News

22 May 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

U.S. Soldiers Coordinate Training With Iraqi Forces AFPS 22 May 2009 -- Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, met with the commanders of the tactical support unit companies in Basra, Iraq, to discuss training May 12.
Boxer ARG Begins Exercise in the Gulf of Aden Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began an ARG/ Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) May 19, in the Gulf of Aden and ashore at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.
Forces Detain Suspect, Net Weapons in Iraq AFPS 22 May 2009 -- Coalition and Iraqi forces detained one suspect and seized a weapons cache during operations in Iraq.
Iraqi Officials Say Former Insurgents Learning Trades RFE/RL 22 May 2009 -- Former insurgents who turned against Al-Qaeda and joined the U.S.-funded Awakening Councils receiving vocational training.

U.S. Looks to New Ways of Applying Resources in Afghanistan-Pakistan Region AFPS 22 May 2009 -- The next 12 to 18 months are critical to the success of the new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, a senior military official said today.
Troops in Afghanistan Kill Dozens of Insurgents, Seize Weapons, Drugs AFPS 22 May 2009 -- Coalition and Afghan troops have killed nearly 50 militants, detained three and seized drugs in ongoing operations.
Afghan Police Kill Militant Commander in Ghazni VOA 22 May 2009 -- The U.S. military says Afghan police killed a senior militant commander this week in the central province of Ghazni.

Pakistan: Ban calls on donors to fund $500 million appeal to help displaced UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- Urging the international community to show their solidarity with the nearly 2 million people who have been driven from their homes by violence in Pakistan’s north-west, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the urgency of raising over $500 million to assist those affected by the clashes.
Pakistan Claims of Success Against Taliban Unverified VOA 22 May 2009 -- With outside observers barred from getting near the fighting, it is difficult to accurately assess Pakistani army operations.
Commander among several militants, 5 Pakistani soldiers killed IRNA 22 May 2009 -- Pakistan army: Number of miscreants-terrorists were killed in fighting in Swat valley in last 24 hours.
Pakistan air chief says fighter aircraft destroy militants' tunnel IRNA 22 May 2009 -- Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft have destroyed militants' tunnel structures, ammo depot and training camps in Swat.
Three Uzbek Fighters Arrested In Pakistan RFE/RL 22 May 2009 -- Pakistani security forces say they have arrested 3 Uzbek militants rushing to join the Taliban in the Swat Valley.
Emergency aid reaches Pakistan refugees AFNS 22 May 2009 -- Third C-17 aircraft landed bringing emergency aid promised by the DoD to the people of Pakistan who have evacuated the war-torn Swat Valley.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Senate Approves Funding For Afghanistan, Iraq Wars VOA 22 May 2009 -- US Senate approved a $91 billion package that will continue funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
UN Issues Urgent Appeal for Pakistan Refugee Aid VOA 22 May 2009 -- UN is appealing for an additional $454 million to assist nearly 2 million Pakistanis displaced by fighting in Swat Valley.

Gates: 'Taint' Attached to Guantanamo's Name AFPS 22 May 2009 -- President Obama has little choice in closing military-run prison, because its name alone is a “taint” on US war efforts.

Obama 'proud' of legislation to control wasteful military spending RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- US President Obama signed into law legislation to reduce the financing of wasteful and inefficient military programs.
Air Force Chief Predicts Fewer 'Exquisite' Acquisition Programs AFPS 22 May 2009 -- USAF taking a more critical eye in weighing the technological capabilities of new systems against their corresponding cost.
Defense Official Outlines Hurdles in Defense Acquisition Reform AFPS 22 May 2009 -- Reforming the DoD’s acquisition system is going to be a long and difficult process that will require cooperation.
Obama Signs Defense Acquisition Reform Bill AFPS 22 May 2009 -- President Barack Obama today signed legislation aimed at reforming the Defense Department’s buying process.

