jerry Wirth, Tarawa's damage control work center supervisor.

"Because of the ship's obvious age, it takes quite a bit of energy and personnel to maintain damage control measures to the Navy's standards. We try and exceed them. That's why the 'Big T' has been around longer than any other LHA in her class. I'm sad to see her go."

Tarawa, named in remembrance of the Battle of Tarawa that began Nov. 19, 1943 and lasted for 76 hours, was the first of the LHA class of ships and is the third to be decommissioned. During Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Tarawa played a major role.

Tarawa was also called upon to aid with humanitarian assistance operations during Sea Angel and Sea Angel II following the deadly cyclones that affected Bangladesh in 2007. These humanitarian assistance efforts were instrumental in the ship being awarded the 2007 Battle Efficiency Award.

Navy Awards $5 Billion Contract for Future Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford

The Navy awarded a $5.1 billion contract to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News Sept. 10 for the detail design and construction of the future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the lead ship in the Navy's newest class of aircraft carrier.

Under this contract, Northrop Grumman will complete the detail design and construction of CVN 78, which includes engineering; integration; related development efforts including drawing and work package development; advanced planning; design weight estimate; lifecycle support products and related logistics data; production planning; test and evaluation; further definition of initiatives to reduce CVN 78 class total ownership costs; and data necessary to support construction of CVN 78.

"This is an exciting day for the CVN 78 Program Office and for the Navy," said Capt. Brian Antonio, CVN 78 program manager in the Program Executive Office for Aircraft Carriers.

"When USS Gerald R. Ford is delivered to the fleet in 2015, it will bring superior warfighting capability and meaningful quality-of-life improvements for Sailors, in addition to greatly reduced lifecycle costs. Most important, CVN 78-class carriers will be able to adapt and evolve to defend this nation and our allies well into the 21st century," he said.

CVN 78 is the Navy's first major investment in aircraft carrier design in more than three decades and features many improvements over the 1960's Nimitz-class design. CVN 78 includes a new flight deck with an improved weapons handling system, advanced arresting gear, a completely re-engineered electro-magnetic aircraft launch system, new and simplified nuclear propulsion plants, a new electrical power generation system and reconfigurable design architecture.

"Together, these improvements provide transformational warfighting capabilities and enable reduced manning, ultimately reducing the total ownership cost of each Ford-class carrier by approximately $5 billion over the life of the ship," said Antonio.

CVN 78 was officially named Gerald R. Ford by the Secretary of the Navy in January 2007 and will be constructed in Newport News, Va. The keel is scheduled to be laid in late 2009, and the ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2015. The Navy plans to build 11 Ford-class aircraft carriers, and construction of Ford-class aircraft carriers is projected to continue through 2058.

Texas National Guard evacuates citizens for Hurricane Ike

by Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Hackley National Guard Bureau

Nine Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft from three states configured for medical air evacuation began transporting special-needs patients from the Corpus Christi, Texas, area the morning of Sept. 10 in preparation for Hurricane Ike's expected landfall Sept. 13.

The mission falls under Texas Gov. Rick Perry's Department of Emergency Management plan to evacuate people in at-risk areas from coastal winds and storm surges associated with hurricanes, according to state officials.

"We're evacuating category 1, 2 and 3 special-needs patients from Corpus Christi area hospitals and transporting them to Bryan College Station," said Lt. Col. Greg Perry, the 136th Airlift Wing deputy commander in Forth Worth, Texas.

According to the Department of Health State Services, special-needs patients up to level 3 can include those requiring others for routine care, persons with physical or developmental disabilities such as blindness or hearing impairment and require assistance with mental health disorders.

Six National Guard medical crews are supporting the mission, including three from the 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Fort Worth, two from the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in New Castle, Del., and one from the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Oklahoma City. The aircraft, if configured for litters, can hold up to 72 patients and six air evacuation crewmembers.

One aircraft each from the 166th Airlift Wing of the Delaware Air National Guard, the 145th Airlift Wing from Charlotte, N.C., and one from the 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, N.Y., are in Texas for the evacuation efforts in addition to the six C-130s from the 136th AW, Colonel Perry said.

Crews are expected to fly these missions for the next 36 hours. The flight one way takes 85 minutes.

President George W. Bush announced Sept. 10 an emergency declaration and ordered federal aid for 25 counties in south Texas to supplement state and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Ike beginning Sept. 7.

Governor Perry authorized the call-up of up to 7,500 Texas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to support local, state and federal emergency management officials earlier this week.

Hurricane Ike is currently a Category 1 hurricane. Its center is currently located about 430 miles southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River.

