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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 13 Mar 2009 [PDF]
• DoD News: DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
• March 12 airpower summary: F-15Es interrupt mortar attack AFNS 13 Mar 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the ISAF in Afghanistan during operations.
• Battlespace command, control center protects region AFNS 13 Mar 2009 -- USAF's newest Battlespace, Command and Control Center officially opened Feb. 26 adding new systems and upgraded capabilities.
• Air Guard engineers prepare for involuntary deployment AFNS 13 Mar 2009 -- Air National Guard civil engineer squadrons will involuntary deploy overseas in historic numbers and scope during next 2 years.
• Baghdad's New Security Steps In North Worry Kurds RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- Iraqi PM al-Maliki turning his attention to northern regions where tensions are high between Arab Sunnis, Turcomans, and Kurds.
• On the Ground: U.S. Forces Perform Dual Role in Securing, Developing Iraq AFPS 13 Mar 2009 -- U.S. forces in Iraq increasingly are working on civil affairs projects to develop the country, while continuing to provide security so that progress can happen throughout, military officials report.
• Iraqi Government Invites Baathists To Join Political Process RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- Senior official has praised PM al-Maliki's message encouraging former Baathists to join the country’s political process.
• Turkish Warplanes Strike Kurdish Rebels in Iraq VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- Turkish military officials said warplanes have hit Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq.
• Obama's Afghanistan Strategy Begins to Emerge VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- President Obama expected to announce his strategy for Afghanistan before the end of the month, after secretive, two-month review.
• Afghanistan As Catalyst For U.S.-Iran Cooperation RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- In a ground-breaking counternarcotics operation, Iranian, Afghan, and Pakistani forces have cooperated in arrests and the seizure of illicit drugs
• UN agreement with Pakistan allows Afghan refugees to extend their stay UN News Centre 13 Mar 2009 -- The Pakistani Government today reached an agreement with the United Nations refugee agency allowing some 1.7 million Afghans to continue sheltering in their country until the end of 2012.
• Upcoming elections pose crucial test for Afghanistan - UN report UN News Centre 13 Mar 2009 -- The Government and people of Afghanistan, as well as their international partners, face a critical test in 2009.
• Security in Afghanistan Sets Conditions for Future, Mullen Says AFPS 13 Mar 2009 -- Providing security for Afghan people until they can provide their own will help set the conditions needed to move the country forward, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday during a Public Broadcasting Service interview.
• NMCB 5 Completes Turnover in Afghanistan with NMCB 7 Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 arrived in Afghanistan and turned over the main deployment site for Seabees deployed to Afghanistan from NMCB 7.
• U.S. Keeping Close Eye on Pakistan, Chairman Says AFPS 13 Mar 2009 -- US officials are keeping a close watch on the current unrest in Pakistan, a country that is key to NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan.
• U.S. Ambassador To NATO Talks About The Way Forward In South Asia RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- NATO will ultimately succeed in bringing peace to Afghanistan because success will depend on the power of ideas.
• NATO Chief's Aide Discusses What 'Greater Engagement' With Pakistan Means RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has called for NATO to increase engagement with Pakistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Multinational consortium celebrates milestone of first C-17 AFNS 13 Mar 2009 -- Twelve nations simultaneously came a step closer to fulfilling their national strategic airlift requirements today as a single C-17 Globemaster III reached a key manufacturing milestone here.
• Air Guard Engineers Prepare for Involuntary Deployment AFPS 13 Mar 2009 -- Air National Guard civil engineer squadrons comprising hundreds of construction and repair experts will involuntary deploy overseas in historic numbers and scope over the next two years, senior Air Guard officials said.
• Standardization Program Presents Annual Achievement Awards DoD 13 Mar 2009 -- Three individuals and Five Teams have won awards from the Defense Standardization Program Office (DSPO) for outstanding contributions to the Department of Defense last fiscal year
• DoD News: Navy Secretary Departs Office DoD 13 Aug 2009 -- The 74th Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter, resigned his office today as planned
• Abraham Lincoln's AIMD Nominated For Phoenix Award Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was nominated for the Secretary of Defense Maintenance (Phoenix) Award Feb. 20 by the commander of Naval Air Forces for its maintenance accomplishments.
