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08 May 2009 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 08 May 2009 [PDF]
DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty

Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Gen. Ray Odierno from the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, Va. DoD 08 May 2009 -- Presenter: Commander, Mu
US Commander says Iraq Withdrawal on Track VOA 08 May 2009 -- The commander of multi-national forces in Iraq, U.S. Army General Ray Odierno, said he does not believe a recent upsurge in violence will delay the withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Iraqi cities by the end of June.
Security Remains Improved, Progress Continues, Odierno Says AFPS 08 May 2009 -- From an overall perspective, security in Iraq remains improved, the Multinational Force Iraq commander said during a Pentagon briefing today.
Engineers Refurbish High-rise for 82nd Airborne Division AFPS 08 May 2009 -- As coalition forces move out of Iraqi cities their facility requirements change.
The Question of Kurdistan: Where Will It Lead? VOA 08 May 2009 -- The U.S. Secretary of Defense blames al-Qaida for a recent increase in violence in Iraq that has sparked sectarian strife.

Afghan Commandos Maintain Vigilant Presence in Eastern Afghanistan AFPS 08 May 2009 -- Elite soldiers of the Afghan National Army’s 1st Commando Kandak, 201st Corps, recently spent 48 hours conducting operations alongside their Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan brothers-in-arms in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.
Afghan Forces Seize 600 Pounds of Opium, Kill Seven Militants AFPS 08 May 2009 -- Afghan forces, advised by coalition forces, confiscated 600 pounds of opium and killed 7 armed militants during operations.
Gates Gets 'Thumbs Up' on Afghan Public Protection Program AFPS 08 May 2009 -- Afghan Leaders, special operators and 10th Mountain Division soldiers gave stamp of approval on a new security program.
Reports: US Officials Admit Air Strikes Killed Afghan Civilians VOA 08 May 2009 -- US news reports say officials are acknowledging US responsibility for at least some of the civilian deaths in western Afghanistan.
UK fatalities in Afghanistan set to overtake Iraq toll IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Britain's MoD: Killing of 4 soldiers in Afghanistan in less than 2 days, bringing the total number of fatalities to 157 since 2001.
Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan AFNS 08 May 2009 -- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned Aircraft crashed in eastern Afghanistan May 8 in the early afternoon hours.
Officials release Kandahar C-17 accident investigation report AFNS 08 May 2009 -- Air Mobility Command officials released investigation into mishap involving a C-17 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan.
Air Force officials release C-17 accident investigation report AFNS 08 May 2009 -- Air Mobility Command released investigation into mishap involving a C-17 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Thousands flee from Swat as army pounded militants IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Thousands of people are feeling away from insurgency hit Swat valley in northern Pakistan to take refuge after the army has launched a massive operation against militants.
Pakistan Army Steps Up Swat Offensive VOA 08 May 2009 -- Pakistan's army says its forces have killed more than 140 Taliban militants during the last 24 hours in Swat valley. Several troops have also been reported killed. Thousands of people continue to flee the clashes, joining hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis already displaced by fighting in the violent northwest.
UN agencies concerned over ‘massive displacement’ in Pakistan UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- The United Nations agencies tasked with protecting refugee and children’s rights today expressed deep concern over the “massive displacement” in north-west Pakistan caused by the widening armed conflict between Government forces and militants.
Pakistani Public Opinion Swings Against The Taliban RFE/RL 08 May 2009 -- Middle-aged school teacher Rehmat Shah is one of the tens of thousands of refugees who have fled western Pakistan's Swat Valley.
Hundreds Of Thousands Of Pakistanis Flee Fighting RFE/RL 08 May 2009 -- UN refugee agency: 500,000 people have fled fighting in northwestern Pakistan in the past few days.
Pakistani Military: More Than 140 Militants Killed in Swat VOA 08 May 2009 -- Pakistan's military: Killed more than 140 Islamic militants over the past day in the northwestern Swat Valley.
Pakistan seeks information about militants IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Pakistan Friday appealed to the people of the restive Swat valley to provide information about the suspected militants.
Pakistan army chief vows to defeat militants IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Pakistan army chief General Kayani told top commanders that the security forces will ensure to maintain dominance over the militants.
Pak PM calls armed forces to take action against mililitants IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Pakistani PM Gilani Thursday announced that his government has called on the armed forces to eliminate the militants.
Military operation in Swat, inevitable: Analyst IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Nasim Zehra, a security analyst: Military operation in Swat against Taliban was inevitable as the government had no other option.

Defense Policy / Programs

Gates: History Shows Cost of Turning Backs on Afghanistan AFPS 08 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates: History provides an important lesson on the perils of ignoring Afghanistan.
Gates Encouraged by Afghan Visit, But Wants More Afghan Government Support VOA 08 May 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates encouraged the troop increase and Afghan cooperation will turn the tide.
Gates Visits Troops in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province AFPS 08 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited the only battalion-sized U.S. unit operating in this southern Afghanistan province yesterday.
Gates Assures 10th Mountain Soldiers of Continued Support AFPS 08 May 2009 -- During his last stop on a whirlwind two-day visit through Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates brought encouragement and assurance of support to 10th Mountain Division soldiers who have been deployed here since January.
Gates Wraps Up Afghanistan Visit With New Insights AFPS 08 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates: Optimistic about efforts under way and the initiatives he pushed to support them.

USS Florida Returns from Maiden SSGN Deployment Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- Naval Submarine Kings Bay welcomed USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Gold) home from its maiden deployment as a guided missile submarine to May 8.
3/12 conducts live-fire artillery exercise on Fuji USMC News 08 May 2009 -- Marines and sailors from 3-12th Marines conducted an artillery live-fire exercise at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, April 15-22.
Surface Ship Life Cycle Management Activity Stands Up Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) formally established the Surface Ship Life Cycle Management (SSLCM) Activity on May 8 in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va.
Phoenix Express Strengthens Maritime Partnerships through Joint Ops Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- Combined maritime forces participating in exercise Phoenix Express 2009 (PE09) are focusing on the development of increased maritime safety and security through joint operations during the last five days of the exercise, scheduled to end May 13.
Deadline Extended to Apply for Career Intermission Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- In his most recent podcast, the chief of naval personnel, discussed the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP). He stressed that Sailors interested in taking one to three years off active duty should apply now.
Boat Operations Branch Moves Into Permanent Facility Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) cut the ribbon to its $2.1 million Boat Operations Branch in the Pass Christian, Miss., harbor on May 7.
PE09 Continues with Mock Boarding by Algerian and Turkish Sailors Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- Algerian and Turkish Sailors conducted mock compliant boarding aboard USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat (T-AK-3016) during the at-sea portion of Phoenix Express (PE09).
USS Hawaii Earns Commendation for Disrupting Drug Traffic Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- The Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) became the second Naval submarine in history to receive the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation May 7 for its role in tracking drug runners and helping to keep illegal drugs off the nation's street.
Forrest Sherman Wraps up Successful Fleet Week Port Visit Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) pulled away from Port Everglades May 2, concluding what was a week of community outreach and relationship building as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2009.
Whidbey SAR Improves Interoperability, Trains with Rescue Council Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- Members of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Search and Rescue (SAR) team provided training to volunteers from the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council (BMRC) at Bellingham International Airport, May 5.
Naval Ammunition Depot Celebrates 75th Anniversary Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- Navy Munitions Command, East Asia Division celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot, Oahu, Hawaii, May 1.
Klotz confirmed to lead Air Force Global Strike Command AFNS 08 May 2009 -- Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz received Senate confirmation to become commander of the Air Force's newest major command, Air Force Global Strike Command.
Military Office Director Resigns in Wake of New York Fly-by AFPS 08 May 2009 -- The director of the White House Military Office has submitted his resignation in the wake of an April 27 aerial photo shoot with a presidential aircraft over New York City.
DoD News: DoD Awards $260 Million in University Research Funding DoD 08 May 2009 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) today announced plans award 69 academic institutions $260 million over the next five years to perform multidisciplinary basic research
Officials test commercial fuel to replace JP-8 fuel AFNS 08 May 2009 -- Air Force Petroleum Agency here has launched an initiative to use commercial jet fuel in place of military standard JP-8 fuel.
Airmen, Soldiers make first jump from Ramstein C-130J AFNS 08 May 2009 -- Air Force and Army paratroopers stood ready to execute the first jump from Ramstein Air Base's newest aircraft.
Navy Updates Number of H1N1 Cases Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- The Navy updated its confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza May 8 to 17 Sailors based in San Diego and one based in Norfolk.
Naval Health Research Center Designated H1N1 Confirmatory Lab Navy NewsStand 08 May 2009 -- The Naval Health Research Center was designated May 7 an H1N1 confirmatory lab by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pakistan rejects US media report on nuclear secrets IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Pakistan rejected report that officials have begun talks aimed at greater US role in securing Pakistan's nuclear materials.

Obama confident that U.S., Russia can improve ties RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- US President Obama said after meeting with Russian FM Lavrov that Moscow and Washington had a great chance to "reset" relations.
Russian Foreign Minister In Washington Looks To 'Reset' Ties RFE/RL 08 May 2009 -- Russian FM Lavrov arrived in Washington for meetings to "reset" relations that declined under the previous administration.

Russia sees NATO as partner despite differences - envoy RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Russia regards NATO as a partner despite a series of disputes recently.

Russian experts to investigate Su-30 jet crash in India RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- A group of Russian experts has arrived in India to look into the cause of a recent Su-30MKI fighter jet crash.
Nicaragua plans to buy Russian combat aircraft, helicopters RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Nicaragua intends to buy Russian aircraft and helicopters for its armed forces.

Belarus denies plans to sell Syria, Iran weapons RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- The Belarusian president denied the country had any plans to sell weapons to Syria or Iran.

Turkey Wedding Massacre Prompts Calls to Disband Militia VOA 08 May 2009 -- The recent massacre of a wedding party in southeast Turkey has cast the spotlight on the region's local militia known as Village Guards.

Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5/8/09 The White House 08 May 2009
Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 May 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 08, 2009
Boeing to Develop, Fly 'Phantom Ray' Technology Demonstrator Boeing 08 May 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] plans to develop and demonstrate an unmanned flying test bed for advanced air system technologies.
Boeing Submits Proposal for KC-10 Contractor Logistics Support Work Boeing 08 May 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force to continue providing Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for the KC-10 Extender fleet. The Air Force is expected to name the winner of the contract later this year.
Lockheed Martin Breaks Ground On New PAC-3 Missile Facility in Camden, Arkansas Lockheed Martin 08 May 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] broke ground today on an expansion of its state-of-the-art Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile production complex in Camden, AR.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 08 May 2009

UN team probing rights violations in Gaza conflict wraps up first meeting UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- Fact-finding mission set up by the UNHRC to probe rights violations during the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip wrapped meeting.
Berlin slams Israel's "very problematic" settlement policy IRNA 08 May 2009 -- Germany lambasted Israel's "very problematic" settlement policy after German FM Steinmeier met with his Israel counterpart.

Urgent international scrutiny needed in Sri Lanka, say UN rights experts UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- A group of independent United Nations experts today called on the Human Rights Council to urgently set up an international inquiry to address the “critical” situation in Sri Lanka amid fighting between the army and Tamil rebels.
Red Cross: Sri Lankan Fighting is Hampering Rescue of Civilians VOA 08 May 2009 -- International Committee of the Red Cross is warning that heavy fighting is hampering efforts to rescue civilians and also endangering its staff in the shrinking Sri Lankan war zone.

African Union Issues Mild Rebuke to Sudanese-backed Chadian Rebels VOA 08 May 2009 -- The African Peace and Security Council has issued a mild rebuke to Sudanese-backed Chadian rebels who have been battling government troops in eastern Chad since two days after Chad and Sudan signed a peace deal. Chad's ambassador ridiculed the rebuke, and accused Sudan of duplicity.
BURUNDI: Refugee camps in Tanzania to close IRIN 08 May 2009 -- The last camp for Burundians in western Tanzania will be closed after the repatriation of at least 50,000 refugees in June, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said.
CHAD: Aid officials weigh return to area hit by clashes IRIN 08 May 2009 -- UN officials in Chad are assessing whether it is safe for humanitarian staff to return to an area in the east where clashes this week between rebels and government forces forced out most aid workers.
UN relief chief meets with victims of recent violence in southern Sudan UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- The top United Nations relief official travelled to Southern Sudan today, where he met with some of the thousands of men, women and children who have been displaced by recent violence.
Security Council deplores renewed incursions in eastern Chad UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- The Security Council today condemned the renewed military incursions in eastern Chad, where the United Nations says ongoing clashes are hindering efforts to assist hundreds of thousands of civilians taking refuge in the area.
In Brief: Insecurity hurting education in Southern Sudan IRIN 08 May 2009 -- Violence and localised conflict in Southern Sudan have prevented schools from opening and discouraged parents from sending children to school, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said.
Hard Line Insurgent Group Vows to Increase Attacks on Somali Government VOA 08 May 2009 -- Al-Shabaab threatening to increase attacks on the new Somali government after one of its commanders escaped an assassination attempt.
UN-African Union envoy to Darfur condemns killing of blue helmet UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- Unidentified gunmen shot dead an international peacekeeper outside his home in South Darfur.
Congolese Displaced Increase, as Rebel Attacks Continue VOA 08 May 2009 -- In the eastern DRC, continuing Hutu rebel attacks against towns and villages are causing more people to seek the safety of UN-run camps.
Clashes in eastern Chad hampering aid efforts, says senior UN official UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- Clashes in eastern Chad are hindering the efforts of UN and its partners to assist civilians taking refuge there.
Armenia, Turkey reaffirm commitment to improve ties RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Presidents of Armenia and Turkey agreed at talks in Prague to try to rebuild relations within a reasonable timeframe and without any preconditions.

News Reports

ASIA: Governments move to boost anti-viral stockpilesn IRIN 08 May 2009 -- Southeast Asian countries have agreed to boost anti-viral stockpiles and consolidate regional efforts to prevent a spread of the H1N1 swine flu.
Influenza A(H1N1) infections climb to 2,500, UN agency reports UN News Centre 08 May 2009 -- The number of influenza A(H1N1) infections has risen to 2,500 in 25 countries, the United Nations health agency reported today, while adding that there were no new deaths from the virus.
Obama: Swine Flu Not As Virulent As Feared VOA 08 May 2009 -- US President Obama: Influenza A-H1N1 has not been as virulent as feared, but he said the virus can spread easily.
U.S. confirms nearly 1,700 swine flu cases RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Health authorities in the United States have officially confirmed 1,693 cases of A/H1N1 influenza in the country.
GLOBAL: No A (H1N1) cases - reality or poor lab facilities? IRIN 08 May 2009 -- No cases have yet been confirmed in Africa, causing medical experts to question whether this is due to good luck.
Brazil, Argentina report first swine flu cases RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Brazil and Argentina have confirmed their first cases of swine flu, joining a vast list of countries already hit by the virus.
U.S. sends swine flu samples to Russia RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Samples of the A/H1N1 virus have been delivered from the US to Russia where scientists will conduct tests and develop a vaccine.
Asia Health Ministers to Boost Output of Antiviral Drugs Due to Flu Threat VOA 08 May 2009 -- Health ministers from Asia have agreed to boost stockpiles of medicines because of the risk of pandemic flu.
Hong Kong Ends Swine Flu Quarantine VOA 08 May 2009 -- Hong Kong has lifted the week-long quarantine for about 300 guests and staff at a hotel where a Mexican who infected with influenza A-H1N1 had stayed.

Maoist caretaker Prime Minister Prachanda meeting Indian envoy Rakes IRNA 08 May 2009 -- As political uncertainty continued to grip Nepal, diplomatic consultations intensified ahead of formation of a new government, with the Maoist caretaker Prime Minister Prachanda meeting Indian envoy.

Georgian opposition fails to agree on meeting with Saakashvili RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Georgia's opposition failed to agree at talks with the parliamentary speaker on a meeting with the president.
Georgia Opposition Agrees to Talks VOA 08 May 2009 -- Georgia's opposition leaders have agreed to meet with allies of President Mikheil Saakashvili for talks on resolving the country's nearly month-long political stalemate.
Georgian opposition to continue Tbilisi protests until May 26 RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- Georgia's leading opposition groups informed Tbilisi city hall they would continue their protests in the country's capital until May 26.

Spain Reverses Course on Captured Somali Pirates VOA 08 May 2009 -- The fate of seven suspected Somali pirates who were captured by a Spanish warship is uncertain after Spanish prosecutors reversed plans to bring them to Spain to face trial.

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