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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 18 Jun 2009 [PDF]
• June 17 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan forces massing attack AFNS 18 Jun 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF in Afghanistan in operations.
• Air Power to Protect Iraq Security Gains as Forces Withdraw from Cities AFPS 18 Jun 2009 -- As US forces in Iraq prepare to pull back, US air support will continue to enable and protect security gains.
• Combat tracking team deploying to Iraq Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- Spc. David Hydro and his partner Baggie left for Baghdad, Iraq, last week and will spend a year there together in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Militants, Seize Drug Cache AFPS 18 Jun 2009 -- Afghan and coalition troops captured seven suspected militants and seized a supply of heroin during separate operations.
• AFGHANISTAN: Aid success story in Nangarhar Province IRIN 18 Jun 2009 -- A small hydroelectric project in eastern Afghanistan is supplying electricity to nearby houses and creating jobs, and appears to be an example of aid money well spent.
• Battle Against Pakistan's Top Taliban Leaders Demands Specialized Military Tactics VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani government hoping to capitalize on public support for its military offensive against Taliban.
• Suspected US Drones Kill 9 in Pakistan VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed nine people in northwest Pakistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Deploys Defenses for Possible N. Korean Missile Launch VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- US SecDef Gates ordered the deployment of a new missile defense system and a sophisticated tracking radar to Hawaii.
• Adapting the Army: Hundreds gather to plan Army RESET for Afghanistan, Iraq; Forces Command focuses on future readiness, Soldiers' needs Army News 18 Jun 2009
• Hundreds gather to plan Army Reset for Afghanistan, Iraq Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- Key Army leaders and planners gathered to focus on reintegrating Soldiers and families, and preparing Army units for future ops.
• US Iraq Envoy Pledges Full Compliance With Troop Withdrawal Accord VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- US Ambassador to Iraq: US will meet a deadline to withdraw combat forces from Iraqi urban areas.
• Some In Kirkuk Fear Kurds Will Replace U.S. Forces RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- Turkoman and Arab politicians in the multiethnic Iraqi city of Kirkuk are concerned that Kurdish forces will fill the void after U.S. forces leave.
• Transcript: Press Conference with Secretary Gates and Adm. Mullen DoD 18 Jun 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen
• Performance is Key in Today's Navy Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- The director of the Navy's Personnel, Plans and Policy Division spoke about the importance of performance for Sailors in today's Navy during the 21st annual Navy Counselor Association (NCA) Symposium June 15.
• Secretary of Navy Committed to Sailors, Families Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) said during his assumption ceremony June 18 that his first commitment as secretary will be to service members and families.
• Commandant Discusses Marine Corps at NWC Forum Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- The commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps delivered a keynote speech at the U.S. Naval War College's 60th Current Strategy Forum June 17.
• Navy Surges Ahead with Green Initiativies, Building Certifications Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- The U.S. Navy recently broke ground for a new environmentally friendly barracks facility at Recruit Training Command (RTC) on Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., and a state-of-the-art fuel facility at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, Calif.
• Kidd, Preble Return Home from Deployment Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- Arleigh-Burke destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88) returned home to Naval Station San Diego from a five-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 June 16.
• Joint Exercise Enhances Logistics Capabilities Needed for any Contingency Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS), a mutli-service cargo distribution exercise, officially began here June 15.
• Pentagon Admits Some Responsibility in Afghan Incident VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Top US military officer US forces have some responsibility for civilian deaths during a battle in Afghanistan's Farah Province.
• Gates, Mullen Discuss Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan AFPS 18 Jun 2009 -- US and NATO must do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties in Afghanistan.
• US Plans Measures to Reduce Afghan Civilian Deaths VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- US preparing to unveil plans designed to reduce the number of Afghan civilians dying in airstrikes against the Taliban.
• Afghan President's Alliances With Warlords Raise Concerns RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- Afghan strongmen roam the streets of Kabul in model sports utility vehicles surrounded by bands of armed bodyguards.
• All Afghans must have say in peace process, says top UN envoy UN News Centre 18 Jun 2009 -- Top UN envoy to Afghanistan called for an inclusive and “Afghan-owned” peace process.
• Air Force officials announce permanent location for Global Strike command headquarters AFNS 18 Jun 2009 -- USAF announced Barksdale AFB as permanent location of AF Global Strike Command headquarters.