Remarks By The Vice President At The Announcement Of The U.S. Shipment Of Equipment To The Lebanese Armed Forces The White House 22 May 2009
Senate confirms next Air Force surgeon general AFNS 22 May 2009 -- The Senate has confirmed Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Charles Bruce Green to become the Air Force's 20th surgeon general.
Personnel chief discusses military personnel budget AFNS 22 May 2009 -- Airmen are the focal point for winning today's fight and efforts relating to recruiting, developing and retaining a high-quality and diverse fighting force need to reflect that, the service's top manpower and personnel officer said on Capitol Hill May 20.
Air Force leaders issue posture statement AFNS 22 May 2009 -- The Air Force's top leaders presented the official Air Force posture statement May 19 to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. During their testimony, they focused on the upcoming budget as well as current and future Air Force capabilities.
Navy Innovation Reduces Fuel Consumption at Sea AFPS 22 May 2009 -- As the world struggles to manage increasing demands for energy, dwindling natural resources, a highly vulnerable environment and an economic downturn, the Navy is developing new technologies to significantly reduce energy consumption at sea.
USS Doyle Visits Colombia During Southern Seas Deployment Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- The guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) visited Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, May 13-17 during the Southern Seas 2009 deployment.
Oceanographers Operate Unmanned Vehicles to Find Mines at LOE Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Naval oceanographers used the latest underwater technology to look for mines in Corpus Christi harbor as part of a Limited Objective Experiment (LOE). The Experiment, held May 11 to 15, focused on homeland maritime security.
T-38 crash claims life of Edwards' pilot AFNS 22 May 2009 -- An Air Force test pilot student died May 21 when his jet trainer crashed north of Edwards Air Force Base.
AN/TRC-190 Reset program changes, efficiency improves Army News 22 May 2009 -- Improvements, initiative and teamwork help Tobyhanna personnel return AN/TRC-190 systems to Soldiers more efficiently.
Vinson's Air Department Installs New Arresting Gear Cables Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) Air Department's V-2 division is in the process of one of the most important milestones for an Aircraft Carrier; coming out of the Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) period.
Navy Announces Decision on NWS Earle Laurelwood Housing Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Facilities, Howard Snow, signed a Record of Decision for the Laurelwood Housing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) May 22.
Ronald Reagan CSG Ready to Deploy Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 will depart San Diego May 27 to begin a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment.
Secretary of Defense Attends 18th Annual Salute to Freedom Dinner Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum hosted its 18th annual Salute to Freedom dinner with Secretary of Defense as the honored guest May 21, during Fleet Week New York City 2009.
Emergency Scenario Tests NNMC, JTF Response Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- The National Naval Medical Center hosted a table top exercise May 13 to assess the command's operational readiness and response in the event of a disaster at Bethesda.
Navy, Coast Guard Work to Improve Homeland Maritime Security Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- An experiment conducted by Navy, Coast Guard and local and state authorities in Corpus Christi, Texas, this past week is allowing the agencies to test their tactics, equipment, procedures and response to an underwater explosive threat in a U.S. port or harbor.
Joint Warrior Task Force Exercises Air Defense Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- A coalition-forces task unit including USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) continued their participation in exercise Joint Warrior (JW) with an anti-air warfare (AAW) exercise May 18.
Camp Lemonier Welcomes New Leadership Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Nearly 500 U.S. and joint military and civilian personnel and DoD contractors endured temperatures exceeding 100 degrees to witness a sunset change of command ceremony May 21 at the soccer field of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti (CLDJ).
USS Hartford Returns to Homeport Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Los Angeles class fast-attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) returned to Naval Submarine Base, New London May 21 after a month-long surface transit from Bahrain.
MCMs Join in Search for Helo Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Three mine countermeasure ships, USS Champion (MCM 4), USS Devastator (MCM 6) and USS Pioneer (MCM 9) participated in Navy search efforts May 21 for the HH-60 Seahawk helicopter that went down May 19 off the coast of Southern California and Mexico.
MSC's Sealift Logistics Command Europe Welcomes New Commander Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- The leadership of Sealift Logistics Command Europe and (SEALOGEUR) Commander Task Force (CTF) 63 changed hands May 20 at SEALOGEUR headquarters in Naples, Italy.
CENTCOM Commanders Discuss Regional Security Issues in Bahrain Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Commanders from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility gathered in Bahrain May 20 – 22, for the USCENTCOM Commander's Conference to discuss regional security issues and approaches to these challenges.
Eisenhower Resumes Flight Operations After a Historic Visit Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 resumed flight operations today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after a completing a historic port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
COMNAVSURFLANT Surface Line Wraps Up Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Friday, May 15, marked the conclusion of Surface Line Week 2009, a week of fun and competition in which Hampton Roads area surface warriors show off their professional and athletic prowess in a week-long series of competitive events.
Navy Employs UUVs in Search for Downed Helicopter Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- A team of experienced search and salvage specialists from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 departed Naval Base Point Loma May 21 in rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) to search for the HH-60 Seahawk helicopter that went down May 19 off the coast of Southern California and Mexico using unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
U.S., Allies Prepared for Emergent Missions Following Joint Warrior Navy NewsStand 22 May 2009 -- Five U.S. Navy ships and a host of allied forces wrapped up multinational Joint Warrior 09-1 May 21 off the coast of Scotland after having successfully completed some of the world's most innovative and advanced warfare training available.
Centcom Commanders Gather in Bahrain to Discuss Regional Security AFPS 22 May 2009 -- Commanders from USCENTCOM AOR gathered to discuss regional security issues and approaches.
Air Force officials mull 9th Air Force, AFCENT separation AFNS 22 May 2009 -- USAF leaders proposing a separation between the stateside numbered air force and its warfighting CENTCOM component.
Fort Bragg Paratroopers Train in Fictitious Iraqi Town AFPS 22 May 2009 -- Early morning in the combat outpost was like that hour before sun up on a Louisiana frog pond.
Marines become familiar with deadly jungle booby traps USMC News 22 May 2009 -- Marines enrolled in the Jungle Skills course learn the most effective way to know the enemy's tricks is to think like the enemy.
Stain-resistant boot research under way AFNS 22 May 2009 -- USAF Uniform Office continues its research to find a stain-resistant utility boot that retains the low maintenance of current boot.
Change of Command at Nation's only Missile Defense Brigade Army News 22 May 2009 -- Only unit tasked with the mission of defending the United States against ballistic missile attack gained a new commander.
Team helps put tactical satellite in orbit AFNS 22 May 2009 -- Air Force officials helped launch an Air Force Minotaur I rocket launches into orbirt carrying the Air Force Research Laboratory's TacSat-3 satellite, NASA's PharmaSat microsatellite and NASA's CubeSat Technology Demonstration at 7:55 p.m. EDT May 19 from Wallops Flight Facility, Va.

