Marine Harrier Crashes During Exercise

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- An AV8B Harrier, belonging to the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), crashed just west of Lake George in the Ocala National Forest, near the town of Salt Springs, Fla., at approximately 8 p.m. July 18.

The jet was based aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and was participating in a composite training unit exercise as part of pre-deployment training for the 26th MEU.

Capt. Jarrod L. Klement, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266, ejected from the plane and was airlifted to Shands Cancer Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville by local authorities.

Klement is in stable condition. He sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Unidentified Milsatcom Link Popped Up - SkyNet 4D?

This morning I am monitoring an unknown foreign language comms on an apparent new milsatcom downlink for this area of the world. Not sure which satellite of who, so more monitoring is in the works. The new freq is 257.425 MHz nfm at 1440 UTC.

After doing some more checking with my satellite tracking program, the satellite that host this downlink is probably the UK Milsat SkyNet 4D.

NORAD ID: 25134
Int'l Code: 1998-002A
Perigee: 36,077.2 km
Apogee: 36,144.0 km
Inclination: 6.4°
Period: 1,452.3 min
Semi major axis: 42,481.6 km
Launch date: January 10, 1998
Source: United Kingdom (UK)
Comments: Skynet 4D was a British military geosynchronous communications satellite launched by a Delta 2 rocket from Cape Canaveral. The spacecraft was the first in the new series that is expected to replace the aging 1988-era series. The parking longitude was expected to be in western Europe.

Milcom Blog Logs - 18 Jul 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3920.0 HF-LSB
2300Z - Kansas Weather Net active w/ check-ins & comments

3963.0 HF-LSB
2300Z - Missouri Emergency Services Net (MESN) active w/ check-ins &
comments

3982.0 HF-LSB
2330Z - Nebraska Storm Net active w/ check-ins & comments

4007.0 HF-USB
0031Z - NNN0HBY NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net
2230Z - NNN0QCQ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D3B net: NNN0AJJ
2301Z - NNN0FCT NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B
net: NNN0YQG

4008.5 HF-USB
0002Z - NNN0AZO NCS for the Navy/MC Region 6 Oklahoma MARS 6O1B net: NNN0AJJ

4035.9 HF-USB
0101Z - AAM7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAM7EMO / AAR7PF
/ AAA7RD / AAA7NE

4517.0 HF-USB
0004Z - AFF7KS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCM4
net: AFA5JL / AFA7HZ / AFA5GT / AFA5HF / AFA5QD / AFE5PI
0103Z - AFA7GD NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net:
AFA5MC / AFA7ZN / AFF7KS
1410Z - AFD7NE NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Nebraska
MARS 7NES1 net

6739.0 HF-USB
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM VPXT4O

6924.9 HF-USB
0137Z - Pirate Radio possible WLDJ - 0149Z signal gone

6950.0 HF-USB
0151Z - Pirate Radio (hvy qrm / qrn - check http://www.frn.net/vines/ for
possible ident)

7302.0 HF-USB
1436Z - AFF6EC NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net

7527.0 HF-USB
[04:31:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIC ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06

8912.0 HF-USB
[18:17:01][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05

8992.0 HF-USB
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM VPXT4O
1419Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 6 character EAM IKMYZD prefaced "For
DRYSOCKET" to All Stations

9224.0 HF-USB
[22:43:58][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][WWL ][AL0] BER 20 SN 05

10242.0 HF-USB
[02:41:31][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][RLT ][AL0] BER 9 SN 05

11175.0 HF-USB
0001Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 22 character EAM VPCFV4
0130Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 28 character EAM VPXT4O
1809Z - Mainsail de Score-01 rqst radio check

11226.0 HF-USB
[02:28:31][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][140060 ][AL0] BER 18 SN 06
[14:43:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[14:44:25][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 17 SN 04
[14:50:16][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 25 SN 06

11494.0 HF-USB
[19:03:05][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[19:48:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07
[19:51:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][I43 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06
[20:33:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06

15867.0 HF-USB
[21:21:23][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 08
[21:23:11][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][I43 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06

USS George Washington to Visit Republic of Korea

By Special to American Forces Press Service

BUSAN, Republic of Korea, July 18, 2010 - USS George Washington, the U.S. Navy's only permanently, forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will visit the Korean port of Busan July 21-25, 2010, officials at U.S. Forces Korea announced today.

In addition to USS George Washington, three destroyers from its strike group will also visit Korean ports. USS McCampbell and USS John S. McCain will visit Busan, and USS Lassen will visit Chinhae.

"The U.S. Navy maintains a robust forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region and the people of the Republic of Korea are our good friends and allies," said George Washington commanding officer Capt. David Lausman. "Our presence here is a testament to the strength of our alliance and our constant readiness to defend the Republic of Korea."

While in Busan, the George Washington will host a reception for distinguished members of the community, and will conduct a number of guided tours of the 97,000-ton aircraft carrier.

"For more than 60 years, we have maintained a strong alliance with the Republic of Korea," said Lausman. "My crew is thrilled with the opportunity to interact with the Korean people and show them their incredible level of pride and professionalism."

While in port about 300 George Washington sailors will volunteer their time to landscape a home for the elderly, visit an orphanage and help make repairs at a local school.

"These deeds are a small token of goodwill on our part towards Korea and lets them know we care," said George Washington Chaplain Cmdr. Brian Haley. "This is also character building for our sailors, so I think this is really a win-win opportunity for them and us."

The George Washington departed its forward operating base of Yokosuka, Japan, on July 9. The ship last visited Busan in October 2008.

Milcom Blog Logs - 17 Jul 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

4007.0 HF-USB
0031Z - NNN0BVA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0QGR / NNN0AZM
0104Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I1B net: NNN0AQP
2300Z - NNN0AJJ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net

4020.9 HF-USB
0100Z - AAR6BB NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAR6TR / AAA6TX
1204Z - AAA6AR NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6AR

4035.9 HF-USB
0033Z - Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAR7FE
0106Z - AAM7EMO NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAM7RD / AAA7RD
/ AAR7FE / AAR7AL / AAR7PF
1207Z - AAR7AM NCS for the Army Region 7 Kansas MARS AAA7RD/KS net: AAR7FA /
AAT7CJ

4038.5 HF-USB
0202Z - NNN0QAA NCS for the Navy/MC Region 4 Alabama MARS 4A2B net: NNN0TJC
/ NNN0QGL

4470.5 HF-USB
0200Z - NNN0GLL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B
net: NNN0FCI

4517.0 HF-USB
0110Z - AFA5MC NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net:
AFA5HK / AFA5IX / AFA5FY / AFA7ZN

4623.5 HF-USB
1400Z - NNN0AQP NCS for the Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I3B net: NNN0SCV

5171.0 HF-USB
1216Z - Link-11 data transmission

5217.0 HF-USB
0005Z - AAV5VW NCS for the Army Region 5 Michigan AAA5RD/MI digital (OLIVIA)
net

5708.0 HF-USB
[06:41:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05

6715.0 HF-USB
[08:52:53][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04
[09:53:03][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADWSPR ][AL0] BER 13 SN 05

6940.0 HF-USB
0126Z - WEAK radio (pirate)

7302.0 HF-USB
1408Z - AFA6MK NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M4 net
1505Z - AFF6TD NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6TGM1 net: AFF6EC

7653.0 HF-USB
1219Z - Link-11 data transmission

8012.0 HF-USB
[01:52:25][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05

10194.0 HF-USB
[16:50:45][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 18 SN 05
[16:53:21][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06

11175.0 HF-USB
2341Z - Backcourt rqst pp to DSN 271-7190 fm Andrews (HF-GCS): Backcourt
rqst RF-17 7C in Station BackBench fm Messkit
2348Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass SKYKING do not answer: BSM; time: 48;
authentication: ??

11226.0 HF-USB
[02:44:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 26 SN 08

11494.0 HF-USB
[18:41:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
[18:48:50][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][J29 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06

14327.0 HF-USB
1700Z - KE7A (W5CGC) NCS for the USCG Amateur Radio Net: K8KHX / N3DLS /
AL7DD / N0HCO / W2EUU / KC2NAS
http://www.w5cgc.org/

14330.0 HF-USB
1700Z - N9PX w/ K5CD in German

14405.0 HF-USB
1502Z - AFA9PF NCS for the Transcon Space Support Net: AFA4HO / AGA0MC /
AFA3LK

15867.0 HF-USB
[20:14:01][CHN 01][TO ][500 ][TIS][ZQ5 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 06
[20:14:16][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[20:59:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05

18594.0 HF-USB
[22:31:57][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07

Cecil Field (KVQQ) Frequency Set

For those in the southeast US, here is my latest frequency set for Cecil Field, Florida.

Army National Guard Operations 40.900 139.300 248.200
ATIS 125.275
AWOS-3 125.275
Boeing Air Ops 123.475 264.650
CNATRA Base (Deployed units) 263.500
Ground 121.625 384.400
Jacksonville App/Dep 123.800 284.600
Jacksonville Clearance Delivery 121.625: (121.725 GCO.)
Radio 121.725 GCO Gainesville FSS
Tower 126.100 387.025
Unicom 122.950
Urban CAS JTAC (Iron Cross) 342.250

Any additions, corrections or updates are always appreciated.

