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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 18 Jun 2008 [PDF]
• PRESS CONFERENCE: Maj. Gen. Bergner, Maj. Gen. (Sel) Bash, June 18, 2008 MNF-I 18 Jun 2008 -- Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, MNF-I, and Maj. Gen. (Sel.) Brooks Bash, Coalition Air Force Training Team, provide an operational update and discuss the building of Iraq's Air Force
• U.S., Iraqi Troops in Northern Iraq Kill One, Detain 23 AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- U.S. and Iraqi troops killed one enemy fighter and detained 23 suspected terrorists during recent operations in northern Iraq, military officials said.
• June 17 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy activities AFPN 18 Jun 2008
• NMCB 3 Convoy Security Element Provide Safe Passageway on Iraqi Roads Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Convoy Security Elements (CSE) assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 have been playing a crucial role in providing safe movement for personnel and supplies throughout the Anbar Province of Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• New Report Faults Afghan Police Progress VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- U.S. lawmakers have sharply questioned key officials about a new report that is critical of U.S efforts to develop an effective national police force in Afghanistan
• Terrorists Use Roadside Bombs as Strategic Weapon, General Says AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- Terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq employ improvised explosive devices as a weapon of choice to sap the willpower of the American people, a senior U.S. officer said here today.
• 20 Militants Killed in Afghan-NATO Offensive Near Kandahar VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- Afghan officials say some 20 Taliban militants have been killed in the south of the country, where NATO and Afghan forces began a joint offensive against the insurgents.
• Afghanistan: NATO, Afghan Troops Attack Villages Following Prison Break RFE/RL 18 Jun 2008 -- Afghan and NATO forces have launched a military operation against Taliban fighters who fled to villages and farmland north of Kandahar following a massive escape from a Kandahar prison on June 13.
• Afghan and NATO troops move in to flush out Taliban in south RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2008 -- NATO and Afghan army units have launched an offensive against Taliban insurgents in the Arghandab district, near Kandahar in the country's south, a source at the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Four more UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan IRNA 18 Jun 2008 -- Four British troops, including an Intelligence Corps soldier, have been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence in London announced Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• GAO SUSTAINS BOEING BID PROTEST Office of the Comptroller General of the United States, United States Government Accountability Office 18 Jun 2008 -- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) today sustained the Boeing Company's protest of the Department of the Air Force's award of a contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for KC-X aerial refueling tankers. Boeing challenged the Air Force's technical and cost evaluations, conduct of discussions, and source selection decision.
• Accountability Office Urges Air Force to Re-Bid Tanker Contract AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- The Government Accountability Office has recommended the Air Force reopen the bidding process for the service's aerial refueling aircraft contract.
• AF officials comment on GAO tanker bid decision AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- Earlier today, Government Accountability Office officials announced their findings and sustained portions of the Boeing protest of the KC-45A aerial refueling tanker competition.
• Doctors' Group Says It Has Evidence US Military Tortured Detainees VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- A group of American doctors that promotes human rights says it has examined 11 former detainees who were held by the U.S. military, and determined they were systematically tortured with the complicity of medical personnel
• Wind tunnel tests contribute to first flight of F-35 AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- The June 11 completion of the first flight of the short takeoff/vertical landing version of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter resonated with Air Force engineers at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here.
• Contracts awarded to recapitalize special-mission C-130s AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- Air Force officials announced the award of two contracts to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company-Marietta, Ga., June 13 for the procurement of six modified KC-130J aircraft, and non-recurring costs associated with modifying the KC-130J.
• JTACs train in complex art of coordinating close-air support AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- Exercise Atlantic Strike VII kicked off June 14 in the swampy pinegroves of the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex as more than 800 joint and coalition warfighters from around the world gathered to practice and train in the complex art of coordinating close-air support for ground maneuvers.