However, officials stated a west-northwest track is expected to resume and then continue across the central Gulf of Mexico for the next 24 to 48 hours.

"Strengthening is forecasted and Ike may become a major hurricane in the central Gulf of Mexico," said Al Mongeon, a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

After Ike makes landfall, the National Guard is ready to provide life-sustaining assistance to the affected areas, said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, a spokesperson for the Texas National Guard. This may include establishing points of distribution, search and rescue operations and debris mitigation.

The National Guard search and rescue response package on alert consists of 60 high profile vehicles, 10 UH-60s Blackhawk helicopters and five OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.

The Army and Air National Guard evacuated nearly 17,000 Gulf Coast residents by land and air, including 325 special-needs patients before Hurricane Gustav made landfall in late August.

The 142nd AES was part of that support effort and had only a short break home before heading back to Texas to help set up the mobile aeromedical staging facility at the Corpus International Airport.

Milcom Government/Mil Blog Logs 9-10-2008

We are watching a wide variety of military and government frequencies as Ike moves toward the highly populated southeast Texas coast and the Houston-Galveston Metro area. This is a serious situation for the residents in that area if the forecast track for Ike holds.

Several items of note for monitors:

The best area radio station in the Houston-Galveston area is KTRH News Radio 740. The audio stream link is http://www.ktrh.com/cc-common/ondemand/player.html?world=st

As first introduced on our sister blog the Btown monitor post the best hurricane information website is at Storm Pulse. You can reach that site at http://www.stormpulse.com/

Public Safety Scanner feeds:

Galveston area Police, Fire, EMS, Coast Guard (Courtesy of ScanAmerica)
http://tx.scanamerica.us/playlists/tx/galveston/scanner1c-1221132574.asx

Houston Fire (requires quicktime software) http://4alarm.org/
Houston & Harris County Police, Fire, Ham (IBN Teamspeak 70.87.174.165:8796 )
http://www.incidentnewsbroadcast.com/ [Currently offline]
Houston NOAA http://audioplayer.wunderground.com/roniah/cypress.mp3.m3u
Jefferson County Police, Fire http://www.proscan.org/ (Proscan, Video Display)
Montgomery County Police, Fire http://www.thewoodlandsmonitor.com/

Will be adding additional Texas HF specific frequencies to the search later today so watch this blog for updates.

Blog Logs started Sep-10-2008 17:36 Eastern Standard Time

4490.0 SHARES SCN Ch 3:- AAT3BF KNY58
4765.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- WWLNNN
4780.0 IN NG Primary:- INDOPS R22977
5015.0 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Ch 2:- LRD1
5135.0 US Secure:- FC8 NA1SH SEMOHQ SEMO03
5140.0 US Secure:- FC8
5158.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- AAN3DCA AAT3BF EDXNNN WWLNNN
5378.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM
5402.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM FR5FEM
5711.0 SHARES SCN Channel 4 - AAT3BF
5817.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- NRK RLD
5821.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM FR5FEM
5847.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- RLD
5961.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM
6151.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FR5FEM
6785.0 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Ch 7:- LRD1
6806.0 USAF CAP ALE:- 0004WICAP 0011ARCAP 100SWRCAP 101NCRCAP 2204LACAP AVS
6809.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM FR5FEM
7348.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM FR3 FR5FEM
7428.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS) - FR5FEM
7642.0 DoD Tri Service MARS HF ALE Network:- 2PBAFA
8012.0 USAF CAP ALE:- 0011ARCAP 2204LACAP AVS
8037.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- VAB NRK
8047.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- HQ703N L060AN VAB
8050.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS) - FC8FEM FR5FEM
9025.0 USAF HF-GCS Scope Command ALE HF Network - ADW CRO OFF PLA
9106.0 SHARES SCN Channel 5 - AAT3BF 2PBAFA
9122.5 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Ch 8:- G323
10816.5 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- HQ703N N040CN
10588.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
11217.0 SHARES SCN Channel 6 - AAT3BF
12087.0 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- HQ703N I100DN N040CN
12216.0 FEMA National Radio System (FNARS):- FC8FEM
13242.0 DISA NIPR:- ICZNPR MCCNPR
15094.0 SHARES SCN Ch 7:- 043NCS
17485.5 National Guard STARC Nationwide Net:- HQ703N I100DN

COTHEN: 500 501 701 720 A97 D48 F41 I97 J01 J03 J15 J19 J23 J38 LNT N01 PR1PRI PR1SEC TSC VE5
AQC ALE Address: MT8MWF

Frequencies: 5732.0 7527.0 8912.0 10242.0 11494.0 13907.0 15867.0 18594.0 20890.0 23214.0 25350.0

More frequency info to follow...
73 de Chief

NY Guardsmen in Afghanistan to Commemorate Terror Attack Anniversary

By Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning
Special to American Forces Press Service


CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan, Sept. 10, 2008 - Men and women of the New York Army National Guard who served at Ground Zero are commemorating the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in Afghanistan this year.
A ceremony is planned tomorrow at this base in the Afghan capital of Kabul, and it will be timed to coincide with the first plane strike at the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. EDT.