Uniden HomePatrol Update

Recently some question on the Scan-DC newsgroup came up on the new Uniden HomePatrol scanner. here is a portion of my comments regarding this new scanner.

My initial testing of the unit is pretty cool. The manuals aren't done yet, but if you have every programmed any scanner you don't need one, it is that simple. So folks who do not want to become radio engineers (Uniden calls them Bob and Mabel) will want to purchase this scanner. There will be additional features for advanced users that will be activated in the near future so that power users (Uniden calls them Joe) will have some interesting features they will like in HomePatrol. On the Friday before the Uniden Open House during our formal intro of the product, I had the scanner in my hands about one hour and during that time I master the basica operations and menuing system (actually it took about 20 minutes).

Saturday during the Uniden Open House in Dallas, an 8 year old grandson of one of the hobbyists at my table (I was a table host), programmed the HP scanner for DFW in literally seconds. Yes, Bob and Mabel, it is really that easy.

You can read some of my additional thoughts on my personal blog at
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2010/06/revolution-in-scanning-is-coming.html

You can get my exclusive HP spec sheet (based on the testing of the unit we
have in hand) on the Grove Ent website at http://www.grove-ent.com/homepatrol.html

More to come including a full review in Monitoring Times magazine soon.

USS Hopper Participates in 2010 RIMPAC Exercises

The guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) fires a single surface-to-air SM-2 missile off the coast of Hawaii as the ship participates in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

USS HOPPER, At Sea (NNS) -- Three international service members and several U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen joined the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) July 14 to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, the world's largest multinational maritime exercise.

Hopper is engaging in several RIMPAC exercises, including a sinking exercises (SINKEX), a surface-to-air missile exercise and a Naval Surface Firing Support "Rodeo" exercise with other participating naval ships.

"There's a lot of experience to be gained for the people on board and their watch stations," said Cmdr. Kevin Melody, Hopper's commanding officer. "Another thing RIMPAC allows us to do is it let's us interact with our friends and allies around the Pacific region. It's about working together synergistically and taking the good thing that each of us brings to the table and creating something better as a whole."

More than 30 naval ships from seven allied nations joined RIMPAC 2010, which is taking place in Hawaiian waters.

"I think the benefits of having the Australian and the Colombians here on this ship is that they are feeding my youth - the junior enlisted, junior officers, the midshipmen and my chiefs," said Command Master Chief(SW/FMF/AW) Jay Stuckey, from the Hopper. "They know that they are the future."

During the SINKEX, eight naval vessels from the United States, Japan, France, Canada and Australia took turns shooting their gun systems at a decommissioned ship. Royal Australian Navy Midshipman Chris Abbott was on Hopper's flight deck when he witnessed the Australian Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFGH 152) score hits on the decommissioned Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship ex-New Orleans (LPH 11).

"To actually see something like that, to have that experience where there's an expendable craft that's used as a target - that's outstanding," said Abbot. "To experience it firsthand is amazing."

The goal of the SINKEX training exercise was for the crew to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live-firing against targets.

"It made me exceptionally proud to see," said Abbott, in reference to the SINKEX. "To be able to hit the target is a good moment, and it really represented how efficient we are as a small navy. It's a great show of force from everyone."

Abbott, who been taking duties as a conning officer aboard Hopper since the beginning of RIMPAC, said that he was impressed at how friendly the crew was.

"I think the American people that I've met have been great," said Abbott. "The officers and enlisted alike have been really friendly. Everyone says 'good morning.'"

RIMPAC 2010 is a biennial event designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. This marks the 22nd exercise in the series since the first RIMPAC exercise began in 1971.

Guard members respond to brush fires in California

by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke, National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems 2 aircraft from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Island ANG Station, Calif., responded to a fire July 15 in Riverside County, Calif.

Guard officials said the unit was requested by the U.S. Forest Service through the National Interagency Fire Center after lightning caused a brush fire near Temecula.

The two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew one sortie for almost two hours and dropped 3,000 gallons of fire retardant on what the Riverside County Fire Department dubbed the "Skinner fire."

More than a dozen fires broke out in the county, as powerful thunderstorms rolled across the region, National Weather Service officials said.

The fire had burned about 711 acres and was about 15 percent contained by late July 15, according to local news reports. Full containment was estimated for July 16.

Assistance by the military is normally requested when national civilian resources are committed to fires and more resources are needed, guard officials said. The 146th AW was called to respond to this fire, because it needs 13 drops on actual fires for certification on the new MAFFS 2 system.

The unit was the first to transition to the MAFFS 2 system in 2008, and it remains the only unit flying the new system on the C-130J Super Hercules.

MAFFS 2 systems incorporate new design features and technology that provide a number of advantages over the legacy MAFFS systems, including improvements in fire retardant coverage level, improved safety features, reduction of corrosion of the aircraft and an on-board compressor.

MAFFS is a portable fire retardant delivery system that is rolled into the back of the C-130J Super Hercules cargo compartment. The system is capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant or water on wildfires. They can discharge their entire load in under five seconds.

Along with the 146th AW, there are three other MAFFS units, including the Wyoming ANG's 153rd AW, the North Carolina ANG's 145th AW, and the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd AW, based in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Since 1974, National Guard and Air Force Reserve pilots have flown 6,500 firefighting missions, dropping 167 million pounds of fire retardant around the western U.S., officials said.

Milcom Blog Logs - 16 July 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

4007.0 HF-USB
0033Z - NNN0THC NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Missouri MARS 7H1B net: NNN0AZM

4020.9 HF-USB
0035Z - AAR6BB NCS for the Army Region 6 MARS AAA6RD/A net: AAM6TX

4035.9 HF-USB
0004Z - AAR7AT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/IA net: AAT7CN
1202Z - AAA7RD NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/C net: AAT7CN / AAT7WR
/ AAM7TIA

4517.0 HF-USB
0006Z - AFE7TD NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region MARS NCTGM1
net: AFA5NF / AFA5AE / AFA5JS

4627.0 HF-USB
0030Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP
net: Wild-Wood-9704 / Wild-Wood-77 checked in w/ no tfc
1200Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP
net

4721.0 HF-USB
[08:07:09][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06
[09:37:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07
[10:05:53][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 14 SN 05
[10:13:00][CHN 01][TO ][MCC ][TIS][ADW ][AL0] BER 9 SN 05

5217.0 HF-USB
0009Z - AAR5YD NCS for the Army Region 5 Michigan AAA5RD/MI digital (OLIVIA)
net: AAR5UN-T

8012.0 HF-USB
[12:21:18][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][0112GA ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06
[14:29:15][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 11 SN 06
[14:33:51][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 14 SN 06
[14:33:58][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06
[14:34:04][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

10162.0 HF-USB
[17:02:53][CHN 01][SND][ ][TIS][100SWR ][AL0] BER 9 SN 06

11175.0 HF-USB
0100Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass two 28 character EAMs: VPY3AZ & VPKA6V

11226.0 HF-USB
[01:11:19][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 22 SN 08

11494.0 HF-USB
[21:40:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][RLT ][AL0] BER 10 SN 04
[21:45:05][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][501 ][AL0] BER 10 SN 07
[21:45:08][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][501 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 07
[21:49:47][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][502 ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[22:17:09][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][501 ][AL0] BER 20 SN 07
[22:17:34][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][HIC ][AL0] BER 16 SN 07

15046.0 HF-USB
1712Z - Link-11 data transmission

First MUOS Satellite Successfully Completes Key Ground Test Milestone

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), directed by Team Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command's (SPAWAR's) Communications Satellite Program Office (PMW 146), completed a significant test milestone for the program's first satellite June 29.

A next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS will provide the warfighter with the latest mobile technology such as simultaneous voice and data, as well as improved service to legacy users of the current ultra high frequency (UHF) Follow-On system.

"Since the MUOS spacecraft's Critical Design Review in March 2007, we have overseen the manufacture and delivery of hundreds of components that make up the MUOS spacecraft," said Navy Capt. Jack Nicholson, PMW 146's acting program manager.

The successful testing demonstrates that components work together as an integrated spacecraft and will meet the warfighter's needs for UHF communications. "It is a major accomplishment to have first pass success at the system level testing for such a complex spacecraft," said Nicholson.

The next steps are spacecraft level vibration and acoustic tests to simulate the launch environment, followed by thermal vacuum tests that simulate the extreme hot and cold temperature on orbit. Upon completion of these tests there will be final post-environmental performance tests to verify that the satellite works properly prior to launch.

"We are about one year from being ready to launch the first MUOS spacecraft, and we are ready for the next major test event: spacecraft vibration and acoustic testing," explained Nicholson. The first MUOS satellite is projected to provide on-orbit capability by the end of 2011.

