Russians Launch New Military Elint Into Orbit

I have now confirmed through two independent sources and orbital analysis that this was a Lotus-S elint satellite launch. One source comes from the well respected Russian Strategic nuclear forces blog: http://russianforces.org/blog/2009/11/cosmos-2455_-_a_new_generation.shtml

Russia launched a military spy satellite into space Friday on a Soyuz-U rocket from the country's Plesetsk Cosmodrome (launch complex 16, launch pad no. 2). The secret payload lifted off at 1044 GMT (5:44 a.m. EST). The three-stage Soyuz-U rocket delivered the Kosmos 2455 spacecraft (2009-063A) into an elliptical orbit 905 x 199 km, inclination 67.17°. Catalog numbers associated with the launch are 36095 and 36096.

There are several post on various newsgroups indicating this is an elint satellite. The particulars on this satellite follow.



Payload: Lotos-S Electronic Reconnaissance satellite (Cosmos 2455)
Spacecraft: Lotos-S ("Lotos" means Lotus), possible production item's code 14F145.

Manufacturer: Samara Space Centre; ELINT Payload Manufacturer: PLC Arsenal Machine Building Plant, St. Petersburg

Lotos-S satellites are one component of the the next generation ELINT satellite system Liana. Liana replaces both the Tselina-2 with Lotos-S satellites and the naval US-PM with Pion-NKS spacecrafts. It's built upon Yantar remote sensing satellites' bus. The coming launch is going to be first in the service career of this model.

From the Russian Strategic Nuclea Forces:

"This is the first launch of a satellite of the Lotos-S type. It has been reported that these satellites, with their not yet flown counterparts known as Pion, will work as part of the Liana electronic reconnaissance system. This system is being designed to replace the Tselina electronic intelligence and US-PU/Legenda naval reconnaissance systems. Cosmos-2421, which operated from June 2006 to February 2008, apparently was the last US-PU satellite. The launch of Cosmos-2428 in June 2007 was reported to be the last launch of a Tselina-2 satellite. (At the same time, according to the Kommersant report quoted above, Ukraine will deliver to Russia four 11F644 Tselina spacecraft by January 2012, indicating that launches might continue.)

"The launch was initially planned for July 28, 2009, but was cancelled because of problems with one of the satellite components. The spacecraft was returned to the manufacturer, Arsenal Machine Building Plant in St-Petersburg, which worked on the spacecraft together with the TsSKB-Progress Design Bureau in Samara."

Early initial reports from RIA Novosti that this was another Oko EW mission were not correct.

The Cosmos 2441 (launched on July 26, 2008) is believed to be the first in a new series of spy satellites (Persona), featuring updated imaging technology and an extended lifetime of up to seven years.

The Soyuz-U rocket is designed to orbit Soyuz and Progress manned and cargo spacecraft, as well as special-purpose satellites such as Cosmos, Resurs-F, Foton and Bion.

The rocket has payload of up to 6,950 kilograms. A Soyuz-U was last launched from Plesetsk on April 29, 2009.

Russia reportedly operates a network of 60-70 reconnaissance satellites and has carried out 16 space launches since the beginning of 2009.

Based on the information in my satellite database, I do not believe the later mission tieup since that Oko EW constellation operates around a 65° inclination in a much high Molniya style orbit. For now I will carry this satellite as a Lotus-S elint bird.

MMP Readers: Please Contribute to the Marines Toys For Tots Program

Every year around Christmas, Marines band together to help brighten the spirits of kids in need through their nationwide Toys for Tots gift program. This is our absolute favorite charity and we contribute to it every year. In the spirit of the holiday season and Christmas, please help make this year special for needy children everywhere by contributing to this great program. I challenge each of my readers to this blog to provide an unwrapped toy or a monetary contribution to support this most worthy cause. If your a true Milcom enthusiast, and want to help, this is a program that deserves your support. More in this video report.

Ike CSG COMPTUEX HF/VHF/UHF Update 11/22/2009

HF CWC

2259.0 kHz USB Link 11
3050.0 kHz USB HF CWC Voice Coordination Net: Force Track Coordinator (Link-11/Link-16): Ike CSG, Truman CSG, Bataan ARG??

5316.0 kHz USB HF CWC Voice Coordination Net: Air Warfare Commander (India Whiskey)

Jack NeSmith and others have passed along the following U's associated with Ike COMPTUEX activity off the Florida east coast. The initial story is posted here on the Milcom blog at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2009/11/ike-csg-conducting-east-coast-comptuex.html

Freq's ID'd as "Unknown User/Usage" are exercise related, most are first time hit's.

