News

01 May 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 01 May 2009 [PDF]
DoD News: DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
Service members killed during combat operations Multi National Force – West

Terrorist Suspects Killed During Iraq Operations AFPS 01 May 2009 -- Acting on a warrant, coalition advisors operating with Iraq's 4th Emergency Response Battalion killed two suspected terrorists.
Sweathogs return home from Iraq USMC News 01 May 2009 -- Marines and sailors from Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 returned to Fightertown April 23 and 25 from a seven-month deployment to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq
3 US Servicemen Killed in Iraq VOA 01 May 2009 -- The U.S. military in Iraq says two Marines and one sailor were killed during combat operations against enemy forces.
Carter Hall Helps Train the Iraqi Navy to Provide Security for Oil Platforms Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Situated in the northern reaches of the Arabian Gulf lie Iraq's two oil platforms (OPLATS) – Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) and Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT). From these two steel structures, Iraq's oil is pumped to the global market. The revenue generated fuels Iraq's economy and reconstruction.
Deploying brigade to test 'advise and assist' concept Army News 01 May 2009 -- A city manager's course, civil affairs training and a border patrol class have not been typical training for BCTs headed to Iraq - until now.
ISF open Joint Coordination Center in Bayji Army News 01 May 2009 -- After months of coordination, construction and training, the new $500,000 Iraqi-funded Bayji Joint Coordination Center officially opened.
Renewed calls for Iraq inquiry as UK troops withdraw IRNA 01 May 2009 -- Opposition MPs are joining peace campaigners in stepping up demands for an immediate inquiry into the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Joint Forces Kill 15 Militants, Detain Seven in Afghanistan AFPS 01 May 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed 15 militants, wounded 12 and detained one in the Arghandab district of Afghanistan's Zabol province.
Vehicle maintainers travel rough road AFNS 01 May 2009 -- Vehicle maintenance conducted in the most equipped garages can still present its fair share of challenges. For vehicle maintainers assigned to the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team here, garages, a well-stocked supply warehouse and proper tools are a remote luxury not often afforded here.
Forces in Afghanistan Battle Militants in South VOA 01 May 2009 -- The U.S. military in Afghanistan says coalition and Afghan forces killed 15 militants during an operation in the southern province of Zabul.
U.S. Afghanistan Strategy Strengthens Germany's Effort AFPS 01 May 2009 -- The focus on civil matters as well as security strengthens the reconstruction mission that has been the focus of Germany's efforts.
UK builds mock Afghan village for army training IRNA 01 May 2009 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence has built a mock Afghan village to help prepare troops for military operations in Afghanistan.
60th Engineers deploy Army News 01 May 2009 -- The 60th Engineer Company (Vertical), 11th Engineer Battalion, deployed to Afghanistan.

Heavy Fighting Continues As Pakistan Army Battles Taliban VOA 01 May 2009 -- Pakistan's military killed 55 to 60 Taliban militants in the last 24 hours in heavy fighting in Taliban-held areas of the northwest.
Pakistan on the Offensive Against Taliban Insurgency in Northwestern Region VOA 01 May 2009 -- Pakistani military is currently engaged in an offensive in the country's northwestern region pursuing Taliban militants.
Pakistan forces gain success against militants in northwest: army IRNA 01 May 2009 -- Pakistani security forces cleared several areas of Taliban-linked militants in the northwestern Buner district.
Pakistan Army Pounds Taliban Militants in Northwest VOA 01 May 2009 -- Pakistani military: Up to 60 militants have been killed in the last 24 hours of a major offensive against Taliban fighters in the northwest.
Pakistan PM urges nation to stand against militants IRNA 01 May 2009 -- PM Gilani: Operation in the country's northwest against the militants is meant to re-establish the writ of the constitution in those parts.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Defense Secretary Urges Funding for Afghanistan, Iraq Wars VOA 01 May 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates: US Congress should approve more funds for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
LOGCAP challenges on Southwest Asia outlined Army News 01 May 2009 -- Logistics Civil Augmentation Program personnel assigned to Southwest Asia confront daunting and even contradictory challenges in the performance of their duties.