The first MUOS satellite successfully completed Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, as well as the Spacecraft Level Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST) at Lockheed Martin facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Completion of PIM testing assured that the high power satellite downlink transmissions do not interfere with the extremely low power signals uplinked from the legacy terminals used by the warfighter. The EMI/EMC testing ensures self-compatibility of the payloads on the satellite, as well as satellite compatibility with the launch vehicle electromagnetic environment. BIST testing verifies the overall performance of the fully integrated MUOS spacecraft is compliant to the MUOS Performance Specification and establishes a performance baseline prior to entering the environmental test phase.

"Completion of PIM, EMI and EMC on the first pass and in less than two months on a UHF satellite as complex as MUOS is the result of months of planning and hard work by the entire MUOS space segment team," said Nicholson. "This team was efficient at identifying and completing risk reduction activities that led to this major testing milestone."

Following BIST, a series of critical environmental test phases that validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launch and on-orbit operations will take place.

MUOS is the Defense Department's next-generation military satellite communication system that supports a worldwide, multi-service population of users in the narrowband. The system is designed to support users that require greater mobility, higher data rates and improved operational availability. This system will provide greater than 10 times the system capacity of the current narrowband constellation.

MUOS will support unified commands and joint task force components, DoD and non-DoD agencies, and U.S. allies by providing worldwide tactical narrowband netted, point-to-point, and broadcast voice and data services in such challenging environments as double canopy foliage, urban environments, high sea states and all weather conditions.

The Mobile User Objective System is an array of geosynchronous satellites being developed for the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to provide global satellite communications (SATCOM) narrowband (64 kbit/s and below) connectivity for communications use by the United States and allies.

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) SATCOM system, primarily serving the DoD. As mentioned above, the MUOS will replace the legacy UHF Follow-On (UFO) system before that system reaches its end of life to provide users with new capabilities and enhanced mobility, access, capacity, and quality of service. Intended primarily for mobile users (e.g. aerial and maritime platforms, ground vehicles, and dismounted soldiers), MUOS will extend users' voice, data, and video communications beyond their lines-of-sight.

The MUOS operates as a global cellular service provider to support the war fighter with modern cell phone-like capabilities, such as multimedia. It converts a commercial third generation (3G) Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) cellular phone system to a military UHF SATCOM radio system using geosynchronous satellites in place of cell towers. By operating in the UHF frequency band, a lower frequency band than that used by conventional terrestrial cellular networks, the MUOS provides warfighters with the tactical ability to communicate in "disadvantaged" environments, such as heavily forested regions where higher frequency signals would be unacceptably attenuated by the forest canopy. The MUOS constellation will consist of four operational satellites and one on-orbit spare. MUOS will provide military point-to-point and netted communication users with precedence-based and pre-emptive access to voice, data, video, or a mixture of voice and data services that span the globe. Connections may be set up on demand by users in the field, within seconds, and then released just as easily, freeing resources for other users. In alignment with more traditional military communications methods, pre-planned networks can also be established either permanently or per specific schedule using the MUOS' ground-based Network Management Center.

In a related story by Space News Staff Writer Turner Brinton, integration woes have delay the launch of Navy's 1st MUOS satellite into 2011.

The Navy is now developing a strategy to mitigate a potential gap in narrowband ultra-high frequency (UHF) satellite capacity in the next few years, Navy Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris, deputy chief of naval operations for communications networks, said during a 2009 hearing of the Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee. One option the Navy looked at, which entailed having a commercial satellite host a dedicated UHF payload for Navy use, would not have been ready in time to solve the problem, he said.

Today, the Navy gets its UHF satellite capacity via its fleet of eight operational UHF Follow- On satellites built by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems of Seal Beach, Calif.; two previous-generation Fleet Satellite Communications System craft; the Leasat 5 satellite leased from Intelsat General Corp. of Bethesda, Md.; and leased capacity on the Skynet 5C satellite owned by Paradigm Secure Communications of the United Kingdom. The UHF Follow-On constellation was predicted to degrade to an unacceptable performance level by May 2010, and the Leasat 5 satellite is expected to reach the end of its service life in early 2011, Harris said.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale Calif., is building four next-generation MUOS satellites that were previously expected to begin launching in March 2010. That launch date has now slipped to no earlier than February 2011, Harris said. Based on the current launch manifest, we believe here on the Milcom blog that the February 2011 will slip later into 2011.

The MUOS satellites, designed to provide links to ships at sea as well as to highly mobile ground forces operating in hard-to-reach places such as beneath jungle canopies, have two payloads: a legacy payload built by Boeing that is identical to those on the UHF Follow-On satellites, and a more advanced Lockheed Martin-built UHF payload that will provide more capacity. Lockheed Martin is experiencing difficulties mating the Boeing-built payload with its A2100 satellite bus, Harris said.

The Navy is taking steps to minimize the impact of any possible UHF gap in the future. The service has extended its leases on commercial satellites, and the UHF Follow- On program office took advantage of the satellites' component redundancy to allow the use of 10 additional channels, which have been in use since December 2008, Harris said.

The Navy in March 2008 solicited information from industry about the possibility of hosting a UHF payload aboard a commercial satellite. When asked about this option, Harris said a commercial solution could not be operational until around 2012, presumably after the first MUOS satellite has been launched.

The Navy canceled its plans to enter into a hosted UHF payload arrangement earlier this year.

C-5s support Afghanistan troop surge

Reserve and active-duty C-5 aircrews from Dover Air Force Base, Del., spent June 15, 2010 through July 15, 2010 overseas supporting the Afghanistan troop surge by delivering 4 million pounds of cargo to various locations in Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo)

by Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo, 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- Since June 17, Dover Air Force Base Reserve and active-duty C-5 Galaxy aircrews have been overseas supporting the Afghanistan surge delivering 4 million pounds of cargo to Afghanistan.

Two C-5M Super Galaxies and seven C-5 Galaxies completed 42 of 44 missions July 12, with the final C-5 mission scheduled for July 17.

The C-5, with its ability to carry more than any other aircraft, has been an aviation workhorse for the Air Force since the 1970s. However, the C-5M, upgraded with new avionics and engines, is setting a historic precedent as well, said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, a 709th AS pilot and chief of the C-5M program office.

"The C-5Ms performance in this surge sets the benchmark for future operations," he said. "Staging the C-5M downrange to transport time-critical cargo direct to a theatre half-way around the world is groundbreaking. This adds a new-weapon to our arsenal of direct delivery capability, and we are extremely proud to enable our troops to accomplish the mission by providing them with life-saving equipment, supplies and cargo."

Plus, the C-5M has 22 percent more thrust, resulting in a 30 percent shorter take-off and a 58 percent higher climb rate to initial altitude," Colonel Semo said. The aircraft can fly for more than 5,000 miles without refueling, allowing it to bypass traditional en-route stops and supply cargo to the war fighter much faster.

Another improvement is the C-5M's mission capable rate, which is the ability of the aircraft to perform the mission. For the surge, the C-5M completed 21 missions with an MCR of 85 percent, said Chad Gibson, the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics communications manager. The seven legacy C-5 aircraft achieved an MCR of 65 percent during the effort.

MCRs for the C-5 averaged 67 percent from July 1994 to June 1995, according to www.globalsecurity.org.

"We expect the reliability to increase further with the first production aircraft that arrives at Dover (AFB) Sept. 30," Colonel Semo said.

The first production C-5M will have incorporated the lessons learned from the operational test and evaluation Dover AFB aircrews completed this year. Congress will decide if the Air Force will receive more modernized C-5s. However, if approved, 49 more C-5s are scheduled to undergo upgrades completing their conversion to the C-5M.

Aussie lasers stop satellite collisions, death

Electro Optic Systems' Mount Stromlo observatory (Credit: Electro Optic Systems)

An Australian company is developing a laser tracking system that will help prevent collisions between satellites and space debris, thanks to a $4 million grant from the Federal Government. Read the rest of the story at http://www.zdnet.com.au/aussie-lasers-stop-satellite-collisions-death-339304574.htm

Milcom Blog Logs - 15 July 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3982.0 HF-LSB
2331Z - Nebraska Storm Net conduct rollcall

4002.9 HF-LSB
0139Z - Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/L net: AAM4MS / AAM4TN

4013.5 HF-USB
0010Z - Navy/MC Region 4 Kentucky MARS 4K2B net: NNN0LSO

4470.5 HF-USB
0159Z - NNN0GLL NCS for the Navy/MC Region 8 North / South Dakota MARS 8S1B
net

4517.0 HF-USB
0031Z - AFF7KS NCS for the Air Force North Central Area Region 7 Kansas MARS
7KSS1 net
0100Z - AFA7VP NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net
(MFSK-16): AFA7ZJ / AFA5JR / AFA7LG / AFA5RH / AFA5OZ / AFA7MU / AFA5ET /
AFA5MC

4604.0 HF-USB
2331Z - Red-Fox-17 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Illinois "Red_Fox" CAP
net: Red-Fox-82 / Red-Fox-93 / Red-Fox-26 check in w/ no tfc

4627.0 HF-USB
0031Z - Wild-Wood-46 NCS for the Southwest Region Arkansas "Wild-Wood" CAP
net

5171.0 HF-USB
0051Z - Link-11 data transmission

5217.0 HF-USB
0004Z - Army Region 5 Michigan AAA5RD/MI digital (OLIVIA) net: AAT5CA /
AAR5UN-T / AAA5RD

5708.0 HF-USB
[07:36:55][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04

5898.0 HF-AM
0809Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc

7527.0 HF-USB
[00:39:53][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][502 ][AL0] BER 12 SN 05

7653.0 HF-USB
0050Z - Link-11 data transmission

8050.0 HF-USB
[22:53:41][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 06

11494.0 HF-USB
[19:32:49][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D70 ][AL0] BER 20 SN 08
[19:34:13][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 14 SN 08

Milcom Blog Logs - 8-15 July 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe up in Kentucky passes along the folowing gov/mil HF logs he monitoring during the perio 8-15 July 2010. Thanks Jack.