136.9750 Hawker Hunter aircraft discrete Cougar c/s
139.8750 Unid aircraft calling an E-2C VAW-121/CVW-7 aircraft. Maybe one of the adversary aircraft (Cougar or Dart?)
225.3500 Pinecastle Target - Range Impact (Strike/Shot Common)
226.5500 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
227.1750 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
233.3250 Bluetail AIC freq, ex-Button 19 CVW-7 Aerial Refueling Boom
234.5750 VFA-143 Dog c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
237.1750 VFA-143 Dog c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron) (Tac 13?)
237.7000 CVW-7/USS Ike Discrete
238.9000 AR-620 Crystal AR Track - Boomer freq
239.4750 VAQ-140 Stinger c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
239.5500 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
246.8000 VFA-103 Victory c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
247.1000 Probable Fleet Air Defense FAD-4/Fighter Control D (Button 12) Bluetail c/s
253.1000 VMFA-122 Squadron Common
253.5250 Unknown user/usage "IKE" (Secure)
257.1000 Avon Park MOA Ground FAC
258.9250 Unknown user/usage "IKE" (now an ex-spectrum hole)
261.2500 Pinecastle Rodman Target R-2907
264.6250 MOA Avon Park FL - Range Operations (Bravo & Foxtrot Range)/Forward Air Controller
264.8500 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
266.6250 CWC Strike Commander India Papa (Secure) (Button 7)(now an ex-spectrum hole)
267.5000 FACSFAC Jacksonville Sealord South
269.3250 Jacksonville Approach/Departure Control
270.5250 Fleet Air Defense FAD-1 (SCC AC)/FAD-A Air Control (Fighter Control A "Freddie") (Button 05)(now an ex-spectrum hole)
271.6500 CSAREX (SAR ALPHA)
275.6500 VFA-204 Aggressor Air-to-Air
276.3250 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
277.2000 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
278.0500 VFA-83 Ram c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
283.6500 VFA-83 Ram c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
284.5000 FACSFAC Jacksonville Sealord North
285.3500 VAW-121 Bluetail c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
289.2000 Pinecastle Complex FL R-2910 Range Air Control
292.2000 MOA Avon Park FL Range Control/Operations and AR Boom
292.2250 Ike Strike (Button 3)
298.4750 Probable Fleet Air Defense FAD-2 (SCC AC) FAD-B /Air Control (Fighter Control B) Bluetail c/s (Button 10) (now an ex-spectrum hole)
303.2000 VFA-103 Victory c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
307.2500 Jacksonville ARTCC St. Augustine FL Low/High Altitude -St. Augustine Sector
313.9000 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
314.4250 Ike Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone (PIRAZ) "Red Crown" (Button 4)
318.3250 CCA Departure (Button 2) (now an ex-spectrum hole)
318.5250 Unknown user/usage "IKE" (now an ex-spectrum hole)
328.4250 Ike Marshal (Button 16)
340.1250 Dog clg Warhawk (now an ex-spectrum hole) (Button 9?)
340.2000 NAS Jacksonville Tower
342.2500 Cecil Field FL Urban CAS JTAC Iron Cross/Strike
348.3500 VFA-131 Cat c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
351.8000 Jacksonville Approach/Departure Control
351.8750 VFA-103 Victory c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron)
357.3750 Another possible CSAREX frequency (now an ex-spectrum hole)
363.6500 CVW-7 Aerial refueling boom (Button 19)
367.7250 Secure Comms (JStars related?)
370.7500 Phoenix Air/Flight International and Hawker Hunter discrete (Air-to-Air)
Cougar and Dart c/s (Silent Warrior?). Unid aircraft here passed 139.875 MHz.
371.0500 VFA-131 Cat c/s, unknown usage (CVW-7 squadron) (now an ex-spectrum hole)
374.0000 REP (Button 18)
376.0250 Unknown user/usage "IKE"
377.0500 Jacksonville Approach/departure Control
384.1000 Air-to-Air comms (OPFOR?)
393.550 To 269.325 (Jax App)

Have Quick
225.150 235.050 239.950 252.925 267.850 284.150 293.550 298.650 303.275 308.750

Presets
Button 1
Button 2 318.325 - CCA Departure
Button 3 292.225 – Strike A
Button 4 314.425 - Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone (PIRAZ) "Red Crown"
Button 5 270.525 – SCC C&R E-2 Air Control (Surface Warfare Commander/Sea Combat Commander Net)
Button 6
Button 7 266.625 – CWC Strike CMDR India Papa (Secure)/ STW C&R Primary - Strike A
Button 8 (mentioned for JSTARS contact)
Button 9 340.125 - Fleet Air Defense FAD-1 (SCC AC) FAD-A Air Control (Fighter Control A "Freddie")
Button 10 298.475 - Fleet Air Defense FAD-2 (SCC AC) FAD-B Air Control (Fighter Control B)
Button 11 227.175 - Fleet Air Defense FAD-3 (SSC Helo) Tac Net 1 (Fighter Control C)
Button 12 247.100 - Fleet Air Defense FAD—4 Tac Net 2 (Fighter Control D)
Button 13
Button 14
Button 15 CCA Final A (CCA/LSO Paddles)
Button 16 328.425 – CCA-A Marshal
Button 17 CCA Final B (CCA-B)
Button 18 347.000 - CCA Overload CVW-7 Maintenance Reps
Button 19 363.650 – CCA Overhead Tank AR Boom, ex-233.325
Button 20

Callsigns:
Bluetail - VAW-121 (CVW-7)
Canvas ## - HS-5 (CVW-7)
Cat ## - VFA-131 (CVW-7)
Cougar ## – Hawker Hunter
Dart ## – Lear, Phoenix Air Group
Delta – Surface unit (HF)
Dog ## - VFA-143 (CVW-7)
Dusty 01 - Unknown user
Foxtrot – Surface unit (HF)
Hammer - CVW-7 Strike Package Tactical Callsign
Hoist 98 – KC-10, 305th AMW
Hotel – Surface unit (HF; foreign accent)
India – Surface unit (HF)
India Foxtrot – Force Track Coordinator
India Papa – Strike Warfare Commander
India Whiskey – Air Defense Commander
Iron Cross – JTAC Avon Park
Kilo – Surface unit (HF)
Lightning – JTAC Pinecastle
Mike – Surface unit (HF)
November – Surface unit (HF, UHF)
Omega 70 – KC-135
Ram ## - VFA-83 (CVW-7)
Stinger - VAQ-140 (CVW-7)
Tyrant – JTAC, Jax Urban CAS
Vega 31/32 - Downed pilots (CSAREX)
Victor – E-2C
Victory ## - VFA-103 (CVW-7)
Warhawk - Unknown

Anybody have any ideas on Warhawk??

Thanks to Jack and several other contributors who wish to remain anon for updating this report. Hope to have more to follow I'm sure.

Its Not Far Away Now...Another Chance to Excel

It is almost that time of year again. That annual event where we get another opportunity to prove to DoD and the world who the masters of the gridron really are.

CBS will televise this annual event and provide coverage of the 2009 Army/Navy game, which will be held Dec. 12 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The football game is a traditional event that offers an exciting opportunity for Sailors and Marines to display their team spirit before millions of Americans.

So I have a message from this old Navy Chief and you better damn well pay attention when the Chief speaks . . .

GO NAVY BEAT ARMY

Navy Quarter Back Troy Gross (14) gets sacked by a blitzing Army defender at the 108th annual Army vs. Navy football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. Navy defeated the Black Knights of Army by the score of 38-3. The Navy Midshipmen have now won the last six Army Navy battles. The 8-4 Midshipmen have accepted an invitation to play in the Poinsettia Bowl Dec. 20 in San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Herbert D. Banks Jr. (Released)

End of an era: NAS Brunswick Planes To Depart As Base Readies For Closing

By David Sharp, AP

While much of the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, air crews from VP-26 are prepping to ship out for a six-month deployment to El Salvador, Italy and the Horn of Africa. After that, they'll rejoin the rest of NAS Brunswick, Maine aircraft that have relocated to Florida's Jacksonville Naval Air Station.

Cmdr. Mike Parker, commanding officer of VP-26, begins the final wave of departures on Sunday, marking a milestone in the closing of the last active-duty military air base in New England.

To read the rest of this copyrighted story click here or here.

NROL Launch 49 - Better the devil you know…

Like previous patches for classified missions, the one for the upcoming NROL-49 mission offers some hints as to its purpose.

The link below is for a very interesting article on a future NRO launch no. 49. If you are interested in military space missions, this one is worth the look.

Better the devil you know…
by Dwayne Day

LCS 2 Completes Acceptance Trials

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The future USS Independence (LCS 2) successfully completed acceptance trials this week, after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

Acceptance Trials are the first opportunity for INSURV to test the ship and its systems.

During two days underway, the ship completed demonstrations of the combat systems suite, steering, anchoring and propulsion. The ship achieved a top speed of almost 45 knots during the full power demonstration.

"Independence performed extremely well during trials," said Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program Manager Rear Adm. James Murdoch. "LCS 2 conducted two outstanding days at sea. We look forward to delivering this critical asset to the fleet."