• Military Needs Flexibility to Handle Spectrum of Future Threats, Gates Says AFPS 18 Jun 2009 -- US military has to have flexibility across the spectrum of conflict to handle the threats of the future.
• PTDS serves as surveillance force multiplier Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- As U.S. forces begin a troop surge in Afghanistan while maintaining security in Iraq the need for a persistent view of the battlefield is paramount.
• U.S. Army Logistics Innovation Agency Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- US Army Logistics Innovation Agency is a field operating agency of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, HQDA.
• Future of logistics, III MEF receives new heavy hauler, MKR18 USMC News 18 Jun 2009 -- New Logistics Vehicle System Replacement MKR18, developed by the Oshkosh Corporation, cruised into the III MEF fleet.
• AFSO 21 alive and well for Charleston maintainers AFNS 18 Jun 2009 -- Officials in the 437th Maintenance Group continue to find ways to streamline processes under Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century.
• Budget Request Advances Privatization of Military Housing AFPS 18 Jun 2009 -- Military housing has improved dramatically during the past 10 years, and the progress continues through privatization.
• Finnish Boarding Team Conducts VBSS with Mount Whitney Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- Finnish naval forces performed a visit, board, search and seizure training scenario aboard USS Mount Whitney during Baltic Operations 2009, June 15.
• British, U.S. Navies Conduct Joint Rescue Training in Baltic Sea Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- British Royal Navy ship HMS St. Albans conducted joint rescue assistance training June 11 with U.S. Sailors from USS Forest Sherman during the 2009 Baltic Operations exercise.
• Multinational Naval Operation Discovers WWII-Era Torpedo in Baltic Sea Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- A Swedish Navy ship operating in the Baltic Sea June 12 identified a British Royal Navy torpedo while conducting mine countermeasure operations as part of Baltic Operations exercise 2009.
• Exercise Northern Edge 2009 kicks into high gear AFNS 18 Jun 2009 -- Exercise Northern Edge 2009 officially kicked off June 15 at various locations throughout Alaska.
• Joint Exercise Enhances Logistics Capabilities Needed for any Contingency Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, a mutli-service cargo distribution exercise, officially began here June 15.
• USNS Seay Supports Joint Exercise, Embodies Navy Ethos Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore operations in full-swing as Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians work together to complete the task of coordinating movement of heavy cargo and vehicles.
• Iraq-bound MPs receive realistic training at Fort Drum Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- They are at Fort Drum experiencing military operations in urban terrain and learning what to do should they be out on a patrol and suddenly find themselves in harm's way.
• 55th Military Police Battalion trains for wartime mission Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- Scenario played out during a training exercise on the live fire facility for Soldiers of the 8th Army and the United Nations troops assigned to keeping the peace in South Korea.
• AFRCC coordinates search and rescue for injured hiker AFNS 18 Jun 2009 -- AF Rescue Coordination Center helped coordinate search and rescue operations to save an injured hiker.
• USNS Byrd Crew Gears Up for Pacific Partnership Mission Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- A four-month humanitarian mission to the South Pacific led by the Navy's U.S. Pacific Fleet will begin this month as planned despite a switch in ships, the mission commander said.
• Comfort Departs Tumaco, Heads for El Salvador in Support of the Maritime Strategy Navy NewsStand 18 Jun 2009 -- Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Tumaco June 17 after spending 12 days in the city and surrounding areas as part of Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).
• Disaster preparedness Aviation Center's top priority Army News 18 Jun 2009 -- Preparing Fort Rucker's residents and employees for a hurricane requires careful planning.
• Obama Signs Memo Opening Benefits to Same-Sex Couples AFPS 18 Jun 2009 -- President signed a memorandum opening benefits to same-sex couples and forbidding discrimination in the federal workplace.
• Next Round of US-Russian Arms Talks Set for June 23 VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Russia says a third round of talks with the United States on reducing their nuclear arsenals will take place in Geneva on June 23 and 24.
• Russia offers to host series of global security meetings in 2010 RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Russia proposes hosting a series of security meetings of international alliances during 2010.
• Russian army brigades in S.Ossetia, Abkhazia to hold drills RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Russian army brigades will take part in a large-scale strategic exercise in the Caucasus next month.