5000.5 GS3, US Military or US Government station calling AED, USAF Elmendorf AFB, AK: 1736 USB ALE (08/JULY/2010)

5760.1 NCS209, National Communications System Auxiliary station: 2152 USB ALE (14/JULY/2010)

5901.0 USDAHQ1, US Department of Agriculture HQ at Washington D.C.: 1647 USB ALE (14/JULY/2010)

6767.0 NSFHQ1 unid US Government Agency (National Science Foundation?) HQ station: 1809 (14/JULY/2010)

6780.6 OPMHQ1 & OPMHQ2, possible Office of Personnel Management HQ at Washington, D.C (HQ1). & at alternate location (HQ2): 2349 - 2352 USB ALE (10/JULY/2010)
6780.6 NSFHQ1, unid US Government Agency (National Science Foundation?) HQ station: 0010 USB ALE (11/JULY/2010)

6819.6 KTQ316, probable EPA, unknown location: 2037 USB ALE (14/JULY/2010)

6910.0 NNN0VHA, USN/USMC MARS station calling for check-ins for the SHARES Region 6 Net. Very heavy static: 1638 USB Voice (14/JULY/2010)

7632.0 NMN, USCG, NNN0WAS, USN/USMC MARS & WGY9416, FEMA Auxiliary mobile in Ohio all checking into the SHARES Region 4 Net: 1605 - 1617 USB Voice (14/JULY/2010)
7632.0 NF07CD, USCG Auxiliary, SC as temporary net control calling any SHARES Region 4 stations: 1619 USB Voice (14/JULY/2010)

8000.5 GS1, US Military or US Government station calling ADW, Andrews AFB, MD: 1732 USB ALE (08/JULY/2010)
8000.5 GS3, US Military or US Government station calling ANY: 1737 USB ALE & at 1739 on 5000.5 (08/JULY/2010)

8171.5 F2H, US Military: 2002 USB ALE (15/JULY/2010)

8187.0 ROBERT CROWN calling NA29 BRAVE. NA29 BRAVE passed coordinates as N 38 33.5 & W 76 23.4. Also passed weather reports & condition of BRAVE's "units": 2032 USB Voice (12/JULY/2010)

9025.0 BANDSAW LIMA calling WORKSHOP? after phone patch through Offutt AFB, NE. ALE calls E30002 (BANDSAW LIMA) & OFF (Offutt AFB, NE): 1634 USB ALE & USB Voice (14/JULY/2010)

10818.0 A3l, C1C, C4M & S2L, US Military stations: 1434 - 1533 USB ALE (14/JULY/2010)
10818.0 A3L, US Military here & on 8171.5 & 12129.0: 1535 USB ALE (15/JULY/2010)

11400.5 GS1, US Military or US Government station: 1730 USB ALE (08/JULY/2010)
11400.5 GS3, US Military or US Government station calling AED, USAF Elmendorf AFB, AK: 1734 USB ALE (08/JULY/2010)

11485.0 143CDCC40, Tulsa Health Department, OK (voice call WNG971) with ALE test: 1656 USB ALE & AMD text (15/JULY/2010)

12000.5 GS1, US Military or US Government station: 1731 USB ALE (08/JULY/2010)

14396.5 KHA908, NASA, Ames Research Center, CA with brief check-in & then off to the SHARES Region 9 Net: 1625 USB Voice (14/JULY/2010)

14455.0 KHA908, NASA, Ames Research Center, CA reminding NASA stations KHA946 & KHA959 to attempt contact with KHA909 next Wednesday (July 21, 2010). Mentioned KHA909 would be signing into the NASA Weekly HF Net via AUTEC? (weak signal, but that's what it sounded like): 1647 USB Voice (14/JULY/2010)

15658.0 123CDCS27, Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul & 010CDCNHQ, Centers for Disease Control HQ station testing digital voice: 1603 USB Voice, USB ALE & AMD text. Voice call for 123CDCS27 is WNG985. (15/JULY/2010)

No More C-17s, Defense Officials Tell Congress

By Lisa Daniel, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - The military has more than enough large transport planes, and the appropriation of any more in the next budget year will force some into premature retirement, Defense Department officials told a congressional panel today.

"We have enough C-17s," Mike McCord, principal deputy undersecretary of defense (comptroller), said. "Money spent on things we don't need takes away from those we do need."

Along with McCord, Air Force Maj. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins, director of strategic plans for Air Mobility Command, and Alan Estevez, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistical and materiel readiness, repeated Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' position against the purchase of more C-17s to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs' federal financial management subcommittee.

All three defense officials agreed with the subcommittee's leaders, Sens. Thomas Carper and John McCain, that the C-17, in addition to the C-5, has been critical to airlift in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan. However, they said, the military's current fleet of 223 C-17s and 111 C-5s is more than enough airlift capability for years to come.

A department study that concluded in February was consistent with two other studies that found that the current fleet is sufficient "even in the most demanding environments" to take the military through 2016, McCord said. The oldest plane in the transport fleet, Lockheed's C-5A Galaxy, will be viable until 2025, and the fleet as a whole should last until 2040, he said.

The department has not requested C-17s, built by Boeing, since the fiscal 2007 budget, yet Congress has added them every year since, spending about $1.25 billion on C-17s "that we don't want or need," said McCord, a 21-year staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee before his current appointment.

Any additional appropriation for C-17s will have to be offset by retiring some of the military's older – but still viable -- transport planes, the defense officials said.

And, the defense officials said, adding force structure such as aircraft always entails additional costs in training, maintenance, and infrastructure, such as new hangars, bases and tooling. The department spends about $50,000 per aircraft per year to store aircraft where spare parts are available, Desjardins said.

"It's the gift that keeps on giving, because if you give it to us, we'll maintain it," Estevez said.

It would be more cost-effective, the defense officials said, to modify the C-5M for longer viability to continue to work in conjunction with the C-17.

Desjardins called the C-17 the "backbone" of the air mobility fleet, and said the C-5's combination of long range, high capacity and capability to carry outsize cargo is unequaled. Together, she said, "they meet the needs for cargo and capacity anywhere in the world."

Retiring the least-capable C-5s would save about $320 million, Desjardins said.

"Making tradeoffs of two types of aircraft when we already have more than enough of both is not going be cost effective," McCord said.

Asked what the department would cut to accommodate any new C-17s, McCord said that would depend on how many new C-17s were bought. "You and Congress would decide that," he said, "because you would cut from our budget about $300 million for every C-17 added."

"We have a good mix right now," Estevez said. "Replacement is definitely not the most cost-effective way. Buying more to retire more is certainly not the way the department needs to balance its resources."

The defense secretary has made that case to Congress, and President Barack Obama has promised to veto any legislation that provides for more C-17s.

Navy Pic of the Day: VMFA-323 Participating in RIMPAC 2010

A Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 flies a mission during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey/Released)

Bonhomme Richard Conducts MISSILEX for RIMPAC 2010

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) launches a RIM-7 Sea Sparrow as part of a missile exercise (MISSILEX) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Katherine K. Barkley/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marcus L. Stanley, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) conducted a live-fire missile exercise July 9 while underway for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, a biennial multinational exercise designed to strengthen operational readiness and improve multinational interoperability.

"To be the one to actually fire the missile was great," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Caleb Scott. "It's very rare that we get to do this, and we've put in a lot of man hours preparing for this."

During the firing exercise, Bonhomme Richard launched a NATO Sea Sparrow RIM-7P missile, giving the ship credit for a live missile shoot.

Two teams stood by ready to fire, and as the launch took place Bonhomme Richard Sailors and Marines, along with an array of multinational militaries on board the ship, had the opportunity to witness the firing.

"It was an amazing event to see," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Raphael Hobson. "That was my first time ever experiencing something like that."

In preparation for the firing, Combat Systems Fire Control 4 workcenter completed more than 50 maintenance checks, more than 300 hours of pre-fire requirement checks and more than 100 hours of troubleshooting faults to ensure that the missile systems were up to standards to conduct a safe missile firing.