The ship was presented to INSURV with high levels of completion in production and test. The official results of the trials, including the type and number of trial cards, are currently being reviewed by the Navy.

Members of the LCS 2 pre-commissioning unit were on board Independence during trials to see how their future ship will perform.

"It's going to change the way we do things, particularly in the surface force," said Cmdr. Curt Renshaw, Independence Blue Crew commanding officer. "This ship allows us the flexibility to complement almost all the pillars of the Maritime Strategy."

"This is a significant milestone for the surface warfare community and the Navy at large - the impact that Freedom and Independence will have on the fleet will be immediate. We are another step closer to having this important capability as part of the surface force, and I applaud the team effort - Sailor, civilian and contractor - that went into making this happen," said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Forces.

Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. Ship delivery is expected to occur next month, with the ship's commissioning Jan. 16 in Mobile, Ala.

So what is the Stave doing at CCAFS?

In recent years an F-15 aircraft from Eglin AFB (maybe the 40FLTS) has deployed every six months to the Cape Canaveral AFS for some testing "Project." They use the callsign Stave #.

A monitor reported this week that they are back at the Cape and operating on 282.325 MHz UHF Milair. I find this frequency selection a bit odd since this is a nationwide ATC allocation.
They are also using TG 16976 on the NASA trunk radio system. See our complete profile of this system in our free online monitor aid the Monitoring NASA and Space Communications Guide, available for free at our newly revamped MT website at http://www.monitoringtimes.com.

So can anybody down in those parts shed some light on this semi-annual venture by a F-15 from Eglin to CCAFS? Let me know, drop some mail in the masthead.

NROL L-32 to Launch in October 2010

FOR RELEASE AT
5 p.m. ET No. 902-09
November 18, 2009

AIR FORCE

United Launch Services, LLC, Littleton, Colo., was awarded a $9,000,000 contract which will provide for the acceleration of the launch-to-launch time spans of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle launches to preserve the capability to launch the National Reconnaissance Office L-32 mission in October 2010. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002, P00171).

http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4164

Face of Defense: Guardsmen Bring Experience to Iraq

By Army Sgt. Neil Gussman, Special to American Forces Press Service

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - National Guard soldiers bring a variety of life and work experiences with them on deployment, and even the smallest unit can include a surprising array of skills and experience.

In October, Task Force Keystone's Alaska-based C Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, needed a crew for a routine flight to two of their remote sites. Illinois' A Company, 1-106th, supplied that crew, which wound up flying a Pennsylvania National Guard Black Hawk helicopter.

The diversity the National Guard embodies is reflected in the jumble of helicopters and crews that came together to accomplish a single mission and is echoed in the stories behind the four Illinois soldiers.

In the left pilot seat was Army Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Schroeder, 38, an instructor pilot with 21 years of service. The Sherman, Ill., native joined the Army in 1988 and served as a UH-1 Huey mechanic for four years before attending flight school.

In 2003, he took a job flying the governor of Illinois. Prior to being deployed in January 2009, he even flew for Gov. Rod Blagojevich before his removal from office.

Schroeder said he enjoyed the times he was able to fly then-Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, and that he looks forward to flying for Quinn, now the governor, when he returns from deployment. Married just a month before he was called back to active duty, this is his second deployment, Schroeder said. He first deployed in 2004 with A Company for 15 months.

In the right pilot seat was Army Chief Warrant Officer Nathan McKean, 31, of Decatur, Ill. McKean has served 12 years, beginning with four years in the Navy, during which he built bombs on the aircraft carrier USS Stennis and served in a combat search-and-rescue unit based in San Diego.

McKean came home in 2001, he said, enrolled in college, and joined the Army National Guard. He trained as a crew chief with B Company, 1-106th. After leaving active duty, he decided he needed a good job that would allow him time off for military duty — lots of time off. In 2002, he took a job as an engineer on the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

But within a year, he was training to go to Iraq, and he left for a 15-month deployment with B Company in 2004. Soon after he returned, McKean went to flight school for a year, then had additional training before his current tour in Iraq, which began in January. He has worked on the railroad for two and a half years, he said.

Behind McKean, on the right side of the Black Hawk, was Army Sgt. Steve Sunzeri, 26, of Naperville, Ill. Sunzeri has six years in the Illinois Army National Guard. From 2003 to 2007, he served as a scout and infantryman with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment. In 2006, he completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree in history. In 2007, he reclassified to become a flight crew chief, deploying in 2009 with A Company, 1-106th.

After nearly two years of service in helicopters, Sunzeri said, he plans to return to college to earn a degree in aviation management at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and at the same time to train to be a commercial pilot. "My goal is to fly fixed-wing aircraft for a major airline," he said.