• Master, technical sergeant promotion rates announced AFPN 18 Jun 2008
• Army General Cites Challenging Recruiting Environment AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- The Army is now exceeding its recruiting requirements, but that force may contain more soldiers who needed waivers to sign up in the years ahead, a senior U.S. military officer said here today.
• Defense Department Program Informs Overseas Voters AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- A Defense Department program is working to ensure overseas government employees, civilian contractors, servicemembers and their spouses have all the information they need to make their vote count.
• Missouri Governor Signs Covenant, Bill to Support Military Army News 18 Jun 2008 -- Senior commanders of the two military installations in Missouri signed a community covenant June 11 with Gov. Matt Blunt.
• AMC Welcomes First Female Deputy Army News 18 Jun 2008 -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command welcomed its new deputy commanding general during a ceremony Tuesday morning at AMC headquarters on Fort Belvoir.
• Continuing Promise Completes Work in Peru, Boxer Heading Home Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Peruvian officials bid farewell to USS Boxer (LHD 4), June 15, during a closing ceremony in the town of Barranca, marking the end of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
• Navy Warfare Development Command Recieves New Commanding Officer Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- The Navy Warfare Development Command (NDWC) recieved a new commander during an offical change of command ceremony in Norfolk, June 13.
• GQ Drills Increase Lincoln Sailors' Readiness to Respond Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- After completing a work day of 12 hours or more, Sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) practice the highest state of combat readiness during general quarters (GQ) drills.
• Continuing Promise Completes Medical Operations in Peru Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Sailors embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), completed the last day of medical operations at Guillermo Enrique Billinghurst school in Barranca, June 15 in support of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
• Navy Announces Christening of Submarine New Hampshire 18 Jun 2008 -- The Navy's newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be christened Saturday, June 21, during an 11:00 a.m. EDT ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.
• B-52 presence demonstrates global strike capabilities AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- Personnel and B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., continue to provide a bomber presence here, helping maintain stability and provide security in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Computational analysis improves I-500 warhead survivability AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- Air Force Research Laboratory engineers here conducted dynamic computational analysis geared toward improving the survivability of a proposed I-500 warhead design.
• Air turbulence research could lead to safer flights AFPN 18 Jun 2008 -- Air Force Research Laboratory officials are funding scientists who are researching ways to identify and predict turbulence through the detection of underlying air patterns.
• Low-Altitude Delivery Service Takes Supplies to Ground Troops AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- The jumpmaster stands in the back of a turbo-prop cargo airliner with a nervously rumbling stomach, holding on to a few pallets of supplies that soon would be dropped to soldiers in an isolated region of eastern Afghanistan
• Marine Deployment Training Impresses Chairman AFPS 18 Jun 2008
• Chairman Emphasizes Leadership as Fix to Air Force Problems AFPS 18 Jun 2008 -- Good leadership at all levels will fix what ails the Air Force, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
• New NCR Command and Control Center in Gulfport Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Construction of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment's (NCR) new $5.5 million Command and Control facility is underway aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport and is scheduled for completion in July 2009.
• Royal Thai Marines Teach Jungle Survival to U.S. Counterparts Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Royal Thai Marines from Marine Division 1st Infantry Battalion presented a two-hour class on jungle survival to U.S. Marines, June 10, as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008.
• U.S. Fleet Forces Command Assumes Role as IA Executive Agent Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) has been designated as the Executive Agent (EA) for the Individual Augmentee (IA) Continuum. NAVADMIN 160/08 announced the assignment of USFF as the executive agent and supported commander for individual augmentee (IA) and IA family support across the IA Continuum.
• Dallas, Cape Verde Complete First-Ever Law Enforcement Mission Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas concluded a groundbreaking law enforcement mission on June 17, marking the first time a foreign law enforcement detachment conducted patrols and interdiction operations from a U.S. military ship in Western Africa.
• NMCB 133 Deploys to PACOM Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133's main body arrived at Camp Shields, June 15, beginning a seven month deployment.