• Combat Center paves way for ‘going green’ USMC News 13 Mar 2009 -- The Combat Center is on its way to making a greener footprint on the environment by becoming the first Marine Corps base on the West Coast to install E-85, a type of ethanol fuel used in flex-fuel automobiles
• International Marines unite for Africa Partnership Station Nashville USMC News 13 Mar 2009 -- One Portuguese and five Spanish Marines joined the U.S. Marines on USS Nashville (LPD 13) while in port at Rota, Spain, and are currently taking part in Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville
• Tank Marines take responsibilities as quick reaction force USMC News 13 Mar 2009 -- "First to fight" is a phrase that often comes to mind when referring to the Marine Corps. Not only is being the first to engage the enemy very important, but reacting quickly to a call for assistance or help is imperative
• Lioness Program ‘pride’ of the Corps USMC News 13 Mar 2009 -- When the focus of military operations in Iraq shifted from direct combat actions to stabilization and peacekeeping missions, Marines in combat units manning tactical control points throughout the country began using search and seizure methods to capture insurgents trying to smuggle weapons and other contraband through the checkpoints
• MCTOG helps Marines stay one step ahead of enemy USMC News 13 Mar 2009 -- The scope of the modern battlefield is constantly changing; new enemies, weapons, tactics and terrain are frequently encountered
• Wyoming Welcomes New Captain Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue) commanding officer at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. March 13.
• Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11 Disestablished Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- In preparation for transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon, Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11 was disestablished March 6 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville Hangar 1000.
• Seabees' "Can Do" Going Strong After 67 Years Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- The U.S. Naval Construction Force (NCF) shares a proud past with the island of Guam and the region through its contributions to mission readiness in the areas of construction and reconstruction of vital facilities and infrastructure.
• Navy Responds to Environmental Threat Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- Naval Sea System Command's (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) supported the removal of more than 10,000 gallons of fuel starting March 9 near historic St. George, Alaska.
• Dedicating a New Satellite Communications Facility in Hawaii Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- Development of the first global third generation (3G) cellular communications network reached an important milestone March 3, with the dedication of an antenna site at Naval Computers and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
• USS Toledo Returns to Groton After More Than Two Years Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) returned to Submarine Base New London March 13 following maintenance and modernization upgrades.
• Fleet Forces Command Announces 2009 Direct Reporting Activity Sea, Shore SOYs Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) announced the 2009 USFF Direct Reporting Activity (DRA) sea and shore Sailors of the year (SOY) March 12, at the USFF Headquarters in Norfolk.
• USS Alaska Finishes On Time and Under Budget at NNSY Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- The fleet ballistic missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) finished its 27.5 month availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) on schedule and under cost March 8, successfully marking the first East Coast overhaul of a SSBN.
• NAVFAC Contracts Support Expeditionary Warfighter Readiness Navy NewsStand 13 Mar 2009 -- The Department of the Navy issued a multiple award contract for integrated logistics support for the Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC) March 4. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all three contracts combined is $30 million.
• Japan says 'ready to shoot down N. Korean long-range missile' RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2009 -- Japan is ready to intercept a North Korean rocket if it appears to threaten the country's security.
• AF Africa commander addresses continental challenges AFNS 13 Mar 2009 -- Commander of USAF Africa spoke about the increasingly focused role the US taking to bolster Africa's air capabilities.
• Russian envoy accuses NATO of trying to compete with UN RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2009 -- Russia's NATO envoy accused alliance of trying to take on a global role, competing with the United Nations.
• Inspections of Russian fighter jets reveal signs of corrosion RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2009 -- Many of the Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter planes grounded after crash have shown signs of metal corrosion.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 13 Mar 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/13/09 The White House 13 Mar 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 13, 2009
• Future Combat Systems Unmanned Vehicles Complete Preliminary Design Reviews Boeing 13 Mar 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Science Applications International Corp. [NYSE: SAI], together the Lead Systems Integrator for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) modernization program, today announced that the program has successfully completed preliminary design reviews (PDR) for all its unmanned vehicle systems (UVS).