In the meantime, he will earn the ratings necessary to become a fixed-wing pilot while earning his degree, he said. He plans to continue to serve as a crew chief in the Illinois Army National Guard while he attends college and completes flight training.

In the left seat, behind the pilot, was the door gunner, the youngest member of the crew and the one with the most combat deployments.

Army Cpl. Michael Randazzo, 24, of Queens, N.Y., is on his third deployment in six years with the Army National Guard.
He enlisted shortly after graduating from high school, and he served as an infantryman with the New York-based 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment. In May 2004, he deployed with the 1-69th to Baghdad and Taji, and spent the time patrolling and conducting raids. He also worked route clearance on Route Irish.

When he returned from Iraq, Randazzo worked for an executive protection company until June 2008, when he volunteered to return to Iraq as a door gunner with 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment.

Near the end of that tour, he volunteered for a second consecutive tour as a door gunner with Company A, 1-106th. When this tour is complete, Randazzo said, plans to return to New York City and "squeeze in a semester of college" before going to flight school next fall.

After flight school, he said, he will continue his college education until 2012, when he plans to deploy to Afghanistan as an Army helicopter pilot.

USS Decatur Returns from Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) will return to San Diego Nov. 23 after its second six-month deployment in 18 months to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

"This crew has operated at the tip of the spear for months-on-end, flawlessly," said Decatur's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Christopher Sweeney. "They have executed all six expanded core capabilities in the maritime strategy, and have an unmatched operational tempo."

Decatur was the only Ronald Reagan Strike Group ship to earn the Iraqi Defense Medal while attached to Commander, Task Force Iraqi Maritime. The ship defended the Al-Bashrah and Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminals, which account for 80 percent of the revenue used to support Iraqi reconstruction and transition. When not defending oil platforms, Decatur was attached to Commander, Task Force 152, responsible for maritime security operations, providing forward presence, and deterrence in the region.

Decatur helped strengthen partnerships and was the primary sea base for the terminals. The ship operated a small boat marina along with a heliport for parts and mail. The ship's visit, board, search and seizure teams conducted approach and assist visits with local dhows, and interdicted narcotics. Decatur was also the primary Ballistic Missile Defense asset in the Persian Gulf for a portion of their time there.

While in the 7th Fleet AOR, Decatur participated in a short-notice homeland defense mission as a primary BMD asset. Also, keeping with the ship's motto of "in pursuit of peace," while conducting a Theater Security Cooperation port visit to Thailand, the crew performed community relations events; they also conducted military-to-military engagement with subject matter expert exchanges', and operational planning for at-sea operations.

"The crew was resilient and always ready," said Sweeney. "We brought 505 feet of persistent American will to the maritime domain, and made a lasting impact on the forward deployed combatant commanders and our coalition partners."

Decatur helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the nation's maritime strategy when forward deployed.

USS John Paul Jones Returns to San Diego from Deployment

By Ensign C.J. Gotcher, USS John Paul Jones Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (JPJ) (DDG 53) will return to San Diego Nov. 24 after an independent seven-month deployment to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Persian Gulf.

"This has been an incredibly productive and successful deployment for the men and women of John Paul Jones," said John Paul Jones' Commanding Officer Cmdr. Sam Hancock. "JPJ executed operations in every mission area from approach and assist visits to Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)."

"Throughout the deployment, we provided security and stability while partnering with the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to develop an integrated maritime security environment in the Gulf," said Hancock.

JPJ provided BMD presence and capability in support of national tasking in the 5th Fleet AOR, including the tracking and critical data collection of multiple BMD launches in theater. They also deterred smuggling and other criminal activity, provided aid to local fishermen and disrupted the shipment of more than four tons of illegal narcotics.

In efforts to transition the defense of Iraq and put control back in the hands of the Iraqi people, JPJ also operated almost two months in the Northern Arabian Gulf, assigned to Commander, Task Force Iraqi Maritime. While assigned, JPJ provided defense, training and logistical support for critical Iraqi oil terminal infrastructure in a joint effort with the U. S. Coast Guard, Iraqi Navy, British Navy and other coalition forces.

JPJ hosted several distinguished guests and events; including a meeting of the United Arab Emirates Air Defense Regiment, Iraqi-Kuwait Naval planning conference and the Fleet BMD Senior Leadership Summit.

During port visits to Bahrain and Phuket, Thailand, the crew cleaned, painted and rebuilt a local school and a children's home, respectively.

"This crew is incredibly talented and nothing but pure professionals who never stopped," said Hancock. "They have made me and our country very proud."

JPJ 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 nation's maritime strategy when forward deployed.

Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Enters 5th Fleet

The aft lookout stands the watch as a landing craft, air cushion prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran/Released)

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- After transiting the western Pacific Ocean, the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations this week to relieve the Bataan ARG.

While deployed to the region, Sailors and Marines from the Bonhomme Richard ARG and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which help set conditions for security and promote regional stability and global prosperity.

"We've been training for the MSO mission in this region for quite some time," said Capt. Rodney Clark, the ARG's commodore. "We're ready to execute when tasked."

While transiting the U.S. 7th Fleet AOR en route to the 5th Fleet AOR, the ARG/MEU team participated in humanitarian projects during Marine Exercise 2009, sending Sailors and Marines ashore in Indonesia and Timor-Leste to provide medical and dental care to more than 2,000 patients in cooperation with local health care officials.

Sailors and Marines also volunteered in over a dozen community service projects during four port visits in the area. Projects ranged from cleaning kennels at an animal shelter in Guam, repairing playground structures in Phuket, Thailand, and interacting with children at orphanages in Dili, Timor-Leste.

Maritime Security Operations develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG consists of three ships – amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7); and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

In addition, the ARG includes the command element, Amphibious Squadron 7; Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

AF Global Strike Command officials work toward seamless transition

A maintenance team from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., works on an ICBM. The Air Force Global Strike Command will gain the missile wings at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Malmstrom AFB; and Minot AFB, N.D., when it assumes control of 20th Air Force and the ICBM mission Dec. 1. (U.S. Air Force photo)

by Carla Pampe, Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command officials here will gain missile wings at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; and Minot AFB, N.D., when it assumes control of 20th Air Force and the intercontinental ballistic missile mission Dec. 1.

The 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., as well as the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb., will also fall under the new command.

In February, Air Force Global Strike Command officials gain 8th Air Force and the nuclear-capable bomber mission. At that time, the command staff will gain bomber wings at Barksdale AFB, Whiteman AFB, Mo.; and Minot AFB. As AFGSC officials assume responsibility of its new missions, those who formerly worked with points of contact in Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command will be working with their counterparts in Air Force Global Strike Command.

"The entire staff at Air Force Global Strike Command is working tirelessly to make the transition as seamless as possible, especially to personnel executing the mission in the field," said Col. George Farfour, the Air Force Global Strike Command special adviser to the commander for ICBM transfer. "We want to ensure that people are easily able to reach the points of contact they need to accomplish the mission. To that end, AFGSC contact information is readily accessible on our Portal page and Sharepoint site."

For those who have access to the Air Force Portal, https://www.my.af.mil, contact information and phone numbers for the command staff are posted AFGSC page under "Staff Directory." Each directorate also has a Workflow e-mail box on the Air Force Global Address List. People can contact the Barksdale Air Force Base operator via the Defense Switched Network at DSN 781-1110 or commercial at 318-456-1110 and ask for the appropriate AFGSC directorate.

Air Force Global Strike Command stood up in August to provide combat ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and global strike operations in support of the president and combatant commanders.

New Milsatcom transponders active in Europe

Ronald Rensen, in The Netherlands, reported the follwoing to the Hearsat newsgroup.

Three COMSATBw-1 UHF tpx's seem to have changed. Below the tpx's that are currently active:

244.975
248.175 (was 249.400)
251.775 (was 250.900)
255.500 (was 255.775)
259.425

MilSat Services GmbH, a company set up by EADS SPACE Services and ND SatCom, will provide the German Bundeswehr's satellite communications system SatcomBW Step 2. The Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw) and MilSat Services signed a contract in Koblenz, Germany on Wednesday. The contract became valid after the German budget 2006 has been enacted. The satellites in the SatcomBw-2 system are called COMSATBw 1 and 2

With the SATCOMBw programme, the German Armed Forces will have a secure information network for use by units on deployed missions. This will allow voice and fax as well as advanced data, video and multimedia applications. For the first time the Bundeswehr will have a secure communications system with dedicated military communications satellites. The entire system is due to start regular operation in the year 2009 and will constitute an important step in the implementation of the Bundeswehr concept for network-centric operations.

Along with the in-orbit delivery of two communications satellites for operations in military frequencies (SHF/UHF), the SatcomBw Stage 2 contract includes their operation, the delivery of a comprehensive ground user terminal segment and upgrading the network management centre already installed with the Bundeswehr. MilSat Services GmbH will also provide the Bundeswehr with commercial transmission capacities using Intelsat satellites and anchoring services thanks to new large ground stations.

ESG 5 Assumes Command of Amphibious Forces in 5th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

You can view a video report of this story by clicking here.

