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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 19 Feb 2009 [PDF]
• Feb. 18 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide overwatch AFNS 19 Feb 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF in Afghanistan during operations.
• Iraqi Minister of Defense discusses military, political issues AFNS 19 Feb 2009 -- Iraqi Minister of Defense: Iraq's military requires an air component capable of supporting its soldiers on the ground.
• On the Ground: U.S. Forces in Iraq Train Police, Soldiers AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- With US operations in Iraq shifting from providing security to ensuring Iraqi sovereignty, troops stepping up their training of Iraqi forces.
• Gates Says NATO Help in Afghanistan May Be Largely Civilian VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates will ask NATO allies to also send more troops to help provide security for the country's elections.
• Strykers Gear Up for New Mission in Afghanistan AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- The Army’s Stryker armored vehicle will get its first crack at the resurgent Taliban and terrorist strongholds in Afghanistan this summer.
• US Commander Predicts 'Tough Year' Ahead in Afghanistan VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Top US military commander in Afghanistan: Welcomed approval of 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan Commander Welcomes Additional Troops AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- The commander of NATO and US forces in Afghanistan: Pleased with President Obama’s authorization to send more troops to Afghanistan.
• US Considers Alternate Supply Routes into Afghanistan VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- The parliament in Kyrgyzstan has voted to evict U.S. forces from the Manas air base the United States has leased since 2001.
• Gates Says U.S. Would Pay More For Kyrgyz Base RFE/RL 19 Feb 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates: United States would consider paying more rent to continue using a strategic Kyrgyz air base.
• Gates Says Kyrgyz Base Expulsion Not Final VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates: Vote to terminate the US lease on air base not the last word on the subject.
• US Says Closure of Kyrgyzstan Air Base Will Not Harm Afghan Operations VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- State Department: Eviction of US from the Manas air base will not adversely affect operations in Afghanistan.
• Manas Air Base 'not irreplaceable,' official says AFNS 19 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted to close Manas Air Base, but a senior Pentagon official said closure would not affect operations.
• Kyrgyzstan Approves U.S. Air Base Closure, Threatening Afghan Supply Chain RFE/RL 19 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament has approved a government order closing the Manas air base.
• Kyrgyz Parliament Votes to Close US Military Base VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- The Kyrgyz parliament has voted to evict U.S. forces from Manas Air Base, a key supply point for Western forces fighting in Afghanistan.
• Kyrgyz parliament votes to close U.S. airbase RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted overwhelmingly to approve a presidential proposal to close a US airbase.
• Train to cross Russia with U.S. cargo for Afghanistan leaves Riga RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Train carrying non-lethal supplies for the US military in Afghanistan left Latvian port of Riga for transit through Russia.
• Gates Says NATO Positive on Call for More Help in Afghanistan VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- US SecDef Gates: Good response from NATO allies when he asked them to help provide security for elections in Afghanistan.
• Gates Encouraged by NATO Discussions on Afghanistan AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates said he is encouraged by discussions with NATO allies here today on the way forward in Afghanistan.
• Germany to send 600 additional troops to Afghanistan IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- Germany is to send 600 additional soldiers to Afghanistan to secure this summer's Afghan presidential elections.
• Iran, Afghanistan review expansion of relations IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- Visiting Iranian First Vice-President Davoudi conferred with his Afghan counterpart on mutual relations as well as regional developments.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Holloman receives new communication system AFNS 19 Feb 2009 -- Government computer users here recently received the capability to view news channels streamed over the network courtesy of Internet Protocol Television.
• Center helps with psychological health, traumatic brain injury AFNS 19 Feb 2009 -- A new 24-hour outreach center now provides information and referrals to military service members, veterans, their families and others with questions about psychological health and traumatic brain injury.
• USS George H.W. Bush Completes Builder's Trials Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- The Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to Norfolk Naval Base Feb. 16 following the completion of builder's sea trials that began Feb. 13.
• Blue Ridge Earns 2008 Battle "E" Award Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- After a year of hard work, training, and validations the amphibious command and control flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) received an official naval message Feb. 18 announcing they earned the Battle Effectiveness Award (Battle E) for sustained superior performance during 2008.
