News

16 April 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

April 15 airpower summary: C-130s deliver for warfighters AFNS 16 Apr 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF troops in Afghanistan during operations.
Helicopter reset program ensures aircraft are ready to fly Army News 16 Apr 2009 -- Mannheim's Coleman Barracks is the site of some important work that directly helps Soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Security Gains Continue in Iraq, Despite Suicide Attacks AFPS 16 Apr 2009 -- Senior Pentagon spokesman: Though suicide bombings continue to be a threat, the security situation in Iraq continues to improve.
Suicide Bomber Kills 16 at Iraq Military Base VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Iraqi army officials say a suicide bomber has killed 16 soldiers at a military base west of Baghdad.
Hanscom Airmen to help Iraqis control, defend their airspace AFNS 16 Apr 2009 -- Members of the 350th Electronic Systems Group here are working to bolster Iraq's air force with to better defend country's airspace.

AFGHANISTAN: Insecurity, lack of cash threaten development projects IRIN 16 Apr 2009 -- Lack of funds and increasing insecurity are slowing and sometimes halting the progress of projects by the National Solidarity Programme (NSP), a community-based country-wide development initiative, the government has said.
U.S., Afghan Forces Detain Two, Find Weapons AFPS 16 Apr 2009 -- Coalition and Afghan forces detained two suspected insurgents and discovered weapons in recent operations throughout Afghanistan.
154th Transportation Company repositioned to Afghanistan Army News 16 Apr 2009 -- Second time in 3 weeks a 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) unit has moved directly from one theater to another.
US Defense Chief: US Must Not Lose Support of Afghan People VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Afghan President Karzai summoned US/NATO commander in Afghanistan to demand an explanation for continuing civilian casualties.
Afghan President Demands Explanation from US, NATO on Civilian Deaths VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Afghan President Karzai demanded an explanation for recent civilian deaths during military operations.
Soldiers in Afghanistan Get Dirty to Stay Connected AFPS 16 Apr 2009 -- Paratroopers at Forward Operating Base Salerno here are busy running fiber-optic lines to keep critical lines of communication open.

Car bomb kills 15 in northwest Pakistan RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- A suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into a police checkpoint in Tangi in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda District.
Nine policemen among 18 people killed in suicide attack in Pakistan IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- A suicide bomber rammed his explosive-packed vehicle into a check post, killing 9 policemen and 9 civilians.
Pakistan admits differences with US over drone attacks IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan on admitted that it has differences with the United States over the sensitive issue of drone attacks into its territory.
Pakistani delays release of Taliban-linked cleric IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan delayed release of prayers leader of Islamabad's Red Mosque.
Pakistani court orders release of Taliban-linked cleric IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered release of prayers leader of Islamabad’s Red Mosque.

Defense Policy / Programs

Statement of President Barack Obama on Release of OLC Memos The White House 16 Apr 2009