Israeli Air Force Conducts War Games VOA 22 May 2009 -- Israel conducted war games this week amid growing tensions with nearby Iran.

Bolivia set to order weaponry from Russia - deputy FM RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Bolivia may order weaponry worth several million dollars from Russia in the near future.

Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5-22-09 The White House 22 May 2009
Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 May 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 22, 2009
Boeing B-52 With Combat Network Communications Upgrade Makes 1st Flight Boeing 22 May 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful first flight of a B-52 Stratofortress upgraded with Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT), a modification that equips the legendary B-52 with 21st-century situational awareness and mission flexibility
General Dynamics Awarded $16 Million by U.S. Navy for USS Hartford Repair Work General Dynamics 22 May 2009 -- The U.S Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $15.8 million contract to plan and perform repair work on USS Hartford (SSN-768), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine damaged March 20, 2009, in a collision with the Navy amphibious ship, USS New Orleans, in the Strait of Hormuz.
Northrop Grumman-Led Team Submits Bid for Phase II of the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System Competition Northrop Grumman 22 May 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) this month submitted its Phase II bid for the prime contractor role for the U.S. Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) competition.

Other Conflicts

DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICES OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT United Nations 22 May 2009

Israeli military kill two militants on Gaza border RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Israeli troops killed two Palestinian militants as they tried to plant explosives near the Gaza-Israeli border.
World cannot have double standards for Israel, says UK minister IRNA 22 May 2009 -- Britain warned Israel it will be "an extraordinarily bad own goal" if it continues to deny access to UN HRC's investigation.
ISRAEL-OPT: Military are contaminating water sources - Environment Ministry IRIN 22 May 2009 -- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bases in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and Israel are contaminating land and water sources, says a letter addressed to Maj-Gen Gadi Shamni, commander-in-chief of the central command in Israel.
Health conditions worsening in Gaza as borders remain closed – UN agency UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- The deteriorating health situation in Gaza has been intensified by Israel’s blockade of crossings into the area, the United Nations agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees warned today.

Ban arrives in Sri Lanka for first-hand look at post-conflict situation UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban arrived in Sri Lanka days after the Government declared that its military operation against LTTE has ended.
UN Official Says Sri Lankan War Zone Looks 'Ravaged' VOA 22 May 2009 -- Senior UN official: Sri Lanka's former war zone looks largely "ravaged," the first independent assessment of the region.
Sri Lankans Celebrate Rebel Defeat VOA 22 May 2009 -- Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa delivered a victory speech before tens of thousands of people who gathered to celebrate defeat over Tamil Tiger rebels.