• Lewis and Clark Provides Afloat Staging Base for Counterpiracy Task Force Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) (LNC), crewed by civil service mariners, recently joined Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, greatly enhancing the group's capabilities to maintain forward presence while underway in support of counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
• John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Visits Hong Kong Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) arrived in Hong Kong Feb. 17, for a scheduled port visit during its western Pacific Ocean deployment.
• Essex in Pattaya for Port Visit Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Pattaya, Thailand Feb. 19 for a scheduled port visit.
• SECNAV, Officials Visit Southern Partnership Station in Nicaragua Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Donald C. Winter, U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Robert Callahan, United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears and other representatives of the U.S. and Nicaraguan armed forces visited the Southern Partnership Station (SPS) team here as they conducted training with members of the Nicaraguan military.
• Research to improve fiber optics and computing AFNS 19 Feb 2009 -- Celebrated physicist and researcher has overseen work leading to the first successful manipulation of coherent optical information.
• King's Bay Training Facility Prepares Trident Submariners AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- Members who serve aboard the US Navy's Trident missile submarines require specialized training and skills.
• Chairman Checks Out Nuclear Mission at North Dakota Base AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff noted progress USAF officials have made in the service’s nuclear weapons program.
• Essex Conducts Non-combatant Evacuation Operation Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- Sailors assigned USS Essex conducted a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation drill as part of Cobra Gold 2009.
• U.S. Fleet Forces to Commence Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield '09 Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- Navy shore installations and activities will participate in Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield '09.
• Panetta Sworn In as CIA Chief VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has sworn in Leon Panetta as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
• Gates to discuss US missile shield with Polish leaders IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- US Secretary of Defense Gates is due to meet with Polish leaders to discuss deployment of the missile shield in Poland.
• Poland seeks to host U.S. missile shield elements RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Warsaw hopes US will continue its plans to deploy missile shield elements in Poland.
• U.S., Poland Sign Special Ops Memo of Understanding AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates and Polish Defense Minister Klich signed a memorandum of understanding that will increase cooperation.
• Afghanistan, Georgia, Ukraine Top Agenda For NATO Defense Ministers RFE/RL 19 Feb 2009 -- NATO defense ministers have gathered in Krakow, Poland, for 2 days of talks.
• NATO to consider Russian concerns over its expansion RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- NATO will continue to expand, but will not ignore the concerns expressed by Russia on this issue.
• NATO Defense Ministers to Broach Dialogue with Russia VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates expects NATO defense ministers to discuss how to resume formal dialogue with Russia.
• NATO defense ministers hold two-day meeting in Poland RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- NATO defense ministers begin 2-day informal meeting to discuss urgent issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.
• N. Korea Stresses War Readiness on Eve of Clinton Visit to South VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- North Korea says it is prepared for war, in the latest sharpening of its rhetoric against South Korea and the United States.
• DPRK-Targeted War Exercises Staged KCNA 19 Feb 2009 -- The US imperialists and warmongers of the south Korean army more frantic in their arms build-up and exercises.
• KCNA Blasts U.S. and S. Korea's Preparations for War of Aggression against DPRK KCNA 19 Feb 2009 -- US and south Korea are reportedly contemplating rounding off a new joint operational plan.
• NATO Planning More Ships to Fight Somali Piracy VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- NATO officials say they are planning to send more ships to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia as part of the international effort to fight piracy.
• NATO eyes new anti-piracy operation off Somalia IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- NATO Spokesman Appathurai: Western military pact is to launch a new anti-piracy naval mission off the coast of Somalia next spring.
• USS Klakring Joins Standing NATO Martime Group 1 Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- USS Klakring joins the task group of ships comprising Standing NATO Martime Group 1.
• Russia says nuclear talks must involve all UN permanent members RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Russia: All permanent UN Security Council members take part in disarmament talks between Moscow and Washington.
• SCO regional security group to discuss Afghanistan in Moscow RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization planning to hold a conference on the situation in Afghanistan in Moscow.
• Kazakhstan to equip 10 battalions with S-300 air defense systems RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Kazakhstan plans to equip 10 battalions with S-300 air defense missile systems, with deliveries to begin in 2009.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 19, 2009
• BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED CONTRACT WORTH $50 MILLION TO UPGRADE CANADIAN NAVAL GUNS BAE Systems 19 Feb 2009 -- BAE Systems has been awarded a US $50 million contract from the Canadian navy to upgrade the 57 mm guns of its 12 Halifax-class patrol frigates from the Mk2 to Mk3 configuration.