Multinational Naval Force Sinks ex-USS Connolly Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- On the morning of April 29 the ex-USS Connolly (DD 979) served as the target for a sinking exercise (SINKEX), the highlight of the annual exercise UNITAS Gold.
Army issues recall for some combat helmets Army News 01 May 2009 -- The Army has issued a recall of 34,218 Advanced Combat Helmets which failed ballistic tests.
Recovery Funds Pave the Way for Runway Repair Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai will have its runway repaired thanks to a $20 million dollar contract awarded to Bulltrack-Watts, a Joint-Venture, on April 28, by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii, using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.
NAVFAC Southeast Awards Contract to Area Company Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $43.1 million indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for various types of paving on board Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga. on April 15 to EJS Contracting, Inc. [an 8(a) company] out of Albany, Ga.
UNITAS Gold Welcomes Mexican Navy Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- The Mexican patrol vessel ARM Oaxaca (PO-161) participated along with ships from 11 nations in the sinking exercise (SINKEX) of the former ex-USS Connelly (DD 975) April 29 during UNITAS Gold.
First ARRA Contract Awarded on Guam to Small Business Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas awarded a $3.4 million firm-fixed price, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contract award on April 30 to Guam-based small business, Tumon Corporation, for the repair and modernization of a bachelor quarters building at Camp Covington, Naval Base Guam.
NAVFAC Hawaii Awards its First ARRA Contract Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii awarded its first contract funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on April 24 to Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc., of Aiea, Hawaii for $10.6 million to repair wharf S1 at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
UNITAS Gold Participants Practice MIO, Replenishment at Sea Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Maritime forces participating in UNITAS Gold practiced maritime interdiction operations (MIO) and replenishment-at-sea (RAS) techniques April 26.
Sealift Logistics Command Pacific Holds Change of Command Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Sealift Logistics Command Pacific (SEALOGPAC), the San Diego-based U.S. Navy command responsible for operational control of Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships in the Eastern Pacific, changed command during a ceremony aboard fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) at Naval Station San Diego May 1.
NAVFAC Southeast Awards First ARRA Projects Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded two contracts last week as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for work at two installations in the Southeast.
USS Mustin Visits Donghae, Republic of Korea Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Donghae, Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled port visit April 30.
Seabees Start Training Early for Field Exercise Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Wearing outer tactical vests and Kevlar helmets, personnel of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, based out of Ventura County, California, took their first steps in their homeport training cycle, conducting a Command Post Exercise (CPX) on April 28.
Navy Supply Corps Senior Leadership Symposium Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Senior Supply Corps leadership, including flag officers and captains, discussed the critical role the Navy Supply Corps plays in supporting the nation's Maritime Strategy during a conference April 28-30.
PE09 Members Conduct Damage Control Training Aboard the ITS Cigala Fulgosi Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Sailors and Marines from Turkey, Spain, and the United States attended damage control training hosted by Italian Marines aboard Italian vessel ITS Cigala Fulgosi April 29 as part of Phoenix Express.
Rhode Island Says Farewell to Skipper Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (Gold) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. May 1.
Naval War College Launches Maritime Battle Labs Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval War College (NWC) staff, faculty, students and guests gathered at Evans Hall on April 30, to cut the ribbon for one of the college's newest assets, two Maritime Operations Center (MOC) battle labs for the Maritime Staff Operators Course (MSOC).
ARRA Contract Will Allow for Quality of Life Upgrades at Camp Lejeune Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- OICC MCI East awarded a contract April 24 to replace roofs at various buildings in the French Creek and Hadnot Point areas of Camp Lejeune, N.C, and at MCAS New River in the amount of $1,189,437 to Quality Roofers and Guttering Incorporated, a local small business construction firm from Jacksonville, N.C.
NSWC Port Hueneme Tests Latest Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme engineers successfully fired a test launch of the new production configuration of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) April 24 from the U.S. Navy's self defense test ship in Port Hueneme, Calif.
Forrest Sherman Participates in At-Sea Phase of UNITAS Gold Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) coordinated with several U.S. Navy and Latin American ships during the beginning at-sea phases of UNITAS Gold April 23-25.
NSWC Crane Receives Joint Value Engineering Award Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) received a coveted Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Joint Value Engineering Special Achievement Award for its collaborative work on the Mobile Jettison Unit (MJU) Decoy Flare Rebuild project with the Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA).
'Gold Eagle' Firefighting Capabilities Recalibrated, Warfighting Readiness Increased Navy NewsStand 01 May 2009 -- In recent months, two damage controlmen have checked and recalibrated USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) pressure gauges and are nearing completion, increasing the ship's warfighting readiness every day.
Reserve Airmen complete deployment to Guam AFNS 01 May 2009 -- More than 110 Airmen and four KC-135 Stratotankers from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., completed a four-month deployment May 1 to Andersen Air Force Base.
Keesler personnel to participate in LIFESAVER 2009 AFNS 01 May 2009 -- Keesler AFB Airmen join local, state and federal agencies in "LIFESAVER 2009," a major federal coordinating center and national disaster medical system exercise being conducted May 5-7. With an estimated 2,000 participants, this is the largest "LIFESAVER" event since May 2005.
Red Flag-Alaska pilots train to fly, fight, win AFNS 01 May 2009 -- The flight plans have been filed; the mission briefs have been completed. Now it's time for the key players in a multinational force to come together to fly, fight and win.
Unit marks 50 years of NASA support AFNS 01 May 2009 -- Three NASA astronauts visited Patrick Air Force Base members April 24 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of support from the Air Force to the American space program.
In Case of Emergency : ARFF anti-terrorism training helps prepare for the worst USMC News 01 May 2009