More than 1,700 members of New York's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are serving here with Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, part of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan. Its mission is to mentor and train the Afghan National Army and police, and provide assistance to the government of Afghanistan and its people.

The task force is led by Army Col. Brian K. Balfe, who is also commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which took over command and control responsibility April 26.

The task force is composed of nearly 9,500 servicemen and women from all U.S. branches, coalition partners and civilian professionals serving at nearly 260 forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan.

"The New York National Guard is the only part of America's military team that has literally gone from Ground Zero to the Sunni Triangle [in Iraq] and is now here amid the mountains of Afghanistan," Balfe said. "Soldiers from this brigade were among the very first to respond to the attacks and served at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and for weeks later.

"At least a third of the team that came from New York has also already served in Iraq," he continued. "For those of us who were there, [who] served at Ground Zero, 9/11 is deeply personal."

When the World Trade Center collapsed, hundreds of New York National Guard personnel were on the ground. By evening, 1,500 were there and thousands more were poised at more than 63 armories and five air bases around the state.

For the first 40 hours, Guard personnel were on the debris pile, conducting search-and-rescue missions alongside fire department, rescue, police and other emergency personnel. The New York Guard's Civil Support Team for Weapons of Mass Destruction was the first unit of its kind to respond to a terrorist attack and was quickly mobilized.

On the second day, the civilian incident commander -- the New York City fire chief -- directed the Guard to establish a security perimeter and then sweep the pile to clear all personnel to better organize the search-and-recovery effort.

In the weeks stretching into months that followed, New York National Guard personnel performed a myriad of homeland defense missions in state active duty, federal duty under state control, or Title 10 active duty.

At the mission's peak, when recovery and security operations were running concurrently, more than 5,000 New York troops were on duty in New York City; at 19 commercial airports; at bridges, tunnels and train stations; at nuclear power plants; and at military installations.

Not since World War II had the New York National Guard been deployed in such numbers for such extended time participating in both state homeland defense missions and federal military operations.

Iraqis Play Key Role in Baghdad Security

Iraqi security forces are playing "an integral role" in helping to bring peace and security to Baghdad, a U.S. deputy brigade commander said following recent joint operations that led to several arrests and seized weapons.
Iraqi National Police yesterday alerted coalition troops to a homemade bomb in southern Baghdad's Rashid district, and a few hours later found another explosive planted as a roadside bomb in the Saydiyah community, coalition officials reported.

U.S. soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, assisted the Iraqis until an explosive ordnance team arrived on the site in a neighborhood of the Jihad community. Iraqi soldiers detained two suspects in the operation.

Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team later that night arrested a suspected member of a terrorist cell operating in the Jihad community.

"The soldiers of the 'Raider' Brigade are committed to assisting the Iraqi security forces in their ongoing security missions in the Rashid district of Baghdad," said Army Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team. "We are working with our Iraqi counterparts hand in hand to keep the criminals, thugs and terrorists from the streets of Baghdad. The ISF continue to play an integral role in assisting us in defeating the enemy, defeating [improvised explosive devices] and denying the enemy a safe haven in Baghdad."

Meanwhile, Iraqi and Macedonian soldiers attached to Multinational Division Baghdad also are working together to rid Iraq's capital city of illegal weapons caches.

While on patrol north of Baghdad yesterday, the Macedonian rangers discovered a cache of weapons that included two inert 550 French-manufactured air-to-air missiles and a 185 mm high-explosive projectile.

Later that night, Iraqi soldiers found a weapons cache while on a cordon-and-search mission in Baghdad's Mansour district. The cache included five concussion grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade, multiple wireless radio communications and monitoring equipment and a roster of Iranian-backed "special groups" members.

Those finds followed operations last weekend in which a "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group led Iraqi soldiers to three small caches in the Al Jabour area south of Baghdad. The caches contained three boxes of 14.5 mm rounds, five anti-tank mines and two 57 mm mortars. The items were taken to Patrol Base Hawks to be destroyed by controlled detonation.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)