• BAE SYSTEMS TO EQUIP U.S. ARMY STRYKER, ABRAMS VEHICLES WITH THERMAL CAMERAS BAE Systems 19 Feb 2009 -- BAE Systems will equip U.S. Army Stryker combat vehicles and M-1 Abrams tanks with thermal cameras so combat crews can "see" outside the vehicles while remaining inside
• EADS Defence & Security to modernise French military identification systems EADS 19 Feb 2009 -- EADS Defence & Security (DS) will ensure the reliability of the French Armed Forces’ friend-or-foe identification systems (IFF) by delivering state-of-the-art encryption equipment.
• Energy storage for naval applications: Saft and DCNS formalise their alliance in innovative technologies DCNS 19 Feb 2009 -- Saft and DCNS have just signed a framework agreement which reinforces their alliance in electrical energy storage technologies for military naval applications.
• Established Oshkosh Production Capabilities Accommodate Prompt Vehicle Delivery to U.S. Forces in Afghanistan Oshkosh 19 Feb 2009 -- A timely production turnaround will be critical to deliver MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) to the U.S. forces serving in Afghanistan. Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has the facilities, experience and capacity to deliver these M-ATV vehicles on time and in the quantities that are needed.
• Thales welcomes launch of defence technology centre Thales 19 Feb 2009 -- Chris Jenkins, managing director of Thales Australia, said the launch of the DMTC by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, the Hon Greg Combet, represented an important step forward for Australia's defence capability.
• U.S. Navy Awards General Dynamics Contract Extension for Production of F/A-18 Gun Systems General Dynamics 19 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $16 million contract extension for the production of M61A2 20mm automatic Gatling gun systems for use on F/A-18 fighter jets.
• L-3 Wins U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Contract L-3 Communications 19 Feb 2009 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Communication Systems-East (CS-East) division has been awarded a contract by Bollinger Shipyards to provide the C4ISR system for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fast Response Cutter (FRC) program.
• Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th Command Post Platform to the U.S. Army Northrop Grumman 19 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the 500th Command Post Platform (CPP) shelter system to the U.S. Army today during a ceremony at the company's Huntsville facility on Wall Triana Highway.
• SAIC Awarded $48 Million Task Order to Support the U.S. Army Human Resources Command SAIC 19 Feb 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced that it was awarded a task order from the Department of the Army, Contracting Center of Excellence to provide information technology (IT) and information management services to the U.S. Army Human Resource Command in support of the interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System (iPERMS).
• Astrium helps enable the maiden flight of the SIDM UAV in a foreign theatre of operations by supplying new satellite bandwidth in Afghanistan EADS 19 Feb 2009 -- The SIDM, which provides information to safeguard the French armed forces within a radius of several hundred kilometres, requires two civil Ku-band satellite links: a low data rate link for it to be remotely controlled from a ground station, and a high data rate link for it to send in real time the data collected (video, photos) during the flight.
• Northrop Grumman-Built Laser Demonstrates Long-Duration, Lethal Lasing Onboard Airborne Laser Aircraft Northrop Grumman 19 Feb 2009 -- The high-energy laser built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) successfully fired multiple long-duration blasts onboard the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Airborne Laser (ABL) during intensive ground tests concluded Feb. 12.
• Sukhoi confirms Su-35 deliveries to Russian Air Force in 2011 RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker confirmed that the Su-35 Flanker multi-role fighter would enter service in 2011.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 19 Feb 2009
• Head of UN aid agency 'extremely pleased' over Gaza visit of US pols UN News Centre 19 Feb 2009 -- Visits of three US legislators sign of change that could improve the situation on the ground.
• Three US Congressional Democrats visit Gaza IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- Three Congressional Democrats, including Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, visited Gaza.
• Is Geneva Agreement More Important Psychologically Than Militarily? RFE/RL 19 Feb 2009 -- One of the six points of agreement ending the conflict between Russia and Georgia was the convening in Geneva of talks on security and humanitarian issues.