Government Forces Strike Back at Insurgents in Somali Capital VOA 22 May 2009 -- Somali government forces have launched a counter-attack against Islamism insurgents in the capital, Mogadishu.
Situation in Somalia difficult, but not ‘hopeless,’ says top UN envoy UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- The top United Nations envoy to Somalia today characterized the situation in the Horn of Africa nation as “very difficult … but not hopeless,” as news media reported fresh outbreaks of deadly clashes in the capital, Mogadishu.

Growing Atrocities Reported Against Civilians in Eastern DRC VOA 22 May 2009 -- U.N. agencies say they are deeply concerned about growing reports of atrocities and abuses against civilians in the North and South Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Government, rebel atrocities uprooting civilians in eastern DR Congo - UN UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- Growing reports of atrocities committed against civilians by both Government troops and rebel groups in the war-torn east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
DRC: Attacks against civilians and aid workers increase in the east IRIN 22 May 2009 -- Humanitarian organisations are increasingly coming under attack in North and South Kivu in eastern DRC.

NIGERIA: Thousands flee violence, hundreds suspected dead IRIN 22 May 2009 -- Thousands of civilians have fled their villages in Nigeria’s Delta state after government troops launched an offensive against militant groups in the state on 13 May.
GUINEA-BISSAU: Lowering the light-weapon load IRIN 22 May 2009 -- The government of Guinea-Bissau must work on several fronts to cut the number of light weapons in the country – estimated at some 650,000. Regional instability, crime and weak governance toughen the battle, observers say.
Nigeria Governor Pledges Security Despite Militant Attacks VOA 22 May 2009 -- Nigeria's military is continuing to crack down on militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta, despite local and international appeals for it to stop.
Armenia says Nagorny Karabakh 'separate' from Turkey relations RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Armenian President Sargsyan: Armenian-Turkish ties should be kept separate from the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.

News Reports

Two Georgian defense officials charged over coup attempt RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Two Georgian Defense Ministry officials have been officially charged with attempting to forcefully overthrow the government.

Dr Manmohan Singh sworn in as India's PM for 2nd term IRNA 22 May 2009 -- Dr Manmohan Singh sworn in as the PM for the second consecutive term on Friday evening.
Singh Sworn in For 2nd Term as India's Prime Minister VOA 22 May 2009 -- Indian PM Singh has been sworn in for a second term after his Congress party won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections.

Former Sudanese Rebels Reject Census VOA 22 May 2009 -- Sudan People's Liberation Movement flatly rejected the results of the recently conducted census ahead of next year's election describing it as false and unwelcome.

Burma Says Aung San Suu Kyi Visit was Part of Anti-Government Plot VOA 22 May 2009 -- International community is putting increasing pressure on Burma to release opposition leader Suu Kyi as her trial enters a fifth day.
Myanmar: Security Council voices concern over detention of pro-democracy leader UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- The Security Council today expressed its concern over the political impact in Myanmar of the detention of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
UN Security Council Urges Burma to Release All Political Prisoners VOA 22 May 2009 -- The U.N. Security Council has called for the release of all political prisoners in Burma, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and expressed its concern over her recent trial.

Russia's 'first swine flu victim' feels fine RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- A man said earlier on Friday to be the first person in Russia to contract the swine flu virus has told RIA Novosti that he "feels fine."
Russia's Health Ministry reports Moscow's first swine flu case RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Russia's Health Ministry said on Friday that the first case of human swine flu infection has been diagnosed in Moscow.
Sixth swine flu case confirmed in Taiwan CNA 22 May 2009 -- Central Epidemics Command Center confirmed yet another case of swine flu bringing the number of infected patients in Taiwan to six
UN health agency chief puts Southern Hemisphere on alert for A(H1N1) virus UN News Centre 22 May 2009 -- Health authorities need to be vigilant as virus meets seasonal flu flowing through the yet unaffected Southern Hemisphere.
WHO confirms 11,168 A/H1N1 swine flu cases worldwide, 86 deaths RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- WHO: 11,168 people in 42 countries worldwide have been officially diagnosed with the A/H1N1 virus with 86 deaths.

Georgia says Russian deserter not yet granted refugee status RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Russian soldier who deserted from his unit in S Ossetia has not yet received refugee status.

Moldovan Communists nominate 2nd presidential candidate RIA Novosti 22 May 2009 -- Moldova's Communist Party nominated the country's ambassador to Russia, Andrei Neguta, as its new presidential candidate, with a vote in parliament scheduled for May 28.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list