Clinton, Gates Say Pakistan Now Understands Taliban Threat AFPS 01 May 2009 -- The Pakistani government finally is beginning to respond to the threat that Taliban extremists pose inside the country.
Pakistan seeks US helicopters, night vision devices to counter terrorism IRNA 01 May 2009 -- Pakistan: There are gaps in the country's capability and it needs equipment like helicopters and night vision devices.

Azerbaijan confirms participation in military drills in Georgia RIA Novosti 01 May 2009 -- Azerbaijani troops will take part in controversial NATO military exercises in Georgia.

Press Briefing By Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5-1-09 The White House 01 May 2009
Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 01 May 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 01, 2009
BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR TWO VERSIONS OF M-ATV BAE Systems 01 May 2009 -- BAE Systems has been awarded contracts to provide the military with two versions of a new armored all-terrain vehicle, designed specifically for use by U.S. forces in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan.
Force Dynamics, LLC Selected To Continue in M-ATV Competition General Dynamics 01 May 2009 -- Force Dynamics, LLC, a joint venture between Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) and General Dynamics Land Systems, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for the M-ATV Cheetah, a lightweight, high-mobility vehicle, by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command's (TACOM) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program
Oshkosh Defense Ships Three Additional M-ATV Production Vehicles for Military Evaluation Oshkosh 01 May 2009 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has shipped three additional MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) to the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for military evaluation and is prepared to meet extensive production demands at a moment’s notice.
General Dynamics Awarded $150 Million by U.S. Army to Produce Hydra-70 Rockets, Warheads and Motors General Dynamics 01 May 2009 -- The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products an order valued at approximately $150 million to produce Hydra-70 rockets, warheads and motors.
General Dynamics Awarded Contract for Additional Trimaran Littoral Combat Ship General Dynamics 01 May 2009 -- The U.S. Navy today awarded a contract to a Bath Iron Works-led team for the construction of Coronado (LCS 4), the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to feature an innovative, high-speed trimaran hull.
Northrop Grumman Lays Keel for California (SSN 781) Submarine Northrop Grumman 01 May 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) hosted a keel laying ceremony for the Virginia-class submarine California (SSN 781) at the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va.
Raytheon Awarded $9 Million Option for Patriot Technical Services Raytheon 01 May 2009 -- Raytheon Company has been awarded $9 million to support Patriot missile maintenance and facilities in the United States and at overseas locations.
Raytheon Purchases Rights to KillerBee® Unmanned Aircraft System Raytheon 01 May 2009 -- Raytheon Company has purchased rights to the technology and name of the KillerBee unmanned aircraft system from Northrop Grumman. Under the agreement, Raytheon will submit the KillerBee for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' Small Tactical UAS and Tier II competition.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 01 May 2009

Huge Humanitarian Operation Under Way in Sri Lanka VOA 01 May 2009 -- The UN refugee agency and its partners are mounting a huge humanitarian operation to help more than 170,000 internally displaced people in Sri Lanka. These people recently fled to government-controlled camps near the Tamil conflict zone in the northern part of the country.
Sri Lanka Army to Rebel Leader: Surrender or Die VOA 01 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka's military says its soldiers are using only small arms fire as they close in on the leadership of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Sri Lanka: UN sends emergency team as residents return to former battle zone UN News Centre 01 May 2009 -- While thousands continue to flee the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, others have started to return to their homes in former battle areas, and the United Nations refugee agency said today it is sending teams to aid their transition.
58 LTTE child soldiers surrender at Kilinochchi IRNA 01 May 2009 -- A group of 58 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam child soldiers surrendered to Security Forces at Kilinochchi.

Georgia says Russia's accords with its former republics 'provocation' RIA Novosti 01 May 2009 -- Border protection agreements by Russia, S. Ossetia and Abkhazia is a regular provocation.
U.S., NATO, EU Concerned Over Russia Deal With Separatists RFE/RL 01 May 2009 -- US, NATO, and EU have expressed serious concern over border defense agreements signed by Russia and separatist Georgian regions.