• Russia's Su-24 Fencer bombers to continue flights despite crash RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Flights by Russia's Su-24 Fencer tactical bombers will continue despite a crash in the north of the country.
• Russia's Pacific Fleet warships to visit Vietnam on Friday RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Naval task force from Russia's Pacific Fleet will pay an official visit to Vietnam from June 19 to 23.
• Another Soldier Commits Suicide Near St. Petersburg RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- Another soldier from a military unit near St. Petersburg committed suicide on June 16.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 6-18-09 The White House 18 Jun 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 18, 2009
• Derco Aerospace signs exclusive five-year C-130 total logistics support agreement with Thai Aviation Industries Sikorsky 18 Jun 2009 -- Derco Aerospace, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, announced today it has signed an exclusive five-year total logistics support agreement with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) in support of TAI's contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
• Eurocopter signs contract to retrofit 26 CH53 Bundeswehr helicopters for personnel recovery missions EADS 18 Jun 2009 -- The contract was signed in the presence of the State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg), Rüdiger Wolf, and Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling.
• General Dynamics Awarded $51 Million Contract from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center General Dynamics 18 Jun 2009 -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a $51 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR).
• Northrop Grumman Awarded PSA Contract for USS George H. W. Bush Northrop Grumman 18 Jun 2009 -- The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), will be returning to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) for post-delivery maintenance work, also known as the ship's post shakedown availability (PSA).
• Raytheon Delivers Operational Test Decoy to U.S. Air Force Raytheon 18 Jun 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered its first Miniature Air Launched Decoy initial operational test and evaluation unit to the U.S. Air Force.
• Raytheon Celebrates One Year of Training Support to the U.S. Army Raytheon 18 Jun 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has demonstrated flexibility, speed and innovation to customers around the world during the first year of the Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support (FOCUS) program.
• Oshkosh Defense Completes 7,500 Miles of M-ATV Durability Testing Oshkosh 18 Jun 2009 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is on target to complete 10,000 miles of on- and off-road durability testing of its MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) at the Nevada Automotive Test Center, further proving the vehicle’s endurance through extended operations in challenging environments.
• Thales UK participates in CWID 09 Thales 18 Jun 2009 -- Thales UK is again participating at this year’s CoalitionWarrior Interoperability Dem­onstra­tion (CWID), adding one ofits own demonstrations to the many trials running over the course of the exercise.
• The French Ministry of Defence renews its satellite telecommunications services contract with Astrium EADS 18 Jun 2009 -- The French Ministry of Defence’s telecommunications operator, DIRISI, awarded the entire ASTEL-S contract to Astrium Services at the end of April 2009.

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 18 Jun 2009
• Israeli Plan to Annex Lands East of Jerusalem Stokes Palestinian Anger VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- PM Netanyahu angered Palestinians when he proclaimed intention to keep Jerusalem as united capital of the Jewish state.
• Israeli foreign minister says settlement freeze unacceptable RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Israel cannot accept a US proposal that it suspend the construction of new settlements in Palestinian territory.
• Somalia: Still Hope for Peace? VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- As the violence in Somalia escalates, is there any hope for peace?
• Analysts Skeptical New Somali Navy Can Fight Piracy VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- UN-backed transitional government in Somalia has begun training recruits to serve in the Somali navy, which has not been in existence for nearly two decades.
• Latest Somalia bombing draws strong condemnation from UN, partners UN News Centre 18 Jun 2009 -- UN has joined international partners in strongly condemning suicide car bombing in Somalia that killed the national security minister Aden.
• Blast Kills Somali Security Minister, at Least 20 Others VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Somali officials say the country's national security minister has been killed in a bombing.
• Efforts to disarm Sudanese ex-combatants making headway, reports UN official UN News Centre 18 Jun 2009 -- UN reports that progress is being made in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of soldiers in north and south Sudan.
• New mandate created for independent UN human rights expert on Sudan UN News Centre 18 Jun 2009 -- UN Human Rights Council established a one-year mandate for an independent expert tasked with examining the situation in Sudan.
• 'Fragile' peace in Central African Republic needs continued support - Ban UN News Centre 18 Jun 2009 -- Ban: Central African Republic faces a number of challenges in consolidating its “fragile” peace.