"Our guys put in a lot of time getting ready for the firing," said Fire Controlman (SW/AW) Chief Jose Zertuche. "Everyone was a major contributor, from the maintenance guys to those who were a part of the administration portion in getting ready for this."

Zertuche added that anytime you are conducting missile shoots safety is paramount, and every safety precaution was taken into consideration during the exercise.

"What a great day of training aboard such a magnificent warship," said Capt. John W. Funk, Bonhomme Richard's commanding officer. "Superb efforts went in from everyone that participated in the missile exercise, and a Bravo Zulu goes out to everyone for successful completion of such a challenging event."

USS Curts Returns to San Diego

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Curts (FFG 38) will return to San Diego July 16 completing an independent, six-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

The deployment was defined by extensive participation with coalition forces across the entire spectrum of maritime operations.

Curts' efforts fostered strong diplomatic and military relations with regional partners in support of mutual interests on the high seas.

"We are immensely proud to have been afforded the opportunity to serve our Navy and our nation abroad," said Cmdr. H. Thomas Workman, Curts' commanding officer. "This crew trained with passion, intensity and success to ensure preparedness for all operational challenges that we encountered. Those preparations coupled with selfless dedication allowed Curts to succeed in every assigned mission."

While conducting 5th Fleet missions, Curts operated as part of multiple coalition task forces, ensuring the safety of merchant shipping traffic within the internationally recognized trade corridor across the Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Straits and Red Sea.

Along with coalition partners, Curts provided force protection and emergency medical support to distressed merchant vessels. These efforts are designed to improve maritime stability within the region and protect free use of the sea lanes by thwarting the activities of violent extremists and criminal organizations.

Additionally, Curts conducted four Suez Canal transits, two exercises with the Egyptian Navy and participated in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise which aims to promote the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and Indian Navy.

In support of 7th Fleet, Curts conducted various freedom of navigation exercises; economic exclusion zone patrols and port visits to Guam; Sepangar, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; and Male, Maldives.

In Malaysia, the crew joined the Rotary Club in extensive maintenance and repair of the Kota Kinabalu Orphanage. In Thailand, 35 Curts Sailors joined the Navy League and local Rotary Club in extensive landscaping refurbishment at a local school and orphanage which were devastated during the 2004 tsunami.

Curts helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

USS Pearl Harbor Arrives in Trincomalee

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell, Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, July 13 to participate in exercise Benevolent Phoenix 2010.

During the visit, the crew of the San Diego-based ship will participate in a variety of shipboard training scenarios, relationship-building activities and conduct several medical and dental events with members of the Sri Lankan Military.

"The mission in Sri Lanka is a fantastic opportunity to get quality mil-to-mil training and to share our knowledge and experience in amphibious operations while strengthening our partnership with their nation," said Lt. j.g. Robert Rusticus, the ship's boatswain.

While some Sailors and Marines are planning to help with military-to-military training on board Pearl Harbor, others are planning on volunteering for medical assistance events ashore. One such volunteer, Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Jennifer Louviere, will be participating in a medical event that will be held in Trincomalee.

"My passion in life is helping those in need, especially when I get the chance to help someone in need of medical attention. It's a privilege to help and I feel honored to serve," said Louviere.

"We look forward to creating a strong relationship with the Sri Lankan Navy by engaging in a two-way professional military exchange as well as experiencing the country's unique culture," said Cmdr. Dave Guluzian, Pearl Harbor's commanding officer. "Our visit demonstrates the cooperation between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the United States of America in promoting peace and stability both in theater and around the globe."

Pearl Harbor is part of Pelelieu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG). Other elements of the PEL ARG include Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3, the command element; Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 5; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B; and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.

The PEL ARG is transiting the 7th Fleet area of responsibility and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

USS Peleliu Begins 5th Fleet Deployment

From Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the command ship of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), and embarked Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) July 14.

The Peleliu ARG is comprised of Peleliu, amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

Dubuque and Pearl Harbor are scheduled to arrive in the 5th Fleet AOR in late July 2010.

"I am very confident in the capabilities of the Sailors and Marines assigned to this team," said Capt. Dale Fuller, commander, Peleliu ARG. "The successful training and careful preparation we have done since the beginning of the year gives me confidence in our ability to carry out any mission required of us."

PEL ARG and 15th MEU departed San Diego in May 2010 for their regularly scheduled deployment, which began in the 7th Fleet AOR, where embarked Sailors and Marines participated in Exercise Crocodilo in Timor-Leste and Marine Exercise in Indonesia.

PEL ARG and 15th MEU will operate in support of ongoing maritime security operations in the region and will serve as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and report directly to Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, which is responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to 5th Fleet. ESG 5 also oversees the planning and execution of contingency response missions and maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

The 5th Fleet's AOR encompasses 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The Navy's Newest Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship Is Delivered to MSC

By Laura M. Seal, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships grew July 14 when Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of the 10th ship in the class, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10).

Currently deployed Lewis and Clark-class ships operate as part of MSC's combat logistics force - allowing Navy ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time.

"As our 10th ship in the T-AKE class, USNS Charles Drew is another milestone for MSC," said Capt. Jerome Hamel, commander, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific, MSC's office in San Diego. "The T-AKE program is a continued example of MSC's commitment to support the Navy."

Drew is expected to begin conducting missions for MSC in spring 2011 and will operate in the Pacific.

"Taking command of a ship is always exciting, but being in command of a brand new ship in a class like the T-AKE takes the excitement level even higher," said Capt. Dan LaPorte, Charles Drew's civil service master. "I've got an extremely professional and motivated crew, and we're really looking forward to getting underway on our first mission."

Drew is crewed by 124 civil service mariners and 10 U.S. Navy Sailors who provide supply coordination.

Drew was christened and launched during a ceremony Feb. 27, 2010, at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and underwent a series of tests and trials prior to delivery.

Drew is named for Dr. Charles Drew, an American physician regarded as the father of the blood bank, who researched and developed methods of blood collection, plasma processing and storage. Drew's research in blood storage first benefitted soldiers in the field during World War II, but has continued to save the lives millions of people worldwide. His blood bank design is still the model for modern hospitals and organizations such as the American Red Cross.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

Milcom Blog Logs - 14 July 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

5171.0 HF-USB 0444Z - Link-11 data transmission

6718.0 HF-USB 0811Z - Link-11 data transmission

6761.0 HF-USB 0213Z - ____-## de Reach-284 (sounded like thru QRM)

7653.0 HF-USB 0445Z - Link-11 data transmission

8056.0 HF-USB 0448Z - Link-11 data transmission

9121.5 HF-USB 0446Z - Link-11 data transmission

11175.0 HF-USB
0048Z - Reach-289 w/ LAJES (HF-GCS) for pp - QSY 11217
0203Z - Andrews (HF-GCS) pass 36 character EAM IKSHD7
0207Z - Reach-9003 for radio check - McClellan (HF-GCS) responded but Lima-Alpha-929 overrode Reach-9003 transmission & McClellan (HF-GCS) then responded to November-29 rqst for radio check.

11217.0 HF-USB
0049Z - Lajes (HF-GCS) provide Reach-289 w/ pp to DSN 382-1110 then DSN 382-2635 (McChord Cmd Post) for contact w/ Maint Opns for trouble-shooting of problem while on the ground @ Wright-Patterson for Reach-289 (021108)

11232.0 HF-USB
1947Z - Thumper in Sector 8 rqst pp X 2 fm Trenton Military: #1 pp to Best Deal @ DSN 268-#### (no joy) then 834-1737: Thumper to Best Deal: authenticate ACU - response = ?. Thumper then rqst if any OP Changes or msg tfc (none); #2 pp to Fog Horn @ DSN 939-1850: Thumper rqst confirmation of ability to do Zulu radio checks today to which Fog Horn responded affirmative. Thumper response will contact later

Milcom Blog Logs - HF July 14, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our good friend Ron P in Maryland checks in with the following HF military logs heard on July 14.

11175.0 Reach 7031 (C-5B #87-0031/436th AW, Dover AFB, De) : 1130 USB in radio checks w/unid station. Note: Thanks to cmdr352 for acft type.

11175.0 Andrews: 1819 USB w/Tiger 41 (P-3C VP-8 NAS Jacksonville FL) then QSY to 6712.0 where both are unreadable at my QTH. They then QSY to 15010.0 for pp w/Fiddle
(TSCC, NAS Jacksonville FL)--Fiddle confirms QSL at 1924Z.

11175.0 Offutt: 1928 USB in radio checks w/Air Guard 3513.

11175.0 Offutt: 1941 USB w/Topcat 34 (RC-135W 62-4134, Offutt AFB NE) who advises Offutt that they are an Offutt bird & request Offutt call Langley CP DSN 574-XXXX and ask about the status of Snoop 55 (RC-135 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, NE). Topcat 34 advises that Snoop 55 should be up on 311.0 MHz. Offutt relays that Snoop 55 departed Langley 1936Z. Note: Thanks to Jordan for acft ident.