The End Of The U.S. War On Terror RFE/RL 16 Apr 2009 -- Do you remember where you were the day the "global war on terror" ended?
Remarks by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at the Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. DoD 16 Apr 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
Navy Commissions New Guided Missile Destroyer Stockdale DoD 16 Apr 2009 -- The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Stockdale, during an 11:00 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Port Hueneme, Calif.
Organization, Administration Crucial to Success of CP09 Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- As many people have witnessed firsthand, hospitals can be hectic and confusing places. The organization of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is crucial to the success of the Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09) mission.
OICC MCI East Awards its First ARRA Contract to Local Contractor Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 that was signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17 will provide approximately $17 million in Military Construction and $40 million in Operations and Maintenance projects at three Marine Corps installations.
Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe, USS Klakring Foster Friendship, Cooperation with Montenegro Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe hosted the president of Montenegro and senior officials aboard USS Klakring (FFG 42) during a brief port visit to the Adriatic nation April 14.
Comfort Releases First Patient During Continuing Promise 2009 Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- The first patient treated aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2009 was discharged April 15.
NAVFAC EURSWA Provides New State-of-the-Art Commissary for Camp Darby Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia's (NAVFAC EURSWA) Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Vicenza presented Camp Darby with a new $7 million commissary on Mar. 26.
Navy Leads, Invests in Marine Mammal Science Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- The Navy has spent $100 million on marine mammal research over the past five years, including $26 million this year. No organization in the world does more to fund marine mammal research.
Fourth Fleet Commander Stresses SPS Achievement Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/ U.S. 4th Fleet, visited high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) and the Sailors and Marines of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) as they carried out their mission in Jamaica, April 15.
Warfighters Top Budget Priorities, Gates Says AFPS 16 Apr 2009 -- Gates: Making sure warfighters have everything they need “to fight, to win and to survive “overriding priority” of FY10 Defense Budget request.
Gates Discusses Tough Decisions, Congressional Oversight AFPS 16 Apr 2009 -- Gates has had many hard decisions to make, but none compare to the difficulty of sending men and women into combat.
National Guard Connects Military, American People, Gates Says AFPS 16 Apr 2009 -- Gates: National Guard is one of the best connections between the armed forces and the public.
Secretary Gates recognizes Aviation warfighting role Army News 16 Apr 2009 -- Secretary of Defense Gates' visit highlighted the needs Army Aviation has.
Aviation forensics team protects crews Army News 16 Apr 2009 -- The Joint Combat Assessment Team identifies ways to help protect through the collection of forensic evidence from downed aircraft.
MIARNG converts to innovative water-based painting system Army News 16 Apr 2009 -- The Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Lansing is only full re-painting facility for the Michigan Army National Guard.
New Department Stands Up to Improve Communication and Maritime Security Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- Commander, NAVEUR-NAVAF/C6F established the Maritime Liaison Unit at NSA Capodichino, Italy, March 26.
Kunsan fighters participate in Red Flag-Alaska AFNS 16 Apr 2009 -- Approximately 150 Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing are at Eielsen Air Force Base, Alaska to participate in Red Flag-Alaska.
F-22 exchange pilot helps strengthen U.S., Australian ties AFNS 16 Apr 2009 -- A Royal Australian Air Force pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron had opportunity to fly USAF's premier fighter.
NCOs guide German counterparts through weapons training Army News 16 Apr 2009 -- Having noncommissioned officers from US Army unite with German soldiers seems appropriate.
CBRNE: Training that matters AFNS 16 Apr 2009 -- Airmen enhance their skills from life saving techniques to ensuring aircraft are able to carry out global operation contingencies.
Regional Nations, Industry Leaders Attend Communications Conference Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- Top US leaders in the communications field, as well as representatives from 7 nations attended the inaugural Gulf Region Communications Conference.
Navy Aids Air Force With Facility Aimed at Enhancing Quality of Life Navy NewsStand 16 Apr 2009 -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the opening of a $5 million Consolidated Support Center at USAF Aviano Air Base.

Pakistan: US is not sincere in giving aid IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- Pakistani cabinet minister: US is not sincere in giving aid to his country and is only 'creating disruption among the people of Pakistan'.

Russia Urges NATO to Call Off Exercises in Georgia VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Russia is urging NATO to postpone military exercises in Georgia scheduled to start next month.
Russia's Lavrov criticizes NATO over plans for drills in Georgia RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Russia's FM: Exercises in Georgia could give the Georgian regime a sense of impunity.
Senior Russian senator hits out at U.S. nuclear deterrence report RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Senior Russian politician: "Surprise" and "indignation" at report that calls for "minimal nuclear deterrence."

Lack of Effective Somali Government Root of Piracy Problem, Experts Say VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Piracy off the coast of Somalia has become a multi-million dollar business as armed Somali gunmen attack all sorts of vessels.
Use Of Force May Not Be Enough To Deter Somali Pirates VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Debate continues about how to combat the growing piracy off Somalia's coast.
Russian warships to resume Horn of Africa patrols in late April RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- A task force from Russia's Pacific Fleet will resume anti-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa in late April.

Uzbekistan has no plans to quit CSTO - secretary general RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization dismissed reports that Uzbekistan was going to pull out of regional security group.

Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Apr 2009
Press Gaggle By White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Aboard Air Force One En Route To Mexico City 4/16/2009 The White House 16 Apr 2009
Press Briefing to Preview The President's Trip to The Summit Of The Americas, 4/16/2009 The White House 16 Apr 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 16, 2009
BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED $23.8 MILLION FOR CAIMAN MRAP PARTS AND SUPPORT BAE Systems 16 Apr 2009 -- BAE Systems received a contract modification worth $23.8 million for replacement and spare parts, instructor and maintenance support and other services for Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
BAE Systems delivers 500th M777 Howitzer to US Forces BAE Systems 16 Apr 2009 -- BAE Systems workers today celebrated delivery of the 500th M777 howitzer to the US military.
Recovery Plan: Order placed for third Projection and Command Vessel DCNS 16 Apr 2009 -- As part of the Government’s recovery plan, STX France and DCNS have been given the contract to build the French Navy’s third Projection and Command Vessel (BPC) for the French Navy.
Oshkosh Defense Awarded $23 Million Delivery Order for Logistics Vehicle System Replacements Oshkosh 16 Apr 2009 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today it has received a delivery order from Marine Corps System Command (MARCORSYSCOM) for more than 55 Logistics Vehicle System Replacements (LVSR). The delivery order is worth more than $23 million and also includes delivery of 30 LVSR weapons mount kits. The LVSR variant produced under this delivery order will be the cargo truck. The delivery order was issued under an indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity contract with MARCORSYSCOM from 2006 for up to 1,700 LVSRs.
Preliminary Design Review Validates Technological Maturity of Future Combat Systems Common Controller Boeing 16 Apr 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Science Applications International Corp. [NYSE: SAI], together the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) modernization program, today announced that the program's Common Controller has successfully completed its preliminary design review (PDR).
Boeing Receives Southern Hemisphere's 1st NATA Accreditation for E3 Testing Boeing 16 Apr 2009 -- Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], has become the first company in the Southern Hemisphere with the authority to test medium-sized military and commercial aircraft, and a range of other military equipment and commercial platforms, for electromagnetic environmental effects (E3).
Northrop Grumman Successfully Delivers Amphibious Assault Ship Makin Island (LHD 8) to U.S. Navy Northrop Grumman 16 Apr 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector delivered to the U.S. Navy today one of the nation's newest and most advanced ships, the amphibious-assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) during a short ceremony held on the vessel's flight deck.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 16 Apr 2009

Russia Announces Formal End Of 'Counterterror' Operation In Chechnya RFE/RL 16 Apr 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev'sdecree ending operation in Chechnya touted as major propaganda victory for Chechen Republic head Kadyrov.
Russia Ends Counterterrorism Operation in Chechnya VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Russia has ended its decade-long counterterrorism operation in Chechnya.
Counter-terrorism operation ends in Chechnya RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- The counter-terrorism operation that was launched in Russia's volatile republic of Chechnya in 1999 finished at midnight.

Israel to withdraw from Lebanon's Ghajar by late April RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Israel will pull its troops out of the northern part of the village of Ghajar, which straddles the Lebanese border, by late April.
US Envoy Launches Mideast Peace Mission VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- President Barack Obama's point man in the Middle East is on his third peace mission to the region.

US Urges Halt to Sri Lanka Fighting to Save Trapped Civilians VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- US appealed to the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels to immediately halt fighting to allow trapped civilians to escape.
Sri Lanka: heavy fighting resumes after two-day pause - UN UN News Centre 16 Apr 2009 -- After the end of the two-day lull in fighting in northern Sri Lanka, intense fighting – including small arms fire, mortar fire and aerial attacks – has been reported in the so-called no-fire zone.
SRI LANKA: Two-day ceasefire "inadequate", says UN IRIN 16 Apr 2009 -- The UN has described the two-day cease-fire declared by the Sri Lankan government as “inadequate” in easing the plight of Tamil civilians.
Tamil MPs urge India to tell Sri Lanka to stop war IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- Tamil MPs from Sri Lanka have urged New Delhi to put pressure on Colombo to stop the war to protect civilians trapped in the conflict zone.

CHAD: Instability threatens demobilisation of child soldiers IRIN 16 Apr 2009 -- On paper rebels and the military in Chad are in agreement: a child should not be part of any armed forces. But renewed insecurity over the last few months has triggered an increase in child recruitment, humanitarian workers say.
Somalia Violence Spikes VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- A Somali Islamist military commander allied with the government has been shot and killed in the capital Mogadishu, a day after a lawmaker was gunned down.
Abkhazia says no need for EU peace observers RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Abkhazia's leader reiterated that his republic does not want peace observers from the European Union, but said they should continue to be deployed in neighboring Georgia as a safeguard against aggression.
US Senator Kerry Expected to Meet Sudan's Vice President Thursday VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- United States Senator John Kerry expected to meet Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha and other government officials.
UN peacekeeping mission, DR Congo set up joint coordination centres UN News Centre 16 Apr 2009 -- UN peacekeeping mission in DRC and the country's armed forces have established 2 joint coordination centres.
Côte d'Ivoire: UN envoy confers with Prime Minister to boost peace progress UN News Centre 16 Apr 2009 -- Top United Nations envoy in the divided country met with its prime minister on boosting progress on the ground.
Colombian Rebels to Free Hostage Held for 11 Years VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Colombia's FARC rebels said they plan to free a military hostage after holding him captive for 11 years, in a move they hope will lead to a hostage exchange with the government.

