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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• 1st Radio Bn. set to deploy USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- Elements of the 1st Radio Bn. Marine Forces Pacific, have been ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in support of the Nation's ongoing war against global terrorism.
• 26th MEU (SOC) completes final exercise USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and Amphibious Squadron-6 are embarked this week aboard the USS Iwo Jima, USS Carter Hall and the USS Nashville for their final underway training evolution before deployment.
• Black Stallions get "gassed" in Djiboutian skies USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- Two CH-53Es from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron - 772 demonstrated their capabilities by "gassing up" in mid-air while carrying two High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV's) during an aerial refueling exercise Jan. 30 in the skies over Djibouti.
• DOD supporting shuttle search effort AFPN 01 Feb 2003 -- The Department of Defense assets currently involved in search, security and transportation operations related to the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia include

Defense Policy / Programs

• CG Ready to Assist FEMA USCG 01 Feb 2003 -- The Coast Guard is alerting mariners along the Gulf coast from Tampa, Fla., to Galveston, Tx., to be on alert and report any sightings of debris possibly related to the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia to the Coast Guard.
• Two airmen among seven lost in Shuttle disaster AFPN 01 Feb 2003 -- Two Air Force officers were among the seven astronauts lost when the Space Shuttle Columbia apparently broke apart at 9 a.m. EST today in the area over north central Texas. Col. Rick Husband was the mission commander and Lt. Col. Michael Anderson was the payload commander.
• Statement from the Secretary of Defense on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mishap NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, including the loss of five U.S. service members.
• Statement from the Chief of Naval Operations on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mishap NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- Today our Navy family mourns the loss of three of our shipmates. Captain David Brown, Commander Laurel Clark and Commander William McCool dedicated themselves to a lifetime of service. Their sacrifice, commitment and passion for excellence are personal examples to all of their shipmates who are privileged to wear the cloth of our nation.
• Statement from the Acting Secretary of the Navy on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mishap NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- Today's tragic events have deeply saddened all Americans and people around the world. The astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia represent the best in humanity. The courage, service and sacrifice of these explorers are an inspiration to us all.
• DoD Mourns, Begins Help After Columbia Shuttle Tragedy AFPS 01 Feb 2003 -- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe said the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of seven a "tragic day" for the NASA family and America.
• Five Astronauts Were in U.S. Military AFPS 01 Feb 2003 -- Five of the seven astronauts killed aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia were serving U.S. military officers
• WW II Naval Armed Guard Gun Transferred to Merchant Ship Museum NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- A World War II era 5-inch deck gun was recently transferred from the Naval Historical Center (NHC) repository at Cheatham Annex, Va., for installation onto the museum ship SS American Victory in Tampa, Fla.
• 15th MEU (SOC) enhances NBC skills USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- Americans have been able to live without fear from a nuclear, biological or chemical attack since the Cold War ended more than a decade ago. However, the Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) continually train for the possibility of a NBC attack.
• 1/3 raids urban headquarters USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- Today's battles can occur at any time and any place, which is why it's important for Marines to train in a variety of places and climates to achieve maximum versatility.
• Combat Suppport Company aids environment: Marines, AAVs churn in mud to clear invasive weeds USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, conducted its annual amphibious assault vehicle assistance to improve the endangered bird habitat at the Nu'upia Ponds Wildlife Management Area Jan. 8 and 9.
• 1/12 trains to decon on the go USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- The Marines and Sailors of 1st Bn., 12th Marines, recently completed a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on the Big Island, but the final test of their ability to fight in a nuclear, biological or chemical environment was proven when they successfully executed an operational decontamination evolution at the Boondocker Training Area in December
• 15th MEU fires at U'lupau USMC 01 Feb 2003 -- Reconnaissance Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) stopped at MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay in December to hone their sharp shooting skills from the rim of the U'lupau Crater at the Range Training Facility.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Israeli troops shot and killed an armed Palestinian early Saturday, as he approached their outpost near the border with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip

• I-O-M/CHILD SOLDIERS VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The International Organization for Migration, I-O-M, says hundreds of former rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army, or L-R-A, have registered to return to Uganda from Kenya under a Ugandan Amnesty Act. Mmany of the former rebels were abducted as children by the L-R-A

• IVORY COAST-UNREST VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Tens of thousands of demonstrators again took to the streets of Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, Saturday to protest a French-brokered peace accord
• IVORY COAST VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- In Ivory Coast, there was another massive demonstration Saturday by thousands who want President Laurent Gbagbo to cancel a peace agreement drawn up last week

News Reports

• Kosovo: UN envoy discusses regional concerns with leaders in Mitrovica UN News Centre 01 Feb 2003 -- The senior United Nations envoy in Kosovo today held talks in Mitrovica with key officials as part of his ongoing bid to promote stability and development there
• THAILAND / CAMBODIA L-ONLY VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy was denied entry into Thailand as he arrived at Bangkok's International airport. The Thai government has banned all Cambodians from entering the country in response to the anti-Thai riots this week in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh
• BUSH/AFRICA/FAMINE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- President Bush is asking Congress to increase funding to help fight AIDS and famine in Africa
• ATK Expresses Sorrow Over Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy ATK 01 Feb 2003 -- ATK (NYSE:ATK) (Alliant Techsystems), issued the following statement in response to the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy.