News

04 May 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualties

May 3 airpower summary: B-1B bombs narcotics facility AFNS 04 May 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF troops in Afghanistan during operations.

Forces Capture Suspected Terrorists in Baghdad AFPS 04 May 2009 -- U.S. forces captured two suspected terrorists during operations in Baghdad.
Panthers make footprints in New Baghdad Army News 04 May 2009 -- Soldiers of HHC, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division walk the streets of New Baghdad.
Transportation Soldiers deploy Army News 04 May 2009 -- About 50 Soldiers from the 49th Transportation Battalion headquarters deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Iraq: No Extension of US Withdrawal Date from Cities VOA 04 May 2009 -- Iraqi government: June 30 deadline for U.S. troops to withdraw from urban areas in Iraq cannot be extended.
Iraqi Security Forces step up as Coalition forces step back Army News 04 May 2009 -- Ceremony gave the Iraqi Police primary control of the facility and the security of the community as Coalition forces step back.
Airmen, Sailors provide maritime support for Iraqi military AFNS 04 May 2009 -- Air Force and Navy servicemembers teamed up to support and train the newly formed Iraqi navy with maritime mission.
On the Ground: Forces Train Iraqis to Manage Radio Waves, Information Security AFPS 04 May 2009 -- US training has brought Iraqis closer to managing their comm frequencies, info security and auto maintenance.
IRAQ: Minister upbeat about IDP returns IRIN 94 May 2009 -- Improved security in most of Iraq has encouraged some 65,000 displaced families to return to their homes since early 2008.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 19 Militants AFPS 04 May 2009 -- Afghan commandos, advised by coalition forces, killed 19 militants during overnight operations in Kunar province.
Strategic Focus Shifts to Afghanistan, Mullen Says AFPS 04 May 2009 -- U.S. military strategic focus is shifting from Iraq to Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
Roadside bomb kills 12 in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- A total of 12 people have been killed in a roadside mine explosion in the southeastern Afghan province of Zabul.
Militants Kill 27 in Afghanistan VOA 04 May 2009 -- Afghan officials say a wave of attacks in Afghanistan Monday killed at least 27 people.

Pakistan: UN gears up to aid influx of displaced fleeing conflict in north UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- The United Nations announced today that its agencies are ramping up their humanitarian relief efforts in Pakistan as tens of thousands of people continue to flee armed clashes between the army and insurgents in the troubled North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Fighting Intensifies in Northwestern Pakistan, Straining Peace Deal VOA 04 May 2009 -- Pakistani officials: Fighting has intensified between government troops and Taliban militants in a northwestern region.
Pakistani Public Mood Swings Over Taliban VOA 04 May 2009 -- Pakistan on an offensive against Islamic militants after the Taliban set off alarm bells by moving just 100 kilometers from the capital.

Defense Policy / Programs

Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Adm. Mullen from the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, Va. DoD 04 May 2009 -- Presenter: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
'Hybrid War' to Pull U.S. Military in Two Directions, Flournoy Says AFPS 04 May 2009 -- "Hybrid warfare" that defense experts predict the US is increasingly likely to face will pull the military in 2 directions.
402nd CAB Stads-Up Army News 04 May 2009 -- Establishment of the first US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) unit based outside of the Continental United States.
UNITAS Gold 2009 Draws To A Close Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- UNITAS Gold came to a close May 5, following more than two weeks of realistic training scenarios.
Phoenix Express 2009 Sails into Underway Operations Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- Phoenix Express 2009 wrapped up the in-port portion of the exercise on May 2 and will begin the underway portion May 4.
Comfort Departs Dominican Republic Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort raised anchor and departed Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, May 2.
Comfort Teams Wrap Up Work at Otto Martinez Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- Teams aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) saw their last patients at the Otto Martinez School, in the Dominican Republic, April 26, on their second stop during Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).
Mustin, McCain Sailors Improve More than Just Relationships in Korea Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- Sailors from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), as well as Sailors from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, participated in a community relations project at the Ire Retirement Home in Donghae, Republic of Korea May 2.
Gold Eagle Sailors Welcome 3rd Fleet Commander Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- As USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepares to become a 3rd Fleet asset, the commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet paid a visit to "Gold Eagle" and her crew April 29.

US to Press Pakistan on Taliban, Nuclear Security VOA 04 May 2009 -- President Obama will press Pakistani President Zardari to continue a military drive against Taliban that threaten country's nuclear arsenal.
'Af-Pak' Policy Faces Hurdles Even As It's Launched RFE/RL 04 May 2009 -- Despite Pakistan's military targeting Taliban, little done to silence alarms over Washington's new "Af-Pak" strategy.
US says Pakistani Nukes are Secure VOA 04 May 2009 -- Top US military officer comfortable that Pakistan's nuclear weapons are secure, but concerned about Taliban advances.
Gates Wants Saudi Help in Pakistan VOA 04 May 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates: Wants Saudi Arabia to help forge a political consensus in Pakistan that it must deal with the threat from militant groups.

Gates: Arab Allies Should Not Worry About Possible US-Iran Rapprochement VOA 04 May 2009 -- Key American allies they should not worry about any potential improvements in American relations with Iran.
Pentagon Chief To Reassure Saudis On Iran Outreach RFE/RL 04 May 2009 -- US SecDef Gates: Would reassure Saudi Arabia this week that the kingdom would not suffer from efforts to improve relations with Iran.
Gates Trip Aims to Reaffirm Ties With Egypt, Saudi Arabia AFPS 04 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates is en route to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for sessions aimed at reaffirming ties with the important regional powers.

26th MEU stands down USMC News 04 May 2009 -- The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit officially stood down April 27, 2009, concluding a 14-month deployment cycle.
Improving comfort, mobility, safety: Marines put new plate carrier to the test USMC News 04 May 2009 -- Marines with 1-6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division tested the Improved Scalable Plate Carrier.
3/10 prepares for deployment: broadens training USMC News 04 May 2009 -- Marines and sailors with 3-10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division conducted training with the M777A2 Light-weight Howitzer.

After 60 Years, NATO Still Committed to Shaping Security Environment AFPS 04 May 2009 -- Sixty years after its inception, NATO remains committed to helping to shape the security environment.

Russian warship escorts first commercial convoy off Somali coast RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- Russia's Admiral Panteleyev destroyer escorting its first convoy of merchant vessels through the Gulf of Aden.
Russian crew survive Ka-27 helicopter crash RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- The crew of a Russian Ka-27 Helix helicopter survived a crash into the Baltic Sea during sea trials.

Pakistan says Western sanctions cannot hamper defense supplies IRNA 04 May 2009 -- Head of the country's major arms factory: Sanctions from the West cannot hamper defense supplies to the armed forces.

South Korea Rescues North Korean Ship Near Somalia VOA 04 May 2009 -- South Korean naval forces have rescued a North Korean vessel from pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 04 May 2009
Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5/4/2009 The White House 04 May 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 04, 2009
BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED $61 MILLION FOR MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLES SUPPORT AND SPARE PARTS BAE Systems 04 May 2009 -- BAE Systems has been awarded three contracts worth $61 million to provide service, support and spare parts for RG33 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Sikorsky Unveils X2 TECHNOLOGYTM Light Tactical Helicopter Concept Sikorsky 04 May 2009 -- Aircraft Corp. today unveiled its X2 TECHNOLOGYTM Light Tactical Helicopter (LTH) design at the Army Aviation Association of America annual convention
BAE SYSTEMS AND LOCKHEED MARTIN SUCCESSFULLY TEST ROCKET MOTOR ON LONG-RANGE LAND ATTACK PROJECTILE BAE Systems 04 May 2009 -- BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin successfully fired two Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP), with full-scale rocket motors at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, to demonstrate the Navy's 155-mm LRLAP program is on track for guided flight tests in June.
Marinette Marine, a Fincantieri Company, and Boeing Team for Navy LCAC Replacement Program Boeing 04 May 2009 -- Marinette Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Marine Group, LLC, and The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced a teaming effort to capture the U.S. Navy's Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) program and provide a lower cost, higher availability, next-generation platform.
EADS North America selects Lockheed Martin as Mission Equipment Package integrator for new Armed Scout Helicopter EADS 04 May 2009 -- EADS North America announced today it has assembled a world-class industry team comprised of Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and American Eurocopter that will offer a new armed scout helicopter solution to the U.S. Army — the Armed Scout 645.
General Dynamics Awarded $40 Million Logistics Support Contract from the U.S. Army General Dynamics 04 May 2009 -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a $40 million contract to support the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command’s (LCMC) Small Arms Readiness and Evaluation Teams program. The multiple-award contract covers a three-year period.
Lockheed Martin F-35 CatBIRD Shows Key Avionics Capability, Reliability At Edwards Air Force Base Lockheed Martin 04 May 2009 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Joint Strike Fighter Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (“CATBird”) aircraft recently completed a two-week deployment to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where it demonstrated the robust qualities of avionics systems being developed for the F-35 Lightning II.
Lockheed Martin Announces Industry Team To Pursue U.S. Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks And Enterprise Services Program Lockheed Martin 04 May 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] has announced that General Dynamics, ViaSat Inc., Harris Corporation and American Systems will be a part of its industry team pursuing the competitive contract for the U.S. Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program.
Raytheon Develops Anti-Surface Warfare Capability for Tomahawk Block IV Missile Raytheon 04 May 2009 -- Raytheon Company has developed a technology plan to enhance moving target capabilities for the combat-proven Tomahawk Block IV missile.
Captive Flight Test Moves Raytheon and Lockheed's NLOS-LS Closer to U.S. Navy Live Fire Testing Raytheon 04 May 2009 -- NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin , conducted the second captive flight test of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System Precision Attack Missile (PAM).
Marine Corps Systems Command Awards $96 Million Contract to SAIC SAIC 04 May 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) to provide chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) and incident response program support.
SAIC Launches Web-Based Processing System, Delivering Custom Landsat Imagery Directly to Customer Desktops SAIC 04 May 2009 -- Science Applications International Corporation [NYSE: SAI] today announced it has launched an innovative, web-based processing system delivering custom Landsat imagery directly to customer desktops.
Complement on the purchasing price of the space activities acquired by Thales from Alcatel-Lucent Thales 04 May 2009 -- The 2007 agreements relative to the acquisition by Thales of the 67% stake of Alcatel-Lucent in Alcatel Alenia Space's capital included an earn-out clause whereby the final purchasing price would be subject to a re-examination by both parties in 2009, which could lead to a price complement in favour of Alcatel-Lucent.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 04 May 2009

Sri Lankan Military Says Rebel Position Captured VOA 04 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka's military says it has captured a Tamil rebel fortification and killed a senior rebel as it pushes into a Tamil-controlled enclave in the country's north.
UN concerned at ongoing military operations in Sri Lanka conflict zone UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- UN concerned that military operations have continued in zone where an estimated 50,000 people are trapped by fighting.

SUDAN: NGO expulsions leave significant healthcare gaps in Darfur IRIN 04 May 2009 -- The expulsion of 13 international NGOs (INGOs) operating in the western Sudan region of Darfur has left gaps in health coverage, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) as 12 of them provided health and nutrition services to about 1.1 million people.
UN chief applauds pact to ease tensions between Chad and Sudan UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban welcomed the agreement signed between Chad and Sudan over the weekend.
Sudan, Chad Agree to Stop Hostilities VOA 04 May 2009 -- Sudan and Chad have signed a new agreement aimed at ending hostilities against each other.

Somalia Accuses Eritrea of Illegal Arms Shipments VOA 04 May 2009 -- Somalia's shaky new government is accusing neighboring Eritrea of arming insurgent groups in Somalia.
Somali Legislators to Continue Work Despite Insurgents Threats VOA 04 May 2009 -- Somali parliamentarians: Will meet as soon as possible despite increasing threats from Islamic insurgents.

Serb rally in Kosovska-Mitrovica dispersed, 1 injured RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- A rally of Serbs protesting against the return of Albanians to Serb areas has been dispersed with tear gas.
Turkish premier to talk Armenia dispute in Russia RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- Turkish PM Erdogan will pay a brief working visit to Russia on May 16.
Russia Accuses Azerbaijan, Georgia Of Abetting Transfer Of Funds To North Caucasus Resistance RFE/RL 04 May 2009 -- Russian Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika accused both Georgia and Azerbaijan of failing to take effective measures to curtail the flow of funds to the North Caucasus resistance.

Judges at UN-backed court dismiss motion to acquit Charles Taylor UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- Judges at the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone have rejected a request to acquit the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Special Court Rejects Acquittal of Former Liberian President VOA 04 May 2009 -- War crimes tribunal for Sierra Leone has rejected a defense motion to acquit former Liberian President Charles Taylor.

Members of UN human rights probe into Gaza conflict meet in Geneva UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- Independent team tasked by the UN with examining alleged human rights abuses and violations of international law began a week-long meeting in Geneva.
Spanish Judge Goes Forward With Israeli Probe VOA 04 May 2009 -- A Spanish judge says he will move forward with a probe of top Israeli military commanders linked to a 2002 Israeli bombing that killed 15 people in the Gaza Strip.

News Reports

US Officials 'Cautiously Optimistic' About Swine Flu Spread VOA 04 May 2009 -- U.S. authorities report that the number of confirmed swine flu cases in the United States has reached 286 across 36 states.
Navy Confirms Three Cases of H1N1 Flu Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- The Navy confirmed May 4 that three Sailors based in San Diego, Calif., were confirmed to have H1N1 influenza.
WHO Concerned About Spread of Flu to Southern Hemisphere VOA 04 May 2009 -- WHO: Some concern A-H1N1 virus may start moving to the Southern Hemisphere, where regular flu season is approaching.
China Quarantines Canadian Students, Collects Citizens in Mexico VOA 04 May 2009 -- China has quarantined a group of Canadian university students for a week, as part of efforts to fight swine flu.
Asian Biotech Companies Respond to H1N1 Flu Challenge VOA 04 May 2009 -- From antiviral drugs to face masks, Asia's biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are helping the global response to H1N1 flu.
WHO to send swine flu virus samples to Taiwan to make vaccine CNA 04 May 2009 -- WHO's reference laboratory will send samples of the swine flu virus strain to Taiwan for vaccine development.
Over 1,000 people infected with A/H1N1 virus - WHO RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- Number of officially confirmed A/H1N1 virus cases worldwide has exceeded 1,000.
WHO says Swine Flu Virus Unpredictable and Constantly Changing VOA 04 May 2009 -- The World Health Organization says flu viruses are unpredictable and constantly changing.
Vigilance crucial as influenza A(H1N1) virus continues to evolve - Ban UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban: UN has no plans to raise the alert level to Phase 6 at this time.
No Slaughter Necessary, Despite A-H1N1 Flu Found in Canadian Pigs VOA 04 May 2009 -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization calling for strict bio-security measures for pigs for any evidence of illness.
WHO eastern Mediterranean region prepared for response to H1N1 IRNA 04 May 2009 -- World Health Organization notes that the Eastern Mediterranean Region remains free of influenza A (H1N1) to date.
WHO urges general preventive measures for influenza IRNA 04 May 2009 -- WHO's message to the public is not to panic but to be careful and practise general preventive measures.
China Denies Discriminating Against Mexicans VOA 04 May 2009 -- China is denying that it is discriminating against Mexicans, in its efforts to fight the swine influenza A-H1N1.
Mexico says swine flu outbreak easing off RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- Mexican government: Swine flu outbreak has peaked in the country and is now in decline, with a confirmed human death toll of 22.

Mount Whitney Joined Search for Missing Aircraft Navy NewsStand 04 May 2009 -- USS Mount Whitney conducted night search and rescue operations April 28 to help locate a small civilian aircraft reported missing off the coast of the Greek island Kefalonia.

Officials Reject Allegations of Proselytizing in Afghanistan AFPS 04 May 2009 -- A report broadcast by the Arab news network Al Jazzera about U.S. servicemembers proselytizing in Afghanistan is just plain wrong, Pentagon officials said today.

US Senators Introduce Bill to Increase Non-Military Aid to Pakistan VOA 04 May 2009 -- Two influential U.S. Senators introduced legislation that would triple non-military aid to Pakistan.

Afghan President Registers for Re-election Before US Visit VOA 04 May 2009 -- Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has registered as a candidate for re-election on August 20.

Nepal: Ban concerned over fallout from political 'crisis' UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban voiced serious concern over the threat posed to the peace process in Nepal amid a political crisis brewing in the fledgling democracy.
Nepal's Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda Resigns VOA 04 May 2009 -- Nepal's Maoist prime minister has resigned, following a confrontation with the president over a controversial decision to fire the army chief.
Nepal PM resigns IRNA 04 May 2009 -- Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda resigned Monday afternoon following controversy over removal of Army Chief General Rookmangud Katawal.
Nepal's president asks Army chief to continue in post IRNA 04 May 2009 -- Nepal's President Dr Ram Baran Yadav has sent a letter to the Army Chief General Gen Rookmangud Katawal asking him to continue in office.

Russia's Medvedev urges international court to try pirates RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- President Medvedev urged Russian prosecutors to discuss with their foreign colleagues the likelihood of creating an international court to try pirates.

Zimbabwe's National Unity Government Locks Horns on Land VOA 04 May 2009 -- Western reconstruction assistance to Zimbabwe is being held up because President Robert Mugabe's supporters are continuing to disrupt farming activity on white-run farms.
Georgian opposition extends protests to Tbilisi City Hall RIA Novosti 04 May 2009 -- The Georgian opposition continued its peaceful protests against the president on Monday and said it intended to set up new wooden jail cells with volunteers inside near Tbilisi's City Hall.
Ban urges Madagascar parties to talk out differences as crisis continues UN News Centre 04 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban called again on the parties in Madagascar to resume talks in an effort to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the Indian Ocean island nation.

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