• Thai and U.S. Medical Teams Hold Joint Medical Civil Action Project Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2008 -- Royal Thai navy and U.S. Navy medical teams finished a week-long joint medical civil action project (MEDCAP) at Banklongpai School in Rayong, June 16.
• U.S. official to discuss Kyrgyz military airbase expansion - news agency RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2008 -- The expansion of a U.S. military airbase in Kyrgyzstan is expected to top the agenda of a visit by the U.S. assistant secretary for South and Central Asian affairs to the former Soviet republic, Kyrgyz media said on Wednesday.
• Russia to deliver six Mi-35 attack helicopters to Indonesia RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2008 -- The Indonesian Armed Forces will soon receive a delivery of six Russian Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters, the Antara national news said on Wednesday.
• U.S. 'plans to neutralize Russian nuclear weapons by 2012-2015' RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2008 -- The U.S.-proposed European missile shield will eventually spread along Russia's borders and may neutralize Russia's nuclear potential by 2012-2015, a Russian political analyst said on Wednesday.
• U.S., Lithuania deny holding formal missile shield talks RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2008 -- The United States and Lithuania denied reports they were formally discussing deploying elements of the U.S. missile shield in the ex-Soviet Baltic state if talks with Poland failed.
• Lithuania Would Consider Hosting US Missile Shield if Asked VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- Lithuania's defense minister says his country would consider hosting parts of a U.S. missile defense system if asked, but says no talks on the subject are underway.
• Press Briefing by Tony Fratto The White House 18 Jun 2008
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. Of State 18 Jun 2008

Defense Industry

• Boeing Statement on Tanker Protest Ruling Boeing 18 Jun 2008
• Statement Concerning GAO Decision Northrop Grumman 18 Jun 2008
• DoD News: Contracts for June 18, 2008
• BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $13 MILLION U.S. GOVERNMENT CONTRACT FOR ARMORED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES BAE Systems 18 Jun 2008 -- BAE Systems has received a $13 million contract from the U.S. Government for the purchase of approximately 100 armored commercial vehicles, including armored Chevrolet Suburbans and armored Sprinter vans.
• General Dynamics to Christen New Hampshire, U.S. Navy's Most-Advanced Submarine General Dynamics 18 Jun 2008 -- General Dynamics Electric Boat will christen New Hampshire (SSN-778), the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine, at a ceremony at its shipyard here on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m.
• Raytheon Awarded DARPA Contract to Increase System Information Assurance Raytheon 18 Jun 2008 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a contract to evaluate the effectiveness of new technology for increasing system information assurance.
• Dutch Partners Deliver Components to GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team GE Aviation 18 Jun 2008 -- The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team has received the first deliveries of key work packages from Dutch companies, part of the Netherlands' industrial participation in the F136 engine to power the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
• Sagem Défense Sécurité delivers 1000th SIGMA 30 gyrolaser artillery pointing system Sagem (Safran group) 18 Jun 2008 -- On the occasion of the Eurosatory 2008 Exhibition, Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) announces it has delivered the 1000th SIGMA 30 inertial pointing system to Thales for its 2R2M 120mm mobile mortar system.
• Thales launches Bushmaster Copperhead utility vehicle at Eurosatory Thales 18 Jun 2008 -- This Utility or "Ute", to use the Australian slang, is a cab chassis 4 x 4 protected logistic vehicle that can carry a 4,000 kg load on its 9.4m2 tray. It also provides crew the protection, mobility and combat flexibility to fulfil the ever growing mission needs in demanding situations encountered by military forces around the world.