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 held an assumption of command ceremony Nov. 8 aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65).

Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris assumed command of the newly established ESG 5. ESG 5 will relieve ESG 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Michelle Howard. The strike group will serve as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 51 and 59 in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility, responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to the region.

"I promise you that the great strides in the partnership building that has been put in place under the tremendous leadership of Admiral Howard will be built upon," Harris said. "Fifth Fleet is as challenging of an area of operations as any for the U.S. Navy and this goes double for expeditionary forces."

ESG 2 spent one year forward-deployed to Bahrain conducting intensive planning and exercises while leading CTF 51 and 59, as well as CTF 151, an international maritime coalition that conducts counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

During the ceremony, Howard praised the Sailors of ESG 2 for their commitment and hard work. "It's important to remember the many accomplishments we've had as a blue-green Navy-Marine Corps team and the strides we've made toward making this region and the world as a whole a better and safer place through the efforts of all of our Sailors and Marines," she said. "From the deck plates to the front offices, from the most junior Sailor and Marine to the most senior, everyone plays a role and everyone performs a critical mission."

Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said Howard has done a tremendous job commanding ESG 2. "She is an exemplary motivator and a true deckplate leader. She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty no matter the mission," Gortney said. "Through her leadership, she inspires all she comes in contact with and encourages people to excel in all they do. She is the definition of a good leader."

The 48 service men and women of ESG 2 will complete their regularly scheduled, one-year deployment to Naval Support Activity Bahrain and return to their homeport of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. by January 2010.

Task Force 51 is responsible for the planning and execution of contingency response missions in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations. Task Force 59 plans and conducts maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. CTF 151 is a multinational task force conducting counterpiracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

Bataan ARG/22nd MEU Departs 5th Fleet

A video report on this story is available by clicking here

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) officially departed 5th Fleet and entered 6th Fleet's Area of Operations when the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transited the Suez Canal and entered into the Mediterranean Sea recently.

The Bataan ARG, which had been conducting maritime security operations in 5th Fleet's Area of Operations, and the 22nd MEU, which served as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command, participated in several theater security cooperation engagements and exercises, including Bright Star 2009, 5th Fleet's largest multinational exercise, held every two years.

"The 5th Fleet Area of Operations is one of the most critical regions in the maritime security environment," said Capt. Paul McElroy, commanding officer of Bataan ARG. "The operations we conducted and the exercises we participated in were all geared towards strengthening our regional partnerships and improving security and stability within the region."

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

The Bataan ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 2, Bataan, the flagship for the ARG, amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 22nd MEU, led by Col. Gareth Brandl, is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. It is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its Command Element.

C-27s to Afghanistan

A ceremony was held November 15 to celebrate the delivery of the first of twenty C-27 military transport planes from the U.S. to Afghanistan.

Ford Keel Laid for Future Carrier, Class

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Cory Rose, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, East

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- A keel-laying ceremony for the Navy's first Ford-class aircraft carrier, Gerald R. Ford, (CVN 78) was held at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va. Nov. 14.

The ceremony celebrated not only the building of a new class of ship, but the life of the ship's namesake, former President Gerald R. Ford.

Susan Ford Bales, Ford's daughter, was the ship's sponsor. Bales' initials were welded into a metal plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as the ship's sponsor, and on behalf of President Gerald R. Ford," said Bales. "I hereby declare that the shipbuilders of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and their patriotism, and commitment to excellence are and shall forever be truly and fairly part of the spirit of the USS Gerald R. Ford."

Ford-class aircraft carriers have some significant design changes including a larger flight deck, improvements in weapons and material handling, a new propulsion plant design that requires fewer personnel to operate and maintain, and a new smaller island that has been pushed aft.

Technological advances in the field of electromagnetic have led to the development of an electromagnetic aircraft launching system, and an advanced arresting gear. An integrated warfare system has been developed to support flexibility in adapting the infrastructure of the ship to future mission roles.

"These and other changes mean that this carrier, piloted by the Navy officers and crew who will one day sail her into harm's way, will be more capable, more flexible, and better able to protect America and the American way of life," said Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding President Mike Petters.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin served as keynote speaker and distinguished guests in attendance included the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott, Glenn Nye, and the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Adm. Kirkland H. Donald.

On Jan. 3, 2007 an announcement was made that CVN-78, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier would be named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. The ship is scheduled to enter the U.S. Naval Fleet in 2015.

Nellis officials plan for F-35's opportunities, challenges

The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., is preparing for the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, like the one pictured here as it undergoes testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes)

by Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- With the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft's arrival just four years away, officials at the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center here are looking forward to joint training opportunities while recognizing the challenges of providing realistic training on such a technologically advanced aircraft.

Maj. Gen. Stanley Kresge, the warfare center's commander, said there's a lot of excitement about the next-generation fighter jet slated to begin arriving here in 2014.

Much of the construction under way here will provide new hangars, maintenance facilities and other infrastructure the new aircraft will require. Meanwhile, General Kresge's staff is focused on establishing a new weapons school for F-35 pilots -- an effort he said lends itself to interservice collaboration as the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps prepare for their first joint aircraft program since the Vietnam War.

Unlike the Vietnam-era F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber, initially developed for the Navy, then adopted by the Marine Corps and Air Force, the F-35 was conceived from the drawing board as a single platform with three different variants to meet the needs of three services.

The Air Force will receive the F-35's "A" variant, which will provide conventional takeoff and landing capabilities. The Marine Corps is slated to receive the "B" variant, which has a vertical-lift capability. The Navy will receive the "C" variant, designed for carrier launches.

Plans are on track to equip the first F-35 training squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., by 2011, and for the Marine Corps to reach initial operational capability by 2012.

General Kresge said he looks forward to working with his Navy counterparts as the Air Force stands up the first F-35 weapons school program at Nellis. Weapons schools provide graduate-level instructor courses, including the most advanced tactics, techniques and procedures for pilots and aircrews.

"If we are going to build a weapons school first, let's partner on it and then make it easier for them to build their weapons school," he said.

Even with three aircraft variants, the airplanes are going to be more alike than different, he said. "So since we are fundamentally going to be flying the same aircraft, I think we can all benefit from a closer collaboration," he said.

For the Air Force program, General Kresge expects to tap F-35 test pilots, along with other weapons school graduates who fly other aircraft. "We'll put them in a room, lock the door for six months, and they'll come up with the syllabus, courseware and academics," General Kresge said.

They'll share their efforts as the Navy Fighter Weapons School, known as "Top Gun," prepares to start up its own F-35 program, he said, while soliciting different approaches to incorporate into the Air Force program.

"It would make no sense for the Navy to discover a new way of doing business, and then a year later, we stumble onto it ourselves," General Kresge said.

The general stressed the importance of F-35 leader training to the future Air Force, noting that today's young fighter pilots will be tomorrow's F-35 squadron commanders.

"Set your watch," he said. "Fifteen years from now, we are going to want that F-35 squadron commander to be prepared to lead a squadron in war, and to bring along the squadron full of young lieutenants and captains to be the next squadron commander."

As General Kresge wrestles with the training and leadership challenges associated with the F-35, the staff here is working to ensure that when the F-35 arrives, crews will have the most realistic training environment possible at the sweeping Nevada Test and Training Range.

That's particularly challenging, explained Col. John P. Montgomery, the 98th Range Wing commander, because the F-35's systems are so advanced that they can tell simulated targets from the real thing.

"The F-35 is so smart that if it is not a real target, it won't let you hit it, because it knows what a real target is," he said. Colonel Montgomery oversees the nearly 3 million acres of ranges and 12,000 square miles of airspace that make up the Nevada Test and Training Range. A big part of the job is making the battle space as close as possible to what aircrews will experience in combat, including realistic targets.

So long before the F-35 arrives here, Montgomery and his staff are trying to figure out ways to build the next-generation targets the next-generation aircraft will need.

"We are planning ahead for it now, to give it the right kind of target sets that look visually, optically, [through] infrared and radar like the real thing," he said. "It's got to have the same acoustics, and smell like it, too."

Meanwhile, he's trying to figure out what kind of aircraft will be capable of standing in for the opposing force during advanced-level training exercises, and how to replicate multiple threats simultaneously.

"The F-35 is a very capable system, and we only have so many aircraft to throw against it," Colonel Montgomery said, noting the need to create virtual threats that the F-35 will recognize.

"It is not the same kind of problem that we used to solve," he said. "It was an easier problem before stealth [technology], and the fact that these [F-35s] are just amazingly capable. All of a sudden, the targets have to look a lot like the real thing, and the threats have to be a lot more capable, and there have to be a lot of them."

Colonel Montgomery said he's committed to working through those challenges before the F-35s start arriving at Nellis. "It's a tough problem," he said. "But the Air Force knows about it, the Department of Defense knows about it. Lots of people are working on it to solve that problem."

Ultimately, the goal is to provide F-35 crews the same level of training their counterparts receive at the Nevada Test and Training Range. "In the end, the guy gets real feedback, real time about how we has done against the threat he's going at, in a high-pressure environment," Colonel Montgomery said. "And he gets to live -- and to come back and do it all over again tomorrow."