• General Dynamics Awards $5 Million Contract to JWF Defense Systems for Stryker Driver Enhancement Kits General Dynamics 13 Mar 2009 -- General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada has awarded a $4.8 million contract to JWF Defense Systems of Johnstown, Penn., for the production of 805 Stryker Driver Enhancement Kits. Kits will be delivered between April and June 2009.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 13 Mar 2009
• Israelis Rally for Captive Soldier Held in Gaza VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated at a protest tent outside the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem demanding the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit.
• Palestinian rights group says 1,434 killed in Israeli airstrikes RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2009 -- Palestinian rights organization issued a report confirming that 1,434 people, mainly civilians, killed during Gaza operation.
• Darfur: after ouster of aid groups, UN focuses on minimizing immediate risks UN News Centre 13 Mar 2009 -- The United Nations system is focusing on the immediate risks posed to the 4.7 million people dependent on humanitarian aid in Sudan's war-racked Darfur region after the ordered expulsion of 13 aid groups, a spokesperson for the Organization said today.
• SUDAN: South preparing for possible influx from Darfur IRIN 13 Mar 2009 -- The expulsion or closure of 16 relief agencies in Darfur could trigger an exodus into Southern Sudan, aid officials warned.
• UN Says Expulsion of Aid Agencies From Darfur Causing Conditions to Worsen VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- UN aid agencies said the humanitarian situation in Sudan's conflict ridden province of Darfur is very bad and getting worse.
• Sri Lanka: actions by Government forces, rebels possible war crimes - UN rights chief UN News Centre 13 Mar 2009 -- Top UN rights official deplored the mounting deaths and injuries of civilians due to conflict in northern Sri Lanka.
• EU Prepares Hand-Over in Chad VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- Some 3,200 European Union troops are wrapping up a year-long mission in Chad this week and will hand over their duties to the United Nations.
• Bangladeshi Army officers blame PM Hasina for BDR mutiny IRNA 13 Mar 2009 -- Bangladeshi Army officers shouted down PM Sheikh Hasina at a private meeting, blaming her for the murder of over 70 officers.
• Mutinous Troops in Madagascar Say They Control Army Tanks VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- In Madagascar, mutinous troops say they control the army's tanks but deny they are planning to attack the presidential palace.

News Reports

• At Last, 'The End Of History' RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- The world is experiencing a paradigm shift that will fundamentally change how we think and live.
• Obama Administration Begins Outreach to Latin America VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- The Obama administration has begun moving on several fronts to repair strained U.S. relations with Latin America.
• Iranian President Shrugs Off US Renewal of Sanctions VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- Iranian President Ahmedinejad: Country is self-reliant and is therefore not worried about U.S. economic sanctions.
• Obama Extends U.S. Sanctions Against Iran RFE/RL 13 Mar 2009 -- US President Obama has extended US sanctions against Iran for at least another year.
• Chinese premier defends Tibet record, says China open to talks RIA Novosti 13 Mar 2009 -- China will continue to talk with representatives of the Dalai Lama, if leader puts an end to "separatist activity."
• Pakistani President accepts 'some' demands to end political crisis IRNA 13 Mar 2009 -- Pakistani President Zardari has accepted some demands to end the deepening political crisis in the country.
• Pakistan Seeks Talks With Opposition VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- Officials in President Asif Zardari's office said he is seeking talks with opposition groups to end two days of anti-government demonstrations.
• Pakistani police block anti-govt protest march IRNA 13 Mar 2009 -- Police in the Pakistani port city of Karachi blocked hundreds of lawyers and political activists from anti-government march on the capital.
• No permission to lawyers, opposition parties' to stage-in outside IRNA 13 Mar 2009 -- The parliament was toldthat participants of an anti-government march will not be allowed to stage sit-in outside the parliament.
• Islamic courts start function in Pakistan's insurgency-hit Swat IRNA 13 Mar 2009 -- Islamic courts started function in Swat valley under an agreement signed last month by a cleric and the provincial government.
• Somalia: top UN envoy praises new Government, urges full support UN News Centre 13 Mar 2009 -- UN's top envoy for Somalia lauded progress made in the past month by the new Government.