11175.0 Puerto Rico: 2117 USB w/Tiger 41 in pp w/Fiddle. Tiger 41 advises they are Spare Group 16 and Fiddle QSL's at 2117Z.

14396.5 AAV4AR (SHARES NCS, Atlanta GA): 1650 US w/weekly SHARES stations net: WGY 923 (Pennsylvannia Emergency Management Agency, Harrisburg PA); NCS 202 Alternate NCS).

Sea Breeze 2010 Kicks Off in Ukraine

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ODESSA, Ukraine (NNS) -- Sea Breeze 2010 officially kicked off with an opening ceremony and combined press conference with senior Ukrainian and U.S. naval leadership at the Ukranian Southern Operational Command in Odessa, Ukraine, July 12.

Sea Breeze is an invitational combined and joint maritime exercise in the Black Sea with the goals of enhancing Black Sea national maritime security capabilities and improving Black Sea theater security cooperation strategies.

"It is a great pleasure for me to announce the opening of exercise Sea Breeze 2010," said Ukrainian Vice Adm. Viktor Maksimov, commander-in-chief of Ukrainian naval forces, during a speech to more than 300 military and civilian members of the 12 participating countries of Sea Breeze. "In response to common threats facing the world today, this exercise will be dedicated to anti-piracy operations."

Maksimov added that Sea Breeze will utilize the experience and knowledge gained in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Aden and welcomed members of the participating countries to Ukraine.

Sea Breeze's robust training agenda will include counter-piracy training operations, non-combatant evacuation operations and vertical, board, search and seizure training. Additionally, ground forces will conduct non-lethal weapons training designed to combat unlawful fishing, piracy, trafficking in persons, drugs and illegal weapons.

Rear Adm. Gerard P. Heuber, U.S Naval Forces Europe-Africa, director for policy, resources and strategy, thanked Maksimov and the Ukrainian Navy for hosting Sea Breeze and spoke about the importance of the exercise.

"Sea Breeze is about strengthening maritime partnerships in the Black Sea in spirit of partnership for peace and is invaluable to all participating countries because it promotes regional stability and maritime security," said Heuber.

Sea Breeze is the largest exercise this year in the Black Sea, including 20 ships, 13 aircraft and more than 1,600 military members from Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and United States.

Following the ceremony a press conference was held with 57 journalists from 41 news organizations. Additionally, the opening ceremony was followed in the evening with a reception aboard USS Taylor (FFG 50).

USS Chafee Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) after a three-month deployment in the Western Pacific July 12.

Chafee departed JBPHH April 5 for an independent deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

"This was a very productive deployment," said Cmdr. Chase Patrick, commanding officer of Chafee. "We never had a bad day at sea, we had a lot of fun and we got a lot of work accomplished."

While on deployment, Chafee took part in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian Navy to promote the interoperability between the United States and India.

Chafee also participated in operations supporting Commander Task Force 70 and trained alongside the Malaysian Navy.

Patrick spoke about how well the crew performed during the deployment.

"The crew performed great. They were very proficient from the navigation detail down to the engineers," said Patrick. "They did their jobs exceedingly well."

Friends and families were excited to see their Sailors return home as they waited at the pier.

Guided-missile destroyers are multimission surface combatants, capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.

USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 11 Underway for Carrier Quals

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Merrill and Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Jandik, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began carrier qualifications July 12 off the coast of Southern California.

Carrier qualifications test both CVW 11 and the Nimitz crew.

"The Nimitz and Air Wing 11 team did a great job of refreshing flight deck currency," said Capt. Eric Wright, Nimitz's air department head. "These operations aren't always fast or error-free, but we operated deliberately and safely. It was a great first day back."

Nimitz and CVW-11 will continue to launch and recover aircraft throughout the week of July 12 to qualify and re-qualify pilots, extending Nimitz's flight deck certification.

According to Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Marc Nielsen of air department's V-2 division, it is good for the crew to get back into a routine.

"Our job really only exists out to sea. This is where the action is," said Nielsen.

This is the first time aircraft have touched down on Nimitz's flight deck since returning from an eight-month deployment in March 2010.

"This is a good chance to knock the rust off." said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SW) Brandon Soileau, operations department division leading petty officer.

Both Soileau and Nielsen said conducting carrier qualifications also allows everyone on the ship to stay current with personal qualifications.

"A lot of people are getting a good chance to go do their jobs," said Soileau.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Milcom Blog Logs - 13 July 2010 - USASA MidWest Collection Site

Time for another exclusive HF blog log report from the radio ranch at the USASA MidWest Collection Site.

3308.0 HF-USB
1110Z - AFA7HZ NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM2 net: AFA5HF

4007.0 HF-USB
0105Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Illinois MARS 5I1B net: NNN0KRX
2301Z - NNN0APJ NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Nebraska / Kansas MARS 7N1B net: NNN0YQG

4011.0 HF-USB
1303Z - NNN0YGW NCS for the Navy/MC Region 7 Iowa MARS 7D1C net: NNN0POY

4026.9 HF-USB
1114Z - AAM4AL NCS for the Army Region 4 MARS AAA4RD/B net ref MT-63 msg sent on the Ohio net

4035.9 HF-USB
0107Z - AAM7AKS NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/B net: AAM7EMO / AAR7PB
1208Z - AAM7TIA NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/C net: AAT7CN / AAR7QB / AAM7EKS / AAT7MX
1305Z - AAM7RT NCS for the Army Region 7 MARS AAA7RD/D net: AAM7EMO

4517.0 HF-USB
0101Z - AFF7MO NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM1 net: AFA7HY / AFA7KU / AFN7NC
1302Z - AFE7DM NCS for the Air Force North Central Area MARS NCM3 net: AFA7AT / AFE5PI

4603.0 HF-USB
[07:13:00][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 11 SN 04
[08:17:54][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FR4FEM ][AL0] BER 13 SN 04
[10:36:37][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 9 SN 04

4604.0 HF-USB
0103Z - Red-Robin-89 NCS for the Great Lakes Region Michigan "Red-Robin" CAP net

4623.5 HF-USB
1302Z - Navy/MC Region 5 Wisconsin MARS 5W4B net: NNN0UNK / NNN0HCO

5883.0 HF-AM
0658Z - YL in 5F Spanish numbers msg tfc preceded by "Atencion 57872 04362 30272"

7302.0 HF-USB
1311Z - AFN6VN NCS for the Air Force Region 6 MARS 6M1 net: AFA6KJ / AFA6LB

7348.0 HF-USB
[14:17:32][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC6FEM ][AL0] BER 16 SN 06

7457.0 HF-USB
1308Z - Air Force Region 4 MARS 4S2 net: AFA4HR

8050.0 HF-USB
[15:53:36][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][FC8 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05

8912.0 HF-USB
[06:04:16][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][CPD ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[06:13:00][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][VAI ][AL0] BER 12 SN 06

10194.0 HF-USB
1547Z - Link-11 data transmission

11175.0 HF-USB
1235Z - Romeo-Lima-587 rqst "High Fox" radio check
1241Z - Ranger-77 de Andrews (HF-GCS), have you LC. Nothing heard, Andrews will maintain listening watch
1244Z - Ranger-77 de Andrews (HF-GCS), go ahead w/ your number. Copy 301-981-####; QSY 11220

11220.0 HF-USB
1245Z - Ranger-77 de Andrews (HF-GCS): stand by for pp - be advised, unable to do pp to commercial number. Do you have alternate #? Copy 703-699-###. Be advised, unable to do pp to commercial number. Do you have alternate #?
1249Z - Ranger-77 rqst pp to DSN 739-2915 fm Andrews (HF-GCS): Ranger-77 w/SDO: ETA Andrews is 1200 Local; rqst you let ______ know

11226.0 HF-USB
[02:32:42][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 19 SN 06
[02:55:00][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][OFF ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
[03:56:20][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][AED ][AL0] BER 15 SN 05
[04:01:24][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07
[04:02:59][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 23 SN 08
[05:02:04][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][JNR ][AL0] BER 15 SN 06
[05:31:24][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 11 SN 05
[05:33:12][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 20 SN 06

11494.0 HF-USB
[23:09:40][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 10 SN 06
[23:23:00][CHN 01][TO ][718 ][TIS][EST ][AL0] BER 19 SN 07
[23:38:26][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][VAI ][AL0] BER 17 SN 07

15867.0 HF-USB
[17:53:18][CHN 01][SND][ ][TWS][D46 ][AL0] BER 13 SN 06
[18:14:30][CHN 01][TO ][714 ][TIS][PAC ][AL0] BER 23 SN 07

USNS Robert E. Peary Supports the Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command's (MSC) USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) moored pierside in Djibouti July 1 following another underway period providing replenishment to U.S. Navy and coalition ships working the counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.

Nearing the end of an eight-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), the Peary crew of more than 120 civil service mariners and 11 U.S. Navy Sailors have provided food, cargo, mail and millions of gallons of fuel to U.S. and coalition naval ships.

"Today, we're wrapping up our latest cycle," said Capt. Gregory Horner, a civil service mariner and master of Peary. "We've gone into Djibouti, loaded cargo for customers at sea – food and fuel for ships and aircraft. We'll go back into Djibouti to start the next cycle. It's like a round robin."