• Kosovo, Serbia Spar At UN Security Council RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- Serbia has reiterated its opposition to Kosovo's independence, with FM Jeremic telling the UN Security Council that Belgrade will never recognize its former territory as a separate entity.
• Indian Troops Launch Offensive in West Bengal Against Maoist Insurgents VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- A battle has begun in a remote and heavily forested area in the Indian state of West Bengal.
• Date set for former Liberian President Charles Taylor's defence at UN-backed trial UN News Centre 18 Jun 2009 -- UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone announced that lawyers for the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor, will begin their defence on 13 July.

News Reports

• Report Cites Continued Weaknesses in US Broadcasting to Cuba VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- US lawmakers heard testimony about continuing weaknesses in US-government funded television broadcasting to Cuba.
• Whose Side Is The Supreme Leader On? RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- For six days, Tehran has been brought to standstill each evening as people march in protest.
• Analysts See Demonstrations Bringing Fundamental Changes to Iran VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Tens of thousands of demonstrators continue to fill the streets of Tehran, protesting official results of election.
• Demonstrators Question Iran Election Results on World's Streets VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Demonstrators are holding peaceful rallies in cities across the world to express their concern over the disputed results.
• Tech-Savvy Protesters Battle Iranian Government in Cyberspace VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- In the days since Iran's contested presidential vote, demonstrators have proved resourceful in bypassing clampdown on information.
• Iran Opposition Stages Massive Rally VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Supporters of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mousavi have heeded his call to gather and mourn those who have died in post-election violence.
• Tens Of Thousands Mourn Iranians Killed In Election Protests RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- Supporters of presidential challenger Musavi taken to the streets to mourn protesters killed in postelection violence.
• Iranian opposition holds rally to mourn protesters' deaths RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Tens of thousands of supporters of Iranian presidential challenger Mousavi gathered to mourn dead in post-election protests.
• Iran opposition mourns protesters' deaths RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Iranian presidential challenger Mousavi has called on his supporters to hold a day of mourning for those killed in post-election protests.
• Iran's Guardian Council to hear election complaints on June 20 RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- The Guardian Council will consider on Saturday complaints filed by opposition candidates.
• Timeline of Events in Iran VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- A look at events following Iran's presidential election.
• Iraq Seeks to Reduce Debt to Kuwait for 1990 Invasion VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Iraq's UN Ambassador told the Security Council that his government hopes to reduce or cancel the remaining $25.5 billion it owes Kuwait.
• First Swine Flu Cases Reported in South Africa, Macau VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- South Africa and Macau have reported their first cases of the H1N1 swine flu.
• Cruise ship quarantined over A/H1N1 flu leaves Venezuela RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- Cruise ship that was quarantined off Venezuela's coast following an outbreak of the A/H1N1 infection left Venezuela.
• SOUTH AFRICA: First 'swine flu' case confirmed IRIN 18 Jun 2009 -- South Africa's health department confirmed on 18 June the first case of the 'swine flu' A (H1N1) influenza virus in southern Africa.
• Cruise ship quarantined after swine flu outbreak RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- A visiting cruise ship has been quarantined off Venezuela's coast following an outbreak of swine flu on board.
• Tensions Increase Between Turkish Ruling Party and Military VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Turkey continues to be rocked by allegations that members of its army were planning to overthrow the government.
• Georgian ex-army officer asks for political asylum in Russia RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2009 -- A Georgian military officer who crossed into Abkhazia in May has asked Russia for political asylum.
• More Delays in Mauritania Power-Sharing Deal VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Mauritania's much delayed power-sharing deal is facing new difficulties over the army's refusal to dissolve the ruling council that took power following last August's coup.
• More At Stake In Kyrgyz Presidential Vote Than Would Appear RFE/RL 18 Jun 2009 -- The Central Asian country that routinely holds the most competitive, provocative, and entertaining elections in the region is about to hold a poll for the nation's top post.
• Thales Alenia Space signed a contract to provide HISPASAT AG1 satellite with REDSAT Advanced Communication Payload Thales 18 Jun 2009 -- Thales Alenia Space announced today that HISPASAT has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space España, its Spanish branch, for the development and supply of the REDSAT Advanced Communication Payload for the AG1, a GEO mission within the scope of the European Space Agency’s ARTES 11 program.