Ban urges respect for human rights after reported attacks in Central African Republic UN News Centre 01 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the respect of human rights and the rule of law in the Central African Republic (CAR), following reports of deadly attacks by Government troops on civilians in the Ndele region of the country.
UN to Address Mounting Humanitarian Concerns, Security Challenges Facing Somali Refugees VOA 01 May 2009 -- UN officials expected to address the humanitarian response to Somalia's refugee crisis.
Dispute Over Western Sahara Continues VOA 01 May 2009 -- UN extended its mission in Western Sahara after years of failing to achieve a breakthrough in the long-standing dispute over the strip of land.
Sudan, Chad Hold Talks to Resolve Testy Diplomatic Relations VOA 01 May 2009 -- Sudan and neighboring Chad are expected to hold peace talks to resolve recent diplomatic spats and create a lasting peace agreement.
Lebanon: persistence of armed groups mars general progress, Ban says UN News Centre 01 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban:Ongoing armed posture of Hizbollah and Palestinian militia groups hampers Government control of the country.

News Reports

H1N1 FLU: Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst VOA 01 May 2009 -- With concern over the spread of the H1N1 flu, questions are being raised about its possible implications.
Taiwan develops A(H1N1) flu test kit CNA 01 May 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control has developed a test kit that can diagnose within 6 hours whether someone is infected with new H1N1 strain of influenza A.
Hong Kong Confirms First Swine Flu Case VOA 01 May 2009 -- Hong Kong has declared a public health emergency, following the first confirmed case of the Swine influenza A-H1N1 flu in the territory.
Take Anti-Flu Drugs Only After Diagnosis, Military Doc Says AFPS 01 May 2009 -- Senior military health officials are warning against taking antiviral medicines to fight the H1N1 flu virus until a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis.
Obama Says H1N1 Flu 'Cause for Concern, Not Alarm' AFPS 01 May 2009 -- The outbreak of H1N1 flu "is a cause for concern, but not alarm," President Barack Obama said today after meeting with his Cabinet.
Obama Employs New Media Tools to Keep Public Up to Date on H1N1 Flu AFPS 01 May 2009 -- In an effort to ensure the public stays up to date on the latest news and information on the H1N1 flu outbreak, White House officals are employing such new media Web and social networking tools as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
Scientists Say Swine Flu Vaccine Could Take Months to Produce VOA 01 May 2009 -- World Health Organization: Several laboratories around the world are developing a vaccination against influenza A-H1N1.
UN confirms rising number of influenza A(H1N1) infections in more countries UN News Centre 01 May 2009 -- UN health agency confirmed that over 300 people in almost a dozen countries contracted new flu strain.
Mexico Shuts Down in Effort to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu VOA 01 May 2009 -- Nearly all of Mexico at a standstill in attempt to contain the spread of the H1N1 swine flu virus that has sickened hundreds.
WEST AFRICA: Regional bodies, governments gear up H1N1 influenza response IRIN 01 May 2009 -- The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa regional office has created a crisis management team to monitor the spread of influenza A/H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, as WHO raised the global influenza pandemic alert level to phase 5 – just short of a full pandemic.
No Swine Flu case found in India: Govt IRNA 01 May 2009 -- Indian government has said that not a single suspected case of Swine Flu has been detected in India and there is absolutely no need to panic.
Mexico confirms 12 dead from swine flu RIA Novosti 01 May 2009 -- Mexico's health minister Jose Angel Cordova said that the number of people infected with swine flu had risen to 312 with 12 confirmed deaths.
WHO confirms 331 cases of swine flu worldwide RIA Novosti 01 May 2009 -- World Health Organization has officially confirmed 331 cases of influenza A (H1N1) in 11 countries.

One year after Myanmar cyclone, international support still critical, UN says UN News Centre 01 May 2009 -- Marking the one year anniversary since Cyclone Nargis devastated much of Myanmar, the United Nations is reviewing an impressive life-saving effort but also pointing to the equally daunting work, and requisite support, needed to rebuild.
MYANMAR: Nargis one year on – progress amid challenges IRIN 01 May 2009 -- One year after Cyclone Nargis swept across southern Myanmar, the people of the Ayeyarwady Delta are rebuilding their lives, but thousands remain vulnerable as this year's monsoon rains approach.
AU Envoy Says Elections Will Be Held in Madagascar by Year End VOA 01 May 2009 -- African Union officials say Madagascar's military-backed administration is willing to hold elections by the end of this year.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list