Aboard Peary, every day presents new challenges in accommodating customer ships' mission priorities, while still ensuring they receive the fuel, food and cargo they need.

Flexibility has proven to be the key to Peary's success.

"These ships are conducting counter-piracy operations, and we have to be flexible with them and work through their schedules," said Horner. "We have a job to do, we like our job and it's nice to be able to support the Navy in counter-piracy operations."

During its last week underway, Peary saw a total of eight ships, including one aircraft carrier, three guided-missile destroyers, one guided-missile cruiser, two MSC ships and one coalition ship. Peary conducted vertical replenishments, connected replenishments, refueling at sea, personnel transfers, helicopter operations and an emergency breakaway drill. Peary delivered fuel, parts, cargo, mail, personnel, fresh vegetables, dry and frozen foods – including morale boosters such as ice cream and soda.

A production crew from the Discovery Channel Canada was on board Peary during the particular week to film an upcoming episode of the television series, "Mighty Ships," which will feature Peary and its crew.

"The shoot has been pretty interesting because I didn't expect to be so involved," said James "J.B." Brown, a civil service mariner and Peary's supply officer. "I was glad to help show them around and show them what we do. They saw a full spectrum of underway operations, including deck, engineering and cargo operations. Hopefully, this will help people understand what goes on in the supply department."

The production crew learned firsthand that carrying out operations at the pace Peary experienced during their time aboard meant any delay could impact the next replenishment mission.

"You must have a sense of humor in this job," said John Akerson, a civil service mariner third officer. "We could be heading for a ship when they have to change the rendezvous point. Sometimes, we get to a location and the ship has been called away for a priority mission. You must be flexible."

One way to remain flexible is to be prepared.

"When I get orders, I'll start on stock control items, sometimes five days ahead, just in case there's a schedule change," said Brown. "I like to prepare myself because we're doing events at the same time we're prepping for the next event."

While everything delivered is important, certain commodities seem to be a bit more precious than others, and it's not machine parts.

"Ice cream is gold out here," said Renee Sanderlin, a civil service mariner assistant yeoman storekeeper.

A little moment of lightheartedness aboard USS Farragut (DDG 99) came when a pallet of ice cream delivered from Peary was rang aboard. This may have been meant in fun, but it underscored the positive impact the presence Peary has on U.S. Navy ships sailing the Gulf of Aden in support of counter-piracy operations.

"Supply ships like Peary are absolutely important to us conducting our counter-piracy mission," said Cmdr. William Daly, Farragut's commanding officer. "We work out of remote places and don't always have the ability to pull into port to replenish."

Peary's crew realizes the importance of their missions.

"When it all boils down, we know we're out here to support the military mission, to support the fleet," said Brown. "We do the best we can and take pride in our work."

USNS Robert E. Peary Supports the Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command's (MSC) USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) moored pierside in Djibouti July 1 following another underway period providing replenishment to U.S. Navy and coalition ships working the counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.

Nearing the end of an eight-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), the Peary crew of more than 120 civil service mariners and 11 U.S. Navy Sailors have provided food, cargo, mail and millions of gallons of fuel to U.S. and coalition naval ships.

"Today, we're wrapping up our latest cycle," said Capt. Gregory Horner, a civil service mariner and master of Peary. "We've gone into Djibouti, loaded cargo for customers at sea – food and fuel for ships and aircraft. We'll go back into Djibouti to start the next cycle. It's like a round robin."

Aboard Peary, every day presents new challenges in accommodating customer ships' mission priorities, while still ensuring they receive the fuel, food and cargo they need.

Flexibility has proven to be the key to Peary's success.

"These ships are conducting counter-piracy operations, and we have to be flexible with them and work through their schedules," said Horner. "We have a job to do, we like our job and it's nice to be able to support the Navy in counter-piracy operations."

During its last week underway, Peary saw a total of eight ships, including one aircraft carrier, three guided-missile destroyers, one guided-missile cruiser, two MSC ships and one coalition ship. Peary conducted vertical replenishments, connected replenishments, refueling at sea, personnel transfers, helicopter operations and an emergency breakaway drill. Peary delivered fuel, parts, cargo, mail, personnel, fresh vegetables, dry and frozen foods – including morale boosters such as ice cream and soda.

A production crew from the Discovery Channel Canada was on board Peary during the particular week to film an upcoming episode of the television series, "Mighty Ships," which will feature Peary and its crew.

"The shoot has been pretty interesting because I didn't expect to be so involved," said James "J.B." Brown, a civil service mariner and Peary's supply officer. "I was glad to help show them around and show them what we do. They saw a full spectrum of underway operations, including deck, engineering and cargo operations. Hopefully, this will help people understand what goes on in the supply department."

The production crew learned firsthand that carrying out operations at the pace Peary experienced during their time aboard meant any delay could impact the next replenishment mission.

"You must have a sense of humor in this job," said John Akerson, a civil service mariner third officer. "We could be heading for a ship when they have to change the rendezvous point. Sometimes, we get to a location and the ship has been called away for a priority mission. You must be flexible."

One way to remain flexible is to be prepared.

"When I get orders, I'll start on stock control items, sometimes five days ahead, just in case there's a schedule change," said Brown. "I like to prepare myself because we're doing events at the same time we're prepping for the next event."

While everything delivered is important, certain commodities seem to be a bit more precious than others, and it's not machine parts.

"Ice cream is gold out here," said Renee Sanderlin, a civil service mariner assistant yeoman storekeeper.

A little moment of lightheartedness aboard USS Farragut (DDG 99) came when a pallet of ice cream delivered from Peary was rang aboard. This may have been meant in fun, but it underscored the positive impact the presence Peary has on U.S. Navy ships sailing the Gulf of Aden in support of counter-piracy operations.

"Supply ships like Peary are absolutely important to us conducting our counter-piracy mission," said Cmdr. William Daly, Farragut's commanding officer. "We work out of remote places and don't always have the ability to pull into port to replenish."

Peary's crew realizes the importance of their missions.

"When it all boils down, we know we're out here to support the military mission, to support the fleet," said Brown. "We do the best we can and take pride in our work."

Iwo Jima Deploys in Support of Continuing Promise

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 12 in support of Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10).

Continuing Promise is an annual humanitarian civic assistance operation that provides opportunities to establish new partnerships with other nations, non-government organizations (NGOs), international government organizations and learn from host nations and civilian experts.

During the scheduled four-month surge, relief operations will be conducted in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Panama and Suriname.

CP10 is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F).

There are more than 1,600 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians including Commander Amphibious Squadron 6, Fleet Surgical Team 2, Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, Maritime Civil Affairs Team 206, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF), CLR-25 Medical Detachment and contingents of medical personnel from the armed forces of The Netherlands, Canada and Germany and various other satellite commands embarked on board Iwo Jima.

Iwo Jima's medical team will work alongside Central American, South American and Caribbean medical teams as well as NGOs. Together, the teams are capable of providing general surgical care, primary and consultative care, ophthalmologic services, optometric services, preventative and environmental health, dental screenings and treatment, public health training and veterinary services.

"Iwo Jima has the optimal blend of medical, surgical and dental capabilities," said Capt. Michael T. Hopkins, Iwo Jima's senior medical officer. "In addition, we have more capability to transport people and supplies from the flight deck and well deck than the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during their deployments."

Seabees from CBMU 202 in Norfolk will be supporting the civic action programs along with detachments from Jacksonville and Key West, Fla., and Kings Bay, Ga. They will provide local communities with building repairs and improvements, new small construction projects, utility system repairs and other projects depending on the host nation's needs.

SPMAGTF will also provide medical and engineering support to this humanitarian civic assistance by conducting subject matter expert exchanges with specified partner nations. In addition, they will provide air and ground transportation for nearly all of the medical, engineering and community relation sites.

"I am so very proud of this crew. Since I took command in 2008, all tasks that have been put in front of them, they have simply knocked them out of the park," said Capt. Jeff Amick, Iwo Jima commanding officer. "These great Americans have exceeded every expectation throughout a very challenging year and a half. I am extremely confident that this humanitarian mission is going to really showcase this ship, these Sailors and Marines and our Navy's ability to respond to any situation when tasked. This crew is ready to respond and could not be more ready to deliver."

COMUSNAVSO is the naval component command for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all Naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility.

COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations and counter-illicit trafficking operations.

Milcom Blog Logs - HF July 12, 2010 - Mid Atlantic

Our regular reporter Ron P in Maryland checks in with a couple of Venezuelian Navt intercepts.

08340.0 6S4D (prob frigate): 2230 LSB/ALE calling T8R1 (HQs Venezuelan Navy).

08340.0 7P4S (poss Training Ship "Simon Bolivar", BE-11 ): 2330 LSB/ALE calling 1EW1 (Venezuelan Navy Base "Amario" ).