• Former Insurgents Take Control of Mogadishu Checkpoints VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Troops from the Islamic Courts Union, a former insurgent group that now backs Somalia's new president, have taken over control of checkpoints in the capital Mogadishu from government soldiers.
• UN-supported training aims to boost DR Congo military justice system UN News Centre 19 Feb 2009 -- Close to 600 armed forces officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo slated to undergo a UN-backed military justice refresher course.
• Nigeria Says Delta Militants May Have Been Involved in Equatorial Guinea Attack VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Nigeria: conceivable that militants from Niger Delta behind attack on Equatorial Guinea's presidential palace.
• China Orders Security Forces to 'Crush' Support for Dalai Lama VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Chinese authorities calling on officials, security forces and the general public to "crush" any signs of support for the Dalai Lama.

News Reports

• Somalia to create maritime corridor to fight piracy - ambassador RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Somalia's new unity government will solve the problem of piracy by creating corridor through country's territorial waters.
• China Ready to Host Secretary Clinton VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- China is ready to host U.S. Secretary of State Clinton, who will be making her first trip to Beijing in her new position.
• Iraqi Election Results Strengthen Maliki's Allies VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Final results from Iraq's provincial elections show Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's allies have strengthened their standing across the country.
• Trial of Iraqi 'shoe' journalist to begin in Baghdad RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- The trial of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at then-U.S. president George Bush in December due to start in Baghdad.
• Iraqi Shoe Thrower Says Bush's Smile Forced Action VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush said Mr. Bush's icy smile forced him to act.
• Netanyahu Wins Key Backing in Israeli PM Contest VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Israeli President Shimon Peres is wrapping up consultations with political parties before he announces his decision on next Prime Minister.
• Egypt's Nour Rejects Ghad Leadership VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Freed Egyptian politician Ayman Nour says he will not resume his role as head of the opposition party al-Ghad, but would continue to work within its ranks.
• Egyptian Opposition Leader's Release Described as a Publicity Stunt VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- The Egyptian government has released a long time opposition leader ahead of President Hosni Mubarak's expected trip to the US.
• U.S. Supports Greater Regional Role For Turkey RFE/RL 19 Feb 2009 -- US President Obama called Turkish counterpart Gul along with PM Erdogan to affirm administration's support for Turkey's role.
• US Says Ecuadoran Expulsions Threaten Relationship VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- State Department: Ecuador's expulsion this month of U.S. diplomats "raises serious concerns" about country's interests.
• Madagascar Opposition Takes Over Government Ministries VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Opposition supporters in Madagascar say they have taken over four government ministry offices in their push to remove President Marc Ravalomanana from power.
• Madagascar Opposition Leader Urge's Supporters to Takeover Government Ministries VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Madagascar's main opposition leader Andry Rajoelina is urging his supporters to take over government ministries.
• MADAGASCAR: Deconstructing a crisis: Part Two IRIN 19 Feb 2009 -- The power tussle between Madagascar's President Ravalomanana and the charismatic former mayor of the capita has already claimed more than 100 lives.
• MADAGASCAR: No end in sight to standoff IRIN 19 Feb 2009 -- Representatives from the Southern African Development Community in Madagascar to facilitate talks between president and opposition leader.
• Lukashenko wants to boost EU confidence in Minsk's policies RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Belarusian President Lukashenko expressed hope that EU foreign policy chief Solana will be reassured.
• Ukraine opposition demands Ohryzko resign over envoy row RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Ukraine's opposition party submitted a draft bill demanding the FM resign over threats to expel Russia's envoy.
• Moscow blames captain of China's New Star for tragic sinking RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Russian Foreign Ministry: Captain of a Chinese cargo ship is to blame for the tragedy.
• China demands Russia investigate sinking of Chinese ship RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2009 -- Beijing urged Russia to conduct a probe into the sinking of a Chinese cargo ship off Russia's Pacific Coast.
• Thales Alenia Space delivers two deep space observatories to launch site Thales 19 Feb 2009 -- The Herschel and Planck satellites, built by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor for the European Space Agency, have arrived at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, for final preparations leading up to an Ariane 5 launch on April 16. These two space observatories, the most complex ever built in Europe, will be placed in orbit at a stable point 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, to ensure the thermal conditions needed to observe some of the coldest radiation in the Universe.