Turkey Begins Dig for Missing Kurds VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- State prosecutors in Turkey have ordered the excavation of several sites around Turkey that they say may hold Kurdish victims of state death squads from the 1980s and 1990s.
Judge at UN-backed Lebanon tribunal demands reasons for detentions UN News Centre 16 Apr 2009 -- Continued detention in Lebanon of persons of interest in the bomb blast that killed former PM Hariri must be substantiated before the end of the month.

News Reports

US, Mexico Leaders Pledge Cooperation on Economy, Drugs VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- President Obama and Mexican President Calderon have pledged to overhaul their countries' bilateral relationship.
Obama Heads to Mexico to Discuss Border Security, Drug War VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- US President Obama arrives in Mexico, the first leg of a trip that will take him to meet with western hemisphere leaders.

Rescued American Ship Captain Arrives in Kenya VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- The American ship captain held hostage by pirates for days off the coast of Somalia arrived safely in the Kenyan port of Mombassa.

Russia hopes U.S. fully lifts economic embargo on Cuba RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry hopes the United States will end its 50-year trade and economic embargo against Cuba.

Pakistan's Sharif party will not join gov't IRNA 16 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan's main party, led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said it will not join the ruling coalition but will support the government.

India Completes First Phase of Voting in National Election VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- At least 18 people were killed as India's voters cast ballots in the first part of a five-stage election in the world's largest democracy.
Polls open in India for world's largest election RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Tens of millions of people throughout India began voting , in a month-long election that is unlikely to produce an outright winner.
Indians Vote in National Election VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- The first of five phases of voting has begun in India, which is holding the world's largest parliament elections.

Decision to investigate ex-Chechen president's death overruled RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Russia's top investigators overruled a decision to resume a probe into the 2004 death of Chechen president Akhmad Kadyrov.
Investigation resumes into 2004 death of first Chechen president RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- The Investigation Committee of the Southern Federal District Prosecutor's Office has resumed a probe into the death of Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov.

Thailand's Anti-Government Protests End, but Questions Linger VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- While calm has returned to Bangkok after a week of political turmoil, Thailand's deep political divisions remain.
Thaksin Wants Thai King to Intervene in Political Crisis VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Thailand's fugitive former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has repeated his appeal for the country's king to intervene in the political crisis.

EU Envoy In Tbilisi As Opposition Hints At Negotiation RFE/RL 16 Apr 2009 -- As antigovernment protests in Georgia enter their eighth day, splits appear to be emerging among the opposition over possible talks with President Mikheil Saakashvili.
Georgian opposition organizes 'defense units' to preserve order RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2009 -- Protest organizers in Tbilisi, who are demanding that President Mikheil Saakashvili step down, have established unarmed "defense units" to maintain order.

Tensions Escalate Between Moldova And Romania RFE/RL 16 Apr 2009 -- The Moldovan authorities are in the process of recounting ballots from the April 5 general election, which opposition parties say was rigged.

Pirate attacks could ramp up hunger in Africa, warns UN agency UN News Centre 16 Apr 2009 -- Several ships carrying United Nations emergency relief supplies bound for Somalia have become the latest victims of piracy off the Horn of Africa, prompting the World Food Programme (WFP) to express concern that millions of people in the strife-torn region could go hungry.
Tajik President Warns Of 'Political Disorder' RFE/RL 16 Apr 2009 -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said in his annual address to parliament that Tajikistan faces a threat of "political disorder."
Nigeria Sets Up Halliburton Bribery Panel, but Analyst Says All a Publicity Stunt VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Nigerian government announced it has set up a board of inquiry to investigate a multi-million dollar bribery scandal.
Opposition COPE Vows to Win South Africa Election Despite ANC Dominance VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- COPE has vowed to win South Africa's general election despite the overwhelming support the ruling African National Congress.
ZIMBABWE: Mugabe grabs an MDC ministry IRIN 16 Apr 2009 -- Zimbabwean President Mugabe's seizure of a ministry controlled by PM Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is casting more doubt on his commitment to the fledgling power-sharing deal.
Ethiopia's Opposition Holds First Rally Since 2005 VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Supporters of imprisoned Ethiopian political leader Birtukan Mideksa have marched in the streets of Addis Ababa to demand her release.
Mauritania's Military Ruler Steps Down to Run for President VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- Mauritania's military ruler has stepped down to stand as a candidate for president in June elections.
Fiji Heads Toward International Isolation as Democracy Fades VOA 16 Apr 2009 -- As Fiji's armed forces tighten their grip over the troubled South Pacific archipelago, there are warnings the country risks further international isolation and economic hardship.
MADAGASCAR: Ravalomanana to return home IRIN 16 Apr 2009 -- Deposed Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana will return to the island state under the protection of the 13-member regional body, the Southern African Development Community.

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