Deepwater Horizon airspace activity now coordinated at 601st AOC

by Lt. Col. Susan A. Romano, Air Forces Northern Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- As the Deepwater Horizon response operation enters week 13 since an oil rig exploded April 20 in the Gulf of Mexico, senior Department of Defense and Homeland Security officials centralized airspace management operations in the 601st Air & Space Operations Center here.

Officials said they made the decision because of the organization's "inherent and unique skill set" when dealing with airspace deconfliction and ability to respond to natural and man-made disasters.

The Aviation Coordination Command was created to assist the Coast Guard with the response mission that began more than 85 days ago.

Coast Guard Capt. Mike Emerson was tapped as director of the ACC to manage and coordinate the abundance of aviation resources currently operating in the gulf region.

"Our primary role is to ensure the safe and efficient use of the temporary flight restriction area where several hundred airframes operate on a daily basis," Captain Emerson said. "By centralizing the management of resources and aircraft activity in the gulf, we can integrate the air campaign and work closely with the affected states' incident command posts."

The 601st AOC previously has responded to natural disasters. In the wake of the earthquake that devastated Haiti in January, the 601st AOC was tasked to assist with airspace deconfliction and air traffic flow in and out of the Port-au-Prince, Haiti, airport, while maximizing the efficient use of inbound and outbound air traffic. The organization took what some pilots called "a big giant hairball" of air traffic and streamlined air operations to get aid to the Haitian people.

"The decision to move airspace coordination operations to the 601st AOC makes complete sense," Captain Emerson said. "The men and women of U.S. Northern Command's air component have world-class capabilities and expertise when it comes to airspace management and deconfliction, and we've been able to leverage that to our advantage. Things like access to networks, shared databases, common operating pictures and full motion video have proven to be invaluable to the initial success of the ACC."

"Likewise, they bring experience from past events like the earthquake in Haiti that you just can't glean from a textbook or corporate manual," he said.

On any given day, the temporary flight restriction area sees up to 135 various types of aircraft: fish and oil spotters, banner towers, boom operators, spray flights, oil platform helicopters, media representatives, general aviation pilots, state and federal participants, and military aircraft. The TFR covers a 20,000 square mile radius up to an altitude of 3,000 feet, which excludes commercial airliners, and the Federal Aviation Administration dictates the required compliance within that airspace.

"Our job is to ensure all aircraft flying in the affected area are FAA-compliant while operating in a safe, manageable environment," Captain Emerson said.

Currently, the 601st AOC has approximately 75 members supporting the ACC. The support covers a broad spectrum of backgrounds and services, including active-duty Air Force and Navy members, federal and state National Guardsmen, and civil servants.

"In addition to the AOC's participation in the ACC," said Col. Randy Spear, the 601st AOC commander, "we also have several liaison officers from the FAA, the Department of Interior, (the) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Customs and Border Protection, (the) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Coast Guard and BP, just to name a few.

"Their input is critical to our overall operation, because they are on hand to coordinate activities between their parent organization and the ACC," Colonel Spear said. "They also provide technical and subject matter expertise and are able to offer vital interface with the many interagencies that are supporting cleanup efforts in the Gulf."

While the DOD responds to disasters of this scope, the ACC director is quick to point out that this is not exclusively a military operation.

"The U.S. Coast Guard remains the lead federal agency for the Deepwater Horizon response, but there are dozens of private and non-government organizations participating in recovery efforts," Captain Emerson said. "And our role could change at any time, depending on how events unfold."

Working closely with the ACC director and his liaison officers is the 601st AOC's Intelligence & Reconnaissance Division.

The IRD is providing satellite imagery to help locate surface slicks, recover spewing oil, and minimize environment impacts. The collected imagery is passed to the command and control elements at the incident command posts in New Orleans, Mobile, Ala., or Miami, where spotters and skimmers are assigned to the affected areas.

"The IRD folks are able to provide near real-time imagery from the gulf to the unified area command, which ultimately helps to streamline the efficiency and effectiveness for the on-scene responders," Colonel Spear said.

Along with support to the ACC, Air Forces Northern deployed an Air Component Coordination Element liaison officer and Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers to the unified area command in New Orleans. The ACCE serves as the Air Force's subject matter expert on movement of Air Forces assets in and out of the region, while the EPLOs help the federal on-scene commander procure military logistics, medical, security and public affairs assets, if requested.

"The Deepwater Horizon incident has affected us all -- not just those along the Gulf Coast, but across the nation -- and we will continue to assist in any way we can, for as long as our expertise is requested and deemed beneficial to the response operations," said Maj. Gen. Garry C. Dean, the Air Forces Northern commander. "As our Air Force chief of staff frequently says, 'We're all in,' and that certainly holds true for us here at Tyndall as well."

F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii

by Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young, Defense Media Activity - Hawaii News Bureau

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth generation fighter, which replaces the F-15 Eagle that the squadron has flown since 1987. The 199th FS is the first guard unit to receive the F-22.

"The 199th (FS members prove) that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The F-22, a single-seat, twin engine aircraft that utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed primarily as an air superiority fighter.

"These F-22 Raptors are the state of the art air superiority fighter and couldn't be located at a better place," General McKinley said.

Many of the guard members will serve as the lead in a "total force" concept that is already in use at JB Hickam. The 199th FS, 15th Air Wing will fly and help maintain the F-22s that bring a new capability to the HIANG, as well as the Air Force.

"The Air Force is a seamless total force. Along with our Air Force Reserve and civilians, the National Guard and our active duty component form a very severe fighting force that can get the job done," General McKinley said.

USS O'Kane Departs Pearl Harbor for a Seven-Month Deployment

By Seaman (SW) Rachel Swiatnicki, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam July 9 for a seven-month deployment.

O'Kane is scheduled to conduct operations in the Middle East and western Pacific.

"We look forward to the missions in U.S. 5th Fleet, which differ somewhat from those we executed during our last (western Pacific) deployment," said Cmdr. Derek Trinque, O'Kane's commanding officer. "The ship will support ballistic missile defense requirements in the Central Command region, though I expect we will take part in a host of other missions as well."

O'Kane returned from deployment Dec. 16, 2009, after three months of operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Command Master Chief John Hall said that everyone is recharged, refreshed and ready for the deployment.

"O'Kane has been through an extremely busy, fast few months and a lot of things that we had to do. We stepped up and took care of all of our tasks," said Hall. "We even managed to put in a short leave period to give the crew a chance to relax."

Trinque noted how well the crew is prepared for the upcoming deployment.

"I think the amount of work they have done since the last deployment shows that there are experienced Sailors aboard and they are ready to go," said Trinque. "I know they are looking forward to the deployment where they can see the direct results of all their hard work."

Hall said he looks forward to the different port visits, "and having a very successful deployment for the entire crew while doing our mission and coming home safely on time."

Guided-missile destroyers are multimission surface combatants, capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. They operate independently in support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.

Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group Conducts COMPTUEX

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is taking part in a composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) July 7-30 off the East Coast of the United States.

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) scheduled the exercise, and it will be conducted by a training team led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL).

"COMPTUEX is an invaluable training opportunity that allows us to flex our ability to operate at the warfare commander level in a tactically realistic environment," said Capt. Peter Pagano, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 deputy commander. "It allows us to bring the different parts of the amphibious ready group together along with our allies and put them in a threat environment similar to what we could face in the real world."

COMPTUEX is designed to provide realistic training environments for U.S. naval forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. Training such as this will ensure that the ARG is prepared to support any mission.

"It stresses all of those mission areas, the full spectrum, and it really gives us an opportunity to not only practice what we might be called upon to do, but we have evaluators on board who will assess us and provide mentorship to make us a better prepared group," said Capt. Baxter Goodly, Kearsarge's commanding officer.

The ARG is comprised of Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Kearsarge, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and the amphibious platform docking ship USS Ponce (LPD 15).

Three British vessels will also play a major role in the COMPTUEX. The Royal Navy fleet flagship HMS Ark Royal (R07), destroyer HMS Liverpool (D92) and landing platform docks HMS Albion (L14).

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72), the guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and the frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) are also be participating in this exercise.

Ships Depart Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2010 Exercises

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A total of 32 ships and five submarines from seven nations departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) July 6-7 to participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 in the Pacific Ocean.

As the ships departed JBPHH, the exercise kicked off operational Phase II of the three-phase event.

Phase II began July 6 and continues until July 24. This portion includes live fire gunnery and missile exercises, maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, anti-surface warfare, undersea warfare, naval maneuvers and air defense exercises.

Participants will collaborate in explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations and amphibious operations during Phase II.

"This is the largest RIMPAC that we've had," said Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "This exercise clearly focuses on maritime domain awareness, dealing with expanded military operations across the complete spectrum of warfare."

The RIMPAC exercises will test the participating nations' capabilities to work together and strengthen their ability to communicate and operate in simulated maritime scenarios.

RIMPAC will conclude July 25 with tactical Phase III, involving scenario-driven exercises designed to further strengthen maritime skills and capabilities.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet-event includes participating units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, with more than 20,000 personnel participating in this year's event in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.