• Bushmaster integrates complete package Thales 18 Jun 2008 -- Thales has taken the lead in systems integration, demonstrating multiple systems and a range of products in its Bushmaster vehicle.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICES OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT United Nations 18 Jun 2008
• UN Security Council: African Visit Very Productive VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- U.N. Security Council ambassadors back from a mission to five African countries say their trip was productive and gave them an opportunity to personally see the situation in several troubled regions
• Interview: Movement in Middle East Peace Talks cfr.org 18 Jun 2008 -- Interviewee: Mona Yacoubian, Special Adviser, Muslim World Initiative, Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, United States Institute of Peace
• OPT: Palestinians get EC aid, but water and sanitation underfunded IRIN 18 Jun 2008 -- The European Commission (EC) on 16 June announced a 24 million euro donation to humanitarian programmes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
• Israel Agrees to Ceasefire Deal With Hamas VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- Israel has agreed to a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, to end fighting in and around the Gaza Strip.
• Israel-Hamas Ceasefire to Begin on Thursday VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- A ceasefire in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip is due to begin at 6:00 a.m. local time Thursday
• UGANDA: US accuses LRA of abuses, calls for a quick peaceful solution IRIN 18 Jun 2008 -- The United States has accused Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels of committing various abuses against civilians including abductions in recent attacks in three African countries.
• UN peacekeeper in Darfur released after abduction, robbery by Arab militiamen UN News Centre 18 Jun 2008 -- A staff member serving with the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) was today abducted by armed Arab militiamen, assaulted and stripped of his belongings before being eventually released.
• Security Council urged to support Sudan's 'fragile' north-south peace accord UN News Centre 18 Jun 2008 -- The head of the Security Council's recent mission to Sudan today urged the 15-member body to press the parties to the 2005 peace accord which ended the country's long-running north-south civil war to fulfil their commitments, stressing that the landmark deal is vital to ensuring stability throughout the vast African nation.
• UN political chief optimistic about progress in Cyprus towards possible unity UN News Centre 18 Jun 2008 -- The top United Nations political official says he is optimistic that the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities are making real progress in their discussions on possible reunification and could soon move into substantive talks on resolving the issue.
• Security Council asks Ban to renew UN panel monitoring Liberia sanctions UN News Centre 18 Jun 2008 -- The Security Council has asked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to renew the mandate of the United Nations panel looking into the issues of diamonds, timber, sanctions, arms and security in Liberia for another six months
• Chad's Army Claims Victory; Rebels Say Retreat is Strategic VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- Chad's army chief says his soldiers have routed rebels, stopping their latest offensive in the east of the country, but the rebels say it is a strategic retreat
• Moscow says Georgia must review its stance on Russian peacekeepers RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2008 -- Moscow demands that Tbilisi review its stance on Russian peacekeepers deployed in the Georgian breakaway republic of Abkhazia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• YEMEN: Fresh attempt to close outlets selling weapons IRIN 18 Jun 2008 -- The Yemeni authorities on 17 June moved to close arms markets and shops and arrest arms dealers throughout the country.
• DRC: UN 'lied' in report on Bas-Congo killings - govt IRIN 18 Jun 2008 -- The government of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has dismissed as "mendacious" a UN report that accused police of killing 100 civilians in Bas-Congo province.

News Reports

• Italy Holds Tamil Tiger Members VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- Italian police have arrested some 30 suspected members of Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebel group in pre-dawn raids across the country, as part of a 2-year counter-terrorism investigation
• Zimbabwean violence threatens credibility of next week's polls - Ban UN News Centre 18 Jun 2008 -- The current violence, intimidation and arrest of opposition leaders in Zimbabwe are not conducive to credible elections, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities ahead of the presidential run-off round set for next week.
• US House of Representatives Criticizes Mugabe Government VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- In two resolutions, the U.S. House of Representatives criticizes Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe for ongoing political violence
• SOUTHERN AFRICA: Is Zimbabwe living up to SADC's electoral code? IRIN 18 Jun 2008 -- The degree of freedom and fairness in Zimbabwe's presidential election on 27 Junewillbe judged according to a 10-point guideline enshrined in the Principles forConductingDemocratic Elections of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
• Mbeki Meets Mugabe Amid Deepening Crisis in Zimbabwe VOA 18 Jun 2008 -- South African President Thabo Mbeki is meeting in Bulawayo with Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe before runoff presidential elections next week